Karnataka Tells SC It Released Excess Cauvery Water, 11,547 Cusecs to Tamil Nadu

The Karnataka government on Monday told the Supreme Court that it had released water in excess of the mandated quantity to Tamil Nadu and was complying with the Cauvery Water Management Authority’s (CWMA) direction to ensure a flow of 9,000 cusecs.

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta was hearing Tamil Nadu’s plea seeking directions to Karnataka for the immediate release of its share of Cauvery water.

Senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for Karnataka, said the CWMA had directed the state on August 25 to release 9,000 cusecs daily for 15 days. He said Karnataka released 10,727 cusecs on the first day, followed by 9,888 cusecs on August 30. As of 8 am on Monday, the release stood at 11,547 cusecs, he told the court.

“We have released water in excess amount as of today,” Divan said.

Senior advocate C S Vaidyanathan, representing Tamil Nadu, argued that the state had already raised concerns before the CWMA over the backlog of Cauvery water, but no direction had been issued on the issue. He also pointed out that Karnataka had earlier been directed to release 12,000 cusecs daily for 15 days from August 12, with the quantity subsequently reduced to 9,000 cusecs.

The bench observed that Karnataka was currently releasing water and told Tamil Nadu that the CWMA’s decision would have to be challenged if the state wanted it altered.

Divan also highlighted Karnataka’s declaration of severe drought in several areas, including districts located in the Cauvery basin.

The court was informed that the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) reviews the situation every 15 days and issues appropriate directions after hearing the states. The bench posted the matter for September 15 and asked both sides to place updated data on record, along with details of any developments in the interim.

Tamil Nadu had approached the Supreme Court on August 3, claiming that Karnataka was not releasing its due share of Cauvery water during a rain-deficient year. The state had also alleged that earlier releases fell significantly short of prescribed quantities.