SC Posts Cauvery Water Plea for Aug 31, Seeks Fresh Status From States

The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Tamil Nadu government to raise before the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) its grievance over not receiving its proportionate share of Cauvery water from Karnataka.

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta was hearing Tamil Nadu’s plea seeking directions to Karnataka for the immediate release of water. Senior advocate C S Vaidyanathan, appearing for Tamil Nadu, told the court that the state had not received its due share despite directions issued by the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) and subsequently upheld by the CWMA.

The CWRC had directed Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs of water daily for 15 days from August 12. Vaidyanathan argued that the CWMA was not directing Karnataka to release water in proportion to Tamil Nadu’s entitlement.

The bench, however, said Tamil Nadu could raise the issue before the authority, which was scheduled to meet on Monday and again on August 25.

The Supreme Court also noted that Karnataka had previously submitted a chart showing the quantum of water released to Tamil Nadu, which, according to the state, was in compliance with the CWMA’s directions.

Tamil Nadu maintained that the actual release remained inadequate, particularly during a rain-deficient year, and claimed it was unable to provide sufficient water to farmers. Karnataka, meanwhile, has rejected Tamil Nadu’s earlier allegations of non-compliance as “extremely incorrect”.

The dispute dates back to July, when the CWRC directed Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs for 15 days from July 29. Tamil Nadu alleged that actual flows at Biligundlu were substantially lower, ranging between 158 and 550 cusecs between July 29 and August 2.

Tamil Nadu has also claimed that Karnataka’s reservoirs held sufficient water to release its proportionate share. The state approached the Supreme Court on August 3 seeking immediate intervention.

The apex court had on August 17 directed Karnataka to ensure compliance with the CWMA order. The matter will now be heard on August 31, with both states asked to submit updated status reports.