Cauvery Water: Karnataka to Prioritise Drinking Water, Tank Filling as Reservoir Inflows Rise; CM D.K. Shivakumar Rules Out Compromising State’s Interests
Bengaluru, Aug. 2: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday said the State is releasing water into canals only for drinking water needs and to fill tanks, while assuring that Karnataka’s interests would not be compromised in the ongoing Cauvery water-sharing dispute.
Addressing the media after an all-party meeting on the Cauvery issue at his official residence, Krishna, the Chief Minister thanked leaders across political parties for participating in the discussions and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the State’s interests.
“I am a farmer’s son from the Cauvery basin. There is no question of compromising Karnataka’s interests. Our government is fully committed to safeguarding the rights of the people of the State,” Shivakumar said.
Reservoir inflows improve after rainfall
The Chief Minister said reservoir inflows had improved following recent rainfall, with total inflows into the Cauvery basin reservoirs touching around 67,000 to 68,000 cusecs.
According to the latest figures available till Sunday afternoon, Kabini was receiving around 24,000 cusecs, KRS 22,000 cusecs, Hemavathi 11,884 cusecs, and Harangi 10,430 cusecs.
He said Karnataka must retain 40 TMC of water in its reservoirs to safeguard drinking water requirements, including 36 TMC for drinking purposes and around 4 TMC to account for evaporation losses.
The Chief Minister noted that Tamil Nadu had sought 9 TMC of water, while the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) and the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) had directed Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs daily for 15 days.
Water released only for reservoir safety
Shivakumar clarified that Karnataka had not released water from its reservoirs as part of routine discharge, stating that water had been let out only because the Kabini reservoir had reached full capacity, making regulated releases necessary for dam safety.
He said that while Karnataka was expected to release around 40 TMC during the current water year, only 3.6 TMC had been released so far.
Supreme Court appeal under consideration
The Chief Minister said the government would consult legal experts before deciding whether to challenge the CWMA order before the Supreme Court.
He noted that the Cauvery regulatory authorities would continue reviewing the situation every 15 days until January, making it necessary for Karnataka to remain cautious in its legal and administrative approach.
Leaders support Mekedatu project
Shivakumar said leaders across party lines reiterated support for the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project, describing it as a permanent solution that would benefit both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Referring to suggestions made during the meeting, he said former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had emphasised the need to pursue the project, adding that the Supreme Court had already delivered directions on the matter and that Karnataka should continue efforts to secure necessary approvals from the Centre.
Responding to questions, the Chief Minister said there were no technical defects in the Mekedatu Detailed Project Report (DPR), adding that the Centre had only sought clarifications regarding certain aspects, including the allocation of 6 TMC of water for Bengaluru’s drinking water needs.
Appeal to withdraw Karnataka bandh
The Chief Minister appealed to farmers’ organisations and pro-Kannada groups to withdraw the August 13 Karnataka bandh, saying the government itself was fighting to protect the State’s interests.
“A bandh will not provide any solution. The government stands with the people, and there is no need for protests at this stage,” he said, adding that ministers would hold discussions with the organisations.
Tamil Nadu developments being monitored
Shivakumar said Karnataka was closely monitoring developments in Tamil Nadu, including indications that legal proceedings could be initiated in the Supreme Court over the Cauvery dispute.
He said the State would respond strictly within the legal framework while keeping a close watch on Tamil Nadu’s future course of action, including its water utilisation.
Drought declaration after field assessment
On the drought situation, the Chief Minister said the government had not yet taken a decision to declare drought-hit areas.
He said reports from all taluks would be collected by the end of August, after which the Revenue Department would assess the situation in accordance with Central government guidelines before placing its recommendations before the Cabinet.
Vijay appreciated for postponing Karnataka visit
Shivakumar described Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay as a mature leader and expressed confidence that he would understand the prevailing situation.
He welcomed Vijay’s decision to postpone his proposed visit to Karnataka following the State government’s request in view of the prevailing sensitivity surrounding the Cauvery issue.
“We should resolve issues through mutual respect and dialogue. Ultimately, we are all Indians, and both States must work together,” the Chief Minister said.
He added that any future meeting with the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister would be announced officially and held transparently.
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