BENGALURU:
The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) has upheld the Cauvery Water Regulatory Commission’s (CWRC) order to supply 3,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for 18 days, which is another setback for Karnataka.
The authority rejected both Karnataka’s and Tamil Nadu’s objections at a meeting today in New Delhi that was chaired by CWMA Chairman S K Haldar. The meeting also included a few heated arguments as officials from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka briefly argued right when it began.
Officials from Tamil Nadu demanded the release of 12,500 cusecs each day, 22 tmcft in October, and the 12 tmcft backlog. Rakesh Singh, the additional chief secretary, responded by stating that no water was available and that no water could be released. Officials from the CWMA had to step in and mediate the matter.
Rakesh Singh also asked in a loud voice that the Tamil Nadu side describe the additional water utilised for the kuruvai crop, to which the Tamil Nadu side objected.
Haldar suggested that a written petition be filed when Karnataka noted that the Supreme Court had verbally instructed the state to discuss the Mekedatu project problem with the CWMA.
Later, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah responded by saying he must first see the order. “I had additionally suggested to the legal team that they consider contacting the Supreme Court. I’ll discuss the matter with retired Supreme Court justices as well.
