CWRC Orders 12,000 Cusecs Cauvery Water Release to Tamil Nadu; Next Step After Reviewing Karnataka’s Water Situation: D.K. Shivakumar
Bengaluru, August 11: Karnataka will decide its next course of action on the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee’s (CWRC) direction to release 12,000 cusecs of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu after a detailed review of the water situation in the state, D.K. Shivakumar said on Tuesday.
Responding to media questions at Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar stressed the need to protect the interests of farmers while also complying with court orders. He said both aspects would have to be taken into consideration and that he had already discussed the issue with the Irrigation Minister.
Shivakumar said inflows into the state’s rivers were being closely monitored. He said local meetings should be held with farmers to discuss cropping and decisions on cultivation should be taken after considering water storage across reservoirs, not only in the Cauvery basin but also in reservoirs including Tungabhadra and Almatti.
Asked about the possibility of protests by farmers, Shivakumar said he would work transparently and would not take decisions based on those indulging in politics or making statements before the media.
“No one can stop water. People should remain patient. We are with you and we are here for you. People have given us power to protect farmers. Under no circumstances will we allow any farmer to face hardship,” he said.
Shivakumar said the issues could be resolved amicably if people remained calm, adding that nature would protect the state.
On a meeting of ministers scheduled for Wednesday, Shivakumar said a political meeting had been convened with ministers and 15 party leaders to provide guidance and discuss the party’s future plans. He said the Cabinet meeting was scheduled for Thursday.
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