Amidst the ongoing dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu regarding the sharing of Cauvery river water, Congress MP P Chidambaram emphasized the importance of adhering to the decision made by the commission responsible for resolving the issue. Mr. Chidambaram, who represents Tamil Nadu in Parliament, acknowledged that it is his duty to advocate for Tamil Nadu’s interests, just as his counterparts from Karnataka would advocate for their state. He pointed out the existence of a commission tasked with adjudicating this matter and stressed that both states must comply with the commission’s verdict.
The conflict between the governments of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu has persisted for some time, with the Cauvery River serving as a vital resource for the inhabitants of both regions. Recently, the Cauvery Water Regulatory Committee (CWRC) directed Karnataka to release 3,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) of Cauvery water at Biligundlu from September 28 to October 15, 2023. This order represented a reduction from the previous requirement of 5,000 cusecs.
Karnataka has cited severe drought conditions in certain parts of the state as the reason for its inability to provide water to Tamil Nadu. In response, the Tamil Nadu government has accused Karnataka of misleading the nation regarding its water supply situation.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the state government’s intention to file a review petition with the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and the Supreme Court on September 30. The state contends that due to its water scarcity, it cannot comply with the release order.
In the midst of this dispute, farmers across Karnataka have been staging protests since the CWMA directed the state to release 5,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for a 15-day period, starting from September 13.
Meanwhile, the Naam Tamilar Katchi Party organized protests in Madurai, condemning the Congress-led Karnataka government for its stance on the Cauvery River water-sharing issue. Sattai Durai Murugan, the NTK Party’s youth wing secretary, warned of a massive protest if Karnataka continued to withhold water from Tamil Nadu, asserting that it would be carried out under the leadership of the Naam Tamilar Katchi Party.
In a related development, the Supreme Court bench declined to interfere with the CWMA’s order requiring Karnataka to release 5,000 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu for the time being.