New Delhi (Agency): The longstanding Cauvery dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka has taken a new turn as Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed firm stance, stating that the petition filed by Tamil Nadu regarding the release of water is “not maintainable.” The matter will be argued in the Supreme Court.
CM Siddaramaiah told ANI, “Karnataka will argue the matter because Tamil Nadu filed a petition asking the release of water but the petition by Tamil Nadu is not maintainable as the Supreme Court has already given a verdict on the Cauvery dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka on 5th February 2018.”
The Cauvery River water dispute has been a controversial and sensitive issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for decades. Both states have battled over the sharing of water from the Cauvery River, a vital source for irrigation and drinking water for millions of people in the region.
The Chief Minister further added, “In normal years we have to release 177.25 TMC of water, but in distress situations, it is not defined yet what ‘distress’ means?”
An all-party meeting was held at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on Wednesday to discuss the Cauvery River water dispute. Key political leaders including Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, Janata Dal-Secular leader HD Kumaraswamy, and several others were present.
Tamil Nadu’s fresh application sought direction from Karnataka to release 24,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) from its reservoirs to meet the demands of standing crops. They also urged the Supreme Court to direct Karnataka to ensure the release of 36.76 TMC stipulated for September 2023, as per the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT)’s final award that was modified by the Supreme Court in 2018.
The application also highlighted that Karnataka failed to fully implement the directions for the release of the stipulated amount of water, as directed by the Cauvery Water Regulatory Committee (CWRC). Tamil Nadu’s plea emphasized that Karnataka is duty-bound to release the Cauvery water as per the final order.
This development marks yet another chapter in the enduring dispute between the two southern Indian states. The challenge now lies in navigating the legal complexities and finding an equitable resolution that serves the needs and rights of both states, all while adhering to the legal framework established by previous judgments and agreements.
The Cauvery water dispute continues to be an emblematic representation of inter-state water conflicts in India, highlighting the urgent need for cooperative and sustainable water management practices. As both states prepare to present their cases in the Supreme Court, the eyes of the nation will be on the proceedings, hoping for a fair and lasting solution.
