New Delhi (Agency): The Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, D K Shivakumar, has publicly defended the decision to release Cauvery river water to neighboring Tamil Nadu, describing it as a “balancing act.” Meanwhile, the state government has written to the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), requesting a review of its order to release 10,000 cusecs of water daily for the next 15 days.
Shivakumar, who also serves as the Water Resources Minister, emphasized the challenges faced by the state, including reduced rainfall and scarcity of water in the Cauvery basin. Speaking to reporters on Friday, he said, “There are court orders, there are orders regarding how the distress formula works. Protecting our farmers’ interests is a big responsibility for me.”
The minister also acknowledged that legislators from Mandya may protest against the water release, adding, “also, we can’t give everything to Tamil Nadu, the government will have to do a balancing act.” He went on to explain, “We have written to the authority yesterday requesting it to review its decision to release 10,000 cusecs of water per day for 15 days to Tamil Nadu, because there is less rains, there is scarcity of water even for drinking, leave aside agriculture.”
Earlier this week, Tamil Nadu had approached the Supreme Court with a plea, seeking directions for Karnataka to release 24,000 cusecs of Cauvery water daily for their standing crops. Responding to the plea, Shivakumar announced on Tuesday that Karnataka would release 10 tmc ft of Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu. However, he also expressed concern over the state’s limited water supply for its essential needs like drinking water and agriculture, due to a deficit monsoon.
The decision to release the water sparked strong objections from the opposition parties in Karnataka, including the BJP and JD(S). They accused the Congress government of “betraying” the people of the state and its farmers for political reasons and to save its INDIA bloc ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Responding to the criticism, Shivakumar stated, “Should I give the list regarding the quantum of water released during the BJP and JD(S) governments in the past, during such a situation. I don’t want to do politics.” He also assured that an all-party meeting would be called to address the situation and seek the opposition’s suggestions on water disputes related to Mahadayi, Krishna, and Cauvery rivers.
The former Chief Minister and JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy also urged the government to convene an all-party meeting on the Cauvery issue.
The dispute over the release of Cauvery river water is a contentious issue that affects the lives of millions in both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The careful balancing act that Shivakumar refers to is not only about managing water resources but also about navigating political pressures, legal requirements, and the needs and expectations of the farmers and citizens in both states.
Shivakumar’s public defense of the decision, as well as the opposition’s strong reaction, highlights the complex interplay of politics, law, and resource management in a region that is grappling with water scarcity.
The call for an all-party meeting, as well as the government’s request to the CWMA to review the order, signals a willingness to engage in dialogue and seek collaborative solutions. However, the situation remains delicate, and the successful resolution of the issue will require careful negotiation, understanding, and compromise from all parties involved.
In a region where water is a precious and often contested resource, the Cauvery water release decision underscores the multifaceted challenges of governance, inter-state relations, and sustainable water management. The unfolding events will likely continue to be closely watched, not only for their immediate impact but also for the broader lessons they offer in managing shared resources in a diverse and interconnected nation.