BENGALURU: After the Cauvery Water Regulatory Committee (CWRC) ordered Karnataka to release 3,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu till October 31, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said the state government will appeal against it and protect the interest of the farmers.
Shivakumar said, “When I was power minister, I added more than 12,000 MW of power. Under the BJP regime, they did not plan to add any power. Normally, there is a 12-15 per cent growth every year… Almost 200 taluks are in drought and people are finding it very difficult. To generate power, a lot of water is needed. There is the coal supply issue too… We have an inflow of 8,000-9,000 cusecs, but still, we will protect the interest of the farmers… We will appeal against it”.
On Wednesday, Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) decided that Karnataka has to ensure the release of 3,000 cusecs of water, starting October 16, till October 31.
According to the statement, the CWRC, during its 88th meeting, made crucial decisions regarding water allocation and shortages pertaining to the ongoing Cauvery river water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
“After deliberation, the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) reached a decision. Karnataka has been mandated to ensure the release of water from its reservoirs in such a manner that the flow at Biligundlu is maintained at 3,000 cusecs. This directive is effective from 8 am on October 16, 2023, and is to be upheld until October 31, 2023”, the statement read.
Karnataka in its presentation expressed its inability to release water to Biligundlu, except for contributions from the uncontrolled catchment. As per the statement, Karnataka presented a concerning report, indicating a substantial 50.891 per cent shortfall in cumulative inflows to its reservoirs up to October 10. This shortfall was attributed to extreme hydro-meteorological conditions”, it added.
Tamil Nadu, while recognising the severity of the situation, made a formal request to Karnataka. The state urged Karnataka to release 16,000 cusecs of water for the next 15 days”, the statement added. (ANI)