‘Next course of action after assessing state’s water situation’: CM DK Shivakumar

BENGALURU: Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday stated that the next course of action will be taken after carefully assessing the water situation in the state. The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) on Tuesday recommended that the state release 12,000 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu, and the inflow into the state’s rivers is being closely monitored.

The CM emphasised the need to protect the interests of farmers while also complying with the court’s order. Considering both aspects and mentioned that he has already discussed the matter with the Irrigation Minister. He stated that local meetings should be convened to discuss matters with farmers so that crops are not adversely affected in the end.

The Chief Minister further noted that decisions regarding crop cultivation must be made keeping in mind the water storage in all dams, including Tungabhadra and Almatti, not just Cauvery and asserted his administration’s transparent approach, stating, “If we remain patient, all problems will be resolved amicably”

Responding to a media query regarding the possibility of farmers protesting, the Chief Minister said, “I work transparently. I do not act just because something is highlighted in the media. No one can hold back water. People must remain patient. We are with you, and we exist for your sake. People have given us power to sustain our farmers. We will not allow any farmer to face trouble under any circumstances. If we remain patient, all issues will be resolved amicably. Nature will sustain us.”

“Have to protect our farmers, but also follow court’s order.

We will keep this in mind and discuss with our Irrigation Minister.”

– Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar on CWRC’s recommendation to release 12,000 cusecs of Cauvery water per day to TN for the next 15 days pic.twitter.com/4wlwHr0zFb

— News Arena India (@NewsArenaIndia) August 11, 2026

He also mentioned that a political meeting consisting of ministers and 15 party leaders has been called tomorrow to provide guidance and discuss the party’s upcoming plans. A Cabinet meeting has been scheduled for the day after tomorrow.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the long-standing Cauvery water dispute flared up as farmers in Mandya district staged protests on roads, strongly condemning the recent recommendations made by the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC).

Protesting farmers dismissed the panel’s directives as a “death warrant.” They criticised the order for being drafted by individuals with no understanding of the ground reality. Demanding immediate intervention, the farming community called on the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) to keep the recommendation in abeyance.

“If 16 tmcft of water is released in 15 days, what will the people of the state do?” the farmers questioned”. If a decision is not taken, it will be like a death warrant for us. We urge the government to take a firm decision on this immediately,” a protester said.

The protesters took to the streets, blocking vehicles and lying on the road to showcase their anger over the situation. Issuing a direct appeal to the state leadership, the protesters urged Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to stand firm. “Under no circumstances should water be released to Tamil Nadu. Please protect the interests of the farmers of the state,” they said.

The demonstration was led by Farmers’ Association leader Ayya Kannu, during which the protesting farmers said that despite repeated appeals for water to save the Kuruvai crop, Karnataka has not released Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.

The Cauvery water dispute is a long-running inter-state river water-sharing conflict with Karnataka and Tamil Nadu being the principal parties. The dispute revolves around how the waters of the Cauvery River should be shared, particularly during years of low rainfall.

The issue resurfaced amid developments concerning the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project, proposed by Karnataka. It has been a major point of friction between the two states, with Tamil Nadu traditionally opposing it because it would affect the flow of water downstream. (ANI)