CWMA upholds CWRC order, asks Karnataka to continue release of 3,000 cusesc to TN daily

BENGALURU: In yet another setback for Karnataka, the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) has upheld the order of the Cauvery Water Regulatory Commission (CWRC) on releasing 3,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for 18 days.

At a meeting chaired by CWMA chairman S K Haldar in New Delhi today, the authority rejected the contentions of both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The meeting also saw some heated moments when Karnataka and Tamil Nadu officials got into a minor argument as soon as the meeting began.

Additional chief secretary Rakesh Singh heading for Bengaluru after the meeting in Delhi on Friday.

Tamil Nadu officials sought release of 12,500 cusecs daily and also release 22 tmcft in October and the 12 tmcft backlog. Additional Chief Secretary Rakesh Singh shot back saying there is not water available and said water cannot be released. The CWMA officials had to intervene and calm down both sides.

In a raised voice, Rakesh Singh also demanded the Tamil Nadu side to provide details of the additional water used for the kuruvai crop, to which the Tamil Nadu side raised objection.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the government will take further steps after consultations.

When Karnataka pointed out that the Supreme Court had orally directed the state to take up the Mekedatu project issue with the CWMA, Haldar advised that a written petition be given, which will be examined.

Reacting to the development in Bengaluru, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said he will have to first see the order. “I had also advised the legal team to explore the possibility of approaching the Supreme Court. I will also speak to retired Supreme Court judges and discuss the issue”.