After an all-party meeting, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday, 14 July, stated that the state government is prepared to release 8,000 cusecs of water from the Cauvery River to Tamil Nadu daily, instead of the directed one TMC by the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee till the end of this month.
Siddaramaiah highlighted the current water situation, mentioning that there is only 63 percent water in the Cauvery basin dams, making it unfeasible to release one TMC water every day. The decision to release 8,000 cusecs was supported by all parties attending the meeting, including Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka, JD(S) MLA G T Deve Gowda, farmer leaders, and legal experts.
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of managing water resources effectively, especially amidst a water shortage. He explained that the dams in the Cauvery basin have limited water storage, with specific examples like the Krishnarajasagar dam holding only 54 percent water.
Additionally, Siddaramaiah revealed the details of past water release, citing the inflow of water from Kabini and the challenges faced in maintaining adequate water levels for Tamil Nadu. He also discussed weather predictions and the expectation of good rains this year, expressing optimism for better water management.
The Chief Minister acknowledged the tough year in 2023, marked by insufficient rainfall, causing a decrease in the regular water release. Despite facing challenges, Siddaramaiah reaffirmed the state’s commitment to ensuring the equitable distribution of water resources.
Deputy CM D K Shivakumar addressed concerns about the mandated TMC allocation despite the water shortage, stating the government’s intention to appeal before the Cauvery Water Management Authority for a more realistic approach.
The collaborative decision-making process among political leaders and experts signifies the shared responsibility in addressing crucial water distribution issues in the region. Stay tuned for more updates on this significant development in water management.
