"All figures on record": Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar on Cauvery water release order, says appeal filed
Bengaluru, July 31
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday chaired a meeting to review the Cauvery water situation in the state, days after the Cauvery Water Management Authority directed Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu in line with the recommendations of the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee.
Speaking on the issue, Shivakumar said, "Now, a decision has been issued regarding the Cauvery water dispute. The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) has directed Karnataka to release 3500 cusecs of water over the next 15 days."
He added that such decisions have been a recurring feature over the years. "During this difficult period, several such decisions have been made. I would like to explain in detail the various orders issued in 2016, 2017, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026, and so on," he said.
The Chief Minister noted that Karnataka had received good rainfall over the last three years, which had helped it meet its water-sharing obligations comfortably.
"Over the last three years, we have been fortunate to receive very good rainfall. In fact, last year witnessed exceptionally heavy rains of a historic scale. We performed the Cauvery Puja at the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) dam along with our senior leaders, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. I also participated in the Cauvery Aarti," Shivakumar said.
He said the good rainfall had benefited both people and agriculture, and far more water had flowed to Tamil Nadu than required.
"People were happy, the rainfall was good, and agriculture also benefited. Instead of releasing around 177 TMC of water, nearly 400 TMC flowed to Tamil Nadu. We could not hold back that water; it had to be released because of the prevailing circumstances. Tamil Nadu was also satisfied, and a significant quantity of water even flowed into the sea," he said.
Shivakumar asserted that the data on water release was transparent and available to all. "All these figures are on record, and both you and we have access to them. Now whatever recommendations have been given by the CWRC, we have given an appeal," he said.
According to the Karnataka Chief Minister's Office, the meeting was attended by Deputy CM G Parameshwara, Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy, Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, Director General of Police (DGP) Saleem Ahmed, along with senior bureaucrats and police officers.
The CWMA, which met in New Delhi on Thursday, upheld the CWRC's recommendation directing Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water per day to Tamil Nadu, with a total release of 4 TMC recommended over 15 days.
Meanwhile, the Centre has returned the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir-cum-Drinking Water Project, seeking a revised DPR in compliance with the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal award and extant Central Water Commission guidelines.
The Centre has also taken note of representations from the Tamil Nadu government and farmers' organisations expressing concerns over the proposed project's possible impact on the Cauvery Delta region and drinking water availability in other districts.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The Cauvery issue is so complex and emotional for both states. But I appreciate the transparency here - the CM is right that all figures are on record. Water flowing into the sea because we couldn't hold it back shows the reality of our infra limitations. Hope the courts and authorities consider both sides with empathy. 🙏
As someone who has followed this issue from outside, it seems like Karnataka has genuinely been a good neighbor, especially with the surplus rainfall years. But water disputes are never simple, and the Mekedatu project's delay only adds to the uncertainty. Both states need long-term solutions, not just seasonal battles.
While I understand Tamil Nadu's concerns, I wish they would acknowledge that Karnataka's good faith in releasing extra water. The Cauvery Aarti at KRS dam shows our cultural connection to the river. But I also think we need better dam management to avoid wastage into the sea. We need smart engineering, not just politics.
I'm a farmer near Bengaluru and this water issue scares us every year. When we have surplus, no one thanks us, but the moment there's a small shortage, all states fight. The Mekedatu project is essential for our drinking water needs. The Centre should stop delaying and make a decision soon. Nothing but full support to our CM!
It's easy to blame either state, but the reality is that our water management systems are outdated for climate change realities. The CM is right - good rainfall helped, but we can't rely on that forever. I hope this
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