Karnataka, TN set for first Cauvery talks in over a decade as Bengaluru Vidhana Soudha readies for Aug 3 meeting
Bengaluru, July 28
Preparations are underway at the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru ahead of a high-level bilateral meeting between the Karnataka and Tamil Nadu governments on the long-standing Cauvery water dispute, scheduled to be held at 2 p.m. on August 3, top sources confirmed on Tuesday.
However, official statement in this regard is yet to be issued.
The meeting will take place in the conference hall on the third floor of Vidhana Soudha and is expected to be attended by Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, his Tamil Nadu counterpart C. Joseph Vijay, Ministers from both states, and senior officials.
According to official sources, extensive arrangements are being made at the venue located in the third floor of the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, including cleaning works, inspection of lighting and air-conditioning systems, and possible replacement of flooring ahead of the event.
Seating arrangements have been made for around 25 participants, including the two Chief Ministers, Ministers, delegates, and senior bureaucrats from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Officials have also been directed to install the official emblems and flags of both states at the conference hall to mark the occasion.
The meeting assumes significance as it will mark the first direct bilateral talks between the governments of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu on the Cauvery issue in more than a decade.
The last such meeting between the Chief Ministers of the two states was held in Bengaluru in November 2012 in an attempt to resolve the water-sharing dispute, though it did not result in a consensus.
The upcoming talks follow a letter sent by Karnataka Chief Minister Shivakumar to his Tamil Nadu counterpart Vijay last week, conveying his willingness to hold discussions on the Cauvery issue.
The development comes amid heightened tensions over water sharing between the two southern states.
The Cauvery Water Regulation Authority (CWRA) on Tuesday directed Karnataka to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu despite Karnataka facing an acute water shortage due to deficient monsoon rains.
Adding to the friction between the two states, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay recently wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi opposing Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir project, reiterating his state's concerns over its potential impact on downstream water availability.
Despite these differences, the preparations are continued in Bengaluru and both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu governments have agreed to engage in dialogue in an effort to find common ground on contentious issues, including water sharing and the Mekedatu project.
Sources said the bilateral meeting is expected to focus on ensuring equitable water distribution, addressing Karnataka's concerns over drinking water requirements, and discussing the future course of action regarding the Mekedatu project.
With reservoir levels remaining low across the Cauvery basin and water scarcity looming over in Karnataka, the August 3 meeting is being closely watched as a potentially significant step toward reviving inter-state dialogue on one of India's most contentious river disputes.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Watched this dispute for years in news. Honestly, both states need to sit like adults and find a scientific solution based on rainfall data, not emotions. India needs a national water policy that clearly defines sharing during droughts. The Supreme Court verdict exists but implementation is messy.
Hope this is not just a photo-op for politicians. Last meeting in 2012 was a waste. Tamil Nadu needs water for standing crops in delta regions, but Karnataka also has genuine drinking water issues. The CWRA order to release water when Karnataka is facing deficit is unfair. Need better arbitration.
As a farmer's wife from Mandya, this water issue affects our daily lives. One season of drought can ruin a family's savings. But we can't fight with TN farmers either - they also depend on Cauvery. Why can't our governments think about modern irrigation techniques and water conservation instead of just sharing shortages? 🙏
Classic case of federalism failure. The central government should have proactively mediated long back instead of letting it fester. Mekedatu project is Karnataka's right, but we need to assure TN that downstream flows won't be cut. This meeting is a good start, but I won't hold my breath for a breakthrough - politics always gets in the way.
It's heartening to see both CMs willing to talk despite tensions. This is what India needs - dialogue over litigation. Hope they discuss rainwater harvesting, interlinking rivers, and modern water management rather than just fighting over shares. Technology can solve half the disputes if used wisely. 🌊
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.