KARNATAKA’S CAUVERY WATER RELEASE DECISION PROMPTS CONTROVERSY
Why in the news?
Karnataka has decided to release Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu at a rate of 8,000 cusecs daily, following a directive from the CWRC.
Initially, the committee had ordered 11,500 cusecs, prompting Karnataka to appeal the decision to the CWMA.
source:slideplayer
About Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC):
Formation and Purpose: CWRC was established to enforce the CWDT’s water sharing award and oversee distribution among Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry according to prescribed quotas.
Responsibilities: Monitors water releases from Karnataka’s reservoirs, ensuring compliance with allocated quotas based on the agreed formula.
About Cauvery River:
Cauvery River: Originates from Talakaveri in Karnataka’s Western Ghats.
Significance: Known as Dakshina Ganga, revered in Indian culture.
Tributaries: Include Harangi, Hemavathi, Kabini, Shimsha, Arkavati, Bhavani, among others.
About Cauvery Water Dispute:
Cauvery Water Dispute: Long-standing disagreement over river water distribution from the Cauvery River.
Involved States and UT: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Puducherry are stakeholders.
Issues at Stake: Allocation disagreements for agriculture, drinking water, and industrial purposes persist among the states and union territory.
About Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA):
Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA): Established under Inter-State River Water Disputes Act 1956.
Responsibilities: Ensures compliance with Cauvery Water Management Scheme.
Functions: Regulates storage, apportionment, and water releases.
Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC): Monitors daily water levels and reservoir operations.
Objective: Implements tribunal awards for equitable water distribution.
About Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (1990):
Constituted by the Central Government under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.
Final award in 2007 allocated water shares: Tamil Nadu – 419 TMC, Karnataka – 270 TMC, Kerala – 30 TMC, Puducherry – 7 TMC.