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.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/cauvery-water-dispute/