Mysuru: The Supreme Court’s recent decision to establish a dedicated bench for the ongoing Cauvery River water-sharing dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu has once again highlighted the persisting conundrum. The core issue revolves around the challenge of adhering to mandated monthly water releases, particularly when unfavorable monsoon conditions result in reservoirs remaining only partially filled.
Throughout the lengthy legal battle between the neighbouring states, which has traversed multiple tribunals before reaching the apex court, Karnataka has consistently taken a position that emphasises its resistance to being bound by prescribed water release quotas. The state argues that it should not be held responsible for the unpredictable rainfall patterns that impact its portion of the Cauvery delta, circumstances that are beyond its control and prediction.
The watershed moment in this dispute occurred in 2007 when the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal (CWDT) issued a significant judgment regarding water allocation among Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Pondicherry, all stakeholders in the Cauvery delta. However, challenging this decision, Karnataka appealed to the Supreme Court, which upheld the core of the CWDT’s ruling while making minor adjustments to address Karnataka’s concerns.
In 2018, the Supreme Court reaffirmed the CWDT’s award, underscoring the importance of scheduled monthly water releases throughout the year, with a focus on the crucial monsoon months from June to September.
The CWDT specified precise volumes for release: 10 TMC in June, 34 TMC in July, 50 TMC in August, 40 TMC in September, 22 TMC in October, 15 TMC in November, 8 TMC in December, 3 TMC in January, and 2.5 TMC each in February, March, April, and May.
However, Karnataka’s predicament remains intractable, largely due to the erratic monsoon patterns that often lead to the state struggling to meet the required water releases. This situation puts the Kharif crop growth in Tamil Nadu at risk. A notable incident occurred in 2012 when Karnataka contested the mandated releases, citing rain-related deficits. The Supreme Court intervened and directed Karnataka to comply, despite subsequent protests.
In the following years, similar conflicts arose, with Karnataka grappling to fulfill the prescribed releases, resulting in periods of unrest. The situation worsened in 2016 when insufficient monsoons forced Karnataka to withhold water needed by Tamil Nadu for its Samba paddy crop. The Supreme Court responded with a more nuanced approach, reducing the mandated releases while acknowledging local protests and administrative limitations.
In the current year, the challenge persists as a weak monsoon leaves Karnataka’s Cauvery delta reservoirs critically low. Last week, Tamil Nadu sought judicial intervention, urging Karnataka to release substantial daily water to support standing crops.
Amidst this, Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar’s announcement of water release triggered controversy, leading to strong objections from Mandya farmers. Consequently, an all-party meeting will be convened to address the issue.
With the Supreme Court’s renewed involvement, Karnataka is set to appeal for a reconsideration of the Cauvery River Authority’s formula, aiming for a sustainable resolution to the water allocation challenge during rain-deficient years. The state’s core interests, including its own water and crop requirements, are closely linked to the ongoing poor monsoon conditions.
As Karnataka and Tamil Nadu grapple over Cauvery’s waters, the broader context of water scarcity and inter-state harmony remains a significant concern. The current monsoon deficiencies emphasise the impending threat of severe water scarcity across Karnataka as reservoir levels decrease.
By August 22, key reservoirs such as Alamatti, Kabini, Ghataprabha, Hemavathi, and Harangi are only about halfway full, indicating a dire situation.
As farmer organisations and opposition parties express discontent over water releases to Tamil Nadu, the issue underscores the intricate interplay between livelihoods, agricultural sustainability, and political considerations.
The newly constituted Supreme Court bench is poised to play a crucial role in addressing this complex web of challenges. With meteorological predictions suggesting heavy rains across coastal Karnataka, the state is hopeful that precipitation will provide relief from its water woes.