Bengaluru: In a high-stakes cabinet meeting convened on September 22 evening at the Vidhana Soudha, the Karnataka Cabinet resolved to abide by the Supreme Court’s ruling on the contentious Cauvery water dispute. The decision comes in the wake of escalating protests in both Mandya and Bengaluru against the state government’s stance.
After an extensive three-hour discussion, the cabinet, following consultations with legal experts, unanimously decided to honor the Supreme Court’s directive to release 5,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu. Karnataka’s Advocate General, K Shashi Kiran Shetty, provided invaluable insights into the legal intricacies surrounding the matter to the council of ministers during the meeting. This resolution ensures the release of water to Tamil Nadu until September 26th, in line with the Court’s instructions.
The Supreme Court, in its September 21st ruling, declined to intervene and upheld the directive from the Cauvery Water Management Authority, emphasising Karnataka’s obligation to release water to Tamil Nadu.
Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister, D K Shivakumar, addressed reporters after the meeting, reaffirming the state’s commitment to prioritize the provision of drinking water. “Our legal experts have clarified all aspects of the matter. We currently have an inflow of 7,000 cusecs, with 3,000 cusecs already being released. We will fully comply with the Supreme Court’s decision to ensure an adequate supply of drinking water,” he declared.
Shivakumar also touched on the contentious Mekedatu project, stating Karnataka’s determination to expedite its implementation. “Through the Mekedatu project, we are poised to gain access to 177 TMC of water. We will diligently submit the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and actively pursue the necessary environmental clearances,” he added.
Simultaneously, numerous organizations have called for a bandh in Mandya, vehemently urging the state government not to release water to Tamil Nadu. In Bengaluru, several pro-Kannada groups have initiated a series of protests against the state government’s decision, prompting increased security measures in both Mandya and the state capital.
In parallel to the Cauvery dispute, the Karnataka Cabinet also approved the designation of 195 taluks as drought-affected and has submitted a formal request to the Central government for compensation. Law Minister H K Patil disclosed that the Chief Minister has directed Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda to visit Delhi and pursue compensation.
Patil underscored the significant losses incurred by the state due to rainfall deficits, stating, “The state has suffered a staggering loss of over Rs. 30,000 crore, with agricultural crop losses amounting to 39,039 lakh hectares and horticultural crop losses totaling Rs. 2,655 crores.” This highlights the severe impact of the drought on Karnataka’s agricultural sector.