From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Sep 13: Karnataka has made the decision to approach the Supreme Court and the Cauvery Water Monitoring Authority to elucidate the state's incapacity to release Cauvery water to neighboring Tamil Nadu. This decision arises from the need to fulfill the drinking water requirements and safeguard the interests of farmers.
Speaking to the media after an all-party leaders meeting held at Vidhana Soudha on Wednesday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who also heads the Water Resources Department, has departed for Delhi to meet the Union Jalshakti Minister. The aim is to brief the Centre about Karnataka's precarious situation due to the failure of the monsoon and the insufficient water levels in its reservoirs.
The all-party leaders meeting was convened following the latest directive from the Cauvery Water Monitoring Authority, instructing Karnataka to release 5000 cusecs of water daily, effective from Wednesday, for the next 15 days.
Siddaramaiah emphasized that Karnataka has no issues with releasing water to Tamil Nadu under normal circumstances, in accordance with the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal's order, which was upheld by the Supreme Court. However, during a distressing year like the present one, Karnataka finds it challenging to comply with the directive due to the absence of a distress sharing formula that ensures equitable distribution of the available water. This situation places significant hardships on the state.
The Chief Minister noted that the state should have already released 99 tmcft of water, but it has only released 37.7 tmcft thus far. Karnataka requires 33 tmcft of water for drinking purposes in and around Bengaluru and Mysuru, along with an additional 70 tmcft of water for agricultural needs.
He further explained that Karnataka is already releasing 53 tmcft of water for agriculture from all its four reservoirs in the Cauvery basin. Additionally, the state requires 33 tmcft of water for drinking purposes and an extra 3 tmcft for industrial use.
"We are making every effort, and we will once again request an appointment with the Prime Minister to meet with an all-party delegation to discuss the issue," Siddaramaiah stated. He also highlighted that the government has consulted with opposition leaders, who have expressed their willingness to support the government in safeguarding the state's interests and its people.
The Chief Minister revealed that the government plans to meet all the state's MPs in Delhi, as the parliamentary session is scheduled to begin on September 18. The government will also engage with Union ministers to clarify the situation.
Siddaramaiah concluded by stating that all party leaders have agreed to unite behind the government in order to protect the interests of the state and its people.