Bengaluru: In a critical move to address the ongoing water crisis, the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) has urged Karnataka to ensure a daily flow of one tmc ft (11,500 cusecs) of water at Biligundlu until July 31, to meet Tamil Nadu’s water needs. This directive comes as Karnataka reported a significant inflow deficit in its reservoirs.
On July 5, the Krishnaraja Sagar dam recorded a water level exceeding 100 feet, yet remains below its full capacity of 124.80 feet. Between June 1 and July 9, Karnataka experienced an inflow of just 41.651 tmc ft into its four reservoirs, marking a 28.71% shortfall compared to historical averages.
The state had initially sought to postpone any decisions regarding water release until July 25, citing the current deficit. However, the CWRC’s recent instruction underscores the urgent need for cooperation between the two states amidst ongoing water disputes.
Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister DK Shivakumar’s office indicated that Karnataka’s reservoirs currently hold 58.66 tmc ft, while Tamil Nadu’s reservoirs contain 24.705 tmc ft. Furthermore, Tamil Nadu is actively releasing 5.542 tmc ft of water from the Mettur and Bhavani reservoirs into the river system.
Tamil Nadu has raised concerns that Karnataka did not maintain necessary environmental water flows between February and May 2024. As the current year is classified as normal, Tamil Nadu asserts that the water flow at Biligundlu should align with the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal’s award, which has been upheld by the Supreme Court.
Despite the monsoon season, Shivakumar expressed worries over inadequate rainfall and water levels in Karnataka. “There is some visible rainfall, but it is insufficient to replenish our reservoirs and lakes,” he stated, highlighting the ongoing challenges in water resource management.
The direction to the Karnataka government to ensure the flow of Cauvery water at Biligundlu every day was given by the CWRC on Thursday.
