Cauvery water dispute, Every time there is a deficiency in the Southwest Monsoon in the area, the Cauvery conflict between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka reemerges. Tamil Nadu most recently petitioned the Supreme Court for Karnataka to give 24,000 cusecs of Cauvery water per day to feed their standing crops. The court ordered Karnataka to deliver 10,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu over the course of 15 days in response. Here is a detailed analysis of this controversy.
The Cauvery River, which cuts through the center of South India like a lifeline, has traditionally represented sustenance and vigor. It satisfies the thirst of many farms, flows through the towns, and fuels the machinery of industry. However, her priceless waters have been the scene of an endless conflict that has reshaped both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu’s destiny and economy.
What is the Cauvery Water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka?
Background : The Cauvery is a large river in southern India, flowing through the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu before eventually merging into the Bay of Bengal. The conflict dates back to agreements made in the late 1800s between the princely states of Mysore, which are now in Karnataka, and the Madras Presidency, which is now Tamil Nadu.
Key Issues : The conflict primarily concerns the distribution of water during dry spells, the distribution of water during wet years, and the construction of reservoirs and dams along the river’s course. To meet the demands of their growing populations and agricultural endeavors, both states are pushing for a larger share of the river’s water.
The Cauvery conflict has seen a number of settlements, disputes, and court cases throughout the years. In order to resolve water conflicts affecting Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Puducherry, the Cauvery Water conflicts Tribunal (CWDT) was established in 1990.
In 2007, the CWDT issued a final judgement describing the division of Cauvery water among the four riparian states after 17 years of deliberation. In times of water scarcity, water would be distributed proportionately.
The final award from the CWDT, which described how much water would be distributed among the four states in the Cauvery basin based on an annual availability of 740 TMC, was released in February 2007. The final verdict, which established the annual water allotment between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, has been challenging to put into practice because both states have frequently voiced their displeasure with the tribunal’s ruling.
The Cauvery River was deemed a national resource in 2018 by the Supreme Court, which also maintained the water-sharing agreements set forth by the CWDT. Additionally, it was mandated that the Cauvery Management Scheme be formalized by the Central Government.
Karnataka’s perspective on the matter
The most recent disagreement started when Karnataka refused to supply the amounts of water that had been previously agreed upon.
Karnataka suggested a lesser water flow of 8,000 cusecs over the same 15-day period whereas Tamil Nadu wanted a discharge of 10,000 cusecs.
Karnataka points to a lack of input as a result of a decline in rainfall in the Cauvery basin, which includes Kodagu’s source. According to the state government, Kodagu experienced a from June to August.
Tamil Nadu filed a case with the Supreme Court asking for assistance in ensuring that Karnataka releases 24,000 cubic feet of water per second (cusecs) from its reservoir. Karnataka responded by claiming in front of the Supreme Court that Tamil Nadu had neglected to acknowledge that 2023 is a “distressed water year” as opposed to a “normal water year.”
DK Shivakumar, the deputy chief minister of Karnataka, then asked for this decision to be reevaluated due to water shortage difficulties that have arisen in the Cauvery basin region since the start of this year’s monsoon season. In order to request that the decision to provide 10,000 cusecs to Tamil Nadu be reviewed, the state has officially written to the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA).
Based on discussions at a meeting conducted on Tuesday, the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee suggested Karnataka release 3000 cusecs at Biligundlu beginning on September 28 and continuing through October 15.
Political Struggle
HD Kumaraswamy and Basavaraj Bommai, two BJP leaders and former chief ministers of Karnataka, have criticized the state administration and charged that it prioritizes politics over the welfare of the populace. In advance of the 2018 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP asserts that the Congress government is releasing Cauvery water to boost their ally DMK, a member of the recently established opposition block in India.
Shobha Karandlaje, the Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, voiced worry that the political release of Cauvery water could result in a water crisis for Mandya and Mysuru farmers as well as Bengaluru residents.
Inquiring about the Karnataka government’s position on the matter, former chief minister Kumaraswamy emphasized the severe water deficit farmers experience.
Waves of tenseness
Tamil Nadu and Karnataka districts had widespread protests that impeded daily life. Bengaluru took the brunt of it as police cracked down on huge gatherings in response to a citywide strike. Multinational firms like Walmart and Google correctly suggested remote work for their staff in an effort to keep things calm. Schools were closed throughout this time, and the city’s thriving public transportation system abruptly came to a stop.
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