Karnataka Cites Rain for Cauvery Water Release; Tamil Nadu Disputes Voluntary Compliance
Karnataka informed the Supreme Court that rainfall allowed it to release more water to Tamil Nadu than mandated. Tamil Nadu countered, arguing the releases were due to reservoir spillage and not voluntary, seeking additional water.
Key takeaways
- Karnataka told the Supreme Court that rainfall led to increased water inflows, allowing it to release more water to Tamil Nadu than initially required.
- Tamil Nadu contends that Karnataka's water releases were a result of reservoir spillage, not voluntary compliance, and that a significant water deficit persists.
- Tamil Nadu is seeking the release of a backlog of over 21.357 TMC of Cauvery water, in addition to further quantities for late August.
Karnataka has stated to the Supreme Court that favorable rainfall in the Wayanad area contributed to increased water inflows into its Kabini reservoir, enabling the state to meet and exceed its water release obligations to Tamil Nadu. The state asserted that good rainfall helped mitigate the challenges of a dry period and El Niño conditions.
What Happened
Represented in the Supreme Court, Karnataka indicated that significant rainfall in the catchment area of the Kabini reservoir led to substantial inflows. This allowed Karnataka to ensure 86,797 cusecs of water reached the inter-state border at Biligundlu between July 29 and August 10. This amount surpassed the 45,500 cusecs stipulated by a recommendation upheld by the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) for the period leading up to August 12.
Karnataka's legal representation noted that releases from the KRS and Kabini reservoirs were reflected at the Biligundlu border after a two-day delay, with a total of 1,64,080 cusecs released from its reservoirs between July 29 and August 10. The state maintained that it had complied with the CWMA's directive.
Why It Matters
Tamil Nadu contested Karnataka's assertion of voluntary compliance, filing an additional affidavit in the Supreme Court. The state argued that water releases were a consequence of reservoirs nearing full capacity, particularly the Kabini reservoir, rather than a proactive measure. Tamil Nadu highlighted that only a fraction of its allocated Cauvery water had been received and pointed to a significant backlog of 21.357 TMC by August 12. It is seeking the release of this shortfall, as well as an additional 37 TMC for the period of August 12 to August 31. The CWMA, however, had only directed Karnataka to supply 15.552 TMC from August 12 for 15 days.
Background
The storage levels in Karnataka's reservoirs indicate a substantial increase. The KRS reservoir's capacity rose from 17.039 TMC on July 28 to 30.904 TMC on August 11, exceeding its full capacity of 18.716 TMC. Harangi reservoir was reported at 97.13% capacity, and Hemavathy reservoir at 86.69%. Collectively, Karnataka's reservoirs held 77.61% of their total 111.493 TMC capacity.
Key Facts
- Karnataka stated it ensured 86,797 cusecs at the Biligundlu border from July 29 to August 10, exceeding the expected 45,500 cusecs.
- Karnataka reported releasing 1,64,080 cusecs from its reservoirs between July 29 and August 10.
- Tamil Nadu filed an affidavit arguing Karnataka's water release was not voluntary compliance but due to reservoir spillage.
- Tamil Nadu claimed it had received only 19.49% of its allocated Cauvery water.
- A backlog of 21.357 TMC was flagged by Tamil Nadu as of August 12.
- Tamil Nadu is seeking the release of the 21.357 TMC backlog and an additional 37 TMC from August 12 to August 31.
- The CWMA directed Karnataka to supply 15.552 TMC from August 12 for 15 days.
- Karnataka's KRS reservoir storage increased from 17.039 TMC (July 28) to 30.904 TMC (August 11), exceeding its capacity.
- Harangi reservoir was at 97.13% capacity and Hemavathy at 86.69% capacity.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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