Shivakumar Requests Postponement of Tamil Nadu CM's Visit Amid Cauvery Tensions
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has asked C. Joseph Vijay to delay his trip to Bengaluru following a contentious water release mandate. The request follows localized protests and a formal directive from the Cauvery Water Management Authority.
Key takeaways
- CM D.K. Shivakumar requested Tamil Nadu CM C. Joseph Vijay to postpone his Bengaluru visit due to regional unrest and the CWMA water release order.
- The CWMA directed Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days, effective July 29, 2026.
- Protests in Mandya have impacted the screening of TN CM Vijay’s film, Jana Nayagan, amid the ongoing water-sharing dispute.
- Karnataka will hold an all-party meeting on August 2 to discuss the legal and social implications of the CWMA's water allocation mandate.
- Shivakumar defended the Mekedatu project, stating the 66 tmcft balancing reservoir would generate 400 MW of power without expanding irrigation.
Rising Tensions and the CWMA Directive
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has formally appealed to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to defer his scheduled visit to Bengaluru. The request follows the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) upholding a directive that requires Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water daily to its neighbor for a 15-day period starting July 29, 2026. This decision rejected Karnataka's appeal against a prior order from the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC).
The administrative friction has triggered public unrest in Karnataka. In Mandya, demonstrators targeted promotional materials for Chief Minister Vijay’s new film, Jana Nayagan, and disrupted theatrical screenings. Shivakumar noted that while the state was initially prepared to host the meeting, current conditions necessitate a delay to ensure discussions occur in a constructive and peaceful setting. To address the state's official response, Shivakumar has convened an all-party meeting for Sunday, August 2.
Water Allocation and Historical Rainfall
During a review of the river's status, Shivakumar highlighted that Karnataka had significantly exceeded its water-sharing requirements over the last three years due to abundant precipitation. During this period, nearly 400 tmcft reached Tamil Nadu—far surpassing the mandated 177 tmcft—as heavy rains necessitated the release of surplus water that eventually reached the sea.
The current dispute involves a Tamil Nadu request for 9.94 tmcft under a distress formula, though the CWRC eventually ordered a reduced release of 4.5 tmcft. Shivakumar emphasized that his primary obligation is to safeguard Karnataka's interests while maintaining a cordial relationship with the neighboring state. He noted that he and Deputy CM G. Parameshwara have already engaged with federal ministers and lawmakers in Delhi regarding the matter.
The Argument for Mekedatu
Renewing his advocacy for the Mekedatu balancing reservoir, Shivakumar argued that the project in Kanakapura remains a viable solution that would primarily benefit Tamil Nadu. Despite the project's Detailed Project Report (DPR) being returned by central authorities for revisions to align with the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal award, the Chief Minister maintained its utility.
- The proposed reservoir has a capacity of 66 tmcft.
- Karnataka is prohibited from using this stored water for new irrigation projects.
- The primary direct benefit for Karnataka would be the generation of 400 MW of hydropower.
Shivakumar clarified that the facility is strictly a balancing reservoir and lacks the legal authorization to expand Karnataka's agricultural footprint, serving instead as a management tool for the basin's water resources.
Source: The Hindu — National
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