Cauvery issue: Protecting farmers’ interests and upholding law both important, says D.K. Shivakumar
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated that the state must balance protecting farmers' interests with upholding legal requirements regarding the Cauvery water dispute. He emphasized the need for water management during shortages and expressed hope for favorable weather.
Why it matters
The Cauvery water dispute is a long-standing inter-state conflict that impacts agricultural stability and political relations in Southern India.
While emphasising that it was his duty to protect farmers’ interests in the Cauvery issue, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said it was equally important to uphold the law.
Speaking to reporters at Bhagamandala in Kodagu district on Sunday, Mr. Shivakumar pointed out that the reservoirs in the State were still not completely full. Along with the challenge of sustaining the State’s farmers, there was also a need to uphold the law. “Both are very important,” he said.
He said there were separate rules for water-sharing during periods of shortage and distress, and claimed that the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) had also issued the necessary directions in this regard.
“If water availability in our dams decreases, we could face unnecessary hardship,” he said, while hoping that such a situation would not arise.
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