Complying with CWMA direction on Cauvery water release, Karnataka tells Supreme Court
The Karnataka government informed the Supreme Court that it is complying with the Cauvery Water Management Authority's directive to release 9,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu. However, Tamil Nadu continues to press for the clearance of an accumulated water deficit, citing the needs of its agricultural sector.
Why it matters
This dispute represents a long-standing inter-state conflict over water resources, which is critical for the agricultural stability and economic health of both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
The Karnataka government on Monday (August 31, 2026) told the Supreme Court that it was complying with the Cauvery Water Management Authority’s (CWMA) direction to ensure a flow of 9,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu.
On August 25, the CWMA had upheld the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee’s (CWRC) recommendation directing Karnataka to ensure a flow of 9,000 cusecs to Tamil Nadu for 15 days.
Appearing for Karnataka, senior advocate Shyam Divan said the State had released 9,888 cusecs on August 30, against the required 9,000 cusecs, while the flow had crossed 11,000 cusecs by Monday (August 31, 2026) morning.
“We have released an excess amount as of 8 a.m. this morning,” Mr. Divan said, adding that Karnataka would endeavour to maintain the required flow of 9,000 cusecs.
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