CWMA asks Karnataka to release at a rate of 9,000 cusecs a day for next 15 days
The Cauvery Water Management Authority has directed Karnataka to release 9,000 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu for the next 15 days. Karnataka had requested a reduction, citing severe hydrological distress and low reservoir inflows, but the authority maintained the current release schedule.
Why it matters
Water sharing disputes between states are a recurring source of political and agricultural tension in India, impacting food security and regional stability.
The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), which met in Delhi on Tuesday, has endorsed the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee’s direction on Monday to Karnataka to ensure water release to Tamil Nadu at a rate of 9,000 cusecs a day for the next 15 days.
According to the CWMA’s order, the releases, which total up to 11.66 tmcft, should commence from August 25(a flow of 11,574 cusecs of water for 24 hours equals one tmcft).
Earlier, Karnataka appealed to the CWMA to reduce the directed quantum of flows from 9,000 cusecs to 6,000 cusecs per day, by recognising its severe basin distress as well as compliance with the earlier directions. It appealed to the authority to adopt a cautious approach while asking for any further releases and re-assess the situation after observing the forthcoming northeast monsoon.
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