Farmers’ outfit criticises CWRC’s directive on release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu
Farmers' organizations in Karnataka are protesting a directive to release Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu, citing that water flow is already occurring due to rainfall. They are calling for the construction of the Mekedatu reservoir to better manage water resources during crises.
Why it matters
Inter-state water disputes remain a significant source of political and social tension in India, impacting agricultural stability and regional relations.
The Federation of Farmers’ Organisations and State Sugarcane Growers’ Association held a demonstration in Mysuru on Tuesday, criticising the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee’s (CWRC) order to release 12,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu over the next 15 days.
Federation president Kurubur Shanthakumar told reporters that the Cauvery panel’s directive came even as water continued to flow to Tamil Nadu regardless.
He said water was flowing to Tamil Nadu not because of the CWRC’s directions, but due to rains. “If rains come, we will release water,” he said.
Instead of issuing directions to Karnataka to release Cauvery water, Mr. Shanthakumar said there was a need for appropriate directions on the construction of the Mekedatu reservoir. If the balancing reservoir is built at Mekedatu, about 65 tmcft of water could be stored, benefiting both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka during crises.
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