PMK urges Centre to replace Cauvery Management Authority with empowered board
PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss has criticized the Cauvery Water Management Authority for failing to ensure Karnataka releases water to Tamil Nadu. He is calling on the Union government to replace the current authority with an empowered board capable of enforcing water-sharing agreements.
Why it matters
This highlights ongoing inter-state water disputes in India, which have significant implications for agricultural stability and regional political relations.
Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader Anbumani Ramadoss on Thursday (July 23, 2026) criticised the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) for refusing to direct Karnataka to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, and demanded that it be replaced with an empowered Cauvery Management Board.
In a statement, Dr. Anbumani said the CWMA had accepted Karnataka’s claim that the available water was only sufficient for Bengaluru’s drinking water needs and had declined Tamil Nadu’s request to release water to protect kuruvai crops. He said Karnataka had released only 3.44 tmc ft. of the 28.30 tmc ft. due to Tamil Nadu since June.
Alleging Karnataka’s reservoirs held sufficient water to release Tamil Nadu’s share, Dr. Anbumani said the CWMA lacked the authority to enforce its decisions or act against violations.
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