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Ramalinga Reddy said Karnataka has limited water storage, while Tamil Nadu has reservoir availability and expected northeast monsoon support
Bengaluru
The Karnataka government has decided to challenge the Cauvery Water Control Committee’s order to release 3,500 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days.
Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy said an appeal will be filed before the Cauvery Water Management Authority.
Speaking in Bengaluru, the minister said the state is facing drought conditions and reduced water inflow into Cauvery basin reservoirs. He said rainfall shortage has affected drinking water availability in several districts, including Bengaluru, Mysuru and Mandya. The minister stated that meeting the CWRC order would be difficult due to the current water situation.
Ramalinga Reddy explained that Karnataka has limited water storage after considering drinking water needs and maintaining river flow. He said Tamil Nadu has water available in its reservoirs and is also expected to receive northeast monsoon rainfall, while Karnataka may not get similar support from seasonal rains.
The minister said the government will take legal and technical advice before submitting the appeal. He added that experts will examine all aspects of the issue while presenting Karnataka’s concerns before the authority.
Responding to BJP protests over the CWRC order, Ramalinga Reddy said the government has not agreed to release water to Tamil Nadu and questioned the criticism. He said the same legal experts and advisers were involved during the previous BJP government.
On Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay’s possible visit to Karnataka, the minister said discussions had taken place with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, but there was no official confirmation about the visit. The Cauvery water dispute continues to create political debate as Karnataka seeks relief from the order while highlighting its own water challenges.
