The legal tussle over the distribution of Cauvery river water between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka reached the Supreme Court on Monday, with the apex tribunal deciding to push the matter to next week while demanding comprehensive fresh data. During the proceedings, the bench directed officials to present an updated status report containing current figures on water availability and discharge levels before taking up the case again in seven days.
Tamil Nadu Urges Immediate Relief Over Severe Rainfall Deficit
The petition triggering this latest court intervention was brought forward by the Tamil Nadu government alongside the DMK party. The state argued that a weak monsoon season and persistent rain shortfalls have severely hampered its ability to obtain its designated share of Cauvery water. In its submission, Tamil Nadu accused the Karnataka administration of disregarding directions issued by the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC). Counsel representing Tamil Nadu informed the bench that despite Karnataka initiating water discharge meant for irrigation purposes, the actual supply has not yet crossed state lines to reach farmers in Tamil Nadu.
Karnataka Rebuts Allegations and Cites Acute Basin Shortage
Refuting the accusations, representatives for Karnataka argued that the situation on the ground was being depicted inaccurately before the bench. The state highlighted an acute water crisis prevailing across the entire Cauvery basin, noting that reservoir levels remain critically low due to poor rainfall. Addressing the court, Karnataka's legal counsel clarified that over 12,000 cusecs of water had already been released as of Wednesday morning and assured the bench that this flow would be maintained continuously. Hearing both sides, the Supreme Court stressed that all designated authorities must strictly enforce and ensure full compliance with the directives released by the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA).
State Leadership Promises Legal Compliance While Safeguarding Farmers
Separately, Karnataka leader DK Shivakumar addressed concerns regarding the ongoing dispute, noting that orders required releasing 12,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu. He confirmed that reservoir inflow levels were being monitored on an ongoing basis and that further operational decisions would depend directly on actual dam reserves. Reassuring local agricultural communities, Shivakumar urged farmers to "keep patience and maintain peace" while confirming that the government would respect judicial mandates while taking every necessary step to protect local crops in Karnataka.
