Cauvery panel orders Karnataka to release 3,000 cusecs daily to Tamil Nadu

A Cauvery waters panel has directed Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu at the rate of 3,000 cusecs per day for the next 15 days, settling a contentious allocation dispute between the two states. The directive represents a compromise between Tamil Nadu's demand and Karnataka's position regarding water sharing from the interstate river.

Tamil Nadu had sought a significantly higher release of 14,236 cusecs daily, citing both its entitled allocation and a claimed backlog of 13.829 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft) that it alleged Karnataka had failed to release previously. The state argued that the additional water was owed as accumulated dues from previous shortfalls.

Karnataka opposed the higher release, contending that it faces severe drought conditions that have depleted its water resources. The state highlighted the pressing water scarcity affecting its own agricultural and domestic sectors, requesting the tribunal to consider these constraints while determining release obligations.

The Cauvery dispute, spanning decades, remains one of India's most contentious interstate water conflicts. The tribunal's order reflects the ongoing negotiations between the two states, which regularly petition for adjustments based on prevailing climatic and hydrological conditions. The 15-day directive is expected to provide temporary relief while longer-term allocations remain under review.