SC orders Karnataka to release 15,000 cusecs of water to TN

The Supreme Court has ordered Karnataka to release 15,000 cusecs of Kaveri water every day for the next fifteen days. 

 

Fali Nariman represented Karnataka and Shekhar Napade argued for Tamil Nadu in the case.

 

Karnataka’s argument was conciliatory. Even before the hearing, Karnataka voluntarily offered to release 10,000 cusecs of water. “We are ready to release water to Tamil Nadu, not less than 10,000 cusecs (0.86 TMC) for five days, from September 7 to September 12, the state said.

 

Tamil Nadu, on the other hand, played victim. "Please see the condition of Tamil Nadu farmers and release 20,000 cusecs of water instead of 10,000 cusecs and release for ten days instead of five days," it pleaded.

 

The Supreme Court’s Decree says: "Karnataka has voluntarily agreed to release 10,000 cusecs of water for 5 days and expressed its commitment. This voluntary commitment of Karnataka is appreciable. The decree is being given in the interest of Tamil Nadu farmers and Karnataka is ordered to release 10,000 cusecs of water for 15 days. The flows will be measured at Biligundlu measurement centre. After 15 days, the supervisory committee will revise the matter and take necessary action".

 

The Supreme Court has postponed the next hearing till 16th September.

 

Today, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah is to hold a meeting with legal experts. Cabinet ministers, legislators and state members of parliament are expected to attend the meeting.

 

CM Siddaramaiah said that the lawyers have explained the grievances of farmers in detail, despite the Supreme Court's judgement. “We’ll submit an appeal to the supervisory committee. We’ll discuss everything with legal experts and take a legal decision today,” he said.