The Supreme Court of India is set to hear the Karnataka government's petition challenging the directive issued by the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) ordering the release of 6,000 cusecs of Cauvery water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days. Water Resources Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy confirmed that the appeal is scheduled for consideration on September 14, following consultations with the state's legal counsel.
Explaining the state's stance, the minister noted that Karnataka was obligated to continue interim water release while preparing its legal petition to avoid procedural rejection for non-compliance with statutory regulatory directions. The state administration underscored that key reservoirs in the Cauvery basin are suffering from severe storage deficits due to an erratic monsoon and widespread drought conditions across multiple districts. Officials stressed that drinking water needs for Bengaluru and major towns in southern Karnataka must be prioritized over inter-state agricultural allocations.
The government expects its legal team to present detailed hydrological data proving the acute water stress in the state. Political leaders have called for unified state action, urging Union ministers and regional parliamentarians to facilitate administrative clearances for long-term regional water security initiatives, including the proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir.
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