Karnataka to Release Water to Tamil Nadu

BENGALURU: Finding itself in the mire and the sword of ‘Contempt of Court’ hanging over its head, Karnataka has decided to release some water of the Cauvery to Tamil Nadu, to escape the wrath of the country’s highest court.

Last week, the Supreme Court had asked Karnataka to discharge 6,000 cusecs of water from October 1 to October 6. The Karnataka government had responded by saying that it was not possible to release more water because of scarcity of drinking water in the state.

The modified resolution takes into account the concerns of farmers in Mysuru and Mandya along the Cauvery basin. It is expected the government might submit before the apex court that its order to release water could not be implemented as the state legislature has mandated it.

Karnataka is also expected to file a petition before the bench of Justice Dipak Misra and Justice UU Lalit for a review of all its earlier orders including the release of water. The state has already opposed the formation of the Cauvery Water Management Board and sought a review of the order.

Irrigation Minister MB Patil said that, some water will be released for farmers in Karnataka and across the border. Playing on the popular sentiment, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that the interests of the state will be protected at all cost, while also stressing the need to obey the highest court of the land.

Today’s decision  might be seen as a token gesture to please the highest court of the land which has said that Tamil Nadu farmers must get more water from the Cauvery river which originates in Karnataka and runs through Tamil Nadu.

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