Cauvery Water Dispute: Karnataka Relies on Rainfall to Fulfill Tamil Nadu's Needs

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar reported that increased inflow in the state's reservoirs, due to good rainfall, is allowing 1.5 tmcft of water to be released daily to Tamil Nadu. This follows a directive to release one tmcft daily till month-end. Reservoirs hold 63% of total capacity.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar informed the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday that 1.5 tmcft of water is flowing to Biligundlu in Tamil Nadu daily, aided by increased inflow into the state's four major reservoirs after good rains in catchment areas.

Shivakumar, also the Water Resources Minister, indicated that continued rainfall might resolve the issue of water release to Tamil Nadu. The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) had directed Karnataka to release one tmcft of water daily to Tamil Nadu from July 12 until the end of the month.

The Deputy CM noted that inflow rates into key reservoirs are rising, with Harangi at 12,827 cusecs, Hemavati at 14,027 cusecs, KRS at 25,933 cusecs, and Kabini at 22,840 cusecs. This has helped Karnataka manage the directive despite only having 63% capacity in its reservoirs. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had earlier stated the government was prepared to release 8,000 cusecs daily instead of one tmcft. Leader of Opposition, R Ashoka, acknowledged that the rains are helping settle the dispute for now.