Supreme Court Verdict Fuels Hopes for Pennaiyar River Dispute Resolution

The Tamil Nadu government celebrates a favorable Supreme Court ruling in the Pennaiyar River dispute against Karnataka. The state urges the Union government to promptly establish an arbitration panel to uphold the verdict and protect water resources critical for drinking and agriculture.

The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Tamil Nadu regarding the ongoing Pennaiyar River dispute with Karnataka, according to Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan. This judgment is seen as a significant step toward resolving the issue that has affected water rights in the region.

The Apex Court instructed the Central government to form a tribunal within a month to address the inter-state water conflict over the Pennaiyar River. The dispute began in 2018 when Tamil Nadu opposed Karnataka's plans to build structures across the river, citing a breach of the 1892 Madras-Mysore Treaty.

Tamil Nadu is calling for swift action from the Union government to form an arbitration panel, as recommended by a negotiation committee in 2020 but delayed. Minister Duraimurugan continues to advocate for timely resolution, emphasizing the river's importance for essential needs.

(With inputs from agencies.)