The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee ordered Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu starting Wednesday, Aug. 12 [1].
This directive comes as tensions rise over water security between the two states, where agricultural stability depends on the seasonal flow of the Cauvery River.
The panel met in Delhi to review the current water situation [3]. Reports on the specific volume of the order vary across sources. Some reports indicate the committee ordered Karnataka to release 12,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) of water per day for 15 days [1], [2]. Other reports state the order is for 3,500 cusecs per day for 15 days, which is equivalent to four tmcft [3].
The order targets the Karnataka state government, led by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar [1]. The CWRC said there is a need for a cautious approach due to unpredictable weather patterns and potential impacts from El Niño [1], [3].
Tamil Nadu officials said that Karnataka had not complied with earlier water-release orders [1], [3]. The current directive aims to address these claims and ensure the downstream state receives necessary supplies during the current period.
The discrepancy between the 12,000-cusec and 3,500-cusec figures highlights the volatility of the ongoing dispute. The higher figure represents a significant increase over the lower estimate, though both orders specify a duration of 15 days [1], [2], [3].
“The panel met in Delhi to review the current water situation.”
The conflicting reports on the volume of water to be released underscore the high political and social stakes of the Cauvery water dispute. Because the difference between 3,500 and 12,000 cusecs is substantial, the actual implementation will determine whether Tamil Nadu's agricultural needs are met or if Karnataka's own reservoir levels are depleted too quickly during an unpredictable weather cycle.
