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Cauvery Dispute: Karnataka Tells SC It Cannot Meet Tamil Nadu Water Demand
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CNBC TV18•12-10-2026, 18:34
Cauvery Dispute: Karnataka Tells SC It Cannot Meet Tamil Nadu Water Demand
- •The Karnataka government informed the Supreme Court that meeting Tamil Nadu's demand for 11 TMC of Cauvery water is difficult due to a rain-deficit year and drought conditions.
- •A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Ahsanuddin Amanullah reserved its verdict on Tamil Nadu's plea seeking immediate release of the water backlog.
- •Tamil Nadu argued that it is only seeking its legitimate pro-rata share of water during the distress period to protect its crops.
- •Karnataka contended that it must prioritize drinking water conservation for residential areas amid severe drought, and Tamil Nadu will benefit from the northeast monsoon.
Key Questions Answered
Karnataka stated that it is a difficult, rain-deficit year with several drought-affected areas, making it necessary to conserve water to protect residential drinking water supplies.
Tamil Nadu requested directions for Karnataka to immediately clear an 11 TMC water backlog as of October 7, and ensure subsequent flows at 1.3 TMC per day over 10 days at the Billigundulu station.
The CWMA directed Karnataka to release 4,000 cusecs of Cauvery water at Billigundulu starting September 24 for 15 days, followed by 3,000 cusecs starting October 9 for the next 15 days.
