The Cauvery Water Management Authority on Monday directed Karnataka to release 31.24 thousand million cubic feet of water to Tamil Nadu. However, the newly-created authority, in its first meeting, did not discuss Karnataka’s plea in the Supreme Court against its formation, The Hindu reported.
Karnataka has opposed the formation of the Cauvery Water Management Authority as it will have to renounce its control over three reservoirs that fall in the Cauvery river basin.
In June, Karnataka had released water in excess of its quota for the month. This will be adjusted in July, the authority’s chairperson, Maqsood Hussain, said, according to The New Indian Express.
The meeting in New Delhi was attended by representatives of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry. Karnataka was represented by Water Resources Department Principal Secretary Rakesh Singh.
“Tamil Nadu is demanding the release of water in excess of its actual requirement,” Karnataka Water Resources Minister DK Shivakumar claimed later. “We will take a decision after considering Tamil Nadu’s requirement and also our farmers needs.” He said he would convene a meeting of MLAs and other legislators from the Cauvery basin region between July 6 and July 10 to discuss the matter.
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