Karnataka Protests Erupt Over Cauvery River Water Release to TN

Protests have surged in Karnataka as the state initiated the release of Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu, in compliance with the Cauvery Water Management Authority's (CWMA) directives. Demonstrations emerged in areas like Mysuru, Mandya, and Chamarajanagar, where farmers expressed their dissent against the government's actions.

The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the Congress-led administration of insufficient action to safeguard Karnataka's interests.

The BJP criticized the government for not adequately pursuing legal action against the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government, highlighting the latter's affiliation with the INDIA bloc, where Congress plays a significant role.

The CWMA had initially ordered the release of 10,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) of water daily, but Karnataka, citing low rainfall in the Cauvery basin, appealed for a reduction. Consequently, the CWMA directed a daily release of 5,000 cusecs to the border of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Farmers, particularly from districts near the Cauvery and Kabini rivers, protested against the water release, questioning the government's stance. Yediyurappa, former CM, questioned the necessity of releasing more water to Tamil Nadu amidst Karnataka's water crisis.

Basavaraj Bommai, another former Chief Minister, urged the state government to halt the water release, initiate a legal battle in the Supreme Court, and defend the interests of farmers and citizens.

Bommai criticized the Congress government's handling of the issue, highlighting the lack of legal action against the previous water release. He emphasized the need for a strong appeal to the Supreme Court to protect Karnataka's water requirements.

While Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar convened a meeting in New Delhi with the legal team and Karnataka officials overseeing the Cauvery matter, the situation underscores the ongoing challenges surrounding water-sharing disputes between states.

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