Cauvery Water Dispute: Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has appealed to political parties and Kannada organizations not to call for a shutdown over the Cauvery water dispute . He said that protecting the state’s interests is the government’s primary responsibility and everyone should work together on this issue. Speaking to the media after the all-party meeting, the Chief Minister said that the government will protect Karnataka’s interests while remaining within the legal framework.
Drinking water is the first priority
The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) have directed Tamil Nadu to release 3,500 cusecs of water. However, DK Shivakumar stated that the state is currently facing a severe drought. He explained that only 35 percent of normal rainfall has been recorded this year. Therefore, the government’s first priority is to provide drinking water. He clarified that water is being released through canals only to replenish drinking water sources, not for irrigation.
Cauvery Water Dispute: Preparations for meeting the Prime Minister
The Chief Minister stated that approximately 31 TMC of water was released in July last year, while this year, due to low inflows into the reservoirs, only 3.6 TMC has been released so far. The recent rains have certainly improved the situation. He stated that all political parties supported the government’s stance at the all-party meeting held on the Cauvery issue, and that it is essential to maintain this unity. DK Shivakumar also stated that an appointment has been sought with an all-party delegation to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the matter . He expressed confidence that the Prime Minister will take a positive stance. The Chief Minister reiterated that the Mekedatu Project can be a permanent solution to the Cauvery water dispute.