Share the distress – on Cauvery water sharing

Source– The post is based on the article “Share the distress” published in “The Hindu” on 31st August 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Indian Polity – Issues pertaining to federalism

News– The article explains the recent disputes between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka on sharing of Cauvery water.

What is the point of contention between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka on Cauvery water sharing?

Tamil Nadu currently faces a cumulative shortage of approximately 51 thousand million cubic feet in its allocated water share as of August 28.

The request has been for 24,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) at Billigundulu on the interstate border for the latter half of August.

Tamil Nadu has approached the Supreme Court to direct Karnataka to release the prescribed 36.76 tmc ft for September, as defined by the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal’s final award in 2007 and modified by the Court in February 2018.

Karnataka, in its submitted affidavit, has informed the Court that the catchment areas of its two primary reservoirs have experienced below-average rainfall.

The CWMA has also evaluated that the inflow deficiency to Karnataka’s four reservoirs in the basin stands at about 51%. The Authority’s stance asserts that Tamil Nadu has “failed to comprehend that 2023 is a year of water scarcity.”

What is the way forward for dispute resolution on Cauvery River?

There is a necessity for a distress-sharing framework that is mutually preferred. This concept, initially endorsed by the Tribunal in its final ruling and reaffirmed by the Court’s 2018 judgement revolves around a proportional reduction in allocated shares.

CWMA must ensure that its decisions are not perceived as being influenced.

It is imperative for both states to prevent the Cauvery River from becoming a source of discord.