Karnataka Takes Supreme Court Route in Cauvery Water Dispute and Advocates for Mekedatu Reservoir Amidst Brewing Protests

The Karnataka government has decided to approach the Supreme Court with a distress formula for sharing Cauvery water during times of drought. In addition, they will also advocate for the construction of the Mekedatu reservoir, which is opposed by Tamil Nadu. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that an all-party delegation will be sent to Delhi to push for the implementation of various water projects. The Supreme Court will be hearing a petition from Tamil Nadu on August 25, in which they challenge the Cauvery Water Management Authority’s decision to release 10,000 cusecs of water for 15 days from the Krishnarajasagar reservoir.

The Authority had initially ordered the release of 15,000 cusecs of water daily, but this was reduced due to the drought situation in Karnataka. CM Siddaramaiah has emphasized the need for a distress formula and the construction of the Mekedatu reservoir, accusing Tamil Nadu of opposing the project for no valid reason. Karnataka intends to appeal for a distress formula to be applied during future drought years and for water release to be based on the current water levels in the state's reservoirs. An all-party delegation will also visit Delhi to inform the Prime Minister and Union Ministers about the progress of the Mekedatu and Mahadayi projects.

The CM has criticized the unnecessary delays in approving the Mekedatu project, which is being challenged by Goa. The dates for the delegation meeting will be announced soon. Meanwhile, protests have erupted in southern parts of Karnataka as the state began releasing Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu as directed by the Cauvery Water Management Authority. Farmers' bodies staged demonstrations in Mysuru, Mandya, and Chamarajanagar, while the BJP accused the Congress government of not protecting Karnataka's interests.

The BJP demanded that the release be immediately stopped, and a legal battle be initiated. It is important for the government to find a balance between the interests and needs of the two states in the Cauvery water sharing dispute. The distress formula proposed by Karnataka could potentially provide a fair solution during times of drought, and the construction of the Mekedatu reservoir could help alleviate water concerns in the region. However, it is crucial to address the concerns and protests of the farmers in Karnataka and ensure that their interests are also protected.