SC monitors Cauvery water-sharing progress

The Supreme Court decided to keep an eye on how Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are sharing Cauvery River water. On August 17, Karnataka said it had released over 12,000 cusecs of water by 8 a.m. The court told Tamil Nadu not to worry because Karnataka is giving them water as per the agreement.

A group of Supreme Court judges led by Justice Vikram Nath asked both states to make sure they follow the rules set by the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA). They also said they will check the progress and get an update next on August 24.

Karnataka’s lawyers argued that they have fully followed CWMA directions, especially since this year has been tough because of less rain and El Nino conditions. They pointed out that water from their reservoirs has reached Tamil Nadu as required.

However, Tamil Nadu’s lawyers said Karnataka is not releasing enough water and that their compliance is not voluntary. Tamil Nadu wants the court to force Karnataka to release more water as agreed in the plan.