While Tamil Nadu would now get double the share fixed by the Committee, Karnataka’s burden also will get reduced as prior to the Committee ruling, the Supreme Court had directed the State to release 12,000 cusecs of the Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. Since September 6, when Karnataka started releasing water to the lower riparian state, levels in both dams have depleted considerably.
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After deliberating for close to two hours, the Cabinet chose to implement the unanimous decision of the all-party meeting held earlier in the evening. They will also discuss the implications of the Cauvery River Water Management Board (CRWMB).
As the Supreme Court order came, sporadic protests erupted in Mandya, Mysuru, Srirangapatna and nearby areas erupted, with farmers demonstrating on the streets. The logic is that if the decision is taken in a legislature it may not be contempt of court, even if the SC strikes it down as unconstitutional and orders bureaucrats to release the water.
The committee’s next meeting on the follow-up of Monday’s developments will be held in October.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed Karnataka to release a further 6,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu from 21 to 27 September daily.
The committee handles matters related to the river water dispute.
“If an elected government says because of law and order problem it can not comply with our order, then let it go”, a three-judge Bench of the Supreme Court had orally observed when Tamil Nadu government had filed contempt of court petition against Karnataka.
The top court’s fresh directive comes into force a day after the state completed releasing 12,000 cusecs daily on Tuesday.
He said, the Karnataka Chief Secretary opposed the release of water on the ground that they are also facing huge scarcity.
Senior Advocate Fali Nariman, arguing on behalf of Karnataka, said that if the state is forced to provide water to Tamil Nadu, it will have to part with its supply of drinking water. But it would be up to Tamil Nadu to take this up with the apex court.
Facing criticism over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on the issue, despite the state writing to him twice seeking his intervention, the state BJP leaders have chose to boycott the all-party meet.
On September 5, the court had ordered release of 15,000 cusecs of water for the next 10 days to address the plight of the farmers in Tamil Nadu.
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The most sensitive district Mandya is under Section 144, especially at the Sanjay circle.
