In a big relief to Tamil Nadu’s farmers, the Supreme Court on Monday directed Karnataka to release 15,000 cusecs water from the Cauvery Basin on a daily basis for next 10 days and asked Tamil Nadu to approach the Supervisory Committee, monitoring the water-sharing arrangement between the two States, for further apportionment of water for the remaining season.
With both States locked in a bitter battle over water sharing, the apex court had last week urged Karnataka to release some water as an interim arrangement in keeping with the principle of “live and let live”. On Monday, Karnataka represented by senior advocate Fali S Nariman informed the Court that as a “goodwill gesture” the State had agreed to release 10000 cusecs of water from September 7 to 12.
But Tamil Nadu's counsel senior advocate Shekhar Naphade objected saying that Karnataka is already in default for not releasing the water as per the Award by the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal (CWDT). He submitted that the samba farmers required at least 20000 cusecs water daily or else there will be disastrous consequences.
The Apex Court also directed Tamil Nadu to approach the Supervisory Committee, set up to implement award of CWDT, within three days for the release of Cauvery water as per the final order of Tribunal. The Court directed the Supervisory Committee to pass appropriate orders in this regard within four days from the date on which the reference is filed by Tamil Nadu.
With the interim arrangement in place, the bench asked Tamil Nadu to release water proportionately to Union Territory of Puducherry and posted the matter for further hearing on September 16.