We must protect our farmers, abide by court verdicts: Karnataka CM on Cauvery water release order

Commenting on the CWRC direction to Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said on Tuesday that he has the duty to protect the state’s farmers and abide by court orders, and the Government will decide on it after assessing the situation.

Stating that he will discuss the matter with Irrigation Minister Ramalinga Reddy and concerned officials, he called on farmers and the public to have “patience,” assuring them the Government is there to protect the state’s interest.

The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC), which met in New Delhi on Tuesday, directed Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs (cubic feet per second) of water from August 12 for the next 15 days.

“I know that 12,000 cusecs orders have come. I’m also monitoring our inflow. Considering our situation, I have the duty to protect our farmers. We must protect our farmers and also abide by the court orders. Keeping both these aspects in mind, I will discuss with the irrigation minister and officials,” Shivakumar said.

Speaking to reporters here, he said, “Crops should also be protected. Whether it is Cauvery or Tungabhadra, I have asked authorities to decide on releasing water to crops after holding local meetings with farmers and other stakeholders and considering the water situation at dams”.

To a question on maintaining law and order amid potential farmer protests following the water release order, the CM called on everyone to have patience, stating the Government is here to protect the state’s interest.

“I’m very transparent. No one should engage in such activities for politics or publicity. No one can keep the water. Keep patience; we are here for you. People have given us the power to protect farmers. We don’t want to cause problems for farmers for any reason. Have patience. All issues will be resolved cordially; nature will save us,” he added.

Earlier on July 28, the CWRC had ordered Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu for 15 days. This order was subsequently upheld by the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA).

Citing poor storage in its reservoirs, Karnataka had initially maintained its inability to release water to the neighbouring State. However, following subsequent heavy rainfall in Karnataka’s catchment regions, the state began releasing Cauvery water.