Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], August 11 (ANI): Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Tuesday said the state is facing a “deep water crisis” amid the Cauvery Water Management Authority’s (CWMA) suggestion to release 12,000 cusecs of water every day for the next 15 days.
Addressing reporters, Kharge said a meeting was held to discuss the state’s response to the looming drought situation, adding that Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and senior stakeholders will deliberate on the matter before taking a decision on the next course of action.
“The Cauvery Water Management Authority has suggested that 12,000 cusecs of water be released every day for the next 15 days. We ourselves are facing a deep water crisis,” Kharge said.
He added that “The meeting held just now was specifically to discuss how the state should respond to the looming drought situation. The Chief Minister and all senior stakeholders will deliberate on the matter and take a call on the next course of action.”
Kharge asserted that the state government would prioritise the interests of the people while deciding its response to the water release suggestion.
“We are here to protect the interests of our people. We will not do anything that goes against their interests. Whatever decision has to be taken will be done within the legal framework,” he said.
The statement comes amid the ongoing Cauvery water-sharing issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with Karnataka facing concerns over water availability and the possibility of a drought-like situation.
The Supreme Court on Monday said that it will hear on August 13, Tamil Nadu’s plea seeking enforcement of a decision by the CWMA directing Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of Cauvery water daily for 15 days.
Tamil Nadu government approached the top court on August 3, challenging the non-implementation of the CWMA’s July 30 direction for the release of water from Karnataka’s Kabini and Krishna Raja Sagara reservoirs.
The State has sought a total release of 4.536 TMC of water, corresponding to 3,500 cusecs per day over 15 days. It has urged that the stipulated quantity be released by August 12.
It sought directions to resolve the issue and ensure that Tamil Nadu receives its rightful share of Cauvery water within the stipulated time. (ANI)
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