CWRC Directs Karnataka to Release 3,500 Cusecs Cauvery Water to Tamil Nadu

The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) directed Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water daily from its reservoirs to Tamil Nadu. The decision was reached during a technical assessment meeting chaired by CWRC chief Vineet Gupta to resolve inter-state seasonal allocation disputes between upper and lower riparian states.

The CWRC's directive was framed after evaluating net seasonal water inflows into Karnataka's four key Cauvery basin reservoirs—Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS), Kabini, Hemavathi, and Harangi. The committee compared current inflow data against 30-year historical averages and distress-sharing formulas established under Supreme Court directives.

According to the 2018 Supreme Court verdict modifying the 2007 Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) award, Karnataka is required to deliver 177.25 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic Feet) of water to Tamil Nadu in a normal water year at the inter-state border point of Billigundlu. The apex CWMA monitors enforcement of these orders.

This development is crucial for Indian Polity (GS Paper II - Article 262 and Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956) and Geography (GS Paper I). Candidates should expect questions on inter-state water dispute mechanisms, river basin management, and constitutional provisions.