Amidst an ongoing water crisis, Karnataka has urgently appealed to the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) to withhold the release of Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu. The state, grappling with severe water scarcity and dwindling reservoir levels, has highlighted its precarious situation, emphasizing the need to prioritize water allocation within Karnataka to meet the essential needs of its populace.
The distress call comes as Karnataka faces a critical situation with depleting water levels in reservoirs due to deficient monsoon rains and extended dry spells. The state government has conveyed its inability to provide additional water to Tamil Nadu as stipulated by the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT).
Karnataka’s plea to the CWMA aims to redirect the focus towards safeguarding the interests of its own residents, especially in regions facing acute water shortage. The government has urged for a temporary suspension of water release to Tamil Nadu to address the immediate water crisis within the state.
The matter highlights the delicate balance required in managing water resources, especially during challenging climatic conditions. The Karnataka government has emphasized the critical need to ensure adequate water supply for drinking, irrigation, and other essential purposes within its borders before fulfilling commitments to neighboring states.
The Cauvery river water sharing issue has been a longstanding concern, and the equitable allocation of water remains a persistent challenge. The Karnataka government has urged for a reconsideration of water release decisions to ensure that the fundamental needs of its citizens are met during this pressing time.
As the matter awaits resolution and deliberation at the CWMA, the urgency to address the water crisis in Karnataka and safeguard the interests of its residents remains a top priority for the state administration. The outcome of this plea will significantly impact the water availability and livelihoods of people in the region.
