Stoic silence in Karnataka as SC orders release of Cauvery water
The ever so controversial Cauvery Waters issue was raked up in the Supreme Court once again with the Bench orally ordering Karnataka to release 4 TMC of water to Tamil Nadu. The developments came in the wake of a hectic campaign that is underway for the Karnataka assembly elections 2018.
Following the order, the reactions were muted by all leaders. Siddaramaiah, the Chief Minister of Karnataka did not comment on the issue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress chief, Rahul Gandhi who are in Karnataka too decided from making any comments.
Any comment on this issue could have an adverse effect especially in the Old Mysore Region where the issue has lingered on for several decades. In the Supreme Court on Thursday, the Centre said that it was unable to come up with a framework agreement to implement the Cauvery verdict as the Prime Minister and several others ministers were busy campaigning in Karnataka.
Karnataka, on the other hand, told the Supreme Court that it has released more Cauvery water than Tamil Nadu is entitled to receive. Mohan Katarki who is part of Karnataka's legal team said that they submitted that Karnataka has ensured more water than what TN is entitled to receive at the inter-State border. The Supreme Court has directed Karnataka to file an affidavit to this effect.
The State of Karnataka would file its affidavit submitting that the share of TN in this distress water year (up to the end of April 2018) was 98.06 TMC.
However Karnataka has ensured 116.74 TMC - the surplus being 18.68 TMC. Besides, Karnataka would also submit that the live storage in Mettur in TN is 9.56 Tmc which is sufficient to meet its drinking water needs in TN.
Karnataka would also submit that the live storage in its four reservoirs is 9.93 TMC which is entirely required for meeting the drinking water needs of rural and urban areas including Bangalore.
Karnataka Assembly Election dates | |||
Date of notification | April 17 | ||
Last date to file nominations | April 24 | ||
Last date to withdraw nominations | April 27 | ||
Date of polling | May 12 | ||
Date of counting | May 15 | ||