Cauvery Water Dispute: Karnataka Ordered to Release Water to Tamil Nadu

The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee has mandated Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days, amid ongoing disputes over water sharing. Tamil Nadu claims Karnataka has not complied with previous orders, leading to legal action. The Supreme Court is set to hear Tamil Nadu's plea for immediate water release on August 13. This situation highlights the ongoing tensions between the two states regarding water resources, especially in a year marked by low rainfall.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 11, 2026, 16:50 IST

Karnataka's Water Release Directive Amid Ongoing Dispute

New Delhi: On Tuesday, the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) instructed the Karnataka government to release 12,000 cusecs of Cauvery water daily to Tamil Nadu for a period of 15 days, amidst ongoing tensions regarding water sharing between the two states.

This directive was issued during a meeting led by Chairperson Vineet Gupta.

Later in the day, a meeting of the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) is also set to take place.

Previously, the CWMA had mandated Karnataka to ensure the release of water to Tamil Nadu.

During a meeting on July 28, the CWRC had ordered Karnataka to maintain a flow of 3,500 cusecs at Biligundlu for 15 days starting July 29.

The CWMA subsequently reaffirmed this order, insisting that Karnataka comply.

However, Tamil Nadu has accused Karnataka of not meeting the required water release.

According to reports from the Tamil Nadu government, the flow at Biligundlu was recorded between 158 cusecs and 550 cusecs from July 29 to August 2.

This latest development occurs as Tamil Nadu pursues legal action regarding the matter.

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea from the Tamil Nadu government on August 13, requesting immediate action from Karnataka to release its share of Cauvery water.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana acknowledged the arguments presented by Tamil Nadu's counsel, highlighting that the state is not receiving its entitled share of water during this year of low rainfall.

The Chief Justice indicated that the case would be scheduled for hearing on Thursday.

The Tamil Nadu government, led by C Joseph Vijay, filed the plea on August 3, seeking urgent directives for Karnataka to release its designated share of Cauvery water.

In its petition, Tamil Nadu asserts that both the amount recommended by the CWRC and the actual water released by Karnataka fall significantly short of what is necessary.