Karnataka Faces Water Crisis Amid Cauvery Dispute with Tamil Nadu
The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee has advised Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu, but the state is grappling with a significant water shortage. Karnataka's Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy has expressed concerns over the lack of rainfall and the need for drinking water. The ongoing dispute escalated after Tamil Nadu demanded water release based on a Supreme Court ruling, which Karnataka has contested due to its own water scarcity. As discussions continue, the future of water management in the region remains uncertain.
| Jul 28, 2026, 16:58 IST
Cauvery Water Regulation Committee's Recommendations
The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) has recommended that Karnataka release 3,500 cubic feet of water daily to Tamil Nadu for the next 15 days. The committee also suggested a total release of 4 TMC of water. Following a meeting in New Delhi, Karnataka's Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy responded to this directive, stating that the state is currently facing a water shortage. He mentioned that he would consult with the Chief Minister before making any decisions. Reddy further noted that there has been no rainfall in the region, emphasizing the need for drinking water throughout the year. Regarding the possibility of appealing to the Cauvery Water Management Authority, the minister indicated that discussions would take place, and a decision would be made. It is expected that the state government will reach a final decision after discussions with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
Karnataka's Water Shortage Situation
The office of Karnataka's Irrigation Minister Ramalinga Reddy reported that during the CWRC meeting on July 15, Karnataka expressed its inability to release water to Tamil Nadu due to significant water shortages in the Cauvery basin. Officials from Karnataka informed the committee that there was no rainfall in the Cauvery catchment area in June, leading to no inflow into the reservoirs. They noted that while there was some rainfall in July in certain areas, it was insufficient, and there is no forecast for a resurgence of the monsoon. Karnataka argued that the water currently stored should only be used for drinking purposes, stating that the reservoirs have limited water available.
Tamil Nadu's Stance on Water Release
Tamil Nadu has insisted that water should be released in accordance with the Supreme Court's ruling. This new dispute arose when Tamil Nadu demanded that Karnataka release Cauvery water, which Karnataka denied, citing low rainfall and reduced water storage. The Supreme Court had ordered Karnataka in 2018 to release 177.25 TMC of water to Tamil Nadu to resolve the Cauvery river water dispute.