Cauvery Water Row: Karnataka to Move Supreme Court Against 6,000 Cusecs Release to Tamil Nadu | Indian Rajneeti
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Cauvery Water Row: Karnataka to Move Supreme Court Against 6,000 Cusecs Release to Tamil Nadu
Haripriya 9 Sept 2026 3 min read 526 views
The Cauvery water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu has intensified once again after the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) upheld a direction requiring Karnataka to release 6,000 cusecs of Cauvery water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days.
The decision was taken at the CWMA's meeting in Delhi on September 8, after the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) recommended the reduced release. The latest order replaces an earlier direction for Karnataka to ensure a flow of 9,000 cusecs for 15 days.
Karnataka Objects to Water Release
The Karnataka government has strongly opposed the latest direction, arguing that the state is facing difficult water conditions because of declining inflows into the Cauvery basin.
Karnataka Water Resources Minister N Cheluvarayaswamy said the state had presented information regarding rainfall, reservoir storage and inflows before the regulatory authorities. He argued that the situation on the ground makes it difficult for Karnataka to release the quantity of water ordered by the CWMA.
Maharashtra's decision to declare 265 talukas drought-affected has triggered questions from both ruling alliance leaders and the Opposition. While some areas represented by Mahayuti leaders have been excluded, the MVA has questioned the transparency of the assessment process.
The state government is now seriously considering approaching the Supreme Court against the order.
The latest dispute comes at a time when Karnataka is also dealing with drought-like conditions across several parts of the state. According to reports, more than 125 taluks are facing severe drought conditions, increasing pressure on the government to protect water supplies for drinking and agricultural requirements.
Tamil Nadu Seeks Its Share
Tamil Nadu has maintained that it needs adequate Cauvery water for irrigation and drinking-water requirements. The state had sought a considerably higher release of 17,000 cusecs before the CWRC recommended 6,000 cusecs for the latest 15-day period.
The Cauvery remains particularly important for agricultural activity in Tamil Nadu, including the Kuruvai crop. The release of water from Karnataka is therefore closely watched by farmers and political leaders on both sides of the interstate dispute.
At the same time, Karnataka argues that its own reservoirs and inflows must be considered while determining how much water can safely be released downstream.
Supreme Court May Hear Karnataka's Challenge
The Karnataka government is expected to discuss its legal strategy before deciding on its petition to the Supreme Court. The state has previously appeared before the apex court in connection with the ongoing Cauvery dispute.
The latest development could therefore bring the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu dispute back into the Supreme Court, adding another legal dimension to the long-running water-sharing issue.
The CWRC's latest direction requires the 6,000-cusecs flow to begin from 8 am on September 9 and continue for 15 days. The order would amount to roughly 7.8 TMC feet of water over the period.
A Fresh Political Challenge for Karnataka
The Cauvery issue is also likely to become politically sensitive in Karnataka. Any decision to release water during a period of low reservoir inflows can trigger concerns among farmers and residents worried about drinking-water security.
For the Karnataka government, the immediate challenge is to balance its obligations under the Cauvery water-sharing framework with the state's own water requirements.
For Tamil Nadu, the priority remains securing sufficient water for agriculture and drinking-water needs.
With Karnataka considering legal action and Tamil Nadu continuing to press for its share, the Cauvery water row is once again emerging as a major interstate political and administrative issue.
The coming days will be closely watched as Karnataka decides whether to approach the Supreme Court and as authorities monitor reservoir levels, rainfall and water inflows across the Cauvery basin.
For more updates on Karnataka Politics, follow the latest political developments and government decisions.
“The Cauvery water dispute has intensified after the CWMA upheld an order directing Karnataka to release 6,000 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days. Karnataka has opposed the decision, citing drought conditions and declining reservoir inflows, and is considering approaching the Supreme Court.”
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