Bengaluru: With Karnataka facing an acute water shortage, the state government is preparing to make a strong case before the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) and the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), highlighting the ground reality and the concerns of farmers, Water Resources Minister N. Chaluvarayaswamy said.
A team of senior officials has already left for Delhi to present Karnataka’s case before the authorities. According to the minister, the state’s additional chief secretaries held a meeting on Tuesday to review the key points to be raised and finalise the preparations.
The minister said the state would place before the authorities details of the actual water availability, reservoir levels and agricultural requirements, and seek a decision keeping Karnataka’s interests in mind.
The issue assumes significance amid repeated petitions by Tamil Nadu over Cauvery water sharing. Chaluvarayaswamy said the Supreme Court had also observed that parties need not approach it over every issue related to the dispute.
Karnataka is expected to particularly highlight its contention that Tamil Nadu is using its share of Cauvery water extensively for agricultural activities.
Chaluvarayaswamy said the government remained committed to protecting the interests of farmers despite the prevailing water stress.
He said steps had been taken to fill lakes in the Hemavati basin, while water had also been released from the Harangi and KRS reservoirs as required.
The minister said Karnataka would present the state’s water position, farmers’ requirements and the condition of its reservoirs before the Cauvery authorities and seek a decision that takes into account the state’s prevailing circumstances.
The state government’s delegation is expected to press for a realistic assessment of Karnataka’s water availability while opposing any decision that could further aggravate the water crisis in the state.