Release 2,000 cusecs of Cauvery water to TN, SC tells Karnataka

The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered Karnataka to continue releasing 2,000 cusecs of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu on a daily basis. The court also posted the matter for final hearing on July 11. Karnataka would have to continue releasing water to TN until the SC hears the matter next, a Division Bench headed by Justice Dipak Mishra said.

On the last date of hearing in January, the court had indicated that it would hear the matter on a day-to-day basis. The court also indicated that it would deliver the verdict in the case within three weeks of the arguments being completed.

During the course of the arguments, the court would decide on whether the parent agreement of 1892 between Karnataka



and Tamil Nadu is valid.

The question to be decided is whether no irrigation can take place in the Mysuru region without prior consent from Karnataka.

Both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu had challenged the award of the Cauvery Waters Tribunal delivered in 2007. In its award, both states had challenged the order of the Cauvery Waters Tribunal dated February 5, 2007. The tribunal in its final award had determined the usable quantum of water of the Cauvery at 740 tmcft. Karnataka is entitled to 270 tmcft, Tamil Nadu to 419 tmcft, Kerala 30 tmcft, Puducherry 7 tmcft, and 14 tmcft is meant for environmental purposes, the tribunal had said.