Has TN been getting excess water from state for 20 years?
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Even as 123 taluks in the state are facing a severe drought, Karnataka has been releasing Cauvery water in excess to Tamil Nadu. Till April 16, Karnataka released 230.55 tmc ft of water against an allocated 192 tmc ft, which is a surplus 33 tmc ft. According to sources in the Major Irrigation department, for the last 20 years, Karnataka has been releasing excess water to Tamil Nadu and has done little to regulate the flow of water at Biligundlu or harness the surplus for irrigation or drinking water projects in the State.
In 2007, the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal’s final order had stated that Karnataka should release 192 tmc feet of water to Tamil Nadu at Biligundlu measurement point. Even the earlier interim order (passed in 1991) had awarded 205 tmc ft to Tamil Nadu. Even going by both orders, Karnataka on an average, has released an additional 30 tmc ft, causing heartburn among farmers and those facing a water crisis in the State.
Interestingly, the state government is shying away from monitoring and regulating the flow of water at Biligundlu and setting up checkdams or storage units fearing another dispute. “The water year (cycle) ends only in June and the State has already released more water than what was allocated. However, we have no means to measure the flow of water at Biligundlu but are monitoring it at KRS reservoir. Our efforts to survey the area for new projects have been opposed by Tamil Nadu, and our existing storage capacity is inadequate to harness this surplus water,” admitted a senior official.
“The Tribunal has lifted restrictions and allowed Karnataka to keep the surplus water after releasing the prescribed quantum to the downstream state. However, the State is treading carefully and might consider only a hydro power project coming up at the site as it does not involve storing or diverting surplus water,” rued the official.
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