The State government is contemplating exploring legal options to counter the demands of neighbouring Tamil Nadu from seeking release of Cauvery water. The Tamil Nadu government had moved the apex court seeking direction to Karnataka to obey the tribunal order. Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda held a discussion with officials of the water resources department and irrigation experts on Saturday.
After the meeting, the CM maintained that the government was committed to safeguarding the interest of farmers in the Cauvery basin. “The Tamil Nadu government has filed a petition before the Supreme Court seeking to restrain Karnataka from restoring summer irrigation and drawing water from four reservoirs during February-May. Considering the availability of water in Cauvery basin during summer, the State will take a suitable decision in the matter”, he said. “I will also discuss with the Advocate General on Tamil Nadu’s plea before the Supreme Court. After the budget session, I will go to Delhi to discuss the Cauvery dispute and other issues with the Central ministers”, Mr Gowda added.