[1]Karnataka has decided to remain firm on its decision not to release 9,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu despite the warning issued by the PM-headed Cauvery River Authority.
On Tuesday, the CRA sent a letter warning the state to release water. Replying , chief secretary S.V. Ranganath wrote to the CRA to reconsider its decision and suspend its order till the apex court disposed of the case pertaining to water sharing between the two states. Mr Ranganath reiterated the state’s position that if Karnataka released more water, it may face a drinking water shortage. He said the state was doing its best to ensure outflow of 5,000 cusecs of water at Biligundlu measuring station on the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border.
Meanwhile, trying to turn the tables on the BJP government for its handling of the Cauvery row, the state Congress on Wednesday said the government in the first instance should not have told the apex court that it would release 10,000 cusecs daily to Tamil Nadu as a goodwill gesture. The KPCC general body meeting, adopting a resolution, felt CM Jagadish Shettar should have fought for the state’s cause at the CRA meeting in New Delhi on August 19 instead of walking out.
The KPCC decided to back the government's decision not to release water to Tamil Nadu in view of the severe drought and insufficient rainfall. KPCC president Dr G. Parameshwar said the BJP was trying to politicise the issue by blaming the Prime Minister for the decision ordering Karnataka to release water till October 15. He suggested that the state file a petition before the CRA seeking a review of the directive and also sought a special session of the legislature to discuss the row.
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