Bengaluru: On the eve of hearing of Tamil Nadu’s plea by the Supreme Court and a bandh called in the neighbouring state to demand release of water of the Cauvery, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said it would be impossible for Karnataka to release 50 TMC feet, but the quantum fixed under the distress formula would be adhered to.
He told the media here: “It is a distress year. Water (quantum) sought by Tamil Nadu is as per a normal year. We are releasing water as per the distress formula. We only have 50 TMC feet of water in all four reservoirs in Cauvery basin, and need 40 TMC feet for drinking. We will convey this to the Supreme Court.”
In the petition, Tamil Nadu has charged Karnataka with diverting water meant for farmers during distress years for undeclared projects, in violation of the final orders of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal in 2007, apportioning the inter-state river water among the riparian states.
On August 27, the state made it clear that it would not be possible to meet Tamil Nadu’s demand for 50 TMC feet given the "severe distress" with leaders at an all-party meeting deciding that the apex court should be informed about shortage of water in all four reservoirs.
