In an all-party meeting convened by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Karnataka leaders put aside their political differences to address the looming water crisis in the state. The meeting was called in response to the Cauvery Water Management Committee’s order to release 5,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu daily.
The Chief Minister stressed that, even before considering the release of water to Tamil Nadu, Karnataka is grappling with a severe water scarcity. He urged all parties to unite in protecting the state’s interests.
According to the committee’s orders, Karnataka should have released 99 TMC of water, but only 37 TMC has been released so far. The state urgently needs 70 TMC of water for crop protection and an additional 33 TMC for drinking water. With only 53 TMC in storage, the state faces a dire situation.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated unequivocally that no one can ignore the welfare of farmers and the state’s residents. He noted that the month of August had the lowest rainfall in 123 years, contributing to the alarming water shortage. As a result, discussions centred on legal and political measures and seeking assistance from the Central government.
The all-party meeting brought together technical experts, legal authorities, elected representatives, and leaders from various parties. Notable attendees included Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Minister Dr. G. Parameshwar, H.K. Patila, Cheluvarayaswamy, K.H. Muniyappa, K.N. Rajanna, N.S. Bhosaraju, K. Venkatesh, Jamir Ahmed Khan, former Chief Minister M. Veerappa Moily, MPs, MLAs, Chief Secretary to Government Vandita Sharma, Deputy Chief Secretary of the Water Resources Department Rakesh Singh, and Advocate General Shashikiran Shetty.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stressed that two options are available: to reapply to the Cauvery Water Management Authority or to approach the Supreme Court due to the dire water shortage.
He confirmed that a delegation led by the state’s minister will visit Delhi to meet with the Union Water Resources Minister and a team of lawyers to safeguard the interests of the farmers.
Siddaramaiah concluded by reiterating that water cannot be provided at the expense of the state’s farmers. He called for unity and highlighted the Mekedatu scheme as a potential solution to the ongoing crisis. The Chief Minister urged all MPs to exert pressure on the Central government and work together for the state’s common interests, transcending political differences.
As Karnataka grapples with this water crisis, the state’s leadership remains committed to finding a resolution that prioritises the welfare of its residents and farmers.
Former CMs Yediyurappa, Bommai, Kumaraswamy give meeting a miss
Former Karnataka Chief Ministers — B S Yediyurappa and Basavaraj Bommai of the BJP and H D Kumaraswamy of the JD(S) — did not attend the “special emergency meeting” called by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday to discuss the issue of releasing Cauvery river water to neighbouring Tamil Nadu.
The meeting was convened at a short notice following the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) on Tuesday recommending that Karnataka release 5,000 cusecs of water every day for the next 15 days to Tamil Nadu.
Bommai and Kumaraswamy said they are preoccupied with prior commitments but made their stand clear on the issue.
The Chief Minister’s office said late on Tuesday, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, ministers of the Cauvery basin region, former chief ministers of all parties, senior ministers of the state cabinet, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members were invited to participate in the emergency meeting.