Karnataka Seeks Fair Hearing on Kaveri Release, Says Drinking Water Must Come First

Bengaluru, July 30 – Former Karnataka agriculture minister N. Cheluvayasuwami addressed an urgent press conference, calling for a balanced hearing on the Kaveri water release and stressing that the supply of safe drinking water to the state's population should be the highest priority.

The Kaveri Water Regulation Committee recently ordered Tamil Nadu to let 3,500 cusecs flow into Karnataka each day. However, the former minister noted that the Kaveri basin has recorded significantly lower rainfall this month, and meteorological projections suggest a continued dry spell for the foreseeable future.

He said Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has already presented all relevant statistics – reservoir levels, rainfall deficits and projected water demand – to the Kaveri officials. In parallel, discussions have been held with Union ministers and parliamentary representatives, bolstering confidence that Karnataka's concerns will be heard impartially.

Cheluvayasuwami recalled that drought‑like situations have been a feature of previous governments, naming H.D. Deve Gowda, S.M. Krishna, B.S. Yediyurappa and Siddaramaiah as leaders who have faced similar challenges. This historical context, he argued, underscores the need for a long‑term water‑management strategy rather than short‑term political maneuvering.

The ex‑minister warned that some factions are attempting to mislead the farming community for electoral advantage. He reiterated that the government will not consider releasing water purely for political gain and that the focus must remain on preserving drinking water supplies for households.

He criticized opposition protests as counter‑productive, urging parties to support the government's relief initiatives instead of seeking to capitalize on the crisis. He also suggested that the central government should step in as a neutral facilitator in the Kaveri dispute.

Closing his remarks, Cheluvayasuwami appealed for patience among Kannada organisations and the general public, asking them to cooperate with authorities as the state works toward a sustainable resolution.