Supreme Court Hearing on Cauvery Water Allocation Set for Next Monday

The Supreme Court of India is scheduled to hear a critical petition concerning the allocation of Cauvery river water on Monday. The case, filed by Karnataka’s present chief minister D.K. Shivakumar, seeks clarification on the state’s water‑release schedule and the methodology used by the Cauvery Water Management Authority.

Former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai, speaking to reporters on August 2, emphasized the need for the Karnataka government to present meticulous, data‑driven arguments before the apex court. He warned that any lapse could invite a stringent order compelling the state to adjust its water‑release policies under unfavorable terms.

Bommai reminded that the recent monsoon showers across Vaynad, Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru and Sakaleshpur have offered only a brief, natural reprieve to the prolonged water shortage. “The rains are a temporary blessing, not a permanent fix,” he said.

He also referenced the ongoing schedule of the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee, which convenes every fifteen days, and the monthly meetings of the Cauvery Water Management Authority, both tasked with determining water releases based on a crisis‑sharing formula.

The former chief minister criticized the state’s claim of cutting water releases from 9,500 to 3,500 cusecs, arguing that without actual water reaching farmers, canals, and reservoirs, such numbers are merely symbolic.

He highlighted that despite advisories against sowing due to water scarcity, approximately 70% of farmers have already completed planting for both kharif and rabi seasons, underscoring the urgency of reliable water supplies.

Bommai concluded by urging the Karnataka administration to maintain continuous monitoring of water levels, safeguard drinking‑water needs, and ensure that excess water is released only when reservoirs are at full capacity, rather than as a routine practice.