Karnataka files appeal before CWMA seeking reduction in water release

The CWRC is meeting again on September 8 to review the ground-level situation. | Photo Credit: File Photo Ahead of the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) meeting scheduled this week, Karnataka has filed an appeal before the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) seeking a reduction in water release to Tamil Nadu from 9,000 cusecs a day, as ordered by it, to 2,000 cusecs.It may be noted that the CWMA had upheld the CWRC’s August 25 direction to Karnataka, asking it to ensure flows of 9,000 cusecs a day for 15 days from August 25 to be realised at the Biligundlu water gauge on the inter-State border. According to the CWMA’s order, the releases by Karnataka would total up to 11.66 tmcft.The CWRC is meeting again on September 8 to review the ground-level situation. On the same day, the CWMA is also meeting to review the situation.Meanwhile, Karnataka has filed an appeal before the CWMA seeking a reduction in water release on the grounds that the inflows into its Cauvery reservoirs are very low. It has also pointed out that the southwest Monsoon is set to end soon, indicating that there is no hope for the State that there will be further inflows into its Cauvery reservoirs in the future.It may be noted that Karnataka, on August 25, had appealed to the CWMA to adopt a cautious approach while asking for any further release, and requested the Authority to reassess the situation after observing the forthcoming northeast monsoon. The State had told the CWMA that its Cauvery basin area was facing severe hydrological distress, due to which cumulative inflows into its four reservoirs in the Cauvery basin were about 49.18% below the 30-year average. Published - September 06, 2026 10:28 pm IST