Karnataka to challenge CWMA’s order before SC and file review petition before CWRC, says Minister

The Cauvery flowing through Chunchanakatte Falls in Saligrama taluk of Mysuru district. | Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR Karnataka is preparing to file a petition before the Supreme Court on Thursday challenging the Cauvery Water Management Authority’s (CWMA) direction to release water to Tamil Nadu, according to Karnataka Water Resources Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy.The Minister told presspersons in Bengaluru that the decision had been taken after holding detailed deliberations with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. He said consultations had already been held with legal experts on filing such a petition before the apex court.ReviewIn addition to approaching the Supreme Court, the State will also file a review petition before the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee seeking review of its Tuesday’s order, the Minister said.It may be noted that the CWRC, which met in Delhi on Tuesday, had reviewed the situation with respect to water storage in reservoirs of the Cauvery basin in both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu among other issues and asked Karnataka to ensure flows at a rate of 6,000 cusecs to Tamil Nadu for 15 days from Wednesday.Karnataka had challenged the CWRC’s direction before the CWMA. However, the CWMA had upheld the CWRC’s order and asked Karnataka to comply with the order related to water release.He said the government would seriously examine the suggestion by former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai to appoint a special advocate to present the State’s arguments related to Cauvery water sharing before the Supreme Court. Consultations would also be held with Mr. Bommai in this regard, he noted.It may be noted that Karnataka would have to release a total of 7.8 tmcft of water if it complies with the CWRC/CWMA’s direction related to ensuring flows at a rate of 6,000 cusecs a day for 15 days. Published - September 09, 2026 08:09 pm IST