The ongoing dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over the sharing of Cauvery water has taken a new turn, with the two states exchanging letters over the release of water.In a letter to Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin accused the Karnataka government of not releasing the full amount of water to Tamil Nadu as per the directions of the Supreme Court. Stalin also demanded that the Karnataka government stop the construction of the Mekedatu dam, which he said would further reduce the amount of water available to Tamil Nadu.
In June 2022, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin wrote to Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, urging him to advise the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) to ensure the release of the river water as per the directions of the Supreme Court. He also expressed concern over the Karnataka government's decision to discuss the Mekedatu dam project in the CWMA meeting.
Shekhawat responded to Stalin's letter, stating that the CWMA is an independent body and that the Centre will not interfere in its decisions. He also said that the Centre is committed to ensuring the equitable distribution of Cauvery water to all the riparian states.
In July 2022, Stalin led a delegation of Tamil Nadu MLAs to meet Shekhawat in Delhi. During the meeting, the delegation reiterated their concerns over the Karnataka government's plans to construct the Mekedatu dam. They also urged Shekhawat to take steps to ensure the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.
Shekhawat assured the delegation that the Centre will take all necessary steps to protect the interests of Tamil Nadu. He also said that the Centre is in talks with the Karnataka government to resolve the issue of Cauvery water sharing.
The correspondence between Stalin and Shekhawat is a sign of the growing tension between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over the Cauvery water issue. The two states have been locked in a legal battle over the sharing of Cauvery water for many years. The Supreme Court has issued several orders in the case, but the issue has not been fully resolved.
The construction of the Mekedatu dam has further complicated the issue. The dam is located in Karnataka, but it is downstream of the Cauvery river, which flows through Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu has argued that the dam will reduce the amount of water available to the state. Karnataka has defended the dam, saying that it is necessary for the state's drinking water and irrigation needs.
The correspondence between Stalin and Shekhawat suggests that the Centre is trying to play a mediating role in the dispute. However, it is unclear whether the Centre will be able to resolve the issue. The two states are likely to continue to clash over the Cauvery water issue for many years to come.
Background of the dispute:-
The Cauvery River is a perennial river that originates in the Western Ghats of Karnataka and flows through the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. The river is a vital source of water for irrigation and drinking water for millions of people in these states.The dispute over the sharing of Cauvery water dates back to the colonial era. In 1892, the British government appointed a commission to resolve the dispute. The commission recommended a formula for sharing the water, but this formula was never implemented.
In 1924, the two states signed an agreement on the sharing of Cauvery water. However, this agreement was also not implemented.
In 1960, the two states went to court over the sharing of Cauvery water. The Supreme Court of India issued a series of orders in the case, but the dispute has never been fully resolved.
