General
Understanding Cauvery Water Dispute: A Century-Old Struggle Between Tamil Nadu & Karnataka
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The Cauvery River, traversing the southern Indian states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry, has been at the center of one of the most heated water disputes. This enduring clash, referred to as the Cauvery water dispute, originates from historical accords and conflicting requirements.
In recent developments, this issue has resurfaced, causing significant turmoil in Karnataka. Kannada groups have launched protests throughout the state, disrupting normal life on numerous occasions. Similarly, Cauvery water plays a crucial role in sustaining Tamil Nadu’s farming community, especially during the cultivation of their ‘Kuruvai’ crop. Around 30 lakh acres of agricultural land in the Cauvery delta region rely on the river’s water for their farming endeavors.
Farmers from both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have mobilised, advocating for the resolution of the Cauvery water-sharing dispute.
What reignited the controversy?
The recent dispute arose when Karnataka refused to comply with previously agreed-upon water release quotas. Tamil Nadu insisted on a release of 10,000 cusecs of water over a 15-day period, while Karnataka proposed a lower release of 8,000 cusecs for the same duration. Karnataka justified its stance by pointing to inadequate inflow caused by reduced rainfall in the Cauvery catchment area, including its source in Kodagu. The state government stated that from June to August, Kodagu experienced a rainfall deficit of 44%.
To assert its demand, Tamil Nadu approached the Supreme Court to ensure Karnataka’s release of 24,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) of water from its reservoir. In response, Karnataka argued before the Supreme Court that Tamil Nadu had failed to acknowledge that 2023 constituted a “distressed water year,” not a “normal water year.”
Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, subsequently requested a reconsideration of this decision due to water scarcity issues in the Cauvery basin area since the onset of this year’s monsoon season. Consequently, the state formally wrote to the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), urging them to review the order to release 10,000 cusecs to Tamil Nadu.
Following discussions during a meeting held on Tuesday, the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee recommended that Karnataka initiate a release of 3,000 cusecs at Biligundlu, commencing from September 28th until October 15th.
History of the dispute
The Cauvery River, known as the “Ganges of the South,” holds immense importance as a crucial water source for the southern states. Its primary usage lies in irrigation, supporting the livelihoods of countless farmers.
This conflict has its origins in the colonial period, during which the British administration formulated agreements to distribute the river’s waters between the princely states of Mysore and Madras Presidency (present-day Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, respectively).
1892 Agreement: The 1892 Agreement between the State of Mysore and Madras pertained to the initiation of new irrigation projects along the river’s course. However, it did not hold the same significance as the 1924 agreement, which would eventually become the root cause of the dispute.
1924 Agreement: In 1910, Mysore proposed the construction of the Kanambadi dam on the Cauvery River. Concurrently, Madras also put forth an irrigation project on the same river. When Madras raised objections to the second phase of the Kanambadi project, it led to the intervention of the Indian government.
Initially, there was hope that the two states could reach a mutually acceptable agreement. However, when this proved unfeasible, a Court of Arbitration, presided over by Sir Henry Griffin, was appointed to address the matter.
Under Griffin’s supervision, an agreement was fashioned on February 18, 1924, intended to remain in effect for the subsequent 50 years. Comprising ten clauses, the 1924 agreement stipulated that, for at least the following five decades, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry would receive 75 percent of the Cauvery water allocation, while 23 percent would be allocated to Mysore, with the remaining share flowing into Kerala, then known as Travancore.
Dispute continues in independent India
Following the state reorganisation in 1956, Tamil Nadu obtained 75 percent of the Cauvery water allocation, which led to an expansion of its irrigated areas. However, the issues continued to persist.
To address the ongoing disputes, the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) was established in 1990 with the purpose of arbitrating the water-sharing matter. The tribunal issued its final order in 2007.
According to the tribunal’s ruling, Kerala received an allocation of 30 tmc (thousand million cubic feet), Karnataka was allotted 270 tmc, Tamil Nadu received 419 tmc, and Puducherry was granted 7 tmc.
On February 16, 2018, the Supreme Court issued a unanimous verdict that resulted in a reduction of Karnataka’s annual water releases from 192 TMC to 177.25 TMC, consequently diminishing Tamil Nadu’s water allocation as well.
In accordance with the court’s directives, the Cauvery Water Management Authority was established by the Central government on June 1, 2018, to enforce the judgment.
The present
On August 14, the Tamil Nadu government approached the Supreme Court, seeking its intervention to compel Karnataka to promptly release 24,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) of water from its reservoirs.
Tamil Nadu urged the Court to instruct Karnataka to adhere to the release of 36.76 TMC of water, as mandated for September 2023 by the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) in 2007.
Karnataka argued that diminished rainfall in the Cauvery catchment area, encompassing regions in Kerala, had resulted in insufficient inflow into its reservoirs.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah elucidated that historically, whenever there was an excess of water in the reservoirs, Karnataka willingly supplied it to Tamil Nadu. However, unfavorable conditions this year have left Karnataka unable to do so.
Upon reaching the court, the Supreme Court declined to interfere with the orders of the Cauvery Water Management Authority and Cauvery Water Regulation Committee.
These directives mandated Karnataka to maintain the release of 5,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu.
On September 18, the Cauvery Water Management Authority reaffirmed the necessity for Karnataka to persist with the release of 5,000 cusecs (cubic feet per second) of water to Tamil Nadu, aligning with the prior order issued by the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee on September 12.
Contending Perspectives
The Karnataka government maintains that the terms of the 1924 agreement, which had a 50-year expiration date, should not be applicable to the current water distribution scenario.
Karnataka also argues that when the agreement was forged, Tamil Nadu was under British governance, while Karnataka was a princely state, potentially limiting its ability to effectively assert its interests.
In contrast, Tamil Nadu asserts that making fundamental alterations to the 1924 agreement would prove detrimental to both regions. Tamil Nadu contends that the original understanding during the negotiation of the agreement was for its clauses to be reviewed after 50 years rather than completely overhauled.
General
Pongal 2024: Mumbai Celebrates Harvest Festival Reflecting Rich Tamil Culture
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Nearly 2000 people participated in Pongal festivities in and around Antop Hill on Monday. Mass Pongal celebration was carried out across various locations of the Sion Koliwada constituency and was facilitated by MLA Captain R Tamil Selvan who continues to organise these events embracing the harvest season and Tamil culture for more than a decade now.
In a beautiful display of cultural richness, locals dressed in traditional attires prepared Pongal reciting folk songs, raising the festival mood. The event saw them setting up their Pongal pots in the midst of sugarcane, flowers, and rangolis. The celebration was notably marked at the Antop Hill Cement Ground with about a thousand people lifting the festival spirit on the auspicious day. Other areas that observed Pongal on a grand scale included New 90 Feet Road, Kamaraj Nagar, Vijay Nagar, and the Malai Mariamman temple in Naik Nagar among a few others.
Captain Selvan was seen visiting the spots and joining the public in the celebration. “Pongal is associated with agriculture. Tamilians of various religious beliefs celebrate this festival together without any discrimination. This is the significance of Pongal,” he said while extending Pongal greetings.
The event was not confined to only the Tamil-speaking people celebrating the occasion as it saw women from diverse cultural backgrounds mark the festival. While Tamilians gathered there to celebrate Pongal, others enjoyed the Makar Sankranti festivities in the region with similar rituals involving boiling water and preparing food in their pots.
“Pongalo Pongal” chants were heard during the celebration as women prayed to seek prosperity for their families while boiling and expecting their pots to overflow with the Pongal preparation.
Throwing more light on the harvest festival, the MLA acknowledged that the first dam built in the world was built by Karikala, a Tamilian. “Tamilians introduced the concept of building dams to stop running (river) water and distribute it for agricultural usage. Karikala from the Chola Dynasty constructed the Kallanai Dam over the Kaveri River running in Trichy.”
Several people admire the Tamil language and its treasurable culture, including PM Narendra Modi who recently inaugurated the Kashi Tamil Sangamam at Namo Ghat in Varanasi and mentioned about Pongal and remembered prominent Tamil personalities like Subramania Bharathiyar, Bharathidasan, and Thiruvalluvar.
General
Ram Temple Consecration: Tailor Awaits Ram Lalla’s Measurements Causing Delay In Making Of Sacred Garments
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Lucknow: In the vicinity of Vashishtha Kund, the rhythmic hum of machines in the workshop of Bhagwat Prasad Pahadi, the tailor entrusted with the crafting of attire for Ram Lalla, kept playing out.
However, an unexpected hurdle has brought the needle and thread to a temporary pause. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is yet to provide the crucial measurements of the idol of Ram Lalla, and thereby, work on sewing the sacred clothing is pending.
Tailor Says, ‘All The Garments Will Be Ready In 2 Days’
Bhagwat Prasad Pahadi expresses his predicament, stating that without the necessary measurements from the trust, he cannot stitch the clothes of Ram Lalla. Once the green signal is received, he assures that all the garments for Ram Lalla will be ready within a maximum of two days.
Currently, Bhagwat has readied three distinct costumes for the revered idol one in white, another in yellow, and the third in red. Champat Rai has so far revealed that the idol will be 51 inches tall and ‘shyamvarna’ (dusky). But he is yet to reveal other specifications.
Sacred pause not with standing, Bhagwat is inundated with orders from devotees not only within the state but across the country. Calls are pouring in from Jaipur, places in Madhya Pradesh, Makrana, Gujarat, and Haridwar, highlighting the widespread demand for Ram Lalla’s attire.
“So far, I have made over 25,000 dresses and more orders are pouring in. This shows the devotion and faith of the people in Ram Lalla,” he said.
The meticulous work of crafting the wardrobe for Ram Lalla involves a budget of approximately Rs.10,000. This comprehensive set includes three curtains, a large bedsheet, six smaller bedsheets, six dupattas, and a quilt.
Bhagwat said that each day is dedicated to a specific colour for Ram Lalla’s attire. White on Monday, red on Tuesday, green on Wednesday, yellow on Thursday, cream on Fridays, blue on Saturday, and pink on Sunday. This adherence to a weekly colour code adds a symbolic and spiritual dimension to the attire.
Despite the challenges posed by the delay in measurements, Pahadi remains committed to his craft and awaits the necessary information from the trust. The intricate detailing and significance attached to each garment reflects the dedication of not only the tailor but also of the countless devotees, who eagerly anticipate the completion of the task.
As Ayodhya continues to be a focal point of spiritual and cultural significance, the meticulous preparation of every element associated with the revered deity stands as a testament to the devotion and reverence that abides in this sacred city.
General
Mumbai’s Marine Drive Witnesses Spectacular Aerial Display By IAF In Co-ordination With Maha Govt
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Mumbai witnessed a spectacular aerial display by the Indian Air Force in co-ordination with the Government of Maharashtra on Friday between 12 pm to 1 pm. With powerful demonstrations and captivating energy, the event took place over Marine Drive and will include aerobatic displays by the Suryakiran Aerobatic Display Team (SKAT) and the ‘Sarang’ Helicopter display team. The display will take place daily 12 pm to 1 pm till 14 January 2024.
Event by IAF & Maha Govt
The Indian Air Force (IAF) in collaboration with the Shiv Sena leader and chief minister Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra Government had announced the “Mumbai Air Show 2024″. The show includes aerobatic displays by the Suryakiran Aerobatic Display Team (SKAT) and the ‘Sarang’ Helicopter display team.
The official statement in which the announcement was made said that Mumbai Air Show 2024 would feature a diverse range of aerial activities, including a flypast and low-level aerobatic display by the Su-30 MKI, freefall and parachute displays by the ‘Akashganga’ team and C-130 aircraft.
Suryakiran Aerobatic Team designated as a brand ambassador for IAF
Established in 1996, the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team has been designated as a brand ambassador for the Indian Air Force. It is a part of the 52nd Squadron of the IAF. The team is composed of 13 pilots and operates Hawk MK 132 aircraft, according to news agency.
The Indian Air Force organised the aerial display in Mumbai as part of its outreach program in co-ordination with the Government of Maharashtra. The outreach programme aims to create awareness and foster a deeper connection between the Indian Air Force and the local community. A defence spokesperson said, “The captivating displays and demonstrations will showcase the skills, capabilities, and professionalism of the IAF.”
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