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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.

Maharashtra

Joint site inspection to be conducted to effectively implement mosquito control measures, Ashwini Bhide directs

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Various agencies in Mumbai should cooperate in providing access to the Pest Control Department team during site visits in mosquito control measures. Mosquito control measures should be effectively implemented by providing necessary support to the Pest Control Department in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation area. Besides, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Ashwini Bhide directed that the objective should be to reduce the number of patients through preventive measures against monsoon diseases by the Municipal Corporation.

A review meeting of the Mosquito Control Committee was held at the Municipal Corporation Headquarters today (14 May 2026) under the chairmanship of Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide.

. Additional Municipal Commissioner (Western Suburbs) Dr. Vipin Sharma, Deputy Commissioner (Municipal Commissioner’s Office) Prashant Gaikwad, Deputy Commissioner (Public Health) Sharad Uday, Executive Health Officer Dr. Daksha Shah, Pesticide Officer Amrit Suryavanshi were present in the meeting along with representatives of various government and semi-government organizations of Mumbai. Senior officers and representatives of government, semi-government organizations from Central Public Works Department, Mahada, Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, Mumbai Port Trust, Navy, Air Force, BEST, Postal Department, Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Dairy Department, Mahavataran, LIC, Airport Authority, Public Works Department, NTC attended the meeting. Obstacles in the access of the pest control team to places like dilapidated buildings, grassy areas, mill plots and containment areas of various agencies should be removed. There is a need to take mosquito control measures here with joint efforts. This will make it possible to control the increasing number of patients due to monsoon diseases. It has been observed that mosquito control measures have not been implemented for 6,160 water tanks in the premises of 21 agencies in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation area. A joint inspection visit should be organized in collaboration with the Pesticides Department of Mumbai Municipal Corporation and various agencies. Mumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Ashwini Bhide directed that various agencies should make joint efforts to implement preventive measures at mosquito breeding sites by May 31, 2026.

Training of over 5000 personnel at construction sites completed
Large-scale reconstruction of buildings is underway in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation area. Security officers and workers are being trained to implement mosquito control measures at construction project sites. More than 5000 personnel have been trained in mosquito control measures in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation area. A WhatsApp group has also been created for communication and coordination between security officers and the pest control department. As part of the monsoon measures, the pest control department has been conducting a drive since February to personally visit various establishments and inspect the covers installed on water tanks. During the inspection, it was observed that the covers of the water tanks were not in good condition and were not installed properly. It was also found that the work of removing obstructions and materials has not been completed. Engineering measures need to be implemented at some places. Various government and semi-government institutions have been directed to implement mosquito control measures before the monsoon through site visit campaigns. Municipal Corporation Commissioner Ashwini Bhide has directed that the mosquito control measures should be completed in a planned manner by 31 May 2026 through a joint campaign.

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Maharashtra

Eviction proceedings by ‘E’ Department against unauthorized hawkers, garages and scrap dealers on Tank Pakhri Marg, Hafiz Ali Bahadur Khan Marg

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Mumbai: The Municipal Corporation’s E-Department conducted eviction operations against about 40 encroachments at Water Street Corner, Tank Pakhri Marg and Hafiz Ali Bahadur Khan Marg in Ward No. 212 under the ‘E’ Department. Action was taken against unauthorized hawkers, garages and scrap dealers and others. Encroachments were removed by taking action against unauthorized benches, stalls and sheds. This operation was conducted under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner (Zone 1) Mrs. Chanda Jadhav and under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner Mr. Anand Kankal. It was observed that pedestrian movement was obstructed due to encroachments at Water Street Corner, Tank Pakhri Marg and Hafiz Ali Bahadur Khan Marg in the E section. In this context, the Protection and Encroachment Removal Departments working under the ‘E’ Administrative Division (Ward) of the Municipal Corporation jointly launched a drive. During this operation, action was taken against unauthorized shopkeepers. Encroachments on the footpath were removed. Action was also taken against unauthorized hawkers in the area. In addition, the road was cleared for traffic.

During this operation, which was carried out with the help of 1 JCB machine, 03 vehicles and 20 workers, the encroachment removal team included a senior inspector, license inspector, vehicle and staff, as well as a secondary engineer, junior engineer, vehicles and staff of the security department. Adequate security was deployed by Nagpada Police Station. Meanwhile, the administration is making it clear that regular action will continue against unauthorized constructions and unauthorized hawkers.

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Maharashtra

Drain cleaning work should also be expedited, but the quality of work should not be compromised, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde has instructed the administration.

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Mumbai: The Mumbai Municipal Corporation administration is carrying out the work of removing silt from rivers and small and big drains in Mumbai. These works should be completed by May 31, 2026.

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde said that in places where silt and garbage still accumulate in drains, the speed of garbage removal from such drains should be increased and the quality of work should also be improved. While doing road work, also take care of utility channels. Mayor Tawde also gave important instructions to provide adequate water to the trees by covering the soil around the base of trees on both sides of the road. As part of the pre-monsoon works, the Mumbai Municipal Corporation is carrying out road works at a fast pace along with the work of removing garbage from rivers and drains across the Mumbai metropolitan city. Under this, work was done in the western suburbs at Orlim Church Road, Marve Road in Malad (West), Ramchandra Nallah near D-Mart, Oshiwara River near Mega Mall in Goregaon (West), Arla Nallah and Sant Kabir Marg in Juhu, SNDT Nallah near Gazdhar Bandh Adanchan Kendra and Marugandra area in Kharge area. Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde inspected the relevant areas this morning (14 May 2026). He gave various instructions to the officers present on the occasion. Chairman of ‘P East’ and ‘P West’ Divisional Committee Haider Ali Aslam Sheikh, Chairman of ‘K Pachham’ Ward Committee Rohan Rathod, Corporator Mr. Deepak Kotekar, Corporator Chintamani Nyote, Deputy Commissioner (Zone 4) Dr. Bhagya Shri Kapse, Assistant Commissioner (P North) Kundan Valvi, Assistant Commissioner (H West) D.W., Assistant Commissioner (H West) D.W., D.W. Ale, Assistant Commissioner (H East) Mridula Ande, Deputy Chief Engineer (Rainwater Drainage) (Western Suburbs) Ramakant More, Executive Engineer (Roads) Abhijeet Angle and other concerned officers were present on the occasion. The monsoon season is approaching. Therefore, the current pace of the drain cleaning work should be increased and the work should be completed within the stipulated time. However, Mayor Ritu Tawde gave instructions that while increasing the pace of the work, there should be no compromise in the quality.

Although the cleaning of the SNDT drain near Maloni drain in Malad West area and the Gazdharband Udanchan Kendra in Khar area is ongoing, Mayor Tawde instructed to increase the pace of work at both the places in view of the time available and the remaining cleaning requirement. He also said that he will once again make a surprise visit to these two drains. During the inspection of the Arla drain in Juhu, the Mayor interacted with the local citizens. The protective wall on one side of this drain is in a dilapidated condition. Many citizens come to this place early in the morning to cycle. They come for exercise.

Therefore, Mayor Tawde instructed that the repair work of this wall should be started immediately for the safety of the citizens. He also interacted with the sanitation workers present at the place and informed them about how the daily work is carried out. The Mayor also visited the Gazdharband Udanchan Kendra in Khar area. He inspected the computer system, control room and waste segregation through dustbins. He also asked the engineers how the flood control gate works during high tides.

During the same visit, Mayor Ritu Tawde inspected Orlim Church Road in Malad (West), Marve Road in Juhu, Sant Kabir Road in Juhu and Harne Guruji Road in Bandra (East). While constructing cement concrete roads, care should be taken of the trees along the roads. Mayor Tawde also directed to fill the soil around the base of the trees so that their roots do not get exposed. The Mayor also inspected the nets and covers on the rainwater channels passing under the roads. He also directed to take precautionary measures to ensure that water does not accumulate on the roads during the monsoon season and the local residents are not inconvenienced during cement concreting.

During this inspection visit, Mayor Ritu Tawde also visited the Maharana Pratap Playground in Malad West area. Former corporator Jaya Tuana gave information about the development of the said playground. The Mayor appreciated the facilities prepared for children to play in this playground. He also said that preference would be given to setting up such playgrounds on open plots in Mumbai. The Mayor also suggested that the concept of urban agriculture can be implemented by creating a steam in the open space around this playground.

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