General
Understanding Cauvery Water Dispute: A Century-Old Struggle Between Tamil Nadu & Karnataka
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
Social media influencer Lala Lifestyle Mohsin Khan files complaint against four people in Nagpara Police

Mumbai: Social activist and social media lifestyle influencer Mohsin Khan alias Lala Lifestyle has filed a written complaint under Section 173(1) of the BNSS, 2023 at Nagpara Police Station seeking registration of an FIR against four persons for alleged caste-based harassment and criminal offences. Those against whom Lala Lifestyle has filed the complaint include Moin Batla son of Asif Batla, (2) Shoaib Tiger son of Zubair, (3) Sharukh Pathan, and (4) an unknown person. Khan has invoked the provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, namely Sections 3(1)(r), 3(1)(s), 3(1)(u), 3(1)(za) and 3(2)(va)* along with Sections 61, 196, B196, B13,53 2023, and the IT Act, A complaint under Section 67 of 2000 has been registered. In addition, FIR No. 0154 of 2026 has already been registered at Dongri Police Station on 12/03/2026. As per the complaint, the accused was allegedly involved in caste-based humiliation, criminal threats and circulation of obscene electronic material. Khan has submitted electronic evidence and has sought police protection citing threats from the accused. Nagpara Police has confirmed receipt of the complaint. Further investigation is pending.
Maharashtra
Mumbai: Dr. Sejal Pawar goes on leave due to controversial statements and comments, KEM Hospital takes strict action even before investigation

Mumbai: Student Dr. Sejal at a comedy event Sejal has been sent on 15-day leave along with a departmental inquiry and further action will be taken only after its final report. Institutional action in the matter related to Dr. Sejal Pawar.
Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital have taken due cognizance of the public concern arising out of the remarks made by MBBS third year student Sejal Pawar during a comedy event and the subsequent circulation of the related video material on social media platforms.
Immediately after receiving the complaints, the institute initiated a preliminary fact-finding process. The concerned student was called, his explanation/apology was taken on record, and the relevant material was reviewed. In view of the preliminary findings, the sensitivity of the matter, and the need to maintain the dignity of deceased persons, body donors and the professional standards expected of medical students, an interim disciplinary/administrative order has been issued against Pawar today.
Accordingly, Pawar has been placed on compulsory leave for a period of 15 days, with effect from May 13, pending detailed inquiry and further orders. At 10:30 am today, he was entrusted with the care and supervision of his parents/guardians during the said period. He has also been directed to cooperate fully with the institutional inquiry and to be available in person or through online mode whenever called by the inquiry committee.
A proposal has also been made to constitute a comprehensive five-member inquiry committee comprising senior faculty, one external/non-faculty member and appropriate institutional representation. The committee is expected to examine the facts, context, implications and relevant records including the aspect of social media circulation and make its reasoned recommendations for further action. The Institute reiterates that respect for patients, deceased, body donors and their families is a core value of medical education. The matter will be dealt with seriousness, sensitivity and due process with fairness. Further action will be taken as per applicable NMC MUHS, BMC and institutional norms after receipt of detailed inquiry report.
No final conclusion should be drawn at this stage, as a comprehensive inquiry is currently underway.
Maharashtra
Contractors fined for negligence and laxity in Mumbai drain cleaning, Mumbai Municipal Corporation administration takes strict action

The Mumbai Municipal Corporation has taken a tough stand against the contractors for the shortcomings found through the artificial intelligence system in the drain cleaning work and for delay in the deployment of machinery as per the terms and conditions of the tender. In addition, a fine of Rs. 92,572,830 has been imposed on the concerned contractors. This fine amount is being recovered from the contractor’s bills.
The Sewerage Department has taken this action as per the directions of Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide. Every year, before the onset of rains in Mumbai, the Sewerage Department of the Municipal Corporation removes silt from the sweet rivers and large drains in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. While the work of removing silt from small drains is done at the ward level. Natural drains, rain drains, underground drains, chambers and bridges are opened and cleaned. Removing garbage from drains helps in faster drainage of rainwater. Keeping in mind the rainfall experience and intensity of rainfall in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the target for sludge removal is determined by studying the amount of sludge that needs to be removed from the drains. Like every year, this year too, the work of removing sludge from drains was started in a hurry in the first week of March. Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide has directed the system to effectively monitor these drain cleaning works. To ensure that the sludge removal works are carried out properly and monitored, the municipal administration has developed an artificial intelligence (A.I.) system since last year. Through this system, the work of cleaning drains is being closely monitored. Accordingly, 30 seconds of filming (video) along with photography has been made mandatory for these works. While filming and videoing through CCTV has been made mandatory before and after the removal of sludge from small drains. The municipal administration is analyzing all the videos received regarding the removal of garbage with the help of an artificial intelligence system. This is helping the administration to accurately monitor the garbage removal works in the drains and maintain complete transparency in the works. Implementing the artificial intelligence system, the AI system screens all the uploaded images and videos. It also detects errors in them. Criteria have been set to detect these errors and shortcomings. When the vehicle reaches the weighbridge for weighing, whether the tarpaulin is being removed or not (tarpaulin detection), reuse of the same image or inconsistency in the images (image ghosting), observation of the amount of dust flying from the vehicle during sludge disposal (dust inspection), availability of image (required availability), unavailability of image (manual inspection), non-uploading of videos of sludge unloading operations (unloading video not available) and discrepancies between registered vehicles or work codes and actual work details (vehicle/work code mismatch) have been detected according to these important aspects. In addition, various types of defects have been found in the drain cleaning work such as insufficient availability of necessary plants, machinery and vehicles, shortage of manpower, non-provision of safety equipment to workers performing drain cleaning work, non-processing of collected sludge in the prescribed manner and slowness in working within the prescribed time.
Due to AI-based inspection, verification of digital evidence and physical site inspection, errors in the work were detected in time and financial liability has been fixed on the concerned contractors. The amount of penalty has been fixed according to the error in the work and the penalty amount is being collected from the amount due from the contractors.
Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) Abhijeet Bangar said that the municipal administration is very insistent about quality and transparency in the drain cleaning work. Any mistake, whether deliberate or unintentional, in the drain cleaning work is unforgivable. The administration’s zero tolerance policy is maintained in this regard. On the one hand, great efforts have been made to improve the quality of the drain cleaning work and an attempt has been made to maintain the quality of the work done. However, by working through technology, punitive action has been taken by finding the mistakes left by the contractors and the purpose of this action is to send a message that overall negligence in the drain cleaning work will not be tolerated. If any lapse is found in future, the municipal corporation administration will take a strict stand. Abhijeet Bangar said that both AI-based monitoring and on-site inspection systems have effectively exposed the lapses in the work of cleaning drains. In particular, non-site inspection and non-uploading of videos were the main reasons for the punitive action.
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