Tamil Nadu has shot off a letter to the State Government demanding release of 5 TMC ft of Cauvery water immediately for the cropping season. Tamil Nadu has also taken exception to the shortfall of 2 TMC ft in the release of its quota during June.
As per the interim order of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal, Karnataka has to release 10 TMC ft in June and 34 TMC ft in July to the neighbouring state. Karnataka has time till July end to release TN quota.
The State itself is bogged by the depleting water levels in its reservoirs. Water in KRS dam, one of the major reservoirs on the Cauvery, stood at 86.1 ft against the Full Reservoir Level (FRL) of 124.8 ft. According to official sources, the State has written to TN that it is facing severe shortage of water and sought that “distress formula” be worked out.
However, the interim award is ambiguous on distress sharing and there is no clear cut formula on sharing the waters in the case of failure of the monsoon, the sources pointed out.
Though the Tribunal has pronounced its final award, all the four states have approached the Supreme Court and also the Tribunal seeking a review. In other words, the interim order is still in effect, the sources added.