TN to get 3.93 tmc ft from Nov 1 to 15

Mangalore Today News/ DHNS

BANGALORE, Oct 31:  In a major relief to Tamil Nadu, the Cauvery Monitoring Committee headed by Union Water Resources Secretary D V Singh on Wednesday said Karnataka has been told to release 3.93 tmc feet of water daily from November 1 to 15.

The committee also clarified that 3.93 tmc feet of water should pass through Biligundlu Monitoring Centre manned by the Central Water Commission, located downstream of KRS reservoir in Karnataka and Mettur reservoir of Tamil Nadu.

 

“If Tamil Nadu does not get water from natural course like the north-east monsoon, Karnataka should ensure that such quantum of water to neighbouring state by releasing from its reservoirs,” the committee said. On the demand of the Tamil Nadu government that it should get 2 tmc feet backlog of water from Karnataka till October 31, Singh said he would announce the quantum of backlog water on Friday, adding that Tamil Nadu should be compensated before November 5.

At the last meeting on October 11, the CMC had mandated that Tamil Nadu get 8.85 tmc of water between October 16 and 31. “A shortfall, if any, would be calculated on Friday as the last award was applicable till October 31,” an official said.

With the Supreme Court directing the Water Resources Ministry to consider all issues before the CMC award on release of water, the secretary directed the Tamil Nadu government to submit a written statement before the committee citing the reasons for demanding more water from Karnataka by November 2. Similarly, the secretary also instructed Karnataka to reply to all points raised by Tamil Nadu by November 8.

The next CMC meeting is scheduled to be held on November 15 and it will take up the issue raised by both the States. Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar said the state government would consult legal experts.

 “We need to go through the entire order. The government will consult legal experts and take appropriate decision to protect the interest of the State,” he told reporters.

The Supreme Court had on Tuesday directed the CMC to examine the Tamil Nadu’s complaint on the Cauvery river water sharing issue against Karnataka and give an appropriate direction.