Updated on: 31 Jul 2026
BENGALURU: Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced that Karnataka’s next steps on the Cauvery water dispute will be decided only after consulting legal experts and taking opposition leaders into confidence at an upcoming all-party meeting.
Addressing a press conference at Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar addressed the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee’s (CWRC) directive to release 3,500 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days. He noted that similar distress orders occurred in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2023. He highlighted that over 400 TMC was released last year due to heavy rainfall, far exceeding the mandated 177 TMC.
Shivakumar stated that Karnataka filed a review petition before the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) seeking a deferral and reduction in release quantum. Although state officials and legal advisors presented strong arguments, the CWMA rejected the plea, citing ongoing reservoir inflows.
He expressed relief over recovering inflows, currently at 25,000 cusecs across dams—with Harangi at 95%, Kabini at 83%, Hemavathi at 67%, and KRS at 36% capacity. Reassuring citizens, he affirmed that protecting farmers’ interests and securing drinking water remains the government’s top priority, continuing a tradition upheld by past Congress administrations.
Acknowledging support from Union Ministers and 36 MPs across party lines, Shivakumar confirmed an all-party meeting with former Chief Ministers and legislators to deliberate further actions. He highlighted that Karnataka released only 0.6 TMC from dams by July-end—the lowest in 100 years—as most flowing water was natural rain runoff from around Bengaluru. Dismissing the need for the August 13 Karnataka Bandh, he urged against public disruptions.
The CM revealed he will request Tamil Nadu CM Vijay to postpone his scheduled August 3 visit to Karnataka until public sentiment normalizes, ensuring future discussions occur amicably. He also praised Union Minister CR Patil for approving the Tungabhadra silt-mitigation project as a 90:10 nationally funded initiative alongside Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Reiterating support for the Mekedatu balancing reservoir, Shivakumar emphasized that it primarily benefits Tamil Nadu by guaranteeing water during distress years without diverting water for irrigation. Clarifying that the DPR was not rejected but merely awaited clarifications, he affirmed Karnataka’s commitment to legal solutions.
Concluding with a Q&A, Shivakumar confirmed that final decisions regarding Supreme Court appeals will follow the all-party meeting. He reassured the public that 40 TMC is fully reserved for drinking needs, preventing any shortage, and praised the state’s legal team for their dedicated performance.
