In a significant development, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has approached the Supreme Court, urging the Karnataka government to promptly release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. The DMK argues that Karnataka is obligated to comply with the apex court’s 2018 verdict along with recent directives from the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA).
The plea requests an order directing Karnataka to follow the recommendation of the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee, which was reaffirmed by the CWMA on Thursday. The recommendation calls for the release of 3,500 cusecs of water daily for a duration of 15 days to Tamil Nadu at the inter-state border point of Biligundlu.
“Direct the State of Karnataka / Respondent No. 1 to forthwith and fully implement the direction of the CWRC dated July 28, 2026, as affirmed by the CWMA on July 30, 2026, by ensuring a flow of 3,500 cusecs per day at Biligundlu for the period of 15 days commencing from the date of the order passed by this Hon’ble Court, and to make good the shortfall in compliance from July 29, 2026 onwards,” the DMK’s plea stated.
Additionally, the DMK’s petition demands that Karnataka address the accumulated shortfall in water releases. They have requested the court to mandate the state to compensate for a backlog of approximately 9.46 TMC due at Biligundlu as of July 26, 2026. This backlog should be managed by ensuring a release of around 7,000 cusecs per day over the same 15-day period.
Furthermore, the DMK has urged the Supreme Court to instruct the CWMA to oversee reservoir releases in Karnataka and report daily on the water flows at Biligundlu to ensure compliance.
This legal move occurs against a backdrop of escalating tensions between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka regarding the sharing of Cauvery waters amidst the current monsoon season. The recent CWMA decision reinforces the earlier recommendation, asserting that Karnataka must supply the specified water volume to Tamil Nadu over the upcoming weeks.
In response to protests in Karnataka against the water release, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has made an appeal to groups opposing the release to reconsider their planned agitation. Various farmer and pro-Kannada organizations have staged demonstrations throughout the Cauvery basin, insisting that the state cannot afford to release any water to Tamil Nadu, citing insufficient water in major reservoirs for even drinking purposes.
Chief Minister Shivakumar highlighted the ongoing rise in the Kabini reservoir’s water levels, warning that once it reaches capacity, the water must be released. “Kabini reservoir is filling up. Once a dam is full, water has to be released. It is impossible to hold it back. I humbly appeal to those planning to agitate against the release of water to withdraw their decision,” he stated.
He also cautioned protesters against approaching water release points, emphasizing the dangers involved: “Even if we decide not to release water, once the reservoir is full, it is impossible to hold it back. Protesters should not go near the points where water is being released. The force of the water can sweep you away. No one should lie down in the path of flowing water.”
Shivakumar reiterated his commitment to balancing the interests of Karnataka’s farmers while adhering to judicial orders. “There is an order to release 177 TMC of water to Tamil Nadu, and the Supreme Court has upheld it. We must respect the court’s order while also protecting the interests of our farmers. Our government is committed to safeguarding the welfare of Karnataka’s farmers,” he affirmed.
