CWMA Directs Karnataka to Release 12,000 Cusecs of Cauvery Water Daily to Tamil Nadu

The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) has endorsed a directive issued by the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) instructing Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs of Cauvery water per day to Tamil Nadu over a 15-day period starting Wednesday. This allocation translates to approximately 15.55 thousand million cubic feet (tmc ft) in total.

What Happened

During a meeting held in Delhi on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, the CWMA reviewed the water situation and upheld the CWRC’s decision regarding daily Cauvery water releases. According to CWMA Chairperson Saumitra Kumar Haldar, the decision was finalized after evaluating current reservoir storage, inflow patterns, and the meteorological forecast for the upcoming seven days.

Mr. Haldar stated that Karnataka is in a comfortable position to comply with the directive. The four reservoirs in Karnataka’s Cauvery basin currently hold 77 tmc ft of water, compared to the long-term average of 83 tmc ft. Additionally, these reservoirs are projected to receive daily inflows ranging between 2 to 2.5 tmc ft over the next week, enabling the state to spare 1 tmc ft per day for Tamil Nadu.

Key Highlights

• Mandated Water Release: Karnataka is instructed to discharge 12,000 cusecs daily for 15 days, amounting to approximately 15.55 tmc ft.
• Karnataka’s Concerns: The state reported that cumulative inflows into its four Cauvery reservoirs stood at 77.746 tmc ft, which is roughly 47% below the 30-year average, citing severe hydrological distress and the necessity to safeguard drinking water and kharif crops.
• Karnataka’s Previous Realisation: Karnataka highlighted that it had already provided 86,942 cusecs at the Biligundlu measuring point against the stipulated 52,500 cusecs.
• Tamil Nadu’s Submission: Tamil Nadu requested 37 tmc ft by the end of August to address backlog and pro-rata requirements, noting a 36% rainfall deficit in its basin area compared to deficits of 9% upstream of KRS and 19% in the Kabini catchment.
• Dispute on Distress Sharing: Karnataka argued against a rigid pro-rata distress formula focused solely on its reservoirs, while the CWMA chairperson noted that changing river dynamics prevent a single permanent formula, though views from riparian states have been sought.

Why This Matters

The directive balances competing agricultural and domestic water demands between the upper and lower riparian states during a deficit period. While Karnataka sought to limit releases to between 9,000 and 10,000 cusecs or defer decisions until the end of the southwest monsoon to secure drinking supplies and irrigation, Tamil Nadu pushed for 1.5 tmc ft daily (approximately 37 tmc ft for the month) to meet its agricultural needs, disputing Karnataka’s claims regarding downstream storage and monsoon benefits.

What to Watch Next

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated that a final decision regarding the state’s response will be made following a thorough evaluation of water availability. A consultation with legal specialists and government officials is scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, 2026, to explore potential legal options while balancing farmer interests and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What calculation determines the total water volume to be released?

Based on hydrological metrics, a sustained flow of 11,574 cusecs over 24 hours equals one tmc ft. At 12,000 cusecs per day over 15 days, the total volume delivered will be approximately 15.55 tmc ft.

What was Karnataka’s primary counter-proposal to the CWMA?

Karnataka requested the authority to defer any release mandates until the conclusion of the southwest monsoon or reduce the daily discharge rate to 10,000 cusecs, citing declining inflows and low cumulative storage.

Why did Tamil Nadu object to Karnataka’s reservations?

Tamil Nadu argued that withholding water to secure a full year of contingency drinking water for Bengaluru was unjustified and stressed that releases from the KRS reservoir remained low despite improved catchment inflows.

Source: Reported via The Hindu.