Bengaluru, August 2: Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai stated on Sunday that recent rainfall in the Cauvery basin provides only temporary relief from the ongoing water shortage. He emphasized that this is not a permanent solution.
Bommai warned, “The state government must present solid arguments backed by comprehensive data in the Supreme Court. Otherwise, a strict order from the court could put the government in a difficult position again.”
Speaking to the media after an all-party meeting on the distribution of Cauvery river water, chaired by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, he noted, “Heavy rainfall in areas like Wayanad, Kodagu, Chikmagalur, and Sakleshpur has offered some temporary relief from the Cauvery water crisis.”
However, the former Chief Minister stressed that the state government cannot afford to be complacent. Ensuring a year-round supply of drinking water and irrigation for farmers remains a significant challenge.
Meetings of the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee occur every 15 days, while the Cauvery Water Management Authority meets monthly to discuss water release based on crisis-sharing formulas.
He urged, “The DMK has already filed a petition in the Supreme Court, with a hearing scheduled for next Monday. Therefore, the state government must present accurate data and sound arguments. Failing to do so could result in a strict court order, putting the government in a tough spot again.”
Bommai criticized the state government for presenting the reduction of water release from 9,500 cusecs to 3,500 cusecs as a significant achievement.
He remarked, “If water had been released for farmers, canals, and lakes, it could be termed an achievement. Claiming success without releasing a drop of water from the KRS dam is unacceptable. Despite the government’s advice against sowing due to water scarcity for both Kharif and Rabi crops, farmers have completed nearly 70 percent of sowing.”
When asked about the government’s advice, the former Chief Minister responded, “This is only temporary relief, and the government should not sit idle thinking the problem is resolved. They must continuously monitor the situation and ensure the state’s interests in drinking water and crops are protected. This should be the top priority. Let excess water flow naturally. Now that the inflow at KRS has increased, no water should be released until it reaches full capacity. Instead, water should be allocated for our farmers, canals, lakes, and drinking purposes.”
In response to the Mekedatu project and the all-party meeting convened by the Karnataka government, Water Resources Minister V. Somanna stated, “In this delicate situation, the Chief Minister has called for a meeting of political leaders and representatives to find a solution to this complex issue. Fortunately, August often brings favorable conditions for Karnataka during challenging times. Nature has once again come to our aid. The recent good rainfall in the Cauvery catchment area has further improved the situation.”
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