Cauvery Committee, Authority to meet on Tuesday to review water situation
As on date, the combined storage of four reservoirs in Karnataka was around 88 tmc ft. against the total capacity of 114.57 tmc ft.
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Context
The (CWMA) and the (CWRC) are holding meetings to review the water situation between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Tamil Nadu has realised approximately 8.3 tmc ft of water since June 1, significantly below the normal expected quantum of 49 tmc ft. The meetings follow a July directive from the CWRC, endorsed by the CWMA, requiring Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water for 15 days.
UPSC Perspectives
Polity
The ongoing dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over Cauvery water sharing is a classic example of inter-state water disputes, which fall under the purview of Article 262 of the Constitution. Article 262 empowers Parliament to adjudicate on disputes relating to waters of inter-state rivers and river valleys. Parliament enacted the , under which the (CWDT) was constituted. The (CWMA) and the (CWRC) were established in 2018 to implement the CWDT's final award as modified by the Supreme Court. The recurring conflicts highlight the challenges in cooperative federalism, where states must balance their own needs with their obligations to lower riparian states. UPSC candidates should focus on the constitutional mechanisms for resolving such disputes, the role of tribunals versus the Supreme Court, and the ongoing debate over the effectiveness of the current adjudication framework, including discussions around establishing a single, permanent tribunal.
Geography
The Cauvery river basin, spanning Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry, is a crucial geographical entity, heavily dependent on the unpredictable monsoon. The current shortfall in Tamil Nadu's water realisation underscores the vulnerability of the region's agriculture to rainfall variations. The data points from the (CWC), a technical organization under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, regarding the gauge and discharge (G&D) site at Biligundlu are critical for monitoring the flow. The storage levels in key reservoirs—four in Karnataka and the Mettur dam in Tamil Nadu—dictate the agricultural operations in the delta region. This scenario demands an understanding of the drainage basin concept, the significance of upper riparian versus lower riparian states, and the impact of climate change on river hydrology. For UPSC Mains, analyzing the spatial distribution of water resources and the geographical factors contributing to inter-state water conflicts is essential.
Governance
The role of institutions like the (CWC), the (CWMA), and the (CWRC) is central to water governance in India. The CWMA acts as a regulatory body to ensure the implementation of the Supreme Court's order, while the CWRC handles the technical aspects of water release schedules. The recurring need for these bodies to intervene highlights the challenges in water resource management, particularly during distress years when rainfall is deficient. The governance challenge lies in transitioning from crisis management to sustainable, long-term water management strategies. This includes promoting water-use efficiency in agriculture (e.g., shifting cropping patterns), improving irrigation infrastructure, and fostering integrated river basin management. UPSC questions may focus on the mandate, composition, and efficacy of these regulatory bodies in ensuring equitable distribution of shared water resources.