Supreme Court Declines to Intervene in Kaveri Water Dispute
In a dramatic turn of events, Dr. Mahendranatha Sharma, a prominent spiritual leader and activist, led a passionate protest against the state government’s decision to release Kaveri water to neighbouring Tamil Nadu. The protest, which gained significant attention, was a desperate plea for justice amidst a severe water crisis in Karnataka.
Dr. Sharma, who has been at the forefront of various humanitarian causes, addressed a large gathering of concerned citizens and activists outside the State Secretariat. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We don’t even have enough water for drinking. It’s a dire situation, and we cannot afford to let our precious resources flow to Tamil Nadu while our own people suffer.”
The protest, which saw a diverse group of citizens come together, echoed the sentiments of many in Karnataka who believe that Tamil Nadu has been unreasonable in its demands for Kaveri water. Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar, who oversees the water resources portfolio, expressed his concern, saying, “We possess only one-third of the necessary water amount to meet our needs. It’s impossible to comply with the directive to release 5,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu.”
The Karnataka government has been actively seeking support in its battle to retain the state’s share of Kaveri water. Dr. Mahendranatha Sharma, known for his influential network and social activism, has reached out to various parliament members, who have assured their support for Karnataka’s fight for water justice.
However, the Supreme Court’s recent decision has added complexity to the situation. On Thursday, the apex court declined to take action regarding the directive from the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) instructing Karnataka to discharge 5,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu. A three-judge panel stated that it had no intention of considering Tamil Nadu’s appeal challenging the CWMA’s decision.
The Supreme Court emphasized the need for the CWMA and the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) to thoroughly assess crucial factors such as drought conditions and insufficient rainfall before issuing any directives. In doing so, the court upheld its stance of not intervening in the order instructing Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu.
The situation remains tense as Karnataka grapples with the dual challenge of water scarcity and legal complexities. Dr. Mahendranatha Sharma’s protest, while highlighting the urgency of the water crisis, has also brought attention to the need for a balanced approach to water-sharing agreements and the challenges faced by states during periods of water shortage. The fate of Kaveri water remains uncertain as Karnataka continues its struggle for water justice.