CAUVERY ISSUE

The allocation of Cauvery water between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu has been a contentious issue for several decades.

The dispute revolves around the sharing of water from the Cauvery River, which originates in Karnataka and flows through Tamil Nadu before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The river is a crucial source of water for both states, supporting agriculture, drinking water supply, and various other needs.

The origins of the Cauvery water dispute can be traced back to the British colonial era when agreements were made regarding the sharing of river waters. However, disagreements and conflicts over water allocation have persisted over the years due to factors such as population growth, increased agricultural demands, and changing climatic conditions.

The primary mechanism for allocating Cauvery water between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu is through agreements and orders issued by various authorities. The key agreements that have shaped the allocation of Cauvery water include:

1. The 1892 Agreement: This agreement was signed between the Madras Presidency (now Tamil Nadu) and the princely state of Mysore (now Karnataka) during British rule. It allocated a certain amount of water to each region based on historical usage patterns.

2. The 1924 Agreement: This agreement was an extension of the 1892 Agreement and further defined the water-sharing arrangements between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. It established a formula based on the availability of water during different seasons.

3. The 1974 Award: In an attempt to resolve disputes arising from the 1924 Agreement, the Government of India constituted a tribunal known as the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT). After several years of hearings and analysis, the CWDT issued its final award in 1974. The award determined the amount of water that should be released at various points along the river during different seasons.

The 1974 Award was subsequently modified by two interim orders issued by the Supreme Court of India in 1991 and 2007. These orders aimed to address the changing circumstances and demands of both states.

The allocation of Cauvery water is primarily based on the concept of a "fair share" for each state, taking into account factors such as rainfall, agricultural needs, and the availability of water in the river. The specific allocation is determined by the authorities responsible for implementing the agreements and orders, including the Cauvery River Authority (CRA) and the Cauvery Monitoring Committee (CMC).

However, despite these agreements and mechanisms, disputes over Cauvery water allocation have persisted. Both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have often found themselves at odds over the interpretation and implementation of the agreements. The disagreements have led to protests, legal battles, and even violence between the two states.

In recent years, efforts have been made to find a long-term solution to the Cauvery water dispute. In 2018, the Supreme Court of India delivered a verdict that modified the allocations specified in the 2007 interim order. The court directed Karnataka to release a certain amount of water to Tamil Nadu during normal monsoon years.

It is important to note that the Cauvery water dispute is a complex issue with multiple dimensions, including legal, political, environmental, and socio-economic aspects. Resolving this dispute requires a careful balance between the interests of both states and a comprehensive understanding of the river's hydrology.