Context
The Cauvery river, which has long been a source of conflict between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, has recently seen a dramatic turnaround. After facing the brink of a water crisis in early July, the river has now transformed into a picture of calmness, bringing relief to both states.
The Turnaround
- From a situation where they were getting a scarce water allocation to Tamil Nadu, the table turned in the fifteen days and transformed to an “over surplus”.
- For the period since June 1, the lower riparian state claims to have received about 181 tmc ft of water which is actually slightly more than 177. 25 tmc ft as per the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) final award of 2007 which was further changed by the Supreme Court during February 2018 regarding the each year’s distribution up to May 2025.
- After this excess flow continued for the subsequent weeks Tamil Nadu received its entire share for July and August as per the CWDT award.
- Amongst these, southwest monsoon is important for both states because it is the wet season for Karnataka and generates maximum volume of water, which is 123. 14 tmc ft for Tamil Nadu.
Contrast with Previous Years
- The current year’s situation is a sharp contrast to the corresponding period of last year beginning from June 2-end September 2 where the aggregate realization by Tamil Nadu was a meager 33. 2 tmc ft.
- An observation of the actual distribution figures of the past three decades (1994-95 to 2023-24) shows that in 11 out of the six months from June to September, the amount realised was below 100 tmc ft which is far from the target of 123. 14 TMC ft This means water crisis in Cauvery basin occurs at least once in every three years.
The Role of Implementation Mechanisms
- The effectiveness of these implementation mechanisms including the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and its subordinate body, the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC), was examined during the water year 2023-24.
- In contrast to the CRA which was a recognised structure with Prime Minister of India as Chairperson and Chief Ministers of all the basin states as members being executive, the CWMA is headed by a full-time bureaucrat with Government Officers from all the states and Central Union’s various departments.
- In general, most of the decisions of CWMA and CWRC in the current year were not palatable to Karnataka and Tamil Nadu but due to these constraints, it can be argued that their output can be described as satisfactory.
- Nevertheless, it is still impossible not to mention the highly important issue of transparency, which implies that both the Authority and the Committee must make their decisions in writing as soon as possible.
- The Union Ministry of Jal Shakti should also come to the rescue of the Authority in solving any issues arising as a result of inadequate manpower.
Scope for Improvement
- First, the number of members of the Authority should be increased, employment officials and non-officials for diversification, farmers, the environmentalists, water specialists who are not part of the government.
- The Union Government could also intend to engage the services of a retired judge of the Supreme Court or a High Court to Chair the CWMA with an aim of adding more credibility and neutrality to the body directive on the matter.
- The last area which requires some enhancement is the lack of co-ordination between various agencies involved in water resources like the CWC, IMD and the state irrigation departments.
- This coordination will assist in improved management and planning on water resources especially in emergency situations.
Conclusion
The Cauvery River’s shift from crisis to hope reflects resilience and effective management, but transparency and coordination need improvement. Given unpredictable monsoons, riparian states must engage fully for equitable water management, ensuring sustainable agriculture and community prosperity.
Source: The Hindu