In a major blow to Karnataka, the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) has upheld the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) recommendation, directing the state to release 3,500 cusecs of water per day to Tamil Nadu for the next 15 days. The authority's order will be effective from July 29, even though it was issued on Thursday (July 30).
What did Tamil Nadu demand?
The Tamil Nadu government had requested the release of 7,000 cusecs of water daily for 15 days, a demand rejected by the authority.
Furthermore, the authority rejected Karnataka's argument that the state itself is water-scarce and unable to release water. According to experts, following this order, Karnataka's only legal option is to approach the Supreme Court.
Anger erupted in Mandya; film posters were torn
The authorities' order sparked widespread outrage in Karnataka's Mandya district. Protesters tore down posters of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's film "Jana Nayakan" and demanded an immediate halt to the film's screening at Gurushree Cinema Hall. In response to the situation, the theatre management cancelled the screening.
Furthermore, Kannada activists have submitted a memorandum to the state government through the District Collector, demanding that Cauvery water not be released to Tamil Nadu at all and that the farmers' movement in Mandya be supported.
What did public appeal to CM?
During the protest, a local citizen appealed to Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, saying, "Shivakumar ji, please tell them that we have no water to drink, nor is there any water left for our cattle. People are so helpless."
ALSO READ: Bengaluru Water Cut: BWSSB Announces Supply Disruption On May 30; Check Affected Areas, Timings
The government is requested to give us some more time. He further said that the people of Mandya have always fought for the interests of Karnataka, so the government should personally intervene in this matter and find a solution to the problem.