(Polity) Cauvery - Kaveri Water Dispute Between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, History, 2012 Flare Up and Future Mrunal

[Polity] Cauvery/Kaveri Water Dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnata...
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http://mrunal.org/2013/01/polity-cauvery-kaveri-river-water-dispute-tami...
This is a guest-post by Shivaram.
The peninsular rivers as one must have studied in geography , are depended on the
annual monsoon. So their flow is dependent on the success/failure of monsoon.
This year the monsoons were not even close the expectations.
So the states that have been sharing the river waters have come under extra pressure to save their farmers, among which, the
already heightened battle is the Cauvery water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
This issue is definitely not new and has been raging for more than 5 decades now.
Tmcft
Thousand million cubic feet. Unit of volume which means total water released.
Cusecs Cubic feet per second. Unit of flow which means the water flow released continuously.
The river Cauvery has been shared by the states under 2 agreements The Interstate agreements of 1872 and 1924.
All was well, till the late 1960s when Karnataka wanted to build 4 new reservoirs in the tributaries of Cauvery.
The Planning commission did not approve to give funds and neither did the Central government.
But Karnataka state went ahead with the building of the reservoirs with its own funds. These reservoirs were
1.
2.
3.
4.
Harangi
Kabini
Hemavathi
Suvarnavathy
This diverted some of the water of Cauvery due to which Tamil Nadu protested.
It directed the Centre to create a Tribunal.
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But since the Centre did not create one, Tamilnadu moved the SC to order the centre. The tribunal was finally formed in
1990.
Article 262 neither the Supreme Court nor any court shall exercise jurisdiction in water dispute between states.
But the Supreme Court commented that it can however order the Centre to create a Tribunal which it is supposed to do so under
the Art.262 and the Interstate Water Disputes Act,1956.
To cut short to the story, the CWDT came up with its final order in 2007, giving
region
Water (tmcft)
TN
419
Karnataka
270
Kerala
30
Puducherry 7
Both Karnataka and Tamilnadu contested this CWDT order in the Supreme Court via Special Leave Petitions (SLPs), which
are still pending.
This has prevented the Centre from publishing the CWDT award in the gazette(which means it will implement the award).
In the meanwhile, because of the long time the CWDT took to give its decision, it gave an interim order in 1991 itself for the
riparian states.
To implement this interim measure, the Cauvery River Authority (CRA) and the Cauvery Monitoring Committee(CMC) were
formed.
Among all this drama, confusion and powerplays there emerged a new problem.
The CWDT did not come up with a formula for situations when the flow in Cauvery was low(meaning a drought kind
situation).
This is why the issue has flared up so much in 2012 as this year Karnataka has refused to release water on this basis.
1. Low monsoons, so low

flow in Cauvery. Water
not enough for their own
farmers.
2. Very unstable political
situation in Karnataka
with 3 CMs changing.
3. So Cauvery being a very
sensitive issue nobody
wants to give it up
easily.
1. Samba crop growers are mainly dependent on Cauvery river. Irrigation is the main water
source in the area. So their livelihood in danger.
2. The government not wanting to notify the final order of CWDT is also agitating, as there
seems to be no end to the problem.
3. The government replied that it will notify the CWDT tribunals award by December end.
But it has not done so. The reason is still not known(maybe even political). TN was
wishing that there could be some relief if the gazette notification comes (in 2007 itself) but
even after the Tribunals award the issue has been politically and legally entangled for the
past 5 years. So TNs position is in a deadlock.
Amid this the Supreme Court had asked the 2 Chief Ministers to meet up and try to finalize on the issue but that too failed.
Supreme Court also asked the Central government whether it had any intention to publish the CWDT tribunal award for
which the Centre has replied that it will publish the award by December end but it has not done it.
1. The Centre must publish the CWDT order as soon as possible.

2. In the middle of all this the CWDT chairman has resigned, and no new chairman has been assigned yet. So the new chairman
has to be assigned who has to be going-to-retire SC judge.
3. The CRA and CMC were only interim measures and thus when the award is published they will cease to exist. A new
Cauvery Management Board (CMB) has to be formed to oversee the proper distribution of the river.
4. The major cause for the confusion is the SLPs being admitted in the SC. They have been pending for the last 5 years. They
must be done away with as soon as possible.
5. Proper use of the Cauvery water by both sides so that they dont become too dependent on the water.
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6. The water sharing formula in low flow years must be formed with as soon as possible.
Q1. find Correct statements

1. The SC enjoys original jurisdiction over Interstate water disputes
2. Article 262 empowers the SC to create Tribunals for Interstate river dispute
a.
b.
c.
d.
only 1 correct
only 2 correct
Both correct
Both Wrong
Q2 The Kaveri river is shared between

1.TN
2.Karnataka
3.Kerala
4.Puducherry
answer choice:
a) 1,2
b)1,2,4
c)1,2,3
d)All the four
1. Suggest measures to solve Cauvery conflict.

2. If case a stressful board, Why do you think your state deserves more water? Is it fair? (applicable to both states candidates)
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56 comments to [Polity] Cauvery/Kaveri Water Dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka,History,
2012 flare up and future
Himanshu
Reply to this comment
Thnx Nd happy new year mrunal
Chandrashekar
1/1/2004 4:52 AM
4 of 10

Sir, I want to highlight here that the article is not having sufficient information & it is one sided approach.. recent developments such
as scarcity of drinking water for Metropolitan cities like Bangalore & mysore which are basic needs have not been considered
Since catchment region for Cauvery is Coorg & it originates in Karnataka , author has not accounted all the reasons for the cause of
this issue.. We need to understand What is Samba Crop ( type of crops in Smabha crops) & its significance before going through
Issue (Sambha Crops are grown in Summer) whereas Karnataka is getting water for 1 or 2 crops per year.. where as TN wants for
3 crops per year even during drought condition.. is it acceptable???
We all know How TN behaves.. this is the first time that TN is with Opposition team in Central otherwise in general TN always
supports ruling party at the center for its Gains No matter which party is in power Whereas in Karnataka Parties ruled were
being controlled by center so , political parties had to obey orders from center!!! Karnataka is having very neglegible amount of
irrigation lands who are fed by rivers & most of the state formers are dependednt on rain for irrigation So.. In my view, Cauvery
issue is not that simple to analyse & to prove who is the culprit
Arjuna
Being from Mumbai, I can give a non partisan view. Water is truely scarce in that part of the world. But humans are humans
and sharing with other farmers is not such a bad idea. At the same time Tamil Nadu cant insist on 1872 and 1924 , pre
independence era agreements.
The state of Karnataka didnt even exist that time. Also being an upper riparian state, Karnataka has every right to water. but
sharing is the philosophy of our indian culture. Instead of starting linguistic chauvinism, technical experts from both sides
should sit together and comeout with a solution.
john galt
dear chandrashekhar
I sincerely do not think that the author has adopted a one sided approach or has been trying to find out the culprit. Though the
cauvery issue undoutedly remains convoluted and contentious, however sooner or later a solution needs to be worked out.
India being a quasi federal democracy, a high hand judgement by SC or CWDT may not be acceptable to one or the other
state. A more plausible remedy would be for the states to decide upon an amicable solution and work out the division of the
cauvery waters.
Veera
Mr Chandrashekar,
May be u need to know how to behave yourself, the UPSC doesnt ask any question about who is culprit. Dont act like
politician, act like civil service aspirant. Always expect diplomatic answers.
TN need water not his purpose only, need to share with Pondicherry (Pudhucherry UT).
Chandrashekar
Dear Mr.Veera,
I dont think i have misbehaved with any one it is just a discussion forum & every one has the right put forward their
arguments So your comments hardly bothers me as i have not use any vulgarity in my comments
please understand English first & then comment We are having 30 Acres of Land & is very close to cauvery river about
20 Kms Away, but still we are not able to get the water for irrigation of our lands we are dependent on rain for irrigation,
our under ground water is gone beyond 1000fts.. what do we do then??
pl understand maximum formers suicides are happening in Maharshtra & in Karnataka & not in Tamil Nadu..
1/1/2004 4:52 AM
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Veera
Chandrashekar,
May be u need to know how to behave yourself, the UPSC doesnt ask any question about who is culprit. Dont act like
politician, act like civil service aspirant. Always expect diplomatic answers.
TN need water not his purpose only, need to share with Pondicherry (Pudhucherry UT).
Babua
Dont tell others how to behave, he has just shown us another side of picture !better behave yourself!!!!!!!!!!!
war and peace

chandrashekhar has not acted like a politician, in fact he has acted in the most diplomatic manner by expressing the other
side of the coin in the politest language possible. I think we should all be grateful that he has highlighted another side
which is important to come up with a fair solution.
Lets add more view points to the issue rather than the most popular one!
Dinesh Jaan
I never knew KAR situation till you expressed your views
kaushal jha
r u karnataka????dnt polticise this matter?
kaushal jha
r u 4m kwe shud believe in supreme court
arnataka????dnt polticise dis matter.upsc wil nt who is in opposition and ruling????
kaushal jha
r u 4m karnataka????dnt polticise dis issue..believe in supreme court.
Chandrashekar
Hello
I just explained the other side.. without knowing ground reality.. dont comment like stupid sitting in dehli &
commenting!!! anybody can do your work Farmers here karnataka are burning paddy crops , as paddy got dried
up due to lakh of water When u are discussing some thing you should know everything remembering
Agreement signed dates & years will not suffice
Shiva Ram
I have not given that any side being TN or Karnataka has been the guilty party. In fact I have not used the word guilty party at all.
The history of the issue is as stated by the CWDT in their 2007 final award and also I have elaborated that it is a tough time for
Karnataka as it is facing water shortage and that is why it is more sensitive to both sides.
By the meaning of powerplays I mean for both sides, be it the Karnataka or Tamil Nadu over the Centre.
As for the Interstate agreements, I failed to mention that it comes up for review from time to time and the next year of review was in
1971 after 1924 before which the commotion had started to rise. The final order of the CWDT can only be seen as a judgement by
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technical experts, which too has evolved after the failure of the many round of talks between the two states.
rohit barthwal
happy new year mrunal.
Pradeep
Wishing u a very happy & prosperous New Yr Mrunal !!
Bhupender Singh
Very imp. and relevant topic for the UPSC. pls provide some dose over Syria situation
annie
thank u , happy newyear jii.
Ruchin
Thanks Dear Shivaram and Mrunal . Happy New Year to all friends or would be officers. I wish this year will produce dabang
bureaucrats and officers . Those who have not awaken must remember the Delhi case and plight of Women in this country and
corruption too. Dont let your greed and arrogance of power spoils lives of innocent people of the country . Jai Hind .
rakesh choudhary
again excelant and easy explanation on very relavant and tough topic.waish you avery happy year to mr.Murnal and readersHope
you will continue enlighten all civil servant aspirant
Pavithra
The kaveri water sharing issue is a bone of contention between both the states from a very long time but govt is not ready to give up
on their claims fearing they will lose the vote bank in their respective states..its time the leaders leave their egos aside and do
something as there have been cases of suicide in tamil nadu regarding this..humanitarian approach is needed..
SAURAV
at first HAPPY NEW YEAR SIR , its avery imp. topic , give some idea about right to service act issued by odisha govt. today.
arti mishra
thank you sir and wish you a very happy new year 2013
Mohita Agrawal
Sir could you please elaborate the exact reasons for the dispute, history etc That would surely give us a clearer picture. Thank you.
And wish you a very Happy New Year!!!
Abhishek
answers:
1/1/2004 4:52 AM
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1-d
2-d
mohan
sir can u explain about the members in both cra and cmc
Suresh S
Thanks Shivaram, Article is good, but it looks like an abstract of a high level info..
i believe, Cauvery dispute has so many side stories.. mostly its a political battle:(
Dear Mrunal, Can you please write it in Mrunal Stlye, I really love your articles.
Its not just a time saver, its making me understand indepth faster!!
Hope its same for all your readers!
Suresh S
& Wish you a very Happy & prosperous Newyear everyone!!
Dinesh Jaan
@Shivram, I am from chennai. Working in an MNC. I want some advice on PREPARATION STRATEGIES.SPECIALLY @ WRITING
ARTICLES. I like the way u wrote the article. (I am big fan of MRUNAl ARTICLES) I would like to know what all sources should i
touch to do indepth analysis & understanding Can you(or anybody) help me out? i am a begginer for UPSC
daya
mrunal sir plz write some article on FISCAL CLIFF
Pats
Total Area irrigated
using Cauvery water in KA=A1

using Cauvery water in TN=A2
using Cauvery water in KL=A3
using Cauvery water in PY=A4
Total Populace quench thirst using

Cauvery water in KA=B1

Cauvery water in TN=B2
Cauvery water in KL=B3
Cauvery water in PY=B4
A1+B1=KA
A2+B2=TN
A3+B3=KL
A4+B4=PY
KA+TN+KL+PY=100%
Total Rainfed/realized Cauvery Water in a calendar year=W1
Dead Storage for survival of fish & Animal=W2
Available Cauvery Water for sharing=S1
W1-W2=S1
Apply the same percentage (KA+TN+KL+PY=100%) over Available Cauvery Water for sharing (S1) whatever be the quantum of
water realized in a year. Announce the realization as per the formula on first of each calendar month on regional papers for public
consumption.
vrushali
1/1/2004 4:52 AM
8 of 10

nice explanation. but it hardly get understand to people those r fighting for it
jk
i have one doubt..
writer says SLP has prevented the Centre from publishing the CWDT award in the gazette..and i think this SLP issue will be sorted
out by SC. then how can gov notify final order of CWDT without SCs solution of SLP??
please clarifythanks
chandrakanth
Thanks so much Mrunal
Happy new year
amit kumar shukla

Firstly happy new year to all of my friends. I think it is not easy matter to be solved. We see that there is decreasing of water and
increasing of population also the cause of not solving the CWDT. The political parties also does not want to solve this problem
forthwith.
vide
Happy new year more info in wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaveri_River_water_dispute
@shivaram if included more info on why karnartaka needs more water and TN needs more water and how much is actual
consumption by both sides, the article would have been much better, because the demand for water from both sides is more
compared to previous era when Interstate agreements of 1872 and 1924 were made. ..overall nice article
anirvan singh
Dear Mrunal,
can you consolidate and give information about all the important committees set for important decisions and sectors especially the
recent one such as the js verma committee etc
nikhil singh
mrunal sir correct me if my answers are wrong
1)d
2)d
Madeshan
sir plz explain National offset policy and impact in India due to fiscal cliff policy of USA.
tushar katyayan
impact on india is clearly explained in the article fiscal cliff written earlier by mrunal sir
Madeshan
Thank you..
1/1/2004 4:52 AM
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Sagar
shouldnt it be 1. B & 2. D
THAMIL SELVAN
SIR PLEASE WRITE SOME ARTICLES REGARDING GEOGRAPHY THAT HELP US TO CRACK IAS
Shanyin
A very Happy New Year to you sir
The answer is 1)d, 2)d
Kindly correct if i am wrong
Anil
Very very happy new year to all of you..
dr krishna
thanks a lot sir!!
Tamilan
Hi Shivaram Bro , Ur article is Nice ,Hope u Come out with more Such Guest Posts
Cheers :)
sridhar
Thank you..
Neel
Sagar,
Supreme Court commented that it can however order the Centre to create a Tribunal which it is supposed to do so under the Art.262
and the Interstate Water Disputes Act,1956.
Supreme court can order the centre to create tribunalsit cant directly create tribunals.so answer should be D
m lakshmi narayan
Recently there was a discussion on cauvery water in Bangalore,which was highlighted by an water resources engineer of Karnataka
state and attended by many learned people.Finally after the discussion the engineer says the CWDT,if implemented politically will be
a colossal injustice to Karnataka,even when objections by Karnataka to the CWDT is still pending in the supreme court.And the
supreme court knowing the injustice has left this major CWDT implementation to politicians to decide.And also the engineer
comments that TN politicians/people are thankless and most heartless people in the world,because chennai gets FREE 15 tmc of
water,on humanitarian grounds ,5tmc each from KARNATAKA,AP and MAHARASTRA from their quota of water from the telugu
ganga project,and the 5tmc water from Maharastra to TN flows through Karnataka,courtesy,generous hearts of Karnataka
people.Still these TN politicians quarrel like petty people just to show off politically to its people without any due regards.
Former President Sri.R.Venkataraman mentioned in one of his books,he wrote, on this cauvery issue,which the TN politicians
shunned,because he had advocated TN to build check dam facility downstream of mettur dam where water was wasted always and
make judicial storage/use of water in difficult times,than to always pick up petty quarrels with its neighbouring states for water.
1/1/2004 4:52 AM
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Balanagendran
Respected Lakshmi Narayan sir.
from your reply we are able to grasp some valuable points. before delve into my reply, i request you to excuse me for this
delayed response. that engeneer may be right in his views because he belongs to Karnataka. if you want to express your
thoughts in at most good fair, you should have heard the views of TNs engeneer as well as the farmers, the most vandalised
farmers of delta region because of the constitutional violations made by Karnataka in the past.
i am not trying to belittle your views, but am baffled that how that engeneer from the state in which the political leaders are
interested in nothing but watching porn clips during the discussion in the assembly, who are still unable to fix their permenant
chief minister, and importantly the leaders are known for violating the union and the apex courts order, able to say that our
political leaders are petty people! this may provoke you. but am not framing anything on my own. this is known to every Indian. i
would like to tell you that mrunal.org is an aspirants website. first we all are Indians. most of us are aspired to work under india.
therefore while posting such replies, i think you need to be aware of the significance of usage of propper diction. its not fair to
post the words such as TN people are thankless, heartless, TN politicians are petty people and so forth. these kind of
derogatory remarks should be avoided in a social space like this. we are hear to learn and extract the keystones, not to have a
clash or to demoralise the integrity of another state. you air what ever you want in Karnataka, but i request you to keep your
nerves while exerting in a public domain. kindly edit those superfluous phrases before posting.
thank you.
Prakash P
sir please give me an information about E-governance .
shrikant
i dont understand relation between supreme courts role in the decision of tribunals award.
and what is special leave petition in this matter.plz explain.
Ravi Jain
Dear fellow aspirant,
It is important to remember that during a dispute both side would be having their own stories, facts and figures to justify their claim.
Since the final CRA order has been gaetted, we should hope that both states would implement it amicably.
Prashant
This issue will never solved hence Union Government should not shy away from threatening the states involved. Water is important
to everyone hence Union Government should not impose the award decided by another tribunal which has to decide in time bound
manner unlike the earlier one which took almost 17 years. Water Sharing , Riparian Issues and Water Scarcity , Allocation and what
not are very important to India because We are facing a lot of challenges with regard to same issues even outside the country hence
our stance has to be balanced and must factor in the external challenges and complexities.
1/1/2004 4:52 AM

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[Polity] Cauvery/Kaveri Water Dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnata...

This is a guest-post by Shivaram.