State says 'no', but KRS lets go

“For the first time this year, we are releasing water into the river Cauvery. We will release 8,800 cusec into the river”, Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited Executive Engineer Vijayakumar told Deccan Herald in Mysore.   

He said the reservoir was full following copious rain in the catchment areas on Tuesday. “We are releasing the excess water through four gates,” he said.

In Bangalore, Water Resources minister Basavaraj Bommai told presspesons after an all-party floor leaders meeting that it was “impossible” to release water to Tamil Nadu, considering the present storage, requirement of farmers and drinking water needs till June 2011. The KRS had 124.7 feet water as against full reservoir level of 124.8 feet on Wednesday.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi had written to Yeddyurappa requesting release of water. According to Bommai, the neighbouring State had not mentioned the quantum of water it required.

The chief minister had convened a meeting of floor leaders of all parties to discuss the request from Tamil Nadu. Congress leaders Siddaramaiah, Motamma, JD(S) leaders H D Revanna and M C Nanaiah attended the meeting.

Bommai said the meeting verified the present water level in the Cauvery reservoirs of the State and daily inflow. It also discussed the drinking water requirement in cities which depend on Cauvery.

 “Considering the facts, it is impossible to fulfil the Tamil Nadu’s demand”, Bommai said.
Cauvery basin in Kodagu and Waynad in Kerala had been receiving good rains. Inflow to KRS reservoir had gone up by 17,000 cusecs as on Wednesday. “Going by increasing in inflow due to rains, we are hopeful that water level in KRS will reach the maximum within a day. The excess water will flow to Mettur”, he said.

Pending before SC

Bommai refused to divulge details of state’s requirement of water for the next few months stating that the matter was pending before the Supreme Court. Karnataka Government has moved the SC against the final award of the Cauvery Tribunal.

Congress leader Siddaramaiah said that his party would not indulge in politics on the issue related to water. The party would not oppose releasing excess water as it would be impossible to store water beyond the maximum level.