Installing data observation mechanism in Cauvery delayed

The crucial installation of an automatic data observation mechanism, in all reservoirs of the Cauvery basin,  will be delayed as the process requires the approval of a number of competent authorities.

“As this will come under the plan scheme, it requires approval of the different ministeries as well as the Union Cabinet. It takes a lot of time. Installation will not happen immediately,” said a note from the Union Water Resources Ministry.

Installation of the system is vital to monitor the inflow and outflow of water to avoid beneficiary states from sparring over the sharing of water.

Though the Cauvery Supervisory Committee, headed by the Water Resource Secretary, had decided that Karnataka would observe the data in Kabini, Harangi, Hemavathy and K R Sagar, while Tamil Nadu will monitor Mettur and Amaravati and Kerala will take care of Chavadiyoor, there was a demand for the independent body should be monitored.

Even Karnataka insisted that the Banasusagara in Kerala and Emerald, Upper Bhavan and the Lower Bhavan reservoirs in Tamil Nadu data also should be monitored.

Earlier the Central Water Commission (CMC), an apex body in the Water Resources Ministry, had suggested the installation of an automatic data monitoring system at all reservoirs in Cauvery basins. The data would be transmitted on a daily basis to the data-monitoring centre, on which the sharing of water during a distress year can be decided.

At present the CMC, which is collecting data, is depending on the respective states to get information on storage level, as it has not independent mechanism to gathering it.