Click to play videoNew Delhi: "Finally, we have got justice. I discussed the Cauvery issue with 11 Karnataka chief ministers since 1968." This is how Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karnunadhi reacted to the final verdict of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal on Monday.
This is a happy moment for the 82-year-old leader. Even though Tamil Nadu had demanded about 560 thousand million cubic feet or TMC of water, the 419 TMC it has been awarded is substantial, against Karnataka’s 270 TMCFT.
This actually translates into Karnataka releasing 192 TMCFT of water every year. To get a sense of the scale, a single TMC of water can irrigate 460 acres of land.
For Tamil Nadu, the verdict is satisfactory. But nobody really knows if this will be the final verdict or it will mean more turmoil.
In neighbouring Karnataka, the reaction was very different even though Karnataka's legal eagle Fali S Nariman showed a sense of relief after 17 long years. "The judgement is good. We are satisfied with it," he said.
Karnataka's politicians dubbed Nariman’s reaction as a personal comment designed to maintain peace in the state. The interim verdict on Cauvery water sharing in 1999 had after all resulted in the death of over 100 people in riots. Karnataka now says it will appeal the tribunal's decision.
"I have called irrigation experts and the Opposition leader to discuss the issue and we will react after that," Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy said.
The states have two options: to challenge the order in the Supreme Court or to file a review petition before the same tribunal. But for now, the order shall come into effect from the date it is notified.
Breaking that verdict down further, the bulk of the water releases will take place between June and September, the monsoon period in Karnataka. Crucially, if the Monsoon fails, all the four states have to share the available water proportionately.
There are eight minor and major dams across Cauvery and its tributaries in the river basin. Much of the water has to be released from the KRS dam and Kabini dam in Mysore districts. Over 40 per cent of the Cauvery basin is in Karnataka, while 50 per cent is in Tamil Nadu. At least 6 to 7 per cent of the area is in Kerala while the rest falls in Puducherry.
(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)
More on IBNLive Right Now
TOP NEWS
MOST SHARED
PHOTOGALLERY
