Cauvery award notified, Karnataka erupts in anger

The Centre notified the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal on Wednesday, triggering celebrations in Tamil Nadu and widespread protests in Karnataka.

The Centre notified the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal on Wednesday, triggering celebrations in Tamil Nadu and widespread protests in Karnataka.

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"This is the best birthday present I could ever have," said Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa, who turns 65 on February 24.

Karnataka CM Jagadish Shettar asked the Centre not to constitute the Cauvery Management Board till its appeals in the Supreme Court are disposed.

In February 2007, the Tribunal had awarded Tamil Nadu 419 TMC water (against its demand of 562 TMC) and Karnataka 270 TMC (against its demand of 465 TMC).

Jayalalithaa said it now becomes “binding on Karnataka" to release water. Shettar said the clearance for the proposed Board has to come before Parliament and “there is room for amendment”.

(With PTI inputs)