SC tells Karnataka to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu or face ‘serious consequences’

The Supreme Court has asked the Karnataka government to release at least 4 TMC of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. The court also warned it of “serious consequences” if it fails to follow orders. The top court also asked the Centre to inform it on May 8 about steps taken to set up the Cauvery Management Board. Attorney general KK Venugopal told the court that the scheme has to be approved by the Cabinet. But since, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and ministers, are busy with the election campaign in Karnataka, the meeting couldn't happen. To this, the court said, “Let Centre take time. Karnataka must release water.” Last month, the top court had asked the Centre to frame a draft scheme by May 3. For the implementation of the judgment on the distribution of Cauvery water between Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry. In its February 16 order, the Supreme Court had reduced the quantity of water Karnataka was asked to supply to Tamil Nadu by 14.75 tmc. The quantity was reduced from 192 tmc to 177.5 tmc. However, Karnataka, where elections are due on May 12 and which suffered a severe drought in 2017, isn't keen on it. Tamil Nadu wants the order to be implemented. Both states have sparred over sharing the river's water for almost a century. Kerala and Puducherry are also parties to the case.