Karnataka Govt To Review Cauvery Water Release After July 15 Talks

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday said the state government will take a decision on releasing Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu only after the meeting of the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) scheduled for July 15. He said Karnataka would present its concerns before the authority while prioritising the state’s drinking water needs and the interests of farmers.

Speaking to reporters outside his official residence, Krishna, Shivakumar said the government would strongly place Karnataka’s position before the CWMA. He highlighted the need to balance the state’s agricultural requirements, water availability, and obligations under the directions issued by the Supreme Court regarding Tamil Nadu’s share of Cauvery water.

The Chief Minister said representatives from Mandya and Srirangapatna, along with the district in-charge minister, had already met him and shared their concerns regarding the release of Cauvery water. Responding to demands from legislators in the Cauvery basin region, he said the final decision would be announced after reviewing the outcome of the July 15 CWMA meeting.

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Shivakumar also announced that the Monsoon Session of the Karnataka Legislature is scheduled to begin on August 6. He said he would travel to New Delhi for official work and that further discussions with party leaders would be planned after the dates are finalised in the coming days.

Reacting to the Governor’s suspension of Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) Chairman, Shivakumar said the order had been issued by the Governor and that he had instructed the senior-most member of the commission to handle the responsibilities of the Chairman until further directions.

The Chief Minister also announced changes regarding the tradition of the first “Aarti” at the Tirumala temple, stating that the privilege historically associated with Karnataka since the Mysore Maharajas’ era would now be extended to public representatives, judges, government officials, MPs, mayors, tahsildars, and other eligible dignitaries from the state.

Shivakumar clarified that the facility would not be limited to any particular political party and that all other temple procedures would continue under the administration of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. He also paid tribute to senior Congress leader and former MP H. Hanumanthappa, recalling his contributions to Karnataka and the country.

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