Cauvery Turmoil: Bengaluru City, Old Mysuru Region Hold Total Bandh; Little Or No Effect Elsewhere In Karnataka

Relevance: GS1 - Distribution of key natural resources; GS2 - Dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions, Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States

(Source: Down to Earth; 09/30/2023)

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Why in the news?

• Recently, Karnataka's regional organizations had called for a statewide shutdown on September 29, 2023, over Cauvery water issue.
• It was stated that ten thousand people will go to Delhi on October 5 to drive home a point with the President of India on Karnataka’s claim over Cauvery water.

What is the issue?

• Protests have erupted in Karnataka due to escalating tensions over the sharing of Cauvery River water with neighboring Tamil Nadu.
• This conflict has reignited following a recent Supreme Court decision not to intervene in water-sharing agreements between the two states, as well as decisions made by the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC).
• The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), instructed the Karnataka government to release 5,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for 15 days. It was indicated that there is an inadequate water supply to fulfill this requirement.

About Cauvery Water Dispute

• The Cauvery River, which flows through the southern Indian states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry, has been a focal point of one of the most contentious water disputes.
• This long-standing conflict, known as the Cauvery water dispute, has its roots in historical agreements and differing demands.
• Both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have historically staked claims to substantial portions of the river’s water, primarily to meet their agricultural and irrigation requirements.
• Regrettably, this contention has often escalated into tensions, protests, and, regrettably, even instances of violence in the affected regions.
• The Cauvery River, often referred to as the "Ganges of the South," is a vital water resource for the southern states. Its waters are used primarily for irrigation, providing sustenance to millions of farmers.
• The dispute revolves around how the river water should be distributed among these states for various uses, including irrigation, drinking water, and industrial purposes.

Background

• The Cauvery River water dispute has its origins dating back to 1892 during British colonial times, involving the Madras Presidency and the princely state of Mysore.
• In 1924, they reached an agreement that was valid for 50 years, but it ceased to be enforced in 1974. Following the expiration of this agreement, Karnataka began diverting water into its newly constructed reservoirs without the consent of Tamil Nadu. This action led to a post-independence dispute between the two Indian states over the sharing of Cauvery River water.
• In 2018, the SC declared the River Cauvery a national asset and upheld the water-sharing arrangements which had been finalized by the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT).
• It ruled that Karnataka would get 284.75 TMC, Tamil Nadu 404.25 TMC, Kerala 30 TMC and Puducherry 7 TMC.
• The Union Government was directed to notify the Cauvery Management Scheme.
• The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) was established to implement the decision of the Court and the tribunal.

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FAQs

MCQ

Question: Which of the following Protected Areas are located in Cauvery basin? (UPSC 2020)

1. Nagarhole National Park
2. Papikonda National Park
3. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
4. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 and 4 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Question: In which of the following regions of India are shale gas resources found? (UPSC 2016)

1. Cambay Basin
2. Cauvery Basin
3. Krishna-Godavari Basin

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3