Bengaluru: The threat of an intensifying water crisis overshadowed the Cauvery dispute Tuesday as Karnataka, citing negligible reservoir inflows, rapidly depleting storage levels and an unprecedented monsoon deficit, urged Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) to defer any decision on releasing water to neighbouring Tamil Nadu.Acknowledging the grim hydrological situation across Cauvery basin, the committee postponed the matter until its next meeting on July 28.During the meeting, Karnataka argued it was in no position to release water as the state is reeling under an unprecedented rainfall deficit in Cauvery basin. State officials informed the committee that the basin received virtually no inflows into its major reservoirs throughout June, while the light rainfall recorded in parts of the catchment during July had only marginally improved storage levels. With no clear indication of the southwest monsoon regaining strength, Karnataka maintained that the limited water available in its reservoirs must be conserved to meet drinking water requirements.“Our officials pointed out that there were virtually no inflows into the Cauvery reservoirs in June, and the scattered rainfall received in July has added only a small quantity of water. Given the uncertainty over the monsoon’s revival, we argued that the available storage should be reserved for potable water needs,” water resources minister Ramalinga Reddy said.Tamil Nadu, however, pressed for the release of water in accordance with the Supreme Court’s final award, contending that Karnataka was obligated to honour the stipulated monthly releases despite the prevailing rainfall deficit.After hearing both states, CWRC refrained from issuing any directions to either Karnataka or Tamil Nadu. Observing that rainfall over Cauvery basin could improve in the coming days, the committee decided to review reservoir levels and inflows at its next meeting on July 28. The decision provided Karnataka temporary relief as it grapples with dwindling water reserves and one of the weakest monsoon spells in recent years.
