Tamil Nadu Urges Supreme Court to Direct Karnataka to Release Cauvery Water

The Miscellaneous Application filed by Tamil Nadu on the short supply of Cauvery water by Karnataka, together with related applications, was heard by the Hon'ble Supreme Court yesterday (12.10.2026). The Senior Advocates appearing for Tamil Nadu argued that the backlog flows of about 15 TMC must be released immediately. They said deficient rainfall in the intermediate catchment does not justify withholding the water, that distress in a deficit year must be shared on a pro-rata basis, and that the release cannot be postponed because crops need water now. Karnataka replied that the CWRC and CWMA are expert bodies and that it is releasing water as directed. The Hon'ble Court reserved judgment.

The Secretary, Water Resources Department, Government of Tamil Nadu Thiru Prasanth Vadanare, I.A.S., along with Thiru Subramanian, Chairman, Cauvery Technical Cell,also met the Chairman, CWMA, in person today. Secretary  submitted a detailed letter seeking revision of the direction issued on 08.10.2026, under which Karnataka is to ensure 3,000 cusecs at Billigundulu for 15 days from 09.10.2026. The letter stated that this quantity is inadequate. It noted that Kerala's unutilised flows in the Kabini sub-basin, about 8.5 TMC this year, are due to Tamil Nadu but are going to Karnataka. It also stated that anticipated North East monsoon rainfall cannot be a reason to deny Tamil Nadu its South West monsoon share. Tamil Nadu requested fresh directions so that the shortfall is made good within another 15 days.

Owing to the persistent efforts of the Government, Tamil Nadu received 46.047 TMC as on 07.10.2026. The shortfall came down from 21 TMC on 12.08.2026 to 15 TMC on 07.10.2026.

The Government of Tamil Nadu will continue to take all steps to safeguard the State's rights over Cauvery water and protect the interests of its farmers.