Date : 21/09/2023

Relevance – GS Paper 2 – Polity

Keywords – CWDT, Mettur dam, Distress-sharing formula, Monsoon

Context

The Cauvery river, flowing through the southern Indian states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, has been a source of tension and dispute for decades, primarily concerning the allocation of water resources during times of distress. The unpredictable nature of the southwest monsoon, which plays a vital role in replenishing the Cauvery's water levels, has brought the elusive distress-sharing formula to the forefront of discussions among the concerned states. Recent submissions by Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, along with the deposition of the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) before the Supreme Court of India, emphasize the urgent need for an acceptable and equitable formula to address water scarcity during challenging times.

Historical Context

The concept of a distress-sharing formula for the Cauvery river has been under consideration since the interim order of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) in June 1991. However, significant progress in this regard was made only in 2002-03 when a prolonged period of scant rainfall during the southwest monsoon (2001-02 to 2003-04) led to poor inflows into four key reservoirs - Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS), Kabini, Hemavathy, and Harangi, all situated in the upper-riparian state of Karnataka. The situation was dire for Tamil Nadu, the lower-riparian state, which heavily relied on the water from the Mettur dam.

The Tribunal's Final Order in 2007 and the Supreme Court's Judgment in 2018 did not provide a specific distress-sharing formula, but they did mention the principle of pro-rata sharing during distress. The Tribunal recommended that in the event of two consecutive years of poor rainfall, the monthly schedule of water release should be adjusted, and all the reservoirs across the Cauvery basin should operate in an integrated manner to minimize adverse effects. Although all parties involved in the dispute have not objected to the idea of distress sharing, differences persist regarding the specific elements of the proposed formula.

Divergent Approaches

Tamil Nadu's approach to distress sharing considers various factors, including the deficit in inflows into Karnataka's reservoirs compared to the average flows of the last 30 years and the rainfall patterns in different segments of the Cauvery catchment area. This approach seeks to ensure equitable distribution of water during times of scarcity, taking into account historical data and the overall basin conditions.

On the other hand, Karnataka has argued that a comprehensive assessment of the distress situation cannot be made until the end of January. The state contends that both the southwest monsoon (June-September) and the northeast monsoon (October-December) should be considered, as it relies heavily on these rains for irrigation, drinking water, and other critical needs. Karnataka, as the upper-riparian state, also expresses concerns about meeting its water requirements for the next several months and has emphasized the importance of accounting for these considerations.

The Role of the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA)

The CWMA, established in June 2018, has been tasked with overseeing the implementation of the Cauvery water-sharing scheme. However, its approach to addressing distress sharing has not fully satisfied both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. During its meeting on August 29, the CWMA discussed various factors, including the shortfall in inflows and rainfall, the monsoon forecast for the coming weeks, and the inflow-outflow dynamics of other reservoirs in the Cauvery basin. While directing Karnataka to release 5,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) for 15 days starting from August 29, the CWMA noted that the four Karnataka reservoirs had experienced a 51.22% shortfall in inflows from June 1 to August 27. Furthermore, the upper catchment area of the Cauvery basin had a more negative deficit in rainfall, with Biligundulu experiencing a 62.4% shortfall compared to the stipulated flows in a normal year.

Tamil Nadu's Perspective

Tamil Nadu has calculated its due share of water for this year and awaits the Supreme Court's intervention to secure its quota, particularly for the latter half of August and the entirety of September. The case is scheduled to be heard by the Court on September 21. Regardless of the legal outcome, Tamil Nadu is advocating for judicious water use to ensure that available resources are optimally managed.

The Way Forward

The positions taken by Tamil Nadu and Karnataka may appear challenging to reconcile, but the CWMA, along with the Union government if necessary, should make a concerted effort to find a mutually acceptable distress-sharing formula. The history of the Cauvery dispute highlights the need for proactive resolution rather than maintaining the status quo. Political considerations have often hindered progress in resolving the issue.

One promising aspect is that the CWMA comprises officials and technical experts who can objectively and rationally formulate a distress-sharing formula. The Authority should make a fresh start by ensuring transparency in its proceedings. All meetings held thus far, along with their outcomes, should be made accessible to the public through a dedicated website. This transparency can help dispel misconceptions and address the emotive nature of the Cauvery dispute, which has been a contentious issue for both states.

Conclusion

The Cauvery river dispute has persisted for decades, leading to periodic conflicts between the upper-riparian state of Karnataka and the lower-riparian state of Tamil Nadu. The need for a distress-sharing formula, especially during times of water scarcity, is evident. Recent developments have underscored the urgency of finding an acceptable and equitable solution to this long-standing issue. The CWMA, backed by technical expertise, should play a pivotal role in this process, fostering transparency and open dialogue between the concerned states. The resolution of the Cauvery dispute is not only essential for the well-being of the region but also sets a precedent for cooperative water management in India, a crucial aspect of sustainable development in the face of climate change and increasing water stress.

Source – The Hindu