Karnataka Seeks Federal Aid Amid Cauvery Water Dispute

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has requested that Prime Minister Narendra Modi provide 50% of central drought assistance to mitigate crop losses and falling groundwater levels in Karnataka. The state government has declared 101 taluks as drought-hit, though Shivakumar indicated that over 200 of the state's 239 taluks are facing crisis conditions. The state Finance Department warned that the drought is placing significant pressure on the budget, necessitating additional funds for water management and relief.

This internal crisis has escalated into a legal battle with Tamil Nadu over the Cauvery River. The Government of Tamil Nadu filed a plea with the Supreme Court of India alleging a shortfall of approximately 20 thousand million cubic feet of water, which it claims caused the failure of early Kharif crops. The Supreme Court ordered Karnataka to respond to these allegations and scheduled a follow-up hearing for October 12.

In response to the dispute, Shivakumar announced that Karnataka will appeal a Cauvery Water Regulation Committee order to release 4,000 cusecs of water. He stated that releasing water to Tamil Nadu is difficult due to the state's own crisis. While the Supreme Court noted that the Cauvery Water Management Authority remains the primary body for adjudicating grievances, Karnataka maintains it has complied with that authority's directions while prioritizing local farmers.