Cauvery Water Committee Orders Karnataka to Release 4 TMCFT

The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee ordered Karnataka to release 4 tmcft of water to Tamil Nadu at a rate of 3,500 cusecs per day for 15 days. The directive followed a meeting in Delhi on July 28, 2026, where the Government of Tamil Nadu demanded releases in accordance with a 2018 Supreme Court verdict.

K. Ramalinga Reddy, Karnataka's Water Resources Minister, expressed concern over the order, citing a severe drought and a 35% rainfall deficit. He noted that the Kodagu catchment area is experiencing a 45% shortage and argued that current reservoir levels, at 54% capacity, are only sufficient for drinking water needs.

Minister Reddy stated that the state would evaluate filing an appeal with the Cauvery Water Management Authority. A final decision on the appeal is pending a consultation with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.