Tamil Nadu shuns new dams by Karnataka

New Delhi: The Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday made it clear in the Supreme Court that it is not favour of any additional or new reservoir to be constructed by Karnataka in the Cauvery basin as it will be a source of fresh dispute.

Giving this clarification before a Bench of Justices Dipak Misra, Amitav Roy and A.M. Kanwilkar senior advocate Shekar Naphade for Tamil Nadu said ‘we are not in favour of any new reservoir.” When Justice Misra asked why the state was opposing any construction, counsel reiterated, “We don’t want any fresh problem.”

Counsel brought to the notice of the bench that the Tribunal erred in granting new irrigation areas in Karnataka. He said that this determination of the areas by reducing the existing irrigated area in Tamil Nadu and allowing the proposed area to be brought under irrigation by Karnataka were contrary to the principle of equitable allotment of water of the inter-State river.

He said it was TN’s contention that Karnataka while not adhering to the stipulated release of water as per the interim order of the tribunal, also appropriated all the waters of the river in Karnataka. The state has suffered the most, as Karnataka did not release water whenever it required for irrigating the crops. He wanted the court to reduce 98.8 tmcft of water allocated by the Tribunal to Karnataka in excess of its entitlement. He said out of 270 tmcft allocated this 98.8 tmcft should be reduced in favour of Tamil Nadu.  

He said the tribunal had allowed 3.44 lakh acres to Karnataka without any evidence or material, this area has to be deducted from the area considered by the tribunal. Out of 18.85 lakh acres allowed, this court should reduce 3.44 lakh acres, he said.

He also wanted the court not to permit Karnataka to draw water from the four reservoirs of Harangi, Hemavathy, Krishnarajasagar and Kabini during summer season except for the perennial crop allowed for domestic need. Arguments will continue on Thursday.