The Supreme Court on Thursday warned Karnataka of “serious consequences” if it failed to release the water to Tamil Nadu.
The top court has directed Karnataka to release at least 2 tmc of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu’s petition regarding framing of scheme for release of Cauvery water as per the February 16 judgment has been set for hearing on Tuesday by the apex court.
The Centre has been directed by the Supreme Court to file an affidavit by Tuesday stating the steps taken to frame the scheme.
On 2 May, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitaraman had said the Central government cannot take a unilateral decision on setting up a Cauvery Management Board as it has to consult other states too.
She told reporters that it was not that the Centre was sitting quiet but there were various issues like whether it would be authority or board as it exists in respect of various interstate water disputes in the country.
“I can’t say I will set up an Authority tomorrow. What we decide should also be suitable for all the states concerned,” the minister said.
Later in Ramanathapuram, where she went for an engagement, was shown black flags by DMK activists.
On 27 April, Central government had sought two more weeks’ time to place before the Supreme Court a draft scheme for the implementation of its verdict on the sharing of Cauvery river water, but the court had refused to give any immediate relief.
On 16 February, the Supreme Court had directed the Karnataka government to release 177.25 tmcft of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu from its inter-state Biligundlu dam.
The judgement clarified that Karnataka will now have an enhanced share of 14.75 tmcft water per year while Tamil Nadu will get 404.25 tmcft, which will be 14.75 tmcft less than what was allotted by the tribunal in 2007.
(With agency inputs)