Cauvery water dispute: Supreme Court defers hearing amid release claims

The Supreme Court of India has deferred the Cauvery water dispute to September 15 following arguments regarding water release shortfalls. Tamil Nadu has sought directions for Karnataka to clear a backlog of water releases, noting that nearly 24,700 acres of agricultural land depend on the river. Data indicates that despite the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) directing Karnataka to ensure a flow of 9,000 cusecs, inflows into the Mettur Dam fell below this level for four consecutive days between August 27 and August 30.

Karnataka has contested these claims, stating it is currently releasing more than the stipulated 9,000 cusecs. Legal representatives for Karnataka noted that the state released 9,888 cusecs on August 30 and has endeavored to maintain or exceed the required levels.

Tamil Nadu reports a significant cumulative shortfall, having received only 25.58 tmcft at Biligundlu against the prescribed 80.45 tmcft as of August 27. This deficit has raised concerns among delta farmers as the Mettur Dam is scheduled to open for irrigation on September 1.