SC asks Karnataka how it can clear Cauvery backlog amid drought conditions

The Supreme Court questioned Karnataka on how it could meet its Cauvery water release obligations to Tamil Nadu while facing severe drought conditions. The bench reserved its order after hearing arguments from both states on the contentious issue.

Tamil Nadu submitted that a shortfall of 11.719 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft) is affecting Samba cultivation in the state. The state pressed for Karnataka to comply with water-sharing commitments despite challenging water availability.

Karnataka countered that acute water scarcity and competing demands for drinking water supplies constrain its ability to release additional water downstream. The state highlighted its own pressing water needs amid the drought crisis affecting the region.