Cauvery – Karnataka Government to Decide Irrigation Water Release After CWMA Meeting
Cauvery –The Karnataka government has decided to wait for the outcome of the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) meeting before making any announcement on the release of Cauvery river water for irrigation across the state.
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said the state would take a final call only after presenting Karnataka’s position at the CWMA meeting scheduled for July 15. Speaking to reporters, he stressed that the government must carefully balance the interests of farmers, ensure the availability of drinking water, and comply with the Supreme Court’s directions regarding the release of water to neighbouring Tamil Nadu.
State to Present Its Stand Before Final Decision
The Chief Minister explained that Karnataka intends to place its concerns and requirements before the Cauvery Water Management Authority before deciding on irrigation releases. According to him, protecting the interests of farmers remains a priority, but the government must also fulfil its legal obligations while ensuring adequate drinking water supplies.
He said the administration would study the outcome of the authority’s deliberations before announcing its next course of action. The government believes that any decision on reservoir releases should be based on discussions held during the statutory meeting rather than being made in advance.
Farmers’ Concerns from Mandya District Raised
Referring to recent discussions with elected representatives from the Cauvery basin, Shivakumar said legislators from Mandya, along with representatives from Srirangapatna and the district minister, had met him to express their views regarding the release of irrigation water.
He acknowledged the concerns raised by leaders from the region, where agriculture depends heavily on Cauvery water. However, he reiterated that the state government would not make any announcement until the CWMA meeting concludes and all relevant issues are examined.
Government Balancing Agriculture, Drinking Water and Legal Commitments
The Chief Minister underlined that the administration is trying to maintain a careful balance between multiple responsibilities. Apart from supporting farmers during the irrigation season, the government must safeguard drinking water requirements for cities and towns while also adhering to judicial directions related to interstate water sharing.
He said Karnataka would place factual and technical arguments before the authority to explain the state’s current situation before any final decision is taken.
Clarification on Tirupati Temple’s First Aarti Tradition
Shivakumar also responded to questions regarding the decision related to the first aarti at the Tirupati temple. He said the practice has historical roots dating back to the era of the Mysore Maharajas, when Karnataka traditionally received the honour.
According to him, the earlier arrangement involved a designated official receiving the first aarti on behalf of the state. Under the revised practice, the opportunity will instead be extended to eligible dignitaries from Karnataka visiting the temple. These may include elected representatives, judges, government officials, Members of Parliament, mayors, tahsildars and other authorised individuals who arrive for darshan.
Opportunity Not Restricted to Any Political Party
The Chief Minister clarified that the privilege would not be limited to members of any particular political party. He said the process would be governed by established guidelines, ensuring equal treatment for eligible individuals from Karnataka.
He also made it clear that the state government’s decision concerns only the representation associated with the first aarti. All other temple procedures, darshan arrangements and administrative rules will continue to remain under the authority of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams administration. Karnataka, he added, has no intention of interfering with the temple’s existing regulations or management framework.