CauveryDispute – BJP Leaders Detained During Protest Near KRS Dam in Karnataka
CauveryDispute – Karnataka BJP leaders and party workers staged a protest near the Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) dam on Friday following fresh directions on Cauvery river water release. The demonstration led to the detention of Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra and several party supporters by the police. The protest was organised in response to the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee’s (CWRC) recommendation directing Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu.
BJP Questions State Government’s Response
Addressing party workers during the protest, BY Vijayendra alleged that the Karnataka government had failed to prepare adequately despite earlier drought-related concerns. He claimed that the administration overlooked the interests of farmers while handling the state’s water resources. According to Vijayendra, the government should have adopted stronger preventive measures instead of allowing political priorities to dominate decision-making during a challenging agricultural season.
He also argued that the continuing water release would place additional pressure on farmers already dealing with limited water availability.
Criticism Over Cauvery Water Decision
Vijayendra criticised Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar over the state’s approach to the Cauvery issue. He stated that Shivakumar, having previously held key responsibilities related to irrigation and water resources, was fully aware of the complexities surrounding the long-standing river dispute. Despite this experience, Vijayendra said the decision to comply with the CWRC’s recommendation was not in the best interests of Karnataka’s farming community.
The BJP leader further alleged that the government had not sought sufficient legal guidance while handling the matter, claiming that consultations with legal experts could have strengthened the state’s position before the concerned authorities.
Yediyurappa Joins Protest
Former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa also participated in the demonstration and criticised the Congress-led state government. He urged the Chief Minister to present the actual water levels at the Krishna Raja Sagara dam to all concerned stakeholders, including the leadership of neighbouring Tamil Nadu.
Yediyurappa maintained that the prevailing water situation should have been highlighted before the Supreme Court and other relevant authorities. He accused the state government of allowing political considerations to influence its handling of the Cauvery dispute instead of focusing on protecting Karnataka’s water interests.
CWMA Upholds Water Release Recommendation
The protest followed a meeting of the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) in New Delhi, where the authority endorsed the recommendation made by the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee. Under the latest direction, Karnataka has been asked to release 3,500 cusecs of water per day to Tamil Nadu, with an overall release of 4 TMC planned over a period of 15 days.
The latest decision has once again intensified discussions over water sharing between the two neighbouring states, an issue that has remained sensitive for decades, particularly during years of lower rainfall.
State Government Reviews Current Situation
Following the CWMA’s decision, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar chaired a high-level review meeting to assess Karnataka’s water situation and discuss the state’s response. The meeting included Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy, Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, Director General of Police Saleem Ahmed, along with senior administrative and police officials.
The discussions focused on evaluating reservoir conditions and reviewing the implications of the latest directions issued by the Cauvery authorities.
Mekedatu Project Adds Another Dimension
Alongside the ongoing water-sharing issue, attention has also shifted to Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir-cum-Drinking Water Project. The Central Government has returned the project’s Detailed Project Report (DPR), asking the state to submit a revised version that complies with the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal award and the applicable guidelines of the Central Water Commission.
The Centre has also acknowledged objections submitted by the Tamil Nadu government and several farmers’ organisations. These representations express concerns about the project’s possible impact on water availability in the Cauvery Delta region as well as drinking water supplies in parts of Tamil Nadu. As a result, both the Cauvery water-sharing issue and the Mekedatu project continue to remain under close administrative and legal scrutiny.