Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government has decided to release water from Mettur Dam for 45 days from September 1, depending on the water storage level and inflow into the dam.
Rural Development and Water Resources Minister N Anand stated this in a statement regarding the release of water from Mettur Dam.
Despite inadequate rainfall in the Cauvery basin during the southwest monsoon, the government has decided to release water from Mettur Dam in Salem district from September 1, considering the drinking water requirements of Tamil Nadu and the irrigation needs of the Cauvery Delta region. The decision was also taken following requests from farmers and the general public.
On September 1, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay will release water from Mettur Dam for Delta irrigation.
The Mettur Dam water release has been a key issue due to delays in opening water for delta irrigation amid low reservoir levels and ongoing inter-state Cauvery water-sharing disputes.
Earlier, the Supreme Court on Monday asked Tamil Nadu to take up its grievance with the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) that Karnataka was not releasing the State's proportionate share of Cauvery water. Appearing for Tamil Nadu, the counsel submitted that the State was not receiving the proportionate quantity of water it was entitled to.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, however, noted that Karnataka had already released water in compliance with the directions issued by the CWMA.
"You have already received the water as directed by CWMA," the bench observed while hearing Tamil Nadu's plea seeking directions for the release of its due share of Cauvery water.
Tamil Nadu's counsel disputed this, submitting that the CWMA had not directed Karnataka to release the proportionate quantity of water that Tamil Nadu was entitled to receive.
In view of the dispute, the bench asked Tamil Nadu to approach the CWMA and raise the issue before the authority. The matter will next be taken up on August 31.
On August 17, the top court had asked the Karnataka government to ensure compliance with the CWMA directions on the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu has approached the top court seeking enforcement of a decision by the CWMA directing Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of Cauvery water daily for 15 days.
The Tamil Nadu government moved the top court on August 3, challenging the non-implementation of the CWMA's July 30 direction for the release of water from Karnataka's Kabini and Krishna Raja Sagara reservoirs. The State has sought a total release of 4.536 TMC of water, corresponding to 3,500 cusecs per day over 15 days. It has urged that the stipulated quantity be released by August 12.
