New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday ordered Karnataka government to release 15,000 cusecs of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu for 10 days.
Earlier, the apex court had advised Tamil Nadu and Karnataka "live and let live", as both the states locked horns and traded charges in the courtroom over the release of Cauvery water.
While directing the release of 15,000 tmcft of water every day, the bench took note of the impact of non-availability of required water on the summer crops and the plight of farmers.
The apex court also directed Tamil Nadu to approach the Supervisory Committee, set up to implement award of Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT), within three days for the release of Cauvery water as per the final order of Tribunal.
Tamil Nadu has contended that even if it was to accept the Karnataka stand that due to deficient rainfall in the current year, the inflow of water into four major reservoirs in the State less, the same (shortfall in inflow of water into the reservoirs) could not have been more than 28 percent.
The order came after senior advocate Fali S Nariman, appearing for Karnataka, said as a "goodwill gesture" the state government was ready to ensure flow of 10,000 cusecs (about 0.86 TMC) per day from September 7 to 12.
However, Tamil Nadu sought release of 20,000 cusecs of water per day instead of 10,000 cusecs of water in the interest of the farmers of the state.
During the hearing, senior advocate Shekhar Naphade, appearing for Tamil Nadu, contended that Karnataka has not been complying with the Tribunal's directions in the final order and there has been flagrant violation of the same.
He said that if the water is not released by Karnataka, the 'samba' crops will be damaged, which will lead to disastrous consequences for the farmers of Tamil Nadu.
The Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal's final order was passed on February 2, 2007 and on the direction of the top court, published in official Gazette on February 19, 2013.
The final order by the tribunal has been challenged by Karnataka and Kerala.
The bench was told that since it has received 33 tmcft of water only so far, Karnataka may be directed to release 35 tmcft of water.
The court directed listing of the matter for further hearing on September 16.
