Stating that Karnataka is assessing Cauvery situation, including the petition of DMK in Supreme Court, carefully, the Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday (August 2, 2026) appealed to the protesters to rescind on the August 13 bandh call given against the release of Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu.

His appeal to the protesters came after the all -party meeting convened by him to discuss the distress in the release of Cauvery river water after the directions from the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) that has directed the State to release 3,500 cusecs daily for 15 days.

“Suggestion has been given to me to talk to protesters. I will speak to farmers, Kannada organisations and opposition leaders. Our Ministers will also speak. When Government is standing with you and nature is also with you, bandh is of no use. It will affect our schools and business. Ultimately, it will not help us. We are committed to farmers’ welfare and bound to protect state interest,” the Chief Minister told presspersons. “They [opposition leaders] have pledged their support to the Government and have provided valuable suggestions. We will take the suggestions that will be discussed with the legal team before moving forward.”

Anticipating regular meetings of the CWMA till January, 2027, he said that the State has to be prepared with legal team to protect the state’s interest. “There could be meeting of CWMA every fortnight.”

Inflow around 68,000 cusecs

The Chief Minister said that the current inflow into four reservoirs in the Cauvery basin was close to 68,000 cusecs on Sunday (August 2, 2026), and indicated that the inflow could reduce as rainfall in Kodagu and other catchment area has also receded. “We need to store about 40 tmc ft of water, including 4 tmc feet for evaporation, to meet the drinking water needs.”

Mr. Shivakumar said: “Tamil Nadu had asked 9 tmc ft, and CWMA has directed release of 3,500 tmc ft daily. We are respecting the law of the country. Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are one. I don’t speak language of others.”

On the petition filed by DMK in Supreme Court, he said: “We are closely watching the situation. Individual petitions of political parties and organisations are treated differently. We have to utilize our experience.” Explaining the release of water from Kabini reservoir, he said: “Water is being released considering the safety of the reservoir, and about 24,000 cusecs of flowing into the reservoir.”

Earlier, addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said: “The interests of State’s farmers and people are above politics. Karnataka’s priority is to resolve the river water sharing issue through dialogue and an amicable settlement. Adequate water has been stored to ensure that there is no shortage of drinking water. The natural flow of water is being released since the Kabini reservoir has reached full capacity. Water has already been released into canals, benefitting farmers across the region.”

Stating that the Cauvery river dispute is not new to anyone, he said: “We have all grown up witnessing the Cauvery dispute. Karnataka has a tradition of all political parties setting aside differences and standing united to protect State’s interests. Our stand has always been that drinking water must receive the highest priority.” Sharing the State’s effort on Cauvery, Mr. Shivakumar informed the leaders that he had met Union Ministers C.R. Patil, Pralhad Joshi and V. Somanna along with former Chief Ministers Basavaraj Bommai and Jagadish Shettar ahead of the CWRC and CWMA meetings. “State’s concerns were raised before the Centre. During the meeting of Members of Parliament, leaders across party lines had set aside political differences and pledged to stand united.”

He said that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay had intended to hold talks, but the meeting was deferred and decided to hold discussions after the situation in Cauvery improved. “Improvement in rainfall has brought some relief with indications of overall situation getting better.”

Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah suggested that the State should seek a distress formula that will provide a scientific and permanent relief. “This is an emotional issue and steps have to be taken carefully. Approaching Supreme Court against the CWMA order will not help. Petitions have been dismissed in the past. We have to provide water as per the authority’s decision.”

Published - August 02, 2026 03:31 pm IST