TN, Karnataka disagree on Cauvery flow measurement

The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal, in its interim order, had directed Karnataka to release 205 tmc of water to Tamil Nadu annually. But the two States have been differing on where the flow has to be measured. Tamil Nadu insists the measurement should be done at the gauging station at Mettur, while Karnataka maintains it should be done only at Biligundlu, where the Central Water Commission operates a gauging station.

At today’s meeting, Tamil Nadu complained that on October 25, Karnataka had defaulted in release, to the tune of eight tmc. Karnataka, on the other hand, said it had actually released 16tmc of water as per the flow measured by the CWC at Biligundlu.

The issue was discussed at a recent meeting of the monitoring committee, which reports to the authority. A proposal for the setting up of a technical committee was mooted, but Tamil Nadu rejected it outright, while Karnataka had no objection.

Briefing reporters after the authority’s meeting, Karnataka Chief Minister J H Patel said the discussions were cordial but admitted that his State and Tamil Nadu differed on the question of flow measurement. The other issues were non-controversial, he added.