Why in the News?
On the Cauvery dispute, Karnataka CM has said that water will be released to Tamil Nadu since the rainfall is adequate, while stressing the Mekedatu Dam’s role in water balance and clean energy.
Back2Basics: Cauvery River
|
About Cauvery Water Sharing Dispute:
- Colonial Origins: Began in 1892 (Madras Presidency vs Mysore); 1924 Agreement (50 years, expired 1974).
- Post-Independence: Disputes arose with dam projects by Karnataka (1960s–80s); Supreme Court referred to Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT).
- Interim Phase: Cauvery River Authority (CRA, 1998) issued temporary orders.
- CWDT Final Award (2013): Tamil Nadu 419 TMC, Karnataka 270, Kerala 30, Puducherry 7.
- Karnataka’s Obligation: In normal years, release 177.25 TMC to TN, including 123.14 TMC in SW monsoon.
- Challenges: Disputes sharpen in weak monsoons, triggering use of a “distress formula”.
- Legal Basis: Governed by Article 262, Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956; Seventh Schedule entries 17 (State List) & 56 (Union List).
About Mekedatu Dam Project:
- Location: Deep gorge at Cauvery–Arkavathi confluence near Kanakapura, Karnataka.
- Design: Balancing reservoir of ~66 TMC capacity.
- Objectives: Provide Bengaluru drinking water, generate 400 MW hydropower, regulate flows to TN in drought years.
- Importance: Karnataka argues it benefits both states by ensuring regulated water release.
- Opposition: Tamil Nadu objects, fearing reduced downstream availability.
- Current Status: Karnataka insists on moving ahead, requiring Centre & TN’s clearance.
| [UPSC 2022] Gandikota canyon of South India was created by which one of the following rivers?
Options: (a) Cauvery (b) Manjira (c) Pennar* (d) Tungabhadra |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
