Mysuru: Opposition to the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu intensified in Karnataka on Thursday, with State Sugarcane Growers’ Association President Kurubur Shanthkumar urging the State government not to comply with the directions of the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC). Warning of an intensified agitation, he said farmers across Karnataka would launch a larger protest if the government released water despite concerns over poor rainfall, falling reservoir levels and a looming drinking water shortage.
The remarks come amid continuing protests by farmers and pro-Kannada organisations in the Cauvery basin districts of Mysuru and Mandya, where demonstrators have demanded that the State protect Karnataka’s water interests.
Farmers urge government to reject CWRC directive
In a statement, Kurubur Shanthkumar appealed to the Karnataka government to reject the CWRC’s directive to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.
He argued that the State was facing an increasingly difficult situation due to deficient monsoon rainfall, declining storage in reservoirs and concerns over the availability of drinking water in the coming months.
According to him, the government should make a clear announcement that it would not release water under the present circumstances and instead prioritise the interests of Karnataka’s farmers and residents.
He maintained that protecting drinking water supplies and ensuring irrigation for standing crops should remain the government’s foremost priority.
Demand for review petition
Shanthkumar also urged the State government to file a review petition challenging the committee’s order.
He contended that crop losses, inadequate rainfall, falling reservoir levels and water scarcity constituted sufficient grounds for seeking a review of the directive.
The farmers’ leader further claimed that authorities in Bengaluru had already begun advising residents to use water judiciously because of reduced storage in reservoirs following deficient rainfall.
He said these conditions warranted a reassessment of the water release order and called on the government to place the State’s current circumstances before the concerned authorities.
Warning of intensified agitation
Warning of stronger protests in the coming days, Shanthkumar said farmers would intensify their agitation if Karnataka released Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.
He stated that farming communities dependent on the Cauvery basin were already facing uncertainty due to poor rainfall and feared that releasing water could aggravate the situation.
The association warned that statewide protests would be organised if the government failed to protect the interests of Karnataka’s farmers.
Empty-pot protest in Mysuru
Meanwhile, demonstrations continued in Mysuru, where members of a pro-Kannada organisation staged an empty-pot protest against the proposed release of Cauvery water.
The protesters urged the Congress-led State government not to release water under any circumstances, arguing that Karnataka should first ensure adequate supplies for its own people.
The demonstration was organised by the Mysuru district association of pro-Kannada activists under the leadership of Shivashankar.
Participants also demanded the early implementation of the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project, saying it was essential for ensuring long-term water security for Karnataka.
Protests continue across Cauvery basin
Farmers in Mysuru and Mandya have been staging protests since Wednesday following the committee’s order.
Members of several farmers’ organisations organised demonstrations, road blockades and ‘urulu seve’ (rolling in protest) to express their opposition to the release of water and to press for a review petition against the directive.
Protests were held at multiple locations across both districts, with farmers insisting that the government safeguard Karnataka’s interests in the ongoing Cauvery water-sharing issue.
One of the demonstrations temporarily blocked the Mysuru-Ooty Highway, resulting in traffic congestion and leaving several vehicles stranded until the road was cleared.
Water-sharing issue remains contentious
The Cauvery water-sharing issue continues to remain one of the most sensitive inter-State disputes between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, particularly during years of deficient rainfall.
With reservoir levels under pressure and concerns over irrigation and drinking water availability growing, the latest directions from the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee have once again triggered protests across the Cauvery basin region.
As farmers continue their agitation, attention is now focused on the Karnataka government’s response to the committee’s directive and the demand for filing a review petition.