T.N. Protestsover Cauvery Issue

Why in news?

In Tamil Nadu protests are beingconducted against the union government’s failure to set up Cauvery water management board.

What is the significance of Cauvery for T.N.?

• Cauvery is regarded as the lifeline of Tamil Nadu as it is the only major river of the state, unlike Karnataka which gets water from the Krishna and the Godavari.
• The River also accounts for 70% of canal irrigation and nearly 25 lakh acres are recognised as irrigated area, under the Cauvery in Tamil Nadu.
• The paddy cultivating districts which account for 40% of the total area of the state, contribute 35% of the total crop production.
• In the past 10 years, the Cauvery has also become a major source of drinking water for a number of districts.

What is the recent verdict on Cauvery water dispute?

• In its recent verdict over Cauvery issue, Supreme Court has declared Cauvery a “national asset” and reduced the allocation of Cauvery water from Karnataka to Tamil Nadu.
• It upheld the principle of equitable apportionment of inter-State river water among riparian States.
• The SC had given the Centre 6 weeks to frame a scheme to make sure the final decisions are implemented. 
• SC also directed the formation of the Cauvery Management Board (CMB) immediately.Click here to know more.

What is T.N. concerns with the ‘scheme’?

• The word ‘scheme’ was mentioned in the SC’s judgement which required for the implementation of the final order given by the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal in February 2007.

• The Tribunal’s final order states that the board would ensure timely water release in right quantum and at the right time taking into account the irrigation requirements of the states.
• Tamil Nadu demands that the ‘scheme’ should have entailed setting up of the Cauvery Management Board and the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee.
• Whereas, Karnataka argues that there is no mention of a ‘board’ in the court’s order.
• Union g0vernment is also delaying the interpretation of the scheme and setting up of CMB.

Why union government is delaying setting up of the board?

• The Union government has clarified to the Supreme Court that there are divergent views over the judgement by the constituting states of the Cauvery basin.
• It has also mentioned that setting up of a board will lead to public outrage causing law and order problems during the upcoming Karnataka assembly elections.

Source: The Hindu