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
