With tensions rising in Karnataka over the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu and the state government still saddled with orders, the current rainfall in the Cauvery catchment area has given the state a glimmer of hope.
Several Cauvery catchment areas including Talakaveri and Bagamandala in Kodagu district have started receiving heavy rainfall since yesterday. Due to rainfall, the discharge of Harangi dam in Kodagu reached 1,794 cusecs in a single day. Heavy rain is expected to continue over the next two days.
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Adequate rainfall could be a saving grace for the state, which is facing water shortage due to lack of rainfall. Last week, there were two protest calls in Karnataka against the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu even as the state is facing water shortage and several districts have been declared drought-hit.
Several pro-Kannada organizations and farmer unions called for a joint march in Bengaluru on September 26, but the response was muted. In addition, a statewide joint action held on September 29 received support from all regions. The protests even led to riots, with protesters burning effigies of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin and causing riots at Kempegowda International Airport, where flights were cancelled.
Even as protesters vehemently oppose the release of Cauvery water, the state government remains vigilant. The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) has directed Karnataka to release 3,000 cubic feet of Cauvery water per day by October 15.
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Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reportedly said that if the government deliberately violates the order to release Cauvery water, it may be sacked. He has said the federal government could take control of the reservoir, which would lead to contempt of court and lead to the government being dissolved.
Besides, the government submitted a review petition against the water release order to the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) on September 30. The chief minister said the government would also approach the Supreme Court after considering the situation.
