3 min readOct 10, 2023 04:04 AM IST
First published on: Oct 10, 2023 at 04:04 AM IST
IN A significant move, the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Monday adopted a resolution urging the Union government to direct the Karnataka government to release water to Tamil Nadu in line with the Supreme Court’s final judgment. The resolution, moved by Chief Minister M K Stalin, got support from all parties except the BJP, whose MLAs staged a walkout demanding its modification.
“In light of the Cauvery Delta farmers, who are the backbone of Tamil Nadu’s agriculture, being recognised and protected, the Karnataka government is urged to release water to Tamil Nadu. This Assembly unanimously urges the Union government,” the resolution said.
Presenting the resolution, Stalin said: “Cauvery water is not just for the food needs of the people of Tamil Nadu, but it is a lifeline…. We will fight for it and ensure that the people of Tamil Nadu receive their rightful share of Cauvery water, regardless of the circumstances.
The Chief Minister detailed the consistent efforts of the Tamil Nadu government to ensure the state receives its rightful share of water. He highlighted the achievements in the Cauvery Delta region, where channels were systematically desilted, leading to significant paddy production. However, he complained about the artificial blockade created by the Karnataka government, which has not released the rightful water for the month.
Speaking about the numerous meetings and measures taken by Tamil Nadu Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan, Stalin urged Karnataka to release the water.
Leader of the Opposition, Edappadi K Palaniswami of the AIADMK, welcomed the resolution but questioned the DMK government on the measures being taken to ensure drinking water supply to 20 districts until water is received in the Cauvery.
ExplainedBone of contention
The Cauvery water-sharing conflict gains political significance since the DMK and Congress are ruling Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, respectively – two allies in the national opposition’s INDIA bloc that is fighting the BJP.
The Cauvery dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka has its roots in two agreements from 1892 and 1924 between the Madras Presidency and the Mysore princely state. After Independence, as Karnataka expanded its irrigation network in the Cauvery basin, the dispute intensified. Karnataka has long held that the 1924 pact was “heavily in favour” of the Madras presidency.
As the Cauvery basin frequently faces distress due to weak southwest monsoons, the decades-old water-sharing row flares up, affecting the livelihoods of millions. With the adoption of this resolution, Tamil Nadu has once again put forth its stance, hoping for a resolution that ensures the welfare of its farmers and the general public.
Chief Minister M K Stalin 
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