Karnataka to heed SC, calls for CRA meet

Karnataka today decided to fall in line with the Supreme Court directive to release 1.25 tmc ft of Cauvery water daily to Tamil Nadu but sought immediate convening of the Cauvery River Authority (CRA) meeting to protect the ‘‘immediate and long term’’ interests of the state’s farmers.

‘‘We honour the directive,’’ Karnataka Chief Minister S.M. Krishna said at the end of day-long deliberations, including two cabinet meetings and an all-party meet.

He added that that the government is committed to protecting the interests of the farmers under any circumstances.

To his relief, the SC order saw just sporadic protests in the state, with farmers and students in Krishna’s home district Mandya staging dharnas and blocking roads.