Wash out the bitterness

The growing discord between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu on the issue of sharing the Cauvery waters in the wake of a grossly deficient southwest monsoon holds dangerous portents for amity between two states. The growth of sectarian sentiments in the region would jeopardise peace in both states and it is, therefore, incumbent on the two governments to exercise the utmost restraint in dealing with an issue as emotive as this.

When, on September 8, the Cauvery River Authority CRA 8212; which has Prime Minister Vajpayee as its chairperson 8212; had scaled down the quantum of water to be released by Karnataka to Tamil Nadu, from the 1.25 tmcft directed by the Supreme Court to 0.8 tmcft as per the recommendations of the Central Monitoring Authority, the crisis seemed to have blown over, despite Tamil Nadu8217;s stated dissatisfaction. The subsequent refusal by the Karnataka government to stand by what it had agreed to in New Delhi, citing the sensitive law-and-order situation in the state, has put the clock back on the entire process. Of course, there is no doubt that Karnataka is reeling under one of the ghastliest droughts it has ever experienced thus far and farmers in the worst-affected districts are greatly exercised over giving water to Tamil Nadu, but the Supreme Court and the CRA must surely have weighed all aspects diligently before they passed their orders. To now disregard them would not only lower the sanctity of these institutions but also pose an open challenge to the rule of law.

The level of the Mettur dam in Tamil Nadu is perilously low and stoppage of the mandated flow from Karnataka would predictably destroy the 8216;samba8217; crop 8212; which is the major one 8212; close on the heels of the complete failure of the 8216;kuruvai8217; crop. The gravity of the drought situation in Karnataka, too, can hardly be brushed aside. In such circumstances, it is imperative that the Centre extend all possible help, both in terms of foodgrain supply and relief works. At the same time, the two states must approach the issue of water sharing in a spirit of accommodation and work towards evolving a rational, distress-sharing formula. The bitterness that creeps in every time there is a crisis must give way to a give-and-take approach. Pragmatism, rather than wild displays of emotion, is what both states need at this juncture.