BENGALURU: The Karnataka government on Saturday ruled out releasing Cauvery water for irrigation for now, citing inadequate storage in reservoirs and prioritising drinking water needs amid an uncertain monsoon.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with legislators representing the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) catchment region, Irrigation Minister Ramalinga Reddy said the available water was sufficient only to meet domestic requirements, highlighting the government’s challenge of balancing urban water security with mounting demands from farmers. “The immediate priority is drinking water. The water currently available in the reservoirs is sufficient for that purpose,” he said.
Reddy, however, expressed cautious optimism that the situation could improve if rainfall continues. “If there is good rainfall for another 15 days, much of the present concern could ease. If storage levels increase substantially, the government will consider releasing water for agricultural purposes,” he said.
He revealed that MLAs from the Cauvery basin had urged the government to release water for irrigation but were informed that current storage levels do not permit such a decision. Adding to the uncertainty, he noted that the India Meteorological Department has forecast reduced rainfall in the coming weeks.
The minister said Karnataka would place its position before the Cauvery Water Management Authority meeting scheduled for July 15, where reservoir levels and water releases are expected to come up for discussion.
On the long-pending Mekedatu balancing reservoir project, Reddy said the process of identifying and allotting alternative land for those affected by submergence was under way. He added that compensatory land would also have to be provided if forest land is acquired for the project.
Reddy also hinted that the much-awaited expansion of Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s cabinet could take place during the Ashada month, dismissing suggestions that the period is considered inauspicious. “Many communities, including Tamils and Brahmins, perform weddings and other auspicious ceremonies during Ashada. Therefore, a cabinet expansion can also take place during the month,” he said, indicating that religious considerations may not delay the exercise.
When asked about Bengaluru’s mounting garbage disposal issues and the ongoing removal of encroachments on footpaths, Reddy declined to comment.