BENGALURU: For more than two decades, the Cauvery crisis has erupted several times, throwing public life out of gear in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. But widespread protests, like the ones over the past month, have only happened only twice before.
Dr A Ravindra, who has served as Chief Secretary amd held key positions in the state during those years, when tensions grew, spoke to Express about the decisions made by the state government to avert the crisis.
Tribunal directive
In June 1991, the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal issued a directive to release 205 tmcft of water. “Karnataka felt that the decision was against the interests of its people,” said Ravindra. Following the decision, then Chief Minister S Bangarappa issued the controversial Karnataka-Cauvery Basin Irrigation Protection Ordinance. The ordinance was challenged in Supreme Court, which held it as ‘unconstitutional’.
In December 1991, riots ensued in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu following the apex court decision, resulting in loss of lives and property. At that time too, prohibitory orders were imposed to curb targeted violence against Tamil-speaking people in Karnataka.
In the recent spate of protests, residents of Srirampura, an area with a large Tamil population, highlighted the troubles they faced.
CRA order
With scanty rainfall in 2002 and reservoir levels dipping, Cauvery issue was stirred up again. Karnataka was ordered to release 1.25 tmcft water per day by the Cauvery River Authority. This was revised later. The state government, led by S M Krishna, was not pleased with the decision. After initially complying with the order, the state decided to defy the order.
Orders of the Supreme Court were also defied, resulting in Tamil Nadu filing a contempt petition. Eventually, good rains in September saved both the states.
“Law and order was maintained in Bengaluru, but the situation was volatile in Mandya and Mysuru districts in 2002,” said Ravindra.