The Cauvery Water Dispute: Navigating troubled waters amidst climate change

The Cauvery water dispute is a problem strongly connected to climate change and its effects on water resources; it is not only a legal or political issue.

Several reasons exist for the return of the Cauvery water agitation in Karnataka. Since the colonial era, the Cauvery river has been a source of tension between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Periodically, this long-running disagreement re-emerges when water-sharing arrangements become a pressing matter.

The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) ordered Karnataka to extend the release of 5,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for an extra 15 days, which sparked the current escalation of demonstrations and the "Bengaluru bandh”. Tensions increased when Karnataka officials said there wasn't enough water to abide by this directive.

The situation worsened when Siddaramaiah, the chief minister of Karnataka, invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mediate and resolve the conflict, underscoring the Prime Minister's authority. This action increased protests and calls for a solution by bringing the problem to the nation's attention.

The situation was exacerbated by the absence of a precise formula for allocating water during times of shortage, drought, and insufficient rainfall. The government of Karnataka was even more irritated by the Supreme Court's decision to stay out of the CWMA's mandate.

The complexity of the matter was highlighted by prominent officials from both states, including Durai Murugan and HD Deve Gowda, who advocated for discussion over litigation to settle the conflict. Ultimately, the Cauvery water conflict continues to be a deeply entrenched issue with historical, political, and environmental components, leaving it susceptible to resurgences and demonstrations from time to time, like the recent "Bengaluru bandh."

Complications Of Interstate Water Allocation

The dispute stems from the allocation and sharing of water from the Cauvery river, an interstate basin that originates in Karnataka and flows through Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry before reaching the Bay of Bengal. The river's watershed covers 81,155 sq km; Karnataka contributes 34,273 sq km, Kerala 2,866 sq km, while Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry account for the rest 44,016 sq km.

Several dams and reservoirs have been built to manage this priceless resource, including the Harangi, Hemavati, Krishna Raja Sagar, and Kabini dams in Karnataka and the Mettur Dam in Tamil Nadu. The Indian government established the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) in 1990 to settle disputes between Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Puducherry.

In 1991, the CWDT issued a temporary order requiring Karnataka to deliver a certain amount of water to Tamil Nadu. This edict has caused controversy and resulted in legal and political conflicts. The Cauvery River Authority (CRA) and Monitoring Committee (CMC) were established to create a plan for carrying out tribunal orders. The problem shows the necessity for fair and long-lasting water-sharing agreements and the complicated issues underlying water allocation in India's interstate river basins.

Whenever there is a deficit in the southwest monsoon in the region, the dispute shifts from dormant to active mode. A recent incident saw Tamil Nadu asking the Supreme Court to order Karnataka to deliver a daily quota of 24,000 cusecs of Cauvery water to help their crops.

Karnataka was given a directive by the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) to provide 5,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for an additional 15 days. However, authorities assert that there isn't enough water to abide by the CWMA decision. Despite numerous court interventions but no settlement, administrators are fighting a losing battle.

Reimagining Water Disputes Amid Climate Change

The problem requires a very different approach to solve it. First, the availability of water needs to be evaluated scientifically. The effects of climate change on the river's flow, groundwater levels, and precipitation patterns must be understood. Ignoring these elements would be equivalent to engaging in a battle over a limited resource without considering the wider picture.

Any solution should be based on equity. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu must agree on an equitable water-sharing system, considering historical water use, population growth, agricultural needs, and the ecological health of the river. The river's ecosystem and the state's water needs must be balanced.

Adaptation to climate change cannot be disregarded. Both states must invest in plans to lessen the effects of intensifying droughts and uncertain rainfall patterns. This involves encouraging effective irrigation, rainwater collection, and environment-friendly land use techniques.

Additionally, data sharing and technology have the potential to transform water management. Data exchange and real-time weather and water level monitoring can improve the efficiency of water allocation. The norm should be conversation and mediation. Impartial agencies, such as the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), can facilitate positive communication and conflict resolution.

The Cauvery water dispute is a problem strongly connected to climate change and its effects on water resources; it is not only a legal or political issue. As we move forward, we must adopt sustainable methods, promote cooperation, and consider environmental dynamics. We can only navigate these rough waters by searching for a just, long-lasting solution that benefits all parties involved.

Anjal Prakash is the Clinical Associate Professor (Research) and Research Director at the Bharti Institute of Public Policy at the Indian School of Business. He teaches sustainability at ISB and contributes to IPCC reports. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.