Why Supreme court directs Karnataka to release water in no of TMC ? Why cant it be in % TMC of water Karnataka having ? See details.
The Supreme Court's directives for Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu in terms of specific volumes (Thousand Million Cubic Feet - TMC) rather than a percentage of the water Karnataka has, are rooted in several historical, legal, and practical considerations.
Historical and Legal Framework
The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal, established in 1990, made a final award in 2007 that was later gazetted by the Government of India in 2013. This award allocated specific shares of the Cauvery river water among the riparian states, including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry. The Supreme Court has upheld and modified this award in various judgments, including the one on February 16, 2018, which adjusted the shares slightly in favor of Karnataka but still maintained specific volume allocations23.
Specific Volume Allocations
The tribunal and the Supreme Court have based their decisions on the average annual inflow of the Cauvery river, which is estimated at 740 TMC. The allocations are made to ensure that each state receives a predictable and reliable amount of water, which is crucial for agricultural, industrial, and domestic purposes. For instance, Karnataka is required to release 192 TMC of water to Tamil Nadu annually, with specific monthly allocations (e.g., 50 TMC in August, 40 TMC in September)3.
Predictability and Planning
Specifying volumes in TMC allows for better planning and management by the states. Farmers, irrigation departments, and other stakeholders can plan their activities based on the known water availability. A percentage-based allocation would introduce uncertainty, as the total available water can vary significantly from year to year due to factors like monsoon variability.
Enforcement and Compliance
Directing specific volumes makes it easier to monitor compliance. The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and the Cauvery Supervisory Committee can track whether Karnataka is releasing the required amount of water, which helps in enforcing the court's orders and resolving disputes more effectively13.
Balancing Competing Interests
The Supreme Court's approach also involves balancing the competing interests of the states. By allocating specific volumes, the court ensures that the needs of both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are addressed, taking into account factors such as drinking water requirements for cities like Bangalore, agricultural needs, and environmental flows2.
In summary, the use of specific volume allocations in TMC rather than percentages ensures predictability, facilitates better planning and management, and aids in the enforcement of court orders, thereby helping to balance the competing interests of the riparian states.