The Supreme Court on Friday advised Karnataka to adopt "live and let live" approach and consider releasing Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. The apex court sought to know if the upper riparian state could release at least 5TMC of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, which, in its plea, has sought release of 50 TMC of water for its Samba crop.
Justice Dipak Mishra observed that the states should go by the "live and let live" principle and live in harmony. While the hearing has been adjourned for Monday, the SC will be examining the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal report before taking a call on TN’s plea.
Tamil Nadu had expressed concern that lives of over 40 lakh population would be affected, if agriculture activities did not resume immediately. And, that Karnataka had not released the allocated share of water as per the tribunal order.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asserted that the two states should go by distress pro rata basis and not as per the normal year formula, as there is a deficit of 80TMC feet.
Karnataka Water Resources Minister M.B. Patil said, "Our legal team will present the ground realities before the apex court on Monday, as there is poor water flow into all four reservoirs and the satte's drinking water requirement cannot be met."
