Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday said the state would appeal against the direction to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. He also said his government was preparing its legal response and would seek immediate relief through the appropriate forum.
The CM invited his Tamil Nadu counterpart C Joseph Vijay, to visit the Cauvery reservoirs to see for himself the prevailing water scarcity due to the extreme drought.
Shivakumar said the state had held consultations with Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy, the Advocate General, legal experts and senior officials following the order, while the final decision on the legal course would be taken after further discussions.
“Against the CWRC order, we are appealing,” Shivakumar told reporters in New Delhi.
The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee on Tuesday ordered releasing 3,500 cusec water for 15 days. This way, Tamil Nadu will receive about four TMC.
Shivakumar explained that Karnataka had already discussed the matter with Reddy and officials before deciding to challenge the directive.
The Chief Minister said the legal team was preparing the state’s response after the latest order.
“Following yesterday’s order, we have to prepare our response. Today, the Advocate General, our legal experts and all the officials are making the necessary preparations,” he said.
Responding to questions on the legal strategy, Shivakumar said the government had completed consultations with senior lawyers and ministers.
Asked whether the appeal would be filed before the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) or the Supreme Court, Shivakumar said the government would proceed step by step.
“We will proceed stage by stage. After one stage is completed, we will decide the next course of action. What we need immediately is interim relief. Whoever it may be before, we need immediate relief,” he said.
Shivakumar also disclosed that Vijay had expressed his desire to meet him to discuss the Cauvery issue.
According to sources close to Shivakumar, the meeting has been finalised on August 3.
“Our Chief Secretary has also written a letter, and he (Vijay) has spoken to me over the phone. It is our duty to extend due respect to him. I have invited him personally,” the Chief Minister said.
He said he had invited the TN CM to personally inspect Karnataka’s Cauvery reservoir region before arriving at any conclusions.
“I have requested that he should also visit the Cauvery reservoir region in our state and see the ground situation for himself. We have even offered to arrange a helicopter for his inspection. Ultimately, it is up to him to decide. He should speak based on facts and firsthand experience,” Shivakumar said.
The Chief Minister added that he would also hold discussions with Opposition leaders after returning to Bengaluru and would take the final call after completing the consultation process.
“All the discussions have been held. I have to take the final call. Our leaders have requested that we convene a meeting today. I am waiting,” he said.