Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has decided to hold talks with Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on the Cauvery water dispute. The move breaks from the state's past approach of seeking adjudication through tribunals and courts.
Between June 1 and July 23, Tamil Nadu received only 3.5 thousand million cubic feet of water against an expected 32 TMC ft under the 2007 Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal award as modified by the Supreme Court. Mr. Vijay plans to urge Karnataka to release at least three additional TMC ft, taking into account reduced southwest monsoon rainfall.
The decision has drawn criticism from several political parties, farmers' leaders and experts in Tamil Nadu. They argue that direct talks bypass the Cauvery Water Management Authority and the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee set up under the tribunal award.
Mr. Vijay's outreach draws on political links with the Congress party, which governs Karnataka. Rahul Gandhi attended his swearing-in in May, and D.K. Shivakumar was among the early leaders to greet him. Past Chief Ministers from both states maintained close personal ties yet failed to resolve the dispute over decades.
Tamil Nadu remains focused on securing immediate water releases. Separate discussions on the Mekedatu dam project, opposed by the state, can be taken up later if needed.
