Centre to ask SC for more time to prepare scheme for Cauvery water distribution

The central government will file an application in the Supreme Court on Wednesday, asking for more time to formulate the scheme for the distribution of Cauvery water.

While the plea is likely to be made on the ground that the scheme is being given final touches, an official familiar with the developments said the “real purpose” was to delay it till elections in Karnataka on May 12.

“The scheme is almost ready. The time is being deliberately sought to delay the formation of the scheme till Karnataka elections,” said the above official. “The scheme is almost finalised. Many options were being finalised and even the Bhakra Beas Management Board has been consulted.”

The government is also likely to apprise the apex court with steps already taken so far. “We will soon present all options before the court so that the details can be shared with the state to reach a consensus,” said an official from the Union water resources ministry.

The SC had asked the Centre to present the draft of the Cauvery Management Scheme before May 3. This was after the Centre had asked for three months to formulate the Scheme. At that point, the ministry had called the issue “sensitive and likely to impact elections”.

Karnataka had opposed the formation of the Cauvery management board as proposed by the Cauvery tribunal.

On the other hand, political parties and farmers’ associations in Tamil Nadu have called for the formation of the board at the earliest. They say that a delay in the release of water is causing distress and can effect Kuruvai (short-term) crops.

The SC had given a verdict in favour of Karnataka, saying that Tamil Nadu should get 177.25 TMC of water against the earlier 192 TM as suggested by the Cauvery tribunal.

Observers believe that the BJP does not want to be seen going against people’s will in Karnataka as distribution of the river water is an emotional issue in poll-bound Karnataka. Besides, the state is also involved in a tussle with BJP-run Goa over the distribution of water of the Mahadayi river.

“There are two water disputes — one is Cauvery, the other is Mahadayi. While BJP is in a tight spot on Mahadayi, they don’t want to do the same on Cauvery,” said A Narayana, associate professor for public policy at Bengaluru Azim Premji University, speaking to HT earlier.

Five districts of north Karnataka have been demanding more water from Mahadayi, which originates in Karnataka and flows on to Goa and Maharashtra.