Karnataka cuts Cauvery discharge to Tamil Nadu by 57% in a day

Combined releases toward Tamil Nadu from Karnataka’s Krishnaraja Sagar and Kabini reservoirs fell to 5,200 cusecs on Monday from 11,983 cusecs a day earlier, a drop of 6,783 cusecs, or about 57%. KRS was putting out 4,800 cusecs. Kabini was putting out 1,200. Rain in Kodagu, the main upper catchment for KRS, had stopped.

KRS at Srirangapatna stood at 106.84 feet against a full level of 124.80 feet. Inflow was 2,511 cusecs, below the 4,800-cusec outflow, so storage kept falling. Kabini in Mysuru district stood at 2,268.50 feet against a full level of 2,284 feet. Inflow there was 2,514 cusecs against a 1,200-cusec discharge.

The order that expires today

On 25 August the Cauvery Water Management Authority upheld a Regulation Committee recommendation that Karnataka maintain 9,000 cusecs to Tamil Nadu for 15 days, through 8 September. It did not order Karnataka to clear an accumulated deficit. Tamil Nadu had asked for 1.9 TMC a day from 24 August to 7 September to cover that shortfall. On 31 August Karnataka told the Supreme Court it had released 9,888 cusecs on 30 August and more than 11,000 cusecs that Monday morning. The court listed the matter for 15 September and told both states to put later figures on record.

Monday’s cut therefore lands on the last day of the 9,000-cusec window, and well below that floor. Water that leaves KRS and Kabini feeds Mettur and the delta canals. A one-day 57% drop does not by itself empty Mettur. It does change the arithmetic the two governments will take back to the court next week.

Why the taps moved

Karnataka’s explanation is hydrological. Kodagu rain ceased. KRS inflow dropped below outflow. Kabini is also off full. The political file is older. Tamil Nadu says Karnataka under-released against the pro-rata formula in a distress year. Karnataka says it met the 9,000-cusec direction while the order lasted and that Mekedatu remains a separate dispute. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has demanded an all-party meeting in Tamil Nadu on the river. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has said any new release decision should follow expert advice.

The measurable facts for 8 September are the two gauges and the two discharge figures: 4,800 from KRS, 1,200 from Kabini, 5,200 combined, against 11,983 the previous day and against a 9,000-cusec instruction that ends today.