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| Cauvery River |
The Cauvery River dispute is a long-standing water-sharing conflict between the southern Indian states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The primary issue revolves around the sharing of water from the Cauvery River, which originates in Karnataka and flows through Tamil Nadu before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The dispute has historical, political, and agricultural dimensions. Here's a summary of the key aspects:
**Background:**
1. **River Cauvery**: The Cauvery River, also known as the Kaveri River, is one of the major rivers in southern India, flowing through the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
**Chronology of the Dispute:**
1. **1892 Agreement**: The British colonial government established an agreement in 1892 to allocate the waters of the Cauvery River among the Madras Presidency (now Tamil Nadu) and the princely state of Mysore (now Karnataka).
2. **1924 Agreement**: A second agreement was signed in 1924, modifying the water-sharing arrangements to some extent.
3. **Post-Independence Disputes**: After India gained independence in 1947, the disputes over sharing Cauvery's waters continued.
4. **Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT)**: In 1990, the Indian government constituted the CWDT to resolve the ongoing disputes. The tribunal finally delivered its award in 2007, which allocated a specific amount of water to each state.
**Key Points of the Dispute:**
1. **Water Allocation**: The main bone of contention is the quantum of water to be released by Karnataka to Tamil Nadu during various seasons, especially during the crucial agricultural season from June to September.
2. **Drought and Monsoon Variability**: The disputes intensify during years of deficient rainfall when the availability of water becomes a critical issue for both states.
3. **Agricultural Dependence**: Both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are heavily dependent on Cauvery's waters for irrigation, and the dispute directly impacts the livelihoods of farmers in both states.
**Legal and Political Battles:**
1. **Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT)**: The tribunal's award in 2007 was challenged by both states in the Supreme Court of India.
2. **Supreme Court Intervention**: The Supreme Court has been actively involved in the matter over the years, issuing various orders and modifying water release schedules.
**Resolution Efforts:**
1. **Mediation**: There have been attempts at mediation and negotiation, often involving the central government and other stakeholders, but a lasting resolution has been elusive.
2. **Cauvery Management Board**: The Supreme Court directed the establishment of the Cauvery Management Board (CMB) to implement its orders regarding water release. This move has also faced political challenges.
The Cauvery River dispute remains a contentious issue, with periodic flare-ups of tension and protests in both states. It highlights the complex nature of water-sharing disputes in a country as diverse as India and the need for a delicate balance between the needs of different regions.
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