Cauvery Authority Reviews June Water Release for Tamil Nadu

The Cauvery Water Management Authority convened its 51st session in the capital on Tuesday under the leadership of chairman S.K. Haldar. Officials from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka participated, with the southern state making a strong pitch for timely water releases. Dr. Satyabrata Sahu reported that Mettur reservoir stands at 40.742 TMC and that current outflows meet urban, industrial, and ecological requirements. Over the current water year, Tamil Nadu has already drawn 329.166 TMC against its allocated 176.685 TMC at Billigundulu, including surplus inflows. Karnataka’s suggestion to adjust surplus releases against its quota drew sharp rebuttal. Tamil Nadu maintained that any water Karnataka failed to impound cannot be treated as part of the regulated share and must comply with apex court directives. With the monsoon expected to reach Kerala on May 26, Tamil Nadu requested the authority to guarantee a 9.91 TMC release in June 2026. The decision carries significant weight given the history of inter-state disputes over Cauvery waters.