🌊 CURRENT AFFAIRS | CAUVERY WATER DISPUTE
🇮🇳 Why in News?
The Supreme Court on 17 August 2026 directed Karnataka to comply with the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) directions on releasing Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. The Court will review the situation after a week.
🔹 What is the dispute?
The Cauvery is an inter-State river flowing mainly through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with the basin also extending into Kerala and Puducherry.
The basic issue is how the river’s water should be shared, especially during years of inadequate rainfall.
🔹 Current issue:
Tamil Nadu approached the Supreme Court, alleging that Karnataka was not releasing the amount directed by the water-management authorities. Karnataka, meanwhile, has raised concerns about its own water requirements and farmers' interests.
📌 Important institutions:
• Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) — implements/oversees the water-sharing framework.
• Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) — assists in regulation and monitoring of releases.
• The framework was created in 2018 following the Supreme Court's decision and the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal award.
🎯 Exam Angle:
Inter-State River Water Dispute + Article 262 + Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956 + Federalism + CWMA
🧠 One-line revision:
Cauvery dispute = Karnataka–Tamil Nadu water-sharing conflict, mainly intensified during deficient rainfall years.
