SC eclipses Cauvery panel order, asks for release of 6,000 cusecs until Sept 27

Supreme Court also directs Centre to constitute Cauvery Management Board in 4 weeks

The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed Karnataka to release 6,000 cusecs of Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu every day till September 27, overriding the Cauvery Supervisory Committee's order of 3,000 cusecs.

The bench of Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Uday Umesh Lalit, giving the direction to Karnataka, also directed the central government to constitute a Cauvery Management Board in four weeks time and report to the court with notification of it being set up.

Political parties and farmers in Tamil Nadu today termed as historic, the Supreme Court verdict directing the Centre to constitute Cauvery Management Board and urged the Union government to set up the body sans delay.

Chief Minister Jayalalithaa also came in for praise for her pursuit of legal measures over the Cauvery issue, which eventually led to the ruling.

President of Tamil Nadu All Farmers' Federations, P R Pandian said "I welcome the verdict whole heartedly, all the farmers are very happy."

"We thank Chief Minister Jayalalithaa for the legal measures she undertook to secure the Apex Court verdict," he told PTI,adding the ruling also comes after a slew of protests over several years by Tamil Nadu farmers, supported by all sections of people, political parties and traders.

He said farmers are now confident that the Cauvery Board would order release of water to ryots in accordance with the needs and without any political interference.

Farmers wing of CPI(M), Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam urged the Centre to implement the order without delay and the state government to make efforts to get additional quantum of water as 6,000 cusecs will not be sufficient.

PMK chief Ramadoss said, "though the Supreme Court direction to release 6,000 cusecs of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu per day from tomorrow till September 27 is not sufficient, the ruling to constitute CMB is historic and we welcome it whole heartedly."

He said the order has given joy and confidence to lakhs of farmers that now "doing farming is possible in Cauvery Delta districts of Tamil Nadu." He wanted the Centre to take immediate steps for setting up CMB.

Welcoming the ruling, CPI(M) State Secretary G Ramakrishnan and CPI State Secretary R Mutharasan urged the Centre to implement the order without any delay.

Ramakrishnan said 6,000 cusecs would not be sufficient and that at least 12,000 cusecs should be released till the month end.

MDMK chief Vaiko said the Apex Court through its order has upheld the rights of Tamil Nadu on the Cauvery waters. He too demanded the Centre immediately constitute Cauvery Management Board and Cauvery Water Regulatory Authority.