A view of Krishnarajasagar dam built across Cauvery river. Photo: PTI/FileNew Delhi/Bengaluru: 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.
Karnataka had challenged the Cauvery Supervisory Committee's order to release 3,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu in the Supreme Court.
Karnataka disagrees as Cauvery panel orders 3,000 cusecs release daily
The panel's directive came on Monday after the two warring states failed to reach a consensus on the quantum of water to be shared during distress due to deficit rains and lower levels in the four reservoirs across the river basin this year.
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The panel's order sparked protests in the region, especially at Mandya, about 100km from Bengaluru, by farmers and traders, which led to blocking of vehicular traffic between Bengaluru and Mysuru.
Kerala SRTC cancels services for 3 days
To avoid any untoward incidents, Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has canceled all bus services from Bengaluru to the state for 3 days. There will be no KSRTC buses from Bengaluru to Kerala till Thursday. KSRTC buses from Kerala to Bengaluru will halt their services at Sultan Bathery in Wayanad and Palakkad. However, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation has not canceled bus services to Kerala.
Security beefed up in Karnataka
"We have intensified security and stepped up vigil to prevent any untoward incident in the wake of the panel's order and the hearing in the Supreme Court on Tuesday," the minister said after a meeting with the top police brass.
Police also banned sale of liquor and opening of bars, wine shops and pubs on Tuesday in and around the city.
(With agency inputs)
