While emphasising that it was his duty to protect farmers’ interests in the Cauvery issue, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said it was equally important to uphold the law.

Speaking to reporters at Bhagamandala in Kodagu district on Sunday, Mr. Shivakumar pointed out that the reservoirs in the State were still not completely full. Along with the challenge of sustaining the State’s farmers, there was also a need to uphold the law. “Both are very important,” he said.

He said there were separate rules for water-sharing during periods of shortage and distress, and claimed that the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) had also issued the necessary directions in this regard.

“If water availability in our dams decreases, we could face unnecessary hardship,” he said, while hoping that such a situation would not arise.

“If we do not follow the law, we may end up in a situation where control of the dam has to be handed over to the Central government,” Mr. Shivakumar said.

Emphasising the need to make decisions keeping in mind the availability of water in the reservoirs for drinking and agricultural purposes, the Chief Minister hoped for good rains and bountiful crops so that farmers would get their due.

“Facing such water problems once every three years is a law of nature,” he said.

Prayers for rain

Pointing out that prayers from the people of the State were also necessary, Mr. Shivakumar said the Deputy Commissioner, officials of the Department of Religious Endowments, and local MLAs would be asked to hold prayers for rain at Kiggalu as well.

He said Kiggalu is a place meant specifically for such prayers.

Mekadatu

He said the Supreme Court had stated that there was no objection to the construction of any dam by Karnataka within the State, and the Centre had also made this clear to Tamil Nadu MPs.

“The construction of Mekedatu will not affect the allocation of 177.25 tmcft of water annually earmarked for Tamil Nadu,” he said.

Published - August 16, 2026 06:51 pm IST