New Delhi:
In a good will gesture, Karnataka has agreed to release 10,000 cusecs of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu starting 12 September.
Karnataka told the Supreme Court today that it will release the water as temporary arrangement from 12 Sept to 20 September.
They are presently releasing around 7,400 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu which will now be increased to 10,000 cusecs- little under 1 TMC.
The Tamil Nadu government had petitioned the top court seeking direction to Karnataka to release 2 TMC of water till the Cauvery Regulatory Authority (CRA) headed by the Prime Minister meets on 19 September.
The court while disposing the Tamil Nadu government petition said, "We expect and hope that CRA meeting takes place and some amicable solution is found to this problem."
The CRA is expected to meet on 19th of this month to decide on the formula for releasing Cauvery water to both states.
The Supreme Court also said if for any reason the CRA meeting doesn't take place or no decision is taken, both states can take appropriate steps to solve the issue.
The apex court was also upset that no lawyer from the Centre was present during the hearing today. Commenting on the casual attitude of the Centre on Cauvery issue SC said, "No one from Union of India is present here. When we say something against them they feel offended. "
The Supreme Court is hearing Tamil Nadu's plea for convening the Cauvery River Authority to decide release of water by Karnataka during distress months.
Accusing the Karnataka Government of not releasing its share of Cauvery water, Tamil Nadu Government had moved the Supreme Court seeking convening of the CRA besides seeking the Centre's intervention.