Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has urged political parties and Kannada organisations to avoid a statewide bandh over the Cauvery dispute. The state plans to protect its water interests legally while prioritising drinking water amid a severe rainfall deficit.
Cauvery Bandh Appeal After All-Party Meeting
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has appealed to political parties and pro-Kannada organisations to withdraw plans for a statewide bandh over the Cauvery water-sharing dispute. Speaking after an all-party meeting in Bengaluru, he said the government would protect Karnataka’s farmers, residents and water requirements while acting within the legal framework. Shivakumar took oath as Karnataka Chief Minister on June 3, 2026.
The proposed bandh was called for August 13 following directions from the Cauvery Water Management Authority and the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee. Shivakumar said the BJP, JD(S) and other participants supported a united approach during the meeting and urged organisations not to disrupt public life.
Cauvery Water Release Order And Rainfall Deficit
The CWMA and CWRC directed Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for 15 days from July 29. However, the state government said Karnataka had received only about 35 per cent of its normal rainfall, leaving major reservoirs with inadequate storage during a critical period.
Shivakumar said Karnataka released around 3.6 TMC of water in July 2026, compared with nearly 31 TMC during the same month last year. Recent rainfall has improved inflows and filled the Kabini reservoir, but the government maintains that the overall situation remains difficult.
Cauvery Drinking Water Priority And Farmer Advisory
The Chief Minister said drinking water would remain the government’s immediate priority. Limited water is being released through canals to replenish lakes and tanks used for drinking purposes rather than irrigation. District-specific crop advisories will be issued according to local water availability.
Farmers have been asked to remain patient until the government completes its assessment. The Revenue Minister is also examining whether compensation can be provided if cultivators are advised against sowing crops because of insufficient water.
Cauvery Legal Fight And Mekedatu Project
Shivakumar said Karnataka would consult legal experts and pursue all available remedies before the courts and statutory authorities. The government has also requested cooperation from Tamil Nadu while continuing administrative discussions on drinking-water needs.
The Chief Minister said he had sought an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an all-party delegation to explain Karnataka’s concerns. He also described the proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir as a long-term solution, saying 9 TMC of water under the project would be reserved exclusively for drinking purposes.
