Behind today's Bengaluru bandh is a century-old Cauvery water dispute

A city-wide bandh in Bengaluru is currently underway in response to the Supreme Court's recent order directing the release of 5,000 cusecs of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu for four consecutive days.

The protest, organised by the 'Karnataka Jala Samrakshana Samiti,' a coalition of farmer associations and various organisations led by Kuruburu Shanthakumar, has garnered widespread support, including backing from major political parties such as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS), and the Congress.

Initially, the Karnataka government had adamantly refused to comply with the Supreme Court's directive but later agreed to it to avoid coercive action.

In anticipation of the bandh, Bengaluru Police enforced Section 144 of the CrPC, effective from midnight on Monday until midnight on Tuesday, and denied permission for any processions within the city.

Understanding the Cauvery water dispute

The Cauvery water dispute, an age-old conflict between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, revolves around the equitable sharing of the water resources of the Cauvery river and its tributaries.

• Originating in Karnataka, the river meanders through Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry before finally emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
• Both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu heavily rely on the Cauvery for various essential needs, including agriculture, drinking water, and industrial purposes.

Visuals of 'Bengaluru bandh' called by various organisations protesting against the release of the Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. pic.twitter.com/jDpdGpk4fc

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 26, 2023

• The dispute has been further compounded by the adverse effects of climate change, resulting in more frequent droughts and reduced rainfall in the Cauvery basin.
• These climatic shifts have made it increasingly difficult for the concerned states to arrive at a mutually agreeable solution for resource allocation.
• In 1990, recognising the gravity of the situation, the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) was established.

CWDT order and ongoing controversy

The CWDT issued its final order in 2007, distributing the Cauvery water as follows: 41.92% to Tamil Nadu, 27.36% to Karnataka, 12% to Kerala, and 7.68% to Puducherry.

However, this allocation has remained contentious, with both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu accusing each other of non-compliance with the tribunal's terms.

Over the years, this dispute has escalated, resulting in sporadic violence and protests in both states.

Timeline of the Cauvery water dispute:

1892: The first agreement on sharing Cauvery water is signed between the Madras Presidency and the princely state of Mysore.
1924: A revised agreement is signed, which allocates a fixed share of water to each state.
1956: The states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala are formed, and the Cauvery water sharing agreement is modified accordingly.
1974: The 1924 agreement expires, and the states are unable to reach a new agreement.
1986: Tamil Nadu files a petition in the Supreme Court, seeking the establishment of a tribunal to adjudicate the dispute.
1990: The Supreme Court establishes the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT).
1991: The CWDT passes an interim order, directing Karnataka to release 205 tmcft of water to Tamil Nadu every year.

1996: The CWDT begins public hearings on the final award.
2007: The CWDT issues its final award, allocating 41.92% of the Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, 27.36% to Karnataka, 12% to Kerala, and 7.68% to Puducherry.
2012: Karnataka files a petition in the Supreme Court, challenging the CWDT award.
2013: The Supreme Court upholds the CWDT award, with some modifications.
2016: The Supreme Court directs Karnataka to release 6,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu every day for 10 days.
2017: The Supreme Court reduces Tamil Nadu's share of Cauvery water to 177.25 tmcft.
2018: The Supreme Court directs the central government to set up a Cauvery Management Board to oversee the implementation of the final award.
2023: The Supreme Court directs Karnataka to release 5,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu every day for four days.

Impact of the Cauvery water dispute on Bengaluru

The Cauvery water dispute has cast a long shadow over Bengaluru, significantly affecting the city's residents and its economy. With Bengaluru heavily reliant on the Cauvery for its drinking water supply, the people in the city have had to endure frequent water cuts and rationing, causing considerable hardship.

Moreover, the city's economy has taken a hit, with many businesses forced to shut down or relocate due to water shortages.

These disruptions have resulted in job losses and contributed to a slowdown in the city's economic growth, raising concerns about the city's future water sustainability and its broader economic prospects.

Bottom line

The city-wide bandh in Bengaluru underscores the urgency of finding a lasting solution to ensure equitable water allocation between the two states.

This dispute, rooted in a century-old issue and worsened by climate change, has a profound impact on the city's water supply and economy, with residents facing water cuts and businesses grappling with closures.

As Bengaluru navigates water scarcity and economic setbacks, addressing the Cauvery water dispute becomes essential for its residents' well-being and the city's economic prosperity.