Question

Write a brief note on Cauvery River and its dispute

Answer 1

Instructions:

• Briefly touch upon Transition zones.
• Basic Introduction and why it is known as Dakshin Ganga
• Explain what causes Cauvery water dispute?
• Explain Equitable sharing

Solution:

The Cauvery is the most important river of Karnataka. It is known as ‘Dakshina Ganga’.
It originates at Talacauvery in Kodagu district and flows 804 kms through multiple states and joins the Bay of Bengal. It flows for only 380 kms in Karnataka.

The Cauvery water is used for agriculture, power generation and as drinking water supply. The catchment area of Cauvery is spread in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu & Puducherry.

Cauvery dispute refers to the conflicts between the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu with regards to the sharing of this river water. This conflict has been existing for hundreds of years even before the formation of these two states. Historically, the conflict first arose between the princely state of Mysore and Madras presidency.
A river is not bound by man made boundaries. Many rivers in India flow through more
than one state. It is not nature but it is the people who raise disputes regarding the use of river water. Issues arise only when there is water scarcity between one state and another. State who get less water discharge begin conflict in the interest of their own people.

A river belongs to everyone equally and should not be designated to the state of origin or the state where it flows maximum. Hence the solution is equitable sharing and not equal sharing.

Equitable sharing ensures that the resources are shared depending upon the needs of each state. This ensures fairer sharing. Also steps should be taken to protect the water resource than encroach upon it.