Cauvery dispute: States urged to devise distress-sharing formula

With the southwest monsoon deficient, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have made little progress on a Cauvery distress-sharing formula. Karnataka released only about 3.6 tmc ft by end-July against the prescribed 40 tmc ft, heightening tensions. The Cauvery Water Management Authority directed Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs daily for 15 days, but farmers in both states remain affected. Political protests are planned, and the two chief ministers have yet to resolve the standoff.