The Karnataka government has decided not to file a review petition regarding the Supreme Court verdict in the Cauvery Water Dispute case. However, the state will oppose the formation of the Cauvery Management Board (CMB).
“Instead of the CMB, the state will seek a Cauvery Decision Implementation Committee (CDIC). The CDIC will have six members, which will be headed by Union Water Resource Ministry and another 11 members of a monitoring agency under it,” Karnataka Chief Secretary Ratna Prabha said.
On February 16, the Supreme Court awarded Karnataka an additional 14.75 tmc ft of water, on account of providing Bengaluru 4.75 tmc ft of water for drinking water. Karnataka's allocation stands at 284.75 tmc ft.
"Our legal team head Fali Nariman and senior advocate Shyam Divan were of the opinion that we should not file a review. Accordingly, Karnataka has not filed a review," Karnataka Water Resources Minister MB Patil said.
The state government’s decision was taken at an all-party meeting held on Thursday. The meeting, chaired by CM Siddaramaiah, also saw Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers and Parliamentary Affairs Ananth Kumar, Union Minister Sadananda Gowda and Pratap Simha in attendance.
The legal team representing Karnataka in the decades-old water dispute explained to the elected leaders the apex court’s decisions and advised against filing a review petition.
"With regard to other issues such as the water-sharing scheme to be formulated under Section 6A of the Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956, all MPs gave their valuable suggestions. Karnataka has already expressed its view in writing to the Union Water Resources Ministry and all members are in concurrence with the stand we have taken based on our legal team's opinion. All of us will protect the interest of the state," Patil added.
On Thursday, the Kerala government moved the SC seeking a review of its decision. However, it’s contention is not related to the quantum of water for the state but a modification if its usage.
The state wants 5 tmc ft (out of a total of 30 tmc ft) of its share to meet the water needs of Kozhikode and surrounding 13 panchayats.