Political leaders and farmer groups across Karnataka welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to increase the state’s allocation of Cauvery water by 14.75 tmc ft. However, a few expressed their reservations over the Cauvery Management Board being constituted.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah just said, "I am happy with the verdict", in a brief statement before presenting the state Budget in Bengaluru.
The Supreme Court on Friday reduced Tamil Nadu's allocation of Cauvery water from 192 tmc ft to 177.25 tmc ft. Tamil Nadu will have to bank on the 20 TMC ground water that had not been accounted for earlier.
Opposition leaders also welcomed the decision calling it a 'relief' for Karnataka.
"It is a relief that the terms of the release of water to Tamil Nadu has come down. In addition, our allocation has been increased by 14.75 tmc ft and 4.75 tmc ft water been provided just for drinking water," said Malavika Avinash, BJP leader in Karnataka.
Farmer groups across Karnataka expressed their joy over the verdict. "The efforts of MB Patil and Siddaramaiah have been validated, and we feel that justice has been delivered," said Sachin Meega, President of Kisan Keth Mazdoor Congress.
In its verdict, the Supreme Court announced that the Cauvery Management Board would be constituted. A few farmer leaders expressed their doubts about this and said that they can celebrate only when the full judgement is released.
"We are happy that Karnataka has got some relief, but if the Cauvery Management Board comes into existence, then we will lose ownership of four dams which we have built with our money and effort for the benefit of the farmers. We have to wait for the judgement copy for further comments," said Kurubhara Shanthakumar of the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha.
Meanwhile, lawyers representing Karnataka at the Supreme Court called it 'a balanced verdict'.
"We are very happy with the verdict. It is a balanced verdict, which protects the interests of both the states. This is a good judgement which will go long way in ensuring peace in both the states,” said Mohan V Katarki, counsel for the state of Karnataka, while speaking to ANI.
