The Tamil Nadu Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on Thursday urging the Centre to set up the Cauvery Management Board, as ordered by the Supreme Court in its February verdict.
The resolution was passed in the afternoon session of the Assembly on Thursday. Earlier in the day, DMK had walked out during the presentation of the budget by the Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, who handles the finance portfolio.
The resolution comes a month after the Supreme Court’s verdict on the Cauvery water sharing dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
On February 15, the apex court modified the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal’s final order, by reducing Tamil Nadu’s share to 177.25 tmcft against 192 tmcft allotted in 2007. In doing so, it increased Karnataka’s share of Cauvery water by 14.75 tmc ft, mainly to meet the drinking water needs of Bengaluru.
In its order, the SC also directed the Centre to frame a scheme within six weeks, so that the decision could be implemented.
“When we say so, we also categorically convey that the need based monthly release has to be respected. It is hereby made clear that no extension shall be granted for framing of the scheme on any ground,” reads the Supreme Court order.
However, the word ‘scheme’ in the apex court order has given room for interpretation. While TN argues that “scheme” meant the Cauvery Management Board, Karnataka has opposed this stating that there is no mention of the CMB and only a “scheme” is mentioned.
Last week, following a meeting of chief secretaries of the Cauvery Basin states with Union Ministry of Water Resources, the Centre chose to side with Karnataka’s argument. Karnataka is slated to go to polls in May this year.
“It is a matter of interpretation. The tribunal has recommended (a board). The SC doesn’t use the word Cauvery Management Board. It says scheme,” said Union Water Resources secretary UP Singh.
Following the order, an all-party meeting was called by the Tamil Nadu government. In the meeting on February 22, the members of various state parties decided the government will consult legal experts on how to approach the issue further and explore possible legal recourse.
Days later, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Amma Scooter Scheme on the occasion of former CM Jayalalithaa’s birth anniversary, Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami urged him to form the Cauvery Management Board.