On Friday, the state government of Tamil Nadu emphasized that it has no alternative but to bring the issue of obtaining Cauvery water before the Supreme Court. The government stated that Karnataka has shifted its position and is now willing to release a significantly diminished quantity of 8,000 cusecs.

Regarding the discussions held during the Cauvery Water Management Authority meeting in Delhi on Friday, Tamil Nadu Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan highlighted that the need for Cauvery water was strongly emphasized by state officials throughout the extensive 3-hour deliberations.

"However, Karnataka as usual changed its stand and categorically said that it could only release 8,000 cusecs and that too only till August 22."

The Minister emphasized that during the Cauvery Water Regulatory Committee meeting on August 10, a unanimous decision was reached that Karnataka would release 15,000 cusecs per day to Tamil Nadu for a duration of 15 days. This decision was prompted by the efforts of Tamil Nadu to persuade the committee.

"Hence, the Tamil Nadu government has no other option but to approach the Supreme Court. Soon, a case will be filed in the Supreme Court. Justice will win and we will get water and the Chief Minister M K Stalin-led government is determined to get water," he said.

The Minister highlighted that the collective water storage capacity of the four dams in Karnataka is 114.571 tmc ft, and at present, they hold a storage of 93.535 tmc, equivalent to approximately 82 percent.

In a statement, Duraimurugan accused Karnataka of lacking the willingness to share water with Tamil Nadu, despite having a water supply. He noted that this stance by the Karnataka government has persisted since the inception of the Cauvery dispute many decades ago.

He alleged that Karnataka appears unconcerned about the potential wilting of standing crops, including the Kuruvai short-term paddy crop.