Cauvery-South Vellar Link project

Why in news?

The Cauvery-South Vellar Link project has become a major legal and political issue in India, particularly between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, with complications arising over water rights, environmental concerns, and federal principles.

Background of the Project:

• The project seeks to divert surplus water from the Mettur dam in Tamil Nadu to the Sarabanga basin in Salem district. The aim is to address water scarcity in the region by filling dry tanks.
• Estimated at ₹565 crore, the project is seen as crucial for Tamil Nadu’s irrigation needs.
• However, Karnataka has opposed the project, claiming it would adversely affect its water resources, especially the Cauvery river, on which both states rely.

Karnataka’s Legal Standpoint:

• Karnataka has sought a Supreme Court ruling to prevent Tamil Nadu from proceeding with the project. It argues that the project is part of a broader plan to claim more of the Cauvery river's water, violating previous rulings by the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (2007) and the Supreme Court (2018).

Federal and Constitutional Concerns:

• Karnataka contends that Tamil Nadu’s actions disregard constitutional norms and undermine cooperative federalism by starting the project without the necessary approvals from the Union government.
• Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the project in January 2021, despite the lack of required clearances, which has fueled tensions.

Current Status of Approvals:

• The Union government has yet to grant in-principle approval for the project, which the Supreme Court noted as the reason why Karnataka’s request for interim relief was not considered urgent. The project is still pending federal clearance, which complicates matters further.

Inter-State Water Disputes:

• The Cauvery river has long been a contentious subject of inter-state water disputes. The ongoing situation reflects broader challenges in managing shared water resources and the governance of such projects across state borders.

Implications for Future Projects:

• The unresolved status of the Cauvery-South Vellar Link project highlights the need for more structured and transparent frameworks for handling inter-state water disputes and ensuring better cooperation between states in resource management.

Political Ramifications:

• The issue has political consequences, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, where water disputes often become central to local electoral strategies and public sentiment. The project may influence political alliances, leadership decisions, and party positioning in upcoming elections.

Environmental Concerns:

• Diverting water from the Mettur dam raises potential environmental risks, such as changes in local ecosystems, impact on agricultural practices, and water availability for other regions.
• The balance between development needs and environmental sustainability remains a critical issue, urging the adoption of more holistic water management practices.

Cauvery-South Vellar Link project is more than just an infrastructure proposal; it’s at the heart of a broader debate on inter-state cooperation, legal interpretations, environmental sustainability, and regional politics. As the project remains stalled, it underscores the challenges India faces in managing shared water resources.