India, Aug. 12 -- Commenting on the CWRC direction to Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said on Tuesday that he has the duty to protect the state's farmers and abide by court orders, and the Government will decide on it after assessing the situation.

Stating that he will discuss the matter with Irrigation Minister Ramalinga Reddy and concerned officials, he called on farmers and the public to have "patience," assuring them the Government is there to protect the state's interest.

The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC), which met in New Delhi on Tuesday, directed Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs (cubic feet per second) of water from August 12 for the next 15 days.

"I ...