Bengaluru, Aug. 13 -- Karnataka on Thursday toughened its stand on the release of Cauvery water, making it clear that it would not commit water for the upcoming kharif crop until it assessed drinking water needs, reservoir storage and the requirements of farmers, even as it prepares to challenge the water demand before the Supreme Court.
The newly appointed Irrigation Minister N Chaluvaraya Swamy said Karnataka had not taken any decision to release water for kharif cultivation and stressed that drinking water security would take precedence over any additional release.
"I have assumed responsibility as Irrigation Minister only today. I will discuss the issue with Chief Minister D K Shivakumar before the Cabinet takes a decision," he said....