Context
Due to the weak southwest monsoon, the catchment areas of the Cauvery River are experiencing drought-like conditions, underscoring the necessity for a formula for sharing water resources in times of crisis. This also relates to the ongoing conflict between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over the distribution of water from the Cauvery River. 

What is the current controversy?   
·         Karnataka is required to continue providing 5,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for an additional 15 days by the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC).
·         According to the Karnataka government, the state released 41% less water than normal in the Cauvery River basin in June, July, and August due to insufficient rainfall.
·         The 2018 order's fair share of water was demanded by Tamil Nadu in an appeal to the Supreme Court.
·         The government of Karnataka is creating a "distress formula" to determine how much water should be transferred to Tamil Nadu during years with insufficient rainfall.
·         Legal professionals think that the distress formula should be adaptable and act as a guide when taking into consideration rainfall deficits.

The Distress-Sharing Formula's History  
·         The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal issued an interim order in 1991, and since then, the concept of a distress-sharing formula has been considered.
·         Both the Supreme Court's 2018 ruling and the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal's final verdict from 2007 did not clearly define the parameters of hardship sharing.
·         In times of hardship, the judicial bodies recommended proportionate sharing, but the states had various ideas about what elements should be taken into account.
·         At present, there is disagreement between the parties and the Authority on the specific components of the formula. Tamil Nadu takes into account the current shortfall in the inflows to 4 Karnataka reservoirs in comparison to the average flows in the last 30 years and rainfall patterns in various parts of the cauvery basin. 
·         Karnataka claims that the total distress situation can only be calculated by the end of january and wants to consider the outcome of northeast monsoon, southwest monsoon, and June-September monsoon. 
·         The CWMA has recently filed proposals before the Supreme Court with a view to finding a mutually acceptable solution.

How severe is the water crisis in the area?  
·         In Karnataka, the shortfall in inflows in 4 reservoirs from June 1 to August 27 was 51.22%.
·         For instance, the shortfall in Biligundlu area is 62.4% as compared to the prescribed flows in an average year.
·         As an upper riparian State, Karnataka is facing the challenge of meeting its irrigation needs and drinking water needs in the next 8 months. 
·         Karnataka has informed the court that it is facing difficulties in releasing water as a result of the severe drought in the cauvery and krishna basins.
 
Way Forward 
·         Karnataka and Tamil Nadu's positions may appear to be irreconcilable. However, the CWMA or Union government should still work towards finding a solution.
·         No matter what the outcome is, states should continue to promote the concept of water judicious use.
·         The officials and technical experts in the CWMA should formulate the distress-sharing formula fairly and objectively.
·         The CWMA needs to start afresh and make the proceedings of all the meetings held so far available to the public via a website to remove any misunderstandings and build trust.
·         There is a need for transparency in decision-making and data-driven approach in order to find a solution for both parties.

LTX Mains Question
Q. Discuss the impact of Inter-State River Water Disputes on Federalism, Water Governance, Role of Cauvery Water Management Authority