Tamil Nadu records lowest Cauvery river realisation in 14 years during 2026 monsoon
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Cropping patterns & irrigation· Prelims + Mains·
Inter-state water disputes and hydrological stress: a GS3 case study on irrigation and monsoon variability.
Why in news
Tamil Nadu recorded its lowest Cauvery river realisation in 14 years during the 2026 southwest monsoon, leading to a shortage for samba-thaladi cultivation.
Background
Tamil Nadu received 44.208 tmc ft of water against a 123.14 tmc ft quota. The Mettur dam storage stood at 36.639 tmc ft. Karnataka provided only 3.35 tmc ft instead of the 5.18 tmc ft ordered by the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) between September 24 and October 4.
Facts for Prelims
- FactTamil Nadu received 44.208 tmc ft of Cauvery water in 2026 monsoon
- FactMettur dam storage recorded at 36.639 tmc ft
Prelims practice question
Which dam's storage was recorded at 36.639 tmc ft during the 2026 monsoon?
- (a)Krishna Raja Sagara dam
- (b)Mettur dam
- (c)Edavala dam
- (d)Ibrahimpatnam dam
Show answer
Answer: (b) Mettur dam — The note specifies that the Mettur dam storage stood at 36.639 tmc ft.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the challenges in inter-state water sharing and the impact of erratic monsoon patterns on agricultural sustainability in South India.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Inter-state friction: Conflict between CWMA mandates and state-level water release priorities
- Climate vulnerability: Impact of monsoon variability on irrigation-dependent crops like samba-thaladi
- Hydrological stress: Declining dam storage levels affecting regional food security
Keywords: Inter-state water disputes · Hydrological stress · Monsoon variability · Irrigation management · Water governance
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.