defiance

BENGALURU: Fearing contempt proceedings from the Supreme Court, Karnataka government on Monday decided to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu in the guise of saving crops of farmers in the Cauvery basin.Chief minister Siddaramaiah told the legislative assembly it has become inevitable for the state government to release water to save the withering crops in Mandya and Mysuru without specifying the quantum of release.However, the CM citied an example saying that if Karnataka releases 6,000 cusecs of water to save the crops in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu is bound to get 3,000 cusecs automatically.Siddaramaiah made the announcement soon after Karnataka legislature passed a modified resolution to release water only for drinking purpose and to save the withering crops in the Cauvery basin.Earlier on Monday, The Supreme Court had questioned the state over itsin not releasing the Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, saying the state should "show some bona fide by obeying orders".The apex court had also asked Karnataka to apprise it by 2pm on Tuesday whether or not it has released the river water to Tamil Nadu giving strong indication of taking a "harsh" decision.Last week, the Supreme Court had asked Karnataka to discharge 6,000 cusecs of water from October 1 to 6, saying no one would know when the wrath of the law would fall on it.Armed with the resolution, sources said the government plans to release at least 6,000 cusecs of water for six days from Monday night. The sluices of the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) dam may be opened at around 11 on Monday night, sources said.The water should reach Biligundulu late Friday night and from thereon to the Tamil Nadu farmers in about a week’s time.