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 significant deficit against its allocated quota.
Background
Tamil Nadu received 44.208 tmc ft of water against a 123.14 tmc ft quota during the 2026 monsoon. The Mettur dam storage stood at 36.639 tmc ft, while Karnataka provided only 3.35 tmc ft against a 5.18 tmc ft requirement 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
- PlaceMettur dam is located in Tamil Nadu
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 hydrological variability 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
- Agricultural vulnerability: Impact of low reservoir levels on samba-thaladi cultivation cycles
- Hydrological stress: Climate-induced monsoon variability affecting fixed water-sharing quotas
Keywords: Inter-state water disputes · Hydrological variability · Irrigation deficit · Water governance · Agricultural sustainability
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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.