Sources indicated that given the political sensitivities involved, the Water Resources Ministry would not rush to implement the tribunal’s order but seek legal opinion first.
Karnataka Chief Minister Jagdish Shettar has urged the Centre not to constitute Cauvery Management Board till the state’s appeals in in Supreme Court are decided.
The Board, as per the mechanism suggested by the tribunal, would constitute Cauvery Water Regulation Committee to monitor daily water levels, inflows and storage at eight reservoirs and ensure release of water on a monthly basis.
The ruling Congress was worried about the political fallout from notifying the award but could do little after the SC set it a deadline.