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Understanding the Cauvery Management Board Organization

The Cauvery Management Board (CMB), formally referred to as the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), was established.<br>

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Understanding the Cauvery Management Board Organization

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  1. Understanding the Cauvery Management Board Organization The Cauvery Management Board (CMB), formally referred to as the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), was established. To oversee the fair sharing and management of the Cauvery River waters among the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry. This institution plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the directives issued by the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and the Supreme Court of India are implemented efficiently. Structure and Composition CWMA is a statutory body corporate with perpetual succession. The organizational structure comprises: ● Chairman: Appointed by the Central Government. The Chairman is a senior engineer or an All India Service Officer with expertise in water resources and inter-state issues. The tenure is up to five years or until reaching the age of sixty-five. ● Two Whole-Time Members: Appointed for three years, extendable up to five. They assist the Chairman in technical and administrative matters. ● Four Part-Time Members: Nominated by the respective states and territory—Administrative Secretaries from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry. ● Secretary: A senior engineer from the Central Water Engineering Services cadre, responsible for administration and finance. ● Supporting Officers and Staff: Deputed from Central and State Governments, handling diverse roles from hydrology to agriculture. A quorum of six members is required for meetings, with decisions made by majority vote. The Secretary, though integral for administration, does not possess voting rights. Functions and Roles The CWMA is tasked with: ● Ensuring Compliance: Implementing tribunal awards and Supreme Court orders related to water storage, apportionment, regulation, and control. ● Supervising Reservoirs: Monitoring the operation of major reservoirs (Krishnarajasagar, Kabini, Mettur, etc.) and regulating water releases between states as per prescribed schedules. ● Data Collection and Analysis: Gathering daily inflow, outflow, and storage data at key points for transparent distribution and dispute resolution. ● Advisory Role: Recommending best practices and initiatives to improve water use efficiency among basin states.

  2. ● Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC): A specialized body under CWMA to monitor and implement daily water releases, storage schedules, and seasonal adjustments according to availability and monsoon patterns. How Does CMB Work? CWMA operates through: ● Scientific Monitoring: Utilizing automated gauging stations and digital networks for real-time water flow assessment and communication in the Cauvery basin. ● Monthly Allocations: Managing water releases as per fixed schedules, with adjustments during monsoon and deficit periods to mitigate conflicts and ensure equitable sharing. ● Conflict Resolution: When disputes arise over allocations or distress periods (like monsoon failure), CWMA mediates and coordinates with the states for proportional reduction in water distribution. ● Stakeholder Engagement: Periodic meetings, reviews, and consultations with state governments and technical experts to assess current conditions and future needs. Recent Developments (2025) In 2025, CWMA reviewed the water storage in the Cauvery basin ahead of the monsoon and scheduled water releases. Such reviews are crucial for anticipating shortages and planning releases, ensuring smooth coordination among states. The CWRC plays a central role in operationalizing release schedules and data-driven decisions. Conclusion The Cauvery Management Board/Cauvery Water Management Authority is more than just a supervisory body; it is the backbone of inter-state cooperation over one of India’s most contentious river basins. By blending legal oversight, technical expertise, and stakeholder engagement, CWMA continues to navigate complex disputes and seasonal challenges to protect the interests of all basin states. Its role remains vital, especially as climate variability and water demand grow in southern India.

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