K'taka to use 24 TMC Cauvery water for drinking needs of B'luru: DKS

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: The Karnataka government has decided to use 24 TMC of Cauvery river water annually for drinking purposes in Bengaluru and its surrounding areas, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said on Wednesday.

He said that in 2018, the Supreme Court had stipulated that 24 TMC of Cauvery water could be used for drinking water purposes in Bengaluru, but it was not used to date.

Interacting with reporters, Shivakumar said he has directed the BWSSB to prepare a plan for the utilisation of 24 TMC water annually for drinking purposes in Bengaluru and surrounding areas.

Asked if Tamil Nadu will object to it, the deputy chief minister said, "Drinking water is our first priority and we are following the order given by the Supreme Court. Let them raise any objections. Why should we give up our rights?."