Karnataka begins release of Cauvery water to TN

Complying with the Supreme Court

directive, Karnataka today began release of Cauvery River

water to Tamil Nadu, triggering widespread protests across the

district and disrupting vehicular movement.Irrigation authorities told PTI that about 5000 cusecs of

water was being released from Krishnarajasagar Dam and Kabini

Reservoir since last night.According to sources, Karnataka will be ensuring flow of

9000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu.The decision comes a day after an all-party meeting

decided to request Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh to review

the directive of the Cauvery River Authority (CRA, headed by

him, asking Karnataka to release 9000 cusecs of water.The all-party meet decision was taken in the backdrop of

Supreme Court on Friday directing the state to implement the

CRA order.As the water release began, the farmers blocked the

Bangalore- Mysore highway near Gejjalagere and more than 50

people including JD (S) MLA, C S Puttaraju have been arrested.The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC)

has suspended bus services apprehending violence.Police have stepped up tight security in various parts

of the district, the epi-centre of protests against release of

Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.On Friday, the Supreme Court had pulled up the Karnataka

Government for failing to comply with the CRA directive to

release 9,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu from September 20

to October 15 and warned that it would have to pass

appropriate orders if Karnataka did not fall in line.