File Picture Courtesy : Oneindia
The Supreme Court (SC) has criticised the Centre and asked it to frame a draft scheme by May 3 for the implementation of the judgment on the distribution of Cauvery water between Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry.
The SC criticised the Centre for neither framing the scheme in six weeks as directed by it nor approaching the court prior to the March 31 deadline to convey that it had difficulties. The top court repeatedly told Tamil Nadu that it agrees with its grievances and criticised the Centre for not acting swiftly to frame a scheme.
“You have to frame the scheme and there is no escaping this task,” the top court said to the Centre today.
The SC also asked competent authorities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to maintain peace in their states till the court puts stamp of approval on the scheme for implementation of its judgment on Cauvery water distribution.
The apex court said that once the Centre devises a draft scheme – which includes the setting up of the Cauvery Water Management Board and Monitoring Authority for ensuring monthly releases – it will take the views of the state of Tamil Nadu, Karmataka, Puducherry and Kerala, before approving the scheme.
The Centre had sought time beyond May 12 for framing the scheme, citing Assembly elections in Karnataka next month.
The SC was hearing the Centre’s plea seeking clarification on the February 16 verdict regarding setting up of a Cauvery management scheme in the decades-old river water sharing dispute.
