It has been reported that the Tamil Nadu government will file a case in the Supreme Court against the Karnataka government for releasing effluents into the Cauvery water that flows to Tamil Nadu. While Karnataka may have a different view, the question is whether the two state governments should battle out in court even on such issues, without attempting to discuss the problems between themselves and strive to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution.
There are now so many cases between the two states on various issues that are lying in the Supreme Court for years. In most of these cases, the Supreme Court is not in a position to give a judgment, which both the states consider fair, as the issues involved are made emotive and political by the vested interests in both the states.
Certainly, the problems between the states that are really man-made can be quickly sorted out by conducting discussions in a cordial atmosphere. Most of the problems such as river water disputes, releasing of effluents and so on call for technological solutions, and both the states can depute scientists and engineers to form a committee to find an acceptable solution.
With mutual goodwill and the exhibition of statesmanship qualities by the chief ministers of both states, there are no issues that cannot be resolved amicably. Going to court can only prolong the problem.
N S Venkataraman Chennai
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