Will open dams if there are rains, says K'taka

Karnataka Water Resource Minister D K Shivakumar told reporters the CWMA's decision was discussed with officials and the matter was also being examined legally.

"We will respect the court decision, there is no doubt about it. But keeping the rains and inflow in mind we will take necessary action. If there is no water or there is less inflow we don't have option, we will have to go by distress formula," Shivakumar said.

"We expect inflow this year as rains are beginning now. If that happens, we will abide by the order. If there is no water, then we will have to follow distress formula," he said.

"If there is an emergency and if we are unable to take certain decisions due to issues, then we will call an all party meeting," he said.

"I am collecting legal opinion...keeping the interest of the state in mind and also abiding by the court's verdict. We will take decisions based on that," he said, responding to a question about a possible review petition.

Commenting on the CWMA order, leader of opposition and BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa said if there was rains and inflow, there would not be any trouble in releasing water to Tamil Nadu.

"As the order itself specifies the release of water if there is inflow, there is no reason to worry," he added.