The Cauvery Technical Cell cum Inter-State Waters Wing assists the Government in handling all Inter-State water-sharing disputes and issues. Functioning since 1990, this wing provides technical inputs, data, and information necessary for filing petitions in the Water Disputes Tribunal or the Supreme Court. It also participates in periodic meetings of the River Water Management Authority and the Regulation Committee of Inter-State river basins in which Tamil Nadu is a riparian state or stakeholder.
Additionally, this wing deals with bills, acts, rules, and policies related to water resources proposed by the Union Government. It is involved in schemes for inter-linking of Inter-State rivers and participates in various Union Government committees on these matters. The wing works closely with agencies such as the National Water Development Agency (NWDA), the Central Water Commission (CWC), and the Ministry of Jal Shakti. Furthermore, it prepares reports on water resource development for the State.
Some key issues handled by this wing include:
- Sharing of Cauvery waters
- Establishing Tamil Nadu’s rights regarding the Mullai Periyar Dam
- Securing the rightful share of water from the Parambikulam Aliyar Project (PAP)
- Defending the state’s rights in water sharing for the Neyyar, Pennaiyar, Shenbagavalli, and Palar rivers
The wing is responsible for preparing affidavits, documents, statements, and maps required for cases pending before the Supreme Court and High Courts, in consultation with Tamil Nadu’s legal counsel, and submitting them to the Government. Moreover, it addresses issues related to schemes such as the Godavari–Cauvery Link, the Pamba–Achankoil–Vaippar Link, and the Pandiyar–Punnampuzha Scheme.
