Bengaluru: The State government fighting hard for its stand on its inability to release Cauvery water was directed by the Supreme Court on Friday to release water to Tamil Nadu. Even though the court has not issued a direction or specified the quantum of water to be released, the state is likely to release water in a couple of days.

Mohan Katarki, the State government’ counsel, told media that the Supreme Court made an oral observation that Karnataka should try to release water. “We have to respect the court’s observation,” he said.

The State has not stopped releasing water to Tamil Nadu according to senior officials. Around 4,000 cusecs of water is released from KRS and Kabini reservoirs. According to sources, the quantity might increase after the Supreme Court’s observation.

Due to failure of monsoon, the State is struggling to manage the situation to meet the farmers’ demand in Cauvery basin. The State government has ordered judicious management of available water to meet drinking water needs of Bengaluru and other towns along with no water for paddy and sugarcane crops.