- The dispute can be traced to the correspondence between Madras Presidency and Mysore as early as 1807 on the latter's use of waters in the Cauvery and its distributaries to the possible detriment of the interests of Madras.
- In 1866, Col Sankey prepares a master plan to develop irrigation facilities in the Mysore plateau and fight drought and famine of the region. Madras, as the lower riparian state, raises objections.
- In 1892, the first major agreement is signed between the two partners. Mysore, not happy with the pact, seeks changes.
- In 1913-14, Allahabad High Court judge H.D. Griffin is appointed to settle the dispute. His award upholds Madras' right as the lower riparian state but fixes its requirement of water. Madras appeals. But the Griffin award is passed without any modifications.
- Rift continues through eight rounds of talks over a decade.
- In 1924, a new agreement—"Final agreement between the Mysore and the Madras governments in regard to the construction of a dam and reservoir at Krishnarajasagar"—is signed.
- In 1968, then PWD minister of Tamil Nadu M. Karunanidhi and Karnataka chief minister Veerendra Patil meet.
- In 1970, five more rounds of futile talks are held. Tamil Nadu requests the Union Government to refer the dispute to a tribunal. The plea is rejected. Tamil Nadu moves the Supreme Court in August 1971 to direct the Centre to constitute a tribunal and to restrain Karnataka from proceeding with any new projects.
- In 1972, Tamil Nadu withdraws its suit following an assurance from Prime Minister Indira Gandhi that she would personally resolve the dispute "once and for all".
- In January 1976, the Centre prepares a draft agreement and tables it in Parliament.
- In 1977, the MGR government comes to power and rejects the Centre's draft.
- Between 1977-86, ten rounds of discussions take place without any results.
- In 1986, Tamil Nadu approaches the Supreme Court for a tribunal.
- Till 1990, five rounds of talks go in vain.
- In June 1990, the National Front government constitutes a tribunal headed by Justice Chittatosh Mookerjee, following a Supreme Court order.
- In June 1991, the tribunal orders Karnataka to release 11 tmc ft water to Tamil Nadu. Karnataka declines.
- In April 1992, riots break out in Tamil Nadu delta region.
- In July 1992, K. Ramamurthy resigns from the Union Cabinet following the Centre's failure to implement the tribunal order in Tamil Nadu's favour.
- Karnataka insists on a fresh assessment of the basin water. Stalemate continues.
How The Cauvery Flows, In Disquiet
How The Cauvery Flows, In Disquiet
How The Cauvery Flows, In Disquiet
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