As someone who is Tamil and has lived in Bengaluru for the past 18 years, I feel the discussion should move beyond Karnataka vs Tamil Nadu. Both states are facing genuine water challenges.
Bengaluru's population has grown massively over the years due to people moving here for education and employment, which has increased pressure on existing water resources. At the same time, Tamil Nadu also has its own water needs.
Instead of fighting over limited river water, why not invest more in long-term solutions? Tamil Nadu has a long coastline, and large-scale desalination plants could help convert seawater into usable water. Countries like Japan and others have successfully used technology and innovation to address water scarcity. Expanding desalination, wastewater recycling, rainwater harvesting, and better water management could benefit both states and reduce dependence on inter-state water disputes.
The real solution is not choosing one state over another, but using technology and planning to ensure water security for everyone.