Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Thursday said he has instructed officials to release Cauvery water for crops in Mandya district, saying the state farmers had to be saved without waiting for the orders of the Cauvery Water Management Authority.

Kumaraswamy pointed out that water is being released to neighbouring Tamil Nadu, with which Karnataka has locked horns over sharing the river water. He said he has asked officials to release water for crops while taking upon himself the responsibility for any legal or technical hurdles that may arise.