INDEX

INTRO
CAUSES OF DISPUTES
MAJOR RIVER WATER DISPUTES
 CAUVERY
 YAMUNA-SUTLEJ LINK CANAL
 MAHANADI
 OTHER RIVERS
LEGAL FRAMEWORK
CHALLENGES
SOLUTIONS
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
 INTRO

Rivers -The lifeline of India,

They hold immense economic and cultural significance, being revered in traditions
and festivals across communities. Environmentally, rivers sustain diverse
ecosystems, providing habitats for flora and fauna.
India's rich water resources have long been a source of contention, as competing
interests and growing demands strain the delicate balance of river basin
management. This presentation explores the intricate challenges faced in resolving
complex water disputes across the country.
Inter-state water disputes occur when multiple states disagree on the use,
distribution, and management of rivers that traverse their borders. When these
states are unable to reach an agreement through negotiations, the Central
Government intervenes by establishing a water dispute tribunal to address the
issue.
CAUSES OF DISPUTES
•Unequal Distribution of Water
Rivers flow across states, but upstream states often claim a larger share, leaving downstream
states with less.
Cauvery water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu
•Growing Demand
Increasing population, urbanization, and industrial activities escalate the need for water,
creating conflicts over limited resources.
Krishna River Dispute among Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and
Maharashtra
•Climatic Variability
Irregular rainfall and climate change cause water scarcity in some regions, worsening
disputes.
Mahanadi River Dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh, aggravated by
erratic monsoons and reduced flow
•Political and Administrative Challenges
Inter-state rivalry and lack of coordination between state governments delay agreements and
create mistrust.
Ravi-Beas dispute between Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan
 MAJOR RIVER WATER DISPUTES:
CAUVERY WATER DISPUTE
Background
The Cauvery River, originating in Karnataka and flowing through Tamil
Nadu before entering Kerala and Puducherry, has been a source of water-
sharing disputes for over a century. The conflict primarily involves
Karnataka (upstream) and Tamil Nadu (downstream), with Kerala and
Puducherry playing minor roles
Historical Context
The origins of the dispute date back to two agreements during British
rule:
1892 Agreement: Established rules for water sharing between the Madras
Presidency (now Tamil Nadu) and the princely state of Mysore (now
Karnataka).
1924 Agreement: Revised the terms, allowing Mysore limited use of the
river but reserving the majority of water for the downstream Madras
Presidency.
Post-independence, Karnataka began constructing dams and reservoirs to
meet its irrigation needs, leading to conflicts over reduced water flow to
Tamil Nadu.
Major Developments (thousand million cubic feet)
1990: Tribunal formed, allocated water in 2007; Tamil Nadu received 419 TMC,
Karnataka 270 TMC.
2018: Supreme Court revised allocations;
 Karnataka 284.75 TMC,
 Tamil Nadu 404.25 TMC.
CWMA: Authority set up to manage water
Sharing

Current Status
Disputes resurface during dry years.
Protests and political tensions persist, with both states demanding revisions.
Despite Supreme Court rulings and the establishment of the Cauvery
Water Management Authority (CWMA) for implementation, the
dispute remains unresolved. Both states continue to face challenges
during dry years, highlighting the need for long-term, sustainable
water-sharing agreements.
2. Yamuna-Sutlej Link Canal Dispute
This dispute primarily involves Punjab, Haryana, and
Rajasthan over the construction of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link
(SYL) Canal to share water from the Sutlej and Ravi rivers.
Punjab opposes the canal, citing depleting water resources and
potential harm to its agriculture, while Haryana demands its
rightful share of water for irrigation. Political differences and
delayed resolutions have kept the issue unresolved for
decades.

3. Mahanadi River Dispute

The conflict between Odisha and Chhattisgarh over the
Mahanadi River focuses on the upstream state (Chhattisgarh)
constructing dams and barrages, which Odisha claims reduce
water flow downstream. This affects irrigation, drinking water,
and ecological balance in Odisha. Efforts for resolution
remain stuck in tribunal proceedings.
Other Disputes (Brief Overview)
Krishna River Dispute: Involves Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka,
and Maharashtra over allocation of water from the Krishna River.
Ravi-Beas Dispute: Between Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan over the
sharing of waters from the Ravi and Beas rivers, with Punjab opposing
agreements citing reduced availability.
Godavari River Dispute: Resolved to some extent through mutual
agreements among the basin states but still surfaces occasionally due to
growing water demands.
These disputes highlight the urgent need for sustainable water-sharing
mechanisms and cooperative federalism to address inter-state water
challenges.
LEGAL FRAMEWORKS
1. Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956
Provides a legal process for resolving disputes between states over river
water sharing.
States can request the central government to form a tribunal to resolve
the dispute.
Tribunals’ decisions are binding but often delayed in enforcement.
2. Role of Tribunals and Supreme Court
Tribunals: Created under the 1956 Act to resolve disputes, e.g.,
Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal.
Supreme Court: Acts as the final appellate authority and ensures
enforcement of tribunal rulings. It steps in if tribunal decisions are
delayed or disputed.
3. Constitutional Provisions (Article 262)
Grants Parliament the authority to legislate on inter-state water
disputes.
Excludes the jurisdiction of courts, including the Supreme Court, over
water disputes if a specific law (e.g., the 1956 Act) is in place.
Highlights the need for cooperative federalism in water management.
CHALLENGES IN RIVER WATER DISPUTES
Challenges
Political Tensions
Disputes often become politically charged, with state
governments using the issue to rally regional support,
complicating negotiations.
Delays in Tribunal Decisions
Water disputes can remain unresolved for years due to lengthy
legal proceedings and delays in tribunal rulings.
Data Transparency Issues
Lack of reliable and transparent hydrological data leads to
mistrust between states and hinders fair decision-making.
Ineffective Enforcement
Tribunal awards are often not implemented effectively, leading to
continuous conflict and non-compliance.
SOLUTIONS IN RESOLVING DISPUTES
Solutions
Strengthening Legal and Institutional Frameworks
Improve the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act for faster
resolution, and empower the Cauvery Water Management
Authority (CWMA) for more effective enforcement.
Cooperative Federalism
Encourage states to collaborate on water management policies and
share data transparently for better decision-making.
Use of Technology
Employ advanced technologies like satellite data, GIS (Geographic
Information Systems), and AI-based models for better monitoring,
distribution, and management of river waters.
Public Awareness and Stakeholder Engagement
Promote awareness among the public about the importance of
cooperative water use and encourage multi-stakeholder dialogues
to reduce tensions.
CONCLUSION
The resolution of river water disputes in India requires a blend of legal
reforms, cooperative governance, and technological innovation. While
challenges like political tensions, delayed decisions, and lack of data
transparency persist, sustainable solutions can be achieved through
strengthened frameworks, inter-state cooperation, and effective public
participation. A collaborative approach will not only ensure equitable water
distribution but also safeguard the livelihoods of millions dependent on
these rivers.

"नदीत्येव जगत्सर्वं, नद्याः

शान्तिमाप्नुयात्"
The whole world is nourished by the rivers, and peace
flows from them.
REFERENCES
 https://jalshakti-dowr.gov.in/cauvery-water-dispute/
 https://jalshakti-dowr.gov.in/current-inter-state-river-water-dispu
tes-and-tribunals/
 https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=181669
 https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/a-look-at-the-supreme-
court-s-judgments-on-water-disputes-in-the-country-1017179593
95459.html
 https://jalshakti-dowr.gov.in/krishna-water-disputes-tribunal-repo
rts/

THANK YOU

NAME=RISHI RAJ
ROLL NO.=DSJ/FYIPJ/2024/71