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Polity
Interstate River Water Disputes in India: The Ongoing Cauvery and Krishna Controversies
Water sharing disputes among southern states continue to raise constitutional and administrative debates regarding the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act and Tribunal limits.
14 Jun 2026
Source: Press Information Bureau
UPSC Exam Syllabus Relevance
Directly related to constitutional provisions (Article 262) and federal disputes in GS Paper II / TNPSC general studies.
Key Core Points for Revision
* Article 262 empowers Parliament to legislate on inter-state river water disputes.
* The Inter-State River Water Disputes Act of 1956 allows establishing tribunals.
* Delays in tribunal adjudication and lack of real-time hydro-meteorological data complicate consensus.
* Expert committees recommend establishing permanent, single-window water tribunals.
Possible Prelims MCQs
Under the Constitution of India, who has the power to adjudicate any dispute with respect to the use, distribution or control of waters of any inter-State river or river valley?
(a) The Supreme Court of India
(b) Parliament by law
(c) The President of India
(d) The National Water Resources Council
Answer: (b)
Possible Mains Practice Questions
Discuss the constitutional provisions dealing with the adjudication of disputes relating to waters of inter-State rivers in India. Why have river tribunals faced implementation issues? (15 Marks, 250 Words)