Water Disputes: Constitutional and Statutory Mechanisms Definition, Types, Examples & Uses

Water Disputes: Constitutional and Statutory Mechanisms

Subject: Polity

Book: Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth

Inter-state river conflicts arise over resource allocation (e.g., Cauvery, Krishna). Article 262 empowers Parliament to legislate for adjudication, leading to the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act. Tribunals formed under this act settle disputes, their awards binding. The Supreme Court generally lacks jurisdiction except for special appeals. Politicization, prolonged legal battles, and non-implementation hamper swift resolution. Calls for a permanent tribunal or alternative dispute resolution methods highlight the complexity of balancing upstream-downstream interests. This scenario underscores how India’s federal structure addresses shared natural resources, striving for equity while upholding states’ constitutional rights over water usage.