What are Inter State Water Disputes? Give Examples
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: November 9th, 2023
Inter State Water Disputes are known When two or more states disagree over how to use, distribute, or control a river that flows through two or more states. Water, which is essential for drinking, cleaning, agriculture, and industry, is one of the most basic needs for humans. Only interstate rivers and river valleys are covered by the IRWD Act. The interests of one or more other states should be impacted by the actions of one state.
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Inter State Water Disputes
The IRWD Act considers the water dispute to have occurred (Section 3). It can be divided into two independent parts to clarify the IRWD Act’s technical-legal application.
- The distribution of water among the states may be uneven, which could harm federal relations.
- The need for irrigation in agriculture was the most powerful political expression of water disputes in our country.
- On July 25, 2019, Jal Shakti Minister Mr. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat introduced the Interstate River Water Disputes Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha.
- The Act establishes the procedures for resolving disputes involving the waters of interstate rivers and river valleys.
- As India employs a dualistic theory in its implementation, and river water sharing agreement entered into with another nation must be approved by the Parliament in accordance with the provisions of Article 262 after the share of the riparian states in India has been determined.
Examples of Interstate Water Disputes
Here is a list of some interstate water disputes in India and the states that are involved in them. Some of the rivers that are involved in these disputes include – Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, Kaveri, Narmada, Periyar, Krishna, and Godavari.
| Rivers concerned | States concerned |
| Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej | Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan |
| Cauvery | Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry |
| Periyar | Tamil Nadu, Kerala |
| Narmada | Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan |
| Krishna-Godavari | Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha |
Interstate water disputes are a serious matter for the nation, as unequal water distribution can disturb federal relations. Moreover, this is a major political agenda in the nation as many political leaders use interstate water disputes as an effective political expression during elections.
Summary:
What are Inter-State Water Disputes? Give Examples
The scarcity or absence of water can lead to disputes between states, known as interstate water disputes. The Act regulates the adjudication of disputes concerning the waters of interstate rivers and river valleys.
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