Prelims Perspective: What needs to be learned?

  • Constitutional provisions related to water disputes
  • Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956 – key features
  • Major Inter-State River Water Disputes in India

What needs to be known?

  • Constitutional Provisions
    • Article 262:Parliament may provide for the adjudication of interstate river water disputes. Parliament may exclude the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and other courts
    • Entry 17, State List: Water supply, irrigation, canals, drainage (subject to Entry 56)
    • Entry 56, Union List: Regulation and development of inter-state rivers in public interest
  • Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956 – Key Features
    • Enacted under Article 262
    • Provides for setting up ad-hoc water dispute tribunals when negotiations fail.
    • Tribunal award is final and binding on states and is outside original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. 

Source: The Indian Express