Current Affairs

Cauvery Water Dispute: Supreme Court Verdict

by | Mar 20, 2024

For decades, the Cauvery Water Dispute has been a bitter battleground between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with Kerala and Puducherry also caught in the crossfire. However, a recent Supreme Court Verdict has breathed new life into hopes for resolution.

Background:

The roots of this conflict stretch back to the colonial era when the Madras Presidency and the Mysore Kingdom clashed over the Cauvery’s waters in 1880. Despite various attempts to find common ground, including tribunals and agreements, the dispute remained unresolved, involving more states over time.

Historical Context:

In 1924, an initial agreement was brokered between Madras Presidency and Mysore Kingdom. Yet, subsequent disagreements drew Kerala and Puducherry into the fray. A tribunal was convened in 1976, but its decisions failed to bring lasting peace.

Supreme Court’s Verdict and Previous Cases:

In its recent ruling, the Supreme Court directed Karnataka to release 177.25 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic) feet of water to Tamil Nadu from the Biligundlu dam. However, Tamil Nadu’s allocation was reduced by 14.75 TMC feet, while Karnataka’s share increased by the same amount, valid for the next 15 years.

Current Scenario:

The Supreme Court also permitted the extraction of an additional 10 TMC feet of groundwater from the Cauvery basin, emphasising the priority of drinking water supply over other uses.

Significance:

The verdict brings much-needed clarity and stability to the regions reliant on the Cauvery’s waters. It aims to ease tensions and ensure fair distribution, vital for agriculture and urban needs in the respective states.

Aftermath:

While Karnataka expressed satisfaction, Tamil Nadu faces challenges due to reduced water allocation. Security measures have been heightened in both states to prevent potential unrest.

The Cauvery water dispute has been a prolonged struggle, affecting the lives of millions in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The Supreme Court’s ruling is a significant step towards resolution, offering a framework for equitable water sharing and fostering regional harmony. However, continued efforts are essential to ensure effective implementation and long-term peace in the Cauvery basin.

Legal and Constitutional Framework:

Framework Component

Description
Constitutional Provisions
  • Article 262: Grants Parliament authority to adjudicate inter-state water disputes.
  • Article 131: Allows states to directly approach the Supreme Court with disputes against other states or the central government.
Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956
  • Provides legal framework for resolution of disputes related to interstate rivers and river valleys.
  • Empowers central government to set up tribunals for adjudicating disputes.
  • Lays down procedure for adjudication.
Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT)
  • Established in 1990 to resolve Cauvery water dispute between Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry.
  • Tasked with determining water-sharing arrangement among riparian states based on various factors.
Supreme Court Judgments
  • Supreme Court interprets constitutional provisions, existing laws, and previous judgments to deliver rulings balancing interests of stakeholders.
  • Plays crucial role in adjudicating disputes, especially when contesting tribunal awards or seeking urgent interventions.
State Water Policies and Acts
  • States have their own water policies and laws governing management, distribution, and utilization of water resources within their territories.
  • Complement or supplement provisions of central legislation.
  • Provide specific guidelines for water management at state level.
International Agreements
  • Agreements and treaties between countries may influence legal framework for water disputes, especially for rivers flowing across international borders.
  • Establish mechanisms for cooperation, negotiation, and resolution of disputes to ensure equitable sharing and sustainable management of transboundary water resources.

 

Source- Bhaskar.com

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Written By Vishakha Khatri

My name is Vishakha Khatri. I am an engineering graduate and a civil service aspirant with a passion for spreading knowledge about Indian polity. I believe that understanding our political system is crucial for every citizen, and I am committed to making this information accessible to everyone in my own easy way. Through my experiences in civil service preparation and my unique perspective as an engineering graduate, I hope to inspire and educate others on the importance of Indian polity.

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