Why in news?
The Supreme Court of India directed the central government to set up an inter‑state river water disputes tribunal within one month to resolve a longstanding conflict between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over the waters of the Pennaiyar (Thenpennai) River. The court took note of the states’ failure to settle the matter through negotiation.
Background
The Pennaiyar originates in the Nandidurg hills of Karnataka and flows through Tamil Nadu into the Bay of Bengal. In the late 19th century, the princely state of Mysore (now Karnataka) and the Madras Presidency (now Tamil Nadu) signed agreements regulating irrigation projects. Tamil Nadu alleges that Karnataka has recently constructed many check dams, barrages and tanks, reducing downstream flows. Karnataka argues that it has rights to use water within its territory and that new projects benefit drought‑prone districts.
Supreme Court directive
- Tribunal formation: Under the Inter‑State River Water Disputes Act, a tribunal consisting of retired judges will hear evidence from both states, consider hydrological data and issue binding orders.
- Time frame: The Union government must notify the tribunal within one month of the court order.
- Interim measures: The court urged both states to maintain status quo on new projects and to share information on water releases.
Potential outcomes
- Equitable allocation: The tribunal may determine seasonal sharing formulas based on rainfall, reservoir levels and crop requirements.
- Infrastructure impact: Dam operations, groundwater extraction and environmental flows will be assessed to minimise downstream harm.
- Precedent: The case could influence other inter‑state water disputes by emphasising timely adjudication and data‑based decisions.
Source: TH
