Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Water, a fundamental resource, is a source of frequent contention between states in India, particularly in the agriculturally intensive North-West region. The semi-arid and arid climate, coupled with increasing population and demands for irrigation, exacerbate these disputes. The historical legacy of partition, coupled with differing riparian rights claims, has led to protracted legal battles and political tensions. Recent developments, such as the Supreme Court’s interventions in the Ravi-Beas dispute and ongoing negotiations regarding the SYL canal, highlight the continuing nature of these challenges. This answer will discuss the major water-sharing disputes in North-West India, their causes, and the current status.
Ravi-Beas Waters Dispute
This dispute primarily involves Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. The Indus Waters Treaty (1960) allocated the waters of the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers to India. Initially, the allocation was based on pre-partition usage. However, with the reorganization of states in 1966, Punjab opposed sharing the water with Haryana and Rajasthan, arguing that it would affect its own agricultural productivity.
- The Tribunal: The Eradi Tribunal (1987) allocated 75% of the surplus waters to Punjab, 25% to Haryana, and fixed a quantity for Rajasthan.
- Current Status: Punjab has been reluctant to fully comply with the Tribunal’s award, leading to repeated interventions by the Supreme Court. In February 2024, the Supreme Court directed Punjab to release water to Haryana, but the issue remains contentious.
Yamuna Waters Dispute
The Yamuna River, a major tributary of the Ganga, is a source of dispute between Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi. The primary contention revolves around the allocation of water during the lean season. Haryana alleges that Uttar Pradesh releases insufficient water, impacting its irrigation and drinking water supply.
- Historical Context: The Yamuna’s flow has been significantly reduced due to upstream diversions in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, and increased demand in Delhi and downstream areas.
- Current Status: The Yamuna Water Disputes Tribunal (YWDT) has been established, but its proceedings have been slow. Delhi faces chronic water shortages, and the dispute continues to escalate during summer months.
Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal Dispute
This is arguably the most contentious dispute, primarily between Punjab and Haryana. The SYL canal was conceived to divert surplus waters from the Sutlej and Beas rivers to the Yamuna basin, benefiting Haryana.
- The Agreement: The initial agreement was signed in 1981, but Punjab subsequently passed legislation to repeal the agreement in 2004, citing ecological and economic concerns.
- Supreme Court Intervention: The Supreme Court declared the Punjab Termination of Agreements Act, 2004, as unconstitutional in 2016, directing Punjab to complete the construction of the SYL canal.
- Current Status: Punjab continues to resist the completion of the canal, citing water scarcity and concerns about its impact on its own farmers. Haryana is pressing for the implementation of the Supreme Court’s order.
Constitutional and Legal Framework
Water is a state subject (Entry 17 of List II of the Seventh Schedule), but the Union government has a role in inter-state river disputes. Key provisions include:
- Article 262: Empowers Parliament to legislate on disputes relating to the use, distribution, and control of waters of any inter-state river or river valley.
- Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956: Provides for the establishment of tribunals to adjudicate inter-state water disputes.
- National Water Policy (2012): Advocates for a national perspective on water resource planning and management, emphasizing the need for inter-state cooperation.
Challenges in Dispute Resolution
- Political Considerations: Water disputes are often politicized, with states prioritizing short-term political gains over long-term sustainable solutions.
- Data Scarcity and Disagreement: Lack of reliable data on water availability and usage, coupled with conflicting interpretations, hinders effective negotiation.
- Slow Tribunal Proceedings: The tribunals often take years to deliver awards, leading to prolonged uncertainty and exacerbating tensions.
- Enforcement Issues: Even after tribunal awards, enforcement remains a challenge, as states may be reluctant to comply.
| Dispute | States Involved | Key Issue | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ravi-Beas | Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan | Allocation of surplus waters | Supreme Court intervention, ongoing compliance issues |
| Yamuna | Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi | Water sharing during lean season | YWDT established, slow proceedings |
| SYL Canal | Punjab, Haryana | Completion of SYL canal | Supreme Court order for completion, Punjab’s resistance |
Conclusion
The continuing water disputes in North-West India underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive and collaborative approach to water resource management. While legal mechanisms exist, their effectiveness is hampered by political considerations and implementation challenges. A shift towards integrated river basin management, data-driven decision-making, and a greater emphasis on water conservation and efficiency is crucial. Furthermore, fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual trust between riparian states is essential for achieving sustainable and equitable water sharing in the region. The establishment of a permanent inter-state council for water resources, as envisioned in the National Water Policy, could provide a platform for continuous dialogue and conflict resolution.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.