In its judgment on February 2, 2026, the Supreme Court directed the Union Government to constitute an inter-state water disputes tribunal to adjudicate a river water sharing conflict between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Which river is at the centre of this dispute?
Pennaiyar River
The Pennaiyar (also spelt Pennar/Ponnaiyar) is a river originating in Karnataka and flowing through Tamil Nadu before draining into the Bay of Bengal, and both states share its waters for irrigation and drinking supply.
In its judgment on 2 February 2026, the Supreme Court, acting on Tamil Nadu's long-standing petition, directed the Union Government to constitute a separate inter-state water disputes tribunal under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act to adjudicate the sharing of this river's waters.
The Cauvery dispute already has its own tribunal and Final Award, while the Krishna and Godavari disputes do not involve this Karnataka-Tamil Nadu matter.
Hence, the correct answer is Pennaiyar River.
Important Questions from Indian Rivers and Water Resources
- Which of the following rivers is associated with National Waterway 10 (NW-10)?
- Which river originates from the Amarkantak Plateau in Madhya Pradesh and flows westward?
- Which of the following rivers is a peninsular river and flows eastward?
- Bhaga and Chandra streams join at which place in Himachal Pradesh forming the river Chenab?
- The Cauvery Water disputes tribunal involves which of the following states/Union territories?
