Understanding Inter-State Water Disputes in India

Inter-state water disputes are a significant issue in India, arising from disagreements over the sharing of river waters among states. The Constitution of India provides mechanisms for resolving these disputes, often involving tribunals. Let's examine the given inter-state water disputes and the states listed to determine which are correctly matched.

Analyzing the Inter-State Water Dispute Matchings

A. Cauvery Water Dispute

The Cauvery water dispute involves the sharing of waters of the River Cauvery. The states primarily involved in this dispute are Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry. The option lists Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, which are indeed the major states involved in the dispute. While Puducherry is also a party, listing the main states makes this a largely correct match.

• States involved in Cauvery dispute: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry.
• Option A lists: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka.
• Conclusion: This matching is considered correct as it includes the principal states.

B. Narmada Water Dispute

The Narmada water dispute concerns the sharing of waters of the River Narmada. The states involved are Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. The option lists exactly these four states.

• States involved in Narmada dispute: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra.
• Option B lists: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra.
• Conclusion: This matching is correct.

C. Krishna Water Dispute

The Krishna water dispute involves the sharing of the waters of the River Krishna. The states that share the Krishna river basin and are involved in disputes are Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. The option lists Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. This list omits Telangana, which became a separate state in 2014 and is a party to the ongoing dispute over Krishna water allocation.

• States involved in Krishna dispute: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana.
• Option C lists: Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
• Conclusion: This matching is incomplete and therefore considered incorrect in the current context.

D. Tungabhadra Water Dispute

The Tungabhadra is a major tributary of the Krishna River. Disputes related to the Tungabhadra project and its waters primarily involve the riparian states, which are Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh (and now Telangana). The option lists Tamil Nadu and Kerala, which are not riparian states of the Tungabhadra river. Therefore, this matching is incorrect.

• States primarily involved in Tungabhadra water sharing/disputes: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana.
• Option D lists: Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
• Conclusion: This matching is incorrect.

Summary of Dispute Matchings

Based on the analysis, the inter-state water disputes that are correctly matched are the Cauvery water dispute (listing principal states) and the Narmada water dispute.

Therefore, options A and B are correctly matched.

Conclusion

The correct answer is the option that states A and B only are correctly matched.

Revision Table: Major Inter-State Water Disputes

Additional Information on Water Dispute Resolution in India

Inter-state river water disputes are handled under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956. This Act empowers the Central Government to set up a tribunal for the adjudication of such a dispute. The decision of the tribunal is final and binding on the parties to the dispute.

• Constitutional Basis: Article 262 of the Constitution of India deals with the adjudication of disputes relating to waters of inter-state rivers or river valleys.
• Process: When a state government requests the Central Government to refer a water dispute to a tribunal, the Central Government can constitute a Water Disputes Tribunal if negotiations fail.
• Tribunal Powers: Tribunals have the same powers as a civil court. Their awards can be notified by the Central Government and then have the force of an order of the Supreme Court.
• Purpose: The goal is to ensure equitable distribution and utilization of river waters among the concerned states while promoting national integration and harmonious relations.