Inter-state river disputes and challenges of river interlinking projects in India

The Hindu - Opinion · 5 Sept 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · Polity Mains · GS2 Governance High relevance

Union Home Minister Amit Shah's push for river interlinking faces practical hurdles amid unresolved inter-state water disputes, highlighting governance challenges in water resource management.

Key points

Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 governs water sharing conflicts but faces implementation delays, as seen in the Pennaiyar dispute where tribunal formation remains pending despite Supreme Court directives.

Pennaiyar River Dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka exemplifies inter-state water conflicts, with Tamil Nadu alleging violation of an 1892 agreement and seeking tribunal formation since 2019.

Judicial intervention in water disputes is increasing, with the Supreme Court directing tribunal formation for Pennaiyar within a month (later extended by six months), testing federal water governance mechanisms.

[GS3-Environment] River interlinking projects like Ken-Betwa face ecological concerns, with tribal protests in Chhatarpur highlighting displacement risks and potential damage to wetland ecosystems like Vembanad.

National Water Development Agency advocates inter-basin transfers but faces opposition from states like Kerala over projects like Pamba-Achankovil-Vaippar link that threaten local hydrology.

[GS2-Governance] Centre's proposal to refer Pennaiyar dispute to Mahadayi Tribunal violates the 1956 Act, revealing ad-hoc approaches to complex water governance challenges.

Historical precedents like Mullaperiyar dam and Indira Gandhi Canal show limited success of inter-basin transfers, with most projects concentrated in South India over 130 years.

Demand-side management through water conservation and agricultural efficiency is emerging as a sustainable alternative to supply-side interventions like river linking.

Way Forward: Strengthen river basin organizations for cooperative management, implement water-efficient agricultural practices through farmer incentives, and establish independent monitoring mechanisms for inter-state water agreements to prevent disputes.

Key terms

Demand Side Management

Water governance approach focusing on reducing consumption through efficiency measures rather than increasing supply. Includes crop diversification, micro-irrigation, and pricing reforms, aligned with National Water Policy's emphasis on water use efficiency.

Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956

The parliamentary legislation providing legal framework for resolving water conflicts between states through tribunal mechanism. Under Article 262, it empowers Parliament to adjudicate such disputes, overriding Supreme Court jurisdiction. Key provisions include tribunal formation, decision timelines, and dispute resolution procedures.

National Water Development Agency

An autonomous society under Ministry of Jal Shakti established in 1982 to study water balance and prepare feasibility reports for inter-basin transfers. It implements the National Perspective Plan for interlinking rivers, focusing on Himalayan and Peninsular components.

River Basin Organization

Institutional mechanisms for integrated management of river basins, recommended by Mihir Shah Committee (2016) to replace current fragmented governance. They enable participatory decision-making involving all riparian states for sustainable water resource management.