Pennaiyar river tribunal and inter-state water governance

Supreme Court intervention

Pennaiyar river tribunal and inter-state water governance: The Supreme Court of India directed the Central Government to constitute a tribunal to resolve the long-pending Pennaiyar river water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The Court instructed the Centre to issue a formal notification within one month to establish an Inter-State Water Disputes Tribunal.

This decision came after Tamil Nadu filed a legal petition, requesting intervention under the provisions of the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956. The tribunal will examine claims, agreements, and water usage patterns of both states.

Static GK fact: The Supreme Court of India was established on 26 January 1950 and is located in New Delhi.

Tamil Nadu’s arguments and legal basis

Tamil Nadu argued that the water of an inter-state river is a national asset, and no single state can claim exclusive ownership. It emphasized that river water must be shared equitably based on geography, usage, and agreements.

The state also cited the 1892 water-sharing agreement, which it described as valid and binding between the concerned regions. According to Tamil Nadu, the agreement covers not only the main river but also its tributaries and catchment areas.

The Markandeyanadhi tributary, which originates in Karnataka and flows into Tamil Nadu, was highlighted as an important water source. Tamil Nadu stated that tributaries cannot be excluded from water-sharing arrangements.

Static GK Tip: Article 262 of the Indian Constitution empowers Parliament to resolve inter-state river disputes.

Geographic course of the Pennaiyar river

The Pennaiyar river, also known as Thenpennai, Ponnaiyar, or South Pennar, originates in the Nandi Hills in Chikkaballapura district of Karnataka. It flows southward into Tamil Nadu and finally empties into the Bay of Bengal.

With a total length of about 497 kilometres, it is the second longest river in Tamil Nadu after the Kaveri river. The river supports agriculture, drinking water supply, and ecosystem balance in multiple districts.

The river forms a fertile delta region near Cuddalore, which supports farming and settlements. Its basin is important for crops like paddy, sugarcane, and groundnut.

Static GK fact: The Bay of Bengal is the largest bay in the world and lies on the eastern coast of India.

Importance of Sathanur Dam and river basin

The Sathanur Dam, located near Tiruvannamalai, is the largest dam built on the Pennaiyar river. It plays a crucial role in irrigation, flood control, and drinking water supply in Tamil Nadu.

The dam also supports fisheries and tourism in the region. Any reduction in water flow due to upstream activities can affect agriculture and livelihoods in downstream districts.

The tribunal’s decision will help ensure equitable water distribution and prevent future disputes. It will also strengthen cooperative federalism in water resource management.

Static GK Tip: Major river disputes in India include those involving the Kaveri, Krishna, and Narmada rivers.

Role of tribunal in dispute resolution

The Inter-State Water Disputes Tribunal is a legal body created to resolve river disputes between states. It examines historical agreements, rainfall patterns, river basin data, and water usage needs.

Once the tribunal gives its verdict, it becomes binding on the concerned states. This mechanism ensures peaceful and legal resolution of conflicts.

The Pennaiyar tribunal will help establish clear water-sharing rules and protect the interests of both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

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Pennaiyar river tribunal and inter-state water governance: