Government to set up single tribunal to decide inter-state water disputes

The government has decided to establish a single, permanent Tribunal to adjudicate all inter-state river water disputes. It is set to be headed by a retired Supreme Court judge. In order to make the Tribunal’s award more effective, it is proposed that verdict awarded by the Tribunal will get notified automatically. As of now, the government requires to notify the award which is causing delay in its implementation.

In addition, the government has also decided to set up some benches to adjudicate the disputes as and when required by making amendments to the Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956. The union cabinet has approved the decision to make amendments to the Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956. The amendment is expected to be introduced in the next session of the parliament.

Interstate River Water Disputes Act, 1956 (IRWD Act) was enacted by the parliament of India under Article 262 of Constitution to resolve the water disputes that would arise in the use, control and distribution of an interstate river or river valley.