The Supreme Court has directed the Union government to establish an inter-State water tribunal within six months to resolve the long-standing Pennar/Pennaiyar river water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The order came as the apex court heard arguments from both states and the Centre regarding the contentious water-sharing issue.
Supreme Court Directive
The apex court ordered the Union government to set up an inter-State water tribunal within six months to resolve the Pennar/Pennaiyar river dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The deadline aims to expedite the resolution of the conflict that has persisted for years.
Centre's Compliance Efforts
The Centre cited procedural and statutory requirements, stating it is taking expeditious steps, including inter-ministerial consultations and Cabinet note approval, to comply with the court's directions. The Union government assured the court that it is committed to fulfilling the order within the stipulated timeframe.
State Positions
Karnataka argued that it plans to leave 2 tmcft surplus water for Tamil Nadu, emphasizing its willingness to share resources. In contrast, Tamil Nadu alleged that Karnataka's projects prejudicially affect its interests under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956. Tamil Nadu contended that Karnataka's planned water utilisation would harm its downstream rights.
Dispute Context
Pennar/Pennaiyar is an inter-State river where Karnataka is the upper riparian state and Tamil Nadu the lower riparian. Karnataka has planned significant water utilisation from the river, which Tamil Nadu claims would reduce the flow available to it. The dispute has been a source of tension between the two states for decades.
Key Statistics
- 11.77 tmcft: Total water in Karnataka's catchment area of the Pennar river.
- 9.77 tmcft: Karnataka's planned water utilisation from the river.
- 2 tmcft: Surplus water Karnataka intends to leave for Tamil Nadu.
- Six months: Deadline set by the Supreme Court for the establishment of the tribunal.
The court's decision is seen as a crucial step towards resolving the inter-State water dispute, which has implications for agriculture, drinking water, and livelihoods in both states. The tribunal will be tasked with adjudicating the matter and ensuring equitable distribution of the river's waters.
