Centre has decided to constitute a high-level technical committee to examine concerns around pending inter-state water issues between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
About Polavaram project
- The Polavaram Project is on the river Godavari near Ramayyapeta village of Polavaram Mandal of Andhra Pradesh.
- Objective: Development of irrigation, hydro power, drinking water supply and diversion of water to Krishna river basin to provide relief to a drought-prone Rayalseema region.
- Issue with Project: Telangana has accused Andhra of violating the inter-state river water sharing agreement agreed to in the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014.
Mechanism for Inter-State River Water Disputes Resolution
- Statutory Provisions
- Inter-State River Water Disputes (ISRWD) Act, 1956 provides for the constitution of a Water Disputes Tribunal by the Central Government for adjudication of water disputes.
- River Boards Act, 1956, provides for establishment of River Boards for regulation and development of inter-state rivers and river valleys by Centre.
- Constitutional provisions
- Article 262: It empowers Parliament to make laws for the adjudication of disputes concerning inter-state river waters.
- Act bars the Supreme Court or any other Court from exercising jurisdiction in respect of any water dispute referred to a tribunal.
- Entry 56 of the Union List: Regulation and development of inter-State rivers and river valleys
- Article 262: It empowers Parliament to make laws for the adjudication of disputes concerning inter-state river waters.
