Indian & World Geography·Policy Changes
Peninsular River System — Policy Changes
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Version 1Updated 7 Mar 2026
| Entry | Year | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2019 | 2019 | This Bill sought to amend the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, by proposing a single permanent tribunal with multiple benches to adjudicate all inter-state river water disputes. It also aimed to introduce a 'Dispute Resolution Committee' (DRC) to resolve disputes amicably before referring them to the tribunal, and to set strict timelines for adjudication. | The proposed amendments aimed to streamline the dispute resolution process, reduce delays, and ensure faster and more efficient adjudication of inter-state water disputes, which have historically been protracted. The establishment of a DRC was intended to foster conciliation and negotiation, potentially reducing the number of cases reaching the tribunal. While passed by Lok Sabha, it lapsed due to the dissolution of the 16th Lok Sabha, but its intent reflects ongoing efforts to reform water dispute resolution. |
| Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2017 (reintroduced) | 2017 | This Bill, a precursor to the 2019 Bill, also proposed a single permanent tribunal and a dispute resolution committee. It aimed to make the tribunal's decision binding on states and mandated that the tribunal's award would have the same force as an order of the Supreme Court. | The 2017 Bill, though not enacted, highlighted the government's recognition of the inefficiencies in the existing multi-tribunal system. Its provisions for a permanent tribunal and a DRC were designed to bring uniformity, expertise, and speed to the resolution process. The emphasis on making tribunal awards equivalent to Supreme Court orders aimed to enhance their enforceability and reduce further litigation, thereby providing greater certainty in water resource planning and management for peninsular rivers. |