Indian & World Geography·Policy Changes
Drainage System — Policy Changes
Constitution VerifiedUPSC Verified
Version 1Updated 7 Mar 2026
| Entry | Year | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Not a direct constitutional amendment, but a significant legislative act under Article 262 | 1956 | The Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, was enacted by the Parliament under the powers conferred by Article 262 of the Constitution. This Act provides for the adjudication of disputes relating to the waters of inter-State rivers and river valleys. It empowers the Central Government to constitute a Tribunal for the adjudication of such disputes, and the decision of the Tribunal is final and binding on the parties to the dispute. | This Act has been instrumental in establishing a legal framework for resolving contentious inter-state river water disputes, which are common in India due to the federal structure and the shared nature of river basins. It has led to the formation of various tribunals (e.g., Cauvery, Krishna, Godavari) to ensure equitable distribution and control of water resources, thereby impacting regional development, agriculture, and inter-state relations. It underscores the constitutional mechanism for managing shared natural resources. |