Tungabhadra Dam Model and Inter-State Water Cooperation in India – Prelims Specific

Introduction

The Tungabhadra multi-purpose project serves as a significant case study for UPSC Prelims regarding inter-state water management and federal dynamics. It illustrates how institutionalized cooperation can bypass the need for lengthy litigation in water-sharing disputes.

Why in News?

• The Tungabhadra dam has been highlighted as a template for collaborative water management among states to mitigate conflicts related to water distribution.
• The model emphasizes scientific, technical, and data-driven sharing of resources rather than political or judicial confrontation.

Static Link

• The issue relates to Article 262 of the Indian Constitution, which empowers Parliament to provide for the adjudication of disputes regarding inter-State river waters.
• UPSC often examines the distinction between original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court (Article 131) and the exclusion of jurisdiction in water disputes (Article 262).
• Questions may focus on the constitutional mandate versus the statutory mechanisms used to implement these mandates.

Institutional Link

• The Tungabhadra Board: A statutory body constituted under the Andhra Pradesh and Mysore (Transfer of Territory) Act, 1956.
• Ministry of Jal Shakti: The nodal ministry responsible for policy and coordination of water resources at the national level.
• Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Act, 2019: Aimed at streamlining the dispute resolution process, relevant for understanding the current legal framework.

Core Prelims Facts

• Tungabhadra is a major tributary of the Krishna river, originating in the Western Ghats.
• The Tungabhadra dam serves the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
• The project provides water for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control.
• The management model focuses on joint maintenance and shared data-driven operational control.

Important Terms and Concepts

• Cooperative Federalism: A system where the Centre and States cooperate to resolve policy challenges, here applied to water management.
• Basin-Level Management: The approach of managing a river based on its hydrological unit rather than state political boundaries.
• Multi-purpose project: Large-scale projects designed for irrigation, power, flood control, and water supply.

Bodies / Organisations / Institutions

• Tungabhadra Board: A statutory regulatory body created by the 1956 Act to manage the project.
• Union Government: Holds the power to legislate on inter-state river water disputes under Entry 56 of the Union List (Seventh Schedule).

Places / Geography / Mapping Points

• Krishna River Basin: The Tungabhadra is the largest tributary of the Krishna.
• Geography: The river is formed by the confluence of Tunga and Bhadra rivers in Karnataka.

Possible UPSC Prelims Traps

• Statutory vs Constitutional: Traps may claim the Tungabhadra Board is a Constitutional body; it is a statutory body.
• Jurisdiction: UPSC might confuse the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court (which is barred in water disputes by Art 262) with the role of Tribunals.
• River Basin: Confusion between Tungabhadra being a tributary of the Cauvery or Krishna. (It is a tributary of the Krishna).
• Absolute Terms: Statements claiming water disputes are entirely prohibited from judicial review; while courts cannot adjudicate, they can exercise jurisdiction under Article 136 (Special Leave Petition) in specific instances.

One-Minute Revision Notes

• Tungabhadra Dam is located on the Tungabhadra river (tributary of Krishna).
• Article 262 is the enabling constitutional provision for inter-state river water disputes.
• The Tungabhadra Board is a statutory body under the 1956 Act.
• The project benefits Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
• The model prioritizes administrative consensus over judicial litigation.

Practice MCQ for Prelims

1. With reference to the Tungabhadra project and inter-state water management in India, consider the following statements:

1. The Tungabhadra Board is a constitutional body established under Article 263 of the Constitution.

2. The Tungabhadra river is a major tributary of the Krishna river system.

3. Article 262 of the Indian Constitution excludes the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in matters related to inter-state river water disputes.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: B

Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because the Tungabhadra Board is a statutory body created under the Andhra Pradesh and Mysore (Transfer of Territory) Act, 1956, not a constitutional body. Statements 2 and 3 are correct.