Topics Covered: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.
Jurisdiction of Krishna & Godavari River Management Boards:
Context:
Government Issues two Gazette Notifications for Jurisdiction of Krishna & Godavari River Management Boards.
- The notifications provide the required authority and power to the two Boards in terms of administration, regulation, operation and maintenance of listed projects in Godavari and Krishna rivers in the two States.
Background:
The Constitution of the Godavari and Krishna River Management Boards and the constitution of an Apex Council for the supervision of the functioning of these Boards, is laid down in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act 2014 (APRA).
- The two River Management Boards were constituted by the central government under the provisions of this act.
Inter-State River Water Disputes:
Article 262 of the Constitution provides for the adjudication of inter-state water disputes.
- Under this, Parliament may by law provide for the adjudication of any dispute or complaint with respect to the use, distribution and control of waters of any inter-state river and river valley.
- Parliament may also provide that neither the Supreme Court nor any other court is to exercise jurisdiction in respect of any such dispute or complaint.
The Parliament has enacted the two laws:
- The River Boards Act (1956):
It provides for the establishment of river boards by the Central government for the regulation and development of inter-state river and river valleys.
- A River Board is established on the request of state governments concerned to advise them.
- The Inter-State Water Disputes Act (1956):
It empowers the Central government to set up an ad hoc tribunal for the adjudication of a dispute between two or more states in relation to the waters of an inter-state river or river valley.
- The decision of the tribunal is final and binding on the parties to the dispute.
- Neither the Supreme Court nor any other court is to have jurisdiction in respect of any water dispute which may be referred to such a tribunal under this Act.
Insta Curious:
About International Transboundary Waters:
Do you know about the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes?
InstaLinks:
Prelims Link:
- Tributaries of Krishna.
- Tributaries of Godavari.
- East vs West flowing rivers of India.
- Interstate river water disputes- key provisions.
- Krishna and Godavari River Management Boards- formation, functions and orders.
Mains Link:
Write a note on Inter-State Water Disputes Act (1956).
Sources: PIB.
