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UPSC Notes

Inter-State Water Disputes and Cooperation

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

UPSC examines candidates' understanding of India's federal dynamics, the constitutional framework for resolving inter-state disputes, and the effectiveness of institutional mechanisms in managing shared natural resources like water.

Inter-State water disputes are a recurring challenge in India's federal structure, often arising from competing demands for shared river resources. Mechanisms for cooperation, such as inter-state boards and tribunals, are crucial for equitable distribution and conflict resolution, underpinned by constitutional provisions.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Constitutional Basis

Article 262 empowers Parliament to adjudicate inter-state river water disputes.

Tungabhadra Board

Regulates water releases and manages the Tungabhadra dam, serving as a model for cooperation.

Upper Bhadra Project

A major lift irrigation scheme in Karnataka, identified as an irritant for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, highlighting ongoing disputes.

Water Sharing Formula

The Tungabhadra dam has largely remained free of major disputes due to an established water-sharing formula.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaIndian Polity & Governance

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Tungabhadra BoardRegulates
Union Jal Shakti MinistryFacilitates
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Prelims angle: Institutional roles and functions

Quick revision

  • Article 262: Parliament's power over inter-state river disputes.
  • Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956: Framework for tribunals.
  • Role of River Boards Act, 1956 (though less active).
  • Challenges: Siltation, climate change impact on water availability, new projects.
  • Importance of cooperative federalism in resource sharing.

High-confidence PYQs

2025Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: With reference to the Constitution of India, if an area in a State is declared as Scheduled Area under the Fifth Schedule...

Indian PolityOpen question

Consider the following subjects under the Constitution of India: I. List I–Union List, in the Seventh Schedule II. Extent of the executive power of a State ...

Indian PolityOpen question

Consider the following statements: Statement I: In India, State Governments have no power for making rules for grant of concessions in respect of extraction...

Indian PolityOpen question
2025Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding

Consider the following statements: With reference to the Constitution of India, if an area in a State is declared as Scheduled Area under the Fifth Schedule...

Indian PolityOpen question

Consider the following subjects under the Constitution of India: I. List I–Union List, in the Seventh Schedule II. Extent of the executive power of a State ...

Indian PolityOpen question

Consider the following statements: Statement I: In India, State Governments have no power for making rules for grant of concessions in respect of extraction...

Indian PolityOpen question
2025Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: With reference to the Constitution of India, if an area in a State is declared as Scheduled Area under the Fifth Schedule...

Indian PolityOpen question

Consider the following subjects under the Constitution of India: I. List I–Union List, in the Seventh Schedule II. Extent of the executive power of a State ...

Indian PolityOpen question

Consider the following statements: Statement I: In India, State Governments have no power for making rules for grant of concessions in respect of extraction...

Indian PolityOpen question
2024Statement-based questions, Factual recall

With reference to the Government of India Act, 1935, consider the following statements: 1. It provided for the establishment of an All India Federation base...

Modern HistoryOpen question
2018Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

In the federation established by the Government of India Act of 1935. Residuary Power was given to the

Modern HistoryOpen question

If the President of India exercises his power as provided under Article 356 of the Constitution in respect of a particular State, then -

Indian PolityOpen question
2018Conceptual understanding, Institutional roles and functions

In the federation established by the Government of India Act of 1935. Residuary Power was given to the

Modern HistoryOpen question

If the President of India exercises his power as provided under Article 356 of the Constitution in respect of a particular State, then -

Indian PolityOpen question
2016Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

The Parliament of India acquires the power to legislate on any item in the State List in the national interest if a resolution to that effect is passed by the -

Indian PolityOpen question
2014Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

The power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Centre and the States falls under its

Indian PolityOpen question

Topic timeline

Indian Polity & Governance
Prelims 2014· Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

The power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Centre and the States falls under its

Open question
Prelims 2016· Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

The Parliament of India acquires the power to legislate on any item in the State List in the national interest if a resolution to that effect is passed by the -

Open question
Prelims 2018· Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

In the federation established by the Government of India Act of 1935. Residuary Power was given to the

Open question

If the President of India exercises his power as provided under Article 356 of the Constitution in respect of a particular State, then -

Open question
Prelims 2018· Conceptual understanding, Institutional roles and functions

In the federation established by the Government of India Act of 1935. Residuary Power was given to the

Open question

If the President of India exercises his power as provided under Article 356 of the Constitution in respect of a particular State, then -

Open question
Prelims 2024· Statement-based questions, Factual recall

With reference to the Government of India Act, 1935, consider the following statements: 1. It provided for the establishment of an All India Federation base...

Open question
Prelims 2025· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: With reference to the Constitution of India, if an area in a State is declared as Scheduled Area under the Fifth Schedule...

Open question

Consider the following subjects under the Constitution of India: I. List I–Union List, in the Seventh Schedule II. Extent of the executive power of a State ...

Open question

Consider the following statements: Statement I: In India, State Governments have no power for making rules for grant of concessions in respect of extraction...

Open question
Prelims 2025· Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding

Consider the following statements: With reference to the Constitution of India, if an area in a State is declared as Scheduled Area under the Fifth Schedule...

Open question

Consider the following subjects under the Constitution of India: I. List I–Union List, in the Seventh Schedule II. Extent of the executive power of a State ...

Open question

Consider the following statements: Statement I: In India, State Governments have no power for making rules for grant of concessions in respect of extraction...

Open question
Prelims 2025· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: With reference to the Constitution of India, if an area in a State is declared as Scheduled Area under the Fifth Schedule...

Open question

Consider the following subjects under the Constitution of India: I. List I–Union List, in the Seventh Schedule II. Extent of the executive power of a State ...

Open question

Consider the following statements: Statement I: In India, State Governments have no power for making rules for grant of concessions in respect of extraction...

Open question

Sharing waters: The Hindu Editorial on the tungabhadra model

29 Jun 2026 · Inter-State water disputes are a critical aspect of Indian federalism, governed by Article 262 and the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act. While mechanisms like the Tungabhadra Board facilitate cooperation, new projects like Upper Bhadra can reignite tensions, necessitating continuous dialogue and robust dispute resolution.

Read article

Related topics

Current topic

Inter-State Water Disputes and Cooperation

Often confused with

Dam Safety and Management

Open notes

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Inter-State Water Disputes and Cooperation in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

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