In 2007, when the state-wise distribution of Cauvery waters was determined by the Cauvery River Tribunal after 16 years of deliberation, it failed to satisfy the states involved. The upper and lower states respectively used the river water even if it was at the expense of the other party. Article 262 of the Constitution allows for the setting up of an inter-state water tribunal in such instances of disagreement. But fixing the rights to river water and agreeing on some basic principles will not suffice. The Cauvery Tribunal has in its report advised against the cultivation of water-intensive crops, especially in rainfall-deficit years.

Source: Mint September 14, 2016 17:37 UTC