Federalism and Interstate Water Disputes in India: A Study of the River Mahanadi

By : Bishnupriya Panda , Seema Mallik

Page No: 96-107

Abstract
Indian federalism is unique in spirit and her practice of cooperative federalism has placed her as a successful democratic state in the world today. However, there are several lacunas in her federalism with respect to the discourse on water disputes, which need to be addressed. Although there are various constitutional provisions apart from the statutory laws and obligations on the part of the centre and the states, there is a significant growth in water dispute cases in the country. The Mahanadi river water dispute between the states of Odisha and Chhattisgarh is one such case. This paper explores the significant issues in this dispute while drawing insights from similar cases across the country. It also suggests a way forward in resolving river water disputes, given the importance of river water, which is becoming a scarce commodity requiring just and fair management.

Authors :
Bishnupriya Panda
Bishnupriya Panda is a Doctoral Scholar in the Department of Political Science, Utkal University and is also a faculty in the Department of Political Science, Gopabandhu Science College, Athgarh, Cuttack, Odisha, India.

Seema Mallik
Seema Mallik is faculty in the Department of Political Science, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/PROD.2024.65.01.10