Even after four years of the request made by Tamil Nadu in January 2021, the Central Government has not given in-principle approval to the Kaveri-South Vellar Link Project. The Supreme Court, while considering the matter, rejected Karnataka’s plea to stop the project. The court said that there is no need to consider Karnataka’s demand for interim injunction without the approval of the Center.
Kaveri-South Vellar Link Project
- Approval status: Tamil Nadu had sought in-principle approval from the Ministry of Jal Shakti for the project in January 2021, but the central government has not given approval yet.
- Project overview: The project aims to divert surplus water from the Mettur dam to the dry reservoirs of the Sarbanga basin in Salem district.
Karnataka’s opposition
- Karnataka has expressed apprehension that its rights over Cauvery water may be affected by this project.
- The dispute is specifically about inter-state water transfer from the Biligundlu border.
Cost and scope
- The estimated cost of the project is ₹565 crore.
- A total of 483 TMC feet of water is planned to be transferred.
Legal aspects
- Karnataka has filed a petition for judicial intervention against the project.
- It has sought the central government not to give approval, citing the Constitution and the federal system.
Constitutional provisions for inter-state river disputes
State List (Entry 17)
- It includes water supply, irrigation, canals, drainage and hydropower generation.
- States can manage water resources within their borders.
Union List (Entry 56)
- Empowers the central government to regulate and develop inter-state rivers and river valleys.
- If the water dispute is of inter-state nature, the central government can intervene.
Article 262
- Provides for the settlement of disputes relating to the use, distribution and control of inter-state rivers.
- Parliament is empowered to make laws for the settlement of such disputes.
- Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956: This Act allows the central government to constitute a tribunal when a water dispute arises between states.
2002 Amendment
- Mandatory to establish a tribunal within one year of the dispute arising.
- The tribunal has to give its decision within three years.
- The period for giving the decision can be extended to two years if required.
Judicial monitoring
- The Supreme Court cannot question the decision or formula given by the tribunal.
- However, it can review the functioning of the tribunal.
Kaveri River
- Importance: Kaveri River is called ‘Ponni‘ in Tamil and is worshipped as ‘Dakshin Ganga‘ of South India.
- It is an important water source for agriculture, drinking water supply and hydroelectric power generation.
- Origin: Kaveri River originates from Talakaveri in Brahmagiri Hills (Western Ghats) located in Karnataka state.
- Course: This river flows in a south-easterly direction and passes through the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
- After descending from the Eastern Ghats, the river meets the Bay of Bengal.
Sub-Rivers
- Left bank tributaries: Arkavati, Hemavathi, Shimsa, Harangi.
- Right bank tributaries: Lakshmana Tirtha, Kabini, Suvarnavati, Noyyal, Bhavani, Amaravati.
Protected Areas (Wildlife Protected Areas)
- Nagarhole National Park (Karnataka).
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala).
- Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu).