- Recently, the Lok Sabha has passed the Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2019. The bill seeks to amend the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.
- The Bill requires the central government to set up a dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) for resolving any inter-state water dispute amicably. The DRC will get a period of one year extendable by six months to submit its report to the central government.
- The Bill proposes to set up an Inter-State River Water Disputes Tribunal for adjudication of water disputes if a dispute is not resolved through the DRC.
- The bill seeks to make the adjudication of inter-state water disputes more efficient and effective.
- Under the present Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, there has been multiplicity of tribunals. This has led to an increase in bureaucracy, delays, and possible duplication of work.
- The replacement of existing tribunals with a permanent tribunal is expected to result in a 25% reduction in staff strength and also save a saving Rs 4.27 crore per year.
