Firming up principles of water sharing

The apex court guidelines are important tools in resolving water allocation to various States, and the policy-makers, tribunals or water managers can effectively use them. The February 16, 2018, judgment of the Supreme Court relating to Cauvery water dispute is a landmark one in the context of water resource management, especially in resolving any water-sharing dispute. The judgment is the culmination of a long-drawn litigation against the Cauvery Tribunal award 2007 by States such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry. For the first time, the apex court has set the principles of water sharing among States for guidance to policy-makers and water managers.