Mekedatu Dam Issue

Federalism

India is a federal country
The Central Government and State Governments share powers.

The Cauvery River is common to multiple states;
Karnataka vs Tamil Nadu has led to inter-state conflict.

This is an Inter-State Dispute.

Inter-State River Water Dispute

Constitution – Schedule VII
Includes the State List and Union List.

Main Law: Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956

Cauvery water sharing is resolved under this law;
For this, the Cauvery Tribunal was established.

Judiciary – Supreme Court

Supreme Court – Article 131
Has the power to hear disputes between states.

The Tamil Nadu vs Karnataka case is directly heard in the Supreme Court;
Filing a Review Petition is part of the judicial process.

Judicial Review

The Supreme Court can reconsider its own judgments.

The Tamil Nadu Government filed a Review Petition;
This shows the use of Judicial Review / Review power.

Executive Bodies

Central Water Commission (CWC) and Expert Committees
These are key bodies that grant approval for dam projects.

Thus, dam project approval is the responsibility of executive bodies.

Core Concept – Resource Politics

Natural resources like water often lead to political conflicts.

The Mekedatu issue:
Water storage vs water sharing
This is a Resource Conflict.

Summary (Exam Point)

Mekedatu Issue involves:
Federal system
Inter-state water dispute
Article 131 (Power of Supreme Court)
1956 Act
Judicial Review