Question : RIGHT OVER RIVER WATER



(a) whether there is any proposal of the Government to give right to the States over river water;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) if not, the reasons therefor?

Answer given by the minister



THE MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES (SHRI HARISH RAWAT)

(a) to (c) As per Entry 17 of the State List of the Constitution of India, States have competence over water supplies, irrigation and canals, drainage and embankments, water storage and water power subject to the provisions of entry 56 of Union List of the Constitution. Entry 56 of Union List relates to regulation and development of Inter-state rivers and river valleys to the extent to which such regulation and development under the control of the Union is declared by Parliament by law to be expedient in the public interest. There is presently no proposal to make any change in the existing entries relating to water in the Constitution.