Discuss the various principles defining the Water Rights in India: Water rights in India are subject to a multitude of principles and legal frameworks that seek to govern the distribution, utilization, and administration of water resources.
The following are fundamental elements that delineate water rights in India:
The riparian principle posits that individuals who possess land contiguous to a water body possess the entitlement to employ the water for purposes that are both reasonable and advantageous. This idea acknowledges the entitlements of landowners situated adjacent to the banks of rivers, streams, or lakes to avail themselves of and utilize the water resources to fulfill their requirements.
The prior appropriation theory, sometimes referred to as the idea of “first in time, first in right,” is a legal framework that allocates water rights depending on the order of appropriation. Based on this principle, the initial individual or entity that diverts water from a particular source for advantageous purposes possesses the right to sustain the utilization of that specific quantity of water, even in periods characterized by limited availability. This notion holds special significance in regions characterized by low water availability.
The public trust doctrine is a legal idea that asserts the government’s obligation to safeguard specific resources, such as water, for the welfare of the general public. This principle acknowledges the notion that water resources are a shared inheritance and ought to be governed and safeguarded in the pursuit of public welfare. The statement posits that when making decisions regarding water allocation, it is imperative to take into account the fair distribution of water resources and emphasize the overall well-being of society as a whole.
Also Read – Change in family structure and relations in India
Customary rights play a significant role in regulating water allocation and utilization in specific parts of India. Customary rights are derived from established traditions, practices, and conventions that have been adhered to by indigenous groups over an extended period of time. The recognition and protection of these rights may exhibit variation across different regions, typically being governed by local customary laws.
The legal system pertaining to water rights in India encompasses a range of statutes, rules, and policies that have been promulgated by both the national and state governments. The legislative framework pertaining to water rights in India encompasses several significant statutes, including the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, the Indian Easements Act, the River Boards Act, and the National Water Policy. These legislations delineate the entitlements and obligations of diverse parties, institute frameworks for water distribution, and govern water utilization across numerous sectors.
The concept of water allocation priorities is utilized to ensure the equitable distribution of water resources among various stakeholders, taking into consideration specific criteria. The criteria encompass a range of fundamental requirements, such as domestic water supply, agriculture, industry, environmental flows, and other pertinent needs. The primary objective of allocation priority is to achieve a harmonious equilibrium between conflicting needs and guarantee the long-term viability of water resources.
Read – Culture is the social glue that helps hold the organisation together
It is imperative to acknowledge that the principles and legal frameworks pertaining to water rights in India are characterized by their dynamic nature, as well as their susceptibility to interpretation and enforcement by governing bodies and judicial institutions.
The dynamic characteristics of water rights exemplify the complexities associated with the governance of water resources in a nation characterized by a wide range of geographical, social, and economic circumstances.
Ongoing endeavors are being made to advance the promotion of equitable and sustainable utilization of water resources, tackle conflicts arising from water rights, and enhance governance processes pertaining to water rights in India.