Supreme Court on Yamuna Water Crisis: Upholding Cooperative Federalism in Resource Management

This case brings the concept of 'Cooperative Federalism' to the forefront. The court remarked that in times of climate emergencies, states must transcend political boundaries to ensure the fundamental right to water for all citizens. It also pointed toward the necessity of 'water sensitivity' in urban planning and the role of the Union in mediating between states when shared resources become scarce. The UYRB’s role is pivotal here, as it is tasked with regulating the allocation of available water flows among the beneficiary states, ensuring equitable distribution based on the 1994 agreement. For governance, this highlights the limitations of existing inter-state water sharing agreements in the face of climate change. As heatwaves become more frequent and intense, the traditional quotas may no longer suffice, necessitating a more dynamic and collaborative approach to resource management. UPSC Relevance: This development serves as a contemporary case study for inter-state water disputes and the practical application of cooperative federalism. It is highly relevant for GS Paper II regarding the 'Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States' and 'Dispute Redressal Mechanisms,' as well as GS Paper III concerning 'Environmental Degradation' and 'Resource Management.'