The Sardar Sarovar Dam is built on the Narmada River, which flows through multiple states. Explain why large river projects built on shared rivers often become a source of inter-state disputes. What makes it difficult to resolve such conflicts equitably?
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 13:31 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Large river projects on shared rivers like the Narmada (flowing through Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan) trigger inter-state disputes because each state wants maximum share of water for its own irrigation, industry, and domestic use.
Such conflicts are difficult to resolve equitably because:
- Competing interests: Upper riparian states control flow, disadvantaging downstream states.
- Unequal benefits: One state may gain irrigation/power benefits while another bears displacement/reduced downstream flow.
- Example: The Krishna-Godavari dispute arose because Maharashtra's diversion at Koyna reduced downstream flow, harming Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh's agriculture and industry.
Agreeing on fair water-sharing formulas among states with different needs and geographies remains politically and technically complex.
Source: Water Resources, Chapter 3 (Multi-Purpose River Projects and Integrated Water Resources Management)
---
Explanation
- The examiner expects you to link the Sardar Sarovar/Narmada example to the general problem of shared rivers, then explain why resolution is hard (competing needs, unequal costs/benefits, upstream-downstream conflict).
- The Krishna-Godavari dispute box from the textbook is the direct evidence CBSE expects you to cite as an example.
- Avoid writing a long essay — 3 marks = 3 clear points concisely stated.
- Use terms like "riparian states," "downstream flow," and "equitable sharing" to show command of the topic.