Theme T47 · Water

River interlinking & water disputes: inter-state and transboundary

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What UPSC asks

A cross-paper theme linking geography, federalism and foreign policy: river interlinking pros and cons, inter-state water disputes, Indus Water Treaty, and water conflict in South Asia.

Prepare these

• River interlinking: Ken-Betwa, benefits, environmental and displacement costs
• Inter-state disputes: Art 262, tribunals, Cauvery, delays
• Indus Water Treaty and its implications
• Transboundary rivers: Teesta, Brahmaputra, Ganga treaty

Answer writing

• Pull in federalism (GS2) and IR (GS2) angles even when the question is from GS1

Directive words in these PYQs: Examine (3), Discuss (2), Critically (1).

Linked themes

Builds on: study these first

These come earlier in the roadmap. Questions in this theme use them.

Comes back later in

Later themes that take this one further.

On the map

Syllabus lines covered

• GS1-L11 — Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India)
• GS2-L2 — Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
• GS3-L4 — Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers

All 5 PYQs, newest first

1. GS1202610 marks · 150 wordsGS1-GEO-05-M2026-S01

   Water resources are both an asset and a source of conflict in South Asia. Examine this statement giving examples

   Also needs: T115 Neighbourhood: Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, Project MausamCopyReport a typo
2. GS12020GS1-GEO-05-M2020-S01

   The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods, and interrupted navigation. Critically examine.

   CopyReport a typo
3. GS32017GS3-AGR-01-M2017-S03

   Not many years ago, river linking was a concept but it is becoming reality in the country. Discuss the advantages of river linking and its possible impact on the environment.

   CopyReport a typo
4. GS12016GS1-GEO-05-M2016-S02

   Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic and political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations.

   Also needs: T113 Pakistan & Afghanistan: terror, distrust, soft power, surgical strikes, ISAF withdrawalCopyReport a typo
5. GS22013GS2-POL-04-M2013-S03

   Constitutional mechanisms to resolve the inter-state water disputes have failed to address and solve the problems. Is the failure due to structural or process inadequacy or both? Discuss.

   Also needs: T87 Centre–State relations: cooperative, competitive & confrontational federalismCopyReport a typo