Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2017

Key Points of the Bill :-

Bill proposes a Single Standing Tribunal (with multiple benches) instead of existing multiple tribunals,
Composition: It shall consist of one Chairperson, one Vice-Chairperson and not more than six other Members.

Term:- While the term of office of the Chairperson is five year or till he attains the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier, the term of office of Vice Chairperson and other member of tribunal shall be co-terminus with the adjudication of the water dispute.

The Bill also proposes to introduce mechanism to resolve the dispute amicably by negotiations, through a Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) to be established by the Central Government consisting of relevant experts, before such dispute is referred to the tribunal. The Bill also provides for transparent data collection system at the national level for each river basin and for this purpose, an agency to maintain data-bank and information system shall be appointed or authorized by Central Government.

• The total time period for adjudication of dispute has been fixed at maximum of four and half years.
• The decision of the Tribunal shall be final and binding.