Question

How do rivers become a source of conflict between states?

Answer 1

Rivers can also become a source of conflict between states. A river may begin in one state, Flow-through another and end in a third. The sharing of river water between different states that the river goes through is becoming an issue of conflict. We can cite an example of the Cauvery water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The water stored in the Krishnasagar dam in Karnataka is used for irrigating a number of districts and for meeting the needs of the city of Bangalore. The water stored in the Mathur dam in Tamil Nadu is used for crops grown in the delta region of that state.
A conflict arises because both dams are on the same river. The downstream dam in Tamil Nadu can only be filled up if the water is released from the upstream one located in Karnataka. Therefore, both states can't get as much water as they need for people in their states. This leads to conflict. Now, it is the job of the central government to step in and see that a fair distribution is worked out for both states.