The Interstate River Water Disputes Act, 1956 (IRWD Act) is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted under Article 262 of Constitution of India on the eve of reorganization of states on linguistic basis to resolve the water disputes that would arise in the use, control and distribution of an interstate river or river

River water disputes are conflicts that arise between different states or regions over the sharing and utilization of river water resources. These disputes occur due to various reasons such as population growth, uneven distribution of water resources, and economic development. In the context of Class 9 Social Science Studies, these disputes can be understood in relation to the chapter on Population, as population growth is one of the key factors leading to water disputes.

Population Growth:
- Rapid population growth puts immense pressure on water resources as the demand for water increases.
- The increased demand for water can lead to conflicts between different states or regions sharing the same river.
- As the population grows, the demand for water for various purposes like agriculture, industry, and domestic use also increases, exacerbating the water scarcity issue.

Examples of River Water Disputes in India:
1. Cauvery River Dispute:
- The Cauvery river dispute is a long-standing conflict between the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
- Both states claim their rightful share of water from the Cauvery river for irrigation and drinking water purposes.
- The dispute has led to protests, violence, and legal battles between the two states.

2. Krishna River Dispute:
- The Krishna river dispute involves the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
- The conflict arises over the sharing of water from the Krishna river for irrigation and drinking water purposes.
- The dispute has led to tensions among the states and has been taken to the courts for resolution.

3. Ravi-Beas River Dispute:
- The Ravi-Beas river dispute is between the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
- The dispute revolves around the sharing of water from the Ravi and Beas rivers for irrigation and other purposes.
- The conflict has implications for agricultural practices and economic development in these states.

Resolution Mechanisms:
- River water disputes can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or legal intervention.
- River water sharing agreements and tribunals have been established to resolve conflicts and ensure equitable distribution of water resources.
- The involvement of the central government and judicial bodies plays a crucial role in resolving these disputes.

Conclusion:
- River water disputes are a significant concern in many countries, including India.
- Population growth and the resulting increase in water demand are important factors contributing to these disputes.
- Resolving these disputes requires effective water management, cooperation among states, and equitable distribution of water resources.