
The National Water Resources Council is a body chaired by the Prime Minister of India, who acts as its ex-officio President. The council's vice-chairman is the Union Minister of Water Resources. The body is responsible for studying and preparing assessments of water supply adequacy to meet requirements in each water resource region. It also reviews plans and revisions with special regard to the efficacy of plans in achieving optimum use of water and related land resources. However, it is unclear whether the National Water Resources Council is a constitutional body. On the one hand, some sources mention it in the context of constitutional bodies. On the other hand, it is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution of India, and some sources classify it as an extra-constitutional body.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| President/Chairman | Prime Minister of India |
| Vice-Chairman | Union Minister of Water Resources |
| Members | Secretaries of Commerce, Housing and Urban Development, and Transportation; Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency |
| Functions | Review national water resource problems and submit reports; study the relation of regional or river basin plans to the requirements of larger regions; appraise the adequacy of existing and proposed policies and make recommendations to the President |
| Constitutional Status | Not mentioned in the Constitution of India |
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What You'll Learn
- The Prime Minister of India is the chairman of the National Water Resources Council
- The council's vice-chairman is the Union Minister of Water Resources
- The council was formed on the basis of Article 263 of the Indian Constitution
- The council reviews the efficacy of plans in achieving optimum use of water resources
- The council is responsible for making recommendations to the President

The Prime Minister of India is the chairman of the National Water Resources Council
Water resources are a crucial aspect of governance in India, with the National Water Resources Council playing a pivotal role in this arena. The council is chaired by the Prime Minister of India, who serves as its ex-officio President. This is in accordance with Article 263 of the Indian Constitution, which outlines the establishment of the Inter-State Council, a constitutional body with the Prime Minister at its helm.
The National Water Resources Council is a vital platform that addresses water-related issues and strategies. It is a key institution in India's water governance, and its leadership by the Prime Minister underscores the importance accorded to water resource management in the country. The council's mandate encompasses various facets of water management, including conservation, utilisation, and flood control, all of which fall under the purview of the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
The Prime Minister, as the chairman, is responsible for guiding the council's deliberations and decisions. The council's membership includes the Union Minister of Water Resources, who serves as the vice-chairman, as well as other key stakeholders and experts in water resource management. Together, they navigate the complexities of water resource allocation and usage, striving for equitable and sustainable solutions.
One of the critical responsibilities of the National Water Resources Council is to ensure the optimal utilisation of water resources across the country. This involves balancing the needs of different sectors, such as agriculture, industry, and domestic consumption, in both rural and urban areas. The council also plays a pivotal role in conflict resolution, mediating disputes between states over water-sharing and allocation.
Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the National Water Resources Council works in tandem with other governmental bodies, such as the Central Water Commission, to implement and coordinate water-related projects and policies. This collaborative approach ensures that water-focused initiatives are effectively executed, benefiting communities and ecosystems alike. The council's role in water governance is integral to India's overall development and the well-being of its citizens.
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The council's vice-chairman is the Union Minister of Water Resources
The National Water Resources Council is a body that falls under the purview of the Prime Minister of India, who acts as its chairman. The council's vice-chairman is the Union Minister of Water Resources, who is responsible for overseeing the country's water resources and ensuring their optimal utilization. This position holds significant power and responsibility in managing water-related issues and policies.
The Union Minister of Water Resources plays a crucial role in decision-making processes regarding water resources management and development. They work closely with the Prime Minister and other stakeholders to address the water requirements of the nation. This includes studying and assessing the adequacy of water supplies in different regions, as well as coordinating policies and programs related to water and land resources.
The position of Union Minister of Water Resources entails leading and guiding the country's water-related initiatives. This involves collaborating with various federal and non-federal entities to establish principles, standards, and procedures for water resources management. The minister is tasked with ensuring that water-related plans and programs are effective and aligned with the nation's economic, social, agricultural, energy, and environmental goals.
The National Water Development Agency (NWDA), established in 1982, operates under the Union Minister of Water Resources' guidance. The NWDA conducts scientific studies and prepares feasibility reports to optimize the utilization of water resources, particularly in the Peninsular river system. The minister also oversees the Himalayan Component of the National Perspective Plan, which involves exploring intra-state water links.
The Union Minister of Water Resources is a key figure in India's water resources management and plays a strategic role in the National Water Resources Council. They are responsible for ensuring the sustainable and equitable management of water, which is a vital resource for the country's development and the well-being of its citizens. The minister's decisions and policies have a direct impact on water-related issues, affecting both the present and future generations.
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The council was formed on the basis of Article 263 of the Indian Constitution
The National Water Resources Council in India is chaired by the Prime Minister of India, who acts as the ex-officio President of the council. The council's vice-chairman is the Union Minister of Water Resources.
The National Water Resources Council is a constitutional body, formed on the basis of Article 263 of the Indian Constitution. Article 263 states that the President may establish an interstate council to inquire into and recommend solutions for disputes that have arisen between states. This is particularly relevant in the context of water disputes, which are among the most contentious issues in Indian federalism.
Water disputes, such as those concerning the Godavari, Cauvery, Krishna, and Satluj Yamuna Link Canal, have faced long delays in resolution. The institutional framework and guidelines surrounding these proceedings are often opaque, and the composition of the tribunal is not multidisciplinary, consisting only of members from the judiciary.
Article 262 of the Indian Constitution further elaborates on interstate water disputes, stating that the Parliament may provide for the adjudication of disputes or complaints regarding the use, distribution, or control of waters in any interstate river or river valley. The Inter-State River Water Disputes Act of 1956 outlines that the central government should first attempt to resolve matters through consultation among the affected states. If this fails, a tribunal may be constituted.
The establishment of the National Water Resources Council under Article 263 of the Indian Constitution provides a mechanism to address and resolve water-related disputes between states, with the Prime Minister of India presiding over the council's deliberations.
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The council reviews the efficacy of plans in achieving optimum use of water resources
The National Water Resources Council in India is chaired by the country's Prime Minister, with the Union Minister of Water Resources as the vice-chairman. The Council is responsible for reviewing the efficacy of plans to ensure the optimal use of water resources.
The National Water Development Agency (NWDA), established in 1982, operates under the National Water Resources Council. The NWDA carries out water balance studies and other scientific research to inform the optimal utilization of water resources in the Peninsular river system. This research contributes to the preparation of feasibility reports and the development of the Peninsular river component of the National Perspective Plan.
The Water Resources Council is tasked with maintaining a continuous study of the relationship between regional or river basin plans and the requirements of larger regions. This includes assessing the adequacy of administrative and statutory means for coordinating water and related land resources policies across various federal agencies. The Council also evaluates the adequacy of existing and proposed policies to meet water resource requirements, making recommendations to the President regarding federal policies and programs.
The Council's review process involves examining the efficacy of plans in achieving optimal use of water resources, considering their impact on agricultural, urban, energy, and industrial development, as well as their contribution to the nation's economic and social goals. This comprehensive approach ensures that water resources are managed effectively and aligned with the nation's overall development agenda.
In addition to the National Water Resources Council, India also has an Inter-State Council, which is a constitutional body established in 1990 under Article 263 of the Constitution. This council is also chaired by the Prime Minister and plays a crucial role in coordinating and resolving issues between different states, promoting cooperation and harmony in the country.
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The council is responsible for making recommendations to the President
The National Water Resources Council is a constitutional body in India, chaired by the Prime Minister of India. The council is responsible for making recommendations to the President.
The Water Resources Council is tasked with conducting a continuous study of the relationship between regional or river basin plans and programs and the requirements of larger regions of the nation. This includes assessing the adequacy of administrative and statutory means for coordinating water and related land resources policies and programs across various federal agencies. The council evaluates the effectiveness of existing and proposed policies in meeting these requirements.
Section 1962b-3(3) of the Water Resources Council's mandate outlines specific aspects that the council should consider when reviewing plans or revisions. These include:
- The efficacy of the plan or revision in optimizing the use of water and related land resources in the area.
- The impact of the plan on the development of agricultural, urban, energy, industrial, recreational, and other resources nationwide.
- The contributions the plan or revision will make towards achieving the nation's economic and social goals.
Additionally, the council is responsible for preparing biennial assessments, or less frequent intervals as deemed necessary, to evaluate the adequacy of water supplies in meeting the water requirements in each water resource region and the national interest therein.
The Water Resources Council includes the Secretaries of Commerce, Housing and Urban Development, and Transportation, as well as the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. The council submits reports and recommendations to the President regarding federal policies and programs related to water resources management.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the National Water Resources Council is not a constitutional body. The ex-officio President of the National Water Resources Council is the Prime Minister of India.
The National Water Resources Council is a body that maintains a continuing study and prepares an assessment biennially of the adequacy of water supplies necessary to meet the water requirements in each water resource region.
The Prime Minister of India is the ex-officio President and Chairman of the National Water Resources Council.
The role of the National Water Resources Council is to review plans and revisions with special regard to the efficacy of such plans or revisions in achieving optimum use of water and related land resources.




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