Final answer:
Riparian rights allow a landowner to use water resources flowing through their property responsibly without harm, falling under the category of usufruct rights, and must align with state regulations and public interests.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rights of a landowner to make a reasonable use of the waters that flow past their property without diverting or polluting it are referred to as riparian rights or water rights. These rights are a form of usufruct rights, which allow the landowner to use and benefit from the resource as long as they do not harm it or prevent others from enjoying it. Riparian rights involve the maintenance of livelihood security and resource access that is generally protected under law, and they allow owners to utilize the water for personal and property needs, given that such use does not infringe upon public goods and the rights of others.
Moreover, the state government plays a role in identifying appropriate uses for water bodies, ensuring that the use aligns with public interest which includes agriculture, recreation, and conservation. Hence, riparian rights must be exercised within the confines of state regulations and local zoning laws, maintaining a balance between private property rights and the collective good.