Interstate Water Politics: An Analysis of Indian Case Water Governance in India

Abstract

This article examines issues and conflicts related to water among Indian states. Rapidly developing Indian states are competing among themselves for propriety of mutual natural resources in which water is at top. Distribution of water or building water reservoirs over mutually shared rivers are issues among Indian states, even some territorial parts of states demand for separate state-status due to their complaints against mother state for depriving them from water. The paper finds that federal and state governments have worked to address the water problem with legislation and by establishing different water bodies; however, a permanent policy is lacking. A better and viable federal framework according to international standards is needed. Experts claim that if the situation is not addressed efficiently water sharing issues may lead to water scarcity in many areas and consequently serious political crises among and within the states. The Paper suggests that the water problem in India can be solved by involving all stakeholders within a win-win paradigm that will have positive implications for its water sharing approach with its neighbors