"Water resources are both an asset and a source of conflict in South Asia." Examine this statement giving examples.
Water in South Asia is simultaneously a driver of prosperity and a source of persistent tension, given that the region hosts nearly a quarter of humanity but only 4% of global freshwater.
Water as an Asset:
- Agriculture: Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna basins sustain food security for over 1.7 billion people.
- Hydropower: Nepal and Bhutan export electricity; India's Bhakra and Tehri anchor grids.
- Navigation and fisheries: Sundarbans and inland waterways.
- Cultural-religious value: Rivers as civilisational lifelines.
Water as a Source of Conflict:
- Indus Waters Treaty (1960): Under strain over Kishenganga and Ratle projects between India and Pakistan.
- Teesta dispute: Unresolved between India and Bangladesh, affecting bilateral trust.
- Farakka Barrage: Long-standing Bangladesh grievance on lean-season flows.
- China's upstream dams on Brahmaputra (Yarlung Tsangpo) raise concerns for India and Bangladesh.
- Internal disputes: Cauvery, Krishna and Sutlej-Yamuna reflect intra-national stress.
Way Forward:
Basin-level cooperation, data-sharing, joint hydrological monitoring, and updating treaties for climate realities can transform water from a flashpoint into a foundation for regional integration.
Answered By:
Harsh Raj
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