Unidirectional and Reciprocal Externality in Irrigation

Abstract

In unidirectional externalities similar to point pollution, it is easier to identify the source of pollution and accordingly the polluter, while in the case of reciprocal externalities, the case of nonpoint pollution, it is not possible to identify the source of pollution and the polluter. The concept is similar in groundwater irrigation, where it is difficult to explore the cause of well failure emanating from any specific well. While chemical tracers and radio isotopes are being used to locate the well causing cumulative interference, they are not used on a large scale and remain text book solutions. In this chapter, an attempt is made to measure reciprocal externality in groundwater irrigation. Obviously the data from the first farmer whose well is interfered are crucial, and from him/her, another farmer’s data whose well is interfered are obtained, and the process goes on following snowball rolling gathering information. The research pertaining to reciprocal externality is time consuming and expensive, since data on farmers who have suffered from reciprocal externality are not directly available.