Water Governance: A Pragmatic Debate of 21st Century; An Indian Perspective

Abstract

The developing economies are facing water problems at a massive level. At present, coining the term water crisis is trending, either it’s United Nations or Indian Government officials have used it enormously. Whenever there is an issue because of water unavailability and water contamination, the Indian government have always taken steps to provide alternatives instead of reviving the current situation. There are many research going on the topic of ‘quality of water’, and every result has shown the pathetic condition of almost every river, and wetlands in the country. This chapter will interpret the available literature knowledge and look into the journey of water being considered as a deity, and through this sentiment of holiness to the highly exploited natural resources. In present time water is considered in the category of crisis or emergency like it is going to extinct one day. The past and present situation of water availability will be the central analyzed part of this paper. People and governance will be the most arguable theme of the chapter, and it will explain the purpose of understanding water resource management in the country. The purpose of targeting the governance system for water will come up with the complexity in society and management. It will find the misconceived perception of water. The arguments in this chapter revolve around the opinion on rivers and other available sources of water and its sustainable and managed condition in the country.