Page 22 - Water Every Drop Counts

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Politics of Water

An Unfair World

Flowing water does not respect political boundaries. 263 rivers in the
world either cross, or demarcate, international political boundaries.
With international watersheds and trans-boundary aquifers covering
about one-half of earth’s land surface, issues linked to access and

right to use of water resources have been source of serious political
tensions.

This is because of Complex
physical, political, and human
interactions within international
river basins.

Issues of increasing water
scarcity, degrading water
quality, rapid population growth,
unilateral diversions and uneven
levels of economic development
are common cause of discord
between nations.

In addition to geographical
boundaries wealth, power and
technology driven inequities in
access to water resources also
cause sustained distress, tension
and unrest in many countries
and societies, including India.

Photo : Manoj Dabas The first rule of water is that it flows
uphill, towards money and power.
– Edward Morgan
Attorney General of Mono County, California

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