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Inequality in the Indian Water Sector: Challenges and Policy Options

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  • M. Dinesh Kumar
  • R. Maria Saleth

Abstract

Utilizing illustrative examples based on empirical data, this article attempts to provide an indicative assessment of the growing magnitude of inequality in access to water in India. This assessment was made within an analytical framework that highlights variations across water-using sectors such as rural agriculture and urban, as well as across different sources of water such as groundwater, surface water and others. The dimensions of inequality analysed include: inequality in access to common pool groundwater resources (both inter-generational and intra-generational inequality); inequality caused by monopolistic groundwater markets; inequality in access to common property water from river catchments; inequality in access to subsidized water from public irrigation schemes; and inequality in access to water from municipal water supply systems. The article also discusses the role of major factors which contribute to the inequality in the access to water in different contexts, such as lack of well-defined water use rights, inequality in the ownership of land and other rural assets, spatial and topographical issues such as tail-end and downstream aspects, ineffective water and energy pricing policies, inadequate or poorly designed infrastructure and suboptimal water sector investment. The article concludes by providing feasible policy options and possible implementation principles to reduce inequality in access to water across sectors, sources and regions.

Suggested Citation

  • M. Dinesh Kumar & R. Maria Saleth, 2018. "Inequality in the Indian Water Sector: Challenges and Policy Options," Indian Journal of Human Development, , vol. 12(2), pages 265-281, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:inddev:v:12:y:2018:i:2:p:265-281
    DOI: 10.1177/0973703018793727
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. M. Dinesh Kumar & Christopher A. Scott & O.P. Singh, 2013. "Can India raise agricultural productivity while reducing groundwater and energy use?," International Journal of Water Resources Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 29(4), pages 557-573, December.
    2. Amarasinghe, Upali A. & Sharma, Bharat R. & Aloysius, Noel & Scott, Christopher & Smakhtin, Vladimir & de Fraiture, Charlotte & Sinha, A. K. & Shukla, A. K., 2004. "Spatial variation in water supply and demand across river basins of India," IWMI Research Reports H036620, International Water Management Institute.
    3. Mukherji, A. & Das, B. & Majumdar, N. & Nayak, N.C. & Sethi, R.R. & Sharma, B.R., 2009. "Metering of agricultural power supply in West Bengal, India: Who gains and who loses?," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 37(12), pages 5530-5539, December.
    4. Vashishtha, P. S. & Singh, D., 2008. "Conflict and inequality in surface irrigation: a socio-ecological perspective," Conference Papers h042933, International Water Management Institute.
    5. Amarasinghe, Upali A. & Sharma, Bharat R. & Aloysius, Noel & Scott, Christopher A. & Smakhtin, Vladimir U. & de Fraiture, Charlotte, 2004. "Spatial variation in water supply and demand across river basins of India," IWMI Research Reports 52966, International Water Management Institute.
    6. Glendenning, C.J. & Vervoort, R.W., 2011. "Hydrological impacts of rainwater harvesting (RWH) in a case study catchment: The Arvari River, Rajasthan, India: Part 2. Catchment-scale impacts," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 98(4), pages 715-730, February.
    7. R. Maria Saleth, 1994. "Groundwater Markets in India: A Legal and Institutional Perspective," Indian Economic Review, Department of Economics, Delhi School of Economics, vol. 29(2), pages 157-176, July.
    8. Rosegrant, Mark W. & Binswanger, Hans P., 1994. "Markets in tradable water rights: Potential for efficiency gains in developing country water resource allocation," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 22(11), pages 1613-1625, November.
    9. Kumar, M Dinesh, 2014. "Thirsty Cities: How Indian Cities Can Meet their Water Needs," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198099550.
    10. Sarbani Mukherjee & Durba Biswas, 2016. "An Enquiry into Equity Impact of Groundwater Markets in the Context of Subsidised Energy Pricing: A Case Study," IIM Kozhikode Society & Management Review, , vol. 5(1), pages 63-73, January.
    11. Unknown, 2008. "Managing water in the face of growing scarcity, inequity and declining returns: exploring fresh approaches," IWMI Conference Proceedings 138985, International Water Management Institute.
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