Water has always been a critical resource for human survival, economic development, and environmental sustainability. However, the rising tide of water-related conflicts has emerged as a significant global concern, particularly in regions like Asia and Africa. Data released by the US-based Pacific Institute highlights a troubling trend: between 1990 and 2023, at least 1,473 instances of violence, conflicts, and water-related issues were reported worldwide. Alarmingly, over 72% of these incidents occurred in the last decade, from 2014 to 2023. This stark reality calls for urgent attention to the rising conflicts surrounding water resources, particularly in India.
According to the Pacific Institute, nearly two-thirds of all water-related conflicts since 1990 have transpired in the past decade. The data indicates that from 2014 to 2023, at least 1,063 disputes over water were documented globally, with incidents escalating from 49 in 2014 to 117 in 2023. This represents a 2.4-fold increase in conflicts over water resources. The situation has grown increasingly alarming since 2019, with 671 incidents of water-related violence recorded worldwide during the period from 2019 to 2023, marking a 70% rise compared to the previous five years.
Asia, in particular, stands out as the epicenter of these conflicts, accounting for approximately 57% of the global total. The unique challenges faced by Asian nations, including climate change, population growth, rapid urbanization, and inefficient water management practices, have exacerbated tensions surrounding water resources. India, as one of the largest countries in this region, faces significant challenges related to water conflicts, which can have dire consequences for its socio-economic fabric.
India’s water-related conflicts have taken center stage in recent years, driven by a combination of factors such as climate change, population pressure, and increasing demand for water resources. In 2023 alone, India accounted for nearly 11% of Asia’s reported water-related conflicts, with six documented cases. This situation reflects a troubling trend, especially considering that in 2019, India was responsible for 43% of water disputes in Asia. That year was particularly challenging, as severe drought conditions affected over 40% of the country, with approximately 500 million people experiencing significant water shortages.
The intensity of disputes over both irrigation and drinking water has surged as a result. States like Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Karnataka, and Goa have reported multiple incidents of water-related disputes, reflecting a nationwide crisis. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the figures reveal a staggering 793 water-related disputes and protests across 11 states in India in 2019. This discrepancy between reported cases and actual incidents highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive understanding of water-related conflicts in the country.
Climate change has emerged as a critical driver of rising water conflicts in India. As droughts become more frequent and severe due to changing weather patterns, competition for limited water resources intensifies. Traditional herders and farmers increasingly find themselves at odds, struggling to secure enough water for their livelihoods. In a country where agriculture employs nearly half of the workforce, the implications of water scarcity extend beyond individual disputes; they threaten food security, economic stability, and social cohesion.
The Indian monsoon, which provides a substantial portion of the country’s annual rainfall, has become increasingly erratic, leading to droughts in some regions and floods in others. For instance, the summer of 2019 witnessed a severe drought affecting several states, which in turn led to escalated tensions over irrigation water. Such fluctuations in rainfall patterns exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, pushing communities toward conflict.
In many parts of India, these disputes manifest in the form of protests, violent confrontations, and even targeted attacks on water infrastructure. The struggles between agricultural communities and urban areas over access to water are particularly pronounced. As cities expand and the demand for water increases, rural communities often find themselves marginalized and without adequate resources, leading to social unrest.
Several states in India have experienced severe water-related conflicts that illustrate the broader trends at play. In Punjab, where agriculture is heavily reliant on irrigation, tensions between farmers and government authorities have escalated over the distribution of water resources. The contentious issue of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link Canal has been a flashpoint for disputes, with farmers arguing that their livelihoods are threatened by inadequate water supply.
Similarly, in Rajasthan, ongoing conflicts over groundwater depletion have pitted agricultural interests against urban demands. As cities grow and industries require more water, rural communities face diminishing resources, prompting protests and conflicts. These tensions highlight the urgent need for sustainable water management policies that balance the needs of both urban and rural populations.
In Maharashtra, the contentious issue of inter-state river water sharing has led to conflicts between neighboring states, exacerbated by political maneuvering and a lack of effective dispute-resolution mechanisms. The Krishna and Godavari river basins, which straddle multiple states, have witnessed numerous disputes, often escalating into violent confrontations.
The alarming rise in water-related conflicts globally serves as a warning signal for India. As highlighted in the Pacific Institute’s data, water has increasingly been used as a weapon of conflict, with targeted attacks on water infrastructure becoming more prevalent. The ongoing geopolitical tensions in various regions underscore the need for proactive measures to prevent the weaponization of water resources.
To navigate the impending water crisis, India must prioritize international cooperation on transboundary water issues. Collaboration with neighboring countries on shared water resources can help mitigate conflicts and promote sustainable practices. Engaging in dialogue, sharing best practices, and developing joint management frameworks can foster a culture of cooperation rather than confrontation.
The rising tide of water-related conflicts in India demands urgent action from all stakeholders, including government authorities, civil society, and local communities. As the data from the Pacific Institute suggests, the trajectory of water conflicts is likely to worsen unless proactive measures are implemented. Effective governance, sustainable practices, and equitable distribution of resources are essential to prevent water disputes from escalating into violence.
The future of India’s water resources depends on the country’s ability to address these challenges head-on. By prioritizing sustainable water management and fostering a culture of cooperation, India can work towards a future where access to water is a source of collaboration and prosperity rather than conflict and violence. As the nation grapples with the complexities of water management, the lessons learned from both domestic and global trends must inform its approach, paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable future for all its citizens.
