CONTIONOUS

EVALUATION
COMPONENT-1
ASSIGNMENT BY :-

RAGHAV DROLIA
23020622249
DIVISION-D , 1350
Submitted On : 21 st September,2023
Q. Write and explain any five conflicts over water: Local, Inter-State and
or International / Transboundary Problems .

ABSTRACT

All life forms on Earth depend on water, which is frequently referred to as the "blue gold" of
the planet. The demand for freshwater has increased to previously unheard-of heights as
human populations soar, industrialization develops, and agricultural grows. As a result,
disputes over water resources are now widespread and emerge at a variety of scales, from
local conflicts within regions to complex regional issues and even complicated international
tensions.
This research paper examines five noteworthy cases of water wars, each of which highlights a
different aspect of this complex worldwide problem. These case studies shed light on the
background, underlying factors, wide-ranging effects, and prospective avenues for resolving
disputes involving water resources.
As the world battles with difficulties related to a continuously growing human population and
the far-reaching effects of climate change, these water disputes serve as sharp reminders of
the critical need for equitable and sustainable water management. They draw attention to the
important impacts that these conflicts have on community livelihoods, regional stability,
international relations, and the environment.

The cases analysed cover a broad range of geopolitical and geographic regions, illuminating
the variety of water-related conflicts that plague our linked world.

INTRODUCTION

A fight over the right to utilize water resources is referred to as a "water conflict" or "water
war" between nations, states, or groups. The United Nations acknowledges that conflicts over
water are caused by divergent interests of water consumers, whether they be public or private.
While many other types of water disputes have occurred throughout history, traditional wars
involving only the use of the water are uncommon. Instead, water has long been a point of
contention and a contributing factor in disputes. Territorial disputes, competition for
resources, and strategic advantage are only a few of the reasons why there are water conflicts.

Both intrastate and national conflicts over water can happen. When two or more neighbouring
nations share a transboundary water source, such as a river, sea, or groundwater basin,
problems between the neighbours might arise. For instance, only 1% of the world's fresh
water is distributed among 5% of its population in the Middle East. Conflicts inside a single
nation might involve two or more parties. Conflicts between farmers and industry are one
example.
 GLOBAL WATER CONFLICTS EXAMPLES

1. Godavari Water Dispute

HISTORY: The Godavari River originates in central India and runs through Telangana,
Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha, among other Indian states. These
states have historically relied on the river's waters for industrial, household, and agricultural
uses. Disagreements regarding the fair allocation of the river's waters among these states are
at the heart of the Godavari Water Dispute.

CAUSES:
• Older Agreements: The dispute is a result of past water distribution pacts and
agreements that do not now take into account the demands of the concerned states'
populations or their changing demographics.
• Climate Variability: Changes in rainfall patterns and the effects of climate change
have made certain locations more water-scarce, escalating the conflict.
• Political Factors: The controversy has been exacerbated by political differences and
differing interpretations of legislation pertaining to water.

CONSEQUENCES:A reduction in the region's food security has resulted from crop
failures, financial losses for farmers, and water supply interruptions in agriculture.
Cooperation on other important topics has also been hampered by strained interstate ties.
Impaired socioeconomic growth and means of support for impacted populations, especially
those that depend significantly on agriculture.

POSSIBLE RESOLUTION: In order to resolve the Godavari Water Dispute, parties

should establish a thorough and equitable water-sharing agreement that takes into
consideration the states' existing requirements and changing populations. Furthermore, for
sustainable water usage, better infrastructure development, regional collaboration, and water
management methods must be implemented.

2. China-India: The Brahmaputra River

HISTORY: The Brahmaputra River, also known as the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, traverses
Bangladesh, China, and India. For the North eastern Indian states, notably Assam and
Arunachal Pradesh, the river is very important. Due to China's substantial dam-building
efforts on the upper sections of the Brahmaputra, tensions have increased.
CAUSES:
• Chinese Dams: Concerns have been expressed downstream as a result of China
building dams and infrastructure projects on the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra,
largely for the purpose of producing electricity and diverting water.
• Reduction in Water Flow: India is concerned about a possible negative impact on its
north eastern states' agriculture and water supplies from a reduction in water flow
downstream.
• Absence of Agreements: China and India have not reached a comprehensive
agreement about the sharing of water from the Brahmaputra.

CONSEQUENCES: Potential water supply interruptions downstream might have a

negative impact on agriculture, fisheries, and the way of life for millions of people.
Between the two Asian superpowers, there are geopolitical tensions and diplomatic obstacles.
It also arises environmental issues, such as effects on the Brahmaputra basin's ecology and
biodiversity.

POTENTIAL RESOLUTION: China and India must communicate and work together to
resolve the Brahmaputra River issue. It is crucial to negotiate a water-sharing agreement that
is advantageous to both parties and assures an equal and constant supply of water to states
downstream. The environmental effects of building dams should also be mitigated by
cooperation between the two countries.

3. Ethiopia-Egypt: Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and the Nile River

HISTORY: The Nile River flows through eleven African nations and is the longest river in
the world. Tensions have arisen with nations downstream, mainly Egypt and Sudan, as a
result of Ethiopia's construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the
Blue Nile, a significant tributary of the Nile.

CAUSES:
• GERD Construction: Construction of the GERD in Ethiopia for irrigation and
hydropower generation has sparked worries about a potential reduction in water flow
downstream.
• Water security: Egypt and Sudan are worried about possible water supply
interruptions, especially for agriculture.
• Lack of Comprehensive Agreement: The conflict has gotten worse since there is no
comprehensive agreement controlling the filling and operation of the GERD.

CONSEQUENCES: Water availability for Egypt and Sudan is becoming more unclear and
unstable, which might have an influence on agriculture, food security, and home water
supplies. Tensions on the diplomatic front and continuous talks to come to a just and binding
accord. Also there is potential effects on the Nile River basin's ecology.

POTENTIAL RESOLUTION: A thorough deal that attends to the issues of both sides,
provides fair water distribution, and promotes sustainable river management is required to
end the Ethiopia-Egypt dispute. A mutually agreeable solution must be reached with the help
of international mediation and collaboration among the nations of the Nile basin.

4. The Mekong River: A Regional Challenge

HISTORY: The Mekong River, a transboundary river in Southeast Asia that flows through
China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, has a long and complicated
history. The management of the Mekong's water resources has frequently caused conflict
between the nations it passes through.

CAUSES:
• Chinese Dam development: Concerns regarding decreased water flow downstream
have been expressed as a result of China's development of dams and hydroelectric
projects on the upper sections of the Mekong River, also known as the Lancang River.
• Disagreements Among Lower Riparian Countries: The dispute has been exacerbated
by disagreements among the lower riparian nations (Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and
Vietnam) on the management and use of the river's resources.
• Environmental Concerns: There are worries over the Mekong River's ecological
stability as well as possible effects on fisheries and wildlife.

CONSEQUENCES: Water disputes have serious repercussions for Southeast Asian

nations that depend on the Mekong River. Reduced water flow is detrimental to livelihoods,
impacting agriculture and fisheries. The Mekong River Commission has diplomatic
challenges in achieving agreement among riparian countries. Environmental hazards result
from ecological degradation, which includes altered sediment movement, poor water quality,
and declining fisheries. For the sake of maintaining livelihoods, diplomacy, and the
environment, these problems must be resolved.

POSSIBLE RESOLUTION: Enhancing data sharing openness, including local

populations, undertaking scientific research, and building efficient dispute resolution
processes among the riparian states are all necessary to end the Mekong River conflict.
Together, these actions seek to secure the equitable and long-term management of the
Mekong's resources while attending to the worries of all stakeholders.
 5. Local Water Rights Disputes in the Western United States

HISTORY: Water rights disputes in the western United States are characterized by conflicts
among various stakeholders, including farmers, municipalities, industries, and environmental
conservationists, over limited freshwater resources.

CAUSES:
• Historical Allocation methods: The legal frameworks and methods for allocating
water in the western United States were created in the late 19th and early 20th
centuries, and they frequently do not take contemporary requirements or
environmental factors into account.
• Rivalry for Water: Because of the region's dry environment, there is fierce rivalry
among various users for water supplies, which exacerbates tensions.
• Climate Change : Climate change's effects and the current drought have made the
problem of water shortage more acute.

CONSEQUENCES: In the western United States, battles over water rights have serious
ramifications. They lead to legal disputes, which hurt farmers' livelihoods by making it
difficult for them to acquire water for irrigation. Additionally, these disputes place a heavy
financial and legal burden on all parties concerned, taxing their financial and legal resources.
Water allocation conflicts also contribute to environmental deterioration, which has a severe
effect on aquatic ecosystems, water quality, and habitats. For the sake of local communities,
the environment, and the local economy, these disputes must be settled.

POSSIBLE RESOLUTIONS : A diversified strategy is necessary to address the many

issues surrounding the Mekong River dispute. First and foremost, it is crucial to increase
transparency in information exchange between riparian countries about dam operations and
water management methods. This openness fosters trust and helps people make wiser
decisions. Second, including non-governmental groups and local communities in decision-
making processes guarantees that people who are directly impacted have their concerns taken
into account. A sense of shared responsibility is fostered by this inclusion. Thirdly, in order to
comprehend the ecological and environmental effects of dam building and water
management, thorough scientific study must be conducted. The Mekong's priceless resources
must be managed cooperatively in order to avoid conflicts escalating and to maximize the
effectiveness of existing conflict resolution methods. When used together, these actions help
the Mekong River be managed more equitably and sustainably.
 CONCLUSIONS

Water conflicts, whether at the local, interstate, or international level, pose significant
challenges to human well-being, environmental sustainability, and regional stability.
Addressing these conflicts requires a combination of legal, diplomatic, and technical
solutions. It also calls for a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between historical
agreements, changing climate conditions, competition among stakeholders, and the ecological
health of the affected water bodies. As the world continues to grapple with water scarcity
challenges, finding equitable and sustainable solutions to water conflicts becomes
increasingly critical for ensuring a prosperous and harmonious future for all.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_conflict
2. https://reliefweb.int/report/world/editor-s-pick-10-violent-water-conflicts
3. https://www.worldwater.org/water-conflict/
4. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20210816-how-water-shortages-are-
brewing-wars
5. https://chat.openai.com/c/c92b5ea5-9a1d-4f3d-8476-9d13b33c25ee