ABSTRACT

Northeast India, apart from being the rainiest in India, is drained by two large river systems of the world – the Brahmaputra and the Barak (Meghna) – both transnational rivers cutting across bordering countries. The region, known for its rich water resources, has been witnessing an increasing number of conflicts related to water in recent years.

This volume documents the multifaceted conflicts and contestations around water in Northeast India, analyses their causes and consequences, and includes expert recommendations. It fills a major gap in the subject by examining wide-ranging issues such as cultural and anthropological dimensions of damming rivers in the Northeast and Eastern Himalayas; seismic surveys, oil extractions, and water conflicts; discontent over water quality and drinking water; floods, river bank erosion, embankments; water policy; transboundary water conflicts; and hydropower development. It also discusses the alleged Chinese efforts to divert the Brahmaputra River.

With its analytical and comprehensive coverage, 18 case studies, and suggested approaches for conflict resolution, this book will be indispensable for scholars and researchers of development studies, governance and public policy, politics and international relations, water resources, environment, geography, climate change, area studies, economics, and sociology. It will also be an important resource for policymakers, bureaucrats, development practitioners, civil society groups, the judiciary, and media.

part I|118 pages

Fault lines

chapter 2|8 pages

Damming of rivers and anthropological research

An introductory note 1

chapter 3|13 pages

Water quality in Assam

Challenges, discontentment and conflict

chapter 4|21 pages

Harnessing energy potential in fragile landscapes

Exploration of conflicts and emerging issues around hydropower developments in Sikkim

chapter 5|21 pages

Hydropower conflicts in Sikkim

Recognising the power of citizen initiatives for socio-environmental justice 1

chapter 6|11 pages

State Water Policy of Assam 2007

Conflict over commercialising water

chapter 7|13 pages

Water conflicts in Northeast India

The need for a multi-track mechanism

chapter 8|29 pages

Whose river is it, anyway?

The political economy of hydropower in the Eastern Himalayas 1

part II|127 pages

Case studies

chapter 10|13 pages

Riverbank erosion in Rohmoria

Impact, conflict and people’s struggle

chapter 11|15 pages

The char dwellers of Assam

Flowing river, floating people

chapter 12|10 pages

Seismic survey for oil exploration in the Brahmaputra River Basin, Assam

Scientific understanding and people’s perceptions

chapter 14|13 pages

The Dibang Multipurpose Project

Resistance of the Idu Mishmi

chapter 15|11 pages

Tipaimukh High Dam on the Barak River

Conflicting land and people

chapter 16|20 pages

Hydropower projects on the Teesta River

Movement against mega dams in Sikkim

chapter 17|10 pages

An uneven flow?

Navigating downstream concerns over China’s water policy