ABSTRACT
Water is essential for all life on this planet and strongly dictates where and how civilizations flourish based on its availability, accessibility and transportation. Shifts in the availability and accessibility of this resource impacts socio-economic and developmental needs from livelihoods, food security and energy production. Water insecurity has considerable empirical support in a society where water security has become the predominant challenge of the twenty-first century. Few people actively engaged in South Asia’s water sector would deny that the region faces serious problems in the sustainable use of water resources for human development. The past two decades have witnessed tremendous growth and development in the region. Despite these achievements, the region is centre stage in experiencing water insecurity. Countries in the region are beginning to experience moderate-to-severe water shortages, brought about by the simultaneous effects of population growth, rapid urbanization and pollution due to progress in agriculture and industrial development. This chapter explores the challenges of water insecurity on human development in South Asia and argues that there are no quick fix solutions to the multicausal problems which require long-term, holistic, collaborative and innovative approaches.
