ABSTRACT
Globalization has significantly redefined the nature of governance in the water sector. Non-state actors—multilateral and transnational donor agencies and corporations, non-government organizations, markets, and civil society at large—are assuming a bigger role in public policy-making for water resource management. New discourses on neoliberalism, integrated water resource management (IWRM), public–private partnerships, privatization, and gender equity have come to influence water governance.
Drawing upon detailed case studies from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan, this volume shows the implications of these new global paradigms for water allocation and management practices, institutions and governance structures in South Asia. It suggests that, despite claims to the contrary, they have done little to further human well-being, reduce gender disparity, or improve accountability and transparency in the system. Steering away from blueprint approaches, it argues for a more nuanced and contextual understanding of water management challenges, based on local knowledge and initiatives. This book will be useful to those interested in political economy and water governance, natural resource management, environmental studies, development studies, and public administration, as well as to water professionals, policy-makers and civil society activists.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
chapter |15 pages
Introduction
part I|66 pages
IWRM, Well-being and Gender
chapter 2|18 pages
Women, Water, Caste, and Gender
chapter 3|17 pages
Demand-driven Approach vis-a-vis Marginalized Communities
part II|110 pages
State, Markets and Civil Society: Changing Configurations in Water Management
chapter 5|18 pages
Changing Configurations around the State in Water Resource Management in Relation to Multi-stakeholders’ Participation in South Asia
chapter 7|15 pages
Accessibility of the Urban Poor to Safe Water Supply
chapter 8|22 pages
Small-scale Community Water Supply System as an Alternative to Privatized Water Supply
chapter 9|17 pages
Need for Reforming the Reform
chapter 10|17 pages
Understanding Emerging Independent Regulatory Frameworks
part III|118 pages
Urbanization and Water: Emerging Conflicts, Responses and Challenges for Governance