ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the watersecurity nexus, in its multiple forms, across various spatial scales: at the international transboundry scale; sub-national trans-boundary issues At the meso scale; and irrigation conflicts and water supply and sanitation issues at the local scale. While international trans-boundaryscale water distribution has been well researched and is relatively better documented, the other scales of water issues nevertheless have important linkages with security broadly defined. The chapter argues that the water and security nexus encompasses not just water and national security, or water and violent civil conflict, but also water and human security, defined as individuals’ security from environmental extremes and social instability. Groundwater is one of the most significant sources of irrigation water in South Asia, providing a larger share than anywhere else in the world. The lack of adequate sanitation facilities and water supplies has specific consequences, besides the threat of gender-based violence.
