India's inter-state water disputes will intensify

Subject

Inter-state water disputes.

Significance

The government has proposed a new national Water Framework bill to overcome deepening conflicts between regional states over shared rivers. No fewer than six bitter inter-state disputes have arisen in recent years, provoking riots and challenges to central authorities.

Impacts

• Water shortages will rise, especially in densely populated cities.
• Street protests against water scarcity pose a serious violence risk.
• India’s national government has yet to prioritise investment in water storage facilities.