Structural water mismanagement in South Asia exacerbates climate vulnerability
Original framing: “South Asia must make water a top priority” — South China Morning Post
The current water crisis in South Asia is rooted in colonial water policies that prioritized extraction and control over equitable distribution. Post-independence, many governments continued these patterns, often under the influence of Western development models. Historical parallels can be drawn with the British 'canal colonies' that displaced local water systems.
The water crisis in South Asia is a complex interplay of historical legacies, structural inequalities, and climate change.
Colonial water policies and neoliberal governance have created a system that prioritizes extraction over sustainability and centralization over community resilience. Indigenous water systems, such as 'johads' and 'kuls', offer proven alternatives that integrate ecological knowledge and community participation. To build a sustainable future, South Asia must move beyond top-down infrastructure and embrace decentralized, participatory governance. This transition requires not only policy reform but also a cultural shift that recognizes the sacred and communal nature of water. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern science and empowering marginalized voices, South Asia can create water systems that are resilient, equitable, and responsive to the challenges of the 21st century.