The rising tide of water-related conflicts has emerged as a significant global concern, particularly in regions like Asia and Africa. Between 1990 and 2023, at least 1,473 instances of violence, conflicts, and water-related issues were reported worldwide. Alarmingly, over 72% of these incidents occurred in the last decade, from 2014 to 2023. This stark reality calls for urgent attention to the rising conflicts surrounding water resources, particularly in India.
India’s water-related conflicts have taken center stage in recent years, driven by a combination of factors such as climate change, population pressure, and increasing demand for water resources. In 2023 alone, India accounted for nearly 11% of Asia’s reported water-related conflicts, with six documented cases. This situation reflects a troubling trend, especially considering that in 2019, India was responsible for 43% of water disputes in Asia. That year was particularly challenging, as severe drought conditions affected over 40% of the country, with approximately 500 million people experiencing significant water shortages.
