WATER RIGHTS, SCARCITY AND TRANSBOUNDARY LAWS AND REGULATIONS
Keywords:
Water rights, Water scarcity, Article 21, Indus Water treaty, Pollution, Transboundary tensions, Treaties, Basic rightsAbstract
India, which accounts for 18% of the global population but possesses only 4% of the world’s freshwater resources, faces increasing water stress in 2025. “Per capita water availability has dipped below 1,500 cubic meters, and 163 million individuals lack access to safe drinking water, exacerbating health risks, food insecurity, and social unrest.” This paper explores how water
rights have evolved from ancient communal views to constitutional guarantees under Article 21, yet enforcement lags amid market-driven policies and pollution.
It examines transboundary tensions over rivers like the Indus and Ganges, where bilateral treaties promote equity but falter against climate change, dams, and disputes—such as India's 2025 Indus suspension amid Pakistan's threats. Drawing on literature, history, and current dynamics, the study highlights gaps in fragmented governance and unequal access, disproportionately hitting women, farmers, and marginalized groups. Recommendations urge a human rights-based approach: ratify global conventions, form river basin authorities, ensure free basic access, and foster regional cooperation. Recognizing water as a shared heritage may help bridge disparities, enhance resilience, and support equitable access for future
generations.
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