Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives together form a distinct geopolitical region known as South Asia. The region is home to the largest population in the world and is interspersed by numerous rivers originating from the Himalayan ranges. Transboundary rivers in South Asia play a critical role in sustaining the region’s socio-economic and ecological systems, yet they remain a source of significant political and environmental challenges. This paper examines the key issues associated with the management of transboundary rivers such as the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Indus, and Meghna, which flow across multiple nations including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and China. The complex interplay of competing national interests, water-sharing disputes, and geopolitical tensions exacerbate the difficulties in achieving equitable and sustainable water management. It also discusses the challenges faced in implementing international agreements and treaties, often hindered by a lack of trust and political will among riparian states. The countries in the region have signed some treaties and agreements for sharing of water and exchange of hydrologic information but the scope of the treaties and dialogues have been limited. It emphasizes the need for collaborative frameworks, strengthened regional cooperation, and integrated river basin management to address these challenges effectively. The findings aim to contribute to policy dialogues and foster sustainable practices for managing shared water resources in the region.

错误:搜索内容不能为空,请输入英文关键词
错误:关键词超出字数限制,请精简
高级检索

Transboundary Rivers of South Asia: Issues and Challenges

  • Harsh Jaiswal,
  • Prashant Kumar

摘要

Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives together form a distinct geopolitical region known as South Asia. The region is home to the largest population in the world and is interspersed by numerous rivers originating from the Himalayan ranges. Transboundary rivers in South Asia play a critical role in sustaining the region’s socio-economic and ecological systems, yet they remain a source of significant political and environmental challenges. This paper examines the key issues associated with the management of transboundary rivers such as the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Indus, and Meghna, which flow across multiple nations including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and China. The complex interplay of competing national interests, water-sharing disputes, and geopolitical tensions exacerbate the difficulties in achieving equitable and sustainable water management. It also discusses the challenges faced in implementing international agreements and treaties, often hindered by a lack of trust and political will among riparian states. The countries in the region have signed some treaties and agreements for sharing of water and exchange of hydrologic information but the scope of the treaties and dialogues have been limited. It emphasizes the need for collaborative frameworks, strengthened regional cooperation, and integrated river basin management to address these challenges effectively. The findings aim to contribute to policy dialogues and foster sustainable practices for managing shared water resources in the region.