Water conflicts are on the rise globally – inter-state and even intra-state. Factors like population growth, climate change, and inefficient water use exacerbate tensions among upper and lower riparian states.
Under international law, the use of shared rivers is governed by two core principles: equitable and reasonable use, and the obligation not to cause significant harm.
Water Conflicts in South Asia
This year as tensions between India and Pakistan intensified, India placed in abeyance Indus Waters Treaty which defines the water sharing among the six rivers that flow from India to Pakistan – Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas.
India and Bangladesh have some disagreement over the sharing of waters of River Teesta.
Within India, inter-state water disputes abound, Cauvery dispute between the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu being a major one.
China’s dams cause anguish among lower riparian states
China has begun construction on the world’s largest hydropower dam in eastern Tibet on the Yarlung Zangbo River (Brahmaputra in India and Jamuna in Bangladesh) at an estimated cost of at least $170 billion. India and Bangladesh have already raised concerns about its possible impact on the millions of people downstream.
China’s dam construction and water practices over Mekong River and its tributaries, has raised concerns among downstream countries Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
The Tigris and Euphrates Rivers
Turkey’s construction of dams and water diversion projects has raised concern among downstream countries, Syria and Iraq.
Nile Dam Crisis in Africa (Ethiopia, Egypt, Sudan)
Tensions between Ethiopia and Egypt over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) escalated recently following remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump favouring Egypt’s stance. GERD is Africa’s largest hydroelectric power project, constructed by Ethiopia on the Blue Nile, the main tributary of the Nile River. The dam, likely to be inaugurated in September 2025, would generate 6,000 MW of electricity. Egypt depends on Nile for 97% of its freshwater needs. GERD reservoir can hold 74 billion cubic meters of water. Sudan’s interim leadership has reaffirmed its opposition to any unilateral action by Ethiopia. GERD dispute has the potential to fracture relations in a region already grappling with conflict.
The Way Forward
Strengthening international water law, water diplomacy, transboundary water agreements and joint management of shared resources are crucial for preventing and resolving conflicts. There is an urgent need to address the underlying causes like climate change. Investment in R&D and sustainable water management is desirable.
Disclaimer: The article has reference to open sources including The Print, Arab News, Xinhua and datasurfr.