Case Study - Trans-boundary Water Conflicts, SE Asia

Context

● Linked partly with globalisation ● In recent years tension and conflict has grown between user groups both within and between countries

Water Demand

● Globalisation has brought Foreign Investment to India which is helping TNCs such as Tata to improve ○ These industries however put pressure on water supplies ○ In the drought prone area of Kerala, an aquifer lies close to the village of Plachimada ○ In 2000, Coca-Cola's subsidiary firm Hindustan Coca-Cola beverages established a bottling plant nearby. 6 wells were dug, tapping into the precious groundwater store = groundwater shortages ● India's integration into global systems helps explain the income rise for hundreds of millions of Indians who now enjoy flushing toilets, showers etc ○ However improving the situation for the remaining 250 mil Indians who still lack access to clean water will ↑ pressure on water supplies in many areas

| Tensions | ● India's total demand for water is soon expected to exceed all current sources of
supply • projected to become water scarce by 2025
● India's own heightened water demands could lead to trans-boundary tension and
conflict over use of large rivers shared with other countries (especially China)
● The transboundary Brahmaputra River originated in Tibet, flows through China before
reaching India
● Concerns that China • whose water demands have ↑ dramatically recently, might
build dams capable of diverting the Brahmaputra away from India
|

•                                      Major Watersheds and Rivers in Southern and Eastern Asia *