Metabolic rift theory and the complexities of water conflict between India and Pakistan: A pathway to effective environmental management

Abstract

The exacerbation of the historical and geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, largely attributed to colonial legacies, is further amplified due to climate change-induced water conflicts. These environmental management issues stemming from the climate crisis are urgent, demanding innovative and collaborative solutions. The primary aim of this article is to elucidate the complexities of the water conflict between India and Pakistan and propose more effective environmental management strategies that will ultimately foster regional peace and stability. The article applies the metabolic rift theory, a sociological approach, to comprehensively explain crisis-led ecological challenges in the Indo-Pak context. By applying this theory, the article reveals that collective environmental management strategies, particularly those aimed at water resource management, can significantly mitigate the impact of climate crisis and the related climate-induced conflicts. The study also proposes a need-based approach to environmental management, stressing the importance of having integrated water resource planning (harmoniously) shared between India and Pakistan. This includes ensuring sustainable wastewater treatment, securing freshwater quality, and guaranteeing an equitable distribution and utilization of water resources between these two nations.