The frontier problem in incipient groundwater management regimes in Balochistan (Pakistan)

Abstract

Using case material on the exploitation of groundwater in Balochistan Province in Pakistan, the article studies how resource management regimes evolve or fail to evolve. Incipient resource management regimes face two problems: the definition of access rights and the lack of knowledge on the limits and regenerative capacities of the resource as well as on the behavior of the co-users. These problems will usually be addressed as soon as increased exploitation makes itself first felt in declining groundwater exploitation, though this does not necessary mean that the resource is exploited at levels that are not sustainable. As exploitation will continue to increase however the point of overexploitation may be reached, beyond which it will be much more difficult for a resource management regime to evolve.