WATER MANAGEMENT IN GUWAHATI: A CRITICAL STUDY OF THE ROLE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF ASSAM

Abstract

Water, a natural resource, is one of the most valuable gifts of nature for the survival of living beings on earth. Life on earth depends on some common and precious resources like air, water etc. without which human existence is not possible. Therefore it is crucial to handle water recourses carefully and properly so that it can ensure human existence not only for today but for all the future generations. For centuries water is being treated as an infinite resource and free gift of nature. But with the changing time, world has witnessed extensive growth of population, increased urbanisation and industrialization which has made water a scarce and limited resource. Further climate change and profound social injustices make sharing water among the world’s people an urgent challenge for our generation. The UN World Water Report of 2006 as it stated that there is enough water for everyone if carefully and technically managed. According to the UN report water insufficiency is often due to mismanagement, corruption, lack of appropriate institutions, bureaucratic inertia and a shortage of investment in both human capacity and physical infrastructure. For that water management has captured limelight all over the world. Assam, the hub of north-east is India, though known is water rich region, is under serious water scarcity. Guwahati, one of the major cities in the entire North-east region has been facing drinking water scarcity from years which has brought the discussion of water management and the role of the Assam government in this concern. The basic aim of this paper is to focus on the role of government of Assam in the process of water management particularly is Guwahati.