In the face of growing freshwater scarcity, most countries of the world are taking steps to conserve their water and foster its sustainable use. Water crises range from concerns of drinking water availability and/or quality, the degradation or contamination of freshwater, and the allocation of water to different users. To meet the challenge, many countries are undergoing systemic changes to the use of freshwater and the provision of water services, thereby leading to greater commercialization of the resource as well as a restructuring of the legal, regulatory, technical and institutional frameworks for water.

The contributions to this book critically analyse legal issues arising under international law, such as environment and human rights provisions, concerning the economic, environmental and social consequences of proposed water regulatory changes and their implementation at the national level. The book examines the situation in India which is currently in the midst of implementing several World Bank led water restructuring projects which will have significant impacts on the realisation of the right to water and all other aspects of water regulation for decades to come. In analysing the situation in India the volume is able to detail the interactions between international law and national law in the field of water, and to ask broader questions about the compliance with international law at the national level and the relevance of international law in national law and policy making.

Author: Philippe Cullet, 
Alix Gowlland-Gualtieri, 
Roopa Madhav, 
Usha Ramanathan (eds) 
Publication Date: 2009
Binding: hardback
ISBN: 978-0-415-47753-6

Ordering information: This book may be ordered by visiting the website of Routledge [read more], or by downloading the book flyer which contains all relevant ordering information [download here].

Table of Contents

Introduction, Philippe Cullet, Alix Gowlland-Gualtieri & Roopa Madhav

Part 1. Background and Historical Development

• An Overview of Common Trends in the Water Legislation of Selected Jurisdictions, Andrés Olleta 
• International Aspects of Water Law Reforms, Irina Zodrow 
• Legal Implications of Trade in ‘Real’ and ‘Virtual’ Water Resources, Alix Gowlland-Gualtieri 
• The Role of the World Bank in Water Law Reforms, Andrés Olleta

 Part 2. Water Law Reforms in India

• Context for Water Sector and Water Law Reforms in India, Roopa Madhav 
• Institutional Reforms for Water, Priya Sangameswaran & Roopa Madhav 
• Drinking Water Reforms, Philippe Cullet 
• Legal Regime Governing Groundwater, Sujith Koonan 
• Law and Policy Reforms for Irrigation, Roopa Madhav

 Part 3. Human Rights, Social, Health and Environmental Aspects

• International Human Rights Aspects of Water Law Reforms, Alix Gowlland Gualtieri 
• Water Sector Reforms and Principles of International Environmental Law, David Takacs 
• Water, Health and Water Quality Regulation, Sujith Koonan & Adil Hasan Khan 
• Final Remarks, Philippe Cullet, Alix Gowlland-Gualtieri & Roopa Madhav