Water and the Environmental History of Modern India

This book investigates the competing demand for water in the Bhavani and Noyyal River basins of south India from the early 19th century to the early 21st century, addressing questions about policy-makers, efficient use, natural flows, and aggravated factors. It expands the horizon of environmental history and gives a holistic understanding of the problem.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 29 July 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This significant new study delves into the intricate dynamics of water demand in the Bhavani and Noyyal River basins of south India,spanning from the early 19th century to the early 21st century. Through a historical lens,the book aims to address several crucial questions:

Did policy-makers envision future water demands while diverting water from distant places or other basins?

Was efficient utilization ensured when water was diverted,or was it haphazardly allocated, leading to pollution and significant damage to the entire river basin?

Did attention to natural flows to preserve the ecology and environment receive due consideration?

What were the factors that exacerbated the competing demand for water,and what were the long-term consequences for the future?

In the realm of the ongoing discussion on water scarcity,this book takes the conversation forward,expanding the boundaries of environmental history. Until now,agriculture,industry,domestic water supply,and their ecological,environmental,and livelihood impacts have received limited attention. Velayutham Saravanans comprehensive account of both the colonial and post-colonial periods rectifies this deficiency in the fields literature,providing a holistic understanding of the problem and its deep historical roots.

Weight: 406g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350246737