A regulatory framework that protects the resource and good practices of participatory groundwater management -- both essential features of groundwater governance -- are necessary to manage the crisis.
Water mafias do not comprise only independent, small-scale players operating outside the state but also large-scale utility companies, which too operate through the water mafia and its strategies.
6000 villages in Meghalaya depend on springs and spring-fed rivers for household water needs. Their drying up threatens water security and future growth. Now, there is some hope.
A collection of Kaka Kalelkar's thoughts, and snippets from his visits to rivers, ponds, tanks, pools and lakes across the country make one want to travel to these water wonders.