Taming the Waters: The Political Economy of Large Dams in India

This book examines the nature of state planning and intervention in irrigation development, particularly through large dams, in the light of its critique by emergent ecological movements. It is, significantly, as much about the politics of environment, as it is about control over water. The author makes a critique of large dams on the basis of their economic performance, ecological impact, displacement caused by their construction, and the unequal distribution of their costs and benefits in society. He sets the agenda for reforms based on the concept of property rights over water irrespective of proprietary rights in land. In this process, he demonstrates that small, decentralized and participatory irrigation and hydropower technologies are not only important alternatives, but can be empowering agents.