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Geography of inequality, geography of development: Water politics in India

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  • Herbert, Sruthi

Abstract

Based on fieldwork conducted in Kerala, India, in this article, I focus on the micropolitics of water – both its infrastructure creation and management strategies. I argue that water becomes a means of social control through its role in reproducing existing social hierarchies. Focusing on Jalanidhi, a world-bank-led water management program and connecting this to the history of development in my fieldsite, I show that structural inequalities of caste and gender are inscribed on development and infrastructure geographies. The article highlights the limitations of both left-led and neoliberal ideas of development and necessarily trouble the dominant narrative about Kerala being an alternative to mainstream ideas of development.

Suggested Citation

  • Herbert, Sruthi, 2024. "Geography of inequality, geography of development: Water politics in India," World Development Perspectives, Elsevier, vol. 33(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wodepe:v:33:y:2024:i:c:s2452292923000668
    DOI: 10.1016/j.wdp.2023.100550
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cecilia Ferreyra & Phil Beard, 2007. "Participatory evaluation of collaborative and integrated water management: Insights from the field," Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 50(2), pages 271-296.
    2. Camelia Dewan & Aditi Mukherji & Marie-Charlotte Buisson, 2015. "Evolution of water management in coastal Bangladesh: from temporary earthen embankments to depoliticized community-managed polders," Water International, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 40(3), pages 401-416, May.
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