The Ganga Basin Management

Abstract

A river flowing through more than one country, or one province within a State, is governed by certain international laws. In olden days, rivers were the only source of water for agriculture, navigation, drinking and other purposes. Though no defined laws existed, the right to water was then universally accepted, irrespective of national identity. However, this right led to conflicts between the peoples and nations very often and weaker individuals and nations were oppressed by the stronger. Though there are many uses of water for development and the uses are varying and multiplying every day, the most important users of river water remain the farmers, industry-owners, navigators and suppliers of drinking water.