Surface water bodies, both inland and coastal, are among the most complex sites of commoning due to their spatial distribution, variable access and the dynamic nature of the resource itself. These have been institutionally managed by communities through norms and customs. However, a push towards privatization of these water resources in terms of ownership as well as usufruct is to be seen in many places. Another factor complicating this picture is the role of the state in allocating and claiming control over surface water resources that often conflict with customary practices and rights held by communities. In contrast to surface water, ground water has been largely seen as a privately owned resource. Declining water table and expanding grey zones across the country, however, are now forcing us to consider alternate ways of managing and conceiving the utilization of ground water resources. Consequently, it is only in recent years that ideas and practices of commoning around ground water resources are being considered and sought to be applied. Experiences and case-studies from the ground, as well as conceptual reflections on both surface and groundwater may be shared here.

last updated by Raghunath 1 year, 9 months ago.

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