Everything that exists needs water. Humans, animals and plants are all overly dependent on water. 70 percent of the human body carries water. Plants are 90 percent water. 70 percent of earth’s surface is also water. Water is the only resource that makes earth sustainable for life.
Given its importance in making life possible, the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) made it their mission to ‘follow the water’ in finding life on other planets.
However, human greed made this precious resource susceptible to scarcity. Sharp and continuous decline of this treasure trove led to a debate over whether it will be a source of peace or a bone of contention in a world already riddled with conflicts.
Some of the international experts argue that the nightmarish scenario predicted by some pessimists may not find its feet, as water has never in history been central to war or conflict. Others believe that the importance of water in national security is overlooked. It is the most important element that contributes to stability and security of the country and community. One can imagine the consequences, if for a day, water is not provided to a section of society.
But, the new findings by Pacific institute, a think tank in Oakland, California, reveals that the possibility of countries and communities going to war over access to water is all too real.
They argue that some security experts undermine the complex relationship of security and water. They argue that with the rise of population growth, economic and environmental pressures on scarce water resources increase. Water-related violence is increasing.
Aside from being a source of national, subnational and international conflicts, water can also be a potential weapon against rivals in times of war. It has been recorded in history that some countries resorted to it as an ultimate strategic initiative to subdue the enemy, and some threatened their rivals to stop their water supply. Most recent instances of it can be seen in Afghanistan, in Somalia, and in the distant past, China has used it as a weapon.
Afghanistan used food blockade as a weapon of war to tame the insurgents, since the growth of food is entirely dependent on water.
Similarly, the terrorist organization al-Shabaab used water diversion as a strategy. They diverted water from the Juba river in Somalia, which resulted in floods that consequently, pushed back opposing forces to some distant areas.
Moreover, it is no secret that desperate situations demand desperate measures. In 1938, China virtually applied Machiavellian methods of war in stopping the relentless advance of the Japanese army.
Who can forget the war mongering words of Indian fascist Prime Minister Narendra Modi who said “Blood and water do not move together”. These words clearly illustrate the mind and mentality of India to use water as a weapon of war in times of crisis.
Besides it, the recent Sino-Indian military standoff in Doklam was also believed to involve China’s alleged suspension of hydrological data sharing with India during the crisis.
The crisis began in June when Chinese army engineers attempted to extend a road through disputed territory along the tri-junction between China, India, and Bhutan.
At the international level downstream countries are worried about the intents and possible plots of their upstream (neighbours/rivals?). India and Bangladesh are weary about the intentions of their upstream (neighbour/rival?) China. Similarly, Pakistan also has serious reservations about the possible use of water as a weapon by its arch-rival upstream, India. Moreover, India at a number of times also threatened Pakistan with stopping water supply.
Targeting water installations can also be a cause of conflict. If a country A destroys the water installations of the country B, country B will definitely retaliate and will destroy the water installations of country A. It has been reported by The Economist that, in 2006 when Hezbollah rockets damaged a wastewater plant in Israel, the latter mounted retaliatory attacks on water facilities in Lebanon. Moreover according to the same report in Ethiopia, dozens of water systems were also attacked.
In light of the discussion above, it may be concluded that water is the most important source for human life. But lack of it can be equally dangerous and can create serious issues for human civilization. Therefore, it is imperative for peace loving countries to chalk out water sharing mechanisms among states, so that any conflict may be averted. The United Nations must also play its part in solving the trans-boundary water conflicts, lest it can undo all the progress the world has made in ensuring peace.
