Transboundary Water Conflict in SE Asia

• Transboundary water conflicts in SE Asia can be linked with globalisation
• Globalisation = FDI to India + help Indian-based TNCs e.g Tata to thrive but this puts pressure on water supplies
• China's damming of the Mekong River has led to reduced river flow downstream, affecting agriculture and fisheries in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam.
• 2000: Cola's subsidiary firm established bottling plant near aquifer in Planchimada village, Kerala

  6 wells were dug, tapping into precious groundwater stores and water shortages began to be reported not long after.
• India's integration into global systems increased incomes for 100s of mns of Indians who now enjoy flushing toilets and showers
• Improving situation for remaining 250 mn Indians still lacking access to clean water which increases pressure on scarce water supplies in many places
• India's total water demand is expected to exceed all current sources of supply so will be water scarce by 2025
• Heightened water demands can cause transboundary conflict + tension over use of large rivers shared with other countries e.g China whose own water needs have recently sky rocketed
• Transboundary Brahmaputra River originates in Tiber and flows through China before reaching India, who is concerned China may build dams capable of diverting Brahmaputra away from it.