Water Policy 3 (2001) S85–S86

Conference report

3.8 South Asia

Rapporteur: Ruwan Nanayakkara

Presentation

Investment planning for water resources management

It is estimated that South Asia has over 590 million people below the poverty line, 300 millionwithout access to drinking water and 900 million do not have access to sanitation. To providefood security and health security to the large population of SA, tremendous investments will berequired. Around $480–$500 billion will be needed over the next 25 years. Investment needs areexpected to increase three times the current capital expenditures in South Asia. Funding sourcesand mechanisms will have to be developed which will include access to capital markets, domesticand international private sector companies, bilateral and multilateral donor/funding agencies,communities and private vendors. The real shortage of South Asia will not be a water shortagebut a shortage of money.

Prospect of hydropower development

The Human Deprivation Profile of the SA region paint a dismal picture. However, water isabundant in the region, if properly managed. Nepal, Bhutan, India and Pakistan have tremendouspotential in Hydropower (more than 150,000MV). Less than 5% of the potential is now beingexploited. Nepal wants increased cooperation with India with regard to integrated development.

River basin management concepts

Sustainable development concepts are evident in Sri Lanka’s history. The shifting of theeconomy to a plantation economy caused food security problems. The sectoral approach that hadbeen followed in the recent past is no longer adequate and only suitable for solving immediateproblems. A broad based, integrated, multi-purpose approach is needed. The Mahaweli Authorityof Sri Lanka (MASL) was set up to initiate this integration. MASL is now trying to evolve into aRiver Basin Organisation. There is potential for expansion since less than 5% of water of theMahaweli is being utilised. Management stratergies for other basins may be evolved with theMahaweli experience, but tailored to individual countires.South Asia should exchange experiences and learn from each other; this does not exclude

sharing of experiences from other parts of the world, as well.

PII: S 1 3 6 6 - 7 0 1 7 ( 0 1 ) 0 0 0 3 7 - X

Discussion

* It is necessary to look into returns on investments. How do we pay back?* Investment on any project is not only money, but also people. We should look into involvingthe grass roots organisations.

* Small scale hydropower projects should be looked into instead of large ones since these haveless environmental and social costs.

* Non-conventional sources of energy should be further looked into.

Conclusion

It is recommended to establish permanent supra-national institutions to promote and co-ordinate effective water resources management regionally. A centre for the exchange of ideas onriver basin management in South Asia should be created.

R. NanayakkaraLIFE,

570/3A Welikadawatte,Rajagiriya,Sri Lanka

Conference report / Water Policy 3 (2001) S85–S86S86