The Missing Links

Integrated water resource management is one of the most pressing policy issues confronting South Asian countries—not only at the regional but also at the national level. Situated in a contiguous geographical landmass but dissected by various states, the region is home to around one-fourth of the world’s population. However, unlike artificial boundaries drawn on the surface of the earth, which gives rise to distinct nationalist undertones, governance and institutional structures and political regimes, trans-boundary rivers often act as natural connectors to this very diverse landscape of South Asia.