From open access to access by all: restating challenges in designing groundwater management in Andhra Pradesh, India |
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Authors: | Jan-Willem F Knegt and Linden F Vincent |
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Institution: | Irrigation and Water Engineering Group, Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands. |
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Abstract: | In a village-based watershed in Andhra Pradesh, India, it is increasingly difficult for users to access and extract groundwater for irrigation: a 'pumping race' is taking place. A move from groundwater development towards groundwater management is required, with a new perspective on options for change. Through a study of borewell technology and groundwater use, and considering new local developments in electricity supply and participatory resource management, the article argues that groundwater is a resource with 'instructions for use'. The technological dimensions of groundwater irrigation urge its study as a socio-technical process in order to design sustainable and equitable groundwater management. |
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Keywords: | India Irrigation Groundwater Wells Electricity supply Natural resource management Socio-technical research Sustainability and equity |
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