"Technological Transformation and Water Conflicts in the Bhavani River Basin of Tamil Nadu, 1930–1970"

Saravanan, Velayutham. “Technological Transformation and Water Conflicts in the Bhavani River Basin of Tamil Nadu, 1930–1970.” Environment and History 7, no. 3 (Aug., 2001): 289–334. doi:10.3197/096734001129342496. This article examines in a historical perspective (1930–1970) the water conflicts that have occurred due to technological transformation in water lifting devices (viz.: electric and oil-engine pumpsets) in the agricultural sector in the old Kalingarayan channel and new Lower Bhavani Project canal of the Bhavani River Basin in Tamil Nadu. It discusses the consequences of technological transformation leading to water conflicts between the head-reach and tail-end farmers during the colonial and post-colonial periods. It also analyses the role of politicians in these conflicts. Further, it looks into government policies and the role of the judiciary in resolving these conflicts. All rights reserved. © 2001 The White Horse Press