Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development
International organizations firmly ratifying the human right to water though neoliberal reforms h... more International organizations firmly ratifying the human right to water though neoliberal reforms have pushed for increasing commodification and marketization of water. Accelerated urbanization in cities of the Global South have intensified problems associated with access to water and innovative solutions such as water kiosks are seen as the future of water access in underserved areas. This paper studies access to potable water in four resettlement colonies of Delhi with a focus on the water kiosks which operate in these colonies. Tracing the broader reforms which have been initiated in the public utility (Delhi Jal Board), the paper investigates the model of water kiosk of these colonies and the extent to which access to water has been impacted by the introduction of the water kiosks. Based on the processes of changes and continuities in the waterscapes of formal yet marginal spaces in the city and concomitant reconfigurations in urban governance, the paper argues that water kiosks s...
Policy failures have resulted in millions of Indians living without adequate access to safe drink... more Policy failures have resulted in millions of Indians living without adequate access to safe drinking water. Water ATMs have the potential to ensure easy and cost-effective access. However, they are increasingly being seen as the only panacea for ensuring a transition to smarter cities and represent a merger of the State and corporates to profit off common ground water resources.
Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development
International organizations firmly ratifying the human right to water though neoliberal reforms h... more International organizations firmly ratifying the human right to water though neoliberal reforms have pushed for increasing commodification and marketization of water. Accelerated urbanization in cities of the Global South have intensified problems associated with access to water and innovative solutions such as water kiosks are seen as the future of water access in underserved areas. This paper studies access to potable water in four resettlement colonies of Delhi with a focus on the water kiosks which operate in these colonies. Tracing the broader reforms which have been initiated in the public utility (Delhi Jal Board), the paper investigates the model of water kiosk of these colonies and the extent to which access to water has been impacted by the introduction of the water kiosks. Based on the processes of changes and continuities in the waterscapes of formal yet marginal spaces in the city and concomitant reconfigurations in urban governance, the paper argues that water kiosks s...
Policy failures have resulted in millions of Indians living without adequate access to safe drink... more Policy failures have resulted in millions of Indians living without adequate access to safe drinking water. Water ATMs have the potential to ensure easy and cost-effective access. However, they are increasingly being seen as the only panacea for ensuring a transition to smarter cities and represent a merger of the State and corporates to profit off common ground water resources.
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Papers by Uma Dey Sarkar