The Watershed Moment

This book attempts to highlight the vital role water has played in creating, consolidating, protecting, and preserving ancient and medieval global civilizations. It explains how the modern world has been addressing the issue of water insecurity and learning lessons from its acts of commission and omission. Water is a resource that nations have fought over, both domestically and internationally. The book lists selected water conflicts that have become severe and further exacerbated with populations growing rapidly and water demand rising exponentially while human beings continue to remain oblivious to the inevitable impending dangers of water insecurity. It critically examines the disputes and conflicts over water resources in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia along with domestic disputes that have occurred in India. It also examines the methods our forefathers used to meet their water requirements. Ancient water harvesting methods and structures are explored, and their efficacy is evaluated. This book serves as a reminder of the irrefutable fact that water is the world's most important resource and lists useful tips for investors and policymakers on water preservation. It can also serve as a guide to anyone interested in this subject and hoping to learn more about the past, present, and future scenarios of the world’s most important resource.