Water and development in all its essence are two sides of the same coin, one being non-existential without the other. Living organisms and the development of any community survives on an essential depleting resource, the water. While two thirds of the earth’s surface is covered with water, yet more than 700 million people lack access to improved sources of water (Ananad, 2013).
While both are closely knit due to their dependence on each other, ironically water is also considered as a hindrance to development. Goldin (2013) mentioned in her paper that water policies and their management is the key block one must remove to get hold of water opportunities to every individual because it is their human as well as constitutional right. Talking about the increasing gap between water policies being made and those being implemented, Goldin highlights a holistic approach which deals with humans and a just society, as an answer to water and its related problems namely, water scarcity, inequality, poor management, deprivation, sanitation and many more, The Capability Approach (CA).
Harris in her paper titled ‘Elements of Feminist Political Ecology and Capabilities’ talks about the complex ways in which economic development of dams, water diversion and irrigation schemas; harms bodily health of living creatures. The irrigation water full of pesticides and fertilizers, creation of stagnant lakes, issue of dam building and subsequent relocation, have caused several problems for humans. “As a basic resource essential for life, water is often key to these negotiations of appropriate government action or linked notions of autonomy, self-determination or adequate political representation.” A feminist analysis of developmental and water related changes highlights the improved labour practices for men and women who take pride in working as irrigators, due to water used as a resource for irrigation.
Humans are vital to development of an economy. The fear of water related stress among humans namely draughts, inadequate sanitation facilities and failing water institutions are likely causes of emotional distress and mental illness; concerning progressive development. Water security is crucial for human freedom, development and wellbeing; as whether the source of water is natural (draught) or social (institutions), it is likely to heighten individual suffering leading to a downward spiral of poverty and depression (Wutich, 2013).
The methods close refinement of the capacity approach includes the connection between water as a method for individual and financial improvement. This suggests the ability approach assesses arrangements and different changes as indicated by their effect on individuals' capacities just as their genuine functioning. It asks whether individuals can be sound, and whether the methods or assets vital for this ability, for example, clean water, satisfactory sanitation, access to specialists, insurance from contaminations and ailments, and fundamental learning on medical problems, are available. Water, a fundamental and crucial asset is the life of every single living thing; who are the essential determinants for a dynamic development and advancement of the world.
