Steep Analysis of Water Governance in Azad Jammu and Kashmir(AJK): An Exploratory Study

Abstract

The River water is an essential and crucial resource for not only AJ&K but also for the economic and food security of Pakistan. The collective impacts of past and future infrastructural development specially roads and dams combined with the veracities of nature through earth quakes and climate change poses new threats and raises questions about the current regime of water governance in the entire region. At present, multiple institutions control different aspects of water governance in AJ&K. This study is a preliminary assessment of water governance efficacy in the region. The study is exploratory in nature based on primary data collected from  key stakeholders as  informants using the method of structured interviews of key informants. PESTLE/ STEEP analysis is done based on SWOT regarding the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities regarding water governance in the region. The findings of this study suggest that the dis advantages of the current fragmented, multi institution regime of water governance in the region  are outnumbered by the advantages.

Keywords: AJ&K; water governance; Jhehlum River Basin; Watershed, Multi agency governance