Planning and Management of Water Resources : Lessons from two Decades of Early Implementation Projects, Bangladesh

Contents: 1. Water resources planning, BWDB and EIP. 2. Early implementation projects: review of historical processes, 1975-1998. 3. EIP projects: an assessment. 4. Women\'s right to water: ripple effects of the EIP. 5. Local initiatives and national projects. 6. Operation and maintenance. 7. Institutional development in local water management. 8. Inter-disciplinary and cross-sectoral planning. 9. Reflections, highlights and vision for the future. References. Index.

"This book analyzes the performances of these projects and the impacts of the EIP on the institutional development of the BWDB. Based on field research and review of secondary literatures the book argues that in most cases the project could be considered a success as it has achieved its primary goals of increasing agricultural production and generating employment. However, in terms of the wider project objects, namely, poverty alleviation, women\'s access to project benefits and institutional development, the achievements were rather limited. The review of the process demonstrates that notwithstanding EIP\'s efforts over the last two decades, much is needed to promote a sound institutional framework for stakeholder participation and multi-disciplinary cross sectoral planning. This calls for an institutional framework that can accommodate multiplicity of interests through democratic representation. The book argues for a multi-agency subsidiary, which necessitates decentralized decision-making with clearly defined responsibilities between different levels, and among various actors and agencies including the local government and civil society." (jacket)

[Anjan K. Datta also wrote Land and Labour Relations in South West Bangladesh: Resources, Power and Conflicts.]