UTTAM KUMAR SINHA is one of India's leading commentators on transboundary water issues. After a brief stint in the print media and a doctoral degree from Jawaharlal Nehru University, he joined the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses in 2001 (now renamed as Manohar Parrikar-IDSA) where he heads the non-traditional security centre and is the managing editor of Strategic Analysis, the institute's flagship journal, published by Routledge.
He is a recipient of many fellowships, including senior fellow at the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (2018-20); an academic visitor at the Harvard Kennedy School (2015); Chevening 'Gurukul' scholar at the London School of Economics and Political Science (2008); and a visiting fellow at the Peace Research Institute Oslo (2006).
His noted works include Riverine Neighbourhood: Hydro-Politics in South Asia (2016) and Climate Change Narrative: Reading the Arctic (2014).
"...a valuable contribution both to the world of scholarship and to the larger public discourse"-JAIRAM RAMESH
The Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan marks six decades, but carries the reflection of 5000 years of history
Indus Basin Uninterrupted, with an easy narration and rich archival material, brings alive a meandering journey of peace, conflict and commerce on the Indus basin. The Indus system of rivers, as a powerful symbol of the passage of time, represents not only the interdependence and interpenetration of land and water, but equally the unfolding of political identities, social churning and economic returns. From Alexander's campaign to Muhammad-bin-Qásim crossing the Indus and laying the foundation of Muslim rule in India; from the foreign invaders and their 'loot and scoot' to the Mughal rulers' perspective on hydrology and water use; from the British 'great game' on the Indus basin to the bitter and bloody Partition; and finally, as a historical pause, the signing of the Indus Waters Treaty-this book is a spectrum of spectacular events, turning points, and of personalities and characters and their actions that were full of marvel.
Uttam Kumar Sinha shows how significant a political and identity marker the Indus basin has beenEssential readingA historical tour de forceThe Indus has defined the sub-continent in myriad ways. Based on deep archival research, Uttam Sinha provides a fascinating narrative of its role and influence with focus on the Indus Waters Treaty that was signed six decades ago between India and Pakistan. The Treaty now confronts a fresh political and ecological challenge which is what makes this book very timely. It isa valuable contribution both to the world of scholarship and to the larger public discourse as well.Drawing on a wealth of archival material and critically researched information,the book vividly takes the readers through a historical
tour de force of the Indus basin. Without obscuring facts the author, with his easy narration, reminds us, through the past, of the contemporariness of the divided rivers between India and Pakistan. Very often, the Indus Waters Treaty is described as unfair to India. However, the effort should be to reduce cost on India by maximising the storage and using the waters.Uttam Sinha has written a most fascinating chronicle on how the lives and destinies of the Indus basin inhabitants were influenced by the designs of invaders, conquerors, kings, greedy
Coy wallahs and the great games played by the canny colonizers. Traversing the maze of historical events, from long before Alexander and his army crossed the Indus, this writing presents an excellent exposition of the complex challenges which were met before the signing of the Indus Waters Treaty. The book which contains valuable lessons for war and peace, must be read by security strategists, diplomats, economists and political leaders.This is a well-researched, historically-grounded and carefully argued account of the Indus basin. Sinha, who has previously written with much authority on the politics of hydrology in South Asia, has distilled a significant corpus of literature into this book. As a consequence it is a work of considerable sweep and deals with an issue of compelling contemporary political significance. Academics, journalists and analysts alike will benefit from reading this extremely topical book.This lucidly accounted history of the turbulent Indus basin will help in enhancing understanding of complex issues in water management, which is otherwise an emotive subject, causing irresolute disputes. The past impediments in the development of the basin and the possible options for its better management are clearly discernible from the narrative of the book. It is an excellent outcome of systematic and consistent research.Sinha's book traverses through 3500 years of sub-continental history like the Indus itself - mesmerizingly and uninterruptedly. It is a pure master class on Indus's transformation from a cog in military strategy into a source of conflict and cooperation post-1947. A treasure for scholars and policy-makers alike.Civilizations have adjusted and transformed over thousands of years in the Indus Basin, adapting to the magnificent river system which itself changed constantly. Yet, the society always craved continuity, and in that process created the largest public surface water irrigation system in the World. Uttam Sinha brilliantly describes the unceasing changes and the search for stability through wise development of the water resources network. With an eye for strategic dimensions, regional and local competition for water and related power plays he discusses the history leading to the Indus Treaty. That the Treaty itself had to decussate multiple objectives, needs, intrigues and strategic concerns is a lesson for reconciliations everywhere. This book will interest a wide array of readers.The scale of the book is undoubtedly breathtaking... a historical tour de forceThe book is essential reading for all those involved and interested in sustainable development, and in the study and execution of irrigation projects.Uttam Kumar Sinha's book 'Indus Basin Uninterrupted' breaks down the India-Pakistan dispute over water sharing in the Indus basin with clarity and rigour