Harmonious Application of ‘Equitable and Reasonable Utilisation’ and ‘No-Harm’ Principles in Sustainable Water Management

Abstract

Water sharing of transboundary rivers in an equitable and reasonable manner is always challenging. In certain regions, water management is completely frustrating because of non-cooperation, weak institutional arrangement, hydro-hegemony of big riparians, and so on. The situation is going to deteriorate even more over the coming decades. In search of sustainable water management, this paper argues that ‘equitable and reasonable utilisation’ and ‘no-harm’ principles are well-established rules of international watercourses law. Both principles have been hailed as successful tools for sustainable water sharing in many parts of the world. So far, the harmonious application of both cardinal principles requires observance of other fundamental procedural obligations. Finally, it concludes with the findings that the harmonious application of both principles is the best possible option for ensuring sustainable water management in various regions.