Abstract:
Based on field work in a village panchayat in Kerala, analyzing
the complex issues concerning the development and working of irrigation
institutions, the present study reveals that successful management of
irrigation is contingent upon the level of participation of the water users
in the management. By comparing irrigation institutions under different
property rights, the study identifies the significant factors that contribute
to the success and sustainability of irrigation institutions. It is found
that albeit the physical characteristics of irrigation systems and the
heterogeneities of the members of the user groups do impact the outcome,
it is the institutional environment as reflected in the presence of clear as
well as flexible systems of rules and regulations, enforcement
mechanisms, nesting and networking of such institutions etc. that have
become the most crucial determinants. For this, presence of able and
fair leadership and the manoeuvring of various sources of power are
found to be essential.
