climate change induced water conflict in the himalayas: a case study from mustang, nepal

the water remains at the centre of livelihood from the beginning of human civilization. civilization enriched mostly on the fertile plains and river valleys. with times, people began migrating to highland slopes where there was easy access to water to use. two villages in mustang region of nepal were considered for research to drill the causes of conflicts on water sources right and water shares. people’s perception, traditional practices and field evidences from those two villages were collected and analyzed. there were no any conflicts over water rights between two villages over long period in the past (until 200 to 300 years before). when the natural hydrological process derailed, people felt effects in decreasing in agro products and pasture due to scarce waters. worsening livelihoods reflected to conflicts over water in the area. communities were not only demanding greater portion of water share but also were claiming exclusive right over sources. the inherent cause of conflict were climate change which appeared through dyeing springs and changing nature of hydrological cycles.