Archives: Book Chapters

This volume decentres the view of urbanisation in India from large agglomerations towards smaller urban settlements. It presents the outcomes of original research conducted over three years on subaltern processes of urbanization. The volume is organised in four sections. A first one deals with urbanisation dynamics and systems of cities with chapters on the new census towns, demographic and economic trajectories of cities and employment transformation. The interrelations of land transformation, social and cultural changes form the topic of the “land, society, belonging” section based on ethnographic work in various parts of India (Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu). A third section focuses on public policies, governance and urban services with a set of macro-analysis based papers and specific case studies. Understanding the nature of production and innovation in non-metropolitan contexts closes this volume. Finally, though focused on India, this research raises larger questions with regard to the study of urbanisation and development worldwide.

This chapter explores the role of planners and designers as well the agency of children themselves in two contrasting play scenarios—the middle class gated community and the informal, incrementally built neighbourhood—in Delhi, India. Examining the physicality and temporality of play spaces, the chapter underscores that the agency of children and the role of design professionals and childhood experts is limited in the above cases where, one one hand, contestations over open space in gated communities are played out in the courts and, on the other, children indulge in risky play in non-designated spaces like streets and parking lots in informal settlements. The chapter advocates the inclusion of child-centric approaches in city planning through participative exercises and strategic urban interventions.

This volume decentres the view of urbanisation in India from large agglomerations towards smaller urban settlements. It presents the outcomes of original research conducted over three years on subaltern processes of urbanization. The volume is organised in four sections. A first one deals with urbanisation dynamics and systems of cities with chapters on the new census towns, demographic and economic trajectories of cities and employment transformation. The interrelations of land transformation, social and cultural changes form the topic of the “land, society, belonging” section based on ethnographic work in various parts of India (Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu). A third section focuses on public policies, governance and urban services with a set of macro-analysis based papers and specific case studies. Understanding the nature of production and innovation in non-metropolitan contexts closes this volume. Finally, though focused on India, this research raises larger questions with regard to the study of urbanisation and development worldwide.

​This volume decentres the view of urbanisation in India from large agglomerations towards smaller urban settlements. It presents the outcomes of original research conducted over three years on subaltern processes of urbanization. The volume is organised in four sections. A first one deals with urbanisation dynamics and systems of cities with chapters on the new census towns, demographic and economic trajectories of cities and employment transformation. The interrelations of land transformation, social and cultural changes form the topic of the “land, society, belonging” section based on ethnographic work in various parts of India (Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu). A third section focuses on public policies, governance and urban services with a set of macro-analysis based papers and specific case studies. Understanding the nature of production and innovation in non-metropolitan contexts closes this volume. Finally, though focused on India, this research raises larger questions with regard to the study of urbanisation and development worldwide.

This volume decentres the view of urbanisation in India from large agglomerations towards smaller urban settlements. It presents the outcomes of original research conducted over three years on subaltern processes of urbanization. The volume is organised in four sections. A first one deals with urbanisation dynamics and systems of cities with chapters on the new census towns, demographic and economic trajectories of cities and employment transformation. The interrelations of land transformation, social and cultural changes form the topic of the “land, society, belonging” section based on ethnographic work in various parts of India (Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu). A third section focuses on public policies, governance and urban services with a set of macro-analysis based papers and specific case studies. Understanding the nature of production and innovation in non-metropolitan contexts closes this volume. Finally, though focused on India, this research raises larger questions with regard to the study of urbanisation and development worldwide.

The first comprehensive and authoritative analysis of the legal requirements of the Paris Agreement
Written by a team of leading climate law experts, including climate negotiators, academics, and researchers from around the world
Clarifies the content of the provisions, placing them in context and elaborating on key issues
Provides legal commentary on the interpretation and implementation of the Agreement

Why is it that the Indian Supreme Court, despite wielding considerable power in its relationship vis-à-vis the other branches of governance, is unable to translate this power into either more accessible and meaningful justice delivery outcomes or a doctrinally coherent practice of law? This chapter delves deeper into the puzzle, tracing the journey of a court that has moved from sentinel on qui vive to being an institution that dictates policy and even monitors compliance. We argue that this transition has been an inorganic one developing in response to immediately felt threats and concerns, compromising in the process the court’s institutional capacity to deal with its core function, that of interpreting the law in structurally coherent and predictable ways. Similarly, the incentives of other actors in the ecosystem, prominently senior advocates who command exorbitant fee for minute-long admissions, has come in the way of the court attempting any serious legal reform of internal practices that arguably make it an inaccessible forum for the poor and downtrodden. In this closed club of powerful judges and influential lawyers, conversations have been minimal on the functioning of lower courts either, resulting in a scenario where courts that interact most directly with citizens and impact maximally their lives attract the least degree of attention or funding to address much-needed institutional reform. The chapter highlights some possibilities for legal reform, with special focus on the “low hanging fruit” that can be immediately embarked upon.

The first comprehensive and authoritative analysis of the legal requirements of the Paris Agreement
Written by a team of leading climate law experts, including climate negotiators, academics, and researchers from around the world
Clarifies the content of the provisions, placing them in context and elaborating on key issues
Provides legal commentary on the interpretation and implementation of the Agreement

Northeast India, apart from being the rainiest in India, is drained by two large river systems of the world – the Brahmaputra and the Barak (Meghna) – both transnational rivers cutting across bordering countries. The region, known for its rich water resources, has been witnessing an increasing number of conflicts related to water in recent years.

This volume documents the multifaceted conflicts and contestations around water in Northeast India, analyses their causes and consequences, and includes expert recommendations. It fills a major gap in the subject by examining wide-ranging issues such as cultural and anthropological dimensions of damming rivers in the Northeast and Eastern Himalayas; seismic surveys, oil extractions, and water conflicts; discontent over water quality and drinking water; floods, river bank erosion, embankments; water policy; transboundary water conflicts; and hydropower development. It also discusses the alleged Chinese efforts to divert the Brahmaputra River.

With its analytical and comprehensive coverage, 18 case studies, and suggested approaches for conflict resolution, this book will be indispensable for scholars and researchers of development studies, governance and public policy, politics and international relations, water resources, environment, geography, climate change, area studies, economics, and sociology. It will also be an important resource for policymakers, bureaucrats, development practitioners, civil society groups, the judiciary, and media.

The right to water has been recognised in Indian law for two decades, largely predating debates concerning its recognition at the international level. While there is no statute providing the framework for realising the right, the state has been putting significant resources for decades in attempting to provide water to all in rural areas. The state intervention has been mostly governed by policy instruments that have changed significantly over time. Since the beginning of the century, a major change in policy has led to the state seeking to make users (rights holders) participate (financial terms, decision making) in drinking water supply in rural areas. This chapter analyses the changes that have taken place and identifies gaps that have arisen in terms of aligning the policy framework with the human right to water.