Fragmented urban water governance: a case study of textile mills and water tanks in colonial Bangalore

Abstract

Extreme water events such as flooding and scarcity are becoming a common occurrence in the city of Bengaluru, India. I use case studies of textile mills in colonial Bangalore to argue that continued uncoordinated industrial and urban planning has resulted in ineffectual water governance in the contemporary period. First, I point out that fragmented governance of urban water associated with industry is a historical phenomenon with roots in the colonial period. Second, I show that, in addition to the fragmented governance, the political-economic nature of the relationship between textile mills and the state allowed concessions and bypasses, making negotiation a key process for powerful stakeholders to navigate access to urban resources. Last, I highlight fundamental continuities in the way contemporary industries are planned and governed at the urban scale, particularly in their relationship with urban natural resources.