Marginalized communities in India are often disproportionately affected by the pollution of water sources, which can have significant health impacts. For example, the residents of Bhopal who were affected by the 1984 gas leak have faced significant challenges in accessing safe and clean water due to contamination of water sources. The Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Udyog Sangathan, a women’s rights organization, has challenged the government’s failure to provide access to clean water to the affected communities in court.
The lack of access to water is a key factor that contributes to their socio-economic disadvantage and perpetuates their marginalization. The Indian Constitution recognizes the right to water as a fundamental right, and there are several laws and policies in place to protect this right. However, marginalized communities often face discrimination and neglect in the implementation of these laws. One of the key legal rights that marginalized communities have in relation to water is the right to equitable distribution. This means that water resources should be distributed fairly among all communities, irrespective of their social, economic, or political status.
However, in reality, water resources are often concentrated in certain regions or controlled by powerful groups, leading to unequal distribution and discrimination against marginalized communities.
Source: Barandbench
