Synopsis Water, an essential element for survival and growth of human beings, is becoming increasingly scarce. How to manage water has thus emerged as one of the great challenges of the 21century. This volume covers the whole gamut of issues related to sustainable development of water resources impinging on socio-economic, institutional and environmental aspects that would face the humanity in the coming decades. It also focuses on issues relating to overall approach and perspective; technological options with particular reference to the prevailing controversy on large or small dams; appropriate institutional framework for resolution of international and intra-national conflicts in the water sector; environmental and organisational aspects; farmers participation in irrigation management; water related natural disasters like flood and socio-economic aspects. Facts, ideas and recommendations contained in this collection of articles would contribute to a better understanding of the complex issues of development and management of water resources. This may also help create a climate for their faster augmentation and better utilisation. The papers contributed by noted professionals from several disciplines in this volume would be useful to students, research scholars, policy planners, administrators, consultants as well as the general public since water is everybody’s business.