Chattopadhyay, Srikumar and Jennerjahn, Tim C. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1022-5126 (2024) Chapter 18 - Challenges of water governance related to human-induced nutrient input in surface water bodies: Lessons learned from case studies in India, Indonesia and Germany. In: Ecohydrology of Kerala - River Catchments and Coastal Backwaters. , ed. by Gnana Thanga Vincent, Salom, Jennerjahn, Tim C. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1022-5126, Kunjupillai, Soman and Chattopadhyay, Srikumar. Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp. 309-323. ISBN 978-0-323-95606-2 DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-95606-2.00015-2.

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Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of existing water governance in meeting challenges of human-induced nutrient loading, exemplarily in three case studies, one each from India, Indonesia, and Germany. The objective is to draw lessons from these case studies as applicable in Kerala, as the state is facing several challenges in water quality management. It emerges that the level of eutrophication is high in the German Weser River, and there are symptoms of degradation in the other two study sites. The sources of nutrients are anthropogenic, mainly agriculture. It was found that the prevailing command control governance systems in all case study sites are not robust enough to solve the problem, besides, there are country-specific priorities for water governance. Germany has successfully managed point sources using high-end technology and well-laid-out rules and regulations; however, the control of nonpoint sources continues to be a major governance challenge. In the case of India and Indonesia, provisioning of drinking water is the top priority governance challenge. Besides, in both countries, not only the database is weak, and there is a lack of comprehensive policy to address nutrient management, but also, even the existing rules for regulating point sources are not properly implemented. Sewage from big and small urban centres contributes substantially to water pollution, especially in Vembanad Lake of Kerala, India. Although all three countries are looking for change in water governance and proposing public participation, how far that will be effective in tackling nutrient enrichment in water bodies will remain a big challenge. In the face of highly eutrophicated river water in Germany, this study also raises the question of the unqualified use of German experience for water management in India and Indonesia in the long-term perspective.

Document Type:	Book chapter
Programme Area:	PA3
Research affiliation:	Biogeochemistry and Geology > Ecological Biogeochemistry
DOI:	https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-95606-2.00015-2
Date Deposited:	11 May 2026 14:55
Last Modified:	11 May 2026 14:55
URI:	https://cris.leibniz-zmt.de/id/eprint/6119

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