By Vincent Van Ross

If ever there is a third world war, it might well be for water. Believe it or not, water is going to be the most sought after and fought for item of the world in the time to come! Not only because potable water is becoming more and more scarce but also because water is likely to determine the power equation of nations in the time to come.

The landmass of the earth accounts only for one seventh of the total surface of earth. The rest of the earth’s surface is covered by water. So far, wars have been fought for land. But, all the land in the world is now with some country or continent except for some patches of no man’s land.

Since no more landmass is available, the adventurous countries may now turn to water and space and try to extend their control over them. The powerful countries will sooner or later try to extend their control beyond eight knots into the sea. In the time to come, wars may be fought for control of the waters. Even, what we know as high seas…over which no country has any right at the moment. As we know, high seas cannot be claimed as territorial waters of any country.

Water is a very powerful and potent weapon. Rivers and dams can be used to cause floods in neighbouring countries by releasing excess water. Floods caused by Kosi river in Bihar is a case in point. Though, it may not have been a deliberate act on the part of Nepal, this time.

River water can also be used to cause drought in neighbouring areas by withholding the flow of water. The release of water from the Cauvery river by Karnataka to Tamil Nadu has been a perennial problem and the water dispute existed for several decades. The central government had to intervene in cases of water dispute between other states as well where one state withheld release of water to its neighbouring state.

The water problem in Tamil Nadu was so acute that there was a time when trains were attacked. They never looted the passengers. After they left, the passengers found that there was no water in any tank!

There was extensive use of naval power in the Gulf war fought between Iraq on one side and the United States of America and its allies on the other. That should give you some indication about the shape of things to come. If there is a third world war, the navy might very well be the deciding factor in the war—not army or air force.

Global warming and climatic changes are likely to result in melting of glaziers which in turn would cause a rise in sea levels. That may inundate sea shores and the landmass may disappear under the sea. The key to delaying global warming may be with developing countries which have sufficient forest covers. The developing countries can also keep a check on the carbon emission levels in their countries. In most cases, it is the developed countries which have depleted ozone layers over them.

Believe me, one way or the other, future of politics is going to be water!