An Empirical Analysis on Social Stratification in the Context of Water Scarcity in Ukhrul District, Manipur

Abstract

The present study aims to conduct an empirical investigation into the intersection of social stratification and water scarcity in Ukhrul district, Manipur, a hill region in Northeast India that faces acute seasonal water shortages. Ukhrul has experienced increasing water stress due to environmental degradation, deforestation, and inadequate infrastructure. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques, including focus groups, semi-structured interviews, household surveys, and field observations, to examine how socio-economic hierarchies shape differential access to water resources and influence coping mechanisms among households. The findings reveal significant disparities: wealthier households mitigate scarcity by purchasing tanker water or having a private water connection. At the same time, economically marginalised groups remain dependent on dwindling communal sources and face greater health and financial burdens. These inequalities are further reinforced by limited access to the pipeline, affordability issues, infrastructural gaps, and uneven local governance. It highlights the role of both individual and collective memories, as well as experiences of past extreme events, in shaping current definitions and expectations of future climatic risks. This emphasises the importance of understanding local perceptions of water scarcity and how variations in these perceptions among families contribute to the development of social vulnerability. The study highlights the connection between social hierarchy and environmental vulnerability, emphasising the need for equitable distribution methods and inclusive water governance. This study provides valuable insights for policy interventions aimed at enhancing water security in the hill districts of Ukhrul, situating water shortages within the broader context of socioeconomic inequality.