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Paper short abstract

This paper explores the dynamics of a once free-flowing river and its monopolization at the capitalist guise of g(l)ocal Dawki in India, wherein three village economies are sustained and survived by its river-water; in their own collective terms of market strategies and pluriversal realities.

Paper long abstract

At the onsets of growing consumerism and a market worldview, three villages at Dawki in Northeast India are no less at incorporating strategies and contested claims over their flowing river and river-water, but in their own ways of collective pluriverses, which sustains livelihood, fetches households and holds on to the chain of rural tourism and recreational activities. With the Umngot turned to an economic asset and locals getting inherently engaged, the river and the river-water went through a trajectory of situated innovation; wherein they have a shared commitment for its use, income generation and strictly adherent to community performatives. Yet it continues to be a heated topic of debate, discussion and contestation, when it comes to building control or asserting monopoly under the socio-geographical jurisdictions. Time and again, these conjectures and water-politics need to be understood at the realm of developmental regime and collective actions' dynamics, and what alternative narratives it holds for public attention. Is it possible for a resilient-planned, sociotechnical future? Or can it be promoted at the capitalist onset?

The objective of this paper lies at focusing on this systematic power hegemony amongst the groups of local communities; the river being the focal point while situating discussions for better prospects. It will also reflect the nuanced dilemmas and vulnerabilities surrounding ‘dependencies’ on the river economy and will pinpoint the ongoing onto-epistemology and contested fights for spaces, beyond technocratic paradigms. With an ethnographic fieldwork and being a participant observer, the contextualization will be discussed and deliberated.