Equitable Water Governance in the Era of Climate Change: Advancing Climate Justice through Sustainable Water Missions

Aim: The study aims (1) to examine how equitable water governance contributes to climate justice in the context of climate change, (2) to assess the effectiveness of sustainable water missions and policy initiatives in ensuring equitable access to water resources across different socio-economic groups and as well as to evaluate awareness and implementation gaps in water governance policies. Backgound: Climate change has intensified existing inequalities in access to water resources, particularly affecting marginalized communities. Inadequate water governance contributes to water scarcity, unequal distribution, poor water quality, and increased vulnerability to climate-induced disasters such as droughts and floods. These challenges undermine sustainable development and climate justice, especially in developing regions.. Research Methods: The research adopts a descriptive and analytical design using a quantitative approach. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires from 200 respondents across six tehsils of Agra district, Uttar Pradesh, using a multi-stage sampling technique. Secondary data were gathered from government reports, academic literature, and institutional publications. Percentage analysis was applied to understand the proportion of respondents across categories such as perception of equity, awareness levels, and policy effectiveness. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage, along with comparative analysis. Cross-tabulation was used to analyze relationships between variables such as income level and access to safe drinking water. Analytical Findings: Findings reveal moderate to low perceptions of equity in water governance, with nearly half of respondents perceiving water distribution as inequitable. A strong relationship between water inequality and climate vulnerability was observed, particularly among low-income groups. Access to safe drinking water showed significant socio-economic disparities, with low-income households experiencing the highest inadequacy. Awareness of government water policies was relatively low, and while sustainable water missions were perceived as moderately effective, their benefits were unevenly distributed across social groups, with marginalized communities receiving fewer advantages. Conclusion: The study concludes that equitable water governance is essential for achieving climate justice. Although sustainable water missions have improved water accessibility, gaps remain in awareness, implementation, and inclusive distribution. Strengthening participatory governance, enhancing policy awareness, improving institutional coordination, and integrating climate resilience into water management are necessary to ensure sustainable and equitable water access for all.