Water must be a basic human right, not a commodity: Sainath

Veteran journalist P. Sainath addresses a seminar organized by MP Veerendrakumar Memorial Trust in Palakkad on Wednesday. | Photo credit: KK Mustafah

Veteran journalist and author P. Sainath called for water to be recognized as a basic human right, arguing that it should never be treated as a commodity.

At a seminar organized by the MP Veerendrakumar Memorial Trust to commemorate the water struggles led by the late MP, particularly the Plachimada agitation against Coca-Cola, Mr. Sainath said access to water should be inseparable from the right to life.

“Water must be declared a basic human right. It cannot be treated as a commodity, just as oxygen cannot be commodified,” he said.

Referring to Uruguay, which recognized water as a fundamental right years ago, Mr. Sainath said India could do the same. “If a country of more than three million people can do it, India can certainly do it. We are a stronger and healthier country,” he said.

He called for a clear order of priorities in water use, saying community needs must come first. “Schools, hospitals, colleges and community wells should be at the top of the priority list, while indoor swimming pools should be at the very bottom,” he said.

Mr. Sainath also urged a rethinking of policies that shift water from necessities to lifestyle consumption. He recalled Veerendrakumar’s catchphrase during the water fights and said that the fight for water was ultimately a fight for survival.

In data centers

Mr. Sainath also expressed concern over the rapid expansion of data centers in India, warning that they pose a growing threat to water security.

“India has 18% of the world’s population and only 4% of its freshwater resources, yet it already hosts about 20% of the world’s data centers today,” he said.

Mr. Sainath highlighted the environmental costs of digital infrastructure, saying that data centers require large amounts of fresh water for cooling. “Expanding data centers are encroaching on local water supplies, and the poorest communities are bearing the brunt,” he said.

He claimed that existing data centers use about 260,000 liters of water per day and that facilities across India used an estimated 150 billion liters of water last year. According to him, consumption could increase to 300 billion liters per year by 2030.

Citing government estimates, he said nearly 600 million Indians are already facing severe to extreme water scarcity.

The seminar titled “Veerendrakumar and His People’s Agitations” highlighted the late leader’s role in championing people’s movements and environmental causes.

Former Power Minister K. Krishnankutty presided over the function. General convener of the program and writer Rajesh Menon welcomed the gathering. Former Perumatty panchayat president A. Krishnan proposed the vote of thanks.

Published – 03 Jun 2026 20:54 IST