Manthan Adhyayan Kendra is a centre set up in year 2001 to monitor, analyse and research water and energy related issues, with a special focus on the latest developments resulting from the liberalisation, globalisation and privatisation of the economy. The Centre is located at Badwani, a district town in Madhya Pradesh five kilometers from the banks of Narmada. While the focus of the work is on water and energy issues, this is in the larger context of equitable, just and sustainable development.
Manthan has completed a detailed ex post facto assessment of the Bhakra Nangal project, published in the form of a Report titled Unravelling Bhakra. The study has brought out some very startling findings that necessitate a fresh look at our irrigation, agriculture and food policies. The study has been well received and given a fresh thrust to an ongoing debate.
Manthan has been engaged in comprehensive monitoring, research and analysis of policies, programs and projects relating to privatisation/commercialisation of water sector. We have also created a Database of Privatisation and Reforms that tracks projects and reform programs all over the country.
Manthan is also working on local issues related to water, initially by carrying out studies and later by catalysing actions. We endeavour to link our work at the local level with the broader work on policies and programs.
Manthan continues to monitor and study developments in the water sector as a whole, to understand the overall framework in which to place the specific issues under study. In particular, this includes developments related to large dams.
Part of the aim is try and unravel, understand and write about the politics - local, national and global - that is driving these processes in the water sector, to bring out the role of various players, and the impacts that the changes in the water sector are likely to bring about.
Manthan believes that dissemination of its research work through writings, publications, meetings, workshops etc. is an integral and crucial part of the research
