From Regional Disputes to Global Solutions: A Fairness-Based Game-Theoretic Model for Sustainable River Water Allocation

Conflicts from competing interests are inherent to human interactions, and water resource management, a vital yet finite asset, is no exception. Sustainable water sharing is crucial for equitable use and aligns with UN SDGs, particularly SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), SDG 11 (sustainable cities), and SDG 17 (partnerships). This study applies the Fairness and Equity (F&E) technique to the Krishna River dispute among the states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. Key allocation factors include drainage area, virgin runoff, population, cultivable area, and water quality; the latter indirectly affects allocation through environmental penalties. Using a cooperative negotiation framework integrated with hydrological modeling, water shares are allocated as follows: Maharashtra (28%), Karnataka (41%), Telangana (17%), and Andhra Pradesh (14%). This distribution addresses the Krishna conflict while fostering sustainable practices and partnerships. Beyond this case, the study offers a replicable framework for transboundary river sharing that quantifies fairness, equity, and sustainability for future generations.