Public-Private Partnerships and Urban Water Security: Issues and Prospects in Mumbai, India

This article analyzes the literature, developments and challenges in publicprivate partnerships (PPPs) in the case of the water sector in Mumbai, India.Owing to an apprehensive approach towards private sector participation in the water sector, it is important to look at the history of private sector participation in water and other utilities.It has been much debated as to whether water should be privatized since it is a public good and a utility essential for life.The ability of the public sector to provide effi cient services has also been questioned, resulting in the proposal of public-private sector privatization.Such partnerships are deemed to be a perfect, balanced method for tackling the shortcomings of the public sector and the profi t-oriented private sector, which can provide fi nancial back-up.But as we take a closer look at the literature, it is apparent that the private sector is no exception to complicated market mechanisms.The private sector can face the same fate in the absence of good regulatory operations.The solution for each region is location-specifi c and unique to its situation and background.