A novel participatory index-based approach to measuring household water security in Assam, India

This study develops a participatory household water security index (HWSI) to assess micro-scale water security in rural Assam, India. Using a mixed-methods, community-engaged framework, data were collected from 280 households across 28 villages in the Kampur Revenue Circle of Nagaon District in Assam, India. The index incorporates 11 sub-parameters across three dimensions: water quality, reliability of supply and household infrastructure. The findings reveal marked intra- and inter-village disparities driven by seasonal water stress, iron contamination and dysfunctional piped-water systems. The study highlights implications for rural water planning in Northeastern India and contributes insights into participatory, equity-oriented river basin governance in the Global South.