Conflito do uso da água na bacia hidrográfica do Rio Pindaré-MA

Abstract

The conflict over the use of water resources originates from the constant abstraction of water, that is, the disputes over the use of water arise from the formation of a preconceived idea of how water should be used and consumed, disseminated by the commodification of water, investments in agricultural and industrial activity on a global scale. In the area of ​​the Pindaré River basin located in the state of Maranhão, covering an area of 40,482 km², being one of the main tributaries on the right side of the Mearim River basin, it faces water conflicts involving the actions of various institutions and social actors, generally having two basic causes: pollution and degradation of water quality, resulting in deficiency and scarcity of water supply to users. This work aims to understand the conflicts over the use of water in the Pindaré River basin in Maranhão. For the development of this work, bibliographic and documentary research was carried out through the municipal governments and the Environmental Sanitation Company of Maranhão (CAEMA), the National Water and Sanitation Agency (ANA), the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), and the Pastoral Land Commission (CPT).

After the analysis, it was found that in the municipalities located in the Pindaré River basin, nine faced disputes related to water use between 2009 and 2023. These conflicts arise as a result of population growth, the intensification of agricultural activities, and the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, which have generated serious environmental impacts in the Pindaré River basin. It is noteworthy that the conflicts arose, for the most part, due to the use and conservation of natural resources. The most recurrent situations involve destruction and pollution, while only one concerns threats and expropriations, and another refers to the restriction of access to water