Research

Working Papers 

Environmental/Water Economics

• Behavioral responses to two-part tariffs: Evidence from the introduction of volumetric water pricing (with Daniel Brent & Casey Wichman)

Abstract:

Economists often advocate for pricing mechanisms based on marginal prices to promote efficient water usage. However, consumers may find it difficult to interpret complex water pricing structures, such as nonlinear two-part tariffs that serve multiple policy objectives. In this study, we examine consumer behavior following the introduction of volumetric pricing in Sacramento, California. Our analysis reveals that volumetric pricing reduces average water consumption by 5%, although there is considerable variation among consumer groups. Low-consumption households, whose bills decreased under the new pricing structure, increased their water usage by 3-5% despite facing increases in marginal price. These results suggest that consumers are more responsive to changes in their total bills than to marginal prices. We interpret this finding as evidence that consumers respond to fixed fees when making consumption decisions, which has important implications for designing rate structures in systems using two-part tariffs.

[ Job Market Paper: Link ]

• Adopting Solar Power for Irrigation: Implications for Groundwater Depletion 

Abstract:

India faces an escalating water crisis driven by changing climate patterns and rapid population growth, intensifying pressure on its agricultural sector. Irrigation, a critical adaptive strategy against climate change impacts on agriculture, remains constrained by limited access to reliable and clean energy. This study investigates the potential of solar irrigation pumps to address India’s irrigation challeneg within water-energy-food-carbon (WEFC) nexus framework, focusing on the Suryashakti Kisan Yojna (SKY) policy. Utilizing primary survey data from solar irrigation adopters and non-adopters in Gujarat, the study evaluates the impact of SKY adoption on groundwater usage and farmer practices. The findings indicate no significant difference in groundwater irrigation application per unit area between SKY adopters and non-adopters; however, SKY adoption is associated with a transition towards high-value, water-intensive crops. Additionally, the study uncovers critical implementation challenges and substantial heterogeneity in outcomes across different regions of Gujarat. These results underscore the need for nuanced policy design and region-specific strategies to optimize the benefits of solar irrigation for sustainable agriculture. 

[ Published Policy Paper: Patel, P. M., Scott, C. A., & Brent, D. A. (2024). "Four birds with one stone? opportunities and challenges in adopting solar irrigation for a sustainable water-energy-food nexus with carbon credits." Water International, 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1080/02508060.2024.2345494]

[ Survey data-based draft being internally reviewed]

• Fueling the Fields on Fire: Can We Blame a Groundwater Conservation Policy for Air Pollution Catastrophe in North India? [Project Page]

Abstract:

Agriculture stubble burning is considered one of the prime reasons for the deadly air pollution exposure to the vast populace in Northern India. However, a growing debate exists about the factors contributing to the increasing air pollution. One of the known causes is stubble burning, which most farmers in Punjab and Haryana practice during the Kharif harvest season (mid-October to mid-November). It is hypothesized that the policy introduced in 2009 to delay Kharif (monsoon season) cropping and save pre-monsoon groundwater withdrawal leaves limited time for farmers to clear their fields. Thus, farmers rely on stubble burning for timely preparation for the upcoming cultivation season. The paper examines policy impact on the three critical parameters of interest: pre-monsoon sowing, pre-monsoon groundwater level, and air pollution through a panel of satellite and ground observation data from 2002 to 2016 using Difference-in-Difference (DiD), Difference-in-Difference-in-Difference (DDD), and synthetic control methods. The preliminary analysis suggests that the “Haryana/Punjab Prevention of Subsoil Water Acts, 2009” delayed the monsoon cultivation season as provisioned. However, the acts did not eliminate the declining groundwater challenge or air pollution (Aerosol Optical Depth) that can be causally attributed to the acts.

Statistical Analysis

• Changing Rainfall Patterns in an Era of Climate Change: A Multiparameter Spatiotemporal Analysis of Trends & Impacts for India (with Adeel Khan & Nitin Bassi)

Work in Progress 

• Community-based groundwater management. (with Mook Banglore) 

• Economic Impact of Declared Droughts in India. (with Nilesh Shinde)

• Groundwater and minor irrigation development for climate resilience (with Abhishek Deshwal) 

• Changes in willingness to pay for groundwater conservation due to canal water availability in an arid region of Kachchh. [Proposal Developed]

• Solar Irrigation and Water-Energy-Food-Carbon Nexus: An Integrated Assessment Framework [Proposal Submitted]

Selected Grants

Research Grants

Land-Based Climate Solutions Project in India

[2024]

Awarded the grant by Environment Market Lab (amLabs) and Environment Defense Fund (EDF) to develop the work on groundwater depletion challenges in India. Leading  research proposal development for Atal Bhujal Yojna with World Bank in India. $ 10,000. [ My role: Visiting Scholar ] 

Mid-term evaluation of the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC)- supported Solar Irrigation for Agriculture Resilience (SoLAR) South Asia project.

[2023]

Co-authored proposal for the evaluation grant, led India component of the regional program evaluating work project work in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Nepal. $ 60,000. [ PI: Christopher A. Scott, My role: Co-PI]

Institute of Energy & Environment Seed Grant                     

[2021]

Co-authored a research proposal, “Analyzing the adoption of solar irrigation pumps in India within the food-energy-water: implications for climate change and groundwater depletion.”  Penn State Institute for Energy and Environment Seed Grant, Penn State. Total awarded: $30,000.00. [ My role: Lead Researcher ] (Submitted: 2021, Funded: 2021 - 2022).

International Water Management Institute-Tata Water Policy Program

[2019]

Awarded grant to conduct field-based work on agriculture and water challenegs in Kachchh, Gujarat. Established an NGO, Prayaas for unique regional focus initiaties. [ My role: PI]