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Water Woes
Young Bites. Dated: 2/22/2018 11:13:17 AM
G.L. Khajuria
The abrupt climatic changes accruing from the changing monsoonal pattern both in frequency and intensity tantamount to either drought or flood’s which too recently has hit the north particularly J and K, Uttrakhand and many other North – Eastern states. The floods furry affected people very badly both within their lives and their belongings.
There is an endless list of causes that have resulted into water scarcity looming large. Broadly speaking, a few points are as enumerated here under:
• Deforestation and depletion of forest cover:-The ruthless deforestation of rich and vibrant forest cover has doubtlessly ravaged the ecosystem for the sake of development. The limitless urbanisation and exploding population have rather undercut the very basis of environment, thereby obliterating its very natural balance.
The torrential rains come down in floating form from barren hills and mountainous tops in the shape of floods relegating water percolation to the minim.
The floods don’t come alone, rather, en mass, take everything (soil, rocks etc) in conglomeration that come their way. Then how come the safe and hygienic underground drinking water?
The perennial springs and rivers are rapidly drying up due to poor rains with least water percolation. Satluj, Beas, Ravi, Brahmaputra, Indus , The Ganga and Yamuna, Narmada, Tapti, Krishana, Kaveri, Mahanadi and Govdavri etc and most other rivers originating from north east Himalayan region are under awful situation.
• Dry-Spell and drought:-With ever –escalating global warming, the monsoonal pattern is fastly changing, result being dry spells and droughts resulting thereby suicidal cases amongst. Many farmers not too distant back and such stories have mostly become a regular feature in the prevailing scenario.
In such a situation, the rivers are changing their natural course taking heavy toll of human life and their belongings.
• Mounting pollution, a biggest challenge:-The nectar clear rivers are gaining momentum with every tinkling moment of time and the dreadful and obnoxious effluents of industries are breaking the very fabric of environment and all rivers are going to be highly polluted.
And how long it will last? Is it not a tragedy? And are we not responsible for our misdeeds? These are perhaps the big question marks of the day for which man is having no answer.
• Sinking water table:-All these factors amongst many more, have in one way or the other are responsible for lowering of water table which invariably has devoid and unreachable for drops of water.
This is probably the biggest tragedy, of course, for the humanity over the globe.
• Suggestive measures: Though we are far too late to apply the reverse gear, yet there is time, though late, going by the adage, better be late than never” And so at this crucial juncture, let all nations awake from deep slumber in designing ways and means to save water for the sake of life. A few points are elaborated as hereunder:-
Save water/ save life: - Massive afforestation and soil conservation measures are warranted to be undertaken.
• Reviving traditional water conservation practices.
• Construction of water harvesting structures for the conservation and storage of water.
• Arrest soil erosion and construction of soil conservation structures for the percolation of water and introduction of soil binding species e.g. Santha and bana, Kutgee, vine etc.
• Training of nallahs, ravines, rivers, rivulets and its allieds.
• Reducing water pollution of rivers, canals and other water bodies like lakes and other in land water bodies and wetlands.
• Catchment area and basin treatment on similar lines with suchlike area of water-sheds to be managed. Conclusively, though the list is endless, yet it remains in the top priority i.e. the public awakening and sensitisation in the true spirits and legal sanctity, which need to be articulated and affirmed on all parameters.
The Author is
Deputy Conservator of forests, J&K
Email-glkhajuriafor@gmail.com
Mob.: 9797683140