Unless the human race takes water conservation more seriously, droughts of the sort we are seeing in latur, will become the norm and even water-rich States like Jammu & Kashmir will go dry
Amid an unprecedented water crisis, authorities in Maharashtra’s drought-hit latur district have clamped Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code to bar the assembly of more than five people around wells and water-filling points to tackle any form of violence over water. The order was issued by latur’s District Collector Pandurang Pol and will be in effect until May 31. This is said to be a preventive measure to tackle violence over water around the civic body-run tanks — the only source of water supply. What does such a move signify to a world that is just waking up to the fact that water, this precious resource that is the basis of all life, is under threatIJ
This scenario needs to be viewed in the context of World Water Day which is marked on March 22. This day underlines the need for the world community to take stock of the present situation and conserve and optimise this precious resource. We owe this not only to the human race but to all life forms on this planet.
The Earth is aptly called the Blue Planet. Although, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, there is water on Mars as well, the Red Planet did not have life-sustaining properties as our planet. Indeed 71 per cent of Earth’s surface is water. However, only 2.5 per cent of this water can be accessed for human consumption — the rest is either in the oceans or in the form of snow-cover.
In other words, humans have to be extremely judicious in the use of water. But are weIJ let us take a look at a region where nature has bestowed all its glory — Jammu & Kashmir. The State has ample water resources such as lakes, rivers, and glaciers, not to mention groundwater. Several rivers originate from glaciers in the Himalayan region. Spring water is abundant and known for its pristine properties. Indeed, the Public Health Engineering Department of the State supplies spring water to a large number of urban and semi-urban areas.
But is there enough resource to meet the needs of the communityIJ Springs often dry up in the summer months. Mindless exploitation of springs, without care for their environs, has also led to springs going underground.
The situation is grim in remote, poorly developed areas such as Jammu’s Poonch district which shares a border with Pakistan. In Surankote Block, ponds and springs run dry through the summer months well into October. This has already led to clashes between communities. In the far-flung Hill Kaka area, communities struggle to survive through cattle rearing and selling. They are hard hit when there is a water crisis.
Wazir Mohammad, a local, rues that the authorities have not made any provision for water supply. In recent months, a small pool of water available to the locals and their herd of a 100 buffaloes has begun to dry up, creating panic. Mazfuda, an elderly woman living in Balakote, near the bordere, choes the same sentiment, “The Government has made no provision. In winter, we have to walk for two kilometers to fetch water, while in the summer, we walk further, upto four kilometers. We have no choice but to undergo this hardship.” During weddings, and community events, this problem becomes acute.
Says Bilkees, 65, “We have to tend to our cattle as they are a source of sustenance for our family. We have to carry water on our heads for them also.” In a anguished tone, she says, “Why are we suffering like thisIJ Why does the Government not care for usIJ” Bilkees’s daughter-in-law feels that this constant trek for water is taking a toll on women’s health.
There are, however, some reasons to cheer. The Indian Army has not only established schools but also provides water to the children and the community at large. Naziya, a teacher at the Army-run school, while acknowledging the support from the Army, believes that a permanent solution is required from the Government.
Under the Accelerated National Rural Water Supply (2009-10), improvement in water supply to rural areas was undertaken. later, the National Rural Drinking Water Programme took this work forward. There has been a move to take the initiative from the State- and District-level to the panchayat level.
In Poonch, the Integrated Watershed Management Programme has been undertaken to restore the ecological balance by harnessing, conserving and developing degrading natural resources including water. Rainwater harvesting and recharging of ground water is one of the focus areas.
According to technical expert Kafil Bhatti, water harvesting tanks have been constructed, albeit within a limited project area. He, however, believes that it is imperative to scale up the initiative, leverage existing Government programmes on water, and bring succour to the region.
(Courtesy: Charkha Features)