The monsoons have arrived once again to give India renewed hopes. We wish the rain Gods remain merciful
It is still remarkable that over a sixth of humanity depends on an annual weather event for their well-being. The monsoons are an intrinsic part of India and its culture. They water its fields and give sustenance to its people. As the news breaks that this year’s monsoons have arrived in Kerala, the rest of the country can only wait with bated breath for their turn, particularly in the northern plains where the weather has been akin to being in a furnace over the past few weeks. But we should also not lose sight of the fact that while the monsoons nourish, the water carried in rainy clouds coming from the Indian Ocean also carry the seeds of tragedy. Last year’s floods in Kerala and elsewhere in the North-east and in parts of Bihar and West Bengal that occur every year have meant that each year hundreds, often thousands, of Indians perish in the monsoons. Damage to the infrastructure to the tune of hundreds of crores, too, is a given. It is imperative, therefore, for local Governments — right from the village level to the Centre — to be prepared for the worst when it comes to managing the adverse impact of the monsoons. The dichotomy of the monsoons for India must not be forgotten.
At the same time, while the monsoons do bring nourishing water to the nation, it is becoming clearer every passing year that the country is on the verge, if not already having tipped over, of a full-fledged water crisis. There needs to be better management of the water that India receives during the rainy season. Better water storage is the need of the hour. Improvement of technological aids is a must and we should make use of every drop of this precious water. The monsoon season is one that defines India. Our festivals and culture have developed around this seasonal life-bringing rain. We pray to the Gods that the rains are successful, and even though India is evolving as an economy, where the impact of the monsoons on the overall economy and its growth is getting lower every year, the rains are still vital. A bountiful monsoon will only help improve the mood and spirit of the nation. We hope that the rain Gods are kind to India once again this year.