People standing in the long queue in different wards with utensils waiting for supply water or water tankers to arrive has become the most common scene in the state capital and adjoining areas these days. The State has been suffering from acute water crisis with the water table going down rapidly, directly impacting the day-to-day life of individuals.
Nevertheless, the severe water crisis has not only affected the denizens residing in the state capital but the influence of scorching summers has gripped zoo animals too resulting in making few mandatory arrangements for these creatures by the forest officials.
To beat the heat, all the essential requirement are being arranged by the official concerned at the Birsa Munda Zoological Park to provide the forest creatures relief from this blistering summer. “looking at the present condition, we have already made necessary arrangements like assuring adequate water supply, coolers. As the zoo is situated just near the Rukka Dam, we get adequate water supply and all are major water requirements are fulfilled. Hopefully, the water table level here is maintained,” informed, Director, Ashok Kumar, Birsa Zoological Park.
Similarly, the impact of early summer may have worst consequences on major city parks especially those which are stretched in an area of more than 10 acres. All the 10 major parks listed under RMC covers huge area which requires ample watering and maintenance in the scorching summer. Considering, the area covered by major parks in the city, Nakshatra Van wraps approximately 7.5 acres while Sidhu Kanhu parks is stretched in an area of 9.5 acres, lush green beauty of Ramdayal Munda parks covers 1.5 acres giving the denizens more breathing space in the congested city whereas Sri Krishna Park situated in the heart of city, another green lung enfolds major space and have been rejuvenated at the whopping cost Rs. 1.76 crores. All these green belts require regular watering.
Apart, major green squares, there are several small green pockets which entails proper care and maintenance including all the shrubberies planted on the dividers covering major itineraries. looking at the present condition, maintaining the green pastures is the major challenge for the urban bodies. Approximately, 1.5 lakhs litre water is required for the maintenance of parks across city.
“RMC is just concerned with the preservation of plants embedded on the major dividers, whereas all the major parks are being maintained by the private parties. As maintenance of dividers is concerned, regular watering is done in night with the help of private agencies and PWD. Alternate arrangement will be made as per the requirement. We have adequate water for maintaining the dividers,” said RMC, PRO, Naresh Kumar Sinha.
The state’s groundwater directorate has confirmed that Jharkhand’s water table dropped by an average of three meters between 2009 and 2010, from 17 meters to 20 meters. Jharkhand High Court (HC) too has asked the Ranchi Municipal Commissioner to act immediately on the water crisis issue.