We Owe Not Own

Have you ever wondered why of late most scientists have been keen on discovering water on other planetary bodies like the fiery Mars or one of the Jupiter’s moons called ‘Europa’? It is because the simple transparent liquid we take for granted is the first step towards life. History states that all civilizations started near rivers. We are nothing without water and dehydration is far worse than hunger pangs.

A few days back, a friend while searching for a rented accommodation told me that his only criterion was availability of water notwithstanding a higher rent. This is today’s reality- areas that boast of a good water supply are considered ‘premium’ compared to others. However, the real picture is much dark and ugly. India’s water tables have been depleting fast and in many areas- as fast as more than one meter every year in NCR, and in some areas near Ghaziabad, people have no option but to drink arsenic laden poisonous water for survival. We have taken water conservation so casually that it is now hitting us right in our faces. Already, thousands of people from Indian plains are migrating to places with water availability. Many rivers have dried up and the rest are badly polluted. With major rivers like Ganges, Yamuna, Krishna and the like turning into sewers and dumping yards, fresh drinking water has become a precious commodity. The ‘World Health Organization’ estimates that in the developing world, around 80% of all diseases are water related. Sadly, the revered river Yamuna is technically dead; its oxygen content is zero and it has little aquatic life. Lakes too have become extremely filthy. Looking at the world as whole, only 2.5 % of the water on Earth is drinkable and most of it is getting polluted faster than we can even imagine. Formation of water-mafia, quarrels, gang-wars and even murders over water have become ubiquitous.

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We need to understand that we do not ‘own’ but ‘owe’ resources to our coming generations, just as we preserve the property in a school or college for it to be used by the forthcoming batches. Not just our country, the whole world is facing water crisis of one type or another.

To combat the problem effectively, little steps taken at home and office will be very helpful-

1.  Saving Leftover Water- The leftover water in glasses at home and office can be collected in a bucket or a container and can be used for various mundane activities like for plants, car washing and floor mopping. In my home, one person uses one glass throughout the day and glasses are kept covered so the unfinished water is not wasted.

2.  Car Washing- Wasting gallons of tap water in car washing is one thing I openly condemn. Wiping with a damp cloth works well too.

3.  Fixing Faulty Faucets- Leaking faucets are a leading factor in water wastage which can be massive in the long run. Fixing them will result in much conservation over time.

4. Avoiding Frequent Washing- Using washing machine only when load is full and avoiding garments that require much water to wash has become a must now.

5. Low Flush- Using half-flush or low flush toilets that use only 4-5 litres  of water per flush helps in reducing water wastage.

6. Cutting on Meat- Reports suggest that a vegetarian diet decreases per capita water consumption very much because it take gallons of water to rear animals for meat.

7. Rainwater Harvesting- This idea, though not new, is indeed the most brilliant and important idea for water conservation and can be applied in residential societies and even individual houses. The concept is simple- the rain water is collected through pipes in a pit or tank for reuse. This has worked well everywhere it has been applied. In fact, it is a part of life in many North Eastern states in India.

8. Spartan Baths- I suggest the bathrooms should be used not for long luxury baths or elaborate beauty procedures, but quick baths. Use of bathtub should be avoided as it leads to colossal water wastage.

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On an average, 150 liters of water is used per person per day and 70% of all freshwater is used in producing food. For this we can add more efforts like, keeping taps off while brushing teeth.  If per-capita water consumption decreases on a macro scale, it will surely help a lot in marathon. Another important thing is to teach our children to save water right from a tender age. Such a generation will grow up and conserve resources in far better ways.

I personally believe that concrete pavements do not allow water to percolate down to ground hence negatively affecting the water tables. Also, city sewage must not be discharged into rivers directly but only after a proper treatment in sewage plants. This will help a lot to keep our rivers clean and alive.

Livpure that started under the SAR Group, is India most trusted brand of water purifiers in India and aims to spread the message of #CuttingPaani wherein the unfinished water must be collected and used. This is just one initiative by Livpure; there are millions of ways in which we can save water. Before venturing out on far away planets in search of water and life, we need to focus on our planet by conserving water, for water is life and life begins only with water.

I will leave you with this little poem by writer and parliamentarian, Shashi Tharoor in which he emphasizes importance of water-

पेड़ों के बिन यूं लगती है जैसे धरती नंगी है

कैसे होगी वो हरी भरी? जब पानी की तंगी है

मातृ भूमि की सेवा को हमें अपना फर्ज़ निभाना है

जितना पानी बच सकता है उतना हमें बचाना है!

Check out this awesome video- 

I have contributed to this cause and you can help too 

by signing this wonderful petition@ https://www.change.org/p/cuttingpaani

#CuttingPaani  
#IndiChange

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