Water Scarcity: A Looming Challenge Across Rural and Urban India

Israel, a country with an average annual rainfall ranging from 500 to 600 mm, has strategically implemented innovative water management strategies to overcome the scarcity of this vital resource. This accomplishment becomes even more astounding when compared to India, a country that receives an average annual rainfall of 108 cm, significantly higher than that of Israel.

Water scarcity is a pressing issue in India, affecting both rural and urban areas as the hot summer season looms ahead. The imminent water crisis is making headlines across local and national newspapers, emphasizing the critical need for immediate actions. While various water initiatives have been implemented in villages to cater to families' water needs, the other side of the coin highlights the vital importance of responsible water usage and efficient water management.

Quoting the insightful words of Sant Tukaram Maharaj, the wise handling of three essential elements - water, words, and money - is crucial. Neglecting the smart utilization of these resources can lead to unfortunate outcomes. Despite the presence of water schemes, their effective execution is often hindered by mismanagement and corruption, resulting in the misuse of funds intended for vital water projects.

The geographical layout plays a pivotal role that is frequently disregarded during the installation of water tanks. Ignoring factors like gravity and proper alignment during project implementation can lead to inefficiencies and subpar results. Moreover, having a dependable water source is indispensable for the success of any water initiative. Inadequate water sources often fail to meet the growing needs of the population, exacerbated by the unchecked rise in population in comparison to water availability.

Simply focusing on the volume of water without considering the per capita water demand is a myopic approach. For example, if each person requires 40 liters of water a day and the population is 100, the daily water demand shoots up to a substantial 4,000 liters for the entire community of 100 people for a day. Therefore, water projects must be meticulously planned to match the actual water demand and tank capacity, ensuring sustainable and efficient water usage.

 The Value of Water: A Closer Look at Water Management and Harvesting in Konkan Region

In our daily lives, we often overlook the value of water, treating it as an unlimited resource. However, if we were to equate water with money, would we spend all our savings on groceries, leaving nothing for other essentials? Much like money, water too requires prudent management to avoid shortages and ensure sustainability.

Imagine having only 100 rupees in your pocket. Would you spend it all at once, or would you set aside some for unforeseen expenses? The same principle applies to water. With just 100 liters at your disposal, wise usage becomes paramount to prevent scarcity and potential crises in the future.

Some may argue that water shortages seem far-fetched, but it's crucial to reconsider our approach to water conservation. Neglecting this precious resource could lead us down a perilous path of scarcity, impacting not just individuals but entire communities.

Fortunately, there is a solution at hand - water harvesting. In the lush Konkan region, receives  2900 mm average rainfall, a prime opportunity for harvesting and recharging water sources like wells and borewells. Despite this potential, water harvesting practices remain largely underutilized, adding to the challenges of water management in the region.

As we navigate the complexities of water scarcity and sustainability, it's time to rethink our relationship with water. By embracing water harvesting techniques and adopting responsible water management practices, we can safeguard this invaluable resource for future generations. Let's not wait for a crisis to strike; let's act now to ensure a water-secure future for all.

Samuel Navkar

Freelance Journalist