It has finally dawned upon us that if corrective measures are not taken immediately, there is going to be acute shortage of fresh potable drinking water, which may lead to full fledged war. After air, water is the second most essential lifeline for the survival of human beings. Nature created adequate resources for their survival, however because of meddling by the human beings, the resources have not only been polluted, they have also been depleted due to gross mismanagement. Pollution from land-based sources is greatly affecting the aquatic biological resources and biodiversity. Rampant use of pesticides is further making the fresh water resources unusable.
Though water is one of the replenish able resources, yet due to depleting green cover because of excessive deforestation and consequent reduction in rainfall, perennial drought like situation has been created in many parts of our country. It is because of this reason, it has become all the more important to conserve water, besides finding means to replenish the aquifers. While each one of us can do our bit by conserving water at home and by being more cautious while using it, the real solution lies in rain water harvesting, which has to be followed religiously where ever possible.
Rain water harvesting technique is two pronged. Firstly, by collecting rain water from roof tops and open catchment areas and storing in huge underground sumps and secondly by arresting the surface run off into the rivers and seas by constructing percolation chambers to recharge the aquifer. The former has a limitation that it can be adopted only during monsoons. Besides, it requires huge investment by way of construction of water retaining structures. The latter is a long term solution and shall go a long way in making this vital resource available for human consumption. Even for places like Mumbai/ Navi Mumbai, where sub soil water is not potable in many areas, collection of surface run off into artificially created lakes after treating them for water retainment, can provide viable solution. This rain water, after treatment, can be used for all purposes. Further, the sewage treatment plants can be provided in the residential complexes as the recycled water can be used at least for washing vehicles and horticulture purposes. Besides, this shall prevent pollution of water bodies into which this sewage would have been otherwise discharged.
Intelligent water management is the need of the hour. Every new buildings should have compulsory provision for rain water harvesting schemes. The town planning authorities should implement this in letter and spirit and thus save the human civilization from evident disaster in making on account of depleting water resources.