Leader Writer: Shobaraj Yumlembam
Water is an essential ingredient for the existence of life beginning from the most basic process of photosynthesis in plants. Photosynthesis is the most basic and significant chemical reaction on earth, providing the primary nutrients, directly or indirectly, for all living organisms and is the primary source of atmospheric oxygen. Without water and its unique and unusual properties, life as we know it on earth would not exist. However, due to various factors, water has been polluted making it unfit for consumption. In light of this, the World Water Day assumes special significance. The day has been observed on March 22 since 1993 when the United Nations General Assembly declared March 22 as World Day for Water. In addition to the UN member states, a number of NGOs promoting clean water and sustainable aquatic habitats have used World Day for Water as a time to focus public attention on the critical water issues of our era.
In a new draft National Water Policy, the water resources ministry had suggested that access to safe drinking water and sanitation be regarded as a right. But one-third of the Indians do not have access to clean drinking water and more than half of the country`s population to clean sanitation. To achieve the goal, the Ministry has proposed a national water framework, which will help each state to come up with essential legislation on water governance. The state legislations will have to provide necessary authority to the lower tiers of the government to deal with the local water situation. It also states that the local government institutions will ensure access to a minimum quantity of potable water that will be available within the reach of each household.
But only 42.2% people in Jharkhand and 38% in Manipur have access to clean drinking water whereas in Punjab, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand; people have nearly 90% access. With water crisis becoming to be one of the major issues in Manipur, it is high time that we try to follow what has been done in other parts of the globe. Deforestation in the catchment areas of major rivers, absence of supply pipelines or old pipeline leakage, improper drainage system, lack of maintenance and pollution of water bodies and the drastic changes in the annual rainfall pattern due to global warming and climate change are the main reasons for shortage of water in the state. Instead of only waiting for action from government, there is a need for people to work towards effective means to solve the water crisis. For instance, during the raining season, rain water can be conserved and roof-top water harvesting technology adopted by the public. Rainwater harvesting is the best and most viable option to solve water crisis in the state given the nature of the monsoons in this part of the country. Rainwater harvesting is merely the accumulation and deposition of rainwater for reuse. The water thus collected can be used for the watering plants, for raising livestock, irrigation, etc. Rainwater harvesting provides an independent water supply during regional water restrictions and in developed countries is often used to supplement the main supply. It is also means to provide water when there is a drought or a lean rain patch in the summer season.
Some ways to conserve water at home are to take shorter duration showers or by turning off the shower after soaping up and then turning it back on to rinse. A simple act like turning off the water during brushing or shaving can contribute towards saving water. Other practical measures to conserve water in our daily routine is by simply checking water faucets, tapes and pipes for leaks, and not using the toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket to flush down cigarette butts, facial tissue or other trash. Apart from observing the World Water Day, joining hands and using all the possible means to preserve water, and spreading awareness on how to tackle water issues would be the most meaningful lesson that we can all inculcate in our daily lives so that when the next observation comes by, we will not have to be at a want for water.