Situation getting grimmer in India:
• Around 21% of communicable diseases in India are linked to unsafe water and the lack of cleanliness, as per the World Bank.
• In 2019, Chennai had almost run out of water amidst the middle of a, particularly hot summer.
• India requires around 300 billion cubic meters every year.
• India has been ranked 13th on the list of “extremely high” water-stressed countries.
• As per the CWMI report:
– By 2030, the country’s water demand is projected to be twice the available supply
– This scenario could turn out to be one of the severest situations of water scarcity for millions of Indians, eventually costing the GDP about 6%
Water Conservation: A Few Practical Ways:
• Always turn taps off so they do not drip.
• Buy recycled goods
• Use water can to water the plants instead of a hosepipe
• Install a water meter to know the amount of water used on a daily basis
• Farmers should adopt micro-irrigation methods to save water such as drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the plant’s roots
• Drought-tolerant crops must be promoted, if possible, like Olives, tepary beans.
• Rotational Grazing
• While brushing, turn the water off while you are actually brushing.
• Plant drought-resistant trees
• Check for leaks in pipes or faucets
• When washing or shaving, do not run the tap continuously.
• Use low-flow showerheads
• Reduce water usage by 30-40% by installing low-flush toilets
• For washing clothes, use the shortest cycle possible
• Purchase “eco-friendly” products while shopping.
• Water lawns every 3 to 5 days, rather than for a short period every day.
• Water during the cool part of the day, especially in the morning or evening.
• Don’t water on windy days
• Do not over-water the plants in anticipation of a shortage as the soil cannot hold extra water.
• If possible, use shut-off timers/on-off timers
• Don’t turn on sprinklers for the entire day
• Practice rainwater harvesting as it increases the availability of water and checks the declining water table.
• Reducing water demand using methods such as mulching and composting.
In short, our country’s water crisis offers a grim reminder of how climatic variations are rapidly morphing into a climate emergency. Hence, don’t take things for granted as water is a priceless treasure.