"Water is life," an adage that resonates universally, emphasizing the indispensable role water plays in our survival. The ebb and flow of civilizations hinge on the availability of this precious resource. Globally, only 3 percent of water is fresh, with 2 percent locked in glaciers. This leaves a mere 1 percent as accessible fresh water for our consumption, comprising 70 percent groundwater and 30 percent surface water.
Rain remains our primary water source, as attempts to produce water in laboratories or convert saline ocean water to freshwater on a commercial scale face ongoing challenges. In Odisha, with an annual rainfall of approximately 1200mm, efficient rainwater utilization remains a concern. Alarming statistics reveal that 49 percent of rainwater flows to the sea within 15 days, while 23 percent evaporates, leaving only 28 percent for consumption.
Traditionally, the rainy season, known as "chaturmasya," extended for 120 days. However, climate change has led to a reduction in the number of rainy days each year, recording 39 days last year and 35 days this year, despite consistent rainfall of 1200mm. This imbalance results in heavy downpours, contributing to annual flooding. As an Odia saying goes, "Jala bihune srusti nasha, Jala gahale srusti nasha" – both water abundance and scarcity pose threats to life's existence.
The confluence of rising temperatures and climate change has created water-stressed conditions in both rural and urban areas during the summer season. Our escalating demand for freshwater, driven by population growth, rapid urbanization, industrial expansion, and increased vehicle usage, has led to a decline in per capita water availability. Startlingly, our national per capita water consumption has dropped from 5671 cubic meters in 1950 to 1450 cubic meters in 2022, indicating a severe water-stressed condition.
According to BBC reports, India is grappling with its worst-ever water crisis, affecting over 600 million people. Rural areas in Odisha experience the brunt of this crisis, with women walking miles to fetch water for their families during the summer, when piped water supply falters.
The rural areas of Odisha face critical issues such as defunct tubewells, dried wells, and a lack of drinking water supply from the administration. The skewed consumption pattern sees 70 percent of water used in agriculture, 22 percent in industry, leaving a mere 8 percent for domestic use. Despite the severity of the situation, there is a lack of regulatory measures in water use for agriculture and industry.
Unchecked groundwater extraction for major structures on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, such as IIT, Bhubaneswar, NISER, and AIIMS, has led to severe consequences. The absence of regulations allowed contractors to extract groundwater indiscriminately, resulting in water scarcity in nearby areas like Jatni. Odisha's groundwater extraction, at 42 percent, surpasses the national average of 25 percent and is the highest globally.
It is imperative to acknowledge that groundwater is not an infinite resource, necessitating a serious consideration of water recharging. Although the central and state governments have proposed commendable schemes for groundwater recharge, their implementation remains inadequate. Public awareness campaigns, conducted by NGOs in various areas, have not yielded significant results, highlighting the need for a shift in public attitudes towards water conservation.
Rainwater harvesting, mandated in urban areas, faces negligible compliance, particularly among older constructions that perceive it as a financial burden. Agriculture, a major water consumer, faces challenges due to flawed crop choices, often ignoring expert advice, contributing to water scarcity.
A significant oversight in many government buildings is the absence of rainwater harvesting structures. The lack of response to repeated requests from the Head of the Department of Buildings for necessary allocations highlights a critical gap in infrastructure planning.
Niti Aayog's report, projecting India's water demand to double the available supply by 2030, emphasizes the severity of the situation, predicting a 6 percent loss in GDP. Odisha, as a low-performing state in water management, requires urgent attention from the state government.
A crucial factor contributing to water scarcity is the absence of proper water pricing. Without accurate data, failure to establish appropriate pricing mechanisms hinders meaningful progress. Charging a substantial price for water use can potentially drive responsible consumption.
Addressing the water crisis necessitates a multifaceted approach, encompassing education, technological innovation, regulatory measures, and community involvement. To overcome water scarcity, we must:
Educate people to alter consumption patterns and lifestyles.
Innovate new technologies for water conservation.
Promote wastewater recycling.
Enhance irrigation and agriculture practices.
Implement fair pricing for water.
Develop energy-efficient desalination plants.
Encourage rainwater harvesting.
Prioritize ecosystem management.
Foster community governance and partnerships.
Enforce policy regulations.
Improve water catchment strategies.
Reduce corporate water footprints.
Tackle pollution effectively.
Ensure the success of initiatives like the "Catch the Rain" scheme.
To secure a future with pure and safe drinking water for our upcoming generations, adherence to these principles is imperative, aligning with the principles of Article 21 of the constitution. The journey toward water security requires a united global effort to address the pressing challenges faced by regions like Odisha.
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