Towards Better Water Conservation Part I - what we in India ought to do?
By Ptrikha_2
@ptrikha_2 (49775)
India
February 17, 2018 10:09pm CST
Whenever I open newspapers, or check on the news on the Net, or switch to the TV news channels, The headlines I see are regarding Political conflicts, Killings, Developmental Projects etc.
Even in social get togethers, people talk more about scamsters and political issues.
Yet do we miss something in these places?
Yes- I can see per capita water availability declining.
People in urban centers- rich or poor are using ground water more- the availability of surface water in the supplied water per person has declined alarmingly.
Water pressure is declining in the pipes.
Even more alarmingly, groundwater is increasingly available at greater depths.
Yet few people talk about it. Governments seem to focus on other issues.
What in India can we do?
Well,
1)People who get adequate water through motor pumps etc can use it more judiciously.
2)Traditional structures for water storage in cities like Delhi (Baolis or water aquifer structures) need to be recharged and readied again for usage. This might cost a lot initially but later on, when water gets stored- especially during rainy season, it will help the people a lot.
3)Make more small dams and rainwater harvesting and other ponds or structures. If an individual wants to construct a harvesting structure or well within his or her premises, give them state funding of say up to 80 to 90% of the cost, or may be provide a low interest loan, and give tax break on other remaining expenses.
4)Plant trees suitable to an area- e.g- Low water absorbing trees in drier areas, and more water taking plants in area with more rains.
5)Modernize water piping systems and minimize T&D(Transmission & Distribution) losses.
Some of these might sound ideal, yet do we want to cry a bit now and be happier later; or keep on regretting and cry later?
It is our choice, but we better make the right choice.
Opinions?
5 people like this
5 responses
@ptrikha_2 (49775)
• India
18 Feb 18
@JudyEv initially incentives could be given for 5-10 years, and then taken off once things stabilize.
Recharging small tanks/check dams will also be a good option.
2 people like this
@AKRao24 (27422)
• India
18 Feb 18
Yes I agree with your ideas dear friend apart from using the ground water source judiciously a common man can't do other things you have mentioned as it would require lot of funds and government permission! State government should take initiative and encourage the people to participate in it! Thanks!


1 person likes this
@ptrikha_2 (49775)
• India
18 Feb 18
Yes, and politicos should stop siphoning off public funds and instead focus on things like waste management and water conservation and management. In the longer run, if the country develops, such things would be good for them too.
1 person likes this
@ptrikha_2 (49775)
• India
18 Feb 18
@AKRao24 and many are thriving- and they can do as they will, including passing bills themselvs to increase their salaries and perks by a big amount, while people in Private, Public sector and many labour force struggle t fight off rising costs, school fees, health costs etc
1 person likes this

@ptrikha_2 (49775)
• India
18 Feb 18
If the official machinery has the willpower to shun corruption and use funds judiciously(World Bank, as well as IMF) and even Asian Development Bank(ADB) can provide the necessary funds to central as well as state governments.
Yet the willpower seems to be missing.
1 person likes this

@garymarsh6 (24078)
• United Kingdom
18 Feb 18
We all should be finding ways of being economical with water usage. Good irrigation projects and the conservation of water supplies are essential to help towards water shortages.
1 person likes this
@ptrikha_2 (49775)
• India
18 Feb 18
Yes @garymarsh6 and I will also start another discussion that will discuss about the world at large.
1 person likes this
@gautaam (159)
• Mumbai, India
18 Feb 18
This is a universal problem. I saw one video about how Cape Town is suffering because of it. A simple example of how development is ruining our water resources which we do not realize overtime.
I remember in 1980's we all had Indian style (squatting) WC's at home or in public places, now they arent seen anywhere. The sitting style WC uses 14 liters of water in single flush, imagine a family of 4, whereas the older ones use very less water about 3-5 liters. This is a huge saving.
1 person likes this
@ptrikha_2 (49775)
• India
18 Feb 18
@gautaam we can go for Bio-Toilets or ones which use vacuum. Modern technologies are adopting, but we are not catching fast.
And yes I have heard that some countries in Europe too use older style (Indian WC) but then many people have now got used to western style ones.
Also, we can use buckets instead of showers on most of the days.
1 person likes this






