A Droughtful Story

I am sure we all know about how important resource Water is to humanity. 2/3rd of a human body, 2/3rd of our planet, approximately 80% of all the nutritious food we eat, our breathing process, all our daily chores, everything comprises of heavy amounts of Water. Oddly, it will be ‘safe’ to say that No Water, means No Life! With the temperature rising to over 50 (Degree Celsius) in a few parts of India in the recent years, regions have started becoming vulnerable to Drought! A condition where a being yearns for every drop to drink. Maharashtra, is one such state in India which is adversely hit by the water crisis. The main region being the Marathwada, comprising of Beed, Osmanabad, Jalna and Latur districts.

Coming from a prominent Social Sciences Institute which is based in the same region and being exposed to the local villages I can assure that the condition is worse than it appears. The Institute is one of the very few suppliers of Water tanks or any other kind of relief for people. There sure are tanks put up at short distances for the supply of water, but the ‘Supply’ at most of them is way less than the demand! Perhaps, even close to nil. All one can see is names of the huge brands and personalities that bestowed the village with a tank but forgot water maintenance and supply. Certainly cannot expect too much, can we? The region has seen some famines before and has also been officially declared a ‘Drought-Prone’ Zone. People literally travel miles towards the ponds and the lakes. The wells are mostly dried. Official Reports and Statements even say that only 5% water is left in the Marathwada Dams. The region, with a population of about half a million, accounts for one of the largest number of Farmer Suicides every year. With an average rainfall being less than 1/10th than expected in the region in the last three years, water is being transported through trains and tanks, which also are said to reach once in a week to their destinations. Steps, which sound amusing at first, do not sound funny anymore like postponing marriages and restricting the number of people to collect water at a place to avoid riots!

A saying which goes like, “Water, Water everywhere, nor any drop to drink” seems to have come true for the world today, literally. And way sooner for the Marathwada region. This article will mostly be exposed to a very educated class that lives in very rightfully earned luxuries and comforts. The sad part is that as a part of this class we are unable to feel the real ‘thirst’ and ‘hunger’ that people living in these areas go through and hence, we fail to do anything about it. Most of us would even start cribbing if we have to live without eating or drinking even for half a day, then how do we understand the pain of someone who is thirsty for weeks! Mere empathizing is also not a solution to such a problem. But it sure is the first step towards it. The aid to these regions are provided by willing individuals only. Whether from the government or Non-Government Organizations, irrespective of the age, sex, cast, religion and community, it is important for each one of us to be able to join hands, volunteer and contribute as much as we can in whatever way we can. This article was supposed to be an informational one but on a personal level it was hard to end it on a depressing note. Since, no statistics or facts might bring a smile to your face. Though the steps are being taken by the Government and NGOs to overcome the problems but those are just baby steps! Every Individual should do their part. If we cannot help directly or spread awareness, at least by becoming self-aware and practicing conserving water, each individual can contribute to solving this water crisis.

Save Water! Save Lives!