The lines of Samuel Cole-ridge’s timeless poem, “Water, water everywhere, and not a drop to drink,” resonate deeply in today’s context. But do we truly grasp their significance?
Water scarcity is a pressing issue faced not only by global cities like Copenhagen but also by our very own Bengaluru. Despite two decades of rapid industrialization, the alarming decline in groundwater levels has largely slipped under the radar, escaping the attention of governments and citizens alike.
Let’s focus on our community, Suncity. The Quick Response Team frequently receives complaints about overflowing tanks, a common occurrence in our daily lives. We often squander water, habitually resorting to pipes for tasks as routine as car washing and household cleaning. When water supply disruptions occur, it’s easy to point fingers at the Resident Welfare Association (RWA). But do we, as individuals, take proactive steps to conserve the water already available to us? Do we promptly address damaged tanks? While technical failures are often the root cause of water supply disruptions, our collective failure to use water judiciously stems from a combination of carelessness and ignorance regarding the severity of the drinking water crisis.
Responding to resident concerns, the Chairperson of Suncity RWA, Kusum Sharma identifies three primary factors contributing to water supply disruptions: repair work, power failures at the Chandu Budhera Plant (our primary water source), and subsequent water rationing across different areas of Gurugram. While the RWA endeavours to mitigate these challenges by assisting residents with tank repairs and promoting water conservation, larger-scale initiatives are also underway. A sewage treatment plant capable of recycling 9 lakh litres of water per day is supplying water only to 4 parks and the central verge as of now. The pipeline extension is under development so that it can distribute water to all the remaining parks as well. Additionally, efforts to install an underground water tank with a capacity of 15 lakh litres are ongoing, albeit slowed by election-related regulatory constraints.
The administrative machinery is working tirelessly to ensure residents have access to clean, safe drinking water. However, these efforts will prove futile if we, as individuals, persist in wasteful habits. With over 30 Indian cities on the brink of water scarcity, we are at risk of joining their ranks. Yet, through simple actions such as opting for buckets over pipes, diligently repairing leaks, and installing water-saving mechanisms, we can make a significant difference. As the adage goes, prevention is indeed better than cure. Let’s heed this wisdom and adopt mindful and responsible water usage habits before it’s too late.
