A few recent discussions have made it impossible to ignore the importance of water in our daily lives. First, for some time – in the months gone by – the Ganga water supply has been intermittent.
Though this did not result in water shortage, as usually underground water is used to compensate, it has prompted many to buy bottled water. Next, timings were imposed on swimming pools. This step also sparked discussions, as many found it difficult to beat the heat. Finally, and most important is the discussion on the installation of water meters.
In my opinion, installation of water meters is a welcome step. In the present days water is stored in underground tanks, when supplied, and then pumped up so that there is constant water in our taps; the younger generation there is water always when they open the taps. Much like when one cuts open a watermelon there is juice, or when one opens the refrigerator there is milk!
I have always wondered about the impact of facilities like those present in first-world countries in our over-crowded cities and towns. For example, while the twenty-four hour availability of water is very common now-a-days. It has also led to people glazing over the efforts made to provide it, and hence not giving the due appreciation.
Thankfully, Noida being a cosmopolitan place has people from all over India. I personally know some who hail from arid regions like Saurashtra. To them preserving water is deeply engrained in their daily habits. For example, marking each one’s drinking glasses to reduce the numbers that must be repeatedly washed, mopping instead of washing, closing of taps and checking for leakages.
Sometimes the failure of pipelines breaks the illusion of the twenty-four hour availability of water. I consider such incidents as blessings in disguise. As these are the times when the younger lot realises that water does not literally come from “just moving the taps”. I hope that this dose of reality is augmented with the basic knowledge of how water comes “through” taps.
To conclude, water is a precious resource. I hope that each one of us will conserve it to the best of our ability.
