Egyptian
valley, Mesopotamia and so on. When man began
agriculture the need for a constant supply
of water became imminent. With the advancement
of human life, technology and ingenuity enabled
manipulation of water sources for the overall
good of the rising population. Irrigation,
drinking, hydroelectricity, transportation,
tourism – the modern day uses of water
are indeed awesome. But somewhere in our intention
to secure our selfish motives, we have caused
irreparable environmental loss. Submerging
of large tracts of forest land, permanent
changes in topology, loss of flora and fauna,
displacement of ethnic communities are some
of the environmental and social costs of development.
The politics involved in the usage of water
is altogether a different issue. Usage of
common waterways, share of excess flows, linking
of rivers and distress management are some
of the points used for making rhetorical comments
without a detailed analysis of the feasibility.
Where discussion and conciliation could have
helped in arriving at an amicable solution,
wars have been fought with huge economic consequences.
Studies
have revealed that systematic exploitation
by man has caused a huge change in the water
resources of the planet. Quality in terms
of mineral content, chemical composition,
dissolved solids etc. has been permanently
damaged at several areas. Excessive use has
reduced the water table. Efforts are now on
for developing cost-effective methods of irrigation.
At the community level, members should participate
in formulating solutions for discovery of
new sources and optimization of available
resources. Every drop is precious. Let us
waste not and want not.
