"THE PRECIOUS WATERS OF MUMBAI LAKES"

"THE PRECIOUS WATERS OF MUMBAI LAKES"

Imagine a life without water for a day. What if we get up one fine morning to the stark reality of a bizarre situation of this life supporting element vanishing totally. Here on, myriad questions sprout up. How to wash, what to drink, how to cook, how to clean and above all how to survive. It is a fact that one can survive for a few days without grains but not without water. How ironical then it is to see this ‘Golden’ resource not getting the value it deserves. What is worse is to see its virtual, blatant exploitation today.

The 2023 Monsoons and Underground Water Levels.

Monsoons this year, have been sketchy which would further impact the agriculture produce but what is more worrisome is the impact of constant depleting water levels. Has anyone considered how would the produce yield without the water. We need to rise up with the rhetoric of ‘it is a government responsibility’. Well, the government is not divine, they are mortals like us and only have the current stocks to play with what mother nature provides us. I have been a witness to the constant depleting underground water levels from 10 meters, a few decades ago to almost 300 to 400 meters, at present (average) and still depleting. So in a way, the intelligent human specie has only learnt to extract and exploit but not replenish.

Rainwater Harvesting : Mumbai Model&Relevant Laws.

            The seven lakes in Mumbai are currently closed to their full capacity at 97% till 12th September 23 figures. Mumbai city serves as a perfect example of survival, based on perfect water harvesting. The seven lakes, namely, Lower Vaitarna, Upper Vaitarna, Middle Vaitarna, Modak Sagar, Tansa, Tulsi and Bhatsa, are the life givers of ‘Golden’ waters to the city which makes it survive for the whole year round. Such a perfect model could be gainfully replicated by all States or at least major cities to start with. It is a pity and shame to see the pure rainwater being wasted in the form of water loggings while it could have been diverted to rainwater harvesting pits in cities, towns, districts or tehsils. In fact there are laws now in different States for compulsory rainwater harvesting in buildings. There is a 6% rebate on property tax on implementing such water saving schemes as well, to name a few. It would be a boost to the ‘Golden’ waters to be stored as a treasure at all levels ranging from refurbishing of borings to wells to storage pits etc further enhancing the underground water levels. The nature will give more than what is required if we just do our bit at all levels.

Individual Effort.

            Instead of always relying on the Government, minor efforts at individual household levels would ensure a continuous presence of this ‘Golden’ resource. We just need to be a little disciplined. So here are a few tips that could be done by all :-

1. Let the water left in the glasses be recycled for plants in the pots.

2. Try not washing utensils with water at full force from taps.

3. Use maximum two buckets to clean cars instead of pipes.

4. Bathe with half a bucket of water. It is actually sufficient.

5. Flush only the required quantity in flush tanks instead of emptying.

6. Educate children to save water. 

7. Be sensitive to broken float valves in water tanks. Replace them, even if it is someone      else’s. It doesn't cost much.

8. Repair the public taps that are flowing. Do some social service as it might set a precedence.

These are very few of the many ways to ensure the ‘Golden’ capital remains intact and always present when we require. let us all give this life sustaining element its due. Today we are actually purchasing bottled water, who knows what our children face tomorrow.

- by Manujendra Singh