The Hindu Business Line : Water levels

Long debates and discussions are active across the country on the ongoing acute water scarcity. Nobody seems to be interested in finding a long-lasting solution to the worsening water problem. Though there were good monsoons last year, no effective steps were taken to preserve water.

The farm sector, which saw good growth in the last quarters, may be in for difficult times. In earlier times, there were ponds and wells attached to almost all the houses.

Also, before the onset of monsoons, work would be done so that maximum quantity of water could be stored during the rainy season. This process, followed by every household, helped to retain the water in the soil and the wells used to have sufficient water.

The shift from agriculture and the onset of capsule families divided the land into mini units. Also, the much-debated link between the rivers is yet to take off on an effective basis. That is why while one part of the country faces drought, another part suffers from floods. One of the major causes for crop loss is the water problem, which still remains unaddressed.

Now, it is the duty of each citizen to preserve water.Rain water harvesting, using improvised methods and technologies, have to be followed.

C. P. Velayudhan Nair,

Kochi

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