In The Jungle Book , released recently, there is a part where the characters sing a song about how we should stop worrying as the “bare necessities” of life will come to us. Mowgli of 2016 would sing a different song because a large number of Indians barely manage to get them — as the water crisis in Maharashtra’s Latur shows (“In parched Latur town, a long wait for the water express”, April 12). Two failed monsoons, low water tables and depleted reservoirs make it clear that the government needs to invest in micro-irrigation practices, promote drought-resistant crops and use satellite imagery effectively. There have to be ways to boost rural, non-farm income as well.
Nishant Sharma,
Chandigarh
The alarming situation is definitely a manifestation of climate change. The monsoon rains reach Maharashtra only in June, so there is a lot of discomfiture ahead. Planners must now enforce rainwater harvesting rules especially for every high-rise building in the State. Building societies that flout this rule must be asked to pay a higher rate of property tax in the ensuing year.
Jayanthy S. Maniam,
Mumbai
It seems as if Maharashtra is going to face one of its worst summers. The main task is to reduce the wastage of water, which we see almost on a daily basis but choose to ignore. Wastage in small ways such as defective plumbing and vehicle washing adds up in a big way to the loss of precious water. Rainwater harvesting is a must.
Shubham Dupare,
Mumbai
The report made me aware of the time when Namakkal in Tamil Nadu faced problems during the drought in 2012-2014. The groundwater level fell by almost 1,200 ft or more. The estimation of groundwater resources for the district showed that a few blocks were overexploited and two blocks were in the “critical” category. With the situation turning grave, long-term solutions had to be thought of. Check dams and water tanks were rejuvenated and water from intermittent rain and the last monsoon was saved. The groundwater level is now 300 ft in many areas. The agricultural community has also realised the need to increase tree cover. Latur should also adopt similar measures with authorities popularising soil and water conservation strategies.
Deepakkumar R.,
Namakkal, Tamil Nadu
