In the Ganga Doab region, groundwater is heavily contaminated with heavy metal residue as a result of industrial waste. There are no checks on irrigation carried out using groundwater (“A gathering crisis”, August 8). The problem becomes acute with subsidised electricity rates. With increasing urbanisation, open spaces are shrinking, diminishing chances of aquifer replenishment. The pollution control boards concerned must be given more resources and the teeth to curb water pollution .
Gagan Pratap Singh,
Noida, Uttar Pradesh
It is not very often that you come across any discussion on invisible water or the subsoil water of aquifers we use in India. That this hidden pure form of water is the most important mineral resource, like marble or metals, and cannot be easily replenished is usually not known. All countries do not have such natural wealth. People consider it inexhaustible and hence consume it like ‘water’. Even the Union Ministry of Water Resources remains busy on river water and is hardly ever bothered to frame suitable laws to curb its wastage. It is high time comprehensive legislation is brought about this life-supporting resource and enforced speedily.
Mohan Singh,
Amritsar
The article must be read along with the report, “Metrowater plans rainwater harvesting audit” (Chennai editions, August 2). In the recent spells of rain in Chennai city, some of us who maintain rainwater harvesting structures were able to harvest over 2,000 litres of rainwater. The amount may be insignificant, but my household was able to take care of certain chores in the house with this drop in the ocean. Had most households in Chennai maintained RWH structures, they could have enjoyed the bounty, even if small.
L.A.P. Subramanian,
Chennai
