By: Dr. Abhishek Kumar Pandey, Asstt. Editor-ICN
LUCKNOW: The above mentioned title would look old fashioned and well known but if we look in to this issue, we would understand how true and how serious it is. Water is the most precious gift of nature. It has no taste, no smell and no color. It is found everywhere and the other name of it is “life” because it is the basis of fluid element of all living organisms.
We, today live in a world suffering from illnesses inflicted on our environment as a result of our actions. The resources that are provided to us are not just ample but they are crucial for our survival. While using them, we must not forget that if they perish, we will have nowhere to go.
We use water to do so many things each and every day. We brush our teeth, flush the toilet, water the pets and plants, and rinse off fruits and vegetables for our meals and snacks etc. But we don’t think even of water conservation.
Do you believe a fact “By 2025, 1800 million people will be living in countries or regions with absolute water scarcity, and two-thirds of the world population could be under stress conditions”.
Three things no one can’t live without are Oxygen, Water and Food. Around 70% of earth is covered with water. Our body consists of 75% of water. On average, a human body has up to 42.5 liters of water and just a lack of 2.4 liters can cause dehydration. We can survive for 3 weeks without having food but we start to die within three days without water. It is also true that there is no alternative of it. So, it is clear that how important the water is for the existence of life.
If we have 70% of water on earth, the question is why we are still facing scarcity of water. Water scarcity can be defined as a situation when people don’t have enough water to fulfil their basic needs. India is one of the many countries that are facing water scarcity today. And it is due to just 3% of fresh water is available for drinking purpose. Rest of the water is sea water that is salty and of no use.
If 10 years ago someone had given suggestion to sell the pure water, I’m sure people made good joke or laughed a lot on him. But nowadays mineral or purified water is billion dollar industry. People are ready to spend 20 rupees for water bottle, because we know it’s not easy to get pure or clean water now a days. It is important that everyone makes an effort to conserve water.
Water conservation has two aspects:
- Using water efficiently so that there is enough for the needs of all living things.
- Keeping freshwater clean, so that it can continue to support life on earth.
The importance of saving water– We all should save water because:-
- We all need water to survive.
- Our ecosystem is entirely dependent upon the supply or availability of water.
- Water is an essential component of agriculture since it helps nourish the crops that we eat.
- Water helps us to keep us our homes clean.
- We also need to drink water every single day in order to stay healthy.
- Human life can only survive a few days at most without water.
Water crisis is one of the major issues that the world is facing and it is the responsibility, perhaps the duty of each one of us to contribute towards water management. Intelligent utilisation of water resources is the need of the hour.
We need to conserve every drop of water. We have got to develop the habit of using less water and stopping its wasteful and luxurious use. Saving water should come naturally as response to the challenges arising. Sign displays should not be ignored as they may help as reminders of water conservation. Parents should educate children about the simple water-saving methods around the home. Employees and co-workers should be made aware of water scarcity issues and the impact of water conservation practices.
Water is a substrate that supports the foundations of life. It is the thing which makes our earth habitable. Not only, it must be wisely spent, but it should also be preserved for later use. Otherwise, we will be left with a planet having plenty of water but its people dying of thirst. Our life is in our hands. It is up to us, whether we choose to save it or let it flow.
“SAVING WATER IS EVERYONES RESPONSIBILITY.”
