Water day in Coimbatore
At some point in time, every one of us has suffered a water crisis. Drinking water was bought . That for washing and cleaning came in bullock carts or tanker lorries. Deodorants and perfumes sold more. Every conceivable tactic was employed to conceal unwashed collars. Lesser mortals begged and borrowed, or went without a bath for days. We swore we'd save every drop when water was adequate again. Only to forget it the minute water gushed noisily from our leaky showers.Why are we so indifferent to water conservation? "Because we take water for granted. Everyone thinks only of financial security, but not water security," says N. Ramakrishna, a doctor at the PSG Urban Health Centre. Not many are aware that 1.1 billion people world-over do not have access to quality drinking water, he adds.
The delusion
We believe water scarcity will not happen in our time. This is delusion. He cites the example of the Nilgiri Biosphere. With so much deforestation in the area — Coimbatore's main source of water — trouble is looming large. Further, pollution of resources in the form of raw sewage, agriculture waste, including fertilizers, adds to the problem. Providing potable water and sustaining the quality of available water is of supreme importance, he says.
So, what is the answer? "Collective participation," says Rajesh Govindarajulu of Siruthuli, the public initiative to recharge Coimbatore's ground water sources and increase its green cover.
A conscious effort among individuals to spread awareness on water scarcity and conservation methods is needed. A little act will go a long way in preservation. "For instance, schools and workplaces can divert used water to plant beds. Residential colonies can set up common sewage treatment plants to water their gardens or clean up common areas, " he says.
Ramakrishna says attitude change is the key to sustaining and saving water for the future. As for the Government, systematic follow up of pipelines from source to individual points will do a world of good. Recycling of water should be part of any building construction, he adds. "Planting of saplings should be taken up. It not just improves groundwater; it also lends aesthetic appeal."
A recent survey by the Sunita Narain-led Centre for Science and Environment says the total number of rainy days in India can range from a low of five days in a year in the desert regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan to 150 days in the Northeast. However, it does not matter how much rain we get if we don't capture it. Cherrapunji — with an annual rainfall of 14,000 mm — also suffers from a shortage of drinking water!
What commands equal focus is simultaneously educating children and domestic help on the judicious use of water. And, most importantly, as each and every industry requires water, the wisdom lies in keeping our needs low. Using less means saving more!
DO'S AND DON'TS
- Don't turn on the tap fully
- Replace leaky taps, pipes or showers at once
- If not, place a vessel or bucket under leaky taps
- Don't keep the water running while shaving or brushing teeth
- Don't empty a tankful for your bath
- Plants can thrive on water used for cleaning vegetables, rice
- Use water leftover from rinsing to clean the porch, garage, etc., and wash vehicles
- Use the washing machine only if there is a full load; Hand wash consumes less water
- Never let the overhead tank overflow
- Collect rainwater from terrace and other points not connected to the rainwater harvesting system,Never water plants with drinking water even if it is in excess When hosting a meal, always use eco-friendly banana leaves or paper plates
- In hotels, refill water only on demand
When you spot leaky taps on the road, inform the Commissioner's office at 0422 - 2302323
Water doctors
Got a leaking tap at home?
Repair is just a post card away. M/S Manickam and Co. (on Mill Road, Cbe - 1), in association with Siruthuli, is sending plumbers to set the problem right — free of cost. They will bring spare parts such as the washer or jumper valve. In the case of a replacement, residents will have to buy the taps alone. And not necessarily from the company! The service began on February 1, and around 1,500 taps at 350 houses have been mended, says M.J.A. Rajkumar owner of the company. Planned earlier till February 28, the programme is extended till March 31, in view of World Water Day. Based on the response, it may be extended till April, he adds. After a few instances where residents asked the plumbers to come on a Sunday or when there were men at home, the plumbers now call up residents before their visit.
