Water has made sure that life thrived in the least expected places, and it has contributed to the growth of civilizations in the past. The greatest civilizations and empires began on the banks of one river or the other. Water has been the one thing which made sure that life became better. We have learned about how significant the rivers of Indus, Nile, Tiber, Huang He, Tigris and Euphrates have been in the history of civilizations and empires. Even those towns and cities on the banks of rivers developed quicker while the others could only follow as fast as they could. There is the tale of Hagar who found water in the desert, and there was hope against despair in wilderness, after which a great nation was born of him.
Well, water was available more during the last century, as we look back to our childhood. The temperature was also lower at those times, and our rivers carried more water, never really becoming so dry as we see them now. During those days, water was taken for granted. When it is all around you and freely available, you don’t think about it. Even if it is not that clean, you will feel that it is enough. Then, demanding to save water would have felt like a strange demand, especially in Kerala which always had a wide network of rivers and plenty of rainfall. At that period of time, it was like, have enough water, and get on with life. But it is not so any more.
The beauty of the waterworld of Kerala is no surprise to travelers.
The total amount of rainfall has decreased, and the climate has become rather unpredictable. During these times, especially during these months of high temperature, situation is only getting worse. We are used to having enough water every year, and therefore, we are not thinking much about it, even when we see the signs. But it is already late, and it is up to us to do something about it. We can do what we can, in our own small ways, and the preservation of water would depend on what each of us can contribute in whichever ways possible. As we hear that the next wars would be fought in the name of water, let us do something for our future generation to have better life.
There are a few simple things that we can do. They begin at home, from using the shower only according to the need, to making sure that there is no water leakage. There will be opportunities to close an open tap at different places. We just shouldn’t use water when there is no need. We can make sure that a few drops of water doesn’t keep coming down from a tap which is not completely closed. We don’t need to keep a tap open, and there is no need to care so much about the cleanliness of a car or bike during this very hot summer season. If there are things that we can avoid, and are not necessity, we can keep them to be done at a time when the monsoon are here, and the showers are strong.
So, can we make sure that the beauty of waterworld stay?
As most of you might have already though about, the future is in our hands, and the Earth itself depends on us, as a thinking sentient life form who can make a difference. Water is more of less the elixir of life and the fountain of youth, which will keep the humans as well as the other life forms go on strong. Some of us might still think that there will be enough what for the next few generations, and a high level scarcity of the liquid will not happen during the time of their children or grand children – but they are wrong. The environment itself keeps proving us wrong, and with deforestation and other crimes against nature, an extinction event itself is not that far away.
There are two options with dealing with this water scarcity leading to a possible third world war for water followed by human extinction. The first option is to get on with our lives as if nothing is going to happen because droughts are normal and has happened through centuries – there is nothing new that needs our attention. The second option is to think deeply about this problem of water shortage, and decide that you need to make a move; you have to make stand to save water. Beginning from home, extending to your village, town or city and then further, it is your stance that matter, for it becomes your duty to protect the special resource of water – save water or the next generation will find you responsible for their plight.
Think about the people who are struggling to find a source of clean water. The news about water scarcity in Vypin and other islands of Cochin reminds us about the same; it has been a problem which has been going on for years. There are people who need water right between us. We just need to open our eyes and have a look. It is the sight that the movie Paippin Chuvattile Pranayam reminded us about, last year. We see them, and we know how important water is, and how much need is there to preserve it. The water that we use more than we need is a clear case of wastage, and let us not fall into doing such evil. Let us remember that we have the responsibility, not just to our people, but also to a better future. It calls for #CuttingPaani.
I have signed Livpure’s #CuttingPaani petition at https://www.change.org/p/cuttingpaani. Please choose to sign the petition, save water, and save our world for the future!
TeNy
The Tea Cerebrations 