This Is The Heartbreaking

A large part of Bundelkhand, which is hit by drought, falls under Madhya Pradesh. Declining groundwater levels is a menace that is becoming a reality in a lot of places in India. These are pictures from Madhya Pradesh, where children risk their lives to get to the bottom of an almost-dry well to get a few glasses of water. According to reports, local women in the area leave their houses early and walk several kilometers every day to fetch drinking water. The water crisis is even worse in regions of Nimar and Malwa in western Madhya Pradesh.

The Civil body supplies water once in a week at some places. Some reports suggest that out of 365 municipal bodies in Madhya Pradesh, potable water is being supplied to only 62 places, once in three days. Whereas, 17 other places get water once in a week only.

Ground Water Situation Is Alarming

There has been a six percentage dip in the share of groundwater wells within 10 metres below the ground. This depth is the threshold beyond which farmers have to use the deepwater equipment.  South, West, and Central regions have significantly lower water table than other regions. The southern regions especially have more than 30 per cent of its groundwater table below 60 metres.

Development That Kills

The changing paradigm of development, the notion that growth should happen at any cost is leading us to disaster. For instance, Bengaluru’s 632 per cent growth came with 76 per cent vegetation loss and 79 per cent loss of water bodies.

We Are Failing The Poor

Water scarcity is seen as an issue for the poor and it most likely has been the case so far, the poor have borne the brunt of water scarcity related issues. We as citizens, the media, and all stakeholders have let this happen under our watchful gaze. Somehow to a majority of the media and viewers, these are not the issues that get highlighted.

The Logical Indian appeals to the government to take up the issue of groundwater on a war footing and ensure people get adequate water. We request the government and media to spread awareness on the issue and keep the citizens sensitised on water conservation.