May 04, 2016 07:46 PM
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(Updated May 04, 2016 08:00 PM)
The biggest threat in Maharashtra at the moment is water scarcity. As an urban citizen, you may possibly not realize the consequences of a drought. People are dying waiting in queues for water, walking long distances in search of water. The water they are drinking is not exactly clean which leads to kidney stones.
Organizational Level
Water ATMs: While water is donated to villages, multiple water vending machines can be set up to avoid social tensions(fights that break out in long standing queues). Patoda village, on the outskirts of Aurangabad, has water ATMs that provide 20 litres of filtered water to the villagers with ATM cards for free. Additional water is available at Rs.5 per 1000 litres. The village has set up bunds to conserve rain water and stabilisation ponds to clean waste water that is used for farming. Their discipline has helped the village sustain itself in times of drought.
Set up drums at schools/colleges/offices: Some schools in Pune in have implemented this. They've set up drums in the campus to collect the leftover drinking water from the bottles. This water can then be used for washing, cleaning or garderning purposes.
Skill Development: Offer alternate livelihood options to the rural population. Textile, FMCG companies can adopt villages and develop their skills in weaving, handicrafts, pickle-making, sewing, etc.
Set up an off-grid solar system: With water scarcity comes shortage of electricity. An off-grid solar power system harnesses solar energy to generate electricity.
Set up Biodigesters: Standalone chawls use septic tanks that use up a lot of space only add to sewage. Biodigesters, on the other hand, occupy less space, recycle water and can be used for non-consumable purposes. They are environment friendly as they release very less sewage water. This can be implemented on a residential level.
Personal Level
Donate to Nana Patekar's NAAM foundation: The NGO has undertaken initiatives such as adopting villages, sewing cluster, group farming, basic help for farmer’s widows, river rejuvenation and constructions of houses.
Donate to Chief Minister's Fund: The Chief Minister's Relief Fund is also providing an aide to the drought-stricken villages.
Donate to Plan India: Plan India is a child rights organisation. Owing to water scarcity, parents migrate in search of jobs leaving their kids behind. Your donations to Plan India will help them provide food supplies, teaching and learning aids, quality education, job-oriented vocational training or set up school libraries and water purification systems.
Donation Audit: When you donate to an organization, keep a tab of where your money is being used. File an RTI, hold the organization accountable and know what measures the NGO has undertaken.
Cut down on water usage: On a personal level, you can minimize water wastage. Repair leaky faucets, use buckets instead of shower for bathing, open the tap when required instead of running water.
