Water worries

 Letter published in The Hindu, May 22, 2019

Water Worries

When we have enough water, the thought of water conservation is distant.(Editorial," Eye on the monsoon", may 21) But now, when we are staring at a crisis, we think of solutions that should have been worked upon earlier. It is time to set up new recharging wells and improve existing ones. Rain harvesting fails mainly because the operating part fails. It is important to entrust the operation and maintenance of rain harvesting on a long term basis to the agency which constructs the same. Drip irrigation also met with the same fate after installation and obtaining a subsidy . Operation and maintenance should also be made a condition before awarding the work. Judicious use of water is another major concern. Field awareness is crucial. The support of non-government organisations should be thought of.

V.R.Ajith kumar

Thiruvananthapuram