A water-less future (The Hindu) 10 January 2010

Can you manage a family of five or more on four buckets of water day? That is a maximum of 80 litres a day. Not per person but for five people. Therefore, 20 litres per person per day. And then there are days when there is not a drop of water. This is the challenge facing millions of people, not in a water-deprived desert area but in Mumbai, the city with the best supply of water of any city in India.
So if people predict that the next water wars in this decade will take place not between nations but between communities in our cities, they are not far off the mark. The wars will be between the poor, the most deprived, and between the rich and the poor. The rich will also suffer water cuts, as they already do. But they will manage without having to face too much hardship because they will always have the ability to hoard, store and buy water. The poor, on the other hand, will get less than they already do, which is little enough. And without permanent housing, they will never have the same ability to store water, as do those who live in puccabuildings. So the gap between the rich and the poor will be defined through access to water.

Increased burden

With this scarcity, the burden on women will increase, as it already has. Receding water tables and decreasing snow melt have forced millions of women, in deserts and mountain regions, in villages and towns, to work harder to find water. Somehow they must fulfil their principal duties of washing, cleaning, cooking — and so they scrounge and beg, and walk longer distances to fetch that one, two or three buckets of precious water.
The other reality that is emerging is how, in times of scarcity, no one wants to share, be generous, least of all those who have enough. Housing societies in Mumbai, for instance, are making rules not allowing “outsiders” from taking out water from the buildings. These “outsiders” are actually the “insiders”, the domestic help in all our homes without whom our lives would be really difficult. They are the people who cook and clean and wash. They do this in homes where water flows through taps. And then when they finish work, they go out of the buildings to their homes in a slum where there are days without a drop of water. Yet, we feel justified in denying such people water at times of acute need. There is no culture in the world that defends the denial of water to a thirsty or needy person. Yet, the urban middle class ethos is defending just this.


Islands of indulgence
Islanded from this growing reality of the water crisis are also the gated communities and “future cities” that bore down and pull up the common resource from underground water springs, unmindful of the impact on people dependent on these streams. As a result, people who always had enough for their needs are now the needy while those with the financial resources to build these new urban islands feel no compunction in justifying the wasteful use of what they like to call “their” water. While their pools and fountains never run dry, the villages around them wonder why their wells have no water.
These are times where we need to learn from those who survive on practically no water, or very little. There are hundreds of examples in India of traditional communities who have survived on very little. Yet, their example is rarely heeded. Instead, the trend in urban development, particularly, is more waste and less conservation based on a totally unrealistic understanding of the availability of water as a common resource.
There is one community that can certainly teach us, and the whole world, the value of water. And that is the Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert. A fascinating book on water that those planning our water policy should read is Heart of Dryness: How the Last Bushmen Can Help us Endure the Coming Age of Permanent Droughtby James G. Workman (published by Walker Publishing Co., New York, 2009). Workman, an international water expert, studied the Bushmen in the heart of the Kalahari Desert in present-day Botswana. And he realised that these are the real water experts. The situation in which the Bushmen survived is something we cannot imagine. Yet survive they did, until non-Bushmen decided to cut off their access of water and forced them to move.
An ethics of sharing
Workman describes the Bushmen “code of conduct” with regard to water. It “allows people to negotiate informally over the water resources they require, reaching out to partners with whom to exchange if and when they need more or less. People increased supply by efficiently reducing demands, and the benevolent result of their integrated informal right to water brought Bushmen into a relative state of social abundance.”
A wonderful phrase — “state of social abundance”. Instead what we are seeing in our cities is precisely the opposite because of an ethos that despises generosity and sharing. Explaining further the Bushmen's approach to the crisis of water, Workman writes:
Prepared for extreme deprivation, Kalahari Bushmen chose the hard responsibility of a dry reality over a government-dependent fantasy of water abundance. Outside of their reserve the so-called civilised world found that for all our military might and Internet bandwidth, certain things still lie beyond our grasp. We discover we cannot ‘regulate' our climate, clouds or rain. Out here, while elected leaders kneel to pray for a thundershower that will provide temporary relief, the increasingly dry hot wind whistles through the thorn trees in the central Kalahari and whispers the ancient secret those last defiant Bushmen never forgot. We don't govern water. Water governs us.”
Indeed, water will govern us. It will also determine whether we can be a humane society.
Email the writer: sharma.kalpana@yahoo.com

The tragedy of Delhi’s water loss (The Hindu- 07 Jan. 2010)

Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar

NEW DELHI: Delhi’s inability to curb water leakage and theft is largely to be blamed for the absence of piped water supply to large parts of the Capital as the total distribution losses are to the order of 40 per cent.

A study conducted by the Delhi Committee of the ASSOCHAM reveals that the distribution losses are primarily due to leakages in a network of nearly 9,000-km-long water supply lines and because of theft committed through unauthorised connections.

Pointing out that this figure was quite high even in comparison to the 10 per cent to 20 per cent losses seen in the developing countries, the study notes that the percentage of unaccounted-for water calculated from the difference between water produced and pumped was also very high at 35 per cent to 40 per cent.

The current gap between supply and demand of water being nearly 1,300 million litres of water, ASSOCHAM secretary-general G.S. Rawat said that with Delhi’s population likely to exceed 19 million by 2011 from the current level of about close to 16 million, the availability of both power and water would have to be raised manifold to meet the rise in demand.
At present, as against a demand of 4,300 million litres per day, Delhi supplies only about 3,000 million litres of water.

The study found that conservative pricing of resource and associated services along with non-metering of 23 per cent of the water connections has also discouraged prudent use of water.
It notes with concern that Delhi has an average of only four hours of water supply a day. And while the Delhi Jal Board supplies over 3,000 million litres per day, only about 1,700 million litres actually reaches the consumers due to infrastructural constraints and problems.
With as much as 40 per cent of the water being lost due to leaking pipes, many households go without water. As per the study, 27 per cent of homes in Delhi receive tap water for less than three hours a day.

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Letter to PM (River Health Index- 07 Jan. 2010)

To,


Dr Manmohan Singh,
Hon’ble Prime Minister
Government of IndiaNew Delhi

Respected Sir,

Greetings for a HAPPY NEW YEAR, 2010 from Yamuna Jiye Abhiyaan!

It is our fond hope that the steps initiated by the UPA government under your leadership for the revival of river Ganga in the last year, would fructify soon so that the other rivers in the country also benefit from the Ganga experience.

In this context allow us to recall that your honour had constituted on 24th August 2007 a high powered committee called the Yamuna River Development Authority (YRDA) under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble Lt Governor of Delhi with a well defined mandate and a 3 monthly reporting schedule.

We at Yamuna Jiye Abhiyaan, campaigning for the revival of the river Yamuna since early 2007, have with interest tried to follow the progress of the said high powered committee.

While we note with respect and appreciation that soon after taking up the charge of the Committee and holding of a number of its meetings, the Hon’ble Lt Governor found it appropriate to declare a moratorium (as an intent) on any new construction in the river bed / flood plain in Delhi (and has kept to it) but the fact remains that the said moratorium is no more than the honest word of a high level authority with little guarantee of it being kept, if for whatever reason and sooner or later, the present incumbent demits his office. We have not come across any official communication or order, other than through word of mouth, as reported in the media that confirms the said moratorium.

In any case, the fact remains that your honour had constituted the said high powered Committee as an interim measure till the said Committee in accordance with point e) of its terms of reference (TOR) came up with a suggested design for a statutory framework, which takes forward the policy framework and an integrated plan for the river which addresses issues of both quantity in terms of river flow and quality in the Yamuna river. The said policy framework as well as the integrated plan for the river was to be devised by the Yamuna River Development Authority (YRDA). The only thing that one has heard for the river for quite some time is the much advertised Sewage Interceptor Scheme of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), which experts like the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) have adversely critiqued on several grounds. But even this scheme, if and when successful, would only be able to address the quality aspect of the river and the paramount issue of quantity in terms of river flow would remain unaddressed.

For us at the YJA it is a measure of grave concern that even after almost two and a half years of the constitution of the said high powered Committee there is nothing in the public domain in the nature of either any policy framework; an integrated plan for the river or the suggested design for a statutory framework, in the absence of which while the river’s interest continues to suffer there are activities (impacting both the flow in the river and the river’s flood plain) taking place or planned both upstream and downstream of Delhi in Haryana and in UP which would compromise the future of the river for all times to come. The recent construction plans in the river bed along the river between NOIDA and Agra as well as in Agra and in Vrindavan (being vehemently opposed by local groups) and water abstraction plans upstream in Haryana are but few examples of what is in store for the already beleaguered river. Thus it may later be too late for any remedial action/s for the river to be initiated or successfully implemented.

We believe that it is time that on the lines of river Ganga, a River Basin Authority for the revival of river Yamuna is also created so that the urgent issues concerning the life-line river Yamuna are also taken up in an integrated manner and on a priority basis.

We at the YJA hope that your honour would find time from your busy schedule to attend to this humble yet urgent appeal from us.

Warm regards,

Manoj Misra

Convenor
Yamuna Jiye Abhiyaan

Bridge Construction Threat to Yamuna and Vrindavan (Harmonist staff on December 27, 2009 )

By Harmonist StaffNote: At the bottom of this article is a series of links which can help readers stay informed and participate in the effort to halt the construction of the bridge over Sri Yamuna River. Particularly everyone is encouraged to sign the petition linked below.The government of Uttar Pradesh, along with private contractors, has begun construction of a bridge that will cross Vrindavan’s Yamuna River in close proximity to the historic Kesi Ghat. The project is an effort to facilitate further growth in the area, nearby parts of which are already overwhelmed with buildings and people, particularly during certain times of the year in which pilgrims from all over the world flood Vrindavan to celebrate and honor various holidays.In recent days it seems that the issue is coming to a head with many devotees and environmental activists speaking out against the construction. One of the more prominent voices involved in the protest is that of K.P.S. Gill, former director general of police, who has previously been credited for cleaning up and helping to reduce crime in the area surrounding Kesi Ghat.Many are pointing out that the portions of Vrindavan that are already inhabited, polluted, and neglected are where money needs to be invested, whereas more expansion will only further degrade both the physical condition and the sanctity of the dhama.On December 25, a kirtan/protest procession and Yamuna puja were organized. Residents of Vrindavan and Vaishnavas from various institutions attended, but apparently not without opposition. There are reports that police were sent to the Sandipani Muni School in an attempt to prevent the five hundred students therein from taking part in the protest. Additionally, the police are said to have threatened to cancel the visas of foreign teachers in the school. Despite the threats and actions of the police it seems that the children did indeed participate. No word has come as to whether the protest has had or will have any impact, but some feel the effort is likely to be too little too late, considering many have known about the bridge plans for years now.There has at least been some encouraging news circulating on the Internet in the form of a message from Vaishnavacharya Chandan Goswami of the Goswami family of Sri Sri Radha Raman temple. The message reads as follows:We have been protesting since day one and asked everyone to join with us. Sad to say all the gurus agree that this construction is wrong, but no one wants to protest against it. In a couple of days we are having a meeting with Satish Chandra Mishra, who is the second strongest person of the state because of whom Vrindavan got the package of reinnovation.According to the law of the archeological department of India, the area up to 100 metres from a monument is designated as a prohibited area and up to 200 meters as a regulated area.“No development is permitted within 100 metres of any monument preserved by the State Archaeology Department or by the Archaeology Survey of India.”There is a Jugal Kishore Temple which is situated on the back side of Kesi Ghat. Because of this law now we have made them stop the construction work and filed the FIR against them.JP Group, the contractor, has called back his project manager and half of the labor has left. Now three things can happen:-1. Either they make bridge after 300 meters radius which will make this bridge far from Kesighat.2. Or they can stop the work altogether.3. Or they can work on our idea which we have proposed to them.The result will be out in few weeks as we are taking serious actions against them.It must be noted that a significant number of those involved in the effort to reverse the bridge construction do have some involvement, to one degree or another, in its inception. Not only has the sheer number of pilgrims to Vrindavan increased, but more and more of those pilgrims are coming from Western cultures and expecting some degree of Western accommodations. All of this translates into business opportunities, which the government and others are seeking to capitalize on.There are some efforts taking place on social-networking site Facebook to unite concerned parties and keep the flow of information steady. One such group can be accessed here.There has also been talk of raising money to place an ad on Facebook itself, particularly in India, in order to promote awareness and support of the opposition. It is not completely clear who is organizing this effort, but interested parties can start here.Lastly, there is an online petition available to stop the Yamuna Bridge construction, available here.Pictures of the protest procession can be seen here.

Against Bridge Building Across Holy Yamunaji (shukasari.blogspot.com- 07 Dec. 2009)

In order to pursue money which is like honey for almost everyone, certain individuals and political bodies do not care for the destruction of historical or religious sites. Thus the building of a bridge across Yamuna takes place. Many devotees and well-wishers are protesting. This will bring about an ecological destruction of the Kesi Ghat area.

Here we are trying to preserve what is ours, yet there are those who are bent on seeing it go forever.

The heart bleeds. The eyes cries. The body quiver with uncontrollable rage. Yet never to give up, we shall rise.

It may bring in the big tourists' money. But at what cost???Firstly, the residents of Vrindavan, especially the sadhus should be consulted in this matter. Instead, the construction is simply going on. I suppose at the end of the day, only the Lord knows His own big plan. Still we protest and we try and we pray. Let us all join our hearts and hands, and with Srila Gurudeva's blessings. protest against such destruction.

Vrindavan eco-activists launch Save Yamuna campaign (Daily Times India)

Vrindavan eco-activists launch Save Yamuna campaign
Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh), Dec 26 (IANS) Even as preparations are underway here for a large religious festival starting next month, eco-activists led by former director general of police K.P.S. Gill and working under the Save Yamuna to Save Vrindavan campaign have demanded rethinking on building a new bridge at the heritage Keshi Ghat.

Though district authorities are working overtime to ensure that basic civic infrastructure is ready by early January for the festival they call a Kumbh Mela, leaders of various Akharas (Hindu sects) in Vrindavan are not satisfied with the state of preparedness.

“Time is running out and our chief worry is the sad state of river Yamuna,” a sadhu near the Keshi Ghat said.

A festival is held every 12 years in Vrindavan, the centre of Sri Krishna’s Braj Bhoomi, that attracts millions of devotees. Situated on the banks of the Yamuna river, Vrindavan attracts hundreds of thousands of Krishna devotees from all parts of the world for the festival, this time beginning Jan 20.

A tented township is coming up on the dry river bed where hundreds of organisations, eco-groups and sadhus of different Hindu sects will put up stalls. District Magistrate Dinesh Shukla has constituted a committee to monitor the progress of the civil works.

Acharya Jaimini, an eminent musicologist of Vrindavan, told IANS: “So far the town is ill-prepared for hosting a big show like the Kumbh. They should have started six months ago.”
District authorities said a request had been made to the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department to release water in the river so that the pollution level is brought down and there is enough water for the mass bathing programme.

Hundreds of temples and dharamshalas (guest houses) in the pilgrimage town are gearing up to meet the expected rush of pilgrims to begin immediately after Makar Sankranti, Jan 14.
Braj Foundation, an NGO, is engaged in resurrecting and restoring heritage spots and water bodies, according to Raghav Mittal, project director.

Meanwhile, environmentalists and eco-activists marched in a procession Friday afternoon to protest construction of the new bridge.

“The new bridge will also increase the level of pollution in the river,” an activist said.
A sadhu said Yamuna was the lifeline of Braj Mandal. “The river has to be saved at any cost.”

NOTES FROM BRIJ KHANDELWAL, AGRA

Agra district authorities are planning yet another symbolic Yamuna Cleaning on January 11. School kids and all those who claim to be working for Yamuna's restoration of health, plus the NGOs, theatre groups, media organisations, are being roped in to clean some ghats and march in a procession.Wonderful initiative.

But will that be enough?

These well meaning folks have to be reminded that the real problems are political:
Unfortunately the district authorities and the state government departments lack the will and vision to do what should have been done years ago. They have the legal sanction.And dont forget that the Yamuna ghats were demolished at the order of late Sanjay Gandhi. The whole Yamuna Kinara road was forcibly cleared of temples, ghats and community facilities.

To put things in perspective:

The Yamuna Kinara road has not been cleared as yet of transport companies, even after 30 years. The transporters are powerful people and they always manage to bribe away decision makers. In recent months the divisional commissioner has thrice ordered their shifting. Can the district magistrate do that? The Hathi Ghat is being used to park trucks which are washed and all oily waste flows into the river.

Agra's share of Yamuna water has to be fixed. Delhi is taking all the water. Haryana draws large quantities. Even Rajasthan's share is fixed. What about the claim of downstream cities. Why is Okhla barrage, of the UP government, holding back water for Delhi's consumption?

More importantly why are effluents and untreated water being discharged by Delhi into the river. For good 22 kms Yamuna flows into the union territory and picks up all the pollutants and effluents, which people downstream consume.

What is the UP Pollution Control Board doing? How many cases has it filed against polluters? Has the directive of the Supreme Court to shift dhobies and dairies been implemented? If not why?

How many drains open into the river? How many have been plugged.? Last count by the pollution board officials said there were 19 nullahs opening into the river. And what is the state of the flood plains? How many unauthorised colonies have come up? What action has been taken against colonisers?

Some specialists have pointed out that the quality of water at the point where Yamuna enters Agra district is better but between Keitham and the Taj Mahal the water quality deteriorates. If that is true, the culprits should be booked for polluting the river. District authorities have to do that under the Prevention of Water Pollution Control Act which is mandatory and clear cut.

Awareness camps and processions are ok at the level of voluntary agencies. But district authorities need to act according to the law and the orders already pending in respect of Yamuna pollution. The Agra Nagar Nigam, the UP Pollution Control Board which has the police powers, and the District Magistrate of Agra along with other agencies must draw up an action programme and book polluters. Shift the transporters. Ask the UP horticulture department to develop and maintain the parks along the bank. The drains must be diverted to the treatment plants. The district magistrate should find out why pumping stations are not working and take immediate action.--

BRIJ KHANDELWAL
21/22. Free Ganj, AGRA-282004, India
Phones: 0562 4002937; 9997186708
email:agrabrij@gmail.com; brij.k@ians.in