The Texture of Drought | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

The Texture of Drought

Apr 08, 2013 01:20 AM IST

This is the Government of India's Water Week. In Marathwada, it continues to be No-water Week. Mohammed bin Tuglaq discovered this soon after he shifted his capital here in 1327, but few residents of the region have benefited from this insight, reinforced time and again. Bharati Chaturvedi writes.

This is the Government of India's Water Week. In Marathwada, it continues to be No-water Week.

HT Image
HT Image

Mohammed bin Tuglaq discovered this soon after he shifted his capital here in 1327, but few residents of the region have benefited from this insight, reinforced time and again.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

I just spent a few days in the relatively better-off urban and per-urban Aurangabad. Clean water was the most elusive drink for most locals. In the municipality, taps flow for a couple of hours every alternate day. Typically, water costs about a hundred rupees for a thousand litre drum. Since supplies depend on others not buying the entire water before you do, neighbours pool in and buy 3,000 litres, which they store in several smaller drums. This way, the water dalal knows he has a secure market and buyers are assured regular supply. There is little choice. Bore wells are nearly dry. Some baoris have water, and surplus is sold to the water contractors. In more rural areas, a worker complained, a water-dalal sometimes won't sell the water in anticipation of higher prices elsewhere.

A relatively affluent farmer complained he had only one crop last year, since there was no rainfall at all.

Water harvesting-not the only solution in any case-is only just starting. Everyone who can is purchasing water. It is as much about scarcity as about distribution. The situation underscores how perverse markets can be. And how ill-equipped governance is to handle an old environmental crisis.

Unveiling 'Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Lok Sabha Election 2024 Date Live, Lok Sabha Election 2024 Schedule along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Bharati Chaturvedi is an environmentalist and writer. She is the founder and director of Chintan Environmental Research and Action Group.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Sunday, March 17, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On