Water is a precious resource that is becoming dearer. Experts have even predicted that future wars would be fought over water. Secretary of the water consultancy group, Upper Godavari Area Water Partnership, Asha Verulkar, who has presented a paper on ‘Water of Godavari’ at international seminars, spoke with DNA Nashik correspondent Vaishali Balajiwale on the need to look at water issue seriously.

Why is the world’s focus on water so serious?Exhausting water resources is a serious threat to our survival. The issue of water becomes serious because of non-availability, non-accessibility and pollution. One of the fallouts of urbanisation has resulted in exhaustion of surface and groundwater. Pollution of water bodies is blatant. Research indicates alarming statistics. For example it is indicated that worldwide, two lakh tons of human excreta is released into water. Add agricultural and industrial waste to this and you have pollution of a large magnitude. This is a direct invitation for water-borne diseases. The world demography is changing and so is the need for water to suit our lifestyles. Keeping this in mind, the United Nations has declared ‘Water for cities’ as the theme for 2011.

Could you elaborate on this theme?In the next decade, particularly in the Asian countries, 60% of the population will be residing in cities. The need for water in cities will increase even more then. It is estimated that slums will increase and they may not have proper drinking water facilities and for usage. This will naturally affect the health and sanitation of a large number of people. It is therefore necessary to plan in order to meet the growing need for water in cities.

How does the water economics work? On an average, each person needs 135-140 litres of water per day; out of which 8 litres is used for drinking and the rest for cleanliness and sanitation. According to the world statistics, about 789 million people do not have sanitation facilities whereas 830 million people stay in slums and water availability here is a problem. On the other hand, for a small number of people plenty of water is available, that is it is more than what is needed. On one hand there is scarcity and on the other hand there is misuse. It is also indicated that around 50% of water is wasted during distribution.

What is the remedy to improve the situation?Change in perspective, to begin with. We need to be mature enough to think of water in an integrated manner. If we are looking at the near future, proper planning to meet the needs of migrating population in the cities will be urgent. This may call for regulations on pollution control, effective sewage treatment plants and proper sanitation measures. We also need to focus on economical use of water in terms of its quantity of usage.

Another measure that can be considered is water traffic. If water is metered well and priced high, its wastage may be controlled. Mass awareness on this taken for granted commodity is essential. I have even suggested for a water museum in Nashik for awareness.

Asha Verulkar, secretary, Godavari Area Water Partnership.