WATER BOILS
   Date :21-May-2019

 
AS WATER stocks continue to deplete in dams, rivers, and reservoirs in most parts of the country, ground situation has worsened to the extent of a public revolt. Apart from the frequent clashes over water sharing, a disturbing event has come to fore from Dalwat village in Maharashtra where some villagers allegedly damaged a dam gate to divert stored water. This breach underlines the severity of water crisis in drought-hit regions of many States. In Maharashtra, the problem is assuming dangerous proportions without any relief in sight. The dam breach incident was an irresponsible action on part of the villagers, for, it only resulted in more wastage of stored water. But it is pointer towards pent-up anger among the masses. Despite the State Government’s water conservation project ‘Jalyukt Shivar’ and Pani Foundation’s watershed management programmes, the spectre of drought still lurks in many parts. Water tankers are being used to mitigate the crisis but it is only a limited succor. New sources can only help tide over the crisis.
 
FATHOMING NATION
 
Prime Minister Mr. Modi was absolutely right in urging the citizens to travel in India. He said, “I want the people of our nation to see the country. While I do not have any objection to them travelling to foreign countries but they should also travel to see the different places in our country”. Travelling by Indians is growing by leaps and bounds and for majority of Indians, travelling is a tranquiliser from bustling life. Indians are travelling in large numbers to foreign destinations. Even the number of people visiting domestic destinations has increased. According to a survey, majority of Indians travel once in a year, it reveals that 54% of Indian travellers take only one holiday per year, while only 17% tend to travel more than twice a year. People from cities like leisure trips to take a break from the fuss of city life. But 97% of the Indian travellers travel within the country for their spiritual needs. Domestic travelling as emphasised by PM will help in gaining knowledge and better understanding of the country’s rich culture.