FOOD ADULTERATION – A SERIOUS HEALTH PROBLEM

A Maharashtra Cadre IAS officer of 2005-batch Mr. Tukaram Mundhe, posted presently in Mumbai as the Commissioner of Food and Drug Administration of the state, is currently the talk of the town for very good reasons. He has spearheaded an aggressive state-wide crackdown on food safety and adulteration violations. Shouldn't his counterparts in other states and union territories undertake regular campaigns against the adulterators at least with the same intensity and integrity, if not better?

Undoubtedly, food adulteration has been one of the biggest health problems of our country. It is found that many of the stomach, heart, kidney and liver-related medical issues are also closely linked with food adulteration. Actually, adulterated food items affect our body slowly, but surely like slow poisoning. The growing number of patients particularly in cities is the vindication of this fact. The quality of mid-day meals being served to millions of students in government schools has been a cause of concern because of adulteration issues as well. The media reports of children falling sick after consumption of mid-day meals come almost regularly from this or that part of the country. Actually, the malaise of food adulteration is very deep-rooted and quite widespread.   

Leaving aside for now the issues concerning deceptive advertising and marketing, and also pricing of a number of products being used by children and ladies in particular, it is normally found that certain daily use items like milk, paneer, ghee and other dairy products, edible oils, sweets, honey and spices are the soft targets of adulteration. It is now a common knowledge that even unclean water is mixed in milk; artificial milk is prepared by mixing detergent, urea etc., Similarly, adulteration in spices, honey, ghee and edible oils has become common. It is shocking that adulterated items are found to have toxic chemicals too, which are very dangerous for our health. 

Yes, we come to know about occasional raids in hotels, restaurants, shops and go downs by the food safety personnel, particularly before prominent festivals in different parts of the country where items of human consumption are found in adulterated forms in most of the cases. Shouldn’t such exercises be undertaken regularly across the country? Are such raids and inspections conducted strictly as per the mandate of FSSAI?

It is rightly said that awareness is half the solution. As such, it is worth knowing that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which consolidates various acts and orders that had hitherto handled food-related issues across various Ministries and Departments. The FSSAI has been created for laying down science-based standards for articles of food and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import, to ensure the availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption. The FSSAI and the State Food Safety Authorities enforce the various provisions of the Act. The FSSAI operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Its head office is situated in New Delhi. The Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of FSSAI are appointed by the Government of India.

There is no denying the fact that FSSAI has a very challenging role to ensure implementation of its own prescriptions and regulations on the ground. Yes, being the principal nodal agency, FSSAI is duty bound to coordinate appropriately with Food Safety Authorities of the states for uniform, effective and visible enforcement of the law in all places of the country. Adequate man-power should not be a constraint in this regard, as keeping every citizen in good health is very necessary. The central government and all the state governments including union territories must come on the same page to include this in their top-priority list for execution in reality. 

The media – print, electronic and social, and civil society have a very significant role to play in this matter. To start with, programs of public awareness about the adverse impact of food adulteration, coverage of violations of FSSAI norms in the media prominently on a regular basis and drawing the attention of concerned food safety officials on visible violations can be initiated and sustained.

As always, I'm keen to know what you think on this subject. Hence, I request you to post your comments to share your valuable opinion.  (hellomilansinha@gmail.com)

 # Published in my Sunday Column of "Morning India" daily.                   

# Click here to enjoy my Blog in Hindi, "Chalte, Chalte" (चलते, चलते)     

BETTER TO ENHANCE THE POWER OF CONCENTRATION

 

Most people know the power of concentration. Experts normally cite the example of Arjuna of Mahabharat days, Gautam Buddha, Ramkrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekananda, Albert Einstein and other such luminaries in this regard. We know well about them and their exceptional achievements. It is said that the secret of success is zero or minimum distraction and optimum concentration or the art of turning all your powers on just one point at a time, of course in a positive sense. 

Ironically, it is observed that some people in every profession are interested in concentrating their mind in manipulation only for getting power and money. Is it desirable, ethical or legal?

During my session on motivation and wellness, the participants, particularly students, ask the question that they want to study, do the needful, but are unable to concentrate. Similar is the case with many people across different professions. Normally, I tell them and also make them understand through some examples about some tested ways to enhance the power of concentration. Let us elaborate and discuss.

Everybody knows that normally when sun rays fall on a piece of paper, no visible change is seen. But when sun rays are concentrated on the same piece of paper through a magnifying glass, the paper starts burning. It is nothing but the power of concentration. 

Let us take another example. One student who was facing the concentration issue in his life was given a simple looking task in front of his class-mates. The task was to take a round of the sports field by holding a glass-full of water with a condition that during the performance of that task, even one drop of water should not fall from the glass. If it falls, he will have to take another round of the field. The student happily accepted the task. Although the task was seemingly easy, the condition of not dropping even one drop of water while taking the round of the field was really difficult. Notwithstanding this big challenge, the student completed the assigned task successfully. Everybody including the teacher congratulated the student. Thereafter, the teacher asked the student whether during taking the round of the field he heard his friends cheering him constantly or he noticed what the other onlookers were saying about the challenge. The student said that he was not at all aware of what was going on around him as he was concentrating only on completing the task nicely. The teacher complimented him for showing the power of concentration and said to all the students that ignoring what is not needed to concentrate on the task at hand guarantees success in almost everything.

Swami Vivekananda said very clearly, “To me the very essence of education is concentration of mind, not the collection of facts. If I had to do my education over again, and had any voice in the matter, I would not study facts at all. I would develop the power of concentration and detachment, and then with a perfect instrument (mind) I could collect facts at will.” 

Undeniably, improvement in the power of concentration results in better performance, confidence, decision making and peace of mind. But the question is how to improve this power?

Yes, by practicing some concentration enhancement exercises daily, it becomes easier to control the fickleness of mind and improve the power of concentration. All of us can very well ensure this by incorporating breathing exercise (Pranayama) and Meditation in our daily routine. It is not difficult, provided we are genuinely interested. Saints and wise people say that Pranayama and Meditation are nothing but the proven system of enhancing the power of concentration. 

So, start it with 10-10 minutes of both – Pranayama and Meditation. Once you start getting the positive results, you would be inclined to increase the time to 20-20 minutes or more. Yes, this should be done in the morning after finishing your wash room engagements, but before taking breakfast. Starting with Anulom-Vilom Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing), which is the easiest one, is the best option. For Meditation, just sit comfortably in a meditative pose like Sukhasana by keeping your spine straight and body relaxed. Breathe in and breathe out mindfully with your eyes closed. With even 10-minutes of regular meditation for at least a month, you would feel a significant positive change in your power of concentration. 

As always, I'm keen to know what you think on this subject. Hence, I request you to post your comments to share your valuable opinion.  (hellomilansinha@gmail.com)

 # Published in my Sunday Column of "Morning India" daily.                   

# Click here to enjoy my Blog in Hindi, "Chalte, Chalte" (चलते, चलते)     

ARE PAVEMENTS OF OUR CITY SUITABLE FOR PEDESTRIANS?

Do roads in your city have pavements? If yes, are these pavements encroachment free? Are these pavements suitable for pedestrians in respect of safety, smoothness and cleanliness? These and some more related questions come to our mind when we go out on foot for sundry daily works in any city of our country. 

Normally, pavements on both sides of city roads are part of the road traffic plan. It is generally found on official paper and in some cases on the ground as well. But the condition of the pavements wherever in existence by the side of the road is seen to be believed. 

Most of these pavements are either fully encroached by the shopkeepers and hawkers or are in a bad shape. This state of affairs is generally in the know of the civic authorities. Yes, anti-encroachment drive is undertaken occasionally by the concerned departments due to various reasons including court’s intervention to clear the roads and footpaths in some areas, but very little follow-up action is seen to have taken to ensure non-repetition of encroachment by the same hawkers and shopkeepers. 

Naturally, the walkers have very little or no choice but to walk on the road at their own risk of being hit by motorised vehicles or falling due to man-made obstructions on the pavements. The senior citizens, children and ladies are the worst hit.   

It is heartening that the Supreme Court of India recently directed the Central Government to ensure a properly demarcated encroachment free space for pedestrians while deciding an appeal arising from the death of a five-year-old boy who was fatally hit by a tanker while walking to school with his father. The apex court asked the ASG (Additional Solicitor General) to instruct the authorities concerned to make sure that the space meant for walking is not encroached upon and is properly separated from motor vehicle lanes. 

The Division Bench of the Supreme Court also said the following: 1) Wherever there is a road, there should be a walkers’ space; 2) Without any big investment and construction, just ensure that proper demarcation is done of walker space. Do it with a rope or anything and ensure it is not encroached; 3) The right to walk on a demarcated footpath is a fundamental right and the pedestrians should have confidence that the space is meant for them and they can walk freely without any threat of moving vehicles. 4)  Walking is not merely a mode of travel but an essential part of life and personal liberty. And the right to walk flows from the constitutional guarantee of free movement under Article 19(1)(d), as well as the rights under other Articles of the constitution; 5) Recognising a fundamental right also creates a corresponding duty on public authorities. If the road exists, there is a duty to ensure that there are demarcated and well-maintained footpaths for walkers; 6) The responsibility lies with urban development authorities, municipal corporations, municipalities and panchayats, which must ensure that footpaths and other pedestrian infrastructure are properly constructed, maintained and protected; 7) Citizens can seek legal and constitutional remedies, including compensation, if their right to walk on safe footpaths is violated. Such remedies would be independent of those available under the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988.

Now, in the light of existing laws and the apex court’s directive, it would be essential and appropriate for the concerned departments to review thoroughly the current status of the existing pavements/footpaths under their jurisdiction in order to make them safe, clean and perfectly walkable. Where pavements are still not constructed, it should be done without further delay. Naturally, this will require firm will power and commitment on the part of administrative machinery for time bound action against all the wrongdoers so as to comply with the apex court’s directive. This list of wrongdoers will naturally include the planners, contractors, engineers, civic authorities and such other erring officials. 

The civil society and the media should also come forward to highlight and report aberrations and encroachments on an ongoing basis with a follow-up mechanism in place. After all, the citizens of every place have the right to ask the question about the genuine utilisation of the public fund being spent for not only construction of the pavements/footpaths, but also about its proper maintenance and upkeep.

As always, I'm keen to know what you think on this subject. Hence, I request you to post your comments to share your valuable opinion.   (hellomilansinha@gmail.com)     

# Published in my Sunday Column of "Morning India" daily.

# Click here to enjoy my Blog in Hindi, "Chalte, Chalte" (चलते, चलते)          

THEIR ROLE IS CRUCIAL IN SHAPING STUDENTS’ LIFE

 

It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge, says Albert Einstein, the renowned scientist and Nobel Laureate. Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, is of the opinion that ‘technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is the most important.’ Rightly so. 

The teacher plays the most crucial role in making and shaping the life of every student. Undoubtedly, whenever and wherever we find a society and finally a country that is developing in a qualitative manner, it is primarily because of the contribution of thousands of teachers who have been assiduously involved in teaching and guiding their students with the sole goal of producing millions of good citizens. 

It is truer in the present time of AI (Artificial Intelligence), social media, online classes and fast expanding digital and technological accessibility. Obviously, it is a big challenge for every teacher to manage this change amid growing expectations of students and parents.

In his famous book, "Wings of Fire” our former President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam narrates beautifully his experiences about his early formative day teacher. He writes, “Once I settled down at the Schwartz High School, Ramanathapuram, the enthusiastic 15-year-old within me re-emerged. My teacher, Iyadurai Soloman, was an ideal guide for an eager young mind that was yet uncertain of the possibilities and alternatives that lay before it. He made his students feel very comfortable in class with his warm and open-minded attitude. During my stay at Ramanathapuram, my relationship with him grew beyond that of teacher and pupil. In his company, I learnt that one could exercise enormous influence over the events of one’s own life. He (Solomon) instilled in all the children a sense of their own worth. Solomon raised my self-esteem to a high point and convinced me, the son of parents who had not had the benefits of education, that I too could aspire to become whatever I wished. By the time I completed my education at Schwartz, I was a self-confident boy determined to succeed." 

Maybe that was the reason William Arthur Ward asserted, “The mediocre teacher tells; the good teacher explains; the superior teacher demonstrates and the great teacher inspires.”

The important place of a teacher in everyone's life was emphasised nicely and forcefully by the great mystic poet, philosopher and saint, Kabir Das through a Hindi couplet, ‘Guru Govind Dou Khade, Kako Lagun Paanw; Balihari Guru Aapne Jo Govind Diyo Batay’ which means ‘when both the teacher (Guru) and the God (Govind) are standing before me, whose feet should I touch first; I bow to you my teacher for telling me about the God.’

Now, let me share with you a very inspiring real life short story of Alexander the Great and his renowned teacher, Aristotle, the Greek philosopher and polymath. In the course of a journey both Alexander and Aristotle found a river to be crossed to reach the other side, but none of them had any idea how deep the river was. As such, there was risk in crossing it. Aristotle marched forward to cross the river first, but Alexander stopped him and insisted instead to let him cross first with his extremely touching and inspiring argument. He (Alexander) said, “You are my teacher and I am your student. Even though I die, you can produce hundreds of Alexanders, but if you die, I can't produce another Aristotle.” It filled Aristotle with unbounded pride and made him speechless. That was the level of respect for the teacher. That might be the reason for Alexander's expression of his feeling in these words, "I am indebted to my father for living, but to my teacher for living well."

Today is the birth anniversary of a great teacher, philosopher and statesman, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the first Vice President of India and the second President of the Indian Union. We celebrate his birthday as Teachers’ Day (5th September) in our country. Whatever little has been discussed on this occasion will prove worthwhile only if we heartily salute such good teachers and bless all such promising students who are still in large numbers in our society. This day also provides us with an opportunity to introspect, ponder and act appropriately both individually and collectively either as a teacher or a student or a common citizen to make our country illiteracy-free and wisdom-rich and thereby fulfil the dream of Dr. Radhakrishnan as he used to say, "The end-product of education should be a free creative man, who can battle against historical circumstances and adversities of nature."

As always, I'm keen to know what you think on this subject. Hence, I request you to post your comments to share your valuable opinion.  (hellomilansinha@gmail.com)

 # Published in "Morning India" newspaper.                   

# Click here to enjoy my Blog in Hindi, "Chalte, Chalte" (चलते, चलते)      

NEED TO ADDRESS WATER POLLUTION ISSUES ON PRIORIOTY

               

Recently there was headline news regarding the CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General of India) report of harmful bacteria (E. coli) found in drinking water samples collected from water taps of 49 stations in 2022-23 and 56 stations in 2023-24. 

It is good that the Minister of Railways directed the authorities to take corrective measures to put in place a new tank to tap filtration system and a monitoring mechanism at the Railway Board level for ensuring the supply of good quality water. Nevertheless, it would be interesting to know about the findings of the CAG report of 2024-25 and 2025-26 regarding the water supply quality at thousands of stations. 

Actually, all organisations – public and private both, should have a SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) for periodical exercise of water quality audit in their work places to ensure provision of good quality of water. 

Similar or more frequent and serious exercises must be undertaken for ‘Nal Se Jal Yojana’ of the Central Government.

Monsoon is still on in some parts of our country with consequent deteriorating flood situation usually in states like UP, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam and Odisha, to name a few. It's an open fact that during this period the water pollution becomes worse in many parts of the country. The pathetic state of the huge population suffering from water borne diseases are seen to be believed particularly in urban slums and rural areas. 

The pertinent question has been whether water pollution finds a priority position particularly in the agenda of state governments at the execution level? No doubt, it is shown to be high on its agenda on paper and ironically in many cases huge money allocated and spent too. Yes, the concerned agencies looking into the utilisation of public money must look into it meticulously, as it is directly connected with all living beings.

Before proceeding further, we may go through some facts related to water pollution in our country. It is true that 

1) the poor and the disadvantaged section of society are the worst hit by water pollution. These people, which comprises a sizable portion of our population, have to use unclean and unsafe water. Obviously, various water borne diseases like Diarrhea, Cholera, Malaria, and Filariasis affect them most resulting in large number of deaths every year; 2) significant number of communicable diseases are also related to polluted water; 3) most of our rivers including Ganga and Yamuna are still polluted as sewage, trash, food, animal remains and industrial wastes containing toxic chemicals are dumped in large quantities despite more than one initiatives taken particularly by the Central Government; 4) oxygen content in water is depleting very fast; 5) due to ground water contamination as a result of interaction between groundwater and unclean surface water, situation has become further grave.

The above list is indicative of the growing menace of water pollution and its disastrous impact on a very large population of the country. This naturally demands urgent corrective measures including complete stoppage of dumping industrial wastes, sewage and plastic wastes into water bodies by all concerned in an integrated and concerted manner. 

Interestingly, WHO (World Health Organisation) says very rightly that ‘when water comes from improved and more accessible sources, people spend less time and effort physically collecting it, meaning they can be productive in other ways. This can also result in greater personal safety and reducing musculoskeletal disorders by reducing the need to make long or risky journeys to collect and carry water. Better water sources also mean less expenditure on health, as people are less likely to fall ill and incur medical costs and are better able to remain economically productive. With children particularly at risk from water-related diseases, access to improved sources of water can result in better health, and hence better school attendance, with positive long-term consequences for their lives.’ 

Precisely speaking, there is an urgent need to address water pollution issues on priority. Yes, the overall cost of making provision of clean water to one and all in the country by smart and sustainable management of water pollution is lesser than the value of multiple health and life-related benefits. 

As always, I'm keen to know what you think on this subject. Hence, I request you to post your comments to share your valuable opinion.   (hellomilansinha@gmail.com)     

# Published in my Sunday Column of "Morning India" daily.

# Click here to enjoy my Blog in Hindi, "Chalte, Chalte" (चलते, चलते)  

IS ENCROACHMENT JUST AN EVENT OR A MINDSET?

 

             

Almost every day we find headline news in the media that demolition and bulldozer action against encroachment took place in different places in one or more than one state. It is now a common scene in most of the cities that some portion on both sides of the roads is already encroached that generally creates traffic problems. 

It is also a fact that thousands of cases are pending in different courts related to encroachment of land or property or both by different persons and organisations.

Interestingly, the growing incidence of encroachment is not restricted to physical property only, rather it’s multi-dimensional in nature.

The land area of any country is defined, demarcated and limited until and unless the country encroaches the land of any neighbouring country by force or deceit or manipulation. 

The owners of the land are mostly documented in land records of the government. In a very few cases where the actual owner is no more and there are no legal claimants of the land or building, the property can be said to be lying as it is or disputed. As such, in all other cases there should not be any question of not knowing the owner of the property. 

So far as the government land and building are concerned, all valid documents are and should be available with the government. It being so, how is it possible to encroach the government land by any one - individual, group or organisation – religious, educational and others, without any information to the concerned government office for months together? In a number of cases the suitable remedial action is not initiated even after receiving the written complaints to that effect. 

Ironically, in many cases spread across the country, not only the government lands were encroached or grabbed in an unauthorised and illegal manner, but also buildings were constructed based on the map approved by the municipal authorities. Similar is the situation with encroached private properties. 

This raises many grave and disturbing questions. Isn’t it?

In today’s world of fast communication, it is not at all difficult for the local administration to know or find out the incidence of encroachment. Only by taking a round of one’s command area with an open eye to observe keenly the new developments in the intervening period from the last visit; by talking to the ground level staff working in that area; by encouraging inhabitants residing there and media persons for genuine feedback; by randomly selecting any area for discreet inspection about encroachment; and by taking other area-specific and need-based measures, majority of encroachment cases can be detected by the concerned government functionary. Once the administration has such information, the follow-up actions can very well be initiated without any delay as per the prevailing law. 

Undeniably, delays create many unnecessary problems such as manipulation and corruption by the administrative staff, resentment of common people, financial loss to the government etc.  

Interestingly, the encroachment is a mindset which can be seen in the behaviour and actions of many people, particularly those holding some position of power or are closer to power centres. 

Did you get me? Let me elaborate. 

Day in and day out, we find known faces on television screens shouting over one another during a panel discussion on a particular topic or subject to put forth their point of view despite the anchor’s repeated request to talk only when their turn comes. Obviously, it is nothing but the reflection of the encroaching mentality of the erring panellist. He or she intends to encroach upon the time allotted to the other member on the panel. Similarly, you may find people breaking the queue by encroaching on the rights of several people standing in the queue as responsible citizens, for a couple of minutes or hours. 

This set of people always try to encroach upon the opportunity, liberty, peace of mind and other constitutional rights of the common people. 

Precisely speaking, encroachment is to be seen not just as an event, but as a mindset and effective remedial steps by the administration, judiciary and civil society must be taken on a priority basis. Severe punishment to the erring officials for ignoring, delaying, conniving, manipulating and indulging in corrupt practices must be ensured without any delay or excuse. 

As always, I'm keen to know what you think on this subject. Hence, I request you to post your comments to share your valuable opinion.  (hellomilansinha@gmail.com)

 # Published in my Sunday Column of "Morning India" daily.                   

# Click here to enjoy my Blog in Hindi, "Chalte, Chalte" (चलते, चलते) 

FREEDOM IS NOTHING BUT A CHANCE TO DO BETTER

Every year all of us celebrate Independence Day on 15^th August with a sense of pride and nationalism. In a country where youth constitute more than 40% of our population, this day has a special significance as a fresh round of discussion on the correct meaning and relevance of freedom sets in every year. Interestingly however, this topic – freedom remains a point of constant discussion among the youth, especially the students of colleges and universities. Ironically, many students spend lots of their precious time discussing this subject, but fail to understand and appreciate the true meaning of this word. Some of these students get trapped in a vicious cycle of limitless discussion and controversy created by vested interest groups with an ulterior motive. In this way, such students not only waste their prime period of life, but also put their family in some inconveniences. 

The British historian, social reformer and novelist Charles Kingsley says that there are two types of freedom – the false, where a man is free to do what he likes; and the true, where he is free to do what he ought to do. Actually, true freedom signifies responsibility, goodness, courage, integrity, authenticity, empathy, inner strength and sincerity.

Student life provides every student the golden opportunity to know the value of freedom. And to realise the benefits of achieving freedom from injustice, illiteracy, vanity, prejudices, bondages and other negative things and to become capable to effect the positive change in that direction is the certificate of real education and freedom. 

Many great people have said in no uncertain terms that only by securing a few degrees, wearing expensive clothes or delivering good speech, nobody can claim to have real education and freedom. Actually, to be free from all the bad things to live a purposeful life where the good of the self together with the welfare of family, society and the country should be the life’s goal of every responsible citizen. 

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam says that freedom is not just about independence; it is about self-discovery and self-realisation. The message of Dr. Kalam is loud and clear. Isn’t it?

Normally, people take freedom as a blanket license for doing whatever they want. But can illegal and anti-social acts be treated as justified by any definition of freedom? Can violent protests and movements against any issue and destruction of public and private properties be ignored or condoned in the name of freedom? 

Many wise persons including Peter Marshall assert that freedom should be seen, not as the right to do as you like, but as the opportunity to do what is right. They also say that both rights and duties are part of freedom. Talking about our youth, they must have the freedom to engage themselves in studies, sports, travel, conversation and such other activities as clearly mentioned in our constitution for every citizen of this democratic country. 

Anyway, for all the people including youth, it is necessary to acquire knowledge, develop their understanding and increase their physical and mental strength on a priority basis.

It is not out of context to discuss here the condition of common people even after seventy-nine years of our growth journey since our country got freedom. Undeniably, a sizable number of people are still struggling to have the three most basic necessities of life namely food, clothing and housing, notwithstanding the rapid progress registered during the last twelve years. 

The other important necessities like education, health and employment for all are yet to be addressed in a befitting manner by all governments – central as well as state. Lots of public money has been spent with ever growing budgetary allocation, but the desired and commensurate results have not been registered. This has really been disappointing and a cause of serious concern. 

Now it is very essential for all sincere and committed policy makers, bureaucrats, social activists, media persons and such other people from all fields to join hands in order to find suitable and sustainable solutions so that we can make the country really self-reliant and at least free from all major problems, particularly concerning our common people. Ironically, some of these problems are actually man-made and system related, which must be solved urgently. 

As always, I'm keen to know what you think on this subject. Hence, I request you to post your comments to share your valuable opinion.   (hellomilansinha@gmail.com)     

# Published in my Sunday Column of "Morning India" daily.

# Click here to enjoy my Blog in Hindi, "Chalte, Chalte" (चलते, चलते)  

MINDFUL USE OF WATER – ESSENTIAL TO SAVE LIFE ON EARTH

It is well-known that the great civilizations of the world, including ours, blossomed on the banks of rivers. These rivers are so revered in India that people worship them as their mother. Whether it is Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, Saryu, Narmada, Krishna, Godavari, Mahanadi, Chenab or Jhelum, Indians, particularly common men, have a feeling that their life moves with the flow of these rivers. 

But due to increasing population; unplanned growth of cities and industries in general; rampant river pollution; excessive sand mining; cutting of trees in the catchment areas and other factors, the sanctity and survival of most of these rivers are at stake. The plight of most of them can be seen to be believed.

It is said that water covers about 70% of the surface of the earth, but only 2.5% water is drinkable. About 18% of the world population reside in India with 4% of the world's water sources. Indian Agriculture uses about 80% of water, Industries 10% and the rest 10% by Indian households and others. 

It’s also notable that man can’t survive more than 3 days without water; a drop of water is worth more than a sack of gold to a thirsty person. Our household work can’t go smoothly for even 3-4 hours without water. But are we really aware of this and are also concerned about this? Don’t many of us use water thoughtlessly? Do we motivate our children to save water in all possible manner? 

It is estimated that due to pipe leakage, faulty plumbing, keeping the water running while bathing, brushing or lathering, leaving taps open casually and other such reasons that can easily be addressed and set right, more than 5000 crore litres of water are wasted daily in our country which is sufficient for daily water consumption needs of about 33 crore people. Can’t we do something to stop this massive wastage?   

Fresh portable water is already a precious commodity in almost every part, particularly in many drier parts of the country. The packaged water industry has been flourishing speedily. It is said that the market size of the packaged drinking water in our country was valued at more than Rs.33000 crores in 2025 and is estimated to cross Rs.58000 crores by 2032. The tanker culture is penetrating an increasing number of cities very fast mostly without pertinent and plausible reason. 

Despite these hard facts, the true value of water is yet to be fully understood even by the educated segments of society. That’s why some environmental activists say that it is imperative to bring back the culture of recognising the real value of water for saving and sustaining life on this planet.                              

You too must have seen blatant abuse and overuse of water even in certain government organisations and at the same time found to spend lots of public money in the name of water supply and its management.

Shouldn’t all government and semi-government organisations including public sector undertakings use water judiciously? 

Yes, it is never too late to take corrective steps to save this life saving liquid. To say, in the agriculture sector efficient irrigation methods like drip and sprinkler systems can be used in far more land area under irrigation from the current level of only 35 percent of irrigated land. Similarly, in high water consuming industries like steel, chemicals, textiles etc., the modern water management systems should replace the outdated ones wherever still in existence. It is heartening that the Central Government has already initiated certain water use efficiency measures in this respect.  

It is rightly said that charity begins at home. So, in household sector also, we can take many easy and effective steps to save water like  using buckets/mugs/watering cans to water the plants; keeping the water tap closed while brushing the teeth and shaving; cleaning the car by using a cloth or sponge and water in the bucket; keeping the shower tap open while soaping in the shower; using good soap during bathing instead of shower gel as it requires more water to rinse off gel soap; using a broom instead of a hose pipe for cleaning driveways, patios, sidewalks and such other places in our compound; adopting the water recycling and reusing system wherever possible. Definitely, there are many other water saving methods which can be put in place in our daily life. 

Undeniably, even by just becoming mindful while using water, a lot of water can be saved easily.

As always, I'm keen to know what you think on this subject. Hence, I request you to post your comments to share your valuable opinion.  (hellomilansinha@gmail.com)

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