Water, synonymous with life, has always played a crucial role in human civilization. Let’s begin with the Indus Valley Civilization, one of the earliest cradles of human development. In those ancient times, before constructing any building, the drainage system was meticulously planned and built first. It was determined beforehand how and where the water from each house would be drained. Fast forward to today, and we find ourselves in a situation where most cities and towns in India are grappling with severe waterlogging during the monsoon season. The once visionary approach to water management has given way to a chaotic scramble to deal with the deluge.
As the rainy season reaches its final phase, the waterlogging issue has taken a distressing turn. Rainwater is flooding streets, creating almost flood-like situations in many cities. The drainage system, or the lack thereof, has exacerbated this problem. This article delves into why this situation has arisen, what can be done to mitigate it, and how we can implement effective water management strategies.
Understanding the Problem
The root of the waterlogging problem lies in a multitude of factors: unplanned urban expansion, haphazard construction without considering the regional geographical context, a dense and growing population, inadequate sewer systems, and the absence of rainwater management. Additionally, the filling up of natural ponds and water bodies to make way for buildings has left no room for water to flow or seep into the ground. The nature of water is to flow, but we have failed to provide it with a path, a destination, or a means to be absorbed by the earth.
Short-Term Measures
To address this issue, we need to take action on multiple fronts, starting with immediate short-term measures. Preparation for the monsoon must begin well before the rains arrive. Despite the predictable timing of the monsoon, we often wait until the first signs of waterlogging to start addressing the problem. Drains and sewer lines should be cleaned in advance, and municipal bodies must be equipped with the necessary machines, resources, and technical expertise to handle the anticipated rainfall.
It’s also crucial to identify areas prone to waterlogging before the rains start. For these hotspots, extra sewer lines and water pumps should be installed to ensure that trapped water can be quickly drained. In places lacking proper sewer systems, temporary water pumps can be used to divert water to areas with functional drainage systems.
Medium-Term Measures
Medium-term solutions involve more structural changes. Two key areas of focus should be rainwater harvesting and the construction of adequate sewer lines and wastewater treatment facilities. In densely populated urban areas, where space is limited, rainwater harvesting might be challenging at the individual household level. However, it can be highly effective in community spaces such as government buildings, courts, banks, stadiums, and large residential societies. Rainwater harvesting not only reduces dependency on groundwater but also helps mitigate waterlogging by channeling rainwater away from streets and into storage systems.
Simultaneously, the expansion of urban areas must be accompanied by the construction of proper sewer lines. Currently, many cities lack sufficient sewer infrastructure, leading to untreated wastewater contaminating rivers and other water bodies. The establishment of sewage treatment plants (STPs), especially in smaller cities and towns, is essential. Natural methods of wastewater treatment, using plants and trees that absorb heavy metals and purify water, should also be explored and implemented.
Long-Term Measures
Long-term solutions require a fundamental shift in our approach to urban planning and development. To create a sustainable ecology, we must work within the regional geographical context. This involves reviving ponds and lakes, which can store excess rainwater, and constructing wells to recharge groundwater. It is imperative to give water the space and freedom to flow naturally and percolate into the ground.
The culture of covering every inch of land with concrete must change. This practice not only increases urban heat but also prevents water from seeping into the soil, leading to more severe waterlogging. Urban planning must prioritize nature, incorporating building materials and construction techniques that align with environmental sustainability.
Additionally, a crucial aspect of long-term water management is controlling the mass migration from villages to cities. By improving the quality of life in rural areas and making development village-centric, the pressure on urban infrastructure can be reduced, making water management in cities more feasible.
Implementation: Government and Society
The question of implementation involves both the government and society. While government action is crucial, solely blaming the authorities will not solve the problem. As the great filmmaker Satyajit Ray once said, “The only solutions that are ever worth anything are the solutions that people find themselves.” Communities must take initiative through the formation of formal and informal committees dedicated to water management in their localities.
Just as committees are formed for festivals and religious gatherings, similar groups should focus on managing water-related issues. These committees can seek expert advice on suitable water management strategies for their neighborhoods and make preparations before the monsoon arrives. Collaboration between the community and local administration is vital for effective water management.
Communities need to work towards making their localities as eco-friendly as possible, identifying places where ponds and wells can be constructed. Society must include water management in its agenda, understanding that collective action is essential.
As environmentalist Anupam Mishra once said, “Water does not forget its path. The localities built by usurping ponds get flooded in the rainy season, and as soon as the rainy season is over, the clouds of water crisis start gathering in these localities.” This is the story of our times. While clean rainwater flows down our streets and drains, a significant portion of our population struggles to access clean water.
We must learn to manage water wisely, remembering that water came first, and only then did mankind. If water vanishes, so will we. As we conclude, let us recall the words of the poet Rahim, who wisely said:
“Rahiman Pani Rakhiye Bin Pani Sab Sun”