After observing the Independence Day on August 15 last week, and after having lunch, when it was time to get refresh, the mobile screen popped with the notification. Having opened it, it attracted most of the attention. Yes, it was the breaking news which said that the retaining wall collapses and breaks the main water pipelines at Kerian-Khandepar. Thus, the water supply to Tiswadi, Marcel, Cumbharjua will get affected.
People first didn’t get the seriousness of what had happened. Later, when the next day the water supply became minimal, and the water tanks started going dry, people understood the situation and started acting. Neighbours started coming together. People brought water from the wells, and hand pumps. Water tankers were called. People even bought bottled water for the drinking purpose. These affected areas, saw a very active change.
In all these days, there was eagerness in the mind of the people to when the pipeline gets repaired. Everyone prayed that it gets repaired soon. At the same time, people have shown their patience towards whatever happened. There was lot of tolerance which was seen. People adjusted soon to the transformation. There was sharing of water. People reached for the other people’s needs of water. And this is something to be appreciated. The way the people managed the situation is simply great.
And also all the authorities, departments and workers who worked every minute for the reparation work are to be thanked. It is very grateful these authorities understood the seriousness and the problems people face due to lack of water and thus worked soon. The collapsing of retaining wall was due to the wetting of mud due to heavy rain, but whatever the situation happened, once again reminded all of us that water is life. Without water, the day doesn’t start. Now that we have once again learnt a lesson from the nature, can we take water harvesting seriously? There are inches of rainfall every year that Goa receives. Can’t we as responsible citizens implement water harvesting in our houses?
We have learnt that there can come any such situations when our taps might run dry. Accidents can happen anytime. At such times, we need to have some amount of water available. The idiom, ‘save some for the rain’ reminds again. But, we need not save water only during the rain but also throughout the year. I hope at least now, we harvest rain water!
