The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted normal rainfall all over India to the extent of 97% give or take 5% points on either side. The fears about water shortage in India are totally unfounded as most of the rivers and water bodies are fed by rain water. Also India is surrounded by the sea with perennial source of water. If interlinking of rivers can be made in India no region should lack water as long as rains are normal. Mineral water has become a business in India since potable water is not abundant. However, we have to take heart from the fact that UAE which has hardly any rain has a huge desalination plant located at Jebel Ali, a subsidiary of Dubai Aluminium (Dubal) which is one of the biggest in the world that supplies potable water to the entire of UAE through a very professionally managed network of water pipelines. At the most India can also set up desalination plants if sea water is to be used to produce potable water. However, it is important that in India, we manage to curb pollution of water bodies through strict rules for discharge of effluents and treatment of sewage water. The scarcity of water can be solved if a prudent and judicious framework for sharing of river waters in India becomes a priority. It is also important for the IMD to identify flood prone areas as well as drought-hit areas so as to manage excess and deficient water areas in accordance with necessities. Interlinking of rivers can lead to a self-sufficient India, where water shortage will never occur if a master plan for interlinking of rivers is managed so as to benefit the whole of India.
Elvidio Miranda, via email
