| Question (1): |
The Pollution Control Board has put together a plan to collect used dry cells and hand it over to an authorized industry to recycle them. So, very soon, bright blue and red bins, shaped like dry pen-torch cells will appear in the markets, at petrol bunks, your favourite cinema halls and other important retail outlets in the city. A celebrity will endorse the campaign and a picture will indicate that used dry cells must be dropped inside.
Karnataka State Pollution Control Board Chairman, Upendra Tripathy said, Dumping cells with household unsegregated garbage into land fills poisons the land and percolates with the rain water into the ground water reserves. Most of this hazardous and carcinogenic waste lingers in the water and on earth for hundreds of years. He also added, Next week, a major awareness drive will be launched roping in schools, colleges and NGOs.
You are Akilesh living at 121, 11th cross, I Block, Rajajinagar, Bangalore. You are delighted on reading this news item in The Times of India. You write a letter to the Editor of this newspaper expressing your appreciation for the right step being taken by the Pollution Control Board. Write this letter.
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Answer: 21, 11th cross
1st Block, Rajajinagar
Bangalore
The Editor
The Times of India
M.G. Road
Bangalore
21st April 2002
Sir
Sub: Collection of used dry cells
I read in your newspaper about the steps being taken by the Pollution Control Board, to segregate the collection of used dry cells and recycle them. This is highly commendable, a step in the right direction.
These cells would be otherwise thrown into land fills, where they would poison the land and the ground water reserves. These carcinogenic wastes would remain in the water and on earth for hundreds of years. This type of waste management is already in place in the West, but in India we are starting it only now. It is better late than never.
This scheme would be launched with a lot of advertisement and fanfare, ensuring that people would come to know of it. It is also being accompanied by an awareness drive using NGOs, school and college students. This is most heartening because it is best to catch them young. Once young people understand the importance of reducing pollution and start insisting on all human activities being eco-friendly, there is hope for the world.
I do hope the Pollution Control Board will implement this scheme properly and take other steps to reduce pollution. Let us also pitch in and do our bit to save the earth.
Thanking you
Yours faithfully
Akilesh
(Akilesh)
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| Question (2): |
Write a letter to the Editor of a local newspaper stressing the need to spread awareness about eye donation. The following notes may be of help to you:
Grave need for more eye donations - just 5,000 corneal transplants done, actual need 1,00,000. 85 percent of those who receive new corneas regain sight - very few donate eyes, e.g., in our city with 70 deaths per day, just 2 donate.
Reason - lack of awareness, superstition, a notion that donating eyes disfigures the face, grief makes them forget about donation.
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Answer:
911, East Mada Street
Mylapore
Chenna
The Editor
The Hindu
Kasturi Buildings
Mount Road
Chennai
6th June 2002
Dear Sir
Sub: Awareness about eye donation
There is a grave need to spread awareness about eye donation. Donating an organ like a kidney is tough. A lot of thought has to go into it, as it is taken from a living person, but eyes are donated only after death. Yet it is not done. For example, in a city like ours, there are approximately 70 deaths per day. Yet only two out of them donate their eyes.
When we donate our eyes, we are primarily donating the cornea. This is used for transplantation in patients suffering from corneal blindness. Corneal transplant surgery is a miracle of our times - a remarkable 85 percent of the people who receive new corneas regain their sight. Yet, only 5,000 corneal transplants are done in India annually, while the actual need is 100,000 transplants.
Why do people hesitate to donate eyes?
Many are not even aware that such a donation can be done and that it is very useful. For others, religious beliefs and superstitions may come in the way of donation. Some others feel that, by removing the eyes, they would disfigure the face and that it would be a callous, disrespectful act. Actually, collection of eyes takes less than twenty minutes and does not disfigure the face. Many a time, though people would have pledged their eyes, at the time of death, their relatives hesitate, or they would simply forget that eyes have to be collected within six hours of death. Others are not sure whether eyes could be donated if the deceased was suffering from diabetes or hypertension or was very old.
All this shows that there is an urgent need to launch a campaign to create awareness about eye donation. NGOs must take up this task, roping in school and college students. Eye donation must become a part of every funeral. Once awareness and understanding of eye donation comes, it would become a source of comfort for the grieving family, as the eyes of their beloved would continue to be alive in another person.
Thanking you
Yours faithfully
Anupama
(Anupama Menon)
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| Question (3): |
Write a letter to the Editor of your local newspaper complaining about the menace of stray dogs, thereby suggesting some remedies. These notes may be helpful
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| Barking at night
| Shooting them
| | Dirtying the place
| Catching and leaving them in far off places
| | Bite can pass on rabies
| Sterilizing and vaccinating them
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You are Anand Shah at 138, Gandhi Marg, Ahmedabad.
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Answer:
138, Gandhi Marg
Ahmedabad.
The Editor
XYZ Newspaper
ABC Road
Ahmedabad.
14th Dec 2002
Dear Sir
Sub: Menace of stray dogs
Stray dogs are becoming a big menace in our locality. They fight with one another and chase people on bicycles. It is really frightening to have them around. They keep barking at night, disturbing our sleep. They dirty the place and walking on the foot path has become a nasty experience. Not only is this obnoxious, but it may also spread diseases. Since these dogs are not vaccinated, there is a danger of them contracting rabies. Recently, a friend of mine was bitten by a rabid dog and he had to take a number of painful injections.
A number of steps have been taken in the past to control their numbers, but none have proved successful. Stray dogs collected in vans, were taken to distant places and were either left there or shot. The animal rights activists justifiably raised an objection to this. I suggest that these dogs be vaccinated, sterilized and then released. Though initially their nuisance may remain, gradually their numbers will thin down and the problem may abate.
I do hope that the City Corporation will take appropriate steps to counter this menace.
Thanking you
Yours faithfully
Anand Shah
(Anand Shah |
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| Question (4): |
You read in the newspaper that a cluster of trees in a park are being cut down to make place for a huge 5 star hotel. You are against it and feel that other places can be found for this purpose. Taking ideas from the Unit 'Environment' and using your own ideas, write a letter to the Editor, The Statesman, 10, Rash Bihari Street, Kolkata.
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Answer:
162, Chowrangee Street
Kolkata
The Editor
The Statesman
Rash Bihari Street
Kolkata
22nd November 2002
Dear Madam or Sir
Sub: Cutting trees for building hotel
The idea of cutting down trees and destroying a park, to build a five star hotel is preposterous - disgusting, to say the least. Is it greed, short sightedness or foolishness that makes us think this way? Such a scheme should be given up at once.
Our cities have already become concrete jungles. Saving the little open space that has remained is very essential. Without this lung space, people will experience suffocation, pollution will reach dangerous levels and health problems will follow. It is but fair that the common man is left with some place to relax, to enjoy some greenery.
Many other places can be found to build a five-star hotel. The hilly, undulating area in the south-west of the city would be an ideal location. If this area is developed, it will also serve the people of the city. The park should be left undisturbed and facilities should be created for children to learn about these trees and play around them.
I do hope the Government will take a saner view of things, prevent the destruction of the park, and see to it that the five star hotel is built elsewhere.
Thanking you
Yours faithfully
Sumant Banerjee
(Sumant Banerjee)
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| Question (5): |
You are Tanya working for the I.T.D.C. (Indian Tourism Development Corporation). You feel that tourism is insufficiently developed in India, though there is a huge potential for it. But at the same time, you are not for mass tourism that is insensitive to the environment and people. You strongly advocate Ecotourism. Write an article about it in the in-house magazine, 'The Tourist'. Write this article using your own ideas and those given below defining Ecotourism.
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Answer: Can Ecotourism save tourism?
Tourism can be an important industry in India as it is blessed with unblemished natural beauty, picturesque landscapes and cultural diversity. Tourism can be an important source of income and employment - a way of alleviating poverty.
However, for all this to happen, tourism has to be sustainable. There is no point in killing the goose for the golden egg. The natural beauty of India, the historical monuments and the culture of its people have to remain unspoilt, if it has to continue to be a tourist attraction. This is where 'Ecotourism' comes in.
These days, of course, Ecotourism is the buzzword, the mantra for selling any package tour, and making short-term profits. Just a walk through the rain forest, a Himalayan trek or adventure sports do not amount to Ecotourism. It means something more than that.
Ecotourism involves environmentally-responsible trips to natural areas, to help promote conservation as well as welfare of the local people. It should have a deep impact on the tourists. They must be made to enjoy and appreciate nature and other cultural features that exist there, and not merely come there to litter, vandalize and pick up souvenirs. They should become genuine advocates of the conservation of flora and fauna, the use of renewable resources and so on. Ecological awareness must be created both in the urban tourists and in the local communities, and the funds generated from tourism should be used for the conservation of that area. Ecotourism ought to sensitize them to cultural variations and make them respect and appreciate the local cultures. Very often, tourism disturbs the local way of life and ultimately destroys the local tribes. But Ecotourism must showcase their culture - their songs, dances, artefacts and customs - so as to help preserve them. Ecotourism should also help the locals earn money and improve their standard of living.
So, for tourism to be a booming industry, provision of infrastructure - roads, hotels, transport - alone is not enough. Through planning, creativity and a genuine desire to save the world, a fine balance has to be maintained in three critical areas - tourism development, the needs of the local people, and conservation of the natural areas.
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| Question (6): |
The theme of your school magazine this year is 'Generation Gap'. You write an article for it in a light-hearted vein, on the major source of conflict between yourself and your parents - eating habits. Write this article using your own ideas and those from the unit 'Children'.
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Answer: Eating Habits - Our Parents and Us
Our eating habits are the major source of conflict between our parents and us. The food that we prefer to eat is termed junk. What our parents want us to eat is so dull and unpalatable.
We like to eat fried food, chocolates, ice creams, pastries, have soft drinks and what not. Whereas, our parents tell us that vegetables, dhal, rotis and rice is what we should be eating. Eat at the right time, chew your food properly, concentrate on eating, is what our parents always say. In contrast, our idea of bliss is to munch while watching T.V. or while reading a book. Eating out is what we like. It is so tasty - hot and spicy - especially the chats on the road corner. But, this makes our parents fret and fume. There is the other extreme as well. Parents keep forcing us to eat, placing a large spread before us. However, we are trying hard to stick to our diet almost reaching the point of anorexia.
It is not as though we do not share similar views about food and eating. We do agree with our parents that a balanced diet is important. It is better to have fixed meal times, for snacking in between can lead to obesity and other problems, and eating on the road side can make us ill. Nevertheless, temptation gets the better of us. Maybe we will outgrow this phase, sooner or later. At the moment, what we ask for is a little more patience and tolerance on the part of our parents.
Name of writer |
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| Question (7): |
There are various ways to relax, to spend your leisure time - watching T.V., reading books, playing games and so on. Your English teacher asks each one of you to choose your main leisure time activity and write about it so that it can be included in the 'Leisure Time' corner of your class newspaper. You choose to write about sports and as to why it is so important to you. Write this article.
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Answer: SPORTS - A Personal View
I am not a famous sportsman, nor am I particularly good at any sports. Yet, sports plays an important role in my life. I jog or run for half an hour every morning before going to school. Every evening I play cricket or football for two hours. I have tried my hand at tennis and badminton as well.
Sports for me is a means of relaxation. After I use up the excess energy, I am calm and so, I can concentrate on my studies. It is also fun - a way to make friends, a time for horse-play and little fights. It keeps me physically fit. As it is said, 'a sound mind resides in a sound body', sports helps me in this. It is also a learning experience for me. When we play team games, we have to co-operate and each has to do the task planned out . Discipline is essential, and we try our best not to let the team down. My closest friends are those I have made on the playing field. I feel that sports is the best way to get rid of anger and despair, and to keep our emotions under control. When I am upset I run a mile.
My friends say sports has become a fad, an obsession with me. It may be true, for I can't stay a day without it. When it rains heavily, I try to make-do with indoor games. I am especially fond of carrom. So, sports and games are a better way to spend a day than to sit glued to the television or hang around with friends, chatting and smoking. I recommend at least an hour of games every day for everyone. Maybe, it will fascinate you as well. If so, I shall have more people to play with.
Name of writer.
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| Question (8): |
Imagine this is the year 2040. A friend of yours has become an eminent scientist. You are greatly impressed by his achievements and since you know him intimately, you attempt to write his biography. Write out this biography using the information provided in the table.
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| Year | Event
| | 1985
| Born in Nagpur,Maharashtra
| | 2000
| Passed SSLC with distinction
| | 2007
| Left to CALTECH, California as a research student-worked on renewable sources of energy
| | 2010
| Got his PhD and continued his post doctoral career there
| | 2015
| Returned to India,started his own company,innovations incoropated
| | 2016
| Found ways to use city waste to generate electricity
| | 2022
| Perfected cheap,efficient means of using solar power
| | 2030
| Exhibited the use of hydrogen as a fuel in vehicles
| | 2040
| He discovered pollution free,non-toxic gas,was awarded the Padma Bhushan,still continues his research to find better energy sources
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Answer: Dr. Umesh Joshi, the 'Energy Man' as he is affectionately called, the man who has solved the power problem in India, was a child prodigy.
Umesh Joshi was born in Nagpur, Maharashtra in 1985. His father was a well-known mathematician and his mother, a Sanskrit scholar. He grew up in an environment where study and learning were greatly respected. He was always seen in the midst of books or doing experiments with wires, batteries, pens, glasses, and other things ordinarily seen in any house. He was the one to repair any electrical appliances that went askew. He came up with simple innovations that made jobs at home, easier. He studied at a local school and passed his S.S.L.C. with distinction in the year 2000. Then he went on to study at St. Xaviers in Mumbai.
In 2007 he went as a research scholar to CALTECH, California. He got his PhD in 2010 and continued his post-doctoral career in the same place, his main area of work being renewable sources of energy.
In 2015, he returned to India and founded his own company 'Innovations Incorporated', which concentrated on finding solutions to the power crisis in the country. He first came up with clean and efficient ways to use the city waste to generate electricity. By 2022, he had perfected a cheap, solar powered equipment that could meet the power needs of the entire household - for lighting and running all the electrical equipment at home. This dramatically changed the power situation. Not only was the power crisis dealt with, but also care was taken to see to it that pollution levels fell.
His best was yet to come. After years of research sponsored by oil companies, who knew their black gold was nearing exhaustion, he hit upon a novel idea in 2030. The idea was to split hydrogen (H) from water (H20) and use it as a fuel for cars, buses and even ships. The motor required has now been manufactured. Very soon, there will be filling stations (no longer petrol bunks) where hydrogen gas will be produced on site. Hydrogen is a harmless gas, not a toxic liquid. Hydrogen fuel cells emit water vapour and the electric motor used to split the H from the H20 hardly makes any noise. So, we are now closer than ever to a pollution free earth, thanks to Umesh Joshi.
He was recently awarded the Padma Bhushan for his commendable service to society. Without his efficient, pollution-free sources of power, India could not have become the super power it is now. Even at 55, he is on the lookout for novel, unorthodox solutions to the world's problems. It is his cheerful, affable personality, his kindness, his empathy for the poor and the needy that has endeared him to all.
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| Question (9): |
Savita enjoys watching advertisements on the television. She is even more fascinated when children are a part of it. One of her classmates who took part in an ad campaign, gives her a different picture. According to her, it is not a bed of roses. It brings in problems. This sets Savita thinking and she holds a debate in the class to find out the opinion of her classmates. The topic she poses before them is, 'Using Children in Advertisements is a Form of Child Labour'. Imagine you are one of her classmates and write out this debate script.
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Answer: Almost every advertisement these days has a child in it - be it soft drinks, T.V., soaps or whatever. When a child is made to act in advertisements, does it not amount to child labour? I completely agree with the proposition that 'Using Children in Advertisements is a Form of Child Labour'.
These children have to work hard, enact the scenes many times before it is accepted. It is a physical, emotional and intellectual drain for them. They are paid for their labour, but it is the parents who take it. How then is it different from cases of child labour that we usually refer to? The only difference could be that this is indulged in by parents who are better off.
This could be a dangerous occupation as well. The children are put into an adult environment, made to work like them and paid large sums for it. As a result, they miss out on their childhood, the child-like innocence is lost. Their school routine is disturbed. This could put a lot of stress and strain on them and affect their growth and development. It could lead to emotional problems later on. So, in what way is this less dangerous than working in a fireworks industry, carpet weaving or leather factory?
This is definitely a case of adults exploiting the children. The advertisers use children, as they are a big selling point. They are attractive, natural, and vibe well with other children. In most upper- middle class households, it is children who have the main say in what is bought. The parents not only earn money, but also fame, status and a feeling of one's upmanship that their child is better than the others. But how exactly do these child artists feel? How does it affect them when they grow up? Does anyone care? Normally, no one bothers about the child - the sweet child exploited in the advertisement.
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| Question (10): |
Imagine you are John D'souza, a newspaper reporter reporting on the heat wave conditions in the Northern parts of the country. Mention the temperature in different parts of this area, its effects and the need to find the causes for these abnormally high temperatures. Write out this report.
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Answer: HOTTEST SUMMER IN 30 YEARS - HEAT WAVE TOLL 500
"THE CAUSE SHOULD BE IDENTIFIED" SAYS PROFESSOR MUKERJEE OF THE INDIAN ACADEMY OF METREOLOGY
MERCURY TOUCHES 48 o C
Blistering heat wave conditions continued to torment several parts of northern India. Amritsar was the hottest place in Punjab with maximum temperatures soaring to 45oC, six degrees above normal. The Union Territory of Chandigarh recorded 43oC. Many parts of Haryana were sizzling at temperatures ranging between 44 and 46oC. Heat wave conditions prevailing in several parts of Rajasthan aggravated further, and mercury touched 48oC in the desert town of Churu.
DEATH TO THE POOR AND HOME LESS
The life-giving sun has turned a killer. The rich manage to escape the rage of the sun in their air-conditioned rooms. The homeless, the coolies and labourers toiling outside have become its target - the heat stroke and dehydration pushing them to death. The young children and the old are the worst affected. Seven more people died today taking the death toll to 500.
WHAT IS CAUSING THIS HEAT?
Why are temperatures abnormally high?
Is it the 'El Nino Effect'? Has the El Nino hit the Asia Pacific Coast? If it has, it is bad news for India. The already high temperatures will rise further. The monsoon will weaken and be pushed towards the equator. This will result in severe summer and drought conditions in North West and Central India and heavy rain and flooding in the North-East. Is this the 'Greenhouse Effect'? Are the excessive green house gases in the atmosphere causing permanent changes in the climate here? Are these high temperatures going to continue year after year? Will afforestation reverse this trend? These and many other questions have to be answered by our scientists after an in-depth study.
In this poor country, thousands will perish unless solutions are found quickly. This can have a deleterious effect on the already fragile social fabric of our society. If this further deepens the gulf between the rich and poor, more riots and more terrorist acts will follow.
John D'souza
Special correspondent
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| Question (11): |
You are Arun Joshi, a science reporter for a leading newspaper. You read an interesting article in a science magazine about telescopes being built that may help locate life on other planets. You take down notes from that highly technical article and present it in a simple interesting way to the layperson. Now write out this newspaper report using the notes below.
NOTES
Within 15 years - next generation telescopes - interferometers - can distinguish planet light from star light from its adjacent parent star. The spectrum of light could indicate life - bright blue colour, earth-like atmosphere - red, green, plants - purple, life supporting gases like O2 and N2 (Oxygen and Nitrogen).
If more advanced life forms exist, they may already be able to know life exists on earth as we have been putting out a signal for a billion years. What if we find alien life? Nothing may happen -watch and wait - we cannot reach them.
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Answer: THEY KNOW WE ARE HERE
ALIEN CULTURES MORE ADVANCED THAN US WILL HAVE SPOTTED US BY NOW, SAY ASTRONOMERS
Within 15 years, next generation telescopes will be scouring the skies for light from other Earth-like planets. A slight technological edge would mean that any life-forms on those planets could already be peering at us.
"Our own Earth has been putting out a signal for a billion years. Any civilization slightly more advanced than our own would know there was life on this planet says astronomer Roger Angel of the University of Arizona.
WHAT DOES THIS BLOB OF LIGHT INDICATE?
Within a blob of light sent from a distant planet, the spectrum of wave lengths should reveal signs of life. Bright blue suggests an Earth-like atmosphere of gases, and green plants reflect red light. Life supporting gases such as oxygen and nitrogen absorb certain infra-red wave lengths and reflect a purple hue.
INTERFEROMETERS CAN HELP US FIND LIFE ON OTHER PLANETS
No telescopes are currently able to pick up the giveaway beams as faint light reflected by the planet is blasted out by its bright parent star. But powerful devices are being planned. Interferometers could have the resolution to distinguish planet light from its adjacent parent star. So if there is life on some other planet, it could be detected.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN THEN?
Maybe nothing. Even if a planet with life on it was found, it could never be reached. We will just have to watch and wait. But fluctuations in the light's brightness might tell us about its oceans, land and weather, says Wesley Traub of the Harvard Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics.
But who can predict? Once we are sure of life on another planet who knows what we may do? Or does some alien culture have plans for us ? Be alert. You will not want to miss all the mystery and drama that would accompany such a happening.
Arun Joshi
(Name of the reporter) |
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| Question (12): |
You are the sports captain. Your school participated in a State level Interschool Sports Meet and fared very badly. You discuss the reasons for the failure with some of the participants. Then you write a report to your Principal stating the reasons for the failure, and seeking her help to overcome it. Write out this letter report.
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Answer: Ajay Sinha
Sports Captain
The Principal
Sri Hari Vidyalaya
20th Jan 2002
Reasons for Failure at State Level Sports Meet
After our debacle at the State level Interschool Sports Meet, we did some soul searching. All the senior boys and girls who participated in the Sports Meet met yesterday afternoon. We discussed the reasons for our failure. In our opinion the reasons are varied and I have summarized the main ones here. They are:
1. Insufficient practice - Just practicing in our P.T. periods was not sufficient. We should have stayed back after school, for an hour everyday for the last six months and practiced in a systematic manner.
2. Lack of correct guidance in certain areas - Our P.T.master is highly enthusiastic and proficient, but he cannot be an expert in everything. We do require expert guidance in certain athletic events like shot put and javelin throw.
3. Incorrect selection of players - Besides skill, qualities like self confidence, endurance, stamina and aggressiveness become important in a highly competitive environment like an Interschool Sports Meet. We should have chosen players with these qualities. It also means that we should build up these qualities.
4. Exposure to interschool competitions - We should have had competitions with other schools now and then. This would have helped us to recognize our strengths and weaknesses, and work on them, get to understand the rules and the finer points of the sport.
We seek your help and guidance in overcoming these problems. I do hope we will learn from our mistakes. As they say , 'failure is the stepping stone to success', we are determined to bring laurels for the school next year.
Ajay Sinha
Sports Captai |
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| Question (13): |
Imagine you are the Chief Engineer in the Urban Planning and Development Board. You have been asked by the Chairman of the Board to write a report suggesting ways to overcome the problem of water scarcity in the cities and ensure that cities grow smoothly without any water problems. You could organize your letter report in this way:
1. Introduction
The current problem - description of the extent of water scarcity
2. Reasons why the problem has arisen - the causes of water scarcity
3. Recommendations - immediate solutions, long term solutions
4. Conclusion
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Answer:
Rakesh Jain
Chief Engineer
The Chairman
Urban Planning and Development Board
23rd June 2002
Water Scarcity in Cities
As requested by you, I am submitting a report suggesting ways to overcome the problem of water scarcity in cities and ensure that cities grow smoothly without water problems. The following are my findings and recommendations.
1. The current problem:
There is acute water shortage in our cities. Long queues in front of public taps are a common sight. Water is supplied for two hours every alternate day and that too at low pressure. People have to buy water from private tankers at exorbitant rates. In areas of perennial shortage, people sank bore-wells but even these are running dry. The ground water levels have depleted at a fast rate. While the demand for water is 150 litres per capita, the supply is 80 litres, which is just half the demand.
2. Reasons why the problem has arisen
The water scarcity has arisen due to a number of reasons:
1) Population is growing at a rate faster than the infrastructure available to cope with. In the cities there has been tremendous increase in population due to natural growth and large-scale migration. Though a number of new water schemes have been started, water supply has not been able to keep pace with the increase in demand
2) Water tanks have been filled in to create space, thus destroying a means to collect and use rainwater and recharge ground water
3) Unplanned and excessive sinking of bore-wells has led to depletion of ground water
4) Water bodies have been polluted by allowing sewage and industrial effluents to flow into them
5) There is wastage of water due to leaking pipes, taps and unnecessary usage
RECOMMENDATIONS
ACTION TO BE TAKEN IMMEDIATELY
1) Equal and fair distribution of water to all areas so that everyone gets a reasonable amount
2) Removing subsidies and charging proper rates for water so that it is not wasted and used economically
ACTION TO BE TAKEN OVER A PERIOD OF TIME
1) Rainwater harvesting should be made mandatory for all new buildings so as to ensure proper usage of rainwater
2) Lakes and tanks still present in and around cities should be conserved. These could provide drinking water as well as recharge ground water
3) Digging of bore-wells should be stopped till ground water is recharged
4) Innovative water conservation schemes and water management techniques should be started with people's participation
5) The various river water disputes between States should be amicably settled
6) Sewage water should be recycled and initially used for some purposes like watering gardens and parks.
The only long term solution to water shortages is to put a check on the rapid growth of population. It is my considered opinion that it is a waste to spend crores of rupees on large dams and multi-purpose projects. Instead, it is better to concentrate on small dams, simple innovative techniques to conserve rainwater and replenish ground water, as these are eco-friendly and cost-effective.
(Rakesh Jain)
Chief Engineer
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