Page 63 - CIJ May 2024 Digital Edition

MAKING A POINT

India has four per cent of the world’s Apart from serving as
water resources but is home to over 18% potential sources of water
of the world’s population. Further, a 2018 in case of scarcity, lakes
NITI Aayog report indicates that over provide several other
70% of the country’s water resources benefits. They are
are contaminated. As an economy, we habitats for various
have set ambitious targets for growth
and raising living standards in general. species of flora
All of these will put a strain on available and fauna and
resources including water. However, that by conserving
does not mean we do not set goals. lakes, we are
The nation has been focusing on also supporting
inclusive and sustainable development an ecosystem of
with aspirational clean energy targets living organisms
and housing for all, to mention a few which contribute
initiatives. However, it is not the to mitigating climate
responsibility of the government alone change by trapping carbon
to protect and conserve resources while dioxide from the atmosphere.
focusing on growth. It is as much the Lakes also contribute to regulating local
responsibility of organizations, individuals climate patterns and aid in averting natural EMPOWERING LOCAL
and communities together to create long- disasters such as floods and droughts. COMMUNITIES
term strategies for conservation as well as THAT LIVE IN
augmentation of existing resources. They serve as a source of income for the AND AROUND
Urban and rural India is aligning local economy if used for recreational THE LAKES WITH
purposes while ensuring that the quality of
with the country’s development of
infrastructure to accommodate a growing water does not deteriorate. THE KNOWLEDGE
population, enhanced transportation and Educating local communities that live AND RESOURCES
industry. In such a scenario, it may happen in and around the lakes on the benefits of TO CONSCIOUSLY
that water bodies, natural or manmade, lake conservation through deep impact USE, PROTECT AND
may be sacrificed to make space for programs; enabling them with strategies to
infrastructure. While this could lead to use water effectively; equipping them with AUGMENT THE
closure of potential water sources, it could the tools to carry out conservation and WATER BODIES IS THE
also result in infrastructure damage in the MOST SUSTAINABLE
long term. It is imperative for us to think involving them in development plans is
about sustainability in these scenarios. We essential. Availability of water for potable AND LONG-TERM
need to find solutions that are created with purposes across the globe is finite. It is our SOLUTION
protection of water bodies at the core of responsibility to use it consciously and
the development strategy. protect it with all we have. Ashish Ghatnekar

Lake before being Cleaned
CIJ

Clean India Journal•MAY 2024 63
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