Amazon’s drought raises concerns of an impending tipping point for the Rainforest
The Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the lungs of the Earth, is facing a severe drought in Brazil that has far-reaching consequences. The dry spell, the fourth in less than 20 years, has damaged the forest ecosystem. This has led to depleted rivers, and fuelled wildfires, enveloping the region’s largest city in smoke. As […]
Beyond Health Benefits: The economic advantage of replacing Lead water pipes
Lead exposure, long known for its detrimental health effects, is now recognized as an even greater threat than previously understood. A study in The Lancet links lead exposure not only to high blood pressure but also to cardiovascular diseases. These contributed to the deaths of 5.5 million adults globally in 2019, a figure six times […]
An essential requirement: Clean water for schools in India
Access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities is often taken for granted, but a report by the Ministry of Human Resource Development reveals that in India, only 47% of schools have access to drinking water, and 53% have separate toilets for girls and boys. Globally, UNESCO reports that one in three schools lacks basic […]
Are we missing a key component of caste discrimination in India’s water discourse?
This article underscores the critical intersection of caste discrimination and water access in India. It highlights the glaring gap in acknowledging caste as a significant factor in discussions about water rights. Some time back, nine-year-old Dalit boy Indra Meghwal was beaten to death for drinking water from a pot reserved for his upper-caste teacher. This […]
A report card on India’s Progress on Drinking Water and Sanitation
Seventy-six years after Jawaharlal Nehru’s historic “Tryst with Destiny” speech, India has made significant progress in various aspects of development, but challenges remain. This article assesses India’s progress in providing access to essential services such as clean water and sanitation, electricity, and institutional credit, using less commonly examined metrics. The data used is primarily from […]
Safe drinking water: A critical requirement during festivals
Safe drinking water is a fundamental necessity of life, and its importance becomes even more apparent during festivals. Festivals are a time of celebration, togetherness, and communal gatherings. Whether it’s Diwali, Christmas, Eid, Holi, or any other festival celebrated around the world, clean and safe drinking water plays a pivotal role in ensuring the health […]
Does India need RO filters?
Reverse osmosis or RO water filters have become ubiquitous, from bustling metropolises to remote villages. People rely on them for a supply of pure and healthy drinking water. Advertisements and persuasive sales representatives have played a crucial role in establishing trust in these systems. However, as the saying goes, “all that glitters is not gold,” […]
Water Scarcity and the Risk of Global Conflict: Are we headed for World War III?
The Indian state of Karnataka saw two strikes in one week, called by different factions. They were protesting against the decision of a central tribunal, to release water to neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. So, what is this all about? Have we actually started fighting seriously over water? In the 20th century, wars over oil […]
Revolutionizing Water Sustainability: India’s Path could be Inspired by Israel’s Desalination Success
Governments, industries, and communities must collaboratively pave the way for a sustainable and water-secure world. As climate change challenges intensify and water resources dwindle, desalination emerges as a beacon of hope, crucial for adapting to climate shifts. This rings especially true for nations facing water scarcity, as technology costs plummet and renewable energy gains traction. […]
The connection between water scarcity and women’s safety
The connection between water scarcity and women’s safety is a complex and multifaceted issue. It has serious implications for gender equality, human rights, and social stability. In many parts of the world, water scarcity exacerbates existing gender disparities, leading to increased vulnerabilities and risks for women. Understanding this connection is crucial for addressing the root […]