The Hindu : 'Packaged water not the solution'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jun 06, 2003

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'Packaged water not the solution'

By Our Staff Correspondent

NEW DELHI JUNE 5. Buying packaged water is not a solution to the problem of overcoming drinking water shortage. It may be a multi-crore industry, but certainly not a healthy situation, says eminent scientist Yashpal.

Speaking at a function to mark the World Environment Day here today, Prof. Yashpal, said that things would change for the better if the multi-crore mineral water industry spent the same amount on water harvesting and conservation. "We have enough rain but the distribution is unequal. What falls on the ground has to be sent in instead of packing them."

He said while construction of flyovers, broadening of roads and shortage of parking space were considered signs of development, developed countries were now adopting cycling as an important mode of transport to reduce pollution. And bombing countries on the pretext of elimination of terrorism and weapons of mass destruction was a sign of mental degradation.

"I am proud to be an Indian and even more proud to belong to a place where cultural, religious and environmental conservation go hand-in-hand," Mr. Yashpal said.

The Vice-President, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, said people should initiate a national movement for environment-friendly activities. "India must re-dedicate itself to sensitise people towards environmental concerns such as increasing population and decreasing availability of water."

The Union Environment and Forests Minister, T.R. Baalu, reminded the people of the role each one can play in the conservation of water.

At another function organised by the United Nations Office to mark the day, speakers stressed upon the need for re-forging the relation between people and water.

Feodor Starcevic, Director, U.N. Information Centre, said that 2003 had been declared as "International Year of Freshwater" keeping in mind the concern over the shortage of drinking water. "Although 70 per cent of the world's surface is covered by water, only a fraction of that — 2.5 per cent — is freshwater. Less than one per cent of the world's freshwater resources are available for human use."

Mr. Starcevic said over 80 countries representing 40 per cent of the world's population was subject to serious water shortage and conditions might worsen in the next 50 years as population grows and global warming increases.

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