It's so simple, yet...

Gardeners in the UK can no more splash gardens lavishly with a hosepipe. With several water companies in the south and south-east of England imposing restrictions from this week, hobby gardeners may face a fine of up to £1,000 if they are caught using a hosepipe. May sound tough action but in times of water scarcity, every drop counts. As we have said, in a city like Bangalore, the groundwater is being drawn thrice as faster than it is being recharged causing the table to sink and dry up in a few years. River water is being supplied from 100 kms away using power to pump it up 500 metres, and this same water is stolen and lost to leakages up to 40 percent! Finally, when it reaches the city, unscrupulous citizens have resorted to guzzling more than their quota by using pumps!! How long can this kind of unsustainable situation continue?? New studies are showing that Chinese cities are slowly sinking as a result of rapid development and excess groundwater use. According to reports, as many as 50 cities across the country are affected by soil subsidence, including the country’s largest -Shanghai. Rather than looking to 'greener' sources, which are as unsustainable at times, perhaps it is time we adopted smaller and simpler solutions that use recycled material largely. Rather than blame fossil fuels, we need to look at the whole picture. Can we live in smaller homes, simpler food, use public transport (or our legs where possible)? Adopt community living that fosters a sense of sharing? Tough, but necessary if we choose to plan for a tomorrow.