WATER IS LIFE 

    Jay was very happy as his final exam was just over and summer holidays had commenced. He was completely in a relaxing mood since there was no burden of studies. He was fully enjoying his vacation. Playing different types of indoor and outdoor games, watching movies and cartoon channels, enjoying bhel, Pani puri, milkshakes and ice-creams sometimes in the evening was his routine. It was a hot and humid Sunday. Jay was having a shower bath. He was singing merrily along with the bath. His mom called him from the kitchen when he was fully enjoying the bath. She said loudly," Jay, please come out. Don't overuse water."  Jay replied,"Yes mom." Jay enjoyed the shower bath heartily and came out.

       After that he immediately rushed to the kitchen and asked," Mom, what is Sunday special for lunch?" 

Mom replied," Chhole bhature and rice kheer." 

Jay was overjoyed and said," Yummy." 

 Mom said," Jay, you had been taking a shower bath for the last half an hour. Don't you think that you overused water?"  

Jay replied," Mom, calm down. It is very hot today so I enjoyed the cold  shower heartily."  

Mom said," Alright, you have to be very careful while using water."  

Jay got slightly annoyed and said," Mom, you always find fault  with me."

       Mom looked at him and asked," Jay, what is the percentage of water on the earth?" 

Jay replied,"71%."

Mom said," Right " and asked," What is the percentage of drinkable water?" 

Jay answered," Only3%." 

Mom said," Very good." 

Jay asked," Mom, why are you asking all these questions? My final exam is over now." 

On this Mom said," You should be aware of the importance of water in our life. Now let me know for what purposes we use this 3% water?"  

Jay replied," We use water for drinking, bathing, cooking food, washing our clothes and dishes and for all cleaning purposes. In hospitals and restaurants water is used in large amounts. For running different industries water is very essential. The large amount of water is used in the production of paper, chemicals and food.  Water is used to generate electricity." 

Hearing Jay Mom was happy. She said further," Our country is an agricultural country. Agriculture is the largest consumer of water. About 70% water is used in farming. Plants need water to grow. All animals and birds require water. Our nature's cycle is dependent on water." Jay was listening to Mom with full attention.

        Mom continued," In summer water in rivers, lakes, wells and ponds get reduced. Water in dams and reservoirs evaporates in large amounts. Water is easily accessible in cities, but in villages life is very difficult without water. Water is not easily accessible to them. The villagers have to walk over a large distance and they have to face many difficulties to get water. In summer due to scarcity of water in rural areas, water is supplied by water tankers. Villagers quarrel with each other over a bucket of water. They have to fight against many problems due to scarcity of water."

        Jay said," I have never thought like this before. Now I have understood the seriousness of the water issue very well. Henceforth I will not use water carelessly." Mom was satisfied with his answer. 

Mom continued further, "Nowadays rain arrives very late. Therefore water in reservoirs bottoms out. In such circumstances water cut is raised in cities. Two years back due to the late arrival of the rain water cut was raised in our city. Don't you remember?" 

Jay replied instantly," Yes mom, I have completely forgotten about this. Careful water management is very essential to overcome such circumstances." 

 Mom added further," We should store the rainwater. Most of the rainwater drains out through gutters. Projects like rainwater harvesting should be implemented in every housing colony. In villages rainwater should be stored in pits due to which it gets percolated through the soil. It helps to raise the groundwater level to a large extent. Trees should be planted on a large scale. Trees receive the rainwater and hold it in the soil. This prevents clean water from draining. To preserve the water for future generations collective efforts should be taken, otherwise all of us will have to face a severe scarcity of water in future."

     Jay agreed with his mom and said, " Absolutely right. Water is precious. We should avoid the wastage and contamination of water and spread the social awareness for the same. Mom,  today you have explained the importance of water in detail. Thank you so much." 

Mom smiled and said," Alright."  

Jay said," I am very hungry now. Please serve me chhole bhature and rice kheer." Mom served him immediately and Jay started enjoying the food.

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©️®️RUJUTA DESHMUKH