NASA published a report last month on India’s depleting ground water level using their twin satellites in Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) program.
Highlights of the report are:
- The north Indian states of Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana are the worst affected with groundwater levels reducing at the rate of one metre every three years (one foot per year).
- Ground water is pumped and consumed rapidly due to:
- population explosion
- rapid economic development
- water-hungry farms
- When groundwater is rapidly consumed, recharge to the original levels by natural process can take months or years.
- If corrective actions are not taken, it may lead to famine due to collapse of agricultural output and severe potable water scarcity.
The map above from NASA shows groundwater changes in India during 2002-08, with losses in red and gains in blue, based on GRACE satellite observations. (Credit: I. Velicogna/UC Irvine)
One of the easiest way to recharge ground water is by implementing Rain Water Harvesting (RWH) in all
- Residences with any type of roof
- Shopping complex, railway stations, bus terminals, government buildings, schools, flyovers including temples, churches, mosques etc.,
Here is a recent advertisement in leading newspapers by Chennai Metro water on RWH. Also here are different types of RWH recommended by them.
In our apartment after implementing rain water harvesting, we are not facing any ground water shortage.
Read more from NASA: NASA Satellites Unlock Secret to Northern India’s Vanishing Water
View interesting animations on Rain Water Harvesting from Chennai Metro Water.
View a video clip: RVM – Water Harvesting PART ONE: Rotary International
Posts in MarineBuzz on this day a year before:
Participate in Lloyd’s List Polling on Pirates
Visit SMM 2008: Shipbuilding, Machinery and Marine Technology Trade Fair
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