Earning our keeps

The rising sense of desperation in the state as a result of the increasing scarcity of day today need is threatening to spill over into agitations and unrest. Studies have shown a direct connection of rising crime rates with the rise in temperature, and the people in the state is indeed reeling under the wilting rays of the sun, while everyone is hoping for even the briefest of respite with their eyes on the sky. Various organizations and civil society bodies have started conducting seminars, discussions and conferences to try and find a sustainable solution to the problem which is poised to get worse in the future. While it would be easy and seemingly natural to put the blame squarely on the Government, the fact stays that we, as a society have played a large part in making the situation what it is today.
The civic sense of the society or the lack of it has been for everyone to see and experience. The overwhelming stench of the drains and gutters, the liberally littered roads and lanes, the over polluted rivers- evidence of a collective mentality that does not consider cleanliness as important or necessary as proper personal grooming or constructing resplendent residential buildings. The result, as expected although undesirable, is the receding green areas and shrinking percentage of the water bodies which are usable and safe in the state, once abundant.
While it cannot be denied that the efforts of the Government to address the present situation is neither sufficient nor timely, it would do ourselves more harm to sit back and whine about it. There is still enough opportunity and resources with us to make the change. It is time for us to take the initiative and realize the power of collective effort. Cleaning up our sources of water such as the rivers, lakes and ponds which are still in abundance and making them fit for use, making sure that the drains and rivers are connected to ensure that precious water is collected and stored properly and not let go to waste etc are some of the basic steps we all can take up to ensure that the scarcity of water is reduced. Rain Water Harvesting is another practice that can ensure availability of water all year round. The Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), the Government body entrusted with carrying out activities relating to distribution and management of water resources in the State can play a big role in the effort by ensuring that the consumers keep their taps properly closed when not in use, and by ensuring that the water for distribution are properly treated to prevent diseases to the consumers. Proper disposal of waste products also decreases the chance of spreading of wildfire and prevents spreading of diseases and reduces stench.
These seemingly inconsequential steps can definitely add up to making a big difference in our own lives. We should make all possible efforts before taking to the streets demanding for things we have taken for granted. We need to learn to earn our rights and privileges.