Every monsoon, millions gallons of water goes in the sea directly. Which if stored, can sort out the glaring water requisite. Experts have advised rainwater harvesting on various platforms. But, many housing societies in the city are using the technique for combating water shortages, their action is credible.

So what is rainwater harvesting?

The concept is to accumulate the rainwater when it falls. A large portion of rainwater that falls on the earth’s surface, runs-off from streams to rivers and finally to the sea. An average of 8% of the total rainfall recharges the ground water table. Hence, most of the rainfall is wasted through surface run-off. The technique of RWH involves conserving rain from catchment surfaces such as roof-tops, plain and sloping ground surface. The rainwater that falls on these areas is then diverted into ponds, vessels or underground tanks for storage.

I think, it’s high time, if we don’t act now the water crisis might create mayhem. It is the need of the hour – the housing complexes should have proper rain water harvesting system and draw groundwater for non-drinking purposes. Let’s assume, even if water from bore-wells is used for toilet flushing (50 lpcd) and cleaning (10 lpcd), the load on the piped water supply will come down to 50%. This means that the same piped water supply will be sufficient for double the population. Recycling of the water used for washing is possible by re-using it for watering the garden will further bring down the load on the overworked system. Desalination of sea water will eliminate the need to set up newer projects that require transporting water from 100km at a high capital cost; it will also make that resource available to other needy water scarce areas

Johan Rockstrom, internationally acclaimed environmentalist and executive director of Stockholm Environment Institute during his visit to s Symbiosis International University as a part of ‘Sweden India Nobel Memorial Quiz’ spoke to Indian Express on seriousness of RWH. In his interview he said that the world has to get ready to face climate changes which pose serious threat to water resources; as there is inconsistency in the rains. We are already witnessing long dry spells in some parts of the world while other parts experience floods. Though there is unevenness in rain pattern, the amount of water has remained almost the same. The need is to tap this available water effectively.

He proposed rainwater harvesting as one of the viable option as it would also provide fresh water for use. To meet the demand of its rising population, India will not only have to manage its water resources well, but will also have to see that the quality of water is good, both for drinking as well as agriculture purposes. In terms of river linking project in India, he said though it faces some disadvantage as it could pose serious environmental issues, it should be carried forward as India is already facing crisis situation in water resources.

The eminent expert also said expanding irrigation projects would not help in a great way as there is not much potential for irrigation in future. The rivers are drying up and fresh water resources are reducing.  According to Rockstorm, India can lead in the green revolution by using innovative techniques in water management. His institute is doing collaborative research with TERI (The Energy Resource Institute) and CEC (California Energy Commission) and some good results are established so far. There is lot of funding available at the international level in the area of water resource management; collaborative approach can help develop the innovative techniques.

Lack of awareness is the biggest hurdle in the implementation of rainwater harvesting. Let’s get ready to solve it on war footing.

It is raining since last few days, and I enjoy rains.  The only way to enjoy rains in to step outside and get drenched in rains! Don’t wear a raincoat or don’t take an umbrella, just go out there and enjoy the rains. Splash around the water as you walk; feel the rain drops, try to hold them in your hands. Rains indeed have the magic of transforming our moods. Look around yourself; see the colors of new flowers, fresh green leaves. So many hues of greens, reds, yellows observe them; they are simply amazing. The rains clean the world around us; specially the roads and lampposts.  I love the fragrance of earth and the rainy flowers. The markets are full of lush green vegetables. And, the aroma of tea and coffee at various tea stalls on the roads – oh if you want to appreciate all this you have to venture out!!  It’s not a great idea of sitting indoor and watching the falling rain.

Take a long walk to nearby park or go to a market. Being outside for a while and moving helps makes you feel like you did something useful with your day. Catch up with a friend – take your friend also along. Enjoy some good rainy songs.

With the arrival of the rains, the scorching heat starts vanishing. The dry, arid look of the cities turns into shades of green. The Mumbai monsoon rains are like a much-anticipated guest – the first few days are magical. But, the charm soon fades when local trains run slow due to clogged water on tracks, roads clogged with slush and brown muddy water and clothes that never dry. From ages, Bollywood has used the magic of monsoon to the fullest. Countless movies have used the rain in a variety of shades. Rains depict romance, thrill, ecstasy and joy. It has the magic to kindle the flame of intense feelings.

I love this song from Manzil (1979) Lata’s version of “Rimzim gire sawan” more than the Kishore’s. Music is composed by the genius R.D.Burman. This song has great magic in it. Both lyrics and music are superb! The song is filmed on Moushami Chatterjee and Amitabh Bachchan in Marine Drive, Churchgate and Colaba in Mumbai. Mumbai then was much pleasant than today.

Besides being melodious this version is more expressive; a woman’s idea of romance is very well portrayed in the song. Women are more prone to talk about what they are thinking and feeling, and they reveal how they are feeling with their smile, facial expressions, hand gestures, and body language. Moushami has done it all in this song. It’s happier and peppier.  It’s a delight to both eyes and ears. The song says it all. Both Moushami and Amitabh seem to enjoy walking in rains, they look cheerful and comfy and sung in each other’s company.

Though Amitabh and Maushami don’t make a great couple; but, because of the captivating song they both look good on the screen. Amitabh walks at faster pace and Maushami literally runs to keep pace with him in some shots. However, it seems, both enjoyed getting soaked in rains. I can hear and watch this song any number of times.  It’s a hummable and lingering song.

Lata’s version is soothing and gentler with the sporadic alaaps and mild variations than Kishore’s version. She sings the first line of the antara, “pehle bhi yun to” a bit differently than Kishore’s “mehfil mein kaise.” The song is written by lyricist Yogesh. 

Hear it to enjoy it!