Rising Threats and Shrinking Resources
The impact of climate change is evident from the rising global temperatures, sea-level rise, water scarcity, and the increase in frequency of extreme weather events
- The impact of climate change is evident from the rising
global temperatures, sea-level rise, water scarcity, melting glaciers, and the
increase in frequency of extreme weather events, to name a few. It is affecting
everyone and all regions across the globe, and Northeast India is not an
exception, though it is dubbed as the lungs of India for its impressive green
cover and rich biodiversity. The region, which accounts for only about 8% of
the country's total land area, houses nearly 23.75% of the country’s total
forest cover. However, the substantial loss in forest cover witnessed in recent
years has become a hot topic of discussion, a matter that requires immediate
attention. We are paying a huge price for our irresponsible activities,
including unrestrained deforestation and environmental damage caused by
unscientific waste disposal. Speaking at a workshop held in Nagaland this week,
Yugal Joshi, Programme Director for Water and Land Resources at the central
government’s policy think tank NITI Aayog, expressed concern over the
deteriorating water quality in the region, saying that arsenic, fluoride and
iron contamination in groundwater, which has previously affected only Assam, is
now spreading to other north-eastern states. Compounding the issue, traditional
water sources, including the springs and rivers, are drying up at an alarming
rate amid erratic rainfall patterns and seasonal variations. This is a matter
of grave concern that needs to be addressed on a war footing.
- As per a report by NITI Aayog, as many as 256 districts out
of the total 734 in the country are water stressed, with some cities reeling
from a shortage of drinking water due to ever-increasing populations and
unplanned growth. Kohima also faces water crisis during dry seasons. Earlier
this week, the Public Health Engineering Department had notified that water
supply to the state’s capital could be further affected due to source
depletion. Sadly, the situation is not going to get any better. With extreme
weather events expected to increase both in frequency and intensity due to
human-induced climate change, it is becoming increasingly important to adopt
sustainable water management practices, including protection of water
resources, rainwater harvesting and responsible water use. Another challenge is
difficult terrain, with most settlements in the state located on hilltops. To
ensure sufficient water supply in the region amid ever-increasing demand due to
rapid urbanisation and development, the government has to build infrastructure
for the collection, treatment, storage and distribution of water. Traditional
water bodies should be revived and environmental pollution checked to address
water scarcity and contamination.
