The future depends not on how much water we have, but how wisely we use it.
HAROON RASHID BHAT
Last summer, a tragic story from Rajasthan echoed across the country—a five-year-old girl lost her life to thirst while returning from her grandmother’s house. Her parched lips told a tale not just of personal loss, but of a growing collective failure. That a child could die for want of a basic human necessity in the 21st century is not only alarming—it is shameful. Water, the very essence of life, is increasingly being mismanaged, wasted, and neglected. This tragedy should shake the conscience of every one of us and push us toward more responsible water behavior. Here in Kashmir, where nature has generously blessed us with rivers, streams, lakes, and springs, we are beginning to take this gift for granted. Reports of drinking water shortages are becoming routine in both rural hamlets and urban localities. The reasons are not scarcity, but carelessness. It is deeply unfortunate that while many go without a drop to drink, some continue to use clean, treated water meant for human consumption to irrigate kitchen gardens, wash driveways, or maintain personal lawns—acts that reflect privilege but ignore responsibility.”. Encroachments on wetlands and natural streams, illegal construction around lakes, and the unchecked dumping of garbage have worsened the problem. The Dal and Wular, once pristine jewels of Kashmir’s landscape, now silently bear witness to our indifference. If this trend continues, we may soon be counting ourselves among those regions struggling to meet even basic water needs. Globally, the crisis is even more severe. According to UNICEF, over 1.1 billion people worldwide lack access to clean drinking water. Every day, more than 800 children under the age of five die from diarrheal diseases caused by contaminated water, poor sanitation, and lack of hygiene. Half of the global population is expected to live in water-stressed areas by 2025, according to the UN Water report. These statistics are not just numbers; they are a warning bell. The comfort some of us feel today could quickly turn into desperation if immediate steps are not taken toward conservation. Water is life, and it is finite. The story of the little girl in Rajasthan is not just a rural tragedy; it is a symbol of what awaits us if we fail to act. As Kashmiris, inheritors of a land once celebrated for its crystal-clear springs and snow-fed rivers, we must awaken to our responsibility. The teachings of faith, the warnings of science, and the cries of the thirsty all call us to one urgent task: to value every drop. Let us remember: the future depends not on how much water we have, but how wisely we use it. What we need today is not just awareness, but action rooted in ethics, policy, and community participation. Schools should introduce water conservation as a practical part of environmental education. Local bodies must regulate the misuse of potable water and protect natural sources from encroachment and pollution. Rainwater harvesting, repair of traditional springs, and the revival of community ponds must become part of a broader water stewardship movement. Religious leaders, educators, and civil society can play a vital role by reminding people that water is not an infinite commodity but a divine trust. As individuals, we must internalize this sense of responsibility and adopt sustainable habits at home, turning off running taps, fixing leaks, and avoiding unnecessary wastage during ablution and domestic chores. Let the good sense prevail.
Haroon Rashid Bhat is a teacher and columnist , can be reached at minamharoon123@gmail.com.
