Water Resource Mismanagement Turns Dams Into ‘Water-Graveyards’
Kolkata: The Water Resources Department, tasked with managing the nation’s water supply, has constructed over 6,000 dams across the country, covering 650,000 km² of land—21% of India’s total area. Intended to store water for the benefit of society, these dams have become “Water-Graveyards,” causing significant environmental damage and social displacement. Over 120 million Indians have lost their homes and farmland, and 30% of the nation’s forests have been destroyed in the process.
Despite collecting water valued at 80 lakh crore rupees, three times the nation’s annual budget, the department has failed to utilize it effectively. An estimated 80% of the nation’s groundwater has been depleted due to mismanagement. The department’s actions have not only led to widespread water scarcity but also contributed to environmental degradation, posing a severe threat to India’s sustainability.
Human Society and Scientists Demand Immediate Intervention
Shyam Sundar Rathi, a researcher, and environmentalist, has conducted a self-financed survey revealing that India’s annual water requirement is 270 km³. Rathi proposes that using MSD Tank Technology, this requirement can be met within 2-3 years. His research indicates that only 2-3 liters per 1,000 liters collected by the dams are effectively used, with the rest wasted. Rathi urges immediate action to prevent the nation from turning into a desert and calls for his findings to be implemented to address the water crisis and ensure a sustainable future.
The event was graced by respected guest namely Avinash Kumar Gupta(Patron Indian Red Cross Society , W.B State branch ), Shyamal Sarkar( Secretary of Parbat Avbhijatri Sangh) and Mintu Saha( N.D.R.T member of Indian Red Cross Society, W.B State branch) were invited in the event.
