What initially drew us to the subject of floods in and around Chennai in December 2023 was our ongoing work on water in cities. After discussions with Manasi Subramanian from Penguin, the editor of our previous book on trees in Indian cities, she proposed the idea of writing a book on urban rivers. We liked the concept but decided to expand the theme to cover water as a whole, exploring the various aspects and roles it plays in our urban lives today.
As we delved into our research for the book, we made some stark discoveries. One of the most concerning findings was the link between water and anti-microbial resistance. While we were aware of this connection, we were taken aback by the scale of the problem and the potential dangers it poses for all of us. This realization emphasized the urgent need for action in addressing this issue.
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On a lighter note, we also embarked on a fascinating journey while writing the chapter on water monsters. We delved into the realm of mythical creatures like giant squids, sea serpents, and bunyips, as well as the “evidence” behind legendary water beasts such as the Loch Ness monster and krakens. This chapter provided us with many hours of interesting reading material and added an exciting element to our research.
Despite the growing awareness around climate change, the implementation of effective tactics remains challenging. The political and economic obstacles that hinder ecological vision and progress are complex. Climate change itself is a daunting issue, even for experts, and many people choose to ignore the evidence or believe that it is a problem for the distant future. This collective blindness prevents us from taking the necessary actions to address climate change and its impacts, particularly on vulnerable communities such as the poor who are disproportionately affected by extreme weather events.
One aspect of water pollution that we highlighted in our book is the impact of religious waste and the bodies of the deceased on Indian rivers. While industrial waste and untreated sewage are major contributors to water pollution, sacred stretches of rivers, such as those near Varanasi along the Ganga, are also affected by waste from tourism and cremation. Addressing this issue requires special attention and treatment, and efforts are underway to find ecological solutions. Mobilizing faith communities and religious institutions to become allies in conservation efforts can make a significant difference, but it will require sustained effort and time.
In our book, we also shed light on the intersection of caste and gender in water access and scarcity. Throughout history, marginalized caste groups, particularly Dalits, have been denied access to clean water for drinking, household use, and irrigation. The burden of fetching water falls predominantly on women and young girls, impacting their health, education, and overall well-being. This intersection of caste and gender exacerbates the challenges faced by marginalized communities in accessing water resources.
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The scarcity of usable water is a pressing issue in all Indian cities. While the combined efforts of the government and climate change activists are commendable, there is still much work to be done. It is disheartening to observe the prioritization of amenities like swimming pools over rainwater harvesting in apartment complexes, as well as the widespread pollution and waste that continue to harm water bodies. Changing our relationship with water, seeing it not just as an individual service or right but as a shared resource, is crucial. Governments need to invest in infrastructure while also working with communities and local institutions to manage water supply and reduce pollution.
Despite these challenges, there are signs of hope. Citizen groups and individuals, whom we refer to as “water warriors” in our book, are making a significant impact. These inspiring individuals restore lakes and rivers, educate young people, raise awareness, and contribute to improving their cities. Their stories serve as examples of how each of us can take action and make a difference in our own ways.
In conclusion, our research and exploration of urban water in our book have revealed both fascinating and concerning aspects of this topic. From the dangers of anti-microbial resistance to the mythical creatures that captivate our imaginations, water holds immense significance in our lives. Addressing the challenges related to water requires collective action, involving governments, communities, and individuals. It is through these combined efforts that we can ensure a sustainable and equitable future for all..
