As water scarcity becomes increasingly prevalent due to climate change and population growth, scientists are exploring innovative methods to harvest water from the atmosphere. This article highlights various techniques, including fog harvesting, dew collection, and superabsorbent materials, that are being developed to provide reliable water sources in arid regions.
Uttarakhand is facing an acute water crisis due to soaring summer temperatures, lower rainfall, and snowfall this past winter. To address the shortage, the state government has banned the washing of cars using water, while also instructing district magistrates to ensure that cars are “dry washed” instead.
The water crisis has affected several cities in Uttarakhand, including Dehradun, Nainital, Pithoragarh, Didihat, Kotdwar, and Champawat, leading residents to rely on water tankers. The government has identified 317 villages and 148 urban localities with severe water shortages.
The state’s rivers have also seen a decline in water flow, with the government identifying 10 rivers that need to be revived. An action plan will be prepared by district magistrates to revive these rivers and identify more if necessary.
The Centre is also set to launch a water conservation campaign from June 1 to June 7, with Uttarakhand actively participating in the initiative. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has emphasized the importance of water conservation and has directed that rainwater harvesting and solar energy be implemented in government buildings.
The global tomato market is projected to experience steady growth from 2023 to 2027, driven by urbanization, water scarcity, and changing food consumption patterns. Producers are embracing modern irrigation techniques to optimize water usage, contributing to sustainable tomato production while meeting the growing demand for tomato-based products like paste, juice, sauce, and ketchup. These products are becoming increasingly popular in Western diets and the fast-food industry. Tomatoes are also gaining recognition for their health benefits, including cancer and heart disease prevention due to their abundance of vitamins, antioxidants, and lycopene.
Yelagiri Hills, known for its picturesque landscapes, is facing a severe water shortage due to the lack of rainfall since 2021. The village panchayat, comprising 1,598 households, 40 hotels and resorts, and 15 educational institutions, is struggling to meet the daily water consumption of 1 lakh liters. With most water bodies dried up and borewells hitting hard rock, the panchayat is relying on water supply from neighboring villages through tractor tankers. However, the current supply of 50,000 liters daily falls short of the demand. The proposed laying of a water pipeline under the Cauvery Combined Drinking Water Supply Scheme is expected to provide a permanent solution to the water crisis.
Well Aware, an international nonprofit, has partnered with Environmental and Water Resource Consulting Firm INTERA to enhance the success and capacity of water well initiatives in Kenya. By deploying open-source accessible instrumentation alongside state-of-the-art surface geophysical equipment and techniques, they aim to collect an extensive database of hydrogeological information, leading to more efficient and accurate identification of drilling locations and reduced wait times. This partnership will allow Well Aware to provide 25,000 more people with lasting clean water this year, with that number expected to grow year over year with increased funding.
Subsistence farmers in Mexico are taking matters into their own hands by destroying illegal water pumps and breaching irrigation ponds used by commercial avocado and berry farms. The drought, combined with increased water use for lucrative export crops, has left rivers and lakes disappearing in Michoacan, a once-lush state. Farmers are demanding a fair share of water resources, proposing to give landowners 20% if they allow the remaining 80% to flow to their communities. However, the situation is complicated by threats from drug cartels, who often extort money from avocado growers and profit from illegal logging.
Canyon Lake in Texas has sunk to its lowest water level since its creation in the 1960s, a decline attributed to the state’s prolonged drought conditions. The reservoir, which serves various purposes including flood control and recreation, has experienced a sharp drop in water levels due to the lack of rainfall, forcing the closure of boat ramps. The persistent drought, affecting numerous states in the South and West, has raised concerns about impending water crises unless effective conservation measures are implemented.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s official visit to Iraq marks a significant step in enhancing cooperation between the two nations. The visit aims to address various issues, including counterterrorism, water management, energy exports, and economic collaboration. Erdogan’s presence underscores Turkey’s commitment to working with Iraq in combating the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) militant group, which maintains a presence in northern Iraq.
Water scarcity in Indian cities is a growing concern, exacerbated by leakages in water supply infrastructure. New-age technological solutions are helping detect and fix these leaks, reducing water wastage and energy consumption. SmartTerra, Solinas Integrity, and Aumsat are among the startups utilizing artificial intelligence, robotic cameras, and satellite imagery for leak detection and prediction.
As elections draw near, an assessment of the government’s flagship Jal Jeevan Mission reveals a contrasting picture on the ground. Despite claims of progress, rural communities in Mathura face ongoing water scarcity and unfulfilled promises. The article explores the impact of the project on voter choices and highlights the discrepancy between official claims and the reality experienced by locals.
