The recent initiative by the Himalayan
Mountaineering Institute (HMI) in Darjeeling to collect around 1.8 lakh litres
of rainwater underscores the urgent need for proper planning to harness this
abundant natural resource. The HMI's efforts reveal a critical shortcoming in
water management in Darjeeling and similar regions, highlighting a failure to
capitalize on natural precipitation.
Darjeeling receives an average annual
precipitation of approximately 3,100 mm, significantly higher than the average
rainfall in Bengal, which stands at 1,180 mm. Despite this ample rainfall, the
town faces severe water shortages, necessitating the daily purchase of 30,000
litres of water by major institutions like the HMI. This irony is a stark
reminder of how inadequate infrastructure and planning can turn abundance into
scarcity.
The HMI's decision to implement a
rainwater harvesting system is a commendable step towards self-sufficiency. By
collecting rainwater from rooftops, storing it in tanks, and filtering it
through natural processes using sand, charcoal, and stone, the institute has
set a precedent for sustainable water management. Currently, the harvested
water is used for household chores, laundry, and toilets, with plans to install
filters for potable water. This model demonstrates that with proper planning
and investment, it is possible to mitigate water scarcity even in regions with
abundant rainfall.
The success of the HMI's initiative has
reignited the debate on making rainwater harvesting and adequate parking spaces
mandatory for hotels, major buildings, complexes, and institutions in
Darjeeling and Sikkim. The expanding towns of Gangtok and Namchi in Sikkim are
already grappling with water shortages, a situation that will only worsen
without decisive action. As urban populations grow and climate change disrupts
traditional weather patterns, the demand for water will continue to outstrip
supply, making sustainable water management practices more crucial than ever.
Gangtok's reliance on snowmelt for drinking water highlights its vulnerability
to climate change, which is causing glaciers to retreat and altering
hydrological cycles. This not only threatens Gangtok's water supply but also
has broader implications for India, a nation struggling to balance development
with conservation.
The HMI's initiative should serve as a
blueprint for other institutions and municipalities, demonstrating that with
foresight and commitment, it is possible to harness natural resources
effectively and sustainably.
