Water Wastage in Mumbai

One of my learned friend had recently commented that it is quite possible that the next World War may not be fought be over land or religion, it may well me fought over water.

With the alarming decrease in the availability of healthy consumable water and the burgeoning population, which is practically exploding at the seams, the threat of a growing rift between the have-nots and the have-nots will widen, and the possibility of a conformation between them increases everyday.



This situation is even grimmer in India, still predominantly a Third World country where the struggle to survive and eek out a living revolves around the sustenance of water resources, and in this regard, the scenario certainly looks bleak.

In India, the issue of water resources and the importance of its conservation and protection are highlighted aptly by the gross ineptitude of the officials and the disinterest of the officials who are put in charge of water supply and conservation, because of whom, thousands upon thousand of liters of drinking water is just going down the drains.



Even a couple of days back, there was talk of scarcity of water in the small society that in reside in Airoli, Navi Mumbai, which made my whole world go topsy-turvy, after having been promised 24-hour water supply. If this is the case in Mumbai which is comparatively better-off when it comes to sources of drinking water, we could only imagine what the situation would be in the other monsoon and water deprived parts of the nation would be like.

Water Sources of Mumbai:

Mumbai has an abundance of lakes in its vicinity. The Western Ghats trap most of the moisture laden monsoon clouds which feed these lakes. However with the growing population, the current supply levels are still inadequate. Here are the lakes supplying the city its precious liquid.



Lakes near Mumbai

Lake Overflow level in meters

Modak Sagar 163.15
Tansa Lake 128.63
Vihar Lake 80.42
Tulsi Lake 139.17
Upper Vaitarana 603.51
Bhatsa 133.00

But this relative prosperity which is still a long way off from serving the needs of the people and short of what they deserve, has made its so called guardian and custodians its worst enemy by taking it this valuable resource for granted. These officials, and in some extend, the citizens who are apathetic towards this issue, seem to be hell-bent on exploiting this resource to our doom.




Thousand of gallons of water is been wasted in Mumbai and its satellite city of Navi Mumbai everyday. The transportation infrastructure which ferry the water from the lakes to homes are so unscrupulously planned and maintained that they burst and crack at regular intervals.

If the pipes carrying water somehow withstand the gush of water, then some anti-socials elements break open the pipes to exploit the water without much effort due to the lack of regulation and the absence of any penalty for their actions. That is the sad part about all this. When people are dying for the lack of water one part of the city, here we are wasting one of the most precious elements that we have. This disparity between these regions could eventually force many to come to the streets and go violent.

Apart the loss of water, the threat of diseases that could grow to a pandemics arising through the contamination of water caused by the shoddy transport facilities and unguarded water supply routes is also rising. Many cases of ailments due to the consumption of contaminated water have been reported in the city recently.



There are still areas in Mumbai where water availability is still a severe problem, and those who have been living on water transported on tankers through rackets run by various mafia dons who have been extorting money from the unfortunate citizens for the past 15 to 20 years only highlights how privileged and ungrateful we might have become.



We still have time, and all is not lost yet. It is about time that we pull up our socks and decide to take a stand today to secure a better tomorrow. Let's hope, there are enough of us out there who can see what is happening and decide to do something to remedy this minor ailment which could ultimately, if not handled with the requisite prudence, prove lethal.

Give me your views on this!!!!

A Baneful Responsibility

Responsibility is a bane or a blessing in disguise?
Is it a harbinger of salvation or life hardly sufficed?

Does responsibility allow men to show their best?
Or does it prove to their undoing driven by a futile test?

Why responsibility comes easy to some,
While for some it's unnaturally gruesome.

Is it selfish to run away from what you are expected to embrace?
If responsibility doesn’t come naturally, why is it a disgrace?

Why do you feel hollow after an act of absolution?
Why feel bereaved and resemble a mirage of desolation?

Why the paraphernalia of life unwelcoming and bear a deserted look,
Why are the chapters of life meaningless like a discarded book?

Why you wish to unravel the monotonous tempo of disillusioned existence,
Why the achievements and accolades nothing but aids in an unwilling pretense.

Why the threat of obsolescence supersedes that of gratification,
Why everyday you feel closer to resembling an inhumane personification.

The Effects of Night Shift on the Human Body

Working night shifts for a prolonged duration of time can result in various medical conditions which aren’t apparent at the onset. Here's what the Medical experts say.

When you pick up a newspaper or any employment related classified, chances are that most of the jobs in the classified offer either permanent night shifts or rotational shifts. Although these jobs pay well and are an instant draw, youngsters looking to start early and feel the rush of financial independence often neglect the big question. Is their work taking a toll on the most important asset they'll ever own, the body?



The lifestyle dictated by night shift centric job results in many health related ailments. Let's hear from doctors what the causes and effects of these ailments are:-

Dr. Dilipkumar Chandravat, a respected psychiatrist noted that Irregular and unbalanced lifestyle causes multiple psychological problems, including:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Hyperirritability and Anger
• OCD
• Mania and Hypomania

“Irregular and unbalance lifestyle can cause or exaggerate multiple psychological problems. Once you disturb your sleep it can disturb your social, professional and personal life, and impedes your thinking process," expressed Dr. Chandravat.

Our eyes have also been a victim of the haphazard and long hours at work. Dr. K S Gupta, an
Eye Specialist stated that, "Youngsters face a number of issues arising out of irregular and unbalance lifestyle. Some of the common complaints are:

• Computer Vision Syndrome

Computer Vision Syndrome is caused by long hours of working in front of the computers, and symptoms include, tiredness, watering, redness, aching in eyes.



• Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry Eye Syndrome is caused by long hours of staring at the PC and forgetting to blink for long durations. So, it is very important to make a habit of looking away from the PC at regular intervals and relaxing your eyes.”

"Apart from impacting you from within, this irregular lifestyles brought on by night shifts can also impact your overall personality and appearance," said Dr. Zamurrud, a Consulting Dietitian. Some of the side effects of a haphazard eating routine include:

• Sudden Rise or Fall in Weight
• Constipation
• Ulcers
• Acidity and Heartburn
• Headaches

"No exercise and unhealthy food may also lead to side effects like hernia as well,” she added.



Dr. Nimish Mehta, a Skin Specialist expressed, ''The current generation is ignorant about their health. They indulge in improper diet, don’t get proper sleep and ignore the importance of water intake and exercise which causes various skin abnormalities."

Some of the effects arising from the undisciplined lifestyle of night shifts are:

• Acne
• Hair fall
• Pimples

"It could even cause skin disorders like Eczema and Psoriasis which is aggregated by improper lifestyle,” added Dr. Mehta.

The affect on teeth is often overlooked when talking about nightshifts and irregular lifestyle.

Dr. Geeta Naik, an expert in dental care highlighted, “Owing to their current lifestyle, today's youngsters indulge in soft drink, eat junk food, and smoke unchecked, which takes a toll on their teeth. Due to which they suffer from gum disorders. Late night sleep or lack of sleep can increase cavity as many don’t brush before bed.”

Some common conditions seen with night shift workers are:

• Tooth Fall and Gingivitis
• Tooth decay, Plaque and Cavities
• Discoloration
• Bad Breath

Although men and women face the same problems, there are some effects which women specific conditions that we see, especially relating to pregnancy.

"Lack of proper sleep, work load and job related pressures can result in complication in conceiving a baby. They could even have a premature baby or a child may be weak boned. They could also face bleeding, fluctuation in blood pressure, backaches and leg pain. Pregnant woman needs at least eight hours sleep which they don’t, which increases the chances of abortion,” highlighted Dr. Sunita Prasad, a Gynecologist.

Dr. Agrawal, an ENT Specialist of Pikale hospital in Mahim put forth some lesser known ailments effecting night shift employees, including:

• Sleep disturbance
• Vocal Fatigue/Hoarseness
• Soreness and Tenderness of Pinna (Over use of headphone)
• Ear Infections

Some quick fixes to these ailments include:

• Drinking plenty of water
• Taking periodic rest
• Avoiding Tobacco and Caffeine
• Using separate set of headphones

Additional References: The Economic Time

Business-Standard

The Fame and Shame of English Cricket

Over the years, I have found myself supporting the England Cricket team more often that not. (When not playing India of course). But, they have always seemed to under perform and astonishingly disappointing when you suspect it the least. Just like the English summer I guess, which always flatters to deceive.

Couldn't put my finger on what is wrong with English cricket. They aren’t strapped for money. They have a descent domestic setup. Have enough good players, at least from what I have seen. Have one of the best supporters in the world, easily better than Australia. Why not, they have the 'Barmy Army'.



Best all rounder in the world, arguably the most easily recognizable grounds in the world, not to mention KP, (Kevin Pietersen). Best umpires in the world, until recently. They gave us the 20/20, which could ultimately save cricket in many counties and could turnout to be the linchpin around which cricket will thrive in many more.



Is it the lack of motivation, stupendous rise in the popularity of football and rugby, or could it be, dare I say it, their preoccupation with the Ashes. There, I said it.

Have they been so preoccupied with winning the Ashes and beating the Aussies that they don't care of World Cups and other test campaigns and tournaments?

Are they so financially secure domestically that they don't push themselves hard enough to be the best that they can be, and beat the best, consistently, so they can get into the national team like the players have to in the subcontinent to be financially secure.



Or, is there just too much pressure on the players to perform and deliver over and over again in International cricket that they just crumble under the huge pressure and chose to be content with playing domestic cricket?



If someone has any answer to this, please be kind enough to lift the Enigma that is the England Cricket team.

Although I want the English team to trounce the Aussies, looking at the recent performance of the team, my mind says otherwise. But you can be rest assured, I'll be watching, as always.