Every Drop Counts: Behavioural change necessary to save water, says resident

There is a need for behavioural change in making water conservation efforts successful. Good habits have to cultivate and people need to understand that water is getting scarce with each passing day and its conservation is the only possible solution, visible at the moment. This was echoed by residents at DNA’s initiative “Every Drop Counts” held at Bayview Marina Garden, maintained by Cuffe Parade Residents’ Association (CPRA) in Cuffe Parade on Saturday evening. 

“Every Drop Counts” is an initiative to create awareness among residents, started in the backdrop of 10 per cent water cuts announced by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) due to a drop in water level at dams and lakes that supply water to the city. 

Water conservation expert and BMC's former hydraulic engineer Madhukar Kamble shared many ways through which residents can save water at their end. There are some small habits that can leave a huge impact on water conservation like in meeting daily needs.

Manjeet Kripalani, a resident advocated behavioural change among people about water conservation. She said that we could not just rely on the local body for such an important issue. “Behavioural change like small habits on conserving water and it can be supported with short films in awareness can certainly bring a positive result,” said Kripalani. Another resident associated with an advertising and marketing communication firm announced during the interactive session that he would provide all kinds of support like providing a free workshop for behavioural change and also to make a short film.

Though the BMC imposed 10 per cent water cut, residents claimed that the impact is around 50 per cent. Padmakar Nandekar, secretary-general of CPRA, said that they receive water with low pressure as the area is at the end of the supply network. 

Kamble informed that how the city is getting potable water through pipeline since 1860. He said that Vihar dam was first developed to supply water to the city. “After the needs increased, Tulis dam was developed and then Tansa, Vaitarna, Upper Vaitarna, Bhatsa and Middle Vaitarna,” said Kamble. He added that the civic body is now working on two more dams to meet future water needs of the city.

Vijay Bhimrajka, president of CPRA, said that goods idea shared by expert and residents. “Good idea like making a short film and to be shown on television, theatre and public places can be a good medium to create awareness,” said Bhimrajka. 

Another resident Dr J C Parikh suggested that every society should create a fund that will solely be used to fix leakages. “Leakages in the pipeline within society will not only waste water but also affect the strength of the building,” said Dr Parikh. He added that he adopted this approach in his society and now the leakage problem has become rare as whenever a leak is noticed, it gets fixed immediately since there is no issue of funds. Some residents also suggested mandatory water pipeline leakage audit for every society.

CUFFE PARADE CITIZENS ASSOCIATION SPEAKS UP

• 53 Societies in all
   
• 15,000 Number of residents (aproximately)
   
• 3,800 MLD Water supplied by BMC
   
• 10 % Water cut imposed
   
• 7 Total No. of dams that supply water

Water timing: from 11.30 am to 12.30 pm

Rainwater harvesting: Residents are planning to set up in society building and garden

WAYS TO CONSERVE WATER

1. Use a bucket instead of shower while taking bath as over 60% water gets wasted due to shower 
    
2. Use a bucket for washing utensils in the kitchen as water gets wasted when the tap is open while washing utensils
    
3. Use detergent power as per the requirement in the washing machine and reuse cloth-rinse water for cleaning the floor
    
4. Do not keep the tap open while shaving as keeping the tap open wastes more than ten-litre water