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<br /><ul><li>The water scarcity in towns dependent on the Hindu Kush Himalayas could double by 2050.</li><li>Indian tourist hot-spots like Mussoorie, Devprayag, Singtam, Kalimpong and Darjeeling are among the most vulnerable.</li><li>Rapid urbanisation along with worsening climate change will stress the regions water resources further.</li></ul>The Hindu Kush Himalayas is one of the most important reserves of fresh water in the world catering to the needs of millions of people. Spanning across four countries — India, Afghanistan, Nepal and Pakistan — freshwater is already in short supply with things expected to get even worse in the near future.<br /><br />A new study published in <a href="https://iwaponline.com/wp/article/22/S1/1/72146/Editorial-Mapping-challenges-for-adaptive-water">Water Policy</a> predicts that the demand-supply gap may double by 2050. The papers, "indicate that the demand for water is outstripping supply in almost all the towns and the future looks bleak if the ‘business as usual’ scenario persists."<br /><br />The study focuses on 12 towns, including five — Mussoorie, Devprayag, Singtam, Kalimpong and Darjeeling — in India. They are the most vulnerable to the Himalayas running dry due to rapid urbanisation, climate risks, failing governance and the lack of water rights.<br /><br />
	
  
  <div type="image" title="hkh" msid="74435833" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Case study sites in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>







<br />"We have found that the poor and marginalised are the most affected when water supply dwindles," says the study.<br /><br />Another study, published in December 2019, predicted that the Indus water tower — that covers much of the Himalayan mountains — <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/indias-indus-water-tower-is-the-most-important-in-the-world-but-its-also-the-most-vulnerable/articleshow/72451341.cms">could be in trouble within a decade</a> or even sooner.<br /><br /><strong>More humans need more water<br /></strong>One of the main reasons that the Hindu Kush Himalayas are set for a tough ride ahead is because of rapid rural to urban migration. <br /><br />Urbanisation has pulled people from rural areas in the region into nearby urban centres. Although only 3% of the total Hindu Kush Himalayan population lives in larger cities and 8% in smaller towns, projections show that more than 50% of the population will be living in cities by 2050.<br /><br />
	
  
  <div type="image" title="d6e44af11b1e29f05905b79145575ed7" msid="74435883" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Mussoorie after snowfall&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>







<br />According to the study, unplanned and rapid urbanisation changes the way land is used, the amount of land cover and takes away from recharge areas of springs.<br /><br />This means that in addition to heightened demand for water, urbanisation also leads to the deterioration of larger water network — which is already being bogged down upon by climate change.<br /><br /><strong>The pressing concerns of climate change<br /></strong>While the future movement of people will add to the stress on water, reserves already depleting faster than usual as the effects of climate change take hold — temperatures are increasing, glaciers are losing water faster than can be recuperated by rainfall, and excess rain is causing landslides which disrupt the water network. Even with the excess water supply, there still isn’t enough to go around. <br /><br />
  
  <div type="image" title="darjeeling" msid="74435932" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Snowfall in Darjeeling&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>




<br />Without proper governance and management techniques in place, the residents of the region have to bear through periods of water scarcity. This is because most of the towns, being hill stations, are also popular tourist destinations which don’t have the capacity to cater for the boom in population during peak season.<br /><br />
	
  
  <div type="image" title="fda3bd5441b70a0e00e3a3fa0157a2e5" msid="74435870" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Spike in tourists during the summer season in Mussoorie led to water scarcity in the town in 2019&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>







<br />Mussoorie, for example, needs around <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/peak-summer-tourist-influx-adding-to-mussoorie-water-woes/articleshow/69509678.cms">14.5 million litres of water per day</a> but only has around 7.67 million litres available. Last year, the situation got even worse when water tanker operators went on strike to protest the timing restrictions on when they would transport water into the city.<br /><br />The study predicts that Mussorie, and other towns dependent on the Hindu Kush Himalayas, will face "water insecurity if timely action is not taken." It suggests adaptive water management that takes sustainable water sourcing into account and gives more attention to the equitable distribution of water.<br /><br /><em>(With inputs from IANS)</em><br /><br /><strong>See also:<br /></strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/indias-indus-water-tower-is-the-most-important-in-the-world-but-its-also-the-most-vulnerable/articleshow/72451341.cms">India's Indus water tower is the most important in the world — but it's also the most vulnerable</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/theres-too-much-uranium-in-indias-water-and-nobodys-watching-it/articleshow/64544651.cms">There’s too much uranium in India’s water, and nobody’s watching it</a><br />

Mussoorie, Devprayag and Darjeeling will be among the first Indian towns to bear the brunt of the Himalayan water flow drying up

<br /> It is an irony that the river that has always been considered the holiest for the Hindus and whose banks held the most profound form of knowledge is also one of the most polluted water bodies in India. River <keyword id="6357202" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ganga">Ganga</keyword> is considered the ultimate cleanser of sins while her banks hold spiritual experiences for a practising Hindu. At least, people do believe it to be so.<br />
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That is till they visit the river to get rid of their sins. But one look at the River Ganga is enough to understand that we would better retain our sins within ourselves. If getting rid of our sins means courting some serious skin diseases, keeping them might be a feasible solution. After all, we do commit sins now and then, and cleansing them is going to cost a lot – physically, mentally and medically!<br />
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On a serious note, talks of cleaning the River Ganga are getting more serious and louder by the day. What was started by the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, way back in 1985, has always remained in debates and discussions, without any effective action plan in place.<br />
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But between then and now, much water has flown under the bridge and a huge amount of human debris has been dumped, too. The half-burnt bodies float on the surface like they always did. But then, that’s the sacrifice the river has to make to keep her worshippers off the sins they have committed.<br />
 <br />
According to recent estimates by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), fecal coliform levels in mainstream Ganga have shot up much above the acceptable levels since years. And the stretch of the River Ganga that remains polluted is said to be well beyond 2,500 km. It starts from Gangotri where the religious ceremonies take place and goes up to Diamond Harbour.<br />
 <br /> The highly oxygenated upper stretches are not spared from pollution either. It is a surprise that the river has not dried up yet, as a result of such action. Places like <keyword id="146132" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rudraprayag">Rudraprayag</keyword> and <keyword id="697497" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Devprayag">Devprayag</keyword> leave the river increasingly polluted, thanks to the religious tourism and the mindless urban travellers always in a hurry to cleanse themselves.<br />
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Ganga absorbs as much as 3,364 litres of sewage on a daily basis apart from the regular dumping of burnt dead bodies, flowers from religious offerings and discarded clothes. Then there is a large amount of plastic in various forms, dumped by tourism-promoting hotels and mindless travellers.<br />
 <br /> The <keyword id="68133" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ganga-Action-Plan">Ganga Action Plan</keyword> (GAP) has been receiving money for a long time, but the operations were not sustainable enough to keep the river clean of pollutants.<br />
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The key here is not just cleaning the River Ganga. It is not a one-time operation or a permanent solution. The government is simply pumping in more and more money into Ganga cleaning operations, but environmentalists have been warning us throughout that it will not resolve the issues in the long run. They say the operation has to be a mammoth exercise only in the beginning, with effective cleaning practices being strictly imposed and followed in the subsequent phases.<br />
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The focus should be on a few key areas. Once we have enough water to carry out the operations, the ‘need’ is to filter the water from this point to dilute and assimilate waste from the water. Another stage will be to implement sustainable methods of treating the waste that is currently being released into the river. Making policy-level decisions to stop industries from releasing effluents into the river is of great importance as the ‘Clean Ganga’ operations have to reach a level of participation from those who are abusing it.<br />
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Although religious institutions make for a small yet considerable part of the groups that are polluting the river, it has to receive a complete buy-in from all the parties concerned – the Ganga now needs their help to stay clean.<br />
 <br />
After all, changing a few practices to save the Ganga (an integral part of the Hindu psyche) for future generations is something that could go a long way in protecting the river and its tributaries. No matter how significant our beliefs are, the cost of treating a water body, polluted with dangerous waste, is simply much higher than maintaining the cleanliness. And the cleanliness can be maintained with people’s understanding and active participation.<br />
 <br />
In fact, simple economy would be enough to understand this. If rivers have enough clean water for dilution, cities need to spend less on hardware and energy for water treatment. If this can be reduced over a period of time, the assimilative capacity of the river for self-cleaning the waste will surely improve, thus benefiting both humans and the nature.<br />
 <br />
Moreover, instead of expecting the upper riparian states to release more water (in the absence of water-sharing agreements, as of now), states can become self-sustainable by building checkpoints to collect the rainwater, to be used for river waste dilution. This can also increase the water table in the area.<br />
 <br />
Therefore, when the exercise of cleaning the Ganga is undertaken, it should also change the way we look at the river. Until then, governments can keep pumping in money without the people taking any responsibility for the project.<br />

Cleaning River Ganga Is Not A ‘One-time’ Operation<b></b>

As the summer sun shines brightly, it's time to plan a refreshing family vacation near Haridwar. Uttarakhand, with its breathtaking landscapes and pleasant weather, offers a plethora of enchanting destinations that promise to make your summer getaway truly memorable. From tranquil hill stations to adventure-filled valleys, here are must-visit <keyword id="17791080" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="places-near-haridwar" source="Orion">places near Haridwar</keyword> that cater to the interests of every family member.<br /><h3>Rishikesh (19 km from Haridwar)</h3>    <div type="image" title="Rishikesh" msid="101218215" hostid="261"></div>Embark on a spiritual and adventurous journey in the "Yoga Capital of the World." Experience the thrill of river rafting in the Ganges, indulge in yoga and meditation retreats, and visit ancient temples like the iconic Triveni Ghat. The famous Beatles Ashram, now known as the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, is also a popular attraction.<br /><h3>Mussoorie (88 km from Haridwar)</h3>    <div type="image" title="Mussoorie" msid="101218263" hostid="261"></div>Discover the "Queen of Hill Stations" nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas. Take a cable car ride to Gun Hill for panoramic views, explore the enchanting Kempty Falls, and visit the iconic Landour Clock Tower. Stroll along Mall Road, shop for local handicrafts, and enjoy horseback riding with your family.<br /><h3>Dehradun (53 km from Haridwar)</h3>    <div type="image" title="Dehradun" msid="101218292" hostid="261"></div>Uncover the capital city of Uttarakhand, known for its pleasant climate and natural beauty. Explore the picturesque Robber's Cave, visit the historic Forest Research Institute, and take a leisurely boat ride at Sahastradhara. Don't miss the opportunity to savor lip-smacking street food at the famous Paltan Bazaar.<br /><h3>Har Ki Dun Trek (115 km from Haridwar)</h3>    <div type="image" title="Har ki Dun" msid="101218329" hostid="261"></div>If your family is up for an adventure, embark on the Har Ki Dun trek. This moderate-level trek takes you through scenic landscapes, lush meadows, and remote villages, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks. It's a perfect opportunity to connect with nature and bond with your loved ones.<br /><h3>Devprayag (92 Km from Haridwar)</h3><div type="image" title="Devprayag" msid="101218714" hostid="261" sizebytes="130958"></div>Located at the confluence of the rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, Devprayag holds immense religious significance in Hindu mythology. Considered one of the Panch Prayags, it is believed to be the sacred spot where the Ganges River originates. The town is adorned with ancient temples, including the Raghunathji Temple and the Chandrabadni Temple. Devprayag's serene atmosphere, picturesque surroundings, and spiritual allure make it a must-visit destination for devotees and nature lovers alike.<br /><h3>Lansdowne (89 km from Haridwar)</h3>    <div type="image" title="Lansdowne" msid="101218492" hostid="261"></div>Experience tranquility in the pristine hill station of Lansdowne. Visit the serene Bhulla Lake, admire the beauty of Tip-n-Top viewpoint, and explore the historic War Memorial. Take leisurely walks amidst pine forests, indulge in boating, and enjoy a picnic with your family.<br /><h3>Dhanaulti (89 km from Haridwar)</h3>    <div type="image" title="Dhanaulti" msid="101218561" hostid="261"></div>Escape the summer heat and head to the peaceful town of Dhanaulti. Visit the eco-park, indulge in thrilling adventure activities like zip-lining and rappelling, and enjoy a leisurely picnic amidst the tall deodar trees. The serene atmosphere and cool weather make it an ideal destination for a family retreat.<br /><h3>Rajaji National Park (8 km from Haridwar)</h3>    <div type="image" title="Rajaji National Park" msid="101218595" hostid="261"></div>Spanning over an area of 820 square kilometers, the park is home to numerous species, including elephants, tigers, leopards, and various bird species. The park offers visitors an opportunity to explore its lush forests, river valleys, and diverse flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lover<br />

These are famous places that you can visit near Haridwar on you next trip

Dehradun, Feb 4 () Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat on Thursday thanked the Centre for a budget outlay of Rs 4,200 crore for the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail link saying it will facilitate timely completion of the long-awaited project.           <p> "So much has been done in the field of connectivity under the leadership of the Prime Minister. The dream of having a railway line in the hills will also be fulfilled soon," Rawat said. </p><p>"The new Rishikesh railway station which is part of the project has already been operationalised. With a budget outlay of Rs 4,200 crore for the project it can be completed within the given time frame," Rawat said. </p><p>Work on Virbhadra-New Rishikesh block section has been completed while  one road over bridge (ROB) and a road under bridge (RUB) have been built in Rishikesh. </p><p> Work on ROBs in Shrinagar, Gauchar and Siwai is also under progress, Rawat who is directly monitoring implementation of the project said. </p> A target has been set to complete work on Rishikesh-Devprayag  section by 2023-24 and Devprayag-Karnaprayag section by 2024-25, he said. ALM RHL

Rawat thanks Centre for budget outlay of 4200 cr for Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail link

A total of 1,701 people have tested <keyword id="6439681" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="positive">positive</keyword> for COVID-19 in the <keyword id="110558" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Haridwar-kumbh-mela">Haridwar Kumbh Mela</keyword> area from April 10 to 14 confirming fears that one of the world's largest religious gatherings may contribute further to the rapid rise in coronavirus cases. The numbers include both <keyword id="9043621" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="RT-PCR">RT-PCR</keyword> and Rapid Antigen Test reports of devotees and seers of different akharas (ascetic groups) over the five-day period in the entire Mela Kshetra extending from <keyword id="6355106" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Haridwar">Haridwar</keyword> to Devprayag, Haridwar Chief Medical Officer Shambhu Kumar Jha said on Thursday. <br /><br /> More RT-PCR test reports are awaited and the trend shows that the number of infected persons in the <keyword id="52356" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kumbh-Mela">Kumbh Mela</keyword> Kshetra is likely to climb to 2,000, he said. <br /><br /> The Kumbh Mela area is spread over 670 hectares covering parts of Haridwar, Tehri and Dehradun districts, including Rishikesh. <br /><br /> A majority of the 48.51 lakh people who took part in the last two royal baths (<keyword id="153461" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Shahi-Snan">Shahi Snan</keyword>) held on the occasion of Somwati Amavasya on April 12 and <keyword id="9117680" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="mesh-sankranti">Mesh Sankranti</keyword> on April 14 were seen openly violating <keyword id="8764262" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="covid">COVID</keyword> norms like wearing of face masks and social distancing. <br /><br /> Despite their best efforts, the police could not impose the standard operating procedures (SOPs) on the seers of akharas and the ash-smeared ascetics thronging Har Ki Pairi ghat on the two major bathing days due to severe time constraints. <br /><br /> As the 13 akharas had to take their holy dip at Har ki Pairi in accordance with their allotted time slots before sunset, the police and paramilitary personnel were hard-pressed to ensure each of them vacated the ghat before the arrival of the next akhara in line to prevent chaos. <br /><br /> As seers were averse to undergoing RT-PCR tests till the Mesh Sankranti Shahi Snan of April 14, both testing and inoculation in the Kumbh Kshetra including the areas allocated to the akharas are likely to be stepped up in the coming days, Jha said. <br /><br /><br /><strong>SEE ALSO:<br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/macrotech-developers-ipo-check-share-allotment-date-listing-date-and-more/articleshow/82078222.cms">Macrotech Developers IPO — check share allotment date, listing date and more</a><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/coinbase-climbs-13-in-trading-debut-as-valuation-hovers-around-100-billion/articleshow/82072134.cms">Coinbase tumbles 19% in trading debut as valuation hovers around $100 billion</a><br /></strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/flipkart-acquires-cleartrip-in-an-effort-to-cement-its-position-in-the-travel-booking-segment/articleshow/82081931.cms"><strong>Flipkart acquires Cleartrip in an effort to cement its position in the travel booking segment</strong></a>

Around 1,700 people test positive for COVID-19 in Hardiwar Kumbh Mela from April 10-14

<ul><li><strong>The Coronavirus crisis is exposing the water inequality across the country, where 82% of the households in rural India still do not have piped water connections.</strong></li><li><strong>In Delhi alone, 85% of the households do not have piped water connections.</strong></li><li><strong>People in rural areas get a maximum of 25 litres of water per day. Following the WHO recommendations, they would end up using all the water in handwashing alone, with nothing left to drink.</strong></li></ul>Washing hands with soap is critical in the fight against Covid-19, but it’s a luxury for 82% of rural households and nearly 60% of urban households. In a way, water shortage is a way of life for millions of Indians. <br /><br />“Handwashing with soap is one of the cheapest, most effective things you can do to protect yourself and others against coronavirus, as well as many other infectious diseases. Yet for billions, even this most basic of steps is simply out of reach,” said Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF Director of Programmes.<br /><br /><strong>There’s just not enough water<br /></strong><br />The World Health Organisation (WHO) <a href="https://www.who.int/gpsc/5may/Hand_Hygiene_Why_How_and_When_Brochure.pdf">recommends</a> washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, repeatedly. This is one of the simplest ways to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.<br /><br />At an average of 10 hand washes per day and assuming each hand wash requires 2 litres of water, each person would end up using 20 litres of water per day. This is more than 20% of the average per capita water consumption in India, which <a href="http://indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/files/Water%20consumption%20patterns.pdf">stands at 92 litres</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Over 20% of the country is facing drought-like situation<br /><div type="image" title="Bengaluru Drought" msid="75173408" hostid="261"></div><br /></strong>Even as India fights to prevent Covid-19 from turning it into a humanitarian disaster, more than 20% of the country is facing drought-like situations, according to IIT-Gandhinagar’s <a href="https://sites.google.com/a/iitgn.ac.in/high_resolution_south_asia_drought_monitor/drought-early-warning-system/dews-india">Drought Early Warning System</a>.<br /><br />Rural areas which depend on government water tankers get up to 25 litres of water per person per day, according to a recent <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2020/04/hand-washing-can-combat-coronavirus-but-can-the-rural-poor-afford-frequent-rinses/">report</a>. Based on WHO guidelines, this would be used up for handwashing alone. Villagers would be left with no water to even drink.<br /><br /><strong>Piped water connections are a luxury for many<br /><div type="image" title="Tap Water" msid="75173414" hostid="261"></div><br /></strong>According to a <a href="https://www.theigc.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Banerjee-Et-Al-2012-Working-Paper.pdf">2012 survey</a>, 85% of the households in Delhi do not have piped water connections. Slums, which are not legally recognized, don’t have piped water connections and depend on water tankers.<br /><br />Now, due to the nationwide lockdown, many households in Delhi fear running out of water. Private water tanker suppliers are refusing to offer their services due to the illegal nature of their business, according to a Deutsche Welle <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/under-coronavirus-lockdown-delhi-slum-residents-struggle-to-get-water/a-53073487">report</a>.<br /><br /><div type="image" title="Water Tanker Madurai" msid="75173420" hostid="261"></div><br />In Chennai, water tanker supply in some areas has been reduced by up to 50%, a source told Business Insider. And this city literally ran out of water last year, exposing a large crisis. <br /><br />In Hyderabad, some areas receive one water tanker every alternate day. In other areas, the water tanker suppliers hiked the prices by as much as 20%, a source told Business Insider. These hikes usually happen during summers, but this time around, the extra hand washing worsened the problem.<br /><br /><strong>Water is more important than social distancing<br /></strong><br />In areas without piped water connections, households depend on water tankers. Typically, water tankers enter the area and park themselves in the middle. Men and women gather around with buckets and utensils to collect water.<br /><br /><div type="image" title="Water Tanker Andhra" msid="75173426" hostid="261"></div><br />For them, getting a water tanker is more important than social distancing. Fights often break out in times of acute water shortage – this is more prevalent in the summer season which is currently peaking in India.<br /><br />Despite the severe threat it poses, Coronavirus does not take priority over water for these people.<br /><br /><strong>See also:<br /><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/ensure-adequate-water-supply-in-rural-areas-during-lockdown-centre-advises-states/articleshow/75147128.cms">Ensure adequate water supply in rural areas during lockdown: Centre advises states</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/water-consumption-in-parched-bundelkhand-up-60-pc-due-to-covid-19-study/articleshow/75107060.cms">Water consumption in parched Bundelkhand up 60 pc due to COVID-19: Study</a><br /><br /></strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/mussoorie-devprayag-and-darjeeling-to-bear-burnt-of-himalayas-drying-up/articleshow/74435786.cms"><strong>Mussoorie, Devprayag and Darjeeling will be among the first Indian towns to bear the brunt of the Himalayan water flow drying up</strong></a><br />

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Mussoorie, Devprayag and Darjeeling will be among the first Indian towns to bear the brunt of the Himalayan water flow drying up

Prabhjote Gill

Cleaning River Ganga Is Not A ‘One-time’ Operation

Preetam Kaushik

These are famous places that you can visit near Haridwar on you next trip

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Rawat thanks Centre for budget outlay of 4200 cr for Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail link

PTI

Around 1,700 people test positive for COVID-19 in Hardiwar Kumbh Mela from April 10-14

PTI

Wash your hands often to keep Covid-19 away, but most Indians can't afford the water

Rounak Jain

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