Impact of Climate Change on Safe Potable Water in West Bengal

Abstract

Water is one of the most important natural resource which is used for multidimensional purpose, viz., agriculture, industrial need, household purpose, drinking, etc. It serves as the habitat for many animal and plant species which are exploited indirectly for food and economic growth. Climate change and pollution are depleting safe portable water all across the globe. Melting glaciers, rising sea level, oil spills, etc., are major threats to depletion of freshwater reservoir, sinking of costal shorelines and destruction of habitats for numerous species. Over population has led to increasing demand for water, thereby utilising ground water excessively, which again makes it prone to arsenic contamination, health hazards, etc. At present, India is failing to provide seven crore people safe portable water, with West Bengal at the top of the chart of deficiency. The increasing incidence of oil spill in Sundarbans has exposed this world heritage site to toxic chemicals, death of threatened species like rare dolphins, turtles, hilsa, etc. Over use of ground water has increased arsenic toxicity very badly in many areas of West Bengal, because of lack of alternative source for coping demands. The concern for provision of safe portable water is basic essential need facing expensive maintenance. Hence, awareness to mass about present status of water scarcity, conservation of water, prevention of overuse and misuse of water, are our prime concern.