Places with low rainfall or limited access to surface water are still facing water shortage
KARACHI: Water shortage has now turned into a crisis situation. According to researchers, in the coming few decades the cause of a third world war would be water shortage.
Undoubtedly, humans themselves are the major reason for the water deficit because we not only waste it but we pollute it, which is hazardous for human consumption. Industrial cities consume large amounts of water. The resulting waste is thrown into rivers which in turn becomes a cause of water pollution. Due to water pollution a unique species of dolphins that are found only in the River Indus are continuously dying. We have to come up with feasible solutions to overcome this grave issue. Among other reasons, sewerage water can at times become highly dangerous for humans and it can contain untreated waste that can cause many diseases. The third major cause of water pollution worldwide is the use of plastic. Plastic is an artificial product that is non-biodegradable. Plastic can’t be burned because the burning plastic is a major source of carbon dioxide and other toxic gasses in our environment. To solve this issue, plastic bags should be banned and instead, paper bags should be manufactured. The latter easily decomposes or can be recycled. Industrial waste should not be thrown into river and proper sewerage systems should be developed. Besides water pollution, another reason for the shortage of water is unequal water distribution and overconsumption of water. Places with low rainfall or limited access to surface water are still facing water shortage. If such circumstances persist, soon water shortage would become troublesome for the whole world.
Komal Saleem
Published in The Express Tribune, September 22nd, 2019.
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