Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Rain harvesting

Sir, — I refer to your article, "Rain harvest and water woes" (Jan. 6). Recent studies on rain harvesting in Tamil Nadu have revealed that it has led to a considerable increase in the groundwater level. But it is shocking to know that intensive rain harvesting can disturb the hydrological cycle. Is there any alternative to counteract this adverse effect and meet the immediate water requirement?

C. Rajamohan,

Vilathikulam, T.N.

* * *

Sir, — Conserving rainwater is no new concept. Decades ago, there were ponds in the villages, tanks near temples and towns, lakes in the vicinity of agricultural land. These not only helped store rainwater, but also recharged the dwindling ground water level.

Greed and exploitation are the cause for our present water scarcity. Ponds, tanks and lakes are encroached upon to build dwellings. Besides, indiscriminate quarrying of sand from riverbeds disturbs the ecology.

S. Ramanathan,

Secunderabad

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