Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Need for re-think

The article, `Towards universal guidelines on water use' (Dec. 27), rightly points out the need for "divergent prescriptions" in our management of water. I agree it is necessary for a re-think at the local, national and international level that would ensure water not only as a human right but also guarantee equitable distribution to all. However, the "three influential formulations on water in the international arena" referred to in the article, fundamentally treat water as an "economic good." Such thinking will not address the acute concerns in India, where over 20 crore have almost no access to safe and clean water.

Bharti Patel,
Bangalore

* * *

Water being the elixir of life should be conserved and used on the basis of the principles of inter-generational and intra-generational equity. The success of the implementation of water policies depends first on protecting locally situated water bodies.

Durai Gnanasekaran,
Madurai

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