The Irony of Drought and Flood

The state that is blessed with 44 rivers(don't imagine large rivers like  Godavari or Kauveri, these are short rivers), having annual rainfall more than 300 mm, had to approach the central government for drought relief fund in the year 2013.It had to cry again for flood relief,hardly one month after receiving drought relief. This is quite an irony.Why water is so scare during summer? Where the water from heavy rains escaping? This twin disasters are due to the mismanagement of the resources. When it is raining , all water is heading towards the sea, without saturating the soil. The avaricious clearing of forests for mono culture or plantations or for simply profiteering has deprived soil its natural qualities. When it rains, the water will saturate the soil, ooze down and replenish the under ground aquifers for quenching the thirst of the flora and fauna during dry spells. Thus the vegetation ever greened. Now the rain water just run off the surface along with it the top soil which is unable to hold to the Alma mater sans the binding action of the plant roots. Thus soil degradation goes on in recursion.

Extreme weather related disasters are recurring these days. The blame can be pronounced on global warming also.The moisture (water vapour)  holding capacity of the atmosphere is increasing, thanks to the higher concentration of the greenhouse gases.As the ocean surfaces warms more, the moisture content in air increases and as these moisture laden wind reaches land , heavy rainfall will be the result causing floods and rain related disasters. High earth surface temperature for prolonged periods is responsible for drought and forest fires . 

The damage is already done on the environment. What the present generation can do is to mitigate the consequences. We can help the ailing nature to maintain the balance. Rainwater can be harvested, allowed to replenish the water sheds and underground aquifers. Let trees and plants grow in their abode. Let the rivers live. Let the irony of flood and drought be no more.