This particular article focuses on individuals who have made it their personal missions to help solve different regional water problems around the world; one of those people is Rajendra Singh. Over twenty years ago Singh began helping farmers in smaller villages around India obtain the equipment required to pump water from underground wells. This was necessary after many natives had abandoned the long-time practices of traditional water gathering through the collection and conservation of rainwater. Although hugely helpful, the abuse of this method has lead to severe long-term consequences. Today, Singh is helping the same villages, and more, return to a sustainable solution by aiding in the construction of "johads”, or dams.
The information regarding the actual water shortages was not news to me as there are several major areas in the world that are sharing the same dilemma. The cycle of technology was expected as well, however, I was shocked to learn how little the Indian government regulates water usage. It seems as if the farmers can literally use as much water as they choose to for the same fee as anyone else. Water regulation is a global concern at the moment, but for India it is as issue that must be addressed on a larger scale immediately, before they continue to over-pump underground water and drastically lower the entire country's water table.
---Terry Bloom
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