Haryana, 04 JUNE: On the eve of Environment Day, Dr. Shiv Singh Rawat, former Superintending Engineer of the Irrigation Department, Haryana, and Convenor of the Yamuna Bachao Abhiyan, delivered a powerful message – Let’s turn this rain disaster into a water revolution.
This year, instead of the usual heatwaves, many parts of India saw unseasonal and record-breaking rainfall. Delhi recorded its wettest May since 1901, while Mumbai shattered a rainfall record set in 1918. According to Dr. Rawat, such erratic weather is a direct result of climate change, global warming, early monsoon arrival, and unusual western disturbances—all of which are redefining our seasons and disrupting traditional agricultural and urban systems.
While the rains brought temporary relief from scorching heat, they also led to urban flooding, traffic chaos, increased risk of waterborne diseases, and severe damage to crops. In many places, rain became more of a curse than a blessing.
In sharp contrast, urban areas in National capital region like Gurugram, Faridabad, Palwal , Noida, Gaziabad and NCT Delhi are facing a severe groundwater crisis. Groundwater levels have dropped drastically, drinking water is in short supply, and the available water has turned saline. Amid this grim situation, rainwater stands out as a beacon of hope—but only if we act wisely.
Dr. Rawat strongly emphasized the urgent need to capture and conserve rainwater, which is otherwise allowed to go to waste. He advocated the use of modern rainwater harvesting technologies and strategic urban planning to make the most of every drop.
He recommended that cities develop robust rainwater harvesting systems, and utilize underground water storage beneath parks, stadiums, and playgrounds. This could help ease the water scarcity in urban areas. In rural areas, he suggested creating village clusters and reviving ponds under a comprehensive water strategy. These ponds should be deepened and fitted with groundwater recharge wells to improve the area’s water-holding capacity.
In addition, Dr. Rawat proposed launching a dedicated project to store floodwater from the Yamuna River, which can then be used for groundwater recharge throughout the year. He called on the government to take the lead in adopting such technologies and implementing them swiftly.
We have the knowledge, we have the tools—what we need is the will , Dr Rawat emphasised. If government bodies, civil society, and citizens come together, rain will no longer be a disaster—it will become our greatest opportunity.
Dr. Rawat has long been an advocate of sustainable development and works actively with organizations like Paryavaran Sanrakshan Gatividhi, Hamara Parivar, Swadeshi Jagran Manch, and the KBC society Palwal. His efforts focus on environmental conservation, water management, education reform, and women empowerment.
On world environment day Let’s not let the rain run off—let’s make it count. This Environment Day, let’s harvest hope.
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