How can we guarantee year-round water access to South Asians?
Water is an essential component of human life. It is vital in domestic use, for example, cooking, drinking, and washing, as well as in industrial processes. Consequently, access to clean water is one of the determinants of human settlement. Many people choose to locate in areas where they can easily access water. In South Asia, the problem of access to water still exists. As such, there have been conflicts between different communities in regard to the control, use, and protection of some water points across several countries in the region. Therefore, having year-round access to water by the inhabitants of the region could go a long way in solving these conflicts.
A number of strategies can be employed by the policymakers to ensure that the problem of water scarcity is resolved once and for all. One such strategy is the need for communities to practice groundwater mining through the drilling of boreholes. These boreholes are vital in increasing water supply to the residents of South Asia. Secondly, the government can construct large dams, as well as water reservoirs in different parts of the country.
By so doing, rainwater can be stored in the dams and reservoirs, thus reducing cases of flooding when it rains. Moreover, the water stored in dams is for future use. Lastly, many of the countries in South Asia do experience heavy rainfall when the monsoon winds blow over the region. As such, people can be encouraged to harvest rainwater and store it for different purposes.
Whose job is it to clean up the rivers? Why?
Many of the rivers in South Asia have been heavily polluted. Therefore, the water from these rivers is not suitable for human consumption. Consequently, there is a need for these rivers to be cleaned and protected against perennial pollution. It is the duty of the different local governments in the region to ensure that rivers within their areas of jurisdiction are kept clean all year round. A government is mandated to offer essential basic services to its citizens. Furthermore, the local people, who are the first beneficiaries, do need to ensure the rivers are clean. These people should avoid dumping waste in the rivers, thereby keeping them clean. The locals have a responsibility to ensure that water within their proximity is clean.
Is it ethical to try and stop people from releasing their cremated relatives into the rivers?
Ethics demands that actions are undertaken to benefit the public. It is evident that water pollution has negative impacts on the community. Thus, it is ethical for people to stop releasing cremated relatives into rivers. Such people can be educated on the dangers associated with water pollution. Consequently, it is imperative that such people are stopped from, so doing, which is ethical.
Can we limit people’s access to basic human necessities? Why or why not?
Every human being has a right to access their basic necessity in life. Therefore, limiting their access to basic necessities like water violates their basic human rights. Consequently, every human being has to access their basic human necessities in life, and hence they should not be limited to access them in any way.
How are issues of overpopulation and industrialization relevant to the use and protection of water resources?
Overpopulation and industrialization are some of the key factors that influence the use of water resources in any country and, consequently, its protection. In places where there is overpopulation, there would be available water resources for the whole population. As a result, there would be conflicts in regard to the control of the limited water resources. The water resources available may eventually not be enough for such a high population. Additionally, industries dump their wastes into rivers hence increasing cases of pollution. This hampers protection measures, especially in cases where there are many industries in a given locality.