Mushtaq Hurra
Water is one of the primary prerequisites to sustain life on earth. Ibni-Adam has been fiddling with mother earth for his petty gains, caring least about the availability of basic amenities for other creatures on the planet.Deforestation coupled with indiscriminate use of polythene and the emission of greenhouse gases has brought undesirable and horrendous changes in our environment. Mother earth has turned very apoplectic. Though environmental degradation is assuming proportionate importance in contemporary times but water scarcity is undoubtedly the major cause of concern for the whole world. Environmentalists believe that Water crisis may result in a deadly global war. Large chunks of human populace across the globe have been tasting the bitter consequences of human greed and avarice resulting in acute water crisis. Water crisis is one of the vivid proofs that we have not been judicious and prudent towards our planet and its environment. Kashmir valley which is known for its rich water resources, is facing the wrath of nature. Many areas of the valley are craving for drinking water while as many areas have turned barren. Paddy crop which needs abundant water for irrigation is withering. The conditions of farmers is pathetic owing to drought like situation in the valley. Scanty rainfall, prolonged dry spell and the prevalent heat wave has added largely to the miseries of farmers , and has created a havoc in the valley. We must introspect ourselves. We are ourselves responsible for the apparent catastrophe. We have been cruel and callous towards our environment. Mother nature is taking the revenge . The calamitous conditions have probably taught us the value of trees and water which we waste like mountain snow. We need to mend our ways otherwise a disaster is in store for us. We have annoyed our Lord by disobeying his orders and commandments. Rain is indeed a divine blessing which ensures the continuity of water on the planet, and water is extremely vital for the continuity of life on the planet. Our beloved prophet Muhammad Salallahu-Aliahiwasalam has taught us the value of water. He Salallahu-Aliahiwasalam has admonished us not to waste the water . And the showers of rain were always a great source of pleasure for our beloved prophet Muhammad Salallahu-Aliahiwasalam. Hazrat Anas narrated: ‘ Once, we were with Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) and it started raining. Drops of turned our garments wet. Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) opened up his garment a bit so that the rain could touch His skin. We asked: “O Messenger of Allah, why did you do this?” He (peace be upon him) replied: “Because it has just come from its Lord’.” (Muslim, 898). But, we have forgotten our religious and moral duties. We are wasting, contaminating and deteriorating our water resources. And we are reaping the obnoxious remuneration of our insensitivity. Different villages of district Bandipora, Baramulla and Kupwara are going through extreme scarcity of irrigation and drinking water facilities. Paddy crop has withered and wilted. Farmers are in deplorable conditions. Their year long efforts and attempts are wasted. Their only ray of hope ( Paddy crop ) has dwindled. When COVID19 has taken toll of our economy, agriculture was the only source of sustenance for us but nature’s wrath and rage has brought it to ashes. But, nature is just reacting to our actions.
Let’s take pledge to plant more and more trees, conserve water resources, minimise the use of polythene bags. Go green, live green and remain evergreen.
Many villages of our valley which were dependent on natural irrigation have been facing the tantrums of dry spell. We can easily attribute it to nature though the causes are manmade. But, the villages having lift irrigation systems, are also facing the pangs of official callousness and insensitivity . No doubt, the water level in different rivers and streams has considerably decreased but our lift irrigation schemes are not probably either well equipped or properly situated. Authorities should take cognizance of the matter and these schemes should be upgraded and well equipped for future course of action. Asham, Hakbara, Zoonipora, Ganastan and its adjacent villages are badly hit by the scarcity of water. Farmers have begun to cut the raw paddy to make fodder. It is not lesser than a tragedy. Incumbent governor administration should come to the rescue of these poor farmers. They should be compensated suitably so that they are not forced to starve during the coming harsh winter months. Here I consider it important to share something special with natural calamities. Our ancestors were simple, innocent, pious and probably true believers who would turn to their Lord in case of any trouble or misfortune befalling commoners. Collective prayers and supplications were organised to get rid of possible calamities. People would beseech Allah for the shower of mercy. Special feasts (called Bandaar) were served to all including dogs, birds and other animals. Now, we have turned callous. We have lost the belief in Almighty. Our prostrations are pseudo, our prayers are feigned, our charity is mere showoff. We can surely win the divine blessings but it is subject to our purity and sincerity of intention and faith. Allah will surely extinguish our fire but we need to make complete and sincere submission to Him like that of Khaleelullah Aliahi Salaam. We must look for our spiritual and moral cleanliness and purity. We need to be generous and kind towards our planet and its environment. We must develop the sense of belongingness in ourselves. Let’s take pledge to plant more and more trees, conserve water resources, minimise the use of polythene bags. Go green, live green and remain evergreen.
(The author is a teacher by profession. Views are his own) [email protected]
