The phrase of the caption for today’s column was first used in the context of environmental challenges compelling attention of that section in society which is concerned about conditions in future affecting human populations and all other life forms across the planet. Long before governments stepped into the environment scene by enforcing environment-related laws, citizens are known to have taken the necessary initiatives to protect habitats hosting living organisms, including plants. Although change in lifestyle of both individuals and communities is imperative to match the changes in living conditions, reluctance to change on the part of human populations is as clear as daylight. It is not prudent to wait for global legislation or prescriptions for global action, the best course of action is to drive change by every individual. Even Mysureans need not wait for legislation by the State government or the Union Government to chalk out local action for their own benefit.

Ironically enough, voices are currently heard from every quarter across the country like never before calling for protecting the three resources of air, water and soil by adhering to clean practices. While water bodies have been polluted or made to disappear, air has been made unfit for breathing safely and soil rendered infertile on an alarming scale.

While action for protecting ambient air quality, particularly in urban spaces with population density much beyond optimum levels and saving soil fertility gone awry by excessive use of chemical fertilisers, may have to happen through legislation at different levels of government, sensible use of water lies very much within the ambit of individual citizens. That  realisation has not dawned on most people who are beneficiaries of urban water supply facilities such as in Mysuru, Bengaluru and other cities across the country. Figures have been worked out to portray the overall water scenario in the country, comprising a) availability, b) demand, c) per capita use, d) share to meet different purposes and last as well as the most important e) wasting habits. These figures are to raise level of awareness in people at large about the care that every individual must bestow on water if the info is displayed  prominently in public places instead of the unedifying flex boards showing the images of self-appointed leaders of people, a common sight in Mysuru.

The fact that about 75 per cent of earth’s surface is covered by water may have led to a feeling that it is there for grabs in abundance. But, all that is salt water (35 parts per thousand) prompting the mariner in S.T. Coleridge’s (1772-1834) poem to express dismay saying “Water, water, every where but not a drop to drink.” Assuming that ground water is plentiful has resulted in its indiscriminate tapping. Only 2.5 per cent of all water on earth being fit for use, it is incumbent upon every individual to act locally, whether thinking globally or not thinking at all.