Monday, September 27, 2010

Water & Development

Development of human civilization is dependent on water. In fact all life forms are totally dependent on Water. All major cities from times dating back to the commencement of civilizations have their roots firmly planted within the reaches of one fresh water body or another. Without this basic source no civilization has been born or can survive. Without water all life would perish on earth.
In fact the history of civilizations even recorded the demise of civilizations if the source of fresh water has for one reason or another been effected, polluted or removed.
The Ancient Egyptian Civilization of the  Pharaohs flourished as long as the Nile flowed - bringing the black alluvial flood soils into its plain. However when a long period of drought came owing to prolonged rain failure - the Nile got effected - this kingdom and the rule of the Pharaohs ended, people were displaced and due to the lack of agricultural produce people even started eating their own children - shocking but true. 
A civilization thus grew to such splendor and even collapsed just primarily owing to the dependence on the availability of fresh water.
The Indus Valley Civilization was dependent on the river Indus. Even today all major centers of civilization are found on or near the banks of one water body or another. Water was revered in the past and is considered holy even today. Water IS life.
Rivers have been worshiped by the Hindus as Goddesses like River Ganga (Ganges) or Jamuna.
However in the pursuit of development,  human civilization had become uncaring about water recently. They no longer guard this precious resource and are unhesitatingly with greed polluting it in the name of development and technological advancement. There are places wherein the water pollutions has reached such levels that water is no longer consumable and has to be cleaned prior to its consumption else illness or even death follows.
Clean water - The very basic requirement and foundation for the creation and growth of civilization is being destroyed. If this continues growth of civilization would become a far cry and instead its collapse may be seen. Can this be or is this DEVELOPMENT ? No this is just the result of GREED.
DEVELOPMENT SHOULD BE REWARDED AND GREED PUNISHED.
Development should assist civilization and not become a hurdle in its growth. Any act which becomes a hurdle to civilization can not be considered development of civilization!!! Such hurdles should be faced head-on and removed without compromise for civilization to grow and prosper.

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