The sudden burning waves in the month of March have terrified everybody, today the temperature in Udaipur was above 30 degrees. This is just a small beep of danger siren pointing directly towards still to come “harshest summer” of May-June which we cannot imagine.

The scarier part is many areas of Lake Pichola looks like a lush green golf course, roofed with watercress known as Jal Kumbhi. It is spread till eyes could reach, have a look from this historical Brahmpol bridge and feel this scenically (smelling) beauty.

Jalkumbhi are enemies of water, and water is source of our life, more because not only life but economy of Udaipur is also depended upon water. So, needless to explain how dangerous these jalkumbhi are.

There is an urgent need to get rid of this menace, there are people and organizations too who tried several times cleaning up the lakes and make it jalkumbhi-free but lack of resources every time left the work incomplete.

There are authorities especially for lake cleanliness, conservation and security but what they are doing for lakes is unclear. Because every time we get is that traditional “press note” filled with typically-memorized orders, declarations and projects but on ground level the situation remains same.

So today we went to ask them about what they are doing for lakes and jalkumbhi and here are their replies.

Anil Nepalia – Executive Engineer UIT said “I can’t talk on this matter at present, come tomorrow”.

Balmukund Asawa –Commissioner City Council said “Responsibility is of UIT though we did clean up Fatahsagar in past. But, UIT also get revenues from many businesses including boat riding in lakes etc, but why they do not spend money in taking care of lakes?”.

Today, one local newspaper said that Department of Water Works is taking initiative by learning new techniques of saving waste water, so that it could be used in supplying water for 24 hrs. For this, department’s few lucky engineers got a chance to trip Malaysia for training.

I can only pronounce a small kudos to your perception but what if there will be no water left to re-use?

Take the example of Japan. Japanese made their world faster, better and bigger than the rest of the world, enough reason to be proud of but nature can strike anytime to anyone. Lessons are many but generally we understand it after suffering.

We cannot afford calamity like Japan but we can try to make a clear and transparent work style and tendency of serving, not just working.

By Report of: Sayeed Ahmed