The state is beginning to experience the harshness of summer earlier than usual. As the temperature rises, so does the shortage of drinking water. What is special about this summer is that the state did not get even a small drizzle. Kerala is burning in the scorching heat, praying that the proverb that if it rains in Kumbham (Malayalam month), even the garbage will bear fruit. The state is heading for an election heat that will overcome the summer heat. We are likely to get a clear picture of the election by this week. We will see intense election campaign works for the next three weeks. It will be a test of fire for candidates and party workers. The campaign must be carried out with extreme caution as there is the need to fear COVID-19 which is still lurking in the state. Along with that, they have to face the adverse conditions of the hot summer.

The biggest problem that the state is going to face is the water shortage experienced during the summer. Signs of this are already being seen in many places. The issue of water scarcity may not be given due consideration as all the official bodies will be engaged in election-related duties for the next few days. Elections will be held regularly on one side. The drinking water problem of the people also needs to be given top priority. If there is a complaint about water scarcity, the concerned departments should take necessary action to find a solution. The government should also be vigilant to ensure this.

The central and state governments' massive project to supply piped water to all households is underway. It will still take years to reach the goal. Until then, people should not be deprived of drinking water. The severe water shortage experienced during the summer is a plight faced by a large section of families every year. As water resources begin to dry up, water shortages will worsen. The main reason for the destruction of water resources is the laziness and irresponsibility of the people on the issue of water conservation. No one is willing to put in some effort to protect the water resources.

From ancient times the perception was that Kerala was rich in water. Scientists with knowledge and expertise in the subject often correct this notion. They often point out the danger of even groundwater depleting rapidly. Freshwater lakes, rivers, streams, innumerable canals, ponds and wells considered to be part of Kerala are depleting. The impact of large-scale encroachments and various acts of vandalism on large bodies of water is not insignificant. Due to the inability to collect the excess water received during the monsoon season, the damage continues unabated. Excess water available during the monsoon is also wasted due to the lack of dams. Most dams do not have even half the storage capacity as there are no measures in place to protect them. The state is always protected by the continuous monsoon which reaches twice. However, if the rain lessens, the state will be affected. The October rain of last year passed without offering much rain to the state. The high rainfall during the monsoon season has helped to sustain this summer to some extent. It has been warned that the next two months will be a major challenge as far as water availability is concerned. Things are moving in a way that raises concerns about whether the state is heading for the severe drought and water scarcity it experienced five years ago. This crisis can only be overcome if the people take care of themselves along with the government system. This is a time when everyone needs to be more aware of the importance of water conservation activities. We need to train ourselves not to destroy existing water resources. Waste disposal has largely contributed to the depletion of rivers, ponds and water bodies. This is a country with strong laws in place to deal with those who pollute water sources. However, every water source has become a place where you can easily carry and deposit whatever you don't need. Most of the waste from slaughterhouses in rural and urban areas ends up in rivers, streams and creeks. The case does not reach the courts other than the occasional arrest and fines. This is also the reason why the violation continues unchecked. This method must change. This evil tendency can be curtailed to some extent only when the offenders are exemplarily punished.

Every summer comes with a reminder of the importance of keeping lakes, rivers, wells and public pools as safe as possible. With the arrival of the monsoon season after a miserable summer, everyone will forget the hardships of the past. The harsh summer must come again to remind us about water conservation. This trend needs to be changed. The state can be safe only when it develops the wisdom to realise that sustainable drinking water and water for cultivation are the basis of survival.