Question

How is the sale of water by farmers to water dealers in Chennai affecting the local people? Do you think local people can object to such exploitation of ground water? Can the government do anything in this regard?

Answer 1

The sale of water by farmers to water dealers in Chennai is affecting the local people in various ways:

• The water they are taking away is for irrigation of agriculture. Because of this exploitation irrigation and agriculture is bound to suffer.
• This water is also for general supply and drinking purpose of the villagers.
• As a result of the heavy exploitation of water, the ground water levels dropped drastically in these areas.

Yes, the local people can object to such heavy exploitation of ground water since it is a public facility or nature’s gift on which everyone has equal right and so nobody can sell or take away exclusively.
The Government needs to play a crucial role to find out a suitable alternative in this regard. Our Constitution recognizes many of the public facilities including access to safe drinking water, as being a part of the Right to Life. So, the Government must see that these rights are protected so that everyone can lead a decent life.