No Retaliation on Government’s part on the Alarming Climate Change?
Climate change has become one of the biggest global problem. Speaking of India, the drastic fluctuations in climate has been alarming. But despite the death toll rising, there is no response from the government regarding this matter.
The Condition in Mumbai
Mumbai rains are infamous in India for being troublesome. Due to its coastal position, Mumbai is vulnerable to heavy rains. But in the recent years this vulnerability has increased and Mumbai has become a dreaded place during monsoons. The rise in construction has led to the reduced immunity of the city against floods.
Basic amenities are unable to reach the citizens. Commuting has become almost impossible with waist deep water on the roads. About 50 flight have been cancelled. Buses have been diverted and several trains were cancelled.
This year Mumbai has recorded the second heaviest rainfall in Maharashtra, in this decade. 16 inches of rain fell on the night of 1 July. The death toll keeps on rising everyday. So far three walls have collapsed, killing 16.
The Situation in Chennai
Contrary to the heavy rains in Mumbai, Chennai has been suffering from water crisis since last year. Chennai received no rain in the pre monsoon season. Forecast promises mediocre rain this season, which is still less than the usual rain for Chennai.
This summer was one of the worst for Chennai, with water scarcity and many hotels and IT companies shutting down. A survey conducted by National Institute for Transforming India says, Chennai has virtually depleted all of its groundwater.
The water scarcity is to such an extent that for of Chennai’s main reservoirs have shrunken and dried up. The city has received only 33mm of rain since 1 June, which is 34 percent less rain than average rain in Chennai.
Other incidents in India
India has suffered many other calamities aside from a flood and draught. Agreeably draught and flood are two extremes, but that’s not the only problem India suffered this year.
The North-Western India suffered a heat wave in May 2019. The maximum temperatures recorded were 50.8 degree in Churu, 48.9 degree in Allahabad and 48 degrees in Delhi. This year recorded 32 days in the heat wave, which is the second longest heat wave for India.
The sea levels can threateningly rise from 3.5 inches to 34 inches by the end of the century, says a study. This is due to global warming. It’ll mostly affecting coastal cities, including Mumbai, Chennai, major deltas on East coast and other west coastal cities of India.
India has so far suffered extreme climatic conditions throughout this year. 2018 was recorded as the warmest and driest year in this decade, says India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The southwest monsoon was delayed, leaving Mumbai dry for the better part of June. Global warming is triggering heavy bursts of rainfall throughout the country. This is bringing unstable weather conditions for India with delayed monsoons and delayed winters.
The Government’s inability to take any action
All these disasters are a result of climate change, says World Bank. It has become the most vulnerable country to climate change. This is due to the high amount of pollution, increased construction activity and constant depletion of resources.
Social media been active in this topic. Influencers have been urging the government to take action on this issue. So far, no official statement has been made by the government.
UN held a general assembly regarding the relationship between the phenomenon and sustainable development. It came to the conclusion of the world having only 11 years to prevent irreparable damage from Climate change.
The government seem to have turned a blind eye on this issue. It is more focused on other issues such as Lok Sabha elections and news regarding it.
An image of Rajya Sabha became viral on the internet. The image shows the absence of majority of MPs in the session helps for water crisis. This shows how unconcerned the government is with the climate change.
The officials are blaming climate change for Mumbai’s condition. But nobody seems to be doing anything about it.
Conclusion
Climate change has become alarming in India, to the point where an emergency should be declared in India. India is coming together by the means of social media. Influencers are urging the government to take done actions, but to no avail. When is the government going to open my eyes? When there’s nothing but barren lands and flooded cities are left?
