A modern tragedy

Down To Earth

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Sunita Narain New Delhi
Last Updated : Jan 28 2013 | 2:05 AM IST
 Till a few days ago, most parts of India reeled under drought. Cities thirsted for water. The country seemed to await the first drop of rain to hit its baked earth.

 It has rained. And now the same cities are full of it. Flooded, life disrupted. Dirty and unhealthy, as rainwater mixed with sewage water flows through crowded urban habitats.

 Rain has literally become a curse. But the real tragedy is that in a few months, once the rains are over, these same cities will be thirsting again. Once again, their water greed will make them poach for water in surrounding areas.

 Today, our flatulent cities get their water supply from further and further away
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First Published: Jul 22 2003 | 12:00 AM IST