Water Wars Strike Ahead of Predictions
Rainfall patterns altered by climate change and worsened by inequity in the water distribution system has led to a water crisis in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
This has led to a spurt in water related violence and conflicts so shocking, we thought they were predicted to take place only in the next 50 years. The local incident mentioned in the news report above was one among many where a mob of about six people killed a family for illegally drawing water from the municipal supply even as onlookers rushed back and forth to collect water before the pipe ran dry.
The incident, which occurred in a below poverty line (BPL) settlement, is yet another validation of how climate change is having much more impact on the poor, especially in the developing world.
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Since 2008, the duration and frequency of rainfall in major parts of the state of Madhya Pradesh has been decreasing. Water levels in all major water bodies in have fallen to alarming levels. As a result, most parts of the state including the capital city of Bhopal is receiving almost half of the volume of water required to fulfill the population’s needs. The poor are the most impacted and drinking water is being supplied only about once every 4-5 days in the slums and other poorer localities
There is a simultaneous increase in the number of violent clashes and over 50 of them have been reported in capital city in the month of May. Media reports suggest that since January over 12 people have been killed and dozens other injured mostly fighting over a bucket of water. And such fights are becoming more frequent and of regular occurrence. The situation has also severely impacted the public health and safety system.
The price for social and environmental inequity continues to be paid with each passing day.
Image Newsclip from Hindustan Times
Why do the poor have so many children??
@pikestaff: Because they’re catholic.
Thanks catholic church..
@pikestaff: the poor need someone to feed them while old, so they breed children, so many that they can be sure some survive past childhood to feed them. Basically greed.
“This has led to a spurt in water related violence and conflicts so shocking, we thought they were predicted to take place only in the next 50 years.”
Erm? How about we call this water civil war instead? Clearly climate change affects the poor more, like EVERYTHING ELSE bad affects the poor more. So apparently some groups of people rioting over water is soooo shocking that you guys already predicted it to happen in the next 50 years. You must have already died from shock from all those real wars that are taking place
because there is no walfare system in poorer countries. your children are your pension, unemployment benefit and carers.
they can’t afford a nintendo or computer games like you?
so… “I can has baabee”
Because they:
a) need bigger families to earn enough money to support everyone
b) do not have ready access to birth control
Well said. Decrease your fertility.
Hear, hear. Really! How much cognitive faculty is necessary to say, “Oh, my! This world is a terrible place for children.” . Sheesh. These people should take responisibility for the suffering they create in their progeny.
to qualify for government aid programs-
I agree with pikestaff - why are the poor having so many children when they can’t afford it and provide for their families?!
Of course there will be water wars when there are more people than can be sustained, especially in many African countries, India, China…