Rain, again in manipal

Monsoon started as expected and long awaited, after a horrible summer, here in Manipal. My baby is very much scared about the thunder and lightning, so does her mother. I was busy with getting my old umbrellas repaired. Basically wanted to save money, in view of current inflation rates. Kids no nothing about economics. Hence the little one by her perseverance procured a new colourful and funny umbrella. I am very much haunted by the nasty smell that will come from my shoe during this monsoon time. So new pair of rain shoes is also to be bought. Drying clothes will be another nightmare, though we were successful till this day in that matter.

The flat where I am staying have one more problem. In the heavy wind, the window glass may fly down and shatter causing a mess. I am scared that it may injure somebody.

burns fire!!!!

Today morning I got up with lot of hopes. I had planned for a good, tasty breakfast. On the menu was Poori. I put the frying pan with oil on the gas stove. Waited for the oil to boil, then put the rolled wheat dough in to it, which was cut in to regular circle using a lid. Everything went on well till the phone rang. In the hurry some oil spashed on to my right thumb. Immediately I placed the hand under tap water and hence major damage was averted.
The phone continued to ring. I went to attend the call. It was my brother. After five minutes, when I came to kitchen, the scene was frightening. The frying pan was on fire. I had forgotten to simmer the flame while going to attend the phone. Thick smoke filled the room. I some how swiched off the stove. Even after that, fire continued to dance over the pan. For a few seconds I didn't know what to do. Pouring water will be dangerous. I put a lid on to the frying pan. Slowly the fire got put off after this.
I thanked God profusely, for saving me from the imminent danger. I opened the windows and doors, came out of the house for fresh air. Slowly everything got settled. I felt the need for a small fire extinguisher in every home particularly in flats. Definitely I am going to procure one.

Rain water Harvesting...

Our country is blessed with seasonal rainfall which brings down to earth large quantity of water. Most of the share will drain off. Those which seep down the soil, like investment, is the only hope for the organisms to survive after the rainy season.
Recently I came across an orkut community that is named water conservation. Prominent dailies frequently raise the same issue of water conservation and rain water harvesting. I am working in an institution which is a part of university dedicated for green environment.
Rain water harvesting is becoming a relevant issue particularly cities and drought affected areas. In Tamilnadu, to the best of my knowledge, buildings will not get licence unless they have their own rain harvesting arrangement. This shows that government is well aware of the situation and is taking promising initiatives. Citizen will try to circumvent the rules, naturally. But they should realize that rain water harvesting is the only measure that help to replenish the fast receding water table.
Ponds, which are being filled to construct flats, are of prime importance. Farm land also help rain water to be pooled and seep in, a delight to our child friends. If a pond is properly protected it helps to recharge the ground water during rainy season.
Flats consume lot of water starting from the time of construction onwards. Every flat should have a rain water harvesting mechanism so that water collected is allowed to become a part of ground water.
From the roof if we can drain the rain water into a pit filled with sand and gravel, put in alternate layers, this help in the recharging. Maintain the existing ponds and other water bodies. Eminent environmentalists are of the view that until and unless we harvest the rain water, even for drinking the mankind will face scarcity.
So plan for tomorrow, start now itself to harvest the precious rain water and reduce wasting water.