“Tapak Tapak Tapakeshwari: Are Water policies necessary”?

We Indians are deeply sentimental and find divinity in every life-supporting element. Water, essential for all living beings, is often revered as sacred. It symbolizes life itself. The inspiring Tapakeshwari temple in Bhuj, Gujarat, built around a spring, exemplifies this sentiment. It’s a testament to our cultural and spiritual connection with natural resources. By attributing divine status to water, we emphasize its importance and the need for its conservation. This temple is not just a place of worship but a reminder of how integral water is to our existence. It beautifully intertwines spirituality with environmental consciousness.

I was really surprised by the reason behind the name of this temple. It’s quite amusing! The Tapakeshwari temple gets its name from the unique sound that water makes when it drops onto a surface. The sound resembles “TAPAK, TAPAK,” which resonates through the air. This quirky yet delightful auditory phenomenon is the inspiration for the temple’s name. It’s fascinating how such a simple and natural sound can influence and inspire the naming of a place of worship. The Tapakeshwari temple, built around a spring, stands as a testament to the cultural and spiritual significance that water holds in our lives. It reminds us of the deep connection we have with nature and the reverence we feel for its life-giving properties.

Photo Credit : Santhiya Cofellow

Water, often seen as a metaphor for calm, peace, and acceptance, is not so simple in our society. Water is as complicated as it seems simple. However, India is a policy-rich country, with no shortage of rules and norms to address a wide array of issues. However, the effective management and monitoring of water resources remain a significant challenge. Despite having comprehensive policies like the National Water Policy, the execution and enforcement of these policies often face obstacles. Outdated infrastructure, inadequate coordination among government agencies, and the growing demand for water due to population growth and industrialization contribute to this struggle.

The issue of water management in India is multi-faceted. It involves not only policy formulation but also ground-level execution, which often falls short. Factors such as inefficient irrigation practices, lack of awareness, and insufficient community involvement further exacerbate the problem. The existing ground water law in India are close to inappropriate.

To bridge the gap between policy and practice, several initiatives can be undertaken:

• Rainwater Harvesting: Encouraging communities to adopt rainwater harvesting techniques can significantly improve water availability.
• Efficient Irrigation: Promoting efficient irrigation practices such as drip and sprinkler systems can reduce water wastage.
• Rejuvenation of Water Bodies: Efforts to restore and rejuvenate lakes, ponds, and rivers can help maintain ecological balance and ensure a sustainable water supply.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Raising awareness about water conservation and management through educational campaigns can foster a culture of responsible water use.
• Community Involvement: Engaging local communities in water management projects can enhance ownership and accountability, leading to better outcomes.

Integrating policy, technology, community involvement, and sustainable practices is crucial to effectively manage water resources in India. The Tapakeshwari temple reminds us of the deep connection we have with nature and the reverence we feel for its life-giving properties. Let’s ensure that our policies and actions reflect this reverence.