Water management

The report, “India stares at 35% rain deficit amid El Niño trail (Front page, June 17), points to a key issue — water scarcity, which has become one of the most pressing challenges facing India’s metropolitan cities. Falling reservoir levels and the overexploitation of groundwater have made urban areas increasingly vulnerable, particularly during the summer months. Several studies have warned about the alarming depletion of aquifers, yet authorities often treat each shortage as a temporary crisis rather than addressing its root causes. For decades, India’s water policy has focused primarily on augmenting supply. While this approach has contributed significantly to food security, it has overlooked the need for institutional reforms and efficient water management. Cities must adopt sustainable measures such as rainwater harvesting, permeable pavements, and other forms of green infrastructure to improve groundwater recharge. Simultaneously, aging water distribution networks, inadequate metering, and poor urban governance require urgent attention. A comprehensive strategy that combines conservation, infrastructure modernisation, and better governance is essential to ensure urban water security.

M. Jeyaramachandran,

Sholavandan, Tamil Nadu

Operation NEET retest

The Indian Air Force being used to transport National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) question papers sends the wrong signal (June 17). Although it is part of a fool-proof exercise to conduct the retest, using the armed forces to secure delivery of confidential material sends a message of ‘lack of trust’ and corruption everywhere.

Thomas Palocaren,

Vellore, Tamil Nadu