Dear eco friends,

If only chasing mirages would enable us to track and find water. But, as we all know, the more seering the heat, the more potent the mirages. The more we chase them, the thirstier we remain. Our cover story this month, brings into focus many such mirages that are created for us to chase in vein even as several parts of the country jostle with severe drought. Yes, the summer has barely set in and the lands are already parched. And water woes are making ministers come up with delirious though 'original' and immediately regrettable solutions like urinating into reservoirs.

As if anticipating the looming water scarcity, the new draft National Water Policy was placed before the country. Experts are debating its pros and yes, 'cons'. From privatisation to water allocation, several solutions are being expounded. The irony is, while every one is convinced that water is going to be the next most important cause of strife – regional or international, no one is looking into their own water-wastage patterns which can make an immediate difference.

Its time to harvest every inch of rainfall and then use it wisely, to save every drop.