At Andover, it rains and snows, the latter often and in large amounts. But when the snow melts away, the vibrant green grass peeks from the ground, and we rejoice in the warmer weather. But where did the rain and water go? Just a few months ago, there was a massive storm that took out houses, dorms, and lots of trees, but the rain itself disappeared. Did we think of the rain that fell? No, it was long forgotten. But what if the rain stayed and rose multiple feet in the air and just sat there? What if the rain flooded all buildings and houses? What if, as the week went on and it rained more and more, the water level just got higher and higher? In some places around the world, this is a reality. Take the country of India, which has severe drainage issues, resulting in devastating floods that wreak havoc on communities, causing loss of lives, destruction of infrastructure, and widespread displacement. This idea is present around the world and is caused by rapid population growth that can lead to medical and infrastructural issues.
Rapid urbanization, population growth, and lack of quality resources in India have led to the construction of large cities, towns, and villages without planning or roadmapping proper drainage systems. In addition, Southern Asia has a severe monsoon season from July to September that brings in 70 percent of the year’s rain. As a result, especially when rainfall is heavy, waterlogging and flooding occur with no resolution in sight, resulting in hundreds of deaths, thousands of evacuations, and constant disruption of daily life for months on end. Another straw on the camel’s back is improper waste management. When solid waste is dumped directly into drains, there are more clogged drains, which results in the stagnant water having nowhere to escape. This infrastructural dilemma has no solution other than waiting for long periods, which can be detrimental to the lives of all people.
Through a health lens, the static water collects bacteria, dirt, mud, and trash from staying there for weeks, making it a breeding ground for disease-carrying mosquitoes and other pests. Between all of these factors and consequences, imagine the anguish of families whose homes are constantly flooded, their belongings destroyed, and their lives disrupted. Having to deal with drainage issues continuously not only affects individuals’ physical well-being but also deteriorates their mental and emotional health. Year after year, the same problems erode the spirit and resilience of the people due to frustration and helplessness. These drainage problems are holding back communities trying to advance and improve their lives.
The drain issues in India are not merely infrastructural problems; they are tearing at the fabric of society, depriving people of their dignity, and robbing them of their dreams for a better future. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is often blamed for the drainage issues when it is under the jurisdiction of each state government. The responsibility of addressing drainage problems in India lies primarily with the state governments. Each state government must prioritize and invest in the development of proper drainage systems, especially in areas prone to waterlogging and flooding. By implementing effective planning and infrastructure measures, state governments can mitigate the devastating consequences of drainage issues, protect the well-being of their citizens, and pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future. While the United States currently uses its respective state governments to ensure that all roads and infrastructure are up-to-date, there are many instances where local governments are responsible for drainage. If they lack the necessary funding, drainage problems still arise. For example, some of the roads around mine and my neighbors’ homes become huge puddles after heavy rain. This is because of heavy rain throughout the years, and there has been no maintenance to the road to avoid this. Even though this may not seem like a significant issue, these roads are the exit routes for almost 1,000 homes and apartments, which means that thousands of people could be affected in a short period of time.
As we revel in Massachusetts’ changing seasons, we shouldn’t forget the global implications of water management. As we appreciate the little things like dry pathways and intact buildings after a storm, we are reminded of the significant impact that basic infrastructure can have on our quality of life. As local roads flood, affecting thousands, so too do communities worldwide that suffer from neglect. At Andover, we’re fortunate to have these systems in place, allowing us to focus on our studies and extracurricular pursuits without the disruptions caused by inadequate infrastructure. It’s a reminder that even seemingly small amenities can make a big difference in people’s lives and we must take charge to ensure that this occurs.
