Free Drinking Water

Water is a basic need for all living organisms on the planet. But it has become a commodity and is sold in PET bottles, plastic pouches, and in several other ways as drinking water. Even when it is sold for a price, water is given for free in some places, mostly around business organisations, communities, political outfits, religious places etc. The motivation behind the practice is said to be ‘Seva bhavo’ that is service to the society. The right to drinking water has been recognised by the United Nations as a human right that is essential for the full enjoyment of life and all human rights in a resolution adopted by General Assembly in 2010. We have to remember that the Right to Water in India is equated to the Right to Life as per the Constitution by the Supreme Court. What is it that we buy when water is free? The paradox of free, i.e. expecting nothing in return. For a basic necessity like water, there is a price to be paid for each sip we take.

Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, Gujarat