Independence Day Special: India Extreme water

The National Commission for Women describes water as the most commercial product of the 21st century. Growing populations and changing lifestyles have led to an increased demand for fresh water; while agricultural, industrial and domestic sectors push the water tables deeper underground. In many villages, women have to walk distances of 2.5 to 5 km to fetch water. This time spent in fetching this water is equivalent to 150 million women days, and translates into a loss of 1000 crore per year. In callous contrast, water-themed parks have been spreading across the country, with viral popularity. Almost blind to the way the other half lives, the parks are always packed, as young and old alike, revel in the thrill of a water fight.