He was speaking at a workshop on use of rain water organised by Arghyam, Bangalore and BAIF, a rural development organisation at Yallampalli in Bagepalli taluk.
Rainwater, which is a primary source of water is panacea for fluorosis, he said. Rainwater can be stored for several days as it remains pure for a long duration, he added.
Narayanaswamy said storing rain water is an urgent need to replenish ground water as greed of human kind and reckless planning by the governments have led to water scarcity. Unscientific mining operations, deforestation, sand mining and improper utilisation of water have all contributed to environmental degradation, he said.
Pointing to the gravity of situation he said as groundwater table is fast depleting, desert plants have begun to appear in the regions.
He cited scientific reports and surveys to substantiate his argument and warned that the districts will turn deserts if no action is initiated on war foot.
On preventive measures, he said not a single drop of rain water should be wasted and massive programmes should be held to create awareness among the public about scientific use of water. “We need to try all means sincerely to recharge groundwater table.”
BAIF co-ordinating officer K Raghunath, Yallampalli Gram Panchayat Secretary Ramesh, R Dhananjay, Hanumantharaya and Pushpa Raghunath of BAIF were present on the occasion.