Rajendra Singh says politicians still don’t see water scarcity as a serious challenge. (File Photo) While advocating hard decisions to tackle El Niño, water conservationist and environmentalist Rajendra Singh says there are always lasting solutions to the problem if we approach it sincerely. The Magsaysay award-winning “Waterman of India” outlines some drastic steps to cope with recurring drought in Maharashtra in an interview with Shubhangi Khapre. Q: How will El Nino impact Maharashtra? Rajendra Singh: While El Niño is not a new phenomenon, its impact in Maharashtra, which has a sizable area under rain shadow, will be very serious. With deficit rainfall predicted, the agriculture sector will be adversely hit in the coming kharif season. Q: What are the measures the state needs to undertake to overcome the water crisis? Rajendra Singh: The rapid depletion of underground water tables is a cause of grave concern, but it is not being discussed or addressed by the Government.…