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Power corridors for each river basin in Himachal
Policy matters this week: Expert team moots plan to develop power corridors for each basin; Maharashtra govt to make drip irrigation a must for cash crops; DJB to formulate policy to treat greywater. Posted on 29 Jan, 2014 12:28 PM

Plans to create power corridors for each river basin on its way

Hydropower transmission (Source: Wikipedia)
Can the effects of mining be undone?
Coal mining in Meghalaya has ruined the landscape and the water sources. Even if there is a will to restore these water bodies, there are several obstacles in the way. Posted on 27 Jan, 2014 02:39 PM

Meghalaya is rich in minerals, especially coal. This has led to rampant mining in the state. Large scale denudation of forest cover, scarcity of water, destruction of water sources, pollution of air, water and soil, and degradation of agricultural lands are some of the conspicuous environmental implications of coal mining.

Coal mines in Meghalaya (Source: The Hindu)
Mapping land and water resources in India
With rare maps of India including 'Annual Rainfall' map, 'Water Balance' map and 'Land Use' map, the land and the water resource development atlases are excellent sources of information. Posted on 27 Jan, 2014 01:18 PM

India’s mapping activity dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization (c. 2500–1900 BCE) as per the famous geographer, Joseph E. Schwartzberg. His work is based on a couple of surveying instruments and measuring rods that were excavated from the Indus valley sites. Our mapping traditions were influenced by Vedic, Tibetan, Islamic and more recently, British cartography.

Water resources development in Gujarat (NATMO)
The profitable toilet
Eco-sanitation, or compost toilets have helped achieve nearly 100% sanitation in Rupauliya, a small village in Bihar. Posted on 27 Jan, 2014 12:29 PM

When Panchamlal Mahto was a toddler, he would frequently squat and poop as the urge took him irrespective of where he was. His mother would take a handful of ash and sprinkle it over the 'gift'. The ash would absorb the liquid, enabling the whole mess to be easily swept away. Back then, Vinita was still not born.

An Eco-san toilet with a kitchen garden next to it
A farmer's bonus
Elumalai in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, grows paddy crops and rears poultry, goat and fish. He even keeps bees! Thanks to being smart and profitable, he's popular as well as an inspiration to locals. Posted on 27 Jan, 2014 11:53 AM

Farmer Elumalai looks on at his pond
Ministry eases green norms for coal mine expansion
Policy matters this week: MoEF eases green norms for expanding coal mines; government to undertake review of existing water-related laws; site visit becomes mandatory before forest land diversion. Posted on 21 Jan, 2014 03:31 PM

Green norms eased for expanding coal mines

An open cast mine (Source: Garavi Gujarat)
Channel Mandakini to its original course: GSI
News this week: GSI recommends channeling Mandakini river to its original course; Sohra experiences one of the driest year; HC orders close down of 12 units in Mundra SEZ, Gujarat. Posted on 21 Jan, 2014 03:29 PM

GSI report suggests channeling Mandakini river

Uttarakhand floods (Source: The Hindu)
More people power equals more progress
Cuttack, in Odisha, overcame the bane of open defecation, dirty water and unclean surroundings thanks to participation and involvement by the locals. The 'Silver City' is now truer to its name. Posted on 20 Jan, 2014 09:42 AM

Clean surroundings, clean water and a clean toilet – as much as Cuttack, in Odisha is a thriving centre of trade and commerce, it lacked these three basic necessities. An exploratory survey was conducted in 2009 to understand why the city hadn't reached a better state of cleanliness.

Community based management (Source: NFI)
Pesticide 'thali'
A 2010 study by Consumer Voice found that Delhi's fruits and vegetables contain high levels of pesticide residue. Despite the high court getting involved, not much has changed since. Posted on 20 Jan, 2014 09:39 AM

One doesn't have to look far to find pesticide contamination in food and water in India.

Toxins are used as ripening agents in vegetables
No 'paani' for the 'aam aadmi'?
The Delhi government has promised free water for those with piped, metered connections in the city, up to a certain level of usage. Is this new scheme sustainable and equitable? Posted on 17 Jan, 2014 12:50 AM

As one of his first orders of business, Delhi's Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced a new water policy for Delhi-ites.

Water coming soon
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