Political

This presentation by ACWADAM deals with hydrologic properties of the rock framework in which groundwater occurs and through which it moves. In watershed programmes, it is necessary to develop a correct understanding of the storage and transmission of water within such channels because the shape of openings in a rock or sediment, their size, volume and interconnection play a vital part in the hydraulic characteristics of an aquifer.

This presentation by ACWADAM deals with introducing groundwater management protocols for wells in different phases of groundwater use. These protocols include geo-hydrology in watershed development, protection of recharge areas, efficient well use, pump capacity regulation, distance with respect to drinking water well regulation, depth regulation in drinking water well, regulation of agricultural water use and groundwater management through sharing.

Content and Image Courtesy: Aqua Foundation

Aqua Foundation and the i-Business School, agreed to establish and operate the centre for environment and water education through PG diploma courses, which would meet the needs of the trained water personnel in India. The main purpose of the group is to improve the water resources management and services of India by improving training and education in the water sector.

Organizer: Pentagon Consultants

Topics:

Floods, rains, droughts

There have been reports of flooding as well as incessant rains in the northern parts of India such as Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan as well as the northeast such as Assam, Arunachal Pradesh. At the same time, reports indicate that parts of Madhya Pradesh have been facing severe drought while parts of Himachal Pradesh indicate sudden drops in temperature with reports of snowfall in certain areas. Reports from  West Bengal also indicate extensive flooding in certain parts of the state.

Waterbodies/ Rivers

• Dams on the Himalayas: Environmentalists demand scrapping of projects in Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh
• Involve people to conserve Himalayas, stop big dams: Environmentalists argue
• Uttarakhand government halts work on a hydel project: priests and devotees resist the submergence of a temple 

Content and Image Courtesy: Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL)

United Nations reports that people need a minimum of 50 litres of water a day for drinking and other basic needs. In India, more than 50% of the population lives on less than 10 liters of water a day. Approximately 70% of the total water is consumed by the agriculture sector. India is an agri-economy, and as its population grows, there will be an increase in water consumption by the agriculture sector. These issues are likely to be exacerbated by climate change, making access to water an issue for farmers and society.