Books and Book Reviews

Shri Anupam Mishra, Gandhian and environmentalist is a remarkable person. He lays no claim to copyright for his own books and (similiar to open source software) it has increased the dissemination of his message. During a recent visit to his office at Gandhi Peace Foundation in New Delhi, he showed several different editions of "Aaj Bhi Khare Hai Talaab" brought out by all kinds of individuals and publishers across the country. He recounts the story of how a impoverished young person was inspired to translate it into Punjabi and get it published.

"THOSE 'IGNORANT PEASANTS' KNOW MORE ABOUT WATER THAN ENGINEERS"

Former business and environmental journalist Nitya Jacob has undertaken an unusual task -- an ecological travelogue across the Indian subcontinent, focussed on water. The Delhi-based writer's findings are stark. After writing a book on the subject, he says that in spite of surplus water, and one of the world's richest traditions of managing it, India's water crisis has reached critical levels. Says Delhi-based Jacob's new book is called 'Jalyatra: Exploring India's Traditional Water Management Systems'. It notes: "The 5000 years worth of traditional knowledge which made India one of the richest countries in the not-too-distant past has been forgotten and is one of the main reasons behind the crisis."Original Review on India Water Portal Blog, Click here Frederick Noronha (FN) interviewed Jacob about the book (Penguin, India, 2008, Rs 295), his findings and more.

The book published by Penguin India, explores traditional water management systems in 8 states of India, including Delhi, and is writte

The book would help households and institutions understand how to implement wastewater management. The book is priced at Rs.250/- only. CLEAN YOUR ACT is CSE's latest film on alternative ways to treat wastewater.

RAINWATER HARVESTING A NEW CONCEPT TO UTILIZE RAINWATER AND SECURE THE FUTURE [BASED ON IS:1172-1993 & IS:3370-1965 (PARTS I & II)] by Er. Kollegal. K. Meghashyam

The only book published so far in India covering the following

Treating the subject Rainwater Harvesting in A Comprehensive Manner

Welcome to Water Voices from Around The World , a new book and voice for the water and life gracing our planet's biosphere. A water voice that flows through all kingdoms of life, as well as our human realms of science; philosophy; politics; history; art; economics; religion; society; music, and culture. Three years in the making - Water Voices is a tabletop (13 inches H x 10 inches W) hardcover book containing 230 pages and 400 color photographs - many with informative captions.

"Water Conflicts in India: Million Revolts in the Making" Edited by K.J.Joy, Biksham Gujja, Suhas Paranjpye, Vinod Goud, S

Arghyam Trust organised an interaction in Bangalore with Mr. Ramaswamy Iyer to mark the recent release of his book "Towards Water Wisdom: Limits, Justice and Harmony" . The release of Mr. Iyer's book is covered here: https://www.indiawaterportal.org/blog/index.php/2007/07/04/new-book-by-ramaswamy-iyer/

We at the Water Portal and Arghyam were very gratified as Mr. Iyer spoke briefly but warmly of the Portal and its usefulness as a resource on water issues. Photos from the event are below. Others in the photographs include Sunita Nadhamuni, CEO of Arghyam, Dr. L.C. Jain who introduced Mr. Iyer and particapated in the proceedings and Vishwanath Srikantaiah of the Rainwater Club and Arghyam

Waterscapes: Cultural Politics of a Natural Resource edited by Amita Baviskar