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Green nod to Dibang hydel project opposed in NGT
Policy matters this week Posted on 20 Jul, 2015 10:25 PM

Petition filed against green nod granted to Dibang hydel project

People protesting Dibang Project (Source: SANDRP)
Maharashtra tops India in farmers' suicide during 2014
News this week Posted on 20 Jul, 2015 10:21 PM

Maharashtra recorded highest number of farmers' suicides during 2014

A farmer working on his field
India, China and the Brahmaputra tangle
India needs to be consistent in its approach towards its downstream neighbours while negotiating with its upstream neighbour China over the Bramhaputra's waters. Posted on 19 Jul, 2015 09:22 PM

Recent news indicates that the Brahmaputra could be a bone of contention between two important countries in South Asia -- India and China. This is because there are unconfirmed but continuing and alarming reports in recent years on China's plans to divert the waters of the Brahmaputra northwards, potentially creating a water crisis in India since it is located downstream to China. 

The Brahmaputra (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
Harness the sun to drought proof agriculture in Bihar
Are solar pumps a drought mitigation strategy for farmers in Bihar? This research paper looks into the interplay between droughts, subsequent distress and government interventions. Posted on 19 Jul, 2015 09:22 PM

Since 1999, Bihar has borne the brunt of four droughts. Rainfall scarcity has affected farmers, depleted groundwater levels significantly, and led to an increase in the number of poor people in the state. What measures has the government taken to mitigate the impact?

Solar panels in a farm (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
The sacred springs of Sikkim
Devithans are shrouded in rituals and myths but serve as an important institution to preserve springs. While religious sentiments sometimes get in the way, development around them continues. Posted on 16 Jul, 2015 09:31 AM

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase". - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Devithan at Kolbung village, Namthang
Maharashtra's plan to seed clouds may sprout nothing
Altering cropping patterns and improving water management processes are better ways for the state to deal with drought than experimenting with inconclusive science. Posted on 15 Jul, 2015 10:19 PM

History tells of various methods by which people called upon the rains -- music, dance and religious rituals. The government of Maharashtra, however, plans to try out cloud seeding.

A Cessna 210 with cloud seeding equipment (Source: Wikipedia)
Heavy rains disrupt life in North India
News this week Posted on 14 Jul, 2015 09:49 AM

Monsoons in the North affect people and wildlife

Monsoon affects life in North India
NGT quashes environment clearance to 10 irrigation projects in Maharashtra and Karnataka
Policy matters this week Posted on 13 Jul, 2015 09:57 PM

NGT cancels MoEF's go ahead to 10 irrigation projects 

Irrigation Canal taking off from the Bhima Dam (Source: Nvvchar on Wikipedia)
Mantra for the Char Dham: Don't Panic!
The monsoons regularly lead to road blocks and panicking pilgrims being airlifted out of Garhwal. Can this repeated narrative change especially since the Char Dham isn't an ancient practice at all? Posted on 13 Jul, 2015 07:36 AM

'To be or not to be' may well be the new mantra for people undertaking the Himalayan Char Dham pilgrimage this year.

Pilgrims enroute to Kedarnath (Image: Sundaram + Annam)
Poisoned waters: Which Indian rivers contain trace and toxic metals?
The Central Water Commission studied 355 water quality stations and 32 gauge stations covering all river basins in the country. Only mercury and zinc levels were within BIS acceptable standards. Posted on 12 Jul, 2015 04:36 PM

Contamination of surface water sources such as rivers due to metals, can often make the water dangerous to drink because of the health hazards associated with consuming toxic metals. The report titled 'Status of trace and toxic metals in Indian rivers' published by the

Poisoned waters cause many health risks
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