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What are the odds of a dam burst?
The recent earthquake in Nepal has pointed fingers yet again at the much neglected area of dam safety. Will that push India to put in place a comprehensive law that addresses this? Posted on 11 Jul, 2015 10:48 AM

One of history’s worst dam bursts took place in Gujarat in 1979 when the four-kilometer long Machhu Dam II on the Machhu River collapsed. This led to a deluge in the industrial city of Morbi located five kilometers downstream as well as surrounding rural areas destroying thousands of homes and lives. While this was a tragedy, it was by no means an isolated one.

Sardar Sarovar Dam (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
Living rivers, dying rivers: Ganga and the river systems of Bihar
The first lecture was on the Ganges by Rama Rauta and K C Sivaramakrishnan, and the third on the river systems of Bihar--Kosi and Bagmati--by Dr. Dinesh Mishra. Posted on 10 Jul, 2015 11:11 AM

Introduction: The Ganges

The first discussion was on June 4 2011, in which Rama Rauta and K C Sivaramakrishnan shared their experiences of working with the government and people’s organisations to save the Ganga.

Kosi river, Bihar (Source:Wikipedia)
Sikkim conserves its Tsomgo lake
Residents who live near the lake, representatives from the Taxi Drivers’ & Shopkeepers' Association, Tourism Department, and the Police Department have worked together towards a common goal. Posted on 09 Jul, 2015 11:10 AM

There are about 227 lakes and wetlands in Sikkim, many of which are revered by the people as holy.

Tourists at Tsomgo Lake, Sikkim
Integrated watershed management and public health
According to this study, implementing a watershed management programme in water scarce areas can lead to both improved water availability and health outcomes. Posted on 09 Jul, 2015 07:37 AM

Declining groundwater levels and increasing stress on water resources in rural areas in India is a major concern for development since the livelihoods of a majority of the rural population depends on agriculture and the availability of sustainable water resources. More productive use of rainwater is necessary to help mitigate the impact of water scarcity.

Velvety green mountains, catchment areas for the Khadakwasla dam near Pune
How Bandu Singh recovered hope
Endemic fluorosis exists in 31 villages of Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh. This is the story of how one village is reclaiming its health and dignity. Posted on 08 Jul, 2015 09:27 PM

Bandu Singh, a lean old man aged around 60, has spent his entire life living in a small mud house in Kaalapani, a small village located in Manawar block of Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh. Kaalapani has a population of 849 people of which 99.41% (as per Census 2011) are listed as belonging to Schedule Tribes (ST).  

The area

Bandu Singh and his family at their home in Kaalapani, Madhya Pradesh
Groundwater as commons demonstrated in Mahbubnagar, Telangana
Farmers agreed to pool their groundwater to create a water sharing network. Result? Crops were saved, irrigated area was doubled, and grain production increased by 240%! Posted on 08 Jul, 2015 05:37 PM

By the year 2000, farmers in Mahbubnagar, Telangana could see how risky their investments on groundwater had become. The area barely received 600 mm of annual rainfall, and just 15 percent of its area was under irrigation.

Collectivising groundwater for protecting rainfed crop; Source: WASSAN
WHO & UNICEF Report ranks India worst in eradicating open defecation
News this week Posted on 07 Jul, 2015 11:15 PM

India's poor sanitation facilities have a direct correlation with stunting in children

A defunt toilet in a tribal village in Odisha (Source: Vishwanath Srikantaiah)
Do not allow dam projects affecting environmental flows of rivers: Water Ministry to CWC
Policy matters this week Posted on 07 Jul, 2015 10:33 PM

Water Ministry restricts permission to dam projects hindering e-flow of rivers

Ganga river at Kaudiyala
American Journal of Water Science and Engineering Papers published in the journal could be included by the following indexing databases: Google Scholar, CrossRef, JournalSeek, WorldCat, EZB, WZB, AcademicKeys, Researchbib, DRJI, etc.
Detailed information about author guidelines is available at http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/guideforauthors.aspx?journalid=369
Posted on 06 Jul, 2015 08:50 PM

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Why use a refrigerator to store water when you can use a clay pot?
Decreasing demand in India for earthen pots to store drinking water has affected thousands of potters' livelihoods. The film 'Vanishing Potters' provides a closer look. Posted on 04 Jul, 2015 10:06 PM

What's not to like about clay pots? "They cool water naturally due to the tiny air pores present in them, are affordable, save energy and are eco-friendly when compared to refrigerators", says Gautam Bandhopadhaya, a water expert in Chhattisgarh.

A potter making a clay pot in Jevra Sirsa village in Durg district
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