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It's not just about rape
It is time we realise that sanitation is not just a development target that can be achieved by increasing the number of toilets. It is a reflection of how we view ourselves, both men and women, as equal members of society. Posted on 22 Nov, 2014 10:30 AM

Nandatai and her 16 year old daughter Phula creep out of their houses quietly in the wee hours of the morning into the dark fields to relieve themselves before everyone wakes up. It is an everyday story as this is the only time in the day that they have privacy. “It is so shameful to go out in the fields during the day”, says Nandatai. “We have to hold our urine till it gets dark.

Sanitation access among women is a fundamental human right  (Image Source: surrealpenguin via Wikimedia Commons)
A science-policy nexus to combat disasters in India
Disasters aren't always inevitable. Scientific perspectives when used to formulate policies, could help with being better prepared and also reducing the damage and devastation. Posted on 19 Nov, 2014 05:37 PM

The Uttarakhand floods last year, cyclones Phailin and Hud Hud, the untimely hailstorms in central India and the Malin tragedy in Pune – all examples of the many disasters that have hit the country.

Floods in Bihar
Local weather stations greatly improve local crop production
Area- and crop-customised agro-advisories in Sangamner taluka of Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, have helped farmers deal with weather-based events and minimise their related losses. Posted on 19 Nov, 2014 05:06 PM

“In gram crops to control gram-pod borers, use pheromone traps”. While a statement like that most likely won't make sense to average people, it does to the farming community in the Sangamner taluka of Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. They have been trained to make sense of the agro-advisory provided by Vasundhara Sewaks.

Onion seeds in farms (Source: WOTR)
Traditional rainwater harvesting systems to the rescue!
Rainwater harvesting, a “soft path” approach towards water management, cannot be advocated in isolation to tackle water scarcity. Posted on 19 Nov, 2014 10:26 AM

A drop in available water for irrigation is one of the important challenges that countries will face in the coming years. This could create a severe impact on agriculture and food production. This threat is far more serious in countries such as India due to the rapid growth in population as well as overexploitation of available water resources.

Eris/Tanks of Tamil Nadu
Environmental clearance to Cuddalore thermal plant quashed
Policy matters this week Posted on 18 Nov, 2014 01:41 PM

NGT turns down clearance to Cuddalore thermal plant because of threat to mangroves

A thermal power plant in Korba
Gujarat's data on toilets and drinking water facilities in schools unreliable: CAG
News this week Posted on 17 Nov, 2014 09:51 PM

Gujarat's data on toilets and drinking water facilities in schools need investigation: CAG

Girls toilet in a school
Thank your toilets on World Toilet Day!
The theme of World Toilet Day this year is 'Equality, dignity and the link between gender-based violence and sanitation', all things that should hit us hard in India. Posted on 17 Nov, 2014 12:44 PM

Have you ever complained about a toilet anywhere? Not so clean, not so dry, not so nice-smelling, not so something else? On November 19th 2014 and possibly every other day this year and forever after, thank your stars that you have one because 2.5 billion people in the world don't!

World Toilet Day, 19 Nov 2014
Narmada: Sounds of silence along its banks
The Narmada river is being transformed from a free to a 'dammed' one, thanks to the new development projects. The book featured is a compilation of essays on this ancient river. Posted on 12 Nov, 2014 10:11 AM

Narmada, a name that translates into ‘One that bestows happiness’ will, in the next 20 years, pass through turbulent times. The question is not of the distance or the journey that this river covers, but the various points at which this ancient river is intercepted by new, modern dams.

River Narmada (Source: Wikipedia)
White, Green and now a ‘Blue Revolution’!
Policy matters this week Posted on 10 Nov, 2014 10:35 PM

India plans to launch the 'Blue Revolution' to boost fish production

Traditional fisheries in India
Kerala's Ashtamudi lake certified by Marine Stewardship Council
News this week Posted on 10 Nov, 2014 10:09 PM

Kerala's Ashtamudi lake recognised for sustainable clam fishing

Mussel farm in Ashtamudi lake (Source: Fotokannan)
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