Governance

These guidelines drafted by Department of Rural Development (Andhra Pradesh) are conceptualized in the broad framework of the Hariyali guidelines and the experiences from Andhra Pradesh Rural Livelihoods Programme (APRLP), and are intended to strengthen the processes, and provide clarity and purposefulness in implementation of watershed development projects in Andhra Pradesh. They have been formulated on the basis of several process studies undertaken as well as through wide-ranging consultations with all stakeholders and experts.

This manual by the Uttar Pradesh Water Sector Restructuring Project - UP Department of Irrigation, written for Water User's Associations (WUAs), provides guidelines for restoring under-performing minors (irrigation channels which carries water to the fields) in the state, to their original design characteristics before the maintenance and management of minors is transferred to the WUAs. This is a prerequisite for making the use of irrigation water economical and efficient, and for introduction of volumetric system of water flow.

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
2010 Global Development Awards and Medals Competition

The Japanese Award for Most Innovative Development Project is a competitive grant program administered by the Global Development Network (GDN) that provides an opportunity to development projects being executed in the field with the ability to scale up their work through a grant of US$ 30,000 for the first prize, and US$ 5000 for the second. Winners are also eligible to compete under Japan Social Development Fund for a grant of up to $200,000 for their work.

Dr. G. D. Agrawal Scientist and Rishi

Meeting Dr. G. D. Agrawal in his spartan, two room cottage in Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh, you would never guess what an accomplished and distinguished scientist he is – first Member-Secretary of the Government of India’s Central Pollution Control Board, former Head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at IIT Kanpur and a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley. The list goes on and on.

Yet this eminent professional sweeps his own floors, washes his own clothes and cooks his own meals. He retains only a few possessions and dresses in homespun khadi. At the age of 76, his main mode of transport within Chitrakoot is a bicycle and when he travels further afield, he goes by ordinary bus and second-class train. These are the deliberate choices of a devout Hindu whose deepest values are for simplicity and reverence for nature. Dr G.D. Agrawal is the doyen of environmental engineering professionals in India. Well past retirement, he continues to teach and inspire students as an Honorary Professor of Environmental Sciences at the Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya, in Chitrakoot (M.P.).

Organizers:

dear all, I have sent several mail to concern department including minster jairam romesh regarding the Protecting PILI river , due to filling pond , taal , river land , dam to a river land encroachment in my village KOPA , Unfortunately, I still haven't received my reply .

Had the opportunity to attend a recent worldwide gathering on the topic of youth and social entrepreneurship, which gave much food for thought. The event was the 5th Global YES Summit, entitled “ReWork The World”.  Details of the gathering are at www.reworktheworld.org . The message there  was that we need to do something radical in order to find productive work for the vast numbers of youth coming into the workforce especially in developing nations. The new jobs cannot be of the old variety, they need to be green, sustainable jobs. In other words, we need to ‘rework the world’.  The conference was based on the premise that these new jobs will come out of social entrepreneurship.

Jagatguru Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand of Dwarkapeeth sent his personal emissary Swami Dharanand to convey his support to Dr. G.D. Agrawal whose third fast-unto-death to ensure the natural flow in river Bhagirathi (Ganga) from Gangotri to Uttarkashi entered its second day. Yesterday (July 21) Swami Ramdev spent an hour in the evening with Dr. Agrawal and offered his full support.

Venue: Gandhi Bhawan, Kumar Park East (Near Shivanand Circle), Bangalore- 560001

Description:

The workshop will deal with both the issues of the accelerated use (rather abuse) of Natural Resources: Jal, Jungle, Jameen, Khaneej and beej (water, forest, land, minerals and seeds), on one hand and the deteriorating governance which are leading to further aggravation  leading to very adverse impact on the livelihood and health of the rural poor including the tribals and environment.

Intervening at the urgency of the water situation of the country and need in larger interest of the people and nation from political, legal, social, administrative, commerce,trade,cultural, world tourism angles, apart from agricultural and drinking water angle; annual devastation by floods,and loss by drought. One single Authority, with P.M. as Chairman may hopefully bring expected and good results in river management; riverine rejuvenation - National River Authority of India

Here is a draft proposal for such an authority to be created.

We are looking for collaborations on making this a reality.

Please post your comments.