Governance

In the early hours of Saturday, August 2, 2014 a large landslide struck part of the Sunkoshi river – a tributary of the Ganga – in Nepal. The landslide killed 156 people and affected the livelihoods of countless others. The Nepalese government responded swiftly to the disaster and was careful to manage the large lake that formed upstream of the debris blocking the river.

Ranjit Singh is elated that someone has come to his village enquiring about his work. He says not many people recognise the worth of traditional occupations like his. “This is especially true of government officials and policy makers who feel everything old is useless”, he points out.

Ranjit is the kohli of Mjately village in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.

Forest clearance granted to the proposed Renuka Dam

Heavy rain causes floods in Uttarakahand, Assam, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar

When Basanti Devi entered the village of Bachwadi in Uttarakhand's Takula block on one of her routine visits, she knew that something was wrong. Instead of the normal hustle, groups of men stood about talking quietly.

National Ganga River Basin Authority transferred to Water Resources Ministry

The vast plain in Mithilanchal (now a part of Bihar) wore a festive look despite the early hour. People had been gathering since the wee hours of the morning. Children wore their festive best while women, flowers in their hair and anticipation in their eyes. The air was redolent with the fragrance of the ceremonial fire and the aroma of roasting gram and fried sweets.

Massive landslides occur in Nepal and Pune's Malin village

Centre identifies 115 wetlands for conservation and management

It is difficult to make small talk with a woman who has lost her all.