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Water Management
The political economy of sanitation - How can we increase investment and improve service for the poor? – A report by Water and Sanitation Program
Posted on 26 Jul, 2011 02:53 PMThis global study attempts systematically to understand and thus help practitioners manage the political economy of pro-poor sanitation investments and service provision.
It aims to provide practical advice to multi-lateral agencies and sanitation practitioners to help them better manage stakeholder relations and effectively maneuver within the complex institutional relationships of the sanitation sector in order to enhance the design, implementation, and effectiveness of operations that provide pro-poor sanitation investments and services. The ultimate goal is to improve health and hygiene outcomes.
This study follows current approaches to political economy - interdisciplinary inquiry drawing upon social and political theory and economic principles - to understand how political actors, institutions, and economic processes influence each other. This study’s conceptual framework combines a diagnostic component with a typology of actions to help translate analytical findings into more effective support to operations and investments.
Conservation of Ousteri lake in Puducherry - Draft Comprehensive Management Action Plan by SACON
Posted on 26 Jul, 2011 11:54 AMThis Comprehensive Management Action Plan by the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) deals with the various conservation and management interventions that can be taken up for long-term sustainability of Ousteri lake, the largest lake in Puducherry.
Wetlands in urban areas have always been exploited for several purposes due to anthropogenic activities. However, such activities may lead to alteration of wetland characteristics and thus cause changes in species composition and density. The Ousteri Lake (Oussudu Eri in Tamil) is rich in flora and fauna and is known to provide several ecological services including recharging underground aquifers and providing several livelihood options for the local community.
Kailash sacred landscape conservation initiative - Feasibility assessment report by ICIMOD
Posted on 25 Jul, 2011 03:19 PMThis publication by International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) deals with Kailash Sacred Landscape Conservation Initiative (KSLCI), a project that seeks to conserve and sustainably manage a highly unique and special landscape through the application of trans-boundary ecosystem management approaches.
This region, like much of the rest of the Hindu Kush-Himalayas, faces many challenges, not the least of which are global warming, globalisation and environmental degradation. The Kailash region is considered sacred to five major religions and to a large number of people in Asia and throughout the world. This area is historically, ecologically, and culturally interconnected and is the source of four of Asia’s most important rivers.
The KSLCI is an attempt on the part of the three neighbouring countries of India, China and Nepal to join hands to help preserve the unique biological diversity, the many ecosystem goods and services, and the value-based cultural heritage of one of the most revered and sacred landscapes in the world.
Fazilka citizens protest against planned encroachment on ecosensitive Badha lake wetland by Punjab Urban Development Authority (PUDA)
Posted on 21 Jul, 2011 04:16 PMForwarded to the portal by: Graduates Welfare Association, Fazilka
Public support to food security in India, Brazil and South Africa – Elements for a policy dialogue – A working paper by International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth
Posted on 21 Jul, 2011 08:52 AMTogether, India, Brazil and South Africa have about 20 per cent of the world’s population. Although the three countries have demonstrated the potential for transformative development in the South, their experience has been marked by key challenges such as relatively high levels of poverty, inequality and food insecurity, problems that persist for significant numbers of people.
There is a potential to build a network of academics and experts from Brazil, India and South Africa, and food security is among the themes of great interest. This paper seeks to contribute to this process by examining pertinent elements of policy dialogue. As regards food security, each of these countries has developed conceptions and orientations that guide their policy agendas. They include distinctive treatments of several multi-dimensional strategies, multi-stakeholder arrangements and rights-based approaches.
India must prepare for future growth by planning a low-water economy - Article in YaleGlobal Online by Rohini Nilekani
Posted on 19 Jul, 2011 12:37 PMArticle and Image courtesy: YaleGlobal Online
Author: Rohini Nilekani
India and China account for one third of the world’s population; each consumes more freshwater than other nations. Per inhabitant per year, though, India uses less than half what’s used in the US, China uses less than one third. This YaleGlobal series examines India and China’s water use, their expectations for rising demand and recognition that shortages will disrupt economic progress.
The Planning Commission of India repeatedly warns that water will become a more serious issue than land or energy for India in years to come, points out Rohini Nilekani, in the second article of the series. India’s transition from an economy based on agriculture to a mixed one, with water use controlled by states rather than the federal constitution, already leads to conflicts. She urges planning for a low-water economy. Good governance and regulatory frameworks can prevent pollution and waste, while encouraging efficiency, reliable and fair allocation, and wise consumer choices.
Thirsty earth: Indian villagers in Gujarat gather to draw water from a well
Threat of land subsidence in and around Kolkata City and East Kolkata Wetlands – A paper in Journal of Earth System Science
Posted on 18 Jul, 2011 07:33 PMThis paper in Journal of Earth System Science attempts to estimate the possible rate of land subsidence of Kolkata City including Salt Lake City and the adjoining East Kolkata Wetlands located at the lower part of the deltaic alluvial plain of South Bengal basin. Land subsidence is an environmental hazard which is caused by overdraft of groundwater or oil extraction and results in gradual settling or sudden sinking of the earth’s surface owing to subsurface movement of the materials of the earth.
Impact of climate change on extreme rainfall events and flood risk in India – A paper in Journal of Earth System Science
Posted on 18 Jul, 2011 06:27 AMThe occurrence of exceptionally heavy rainfall events and associated flash floods in many areas during recent years prompted the researchers to study long-term changes in extreme rainfall over India.
Geospatial tools for assessing land degradation in Budgam district of Kashmir Himalaya – A paper in Journal of Earth Systems Science
Posted on 18 Jul, 2011 06:08 AMLand degradation reduces the ability of the land to perform many biophysical and chemical functions. The main aim of this study was to determine the status of land degradation in the study area using remote sensing and geographic information system.
Assessing variability of water quality in a groundwater-fed perennial lake of Kashmir Himalayas using linear geostatistics – A paper in Journal of Earth System Science
Posted on 17 Jul, 2011 08:47 PMThe study of the hydrochemistry of the Manasbal lake was done to find out whether the lake water was fit for drinking, irrigation and other purposes.