Manu Moudgil

A cut above the rest

A community reserve in Punjab has precious lessons in conservation for other wetlands which are facing ecological crisis. Manu Moudgil posted 7 years 11 months ago

Keshopur, a favourite of native and migratory birds in Punjab.

Kanjli: A wetland in despair

Migrant birds skip this Ramsar site in Punjab due to lack of freshwater and high pollution. Manu Moudgil posted 7 years 11 months ago

Crop change for better yield?

Crop patterns in India are changing without consideration for local agro-climatic conditions. This puts a burden on environment, incurring huge long-term losses. Manu Moudgil posted 8 years ago

Since the introduction of green revolution, four kharif crops have marched to newer grounds.

Despite their protected status, Ramsar sites face many ecological issues. In our bid to know wetlands better, we visited some of these sites. Here's what we saw at Harike. Manu Moudgil posted 8 years 1 month ago

Harike wetland Photo by Jaypee/Wikimedia Commons

Can we build castles without sand?

Sand mining is posing a huge threat to the life of the rivers in the country. Increasing water scarcity demands a permanent solution to this and alternatives to sand have come up as an option. Manu Moudgil posted 8 years 1 month ago

Illegal mining affects the natural course of the river, its flood-regulation capacity and the groundwater levels.

No fish in water, fishermen at sea

A film on the decline of traditional, sustainable way of fishing puts forth pertinent questions on the future of the marine life and the fishermen who are dependent on it. Manu Moudgil posted 8 years 1 month ago

Fishers of Palk Bay out for a catch. Image by: Umeed Mistry

Cauvery row: When source is the cause

Karnataka and TN are sparring over the dwindling Cauvery water. Kodagu, where the Cauvery begins its journey, is witnessing landscape changes which is impacting the water inflow to the river. Manu Moudgil posted 8 years 2 months ago

Cauvery river at Kodagu. Source: Rameshng/Wikimedia Commons

Delhi enters uncharted waters

The national capital is setting standards on water supply by promising uniform service to the residents. Though the government is taking many steps in the right direction, there are a few hiccups. Manu Moudgil posted 8 years 2 months ago

Residents of Kusumpur Pahari, a slum in south New Delhi, fill containers with water from a DJB tanker Source: Columbia Water Center/flickr

Water, water, everywhere

Despite the many beautiful lakes, Udaipur’s water crisis is baffling. Increasing tourism and pollution make the city dependent on external sources for water supply. Manu Moudgil posted 8 years 2 months ago

The desert that blooms

Rao Jodha Desert Park in Jodhpur is known for its varied flora. Its resilience and beauty make a walk in this park truly enjoyable. Manu Moudgil posted 8 years 2 months ago

The desert park in its full glory during monsoon.

Staying afloat, one stepwell at a time

Jodhpur has a unique problem. Unlike other cities, it is dealing with excess groundwater. Reusing its traditional water structures is the way forward. Manu Moudgil posted 8 years 3 months ago

Toorji ka jhalra, one of the step ponds that attracts tourists in Jodhpur.

Haryana gets toilets, now to focus on usage

Ranked fourth in toilet coverage, the state starts stressing on behaviour change through incentives. Manu Moudgil posted 8 years 3 months ago

A toilet constructed is no guarantee that it will be put to use.

Groundwater revival comes a cropper

An NGO’s effort to recharge the groundwater in an area finds little success with water-guzzling crops that rule the market. Manu Moudgil posted 8 years 3 months ago

A villager shows the rainwater harvesting structure in Aravalli hills.

Rice and shine

How paddy grew in popularity in Punjab and continues to steal the show, thanks to lack of alternatives for farmers. Manu Moudgil posted 8 years 4 months ago

Whatever be the water situation, it doesn’t look like paddy’s popularity as a crop is going to diminish anytime soon. Source: Akshay Mahajan/Flickr

Small farmers eye big fish in Jharkhand

Pisciculture is changing the lives of farmers by offering a good alternative to land-based agriculture. Backed by the government, it is picking up well. Manu Moudgil posted 8 years 4 months ago

Fishing lines, tyre tubes as floats and make-shift wooden platforms are very commonly used. Source: Shubham Sharma.

Climate change: When past presents itself

A new study pins climate change as one of the reasons for the decline of Indus Valley Civilisation Manu Moudgil posted 8 years 4 months ago

A narrow lane flanked by houses at Bhirrana. Source: Archaeological Survey of India

A river comes to people

Nanduwali in east Rajasthan started flowing again when the villagers decided to work with nature and not against it. The river is now lifeline to those settled on her banks Manu Moudgil posted 8 years 5 months ago

A temple and a small pond at the origin of Nanduwali.

Watershed management: Still a long way to go

Only 40 percent treatable land has been covered by various government programmes. It calls for better planning. Manu Moudgil posted 8 years 5 months ago

A traditional system practised in Uttarakhand, the circular pits on the slopes store rainwater and allow it to slowly percolate to the drain line, where water is stored in the pond.

River dispute: Haryana manages water better than Punjab

Data shows Haryana has done better than its parent state, but the positives are getting lost as both states clamour for more. Manu Moudgil posted 8 years 6 months ago

A bridge over Satluj river in Punjab. Source: Harpreet Riat/Wikimedia Commons

Palace named after monsoon in Rajasthan

The Deeg palace, also known as 'Jal Mahal' for its extensive water designs which mimic the clouds and rains, is a must visit. Manu Moudgil posted 8 years 7 months ago

Deeg Palace is known for its fountains which are run twice a year.