Tripura has 35,000 litres of water annually per capita. That is double that of the national average. So why are its people still facing water shortage?
News this week: Rural employment in agriculture reduces significantly; Activists demand 'Sarus Safari' in UP; 285 people in Karnataka died drinking contaminated water between 2010-13.
Policy matters this week: FSSAI declares no selling of packaged drinking water without BIS mark; President gives nod to Maharashtra groundwater bill; Govt opposes tribals way of cultivation.
News this week: UN to develop strategies to protect migratory birds in Chilika, Odisha; Cochin estuary has highest in toxicity in the world; Jaipur farmers in conflict with bottling plant.
Policy matters this week: Expert team moots plan to develop power corridors for each basin; Maharashtra govt to make drip irrigation a must for cash crops; DJB to formulate policy to treat greywater.
Coal mining in Meghalaya has ruined the landscape and the water sources. Even if there is a will to restore these water bodies, there are several obstacles in the way.
With rare maps of India including 'Annual Rainfall' map, 'Water Balance' map and 'Land Use' map, the land and the water resource development atlases are excellent sources of information.
Elumalai in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, grows paddy crops and rears poultry, goat and fish. He even keeps bees! Thanks to being smart and profitable, he's popular as well as an inspiration to locals.
Policy matters this week: MoEF eases green norms for expanding coal mines; government to undertake review of existing water-related laws; site visit becomes mandatory before forest land diversion.
News this week: GSI recommends channeling Mandakini river to its original course; Sohra experiences one of the driest year; HC orders close down of 12 units in Mundra SEZ, Gujarat.
Cuttack, in Odisha, overcame the bane of open defecation, dirty water and unclean surroundings thanks to participation and involvement by the locals. The 'Silver City' is now truer to its name.
A 2010 study by Consumer Voice found that Delhi's fruits and vegetables contain high levels of pesticide residue. Despite the high court getting involved, not much has changed since.
The Delhi government has promised free water for those with piped, metered connections in the city, up to a certain level of usage. Is this new scheme sustainable and equitable?
The 12th Five Year Plan recognises that our current methods of water management have led to inequity. It suggests an approach that involves more input from non-government sources.
Policy matters this week: Diarrhoea cases can come down with improved sanitation, SC tells Centre to appoint Regulator for environment matters and new water scheme for rural areas.
News this week: Commission finds that big corporates mined Rs. 45000 Cr worth iron ore, Delhi residents protest waste incinerator and POSCO's clearance to be revalidated.
Local knowledge, low cost technology, community participation and maximum conservation of available water from natural sources have helped increase available water in Pauri Garhwal.
Despite being fed by 84 glaciers, the state fails to optimally use water. Climate change is just one cause for this situation. What can be done to alter this trend?
