India

Cyclone Gaja leaves 80,000 stranded, 40 dead
News this week Posted on 18 Nov, 2018 06:55 PM

Cyclone Gaja creates havoc in Tamil Nadu

A file photo shows a severe cyclonic storm in progress. (Source: IWP Flickr photos)
Himalayan State Regional Council constituted
Policy matters this week Posted on 18 Nov, 2018 06:34 PM

Himalayan council constituted for sustainable development of the Himalayas

A view of the Himalayas. (Source: IWP Flickr photos--photo for representation purpose only)
Groundwater decline increases carbon emission
The latest study shows declining reserves and rising carbon dioxide emissions from pumping groundwater add to India’s environmental woes. Posted on 16 Nov, 2018 03:28 PM

Over-extraction of groundwater is a major environmental challenge in many parts of India. It is not only leading to a rapid decline in groundwater reserves but also contributing to India’s carbon emissions, a new study has warned.

Billions of litres of groundwater pumped out every year contribute to carbon emissions. (Photo: IWP Flickr photos)
SAFE solution to Kalikapur's water problem
While potable water dispensing units provided under WASH has come as a boon to Kalikapur slum residents, they struggle to meet other water needs due to lack of piped water. Posted on 15 Nov, 2018 09:54 AM

Basanti Haldar (45) has been living in a slum at Kalikapur in Kolkata for over two decades. She works as a domestic help in an upscale locality in the neighbourhood. She is happy nowadays due to an increase in her income. 

Nila Shaw collects water from the ADU. (Photo by Gurvinder Singh)
New data shows Indian landmass warming
The warming of Indian landmass has been confirmed through past climate records captured in depths of the earth. Posted on 14 Nov, 2018 02:40 PM

Scientists are literally looking into the ground for clinching evidence of climate change. A new study of geothermal records across India has shown that the country has experienced about one degree of warming over the baseline mean temperature of the 19th century.

Researchers collect geothermal data through boreholes. (Pic: ISW)
NOC must for groundwater use: Centre to infra projects
Policy matters this week Posted on 13 Nov, 2018 05:57 PM

Centre mandates NOC for using groundwater for infra projects

NOC for using groundwater for infra projects becomes mandatory. (Source: IWP Flickr photos)
WWF study reveals grim picture of wildlife
News this week Posted on 08 Nov, 2018 03:06 PM

Global wildlife populations have fallen by 60 percent in the past four decades: WWF

Indian wild deer (Source: Tjdeena via Wikipedia Commons)
Projects worth Rs 929 crore approved for the Ganga
Policy matters this week Posted on 08 Nov, 2018 02:39 PM

NMCG approves 12 projects worth Rs 929 crore under Namami Gange

A ghat at the Ganga riverbank (Source: IWP Flickr Photos)
Wind turbines impact Western Ghats ecology
Wind farms reduce the number of predatory birds which in turn results in an increase in the density of vertebrates like lizards in Western Ghats. Posted on 07 Nov, 2018 07:33 PM

Wind energy, considered a clean source of energy, does have a carbon footprint and is also known to disturb bird life. Now a new study done in the Western Ghats has found that wind farms in biodiversity-rich areas can have deeper ecological consequences beyond already known impacts. 

Sarada superba lizard (Pic courtesy: Abi Vanak)
The unique Himalayan wetlands
The Himalayan wetlands are under threat due to unregulated urbanisation and unsustainable tourism. Urgent attention at the policy level is the need of the hour. Posted on 03 Nov, 2018 08:33 AM

Wetlands are very important and productive ecosystems that support a wide range of plants and animals and provide livelihood opportunities to local communities in India.

A view of the Himalayas. (Source: IWP Flickr photos--photo for representation purpose only)
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