Political

Painting Mumbai blue!
Drop Dead', a foundation started by Aabid Surti that offers free plumbing services to residents of Mumbai, saves water one drop at a time. Posted on 02 Feb, 2014 10:12 PM

Aabid Surti who lives in Mira Road, a Mumbai suburb, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from Hindi Sahitya Sanstha by the Uttar Pradesh Government in 2007. He has multiple creative talents. He is a painter, cartoonist, author, playwright and water warrior.

Water warrior?!

Drop Dead Foundation Volunteers
Land of water, no more
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? Posted on 02 Feb, 2014 10:11 PM

The name Tripura originated from 'Twi' meaning water and 'Para' meaning land. The indigenous population, which is about 32%, refer to Tripura as Twipra, meaning land of water. However, the state no longer seems to be living up to its name.

Soil erosion raises river beds in Tripura
Rurals move away from agriculture: Assocham
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. Posted on 02 Feb, 2014 10:08 PM

'Rural job profile observes a significant change'

Decline in agriculture (Source: Neil Palmer, CIAT)
Authority bans sale of packaged drinking water without BIS mark
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. Posted on 02 Feb, 2014 10:07 PM

No sale of packaged drinking water without BIS mark: FSSAI

Packaged drinking water (Source: Ricardo Bernando)
Invite to 'Aimbootham Vizha – a Celebration of Five Elements of Nature', Poovulagin Nanbargal, Chennai
The celebration will document all that must be known in the relationship between nature and the Tamil society, centering on the five Tamil land formations.
Posted on 30 Jan, 2014 01:25 PM

Aimbootham Vizha – a celebration of Five elements of Nature.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) on borewells: Part II - Maintenance of borewells and problems associated with existing borewell
Here is a primer that deals with maintenance of the structure and problems associated with existing borewells. Posted on 30 Jan, 2014 11:10 AM

The Borewell FAQ, Part I & II, are meant to provide a primer on the basics related to all aspects of borewells. A well compiled document in 2 parts, they also give links to relevant queries and provide a much needed starting point for all those contemplating a borewell!

FAQ on borewell: Part II
Invite to a workshop on 'Wetlands of Assam', Aaranyak and IUCN-India, Guwahati
The focus of the workshop will be hydrological connectivity, climate change, ecosystem services and livelihoods with reference to Deepar Beel, Kamrup (Metro) District, Assam.
Posted on 29 Jan, 2014 04:56 PM

Purpose: 

(i) Take stock of the conservation and management status of the wetlands of Assam in general

(ii) Discuss the significance of good landscape connectivity of flood plain wetlands

(iii) Share the framework and results of Aaranyak-IUCN study on the Deepar beel on wetland connectivity and modelling

Bird sanctuary Chilika designated 'Destination Flyways'
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. Posted on 29 Jan, 2014 12:29 PM

Chilika lagoon named as 'Destination Flyways' by UN

Chilika bird sanctuary, Odisha (Source:Aditi Pany)
Power corridors for each river basin in Himachal
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. Posted on 29 Jan, 2014 12:28 PM

Plans to create power corridors for each river basin on its way

Hydropower transmission (Source: Wikipedia)
Can the effects of mining be undone?
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. Posted on 27 Jan, 2014 02:39 PM

Meghalaya is rich in minerals, especially coal. This has led to rampant mining in the state. Large scale denudation of forest cover, scarcity of water, destruction of water sources, pollution of air, water and soil, and degradation of agricultural lands are some of the conspicuous environmental implications of coal mining.

Coal mines in Meghalaya (Source: The Hindu)
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