Political

Two states and a river: More power or more water?
The latest addition to India’s interstate river water conflicts, the Mahanadi will soon go water deficit if Odisha and Chhattisgarh don’t control their hunger for coal-fired power. Posted on 25 Nov, 2018 12:26 PM

A new study, Mahanadi: Coal Rich, Water-Stressed sheds light on how both Odisha and Chhattisgarh have locked horns over the distribution of waters of the Mahanadi river. The 851-km-long river originates in the Dhamtari district of Chhattisgarh, flows through the state and then Odisha before joining the Bay of Bengal at Odisha’s coast.

The Hirakud dam (Image: Makarand Purohit, India Water Portal)
The garbage siege of our coasts
A study finds that plastic forms the largest component of marine litter that is polluting the beaches in the country. Posted on 23 Nov, 2018 05:47 PM

The garbage crisis is not only invading Indian cities, but coasts as well, and the problem is assuming grave proportions.

Marine litter on one of the Mumbai beaches. (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)
How can small farmers' income be increased?
Here is a look at the challenges faced by small farmers in India and how they can be dealt with. Posted on 23 Nov, 2018 05:23 PM

As per the agricultural statistics of 2014, nearly 430 people depend on farming in India while 263 million people are either farmers or agricultural workers. Farmers are major contributors to the growth of Indian economy and their concerns impact policies in the country. 

Better strategy needed to increase small farmer's income. (Source: Yogesh Upadhyaya)
Bengaluru drinks poisoned water
A study finds drinking water in peri-urban areas around Bengaluru has high levels of bacteriological and chemical contaminants making it unfit for consumption. Posted on 22 Nov, 2018 11:17 AM

India is running out of water fast. As if this is not bad news enough, it has been found that even the available water is highly polluted with organic and hazardous pollutants.

Poor drinking water quality can pose a risk to health. (Image Source: India Water Portal)
Can villages be made drought-free in 45 days?
Here's a look at the misleading framework of drought eradication adopted in Water Cup competition by Paani Foundation and its shortcomings. Posted on 21 Nov, 2018 12:21 PM

In Maharashtra, a “Water Cup competition” held annually by Paani Foundation started by film star Aamir Khan and his team is compelling everyone working in the water sector to take serious note of it.

Actor Aaamir Khan with Paani Foundation team.
When the pits fill up: A day in the life of sanitation workers in urban India
The photo essay traces the flow of waste from pit to dump in urban India, making visible the labour that produces the sanitary city. Posted on 18 Nov, 2018 06:57 PM

India’s flagship sanitation programme, Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), highlights both the importance of latrine use, and also of “safe and proper disposal”. Since most of urban India is not connected to sewers, the SBM recommends that cities work towards technological, financing and governance initiatives that would ensure safe faecal sludge management. In practice, this means mechanical (i.e.

A day in the life of sanitation workers in urban India. (Source: CS Sharada Prasad and Isha Ray)
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)
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