Books and Book Reviews

Irrigation system operation practices - A handbook by Central Water Commission (1990)
This handbook on “Irrigation System Operation Practices” aims to build in a scientific approach as well as homogeneity in renewing the irrigation practices in the country. Posted on 21 Apr, 2011 10:36 PM

For increasing agricultural productivity from existing irrigation systems, improved operation of the systems coupled with timely maintenance of the systems has a major role to play.

The Water Footprint Assessment Manual: Setting the global standard – Methods for water footprint accounting by the Water Footprint Network
It covers a comprehensive set of definitions and methods for water footprint accounting. Posted on 21 Apr, 2011 10:14 PM

WFNThis book by Earthscan contains the global standard for ‘water footprint assessment’ as developed and maintained by the Water Footprint Network (WFN). It shows how water footprints are calculated for individual processes and products, as well as for consumers, nations and businesses. It also includes methods for water footprint sustainability assessment and a library of water footprint response options.

A shared standard on definitions and calculation methods is crucial given the rapidly growing interest in companies and governments to use water footprint accounts as a basis for formulating sustainable water strategies and policies. The current manual is an updated, revised and expanded version of Water Footprint Manual: State of the Art 2009, published by the WFN in November 2009 (Hoekstra et al, 2009a). This new edition has been produced after intensive consultations with partners and researchers worldwide. Directly following the publication of the Water Footprint Manual, all partners of the WFN were invited to provide feedback on the manual.

Eradication of inhuman practice of manual scavenging and comprehensive rehabilitation of manual scavengers in India – A report by Rashtriya Garima Abhiyan
This report deals with the eradication of the inhuman practice of manual scavenging and comprehensive rehabilitation of manual scavengers in India. Posted on 21 Apr, 2011 09:15 PM

Manual ScavengingThe practice continues in the country in spite of efforts of several people, implementation of government schemes such as the National Scheme for Liberation and Rehabilitation of Scavengers since 1992 and Self Employment Scheme

The effects of agricultural water and landholdings to rural livelihoods in Indo-Gangetic basin – Research analysis by IWMI and ICAR with an emphasis on Bihar
Water use and landholding factors are widely acknowledged as major determinants of agricultural development and hence rural wealth in IGB basin and Bihar. Posted on 18 Apr, 2011 11:56 PM

IWMI PaperThe current research analysis by International Water Management Institute (IWMI) in cooperation with ICAR Resear

Scaling up rural sanitation: Findings from the impact evaluation baseline survey in Madhya Pradesh – A report by the Water and Sanitation Program of the World Bank
It is part of a series of papers analyzing the baseline data from all countries where the Global Scaling Up Rural Sanitation program has been implemented. Posted on 18 Apr, 2011 08:20 AM

WSPThis report by the Water and Sanitation Program (WSP) of the World Bank presents the findings of the baseline and community survey conducted in two districts of Madhya Pradesh (MP) - Dhar and Khargone. The goal of the program is to reduce the risk of diarrhea and therefore increase household productivity by stimulating demand for sanitation in the lives of people. The program also seeks to stimulate the supply of appropriate sanitation program and services by conducting market research and training local artisans to build the relevant facilities.

In India, the program is supporting the Government of India’s (GoI) Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) in two States: Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The main components of the intervention include: Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS), Social Marketing of Sanitation, Strengthening the Enabling Environment and Nirmal Gram Puraskar (NGP) Awards.

Handbook of fisheries and aquaculture - New book released by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
Fisheries not only contribute to nutritional security but also provide employment and livelihood to millions of people. Posted on 21 Mar, 2011 05:55 PM


A book review of "Convenient Action- Gujarat s Response to Challenges of Climate Change " , written by Narendra Modi
Narendra Modi has written a book entitled "Convenient Action - Gujarat's Response to Challenges of Climate Change" which was released by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Posted on 14 Feb, 2011 12:12 PM

 This book is being read by wider professionals all over the globe with interest and many people have also offered their review on the same.  Keeping in view the activities of India Water Portal, we feel that it may be of interest for the portal readers to know more about this.  One such review of the book written by Prof. D. T. Shete, Former Director, Water Resources Engineering and Management Institute, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara is attached herewith.

Financial aspects of irrigation projects in India – A report by the Central Water Commission
In view of water resources projects being largely funded by the Government from Public funds, the financial performance analysis assumes important role in developing these projects. Posted on 13 Feb, 2011 08:28 AM

This publication by the Central Water Commission presents data on Major and Medium Irrigation and Multipurpose projects, Minor Irrigation projects, Command Area Development scheme as available in the Finance A

Hydrology in ancient India - A book by the National Institute of Hydrology (1990)
“Hydrology in Ancient India” summarizes and analyses the knowledge of various aspects of water resources and hydrology as contained in ancient Indian literature. Posted on 07 Feb, 2011 11:51 PM

Hydrology of Ancient India It attempts at compiling information on various component processes of hydrology and their interaction. The report has been divided into nine chapters dealing with different aspects of hydrology.

Like other sciences, the science of water too was well developed in ancient India. The report regrets that at present sufficient attention is not paid to our ancient Indian sciences. The study of Sanskrit literature indicates valuable references to hydrology and important concepts of modern hydrology are scattered in various verses of Vedas, Puranas, Meghmala, Mayurchitraka, Vrhat Sanhita and various other ancient Indian works. 

Some of the key references are as follows –

  • In vedic age, Indians had developed the concept that water gets divided into minute particles due to the effect of sun rays and wind. At various places in the Puranas it is alluded that water cannot be created or destroyed and that only its state is changed through various phases of hydrological cycle.
  • Evaporation, condensation, cloud formation, precipitation and its measurement were well understood in India in vedic and puranic times.
  • Effect of yajna, forests, reservoirs etc., on the causation of rainfall, classification of clouds, their colour, rainfall capacity etc, forecasting of rainfall on the basis of natural phenomenon like colour of sky, clouds, wind direction, lightning, and the activities of animals was well developed in ancient India well before 10th century BC.
  • Contrivances to measure rainfall were developed during the time of Kautilya (4th century BC) which had the same principle as that of modern hydrology except the fact that weight measure (of drone, paia etc.,) were adopted instead of modern linear measurement of rainfall.
  • Scientific facts like arid region of Tibetan rain shadow area and no rainfall by polar winds was discussed in the puranas. The knowledge of monsoon winds and height of clouds along with the division of atmosphere was well developed in vedic age.
  • The technique of knowing the slope of an area by means of a flowing river and dimensions of meandering rivers along with velocity of flow were developed.
  • In ancient times, Indians had well developed concepts of groundwater occurrence, distribution and utilization. Literature also reveals that hydrologic indicators such as physiographic features, termite mounds, soils, flora, fauna, rocks and minerals were used to detect the presence of groundwater.
  • Variation in the height of water table with place, hot and cold springs, ground water utilization by means of wells, well construction methods and equipment are fully described in chapter 54 of Vrhat Sanhita (Bruhat Samhita) named as ‘Dakargala’. The fact that sun rays, winds, humidity, vegetation etc are the major causes of evapotranspiration was well realized.
  • Varamihira in as early as 550 AD presented a simple method for obtaining potable water from a contaminated source of water. Various plant materials along with the sun heating, aeration, quenching of water with fire heated stones, gold, silver, iron or sand were used. The change in the quality of water with the months of year and suitability of water from different sources for various uses were described.
  • Efficient water use, lining of canals, construction of dams, tanks, essential requirements for the construction of good tanks, bank protection methods, spillways and other minor aspects were given due consideration in ancient times in India.
  • Well organized water pricing system was prevalent during the times of Kautilya.
  • Various references are available in the Vedas alluding the importance of efficient water use so as to reduce the intensity of water scarcity and drought.

Rajon ki baoli, Mehrauli (Image Source: Sabita Kaushal, India Water Portal)
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