News and Articles

Forecasting agricultural output using space, agrometeorology and land based observations
Proceedings of the annual review meeting by India Meteorological Department in August 2011 at Pune - Posted on 03 Sep, 2011 06:29 PM

This document presents the proceedings of the annual review meeting by India Meteorological Department (IMD) on “Forecasting Agricultural Output Using Space, Agrometeorology and Land Based Observations” (FASAL) organized at YASHADA, Pune during 1-2 August 2011.

River basin planning deconstructed
Chicu presents the report of the dialogue on mainstreaming river basin planning, 9th to 11th August, Delhi. Posted on 20 Aug, 2011 08:33 AM

Guest post by: Chicu

Draft of Land Acquisition and Resettlement & Rehabilitation Bill, 2011 in public domain - Comments invited by Ministry of Rural Development till 31st August, 2011
The MoRD has on 29th July, 2011 released the draft Land Acquisition and Resettlement and Rehabilitation bill, 2011 in public domain as part of the pre-legislative consultative process. Posted on 15 Aug, 2011 05:35 PM

Guest post by: Amita Bhaduri

The drafting of a new legislation on these issues was taken up by a Group of Ministers in May 2007 and this is the second draft bill presented by the UPA Government.

A kalyani brought to life in Mulbagal, Karnataka: An Arghyam initiative
This is the story of a neglected kalyani or temple tank in the town of Mulbagal, Karnataka. Posted on 27 Jul, 2011 05:58 PM

Guest post by Manjunath Prasad

The sector programme and climate change initiatives in Uttarakhand
Climate change is one of the most serious threats to the environment, health and economy of our nation as well as the whole world. Posted on 27 Jul, 2011 02:54 PM

Recent scientific studies show that global warming is already causing environmental changes that will have significant global economic and social impacts. As the world's 4th largest emitter of greenhouse gases, India has to juggle the imperative demand for economic development with pressures for greater efficiency in the use of energy.

Climate change is a change in the statistical properties of the climate system when considered over long periods of time, regardless of cause. Climate change reflects a change in the energy balance of the climate system, i.e. changes the relative balance between incoming solar radiation and outgoing infrared radiation from Earth. The threat emanates from accumulated green house gas emissions in the atmosphere, generated through long term and intensive industrial growth and high consumption life styles of developed countries.

Fazilka citizens protest against planned encroachment on ecosensitive Badha lake wetland by Punjab Urban Development Authority (PUDA)
PUDA's new colony being planned for sale in the vicinity of Badha Lake Wetland Fazilka falls under the eco-sensitive Zone. Posted on 21 Jul, 2011 04:16 PM

Forwarded to the portal by: Graduates Welfare Association, Fazilka

India must prepare for future growth by planning a low-water economy - Article in YaleGlobal Online by Rohini Nilekani
If initiatives are not pushed forward, water will become the constraining factor in the quest for inclusive and sustainable growth, says Rohini Nilekani. Posted on 19 Jul, 2011 12:37 PM

Article and Image courtesy: YaleGlobal Online
Author: Rohini Nilekani

India and China account for one third of the world’s population; each consumes more freshwater than other nations. Per inhabitant per year, though, India uses less than half what’s used in the US, China uses less than one third. This YaleGlobal series examines India and China’s water use, their expectations for rising demand and recognition that shortages will disrupt economic progress.

The Planning Commission of India repeatedly warns that water will become a more serious issue than land or energy for India in years to come, points out Rohini Nilekani, in the second article of the series. India’s transition from an economy based on agriculture to a mixed one, with water use controlled by states rather than the federal constitution, already leads to conflicts. She urges planning for a low-water economy. Good governance and regulatory frameworks can prevent pollution and waste, while encouraging efficiency, reliable and fair allocation, and wise consumer choices.

Thirsty earth: Indian villagers in Gujarat gather to draw water from a wellThirsty earth: Indian villagers in Gujarat gather to draw water from a well

Bamboo charcoal as a natural Water Filter - An indigenous rural application
Bamboo charcoal is rich in a number of minerals including potassium, magnesium, sodium and calcium, the article says. Posted on 16 Jul, 2011 07:24 PM

Guest post: Shwetha Kamath (India Water Portal Volunteer)


About 74 per cent of India's total population, currently about 1.25 billion, live in rural areas. More than one third of the water available to them is not potable. In a grim reminder that poor quality of drinking water leads to serious health problems, India has admitted that about 180,000 rural populated areas are afflicted by diseases which are caused due to impure, toxic organic and inorganic substances including tri-halo methane, chlorine, etc. Some states have reported multiple contaminations in drinking water and there is no doubt that the current water situation in India will get much, much worse unless suitable solutions are sought. Most existing purification methods not only remove the impurities but drain out the essential minerals as well. Moreover, they are expensive and require extensive maintenance. Thus a natural filter comprising of bamboo, gravel, pebble and other locally available natural adsorbents is a great alternative to carry out water purification. What makes this filter unique is the use of bamboo charcoal which is not commonly used in any filter designed for domestic purposes.

Why India's 'growth' focus is ignoring the food access question - Article from Infochange India
How much food will India need to grow to feed our population in 2011-12? How much in 2013-14? Will we need to import wheat and rice or will we be self-sufficient? Do we know the environmental cost of this self-sufficiency? Are we willing to bear it? These are the questions that the Government of India, its ministries and its planning agencies must find answers to before the start of the Twelfth Five Year Plan period, which is 2012-17. Posted on 14 Jul, 2011 11:41 AM

Article and Image courtesy: Infochange India
Author: Rahul Goswami

Celebrating the fact that per capita agricultural income is increasing faster than overall per capita income, the government is targeting 4% growth in agriculture in the Twelfth Plan period. But this is a rosy view that does not stand up to scrutiny.

Why India's 'growth' focus is ignoring the food access question - Article from Infochange India

Prospects and policy challenges in the Twelfth Plan - A comment on the risks in Economic and Political Weekly
This note is in response to the article “Prospects and Policy Challenges in the Twelfth Plan” by Montek S Ahluwalia (Economic and Political Weekly, 21 May 2011) Posted on 14 Jul, 2011 08:57 AM

 Dr. Y Venugopal Reddy begins by stating that the article offers a comprehensive, succinct and summary overview of the subject and is very useful as reference material. However, there is, a vital element that is missing in the analysis, namely, a discussion of the risks to the economy and economic agents. An enumeration and discussion of the many risks must be taken into account while framing the Twelfth Plan.

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