Health
Kosi rehabilitation policy document from the Bihar Government
Posted on 15 Dec, 2008 11:05 AMThe document can be downloaded as a PDF here (Hindi): Kosi rehabilitation policy document
Kosi disaster: The rehabilitation & reconstruction policy
ReliefWeb's field report on the Bihar flood situation
Posted on 06 Dec, 2008 06:42 AMThe report starts from August as the floods struck and chronicles the sequence of events till November. The initial frenzy of the flood & confusion as people panic and relief exists as only a mirage to the slow grind of the government machinery are documented.
National Urban Sanitation Policy
Posted on 01 Dec, 2008 01:16 PMThe Government of India, Ministry of Urban Development recently released the National Urban Sanitation Policy. We attach the document below, as well as key excerpts. We request you to add your comments below regarding the provisions of the Sanitation Policy. Click here to view the National Urban Sanitation Policy The document is quite comprehensive and detailed. It lays out a vision for urban sanitation in India. It instructs states to come up with their own detailed state-level urban sanitation strategies and City Sanitation Plans. It moots the idea of totally sanitised and open-defecation cities as a target and the setting up of a multi-stakeholder City Sanitation Task Force to achieve this. Environmental considerations, public health implications and reaching the unserved and urban poor are given significant emphasis in the policy. Funding options are laid out including direct central and state support including through existing schemes, public-private partnerships, and external funding agencies. It directs that atleast 20% of the funds should be earmarked towards servicing the urban poor. The Center also plans to institute awards to the best performing cities, reminiscent of the Nirmal Gram Puraskar awards for villages. Important Excerpts from the Policy:
Source South Asia 2008:Issue 10 (29 Oct 08)
Posted on 02 Nov, 2008 09:09 PM 
Since its foundation in 1968, the IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre (IRC) has facilitated the sharing, promotion and use of knowledge so that governments, professionals and organisations can better supp
Handwashing Tips!
Posted on 16 Oct, 2008 10:33 AMWe talk so much about washing hands, when washing it the right way produces the safety from diseases as enunciated by most national / international organisations. Even washing with soap might not help. Handwashing with soap is one of the most easily available & effective methods to prevent diarrheal & related infections.
Bihar foods: People's mental well-being not being given the attention it deserves
Posted on 25 Sep, 2008 06:44 PMA very large number of people are emotionally traumatized, constantly crying non-stop and in a state of utter shock. At least definite reports of suicide by a woman has also been received by me. I will appeal to you that a psycho-social help intervention should be higher in the order of priority.
Source South Asia Water & Sanitation News:Issue 7, September 2008
Posted on 22 Sep, 2008 01:36 PM Since its foundation in 1968, the IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre (IRC) has facilitated the sharing, promotion and use of knowledge so that governments, professionals and organisations can better suppo
Report from the Disaster Management Division on the Southwest monsoon and the daily flood situation as on 13.09.08
Posted on 14 Sep, 2008 10:08 PMThe report ( current as on 13th September, 2008 ) provides a concise overview of the daily flood situation, action taken so far and provides detailed statistics on the issue. The report also includes meteorological forecasts and analysis of current and possible flood situations in the different areas of concern.
Offering services -- Alternative healers
Posted on 09 Sep, 2008 03:49 AMAlong with two other friends, I am looking for opportunity to volunteer in Bihar.We are alternative Healers by profession with counselling skills. And open to any avenue where we could be of use.Lookin forward eagerly to your response.
Understanding the floods in North Bihar: Background and causes
Posted on 04 Sep, 2008 10:34 AMNorth Bihar has a long history of flooding.Through a series of posts here, we will attempt to explain the background of flooding in Bihar and what are the root causes.