Water Management

Orans are local micro bio-diversity reserves- community conserved areas (CCAs) harboring the shrine of a local goddess or deity. Also known as Dev-banis, these local forests vary in size from a hundred to five hundred bighas (about hundred hectares). Most Orans have sources of water, either small springs or rivulets running through them or a variety of ponds and nadis in their midst.

Water conservation is an important part of responsible living. Water is a precious resource which is not to be squandered. Fortunately, there are a number of really easy ways to save water without a whole lot of hassle, and some of the best are listed here!

In the Kitchen Cut down on water usage in your kitchen using these methods. 1. Wash only on a full load: This is true for both washers and dishwashers. By washing in bulk, you'll cut down on the number of cycles you need to run. Also important to keep in mind is the fact that most dishwashers on a full load can clean dishes more efficiently than a hand wash. 2. Cut down on your disposal: Instead of using your disposal, start a compost pile for food waste. 3. Buy foods close to their natural form: Water is needed to produce just about everything from Coke to boxed mashed potatoes. You can cut down on your water consumption by avoiding processed foods that require lots of water to make.

The Third South Asia Water Research Conference was held in Dhaka on May 24-26, 2008. The topic was "Innovative Modelling Approaches for IWRM".

Forwarded to the portal by: Biswanath Sinha, Sir Dorabji Tata Trust Water MOVES is a quarterly published by Soci

Parineeta Dandekar's earlier post on environmental flows, triggered several responses and we have initiated a discussion forum

Shri Anupam Mishra, Gandhian and environmentalist is a remarkable person. He lays no claim to copyright for his own books and (similiar to open source software) it has increased the dissemination of his message. During a recent visit to his office at Gandhi Peace Foundation in New Delhi, he showed several different editions of "Aaj Bhi Khare Hai Talaab" brought out by all kinds of individuals and publishers across the country. He recounts the story of how a impoverished young person was inspired to translate it into Punjabi and get it published.

The French Institute of Pondicherry has brought out a DVD titled "Bittersweet Waters: Irrigation Practices and Modern Challenges in South India". This trilingual documentary (French, English and Tamil ; 53 minutes) deals with the issues of water management in South India, a subject of underlying anxiety in towns as well as in the countryside.

Desalt Innovation Middle East LLC (DIME) has introduced hydrophobic sand or "water proofed" sand. DIME has exclusive rights from a chemical manufacturer in Germany to produce the sand, by the addition of an additive SP-HFS 1609 by a specially developed mixer.

RANI KI-VAV PATAN