Environment
Small wetlands are being neglected
While larger wetlands are being protected and restored, smaller ones of vital importance to villagers are being ignored at best, encroached upon at worst.
Kashmiris turn to eco-treks
The pandemic-induced reflectiveness means more Kashmiris are taking to the hills – becoming eco-conscious trekkers of the mountains they were once content to just look at.
Incessant rains bring flood of emotions
As India’s monsoons increase in intensity, anxiety and fear – of even a small shower – are becoming common. While everyone responds differently, professionals offer tips to cope.
Eco-activists root for bamboo
Bamboo could be the answer to Kerala’s persistent soil erosion and deadly landslides, say passionate environmentalists who plant hundreds of saplings and sing songs rooting for greater spread.
Home insurance ignored by market and government
Natural disasters cost India dearly. Home insurance could be the answer, yet uptake is abysmally low. Who is missing a trick – home owners, the insurance industry or the government?
Kerala floods trigger more migration
With erratic and intensifying rainfall, Kerala is witnessing more deadly floods and landslides in recent years, leading to an exodus of people from vulnerable areas.
Solar “pumps” up incomes
How can farmers produce the food we eat without stable electricity for irrigation? By switching to solar-powered pumps, farmers become self-reliant and fruitful.
Lawyer-turned-farmer advocates for forest farming
Would you quit your professional job to be an organic farmer for the sake of healthier food? That’s what this Tamil farmer did – converting other farmers to his methods to boot.
Kerala’s backwater exodus
Villagers in the backwaters of Kerala are used to floods. But as homes become inundated by water throughout the year, many are fleeing.
Community ensures sustenance of vital ancient ponds
By ensuring regular maintenance and by preventing encroachment, villagers who consider their water bodies as sacred, protect centuries-old life-sustaining ponds.
Dry toilets to help Ladakh in organic farming
Bacteria boosters that help night soil decompose faster and increase crop productivity, help in promotion of traditional dry toilets, and thus organic farming and water conservation.
Haryana introduces crop diversification to prevent groundwater exploitation
Haryana’s groundwater extraction is much higher than the state’s annual extractable resources. Government encourages farmers to switch from water-intensive paddy to reduce depletion
Villagers demolish flood-ravaged homes to save recyclables
Families in the Champaran districts demolished their own houses to save construction materials before the entire house was washed away by River Sikrahna in spate
Nutritious meals ensure food security of marginalized during lockdown
Distribution of cooked meals sustain vulnerable tribes, the differently-abled and other needy people who do not have the resources to meet their basic needs
Where are the women in water governance?
Women contribute equally to livelihood activities involving water. Yet they are absent in the decision-making processes, since only domestic water management is seen as their responsibility
Eco-friendly sanitation wins proponent civilian award
Subburaman, who is credited with constructing India’s first community eco-san toilet, besides successfully installing various eco-friendly sanitation solutions, gets recognized with a Padma Shri
Water-starved villagers harvest rainwater in multiple tanks
Post-monsoon water scarcity was a common problem. By storing rainwater in many miniature plastic-lined tanks, villagers have solved their water woes and used it for remunerative cultivation
Villagers dig well during lockdown to solve water problem
Increased water demand during lockdown brought to fore Tindori village’s lack of a reliable water source. Digging a well near monsoon ravines, community has ensured prolonged water availability
Revived shallow springs fulfill water needs of villages
Once a perennial source of drinking water, natural springs called jhirias started vanishing. Revived and conserved, the springs’ water is now filtered and supplied through hand posts
Kerala farmers revive age-old check dams
By reviving traditional water management structures called kattas, temporarily built for a few months every year, farmers are solving water problems in an environment-friendly manner