Environment

Climate change is impacting the world. It is the poorest who suffer the most. Yet often rural Indians are leading the way in sustainable advances and trialling schemes that – if rolled out on a macro scale – can create real change in the environment.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Villagers dig well during lockdown to solve water problem

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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

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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

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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