Water Bodies - Basics

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• The desert cradled state of Rajasthan proved to the world that lush green fields can grow even in regions receiving less rainfall. Shri Anupam Mishra’s classic ‘The Radiant Raindrops of Rajasthan’, (the English translation of Rajasthan Ki Rajat Boonde) illustrates the ingenuity of the desert people. The traditional rainwater harvesting systems evolved by them replenishes their water bodies to meet their needs.

          Click here for Aaj Bhi Khare Hai Talab (Hindi)
          Click here for ‘The Radiant Raindrops of Rajasthan

• Waternama is a not-to-be-missed illustrative encyclopedia on traditional water storing and management structures in Karnataka. Though situated in the context of this coastal state, its wisdom reflects the traditional water heritage of India. Waternama, a CDL publication supported by Arghyam, contains vibrant photo essays on water structures and their management. It establishes the inter-dependent relationship between man and nature, while highlighting the appropriateness of community wisdom that evolved traditional water storage systems over centuries.

• The process of eutrophication has led to the eventual drying of many lakes or ponds. Eutrophication is a process by which plant growth increases in a lake or pond and over a period of time, completely covers its surface. The plants grow abundantly due to the nutrients present in the agricultural or industrial discharge flowing into the lakes or pond. As the overcrowded plants die off, the dead and decaying vegetation depletes the lake's oxygen supply. This, in turn, leads to the death of fish in the lake and gradually turn them into marshes or swamps. To learn more about the process of eutrophication and the manner it impacts on water bodies, Click Here. This information has been sourced from the Division of Technology, Industry and Economics, United Nations Environment Programme

• Many self help groups, especially women based groups, NGOs and the local community have taken many initiatives to resolve water related issues at the local level. These initiatives have improved water supply, water quality and distribution. The Paani Panchayat has impacted on poverty alleviation while rainwater harvesting has strengthened the efforts for forest conservation. For learning more about such initiatives in small towns and cities across India, click here