Silt

This paper presents two different types of irrigation systems used in ancient India. Both are based on the overflow system of irrigation. The Phad system of irrigation, is found in Maharashtra over the rivers Panzara, Girna and Burai, which are tributaries of Tapi.Read More

Lakes are integral components of the ecosystem and serve as natural habitats to a variety of plants and animals, besides being important sources of drinking water and livelihood for people. Industralisation has lead to the release of pollutants into the lakes and destruction of their natural habitats, thus making them unfit for use.

This document by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) provides information on the National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP), launched by the Government of India, which aims at restoring the water quality and ecology of the lakes in different parts of the country. It includes information on the scheme and highlights the points that need to be considered while applying for the scheme. Read More

This paper published in the South Asian Journal of Tourism and Heritage begins by highlighting the importance of the traditional small water bodies in Braj, commonly known as kunds, as important freshwater sources as well as an important part of the culture and the traditions of the area.

There were 1000 such kunds, which used to be the source of fresh water in Braj in earlier times. The water was used for multiple purposes like irrigated agriculture, domestic uses, drinking water for cattle, bathing etc. Due to rapid urbanisation, lack of maintenance and prolonged negligence in the last 50-100 years, most of the kunds today have become silted up and are nearing extinction.Read More

The impending crisis for fresh water has forced the planners and policy makers to take cognizance of these traditional water bodies and an urgent need has been identified for taking necessary measures to restore the kunds. The present study thus aims at understanding the reasons for deterioration of the kunds and makes some technical suggestions for revival of these kunds.

In the present study, surface and groundwater quality monitoring has been undertaken in parts of Udhampur district in Jammu and Kashmir in order to evaluate its quality for domestic and agricultural purposes. Water sources are polluted by four kinds of substances: traditional organic waste, waste generated from industrial processes, chemical agents of fertilizers & pesticides used for crop production and silt from degraded catchment.Read More