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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 presentation describes the conservation, effluent treatment and recycling efforts of Hindalco Industries (Jharkhand). Alumina production is highly water intensive and has a major impact on the environment through toxic effluents and greenhouse gases. Thus any efforts to minimize water use and reduce other environmental discharges in this sector are to be encouraged strongly. Read More

This article sheds light on the historical facts related to the importance and construction of tanks in India. Historical records highlight the fact that rulers in India have placed utmost importance to the construction of tanks. 

The rock inscriptions as well as Kaifiyats confirm this. The Puranas too uphold the significance of the tanks. The article also describes the contribution of rulers as well as of unusual people in the building of tanks by quoting historical refernces, quotes and descriptions by travellers and makes connnections between the past and present. The article ends by highlighting the relevance of the historical connections between the populations and their cultures and the water tanks in todays times.Read More

This case study of Padiabadmal village in Sambalpur district by Manav Adhikar Seva Samiti (MASS) advocates traditional water harvesting as a solution to Western Orissa's perennial drought. Known for its agricultural prosperity in the past Western Orissa is now infamous for its parched reality of water scarcity, migration, starvation and all the woes attached to a ‘perennially drought-ridden’ society. In the last 100 years this belt has already had around 42 drought attacks, most of it coming after 1965.Read More