Hamsa Iyer

This scientist turned farmer does it all!

Dr. John Fernandez, a scientist with the National Institute of Oceanography is successfully managing his Khazan land in Batim, Goa. He rears shrimp, fish & pigs and even makes salt! Hamsa Iyer posted 7 years 1 month ago

Dr. John's Khazan next to the Zuari river

Think again before you order shark fin soup!

India is the second largest shark catching nation in the world and among the biggest shark fin exporters worldwide. Sadly, that's not a statistic to be proud of. Hamsa Iyer posted 7 years 3 months ago

Shark capture in Vishakapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

Goa University shows state how to harvest rainwater

What started as an effort to showcase rainwater harvesting methods and their benefits at Goa University, has now become an effort worth emulating by the entire state. Hamsa Iyer posted 7 years 3 months ago

Aquifer recharge and RWH project at Goa University

The lost Khazans of Goa

A traditional form of agro-aqua culture practiced in Goa is dying a slow death thanks to disinterest in farming as well as an increased interest in Pisiculture. Hamsa Iyer posted 7 years 5 months ago

Aerial view of Khazan seen in Zuari river

From farming to fishing: The journey of the tribals of Dhimbe

The many tribals who were displaced by the Dhimbe dam lost their land but not their livelihoods. They took up cage fish farming and figured out an alternate form of cultivation. Hamsa Iyer posted 7 years 5 months ago

The Shirpur pattern: Is it groundwater therapy?

Three villages of the many that have adopted the Shirpur pattern in Maharashtra have different stories to tell. You decide if the model is working or not. Hamsa Iyer posted 7 years 5 months ago

Shirpur structures in Eknath Wadi, Maharashtra

Citizen-friendly services? Yes please!

Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation has used newer technologies and integrated customer feedback into making its data public and its services renowned. Hamsa Iyer posted 7 years 6 months ago

Working to make life better for citizens

Water buckets of the Western Ghats

Exploitation of groundwater in Panchgani, Maharashtra, led to acute water shortage but the people of Akhegani decided to do something about it. Watch how they built spring boxes to revive springs. Hamsa Iyer posted 7 years 6 months ago

Basalt rocks characterize the Deccan Plateau

Does tapping regional springs affect the Western Ghats?

Dr. Jared Buono, hydrologist at NGO Gram Pari, spoke of a project that helped revive springs in the Western Ghats at an event organised by IIT Mumbai and India Water Portal to mark World Water Day. Hamsa Iyer posted 7 years 6 months ago

A pathway for water

Pophala, a village that was dry land farming in Aurangabad, channeled the rainwater it harvested by way of trenches. The drinking water wells are now full and their crop variety has increased. Hamsa Iyer posted 7 years 6 months ago

From dry land farming to Water conservation

No water, no power - no problem!

Sea-Line Co-operative Society, an apartment community in Mumbai, is now completely water and partially power-secure thanks to good initiative, planning and management. Hamsa Iyer posted 7 years 6 months ago

Navin Chandra, near the water treatment plant

Water scarcity in the 'village of wells'

What is the cause of water scarcity in Kattanbhavi, a village in Belgaum, Karnataka? Is it distance from source, lack of money or something beyond that? Hamsa Iyer posted 7 years 6 months ago

A school for 'dropouts'

Vigyan Ashram, a vocational education school in Pabal, Maharashtra, gives all students a second chance. It teaches innovation and creativity and encourages them to learn by doing. Hamsa Iyer posted 7 years 7 months ago

An Ashram built by its students, for its students

Painting Mumbai blue!

Drop Dead', a foundation started by Aabid Surti that offers free plumbing services to residents of Mumbai, saves water one drop at a time. Hamsa Iyer posted 7 years 8 months ago

Making leaders out of farmers

Farmers meet, talk, exchange ideas, watch films and more at the Pani Panchayat in Maharashtra, a voluntary movement to connect farmers and build knowledge and resource groups. Hamsa Iyer posted 8 years 2 months ago

Farmers sharing priceless info Source: Hamsa Iyer

Shanty City: Mumbai

Resettlement of slum dwellers isn't always the answer to their problems. Dr. Sapna Doshi, a researcher from the USA, presents her findings on the development of slums across Mumbai. Hamsa Iyer posted 8 years 3 months ago