Inter-state water disputes have been the country’s bane ever since reorganization of India into linguistic states. A paradigm shift in water management, wherein riparian hydropolitics is discarded in favour of catchment hydropolitics, can put an end to disputes and promote overall development of river basins.

Ever since independence, dams were looked upon as the temples of modern India, our saviour against droughts, and partners in India’s development. However, ill-conceived structures devoid of environmental assessment and lack of upstream and downstream flow data have turned them into killers throughout the length and breadth of the country.

The Eurasian and Indian plates meet along the central part of Nepal. The subducting Indian plate thrusting into the Eurasian plate makes Nepal a highrisk seismic zone. In such a scenario, measures to minimise quake-related damage is imperative.

The plant inhabitants of prehistoric swamps serve as a source of coal. Peat, lignite, bituminous and anthracite are the major varieties of coal found.

Abundant and cheap availability of domestic coal led India to follow a coal centric development path in the past. Given the current trends in production and consumption, India is expected to exhaust its coal reserves within the next four decades.

Space constraints prevent Indian cities from laying sewerage lines for new or underserved pockets. DEWATS systems can help here.

Notwithstanding existing legislation enacted by the West Bengal government to protect wetlands and water-bodies, wetlands in the State continue to be grabbed by realtors and industry.

Women have had a long history of being discriminated against and exploited in Indian society. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment introduced measures to reverse these indignities. Yet, there remains strong resistance against their participation in the public sphere.

Facilities given for digitisation of the panchayat has made it possible for the Digital Empowerment Foundation to empower the residents of Chandauli village in Alwar district with computer skills, despite an abysmal 30-40 per cent literacy level.