CSE's Media Resource Centre invites applications from journalists for fellowships on ‘MAKING WATER EVERYBODY’S BUSINESS". The fellowships are to investigate and understand how people and the state governments are — or are not — capturing the raindrop to drought-proof the country. And how they are rising to the challenge of rainwater harvesting. The fellowships offer a unique opportunity to travel to remote areas, research in-depth in order to learn, understand and report on issues with a clear perspective.

Suggested areas of work:
Assessment of government programmes
Attempts to revive traditional water harvesting systems
Efforts to recharge groundwater/surface systems by communities
Emergency measures adopted to cope with the intensifying urban water crisis

The Centre welcomes fresh ideas and themes developed along similar lines that can lead to path breaking news stories. Journalists are encouraged to use their experience to develop these story ideas to set new trends in their publications.

CSE’s efforts since the 1980's, particularly through its fellowships, have been to bring into sharp national focus issues that affect the lives and livelihoods of millions. Its attempts to push crucial issues like water harvesting and conservation; community management of natural resources; and curbing air pollution, among others, have been unstinting. Earlier these issues merited little attention. Now they are part of national debate and daily parlance. We hope to generate similar information, exposés, fervour, and excitement this time around as well.

Selected fellows will each receive a stipend of Rs 40,000. It will support research, travel and writing between October 2002 and January 2003. A preliminary travel allowance of Rs 15,000 will be released at the start of the fellowship and the remaining amount will be awarded upon completion of the fellowship. The fellows will be expected to generate at least five 1000-word feature articles. Freelancers are entitled to apply as well.