The Big Thirst: The Secret Life and Turbulent Future of Water” by Charles Fishman is an exciting journey into civilization’s evolving relationship with water. Tales from across the globe, depicting relationships of abuse, dependence, and even worship are humbling and remarkably frightening.
“It’s the best water I’ve ever tasted” says a taster from the 2011 Berkeley Springs Water Tasting Contest in West Virginia. Bottled rainwater is the newest innovation, or reinvention, in the purified bottled water industry. Texas Independence Co. from League City, Texas snatched first place in the purified water category.
A 2009 report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) titled “Status of Water Quality in India-2009” lists the most recent results from a water quality study using 1700 aquatic monitoring stations across India. Data retrieved from streams, rivers, lakes, tanks, and groundwater sources indicate that organic pollution, particularly Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Coliform, are the major sources of pollutants.
The Rain Water Harvesting Implementation Network, otherwise known as RAIN, recently published a guidebook solely dedicated to instructing users on rainwater harvesting. Information was taken from researchers and institutions using concrete experiences in the field and best-practice examples. The ultimate objective is to help users “improve and maintain an acceptable water quality of harvested rainwater for drinking purposes.”
Delhi faces severe water shortages in the next several years due to a lack of alternative water sources, prompting some citizens to push for city-wide self-sufficiency by 2016. Called the Blue Delhi Programme, the taskforce will be comprised of a cross-section of concerned community members. Committees within the Blue Delhi Programme will focus on education, as well as the implementation and monitoring of programmes on water conservation.
Bureau of Indian Standards(BIS) released its draft regulations on standards on phthalates in toys on April 21, 2011. The draft standards have been released following a Bombay High Court Order on March 24, 2011. The court's direction was in response to the Public Interest Litigation (PIL)filed by the Consumer Welfare Association in 2007 demanding stringent regulations for phthalates in toys.
A bill to be tabled in Parliament is set to re-ignite an old tussle between the Centre and states. The Pesticides Management Bill of 2008, which will be heard in the Monsoon Session, aims to replace grand old Insecticides Act of 1968. It will regulate a wider range of chemicals, including weedicides and fungicides along with insecticides.
The dialogue on sponge iron industry organised in Rourkela, Odisha on Januray 22, 2011 by Centre for Science and Evnironment saw participation from affected people, NGOs, media, industry and the Odisha State Pollution Control Board.
The research as a part of COE activity at CSE includes policy research on decentralized wastewater management (DWWT), rainwater harvesting (RWH) and water efficiency (see presentation).
The top Green Schools of Delhi and India will receive the coveted Green Schools Awards on July 15, 2011. The awards will be given away by the Honourable Chief Minister of Delhi, Ms. Sheila Dikshit. Venue: Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre Lodhi Road New Delhi – 110003. Date & Time: 15th July, 2011, 3pm to 6pm
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This course is open to civil engineers, architects, urban planners, environment consultants and NGOs, students and academicians with an interest in the theory, practice and policy of urban water harvesting. The programme allows you to gain knowledge, acquire holistic perspectives and get hands-on practice in planning and designing urban water harvesting systems. It will help you to solve real-life water problems of today and give you the unique chance to meet and interact with experts and professional in the field of rainwaterharvesting.
SUSTAINABLE URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT – POLICIES AND PRACTICES – Workshops on rainwater harvesting for policy makers