Indian Water Organisation

We For Yamuna

2008-07-30T03:50:00.000-07:00

A b o u t We For Yamuna’

‘We for Yamuna’ is a non- funded youth campaign, working since August 2000 towards creating and spreading awareness, regarding the Yamuna Pollution Problem, using innovative interactive media, as part of our larger endeavor towards creating a cleaner, greener and better society. Over a period of a year we have become one of the strongest voices on the issue of Yamuna pollution and have been recognized as such by the People, the Government of NCT of Delhi, the media,the United Nations Volunteers, as well as our peers.

'We For Yamuna' focuses on the dying river, which was, and ironically still is, the lifeline of Delhi and its adjoining areas. The group has been using the interactive media of photo exhibitions, workshops, wall magazines, T-shirt painting, poster making, yamuna walks and shramdaans among others, in order to generate awareness among the people about the widespread pollution emanating from industrial waste, the callousness of the populace and mobilize public opinion in order to bring about positive changes in society.

'We for Yamuna' has evolved as a movement -a consensus amongst people about the nature of the society, its problems and possible ways to work towards this change. By change we hope to bring about a change in the attitude of the masses, a change in the perception, a change in environment-both social and human.

'We for Yamuna' continues to be fuelled solely on youth volunteer effort and is perhaps one of the best examples of a youth volunteer effort.

Please contact the ‘We For Yamuna’ team or Mr. Rajeev Singh at 4628877, ext-256/404/347 or 4629252

email us at weforyamuna@yahoo.com
You could come visit us at : UNDP/UNV 55, Lodi Estate. New Delhi-110003.

Department of Drinking Water Supply

2008-07-23T19:33:00.000-07:00

Government of India
Ministry of Rural Development
Department of Drinking Water Supply

9th Floor, Paryavaran Bhavan
CGO Complex, Lodhi Road
New Delhi 110 003
Dated 23rd April 2007

Subject: Constitution of the Core group for Finalization of Guidelines on Sustainability of Drinking Water Supply Schemes.

The Core Group for Finalization of the Guidelines on Sustainability of Drinking water Supply Schemes is constituted with the following composition:-

1. Mrs. Santha Sheela Nair, Secy. (DWS) Chairperson
2. Mr. A. Bhattacharyya, Jt. Secy. (DWS) Member
3. Mr. K. D. Sharma, Director, National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee Member
4. Mrs. Sunita Narain, Director, Centre for Science & Environment, New Delhi Member
5. Mr. Vasudeo, Vivekanand Kendra, Kanyakumari Member
6. Mr. Dirk Walther, Centre for Environmental Studies, Anna University, Chennai Member
7. Shri Rajendra Singh, Director – Tarun Bharat Sangh, Alwar-Rajasthan Member
8. Prof. Shunmugham, DHAN Foundation, Madurai. Member
9. Ms. Sushma Iyengar, KMVS, Bhuj-Kachchh Member
10. Mr. R. M. Deshpande, Addl. Adviser (DWS) Member
11. Mrs. Gayatri Sharma, Dy. Secy. (DWS-II) Member
12. Mr. D. Rajasekhar, Asst. Adviser (WQ) Convenor

(1) Ms. Sunita Narain
Director
Centre for Science & Environment
41, Tughlakabad Institutional Area
New Delhi 110062

(2) Mr. K. D. Sharma
Director
National Institute of Hydrology
Roorkee, Hardwar

(3) Mr. Vasudeo
Vivekanand Kendra, Vivekanand Nagar,
Kanyakumari

(4) Mr. Dirk Walther
Centre for Environmental Studies
Anna University, Sardar Patel Road
Chennai 600 025

(5) Prof. Shunmugham,
DHAN Foundation
18, Pillaiyar Street, S. S. Colony
Madurai 625 036

(6) Shri Rajendra Singh
Director – Tarun Bharat Sangh,
Alwar, Rajasthan

(7) Ms. Sushma Iyengar
Director,
Kachchh Mahila Vikas Sangathan
Bhuj-Kachchh 370001

http://ddws.nic.in/index.html

गाधीं सेवा संगठन

2008-06-06T22:41:00.000-07:00

गाधीं सेवा संगठन क्या है?
गान्धी सेवा संगठन बापू के अहिंसात्मक सत्याग्रह के माध्यम से जनसेवा एवं सामाजिक चेतना पर आधारित नए समाज की संरचना के लिए समर्पित एक जनसंगठन है जॊ समाज के आम आदमी में जागरूकता उत्पन्न कर राष्ट्र कॊ खुशहाल एवं समृद्ध बनाने के लिए दृढ संकल्पित हे। संगँन राष्ट्र के अतिंम आदमी की मूलभूत समस्याऒं के निवारण हेतु प्रतिबद्ध है। संगठन का मुख्यकार्य लॊगॊं कॊ सचेत बनाकर उन्हे सामाजिक कर्तव्यॊं का सहर्ष निर्वाह करने के लिए प्रेरित करना है। इसके साथ ही संगठन प्रशासन की अनदेखी एवं सुस्ती के खिलाफ अभियान चलाने के लिए प्रतिबद्ध है ताकि प्रशासन सुव्यवस्थित हॊ एवं देश के प्रथम तथा अंतिम आदमी के बीच का व्यापक अन्तर कम हॊ सके।

आप भी सदस्य बनें..
चाहे आप कहीं भी रहते हॊं आप संगठन के सदस्य बन सकते हैं। संगठन का सदस्य बनने के लिए आपकॊ अपने अहं का नाश करके निस्वार्थ जनसेवा करनी हॊगी। संगठन का नारा है ३०मिनट ३० रूपया अर्थात प्रत्येक सदस्य कॊ प्रतिदिन न्यूनतम ३० मिनट एवं न्यूनतम ३० रूपये रूप से संगठन की सेवा में देने हॊंगें। साथ ही सदस्यता शुल्क १० रूपये निश्चित किया गया है।
सदस्य बनने के लिए निम्न यॊग्ताएं हॊनी चाहिए।
१) सदस्य की महात्मा गाधीं एवं जनसेवा में पूरी आस्था हॊनी
2) विपरीत परिस्थितियॊं में सदस्य धैर्य एवं अहिंसा की सीमाऒं का उल्लघंन न करे।
३) सदस्य कॊ अन्य सदस्यॊं से निरतंर सम्पर्क में रहना हॊगा।
४) सदस्य संगठन के राजनैतिकरण के विरूद्ध हॊ।
५) सदस्य संगठन के विकास हेतू तन मन धन से तत्पर रहे।
६) सदस्य मृदुभाषी एवं शिष्टाचार का पालन करे।
७) सदस्य अपना नेतृत्व स्वयं कर सके।
८) कुव्यवस्था के विरूद्ध अभियान के दॊरान इस बात का विशेष ध्यान रखा जाए कि हिंसा एवं अभद्रता न हॊ।
सदस्य बनने के लिए आज ही +91-98918-79501 पर फॊन करें या nextgandhi@gmail.com पर मेल करें।
हमसे सम्पर्क करें
मूल शाखा- १२२ए/२०ए, गौतमनगर, नईदिल्ली-४९
दूरभाष- +91-98918-79501
e_mail: nextgandhi@gmai.com
webpage: http://gssindia.blogspot.com/

Water security in 'desert' Rajasthan

2008-05-17T09:21:00.000-07:00

Water security is not determined by nature alone. Culture, social structures and tradition play an equal part in ensuring water security in low rainfall regions such as Rajasthan. Anupam Mishra's landmark book on traditional water harvesting and storage systems in Rajasthan is now available in English translation

By general consensus, the one resource that is most likely to engender social conflict in the 21st century is water. Every resource is under pressure as the world becomes increasingly 'developed', globalised and overpopulated, with drastic consequences on the environmental balance of the planet. But it is water resources in particular, that have been coming under increasingly severe pressure in recent years. As it is, we have a very limited supply of fresh water, with less than 1% of the water on the planet fit for human use; and our short-sightedness has ensured that we have polluted and mismanaged the little that we do have. It is not for nothing that dire predictions of future 'water wars' are becoming common, not only in development discourse but in mainstream circles as well. Disputes over water resources, at the local level, at the inter-state level (eg over sharing of riparian waters), and at the national and international levels are only growing.

But is the availability of water the only issue, or is the way water is managed at the community and individual levels equally crucial? What role does traditional knowledge and wisdom have to play when it comes to harvesting and sharing of water? Is there any way out of the dead-end that expensive, large-scale projects like dams have led us into? Why is it that many sustainable traditional methods of water conservation are suffering the ravages of neglect? Is there any way this trend can be reversed? The Radiant Raindrops of Rajasthan draws our attention to these vital issues. This book was originally published in Hindi as Rajasthan Ki Rajat Boondein and went on to become a modern development classic. With its lyrical language, and deep commitment to traditional values and methods, it had a deep impact on current thinking on issues of water conservation and harvesting. The Research Foundation for Science, Technology and Ecology and its Director, Maya Jani, who has translated the book into English, have rendered an important service to those who cannot read the book in the original.

Anupam Mishra's landmark book on traditional water harvesting and storage systems in the 'desert state' of Rajasthan convincingly demonstrates that water security is not a given of nature; rather, it is a combination of nature with culture, social structure and tradition. Thus we see that many regions receiving high rainfall are actually water scarcity regions, while regions receiving low rainfall may have adequate water security.

Rajasthan is a classic example of the latter situation. Receiving very low amounts of rainfall (putting it at the borderline of the definition of desert), even the little rain that does fall is concentrated in just 3-4 months every year. Yet Rajasthan belies the image of a desert region, and this is because society here has developed and nurtured a very strong tradition of water conservation, which, though weakened, has not been entirely swept away by the waves of modernisation and the dubious technologies it has brought in its wake. The tradition of conserving every drop of water has stood Rajasthan in good stead, and agriculture flourishes in many parts of the state. Households, even in the most arid parts of the state, have access to sufficient water for their needs round the year. Little wonder then that the value ascribed to each drop of water leads Mishra to describe them as 'rajat', which means silver and also ivory in Hindi.

The structure of the book is such that it introduces us step-by-step to the variety of traditional water conservation structures and traditions. After an initial chapter which introduces the state of Rajasthan and its chief characteristics, and another which introduces us to the religious, cultural and spiritual connotations of water conservation and its traditions, each chapter in the book describes a homogeneous set of structures for water conservation and harvesting. These include kuins (deep, narrow wells which access the capillary water trapped between the brackish water table and the surface), kunds (ponds) and tankas (tanks) - ranging from small household-level structures to gigantic structures which supply the needs of entire towns - and ponds and retention pools, from the smallest structures to the enormous talabs like those of Gharsisar.

The agriculture of the khadeens is described; khadeens are oases which are created through the retention of water in the beds of seasonal rivers, and enable two crops, kharif and rabi, to be taken. Another chapter discusses the techniques of boring and coating, and describes in detail the tools used to draw water - water skins, pulleys and the like. The brief final chapter compares Rajasthan with other water-scarce regions in other developing countries. This chapter gives an indication of how the Rajasthan model can show the way out of water-scarcity by self-managed traditional techniques, developed and designed keeping in mind local conditions and resources.

The book underscores the fact that we have much to learn from our traditions as we confront a whole range of ecological and social problems. In the area of water conservation, much work has already been done. One of the lasting legacies left by environmentalist Anil Agarwal has been the work done by the Centre for Science and Environment in uncovering and highlighting our water conservation traditions, as well as in promoting environment-friendly technologies for water conservation and use.

As the evils of many of our technological solutions become increasingly evident, a movement for the use of traditional environment-friendly technologies is building up. The modern Indian state has largely been geared towards expensive, technology-intensive, large-scale solutions to problems of water availability. The thinking that led Jawaharlal Nehru to describe large dams as 'temples of modern India' still rules the roost, and has created disaster after disaster, all in the name of development. The Narmada project is but one example, but unfortunately it may not be the last or the least; the current inter-linking of rivers project is the prime contender for the accolade of the most hare-brained scheme of them all. This scheme will seek to reverse geography and the entire logic of catchment areas and river basins; it is a foregone conclusion that it will create displacement, misery and environmental disaster on a scale that far outweighs its purported benefits. In Rajasthan itself, the Indira Gandhi Canal has failed to deliver most of the benefits which it was designed to bring, and has in fact created an entirely new range of environmental problems.

Of course, any argument against these large-scale, technological solutions cannot rely on logic alone. It is more than likely that the proponents of such schemes are entirely aware of the flaws in their proposals. But there is a consensus among India's elites in favour of these projects, not because of their appropriateness or soundness, but because these expensive, resource-intensive projects are the basis of the 'loot-economy' on which our elites thrive. The proliferation of such projects can only be halted once strong grassroots movements, which bring control of development into the hands of the people, come up and strengthen themselves to present an alternative vision.

Work which highlights indigenous traditions can help in this process - Anupam Mishra's work on water conservation in Rajasthan has not remained confined to the libraries; it has inspired a range of efforts in Rajasthan to research and revive traditional methods of water harvesting. The Tarun Bharat Sangh in Rajasthan has initiated a grassroots movement to revive these traditional structures. The work has received much acclaim and inspired many similar efforts in other parts of India.

One weakness of the book, though, is one that bedevils much of the literature that seeks to celebrate 'tradition', which is that it takes a rather uncritical and rosy-eyed view of the past. The social structure of Rajasthan receives uncritical approval, on the somewhat dubious grounds that a society which gave rise to and nurtured such a fantastic water conservation system must have been good and just. This is somewhat like saying that slave societies were a good idea, because they produced marvels like the Egyptian pyramids.

More discernment is called for. There is good and bad in all societies, and we would be doing ourselves a disservice if we seek to lay the blame for all our problems on our colonial past, and hark back to a bygone golden age for the solution to all our problems. This concern becomes all the more urgent, given the rise of fundamentalist and obscurantist forces in the political firmament of India. It is only with a judicious combination of tradition and modernism that we can hope to successfully tackle our problems, be they environmental, social or political.

The book also succeeds to a certain extent in conveying the lyrical, poetic quality of the original, no mean feat. One wishes, though, that this were not at the expense of grammar and punctuation, which very often jars quite badly. Also, place names are inconsistently spelt, and districts mentioned in the text do not make an appearance in the tables, leading to some confusion.

These flaws do not detract from the urgent, passionate message that Mishra has for us. The only means for sustainable resource management is when people and communities take control of their resources, and use them equitably with due concern for environmental issues. Anybody who wants to know how traditional knowledge and wisdom can contribute to this process in the area of water harvesting and conservation needs to read The Radiant Raindrops of Rajasthan.

By Vidyadhar Gadgil
(Vidyadhar Gadgil is an independent writer and editor based in Goa.)

http://infochangeindia.org

Dhan, Madurai

2008-05-17T08:54:00.003-07:00

Development of Humane Action (DHAN) Foundation, a not-for-profit development
organisation, was initiated in October 1997 and incorporated under Indian Trusts Act (1882), in January 1998. DHAN Foundation is a spin off institution of PRADAN
(Professional Assistance for Development Action based at New Delhi) one of the country's foremost development agencies. The Trust has been promoted with an objective of bringing highly motivated and educated young women and men to the development sector so that new innovations in rural development programs can be brought and carried to vast areas of the country and the people, especially the poor.
Area of operation:

www.dhan.org

JAL BHAGIRATHI FOUNDATION, JAIPUR

2008-05-17T08:54:00.002-07:00

Jal Bhagirathi Foundation is a trust committed to the principle of participatory management, where the work belongs to the community with the role of JBF being limited to that of a catalyst and facilitator.The project in the Marwar region is a Natural Resource Management Project with special emphasis at building the capacities of backward rural communities for management of critical water resources. While the project seeks to support traditional institutions of managing common property resources, it seeks to decrease biotic pressure on the fragile eco-system. The project will provide drought relief to a region extremely distressed with repeated droughts and also focus on community driven solutions for long term drought proofing of the Project Area. The methodology for implementation of projects as adopted by JBF is as follows. Firstly, public meetings and padyatras (walks) through villages and local workshops are organized in the target area. As a result of these initiatives, the village community is mobilized to form a Jal Sabha or user association of all those who are willing to participate in the proposed work. This is followed by the election of office bearers who act on behalf of all the members of the Jal Sabha and undertake the execution of the work and mobilization of community resources. The Jal Sabha then designs the water harvesting structure and decides on the form of the village contribution for the work. The Jal Sabha also forms a woman's group to ensure women's participation in the decisions and also to create women's platform for community activity. Community resources are mobilized in the form of labor, material and cash towards the development of the community water harvesting/recharge structures. All the structures under this initiative are need-based with the active participation of the community in all stages of construction: from identification of the site to the design of the structure and by a contribution of one-fourth of the cost of their construction through 'shramdaan', material or cash. Community management will ensure equal distribution of the resources and their benefits.

http://www.jalbhagirathi.org

NM SADGURU FOUNDATION DAHOD

2008-05-17T08:54:00.001-07:00

Established in 1974, Navinchandra Mafatlal Sadguru Water Development Foundation is a non-governmental organisation which is non-political, non-profit making, secular organisation registered under the Public Charitable Trust Act, the Societies Registration Act (1860) and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act. It is recognised by the Department of Rural Development of the government of 3 states of Rajasthan, Gujurat and Madhya Pradesh.

Its main objectives are to improve the living condition of rural and tribal prople by developing environmentally sound land and water resources programmes; improve the environment; arrest the distress migration; improve the socio-ecomonic status of rural prople and strve for their overall development. This is prompted by facilitating the growth of local institutions that support and sustain the NRM Programmes.

Website: http://www.nmsadguru.org/

WATERSHED ORGANISATION TRUST, AHMEDNAGAR, MAHARASHTRA

2008-05-17T08:54:00.000-07:00

The Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR) was established in December 1993 as a support organization for Village Self Help Groups (VSHGs) and NGOs implementing watershed development projects. It assists people living in rural areas alleviate their poverty through participatory natural resource management on a watershed basis. WOTR was established primarily to respond to the needs expressed by partners in the lndo-German Watershed Development Programme (IGWDP).

WOTR assists NGOs/VSHGs by providing technical support in planning, project formulation, implementation, documentation, monitoring and evaluation of their watershed projects. WOTR initiates capacity building by supporting NGOs / VSHGs to undertake the planning, organization and implementation of a small micro watershed within the larger watershed. This becomes the forum for a reflective learning process for these implementing groups.

Website: www.wotr.org

NEERJAAL Tilonia Rajasthan

2008-05-14T23:14:00.000-07:00

ABOUT NEERJAAL

NeerJaal is a concept originally conceived by the Barefoot College in Tilonia OR Social Work and Research Centre (SWRC), Tilonia in Rajasthan. SWRC, under its flagship activities of Barefoot College, has been collecting and managing information regarding various linkages of Water in the desert of Rajasthan, especially in and around tilonia village near Kishangarh . Recently, SWRC, together with Digital Empowerment Foundation, discussed the NeerJaal concept together and developed the entire concept to implement at the national level, where the water sources, water bodies, water consumption, water usage, water harvesting, and water shorateges and needs could be mapped and put on an interactive platform.

The long term vision of NeerJaal is to allow each and every villagers and villages to put their water data on the public domain, and gradually with as the help of people and universal contribution, we gather widespread data related to water in India.

At the moment, the data is being populated through the available information with SWRC, and gradually with the launch of the website, this would be made open to all and sundry to populate the relevant information. However, each and every information would be updated after proper administrative and authentication check.
ABOUT DEF

Digital Empowerment Foundation, a Delhi based not-for-profit organization was registered on December 2002, under the "Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860" to find solutions to bridge the digital divide. With no political affiliations, it was founded by Osama Manzar to uplift the downtrodden and to create economic and commercial viability using Information Communication and Technology as means. It was actively started in the year 2003 after the founder director left his software company to seriously pursue the aims and objectives of Digital Empowerment Foundation.

ABOUT SWRC/BAREFOOT COLLEGE

The Barefoot College began in 1972 with the conviction that solutions to rural problems lie within the community.

The College addresses problems of drinking water, girl education, health & sanitation, rural unemployment, income generation, electricity and power, as well as social awareness and the conservation of ecological systems in rural communities.

The College benefits the poorest of the poor who have no alternatives.

The College encourages practical knowledge and skills rather than paper qualifications through a learning by doing process of education.

The College was entirely built by Barefoot Architects. The campus spreads over 80,000 square feet area and consists of residences, a guest house, a library, dining room, meeting halls, an open air theatre, an administrative block, a ten-bed referral base hospital, pathological laboratory, teacher's training unit, water testing laboratory, a Post Office, STD/ISD call booth, a Craft Shop and Development Centre, an Internet dhaba (cafe), a puppet workshop, an audio visual unit, a screen printing press, a dormitory for residential trainees and a 700,000 litre rainwater harvesting tank. The College is also completely solar-electrified.

The College serves a population of over 125,000 people both in immediate as well as distant areas. Social Work and Research Centre Tilonia, Rajasthan, India.

CONTACT DEF

The Director
Digital Empowerment Foundation
12/17, Lower Ground Floor,
Sarvpriya Vihar,
New Delhi 110017, India.
Ph: +91-11-26532786
Fax: +91-11-26532787
E-mail: defindia@gmail.com | Website: www.defindia.net

CONTACT SWRC/BAREFOOT COLLEGE

The Director
The Barefoot College
Village Tilonia,
via Madanganj, District Ajmer,
Rajasthan 305816, India.
Ph: +91(0)1463-288204
Fax: +91(0)1463-288206
E-mail: barefootcollege@gmail.com | Website: www.barefootcollege.org

Sanctuary Asia,

2008-05-06T02:41:00.000-07:00

Sanctuary Asia, India's leading wildlife, conservation and environment magazine, was started by Editor Bittu Sahgal in 1981 to raise awareness among Indians of their disappearing natural heritage. The overwhelming response to the magazine led to the birth of Sanctuary Cub, a children's nature magazine, in 1984 and to The Ecologist Asia (Indian edition of The Ecologist, U.K.) a journal dedicated to the issues of the environment, development and human rights, in 1993.

In the 1980s, Sanctuary Films produced two wildlife/conservation serials aired on Doordarshan, India's national television network. The first, Project Tiger, was a documentary while the other, Rakshak, was a narrative serial for children. The films were shot on 16 mm. and the Sanctuary team visited virtually every wildlife haven in India (stock footage available on request).

In the early 1990s, Sanctuary's scope expanded. We began to reach out to larger numbers through the syndication of articles. Sanctuary Features was born and it used the mainstream press to put forward alternate views on wildlife and development issues. Features covered a variety of subjects including travel, science, health, nutrition and the politics of development. Sanctuary Features is now also a leading content provider for websites interested in the above subjects.

Sanctuary Photo Library, our stock photo agency, has a fully computerised database of images that are available on request. Our focus is on Indian/Asian natural history and is used by academicians, picture researchers for publications, non-profits, websites, advertising agencies and corporate communicators. Sanctuary is a melting pot of natural history visuals, information and resources and these are put to good use to produce some of the finest wildlife and nature calendars, posters, slide shows, exhibitions and other products available in India. These high quality products can be made available at reasonable rates and can be delivered anywhere in the world.

Sanctuary Cub reaches out to children across India through schools and nature clubs. We conduct nature walks, camps, slide shows and rallies for children with the help of qualified naturalists and environmental educationists.

Sanctuary is at the fulcrum of several wildlife conservation campaigns and serves as a network for wildlife groups, concerned individuals and non-profit organisations. It is also a source of information for press and television reporters.

Sanctuary’s Kids for Tigers, an environmental education programme in schools across India, aims at increasing awareness among children about the nation's biodiversity and sensitise them to the fact that saving tigers and forests will secure water supply and help save ourselves. Through 'edutainment' workshops, exciting tiger fests, thought--provoking film shows and nature walks, Kids for Tigers leaves children and teachers enthralled with the world of nature and wildlife. The programme is in its 5th year and is an integral part of 1,000 schools all over India.

In 1999-2000, Kids for Tigers collected one million signatures in support of the tiger. The Limca Book of Records certified this as the world's largest 'Save the Tiger' scroll.

In summary, the organisation could be described as one that aims to communicate the rationale for wildlife conservation and environmental protection. Our focus is the Indian subcontinent and Asia, but our horizon spans the globe. Sanctuary is a privately-owned, self-supporting venture and does not accept any donations. Its funding sources are advertisements, subscriptions and content provision.

For all enquiries by regular mail, phone or fax contact:

Address 145/146, Pragati Industrial Estate,
N.M. Joshi Marg,
Lower Parel,
Mumbai – 400 011
Tel. (91-22) 2301 6848 or 2301 6849
Fax (91-22) 2301 6848

http://www.sanctuaryasia.com/

Kalpavriksh

2008-05-06T02:37:00.001-07:00

Kalpavriksh believes that a country can develop meaningfully only when ecological sustainability and social equity are guaranteed, and a sense of respect for, and oneness with nature, and fellow humans is achieved.

Delhi:

Kalpavriksh
134, Tower 10,
Supreme Enclave
Mayur Vihar
Phase 1
Delhi 110 091

Tel: (011) 22753714

http://www.kalpavriksh.org/

Kalpavriksh

2008-05-06T02:37:00.000-07:00

Hariyali Thane

2008-04-30T01:39:00.001-07:00

Hariyali Thane
Hariyali is an NGO (Non Governmental Organization), working in the field of protection and upgradation of environmental conditions, having its base in Thane, a twin city of Mumbai, the commercial capital of India.

It is registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860, Bombay Public Trusts Act 1950 and donations to the Corpus of the Organization are exempt under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act 1961.

It is formed by and comprises of socially conscious citizens coming from cross - section of the society. It has a pool of academicians, field workers, writers, speakers, researchers, scholars, scientists, professionals from various discipllines, industrialists, business executives and administrators working for and under its banner.

It has several ongoing and projected activites which are carried out mainly with the active participation and ‘Shramdan’ (voluntary labor) of students studying in various schools and colleges. Its activities and objectives are highlighted separately.

Participation in activities of Hariyali is open to all.
You can associate yourself with any or more of the following activities.

Become a Life Member or an Activity member on payment of the prescribed fees for each category.

Participate in the meetings and activities of the organisation.

Donate or cause to be donated resources for the organisation.

Sponsor or cause to be sponsored any of the projects of the organisation.

Join on nature treks, bird observation and other educational programmes, etc.

Contribute your knowledge about nature and its constituents by participating in the activities.

Use your photographic talents for building up the manual of flora and fauna of the region.

At least, visit any of the sies of activities of the organisation with prior arrangement.

Contact Us

Hariyali
5/702, Flower Valley,
Eastern Express Highway,
Thane - 400601. (Maharashtra)
INDIA.

Administrative Office:
26, Dadoji Konddeo Stadium,
Khartan Road,
Thane 400601 (Maharashtra)
INDIA.

TeleFax : 091-22-25474119
Contact Person : Prof. Punam Singavi.
E-mail : info AT hariyalithane DOT com
WEB : www.hariyalithane.com

WWF-India

2008-04-30T01:36:00.002-07:00

The Secretary General and CEO
WWF-India
Pirojsha Godrej National Conservation Centre
172-B,Max Mueller Marg
Lodhi Estate
New Delhi - 110 003.
Website: http://www.wwfindia.org/
email: tcp@wwfindia.net
Telephone: +91-11-24693744/ 24616532/ 24691760-62

WWF-India

2008-04-30T01:36:00.001-07:00

Uttrakhand Seva Nidhi

2008-04-30T01:35:00.000-07:00

Shri. Lalith Pande
Honorary Secretary
Uttrakhand Seva Nidhi
Manerath Sadan, Champa Naula
Almora - 263 601.
(Uttranchal).
Telephone: +91-5962-224304
Fax: +91-5962-23100

The Energy and Resources Insitute (TERI)

2008-04-30T01:34:00.003-07:00

Dr. R. K. Pachauri
Director General
The Energy and Resources Insitute (TERI)
Darbari Seth Block
India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Raod
New Delhi - 110 003.
Website: http://teriin.org
email: webgroup@teri.res.in
Telephone: +91-11-2468 2100 and 2468 2111
Fax: +91-11-2468 2144 and 2468 2145

The Energy and Resources Insitute (TERI)

2008-04-30T01:34:00.001-07:00

Indian Society for Nature Volunteer

2008-04-30T01:31:00.000-07:00

Shri. Suresh C. Sharma
Indian Society for Nature Volunteer
Gokal Nagar, Rohtak Road
Sonepat - 131 001.
(Haryana).

Indian Environmental Society (IES)

2008-04-30T01:30:00.000-07:00

Dr. Desh Bandhu
President
Indian Environmental Society (IES)
U-112, Vidatha House
Vikas Marg, Shakarpur
Delhi - 110 092.
Website: http://www.iesglobal.org
email: iesenro@del2.vsnl.net.in
Telephone: +91-11-2450749, 2046823, 2046824
Fax: +91-11-2223311

Development Alternatives

2008-04-30T01:29:00.003-07:00

Shri. Ashok Khosla
President
Development Alternatives
B-32, Tara Crescent
Qutab Institutional Area
New Delhi - 110 016
Website: http://www.devalt.org
email: tara@sdalt.ernet.in
Telephone: +91-11-2685-1158, 2696-7938
Fax: +91-11-2686-6031

Development Alternatives

2008-04-30T01:29:00.001-07:00

India Development Coalition of America (IDCA)

2008-04-30T01:24:00.000-07:00

Mission
To promote collaboration and cooperation between all organizations engaged or interested in the development of India

To provide a platform to members for networking with each other in person and on the internet.

To inform, inspire, and involve the community at-large to generate necessary resources to accelerate development work in India.

Swami Vivekanand said, "All the wealth in the world cannot help one Indian village, if the people are not taught to help themselves. Our work should be mainly education, both moral and intellectual...Educate the people, so that they may learn to be self-sufficient, frugal... If the poor cannot come for education, education should reach the poor."

IDCA Contact
Please feel free to contact us. You can use our online feedback form or can e-mail us. You may also call us if you prefer to talk to us. Your participation leads to our success and a stronger India.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tel:630-303-9592
Email: info@idc-america.org

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Founding Trustee:
Dr. Suri Sehgal

Founding Members:
Dr. Kamal Bawa
Mr. Anil Bhatt
Dr. Mohan Jain
Mr. Balbir Mathur
Dr. Vasudevan Rajaram
Dr. Suri Sehgal
Mr. Vivek Singhal

Board of Directors:
Dr. V. RajaRam, Chair
Mr. Jay Sehgal
Dr. D.Vidyasagar
Anil Bhatt
Srinivas Rao

Board of Trustees:
Suri Sehgal
Mohan Jain
Kamal Bawa
Balbir Mathur

Executive Committee:
Ram krishnan -President Elect

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President:
Dr. Vasudevan Rajaram
Email: v.rajaram@idc-america.org

Vice President:
Prakasam Tata
Email: p.tata@idc-america.org

Secretary:
Vivek Singhal
Email: v.singhal@idc-america.org

Public Relations & Website:
Tim Somers
Email:t.somers@idc-america.org

Publications:
Srinivasa Rao
Email: s.rao@idc-america.org

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USA:
India Development Coalition of America (IDCA)
P.O.Box - 4673
Oak Brook, IL 60522
Phone: 630-303-9592 / 630-915-6176

India:
The Sehgal Foundation
C/O Jay Sehgal
289, Sector 17 A
Gurgaon, Haryana
+91-124-239-7621

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Membership Committee:
Prakasam Tata
Email: p.tata@idc-america.org

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Finance / Fundraising Committee:
Anil Bhatt
Email: a.bhatt@idc-america.org

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Program Committee:
Ram Krishnan
Email: r.krishnan@idc-america.org

Jay Sehgal
Email: j.sehgal@idc-america.org
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Research Committee:
Dr. Bhamy Shenoy
Email: b.shenoy@idc-america.org

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Water Committee:
Ram Krishnan
Email: r.krishnan@idc-america.org

Prakasam Tata
Email: p.tata@idc-america.org
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Education Committee:
Vivek Singhal
Email: v.singhal@idc-america.org

Krishnan Khanna
Email: krishnan@vsnl.com
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Healthcare Committee:
Dr. Dharampuri Vidhyasagar
Email: d.sagar@idc-america.org

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Livelihoods Committee:
Umesh Rohatgi
Email: u.rohatgi@idc-america.org

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Indian NGO

2008-04-29T06:39:00.000-07:00

Shri. Kartikeya Sarabhai
Director
Centre for Environment Education (CEE)
Nehru Foundation for Development
Thaltej Tekra
Ahmedabad - 380 054.
(Gujarat).
Website: http://www.ceeindia.org
email: ceeindia@vsnl.com
Telephone: +91-79-26858002 to 09
Fax: +91-79-26858010

The Secretary
Centre for Himalayan Environment and Development
At Halda-pani, Near Akashwani Kendra
Gopeshwar
Chamoli – 246 401.
(Uttranchal).

The Director
Centre for Science and Environment (CSE)
41, Institutional Area
Tuglakhabad
New Delhi – 110 062.
Website: http://cseindia.org
Telephone:+91-11-26081110, 26081124, 26083394, 26086399
Fax: +91-11-26085879

Indian Ngo

2008-04-29T06:37:00.000-07:00

President
BAIF Development Research Foundation Kamdhenu
Senapati Bapat Marg
Pune - 411 016
(Maharashtra)

The Honorary Secretary
Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)
Hornbill House
Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road
Mumbai - 400 023.
(Maharashtra).
Website: http://www.bnhs.org
Telephone: +91-22-22821811
Fax: +91-22-22837615

Janhit Foundation

2008-04-24T08:42:00.000-07:00

Janhit Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit non-governmental organization, actively engaged in the promotion of human welfare through environmental protection since 1998.

Key areas of work include:
Groundwater quality protection for human health
Provision of safe drinking water to marginalized communities
Protection of river water quality for aquatic ecosystems
Enhancement of available water resources through water conservation measures
Promotion of sustainable agriculture by organic farming methods
Environmental education and empowerment of local communities
Janhit Foundation undertakes this work through scientific research, campaigns, advocacy and grass-root level community involvement.

Janhit Foundation's success story of Daurala has found place in the school curriculum for class XII students. The National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has published the case study of Daurala for which Janhit Foundation has been working for the past 5 years, in the book entitled "India, People and Economy". The school students across the country would know more about these grassroot initiatives in the class itself and would also become familiar of grassroot work done by the civil society organisations.

As a public interest organization, Janhit Foundation focuses on strengthening local communities through their active participation in decision making, to achieve sustainable development. We believe that environmental degradation can only be addressed adequately if local people are empowered in decision making at all levels and have control over resources.

To achieve our goals, we work in partnership with government, non-governmental, national and international organisations on environment and human rights issues.

You can also reach us at:

Janhit Foundation
D-80, Shastri Nagar
Meerut (U.P.)
India
Tel: +91-(0)121-2763418, 4004123
Fax: +91-(0)121-2763418
E-mail: janhitfoundation@gmail.com

पर्यावरण मित्र

2008-04-24T07:54:00.000-07:00

'पर्यावरण मित्र' क्या है?

'पर्यावरण मित्र' की स्थापना 24 सितम्बर 2004 को एक गैर सरकारी संस्था के रूप में हुई। इसका मुख्यालय शिकोहाबाद, उत्तर प्रदेष में है। इसके विभिन्न कार्याक्षेत्र पूरे भारत में फैले हुए हैं ।
इसकी स्थापना के पीछे श्रीमती किरण बजाज की कल्पना, चिन्तन एवं उत्साह स्पष्ट हैं । साथ ही समान विचारों वाले लोगों की जागरूकता तथा दिलचस्पीभी।
यह अन्य किसी भी मित्रता की तरह है जहाँ पर्यावरण के प्रति प्रेम, जिम्मेदारी और नि:स्वार्थ भाव है।
यह उस पर्यावरण का एक छोटा-सा प्रतिदान है, जो हमें नि:स्वार्थ भाव से सबकुछ देता है।
'पर्यावरण मित्र' में जाति, रंग, धर्म,वर्ग एवं समुदाय के आधार पर कोई भेद भाव नहीं है। यदि आप समान विचारधारा के हैं तो आप हम में से एक हैं।

सम्पर्क सूत्र
जो भी व्यक्ति अपना समय, ज्ञान, योग्यता, पृष्ठपोषण आदि देने के इच्छुक हों, कृपया इस पते पर हमें भेजें:

अशोक तिवारी/अपूर्व मिश्रा

हिन्द लैम्प्स लि.,
शिकोहाबाद - 205 141
जिला फिरोजाबाद
दूरभाष - (05676) 234400/234 501-3
फैक्स - (05676) 234300
आशा जोशी/अनिल सिंह

बजाज इलेक्ट्रिकल्स लि., .
51, महात्मा गांधी मार्ग
मुम्बई - 400 023
दूरभाष - (022) 22043780/33
फैक्स - (022) 22047610
(022) 22828250

आपके द्वारा भेजे गये ई-मेल का स्वागत है paryavaran_mitra@bajajelectricals.com

Development Alternatives

2008-04-22T20:42:00.000-07:00

The mission of the Development Alternatives Group is to promote sustainable national development.

The corporate objectives are to innovate and disseminate the means for creating sustainable livelihoods on a large scale, and thus to mobilise widespread action to eradicate poverty and regenerate the environment.

The corporate strategy is to
-Innovation, through design, development and dissemination of

Appropriate technologies
Effective institutional systems
Environmental and resource management methods

-Sustainability, through commercially viable approaches
-Scalability, through partner organizations and networks
The activities of Development Alternatives cover a broad array of development issues. And these issues are complex, requiring sophisticated,
trans-disciplinary responses.

To be able to provide such responses successfully, the Group has built up a strong capacity to identify the priority issues confronting the nation and devise effective ways to solve them. It has therefore brought together a cadre of professional staff members with a wide range of skills and backgrounds but a common, solid commitment to excellence and team work.

To attract and retain staff of this quality, Development Alternatives has a three pronged approach: an outstanding work environment, exciting career development programmes, and attractive terms of employment.

Development Alternatives
111/9-Z, Kishangarh
Vasant Kunj
New Delhi - 110070
Tel : 91 (11) 2613-4103, 2689-0380
Fax : 91 (11) 2613-0817
Email : tara@devalt.org

KRG Rainwater Harvesting Foundation

2008-04-22T20:34:00.000-07:00

The surging demand for innovative methods and systems that would recharge aquifers and would, thus, stave off the threat of depleting groundwater reserves, led to the formation of KRG Rainwater Harvesting Foundation in Chennai, India.

Today, 'Conserve Rainwater', an oft-repeated, national slogan, is manifested in action through the Foundation, a pioneer in the field of water harvesting and management in India.

Led by a group of professionals in the fields of Geology, Hydrogeology and Engineering, the Foundation has introduced state-of-the-art water-harvesting systems and Artificial Recharge Structures to water-starving regions of India - with notable success.

Rainwater Harvesting is the most feasible solution for all present and future water problems in regions that experience rainfall.

We at KRG Rainwater Harvesting Foundation are a team of professionals, comprising engineers, geologists, hydro-geologists, soil conservationists and remote-sensing experts. The founder and chairman of our organization,
Mr. K.R. Gopinath, is the pioneer in the field of modern-day Rainwater Harvesting. We have in our midst the expertise and experience required to carry out detailed studies with the purpose of devising master plans for Rainwater Harvesting, and implementation of Rainwater Harvesting techniques.

Our approach to an assignment is brisk, positive and result-oriented. We study a given premise, recommend short-term or long-term plans, design site-specific artificial recharge structures, and implement the project.

We have solved many a typical water problem related to
industries, institutions and residences through Rainwater Harvesting.

We hope to receive from you a positive feedback and initiative to plan for a Rainwater Harvesting project at your premises, to arrest the depletion of groundwater table and to improve the quality and quantity of water extracted.

We are here to solve all your water problems, be it related to domestic, agricultural or industrial purpose.

We welcome queries from you and will endeavour to give satisfactory answers and solutions.

Contact Address

Chennai

KRG RAINWATER HARVESTING FOUNDATION
A-84/2, Bharani Kailash Apartments,
Anna Nagar East, Chennai 600 102
Landmark: Near Roundtana
INDIA
Ph: 044- 2621 5060/554 93117
Mobile: 98410 45666, 310 43522, 98404 82821
E-mail: krgrainwaterharvesting@rediffmail.com

Baroda

9, Patel Park, 80,Vishwas Colony, R.C. Dutt Road
Alkapuri, Baroda 390 005
Gujarat, India

Telephone Numbers:
+91-265- 2325298
+91-265-2325299
+91-265-2339192
Mobile: 98240-31974
Telefax: +91-265-2325298
E-mail: diwakar_shetty@hotmail.com

SEHGAL FOUNDATION

2008-04-22T20:20:00.000-07:00

Introduction
Sehgal Foundation works on integrated and sustainable village development in Mewat region of Haryana. This goal is implemented through four programs (1) Water Management (2) Income Enhancement (3) Family Life Education (4) Rural Health, and the support services of Infrastructure Building and Communications. The approach is participatory and programs are organized around ‘Village Level Institutions’ and ‘Village Champions’.

The factors responsible for sustainability of any rural development project are - motivational, financial, organizational and technical.

Mewat is a region which falls partially in Haryana and in Rajasthan, with the Aravali hill range across it. Aravalis are the oldest hill range in India and have become mostly deunuded. The soil cover on the hills has been eroded and flora is found only in small patches, the rest being barren rock. During summer, dust storms from Rajasthan desert hit the Aravali hills resulting in sand dunes at the foot hills, which also adversely affect the flora. Underground sweet water is found only in the foothills of the Aravalis, otherwise it is mostly brackish.

Mewat takes its name from Meos, a muslim peasant caste that converted from Hinduism to Islam, however they preserve many Hindu customs. Agriculture and wage labour (30 % of population) is the dominant occupation. As many as 40 % households are landless and 40% have marginal land holdings. The agriculture is primarily rain fed with mustard and pearl millet being the main crops. Mostly only one crop a year can be cultivated, due to water constraints, and a second crop is possible only if there are timely rains. The social indicators of Mewat are low, sex ratio being 865, literacy 19% with women literacy much lower, household size 8.4, age at marriage is 14 years for girls and 17 years for boys. The reproductive health of women is poor, there is low awareness regarding preventive health care and a high reliance on untrained health providers. Women are treated as unrecognized labor both in fields and domestically.

In Mewat region of Haryana, India, availability and quality of water is of primary concern. A tailor made, integrated water management plan is needed for each village, with the first step being the study of topography, water flow, soil characteristics and traditional knowledge. Subsequently, high impact interventions can be chosen. Sustainability of interventions is also a function of equity, as a critical mass of people will come together if all are going to be benefited.

In Ghaghas the quantity of available ground water was inadequate and fast depleting, its quality too was poor with high content of nitrates and fluorides . Since the ground water of Ghaghas is an important water source for several neighboring villages, they are also adversely affected. This scenario is now improved with the interventions.

As in many villages of India, here too the domestic waste water flows into the streets, creating dirty puddles which are a breeding ground for pathogens and their carriers. This water is a medium by which the ground water gets contaminated due to open defecation, open composting and excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the agriculture.

To address the high nitrate and fluoride contents found in the drinking water, it was decided to work on the quality of the water at the source itself rather than use other solutions like filters or water treatments . The logic adopted was to dilute the ground water with rain water, so that the nitrate and fluoride concentration would reduce to acceptable standards and at the same time the ground water would be replenished.

In Ghaghas, a check dam was built at a location upstream so that the runoff water from the Aravali hills is not allowed to enter the village and get contaminated (Figure 1 and 2). A ridge to valley approach (Figure 3), was adopted by building gully plugs to slow down the speed of water, thereby reducing soil erosion and the silt load entering the dam. Other options, including diverting natural streams to recharging wells or injecting wells (Figures 4 and 5) are also an efficient way to add to ground water. Even dry wells are structurally well connected to the underground water table, while much more effort is required to find other parts of the village where soil has good percolating ability right upto the water table.

Safe disposal of domestic waste water is addressed through soak pits, which are simple and cheap drainage structures facilitating the disposal, filtration and percolation of wastewater into the ground

Contact us

For general questions, please contact our head office:

Head Office

Plot No.34, Sector 44, Institutional Area
Gurgaon, Haryana - 122002
INDIA
Tel : +91-124-4744100
Fax : +91-124-4744123
Email : smsf@smsfoundation.org
Website : www.smsfoundation.org

Registered Office:
6346 Sector C6,
Vasant Kunj
New Delhi -110070
INDIA

Branch Offices
Nagina, Haryana
16 MDA Housing Board Colony,
Nagina - 122108
Gurgaon District, Haryana
INDIA
Tel : +91 1268 273 448

Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh
Room numbers 26, 27, 28 in Building 212
ICRISAT, Patancheru- 502 324
Andhra Pradesh
INDIA
Tel : +91 40 2329 6161 - +91 40 2329 2320
Fax : +91 40 2324 1239
Email : m.d.gupta@cgiar.org

SEHGAL FAMILY FOUNDATION
100 Court Ave., STE 211
Des Moines, IA 50309-2256 USA
Tel: + 1 515 288 0010
Fax.: + 1 515-288-4501
Email: r.clutter@smsfoundation.org

Yamuna Foundation Starts River Clean-up Campaign

2008-03-25T06:57:00.000-07:00

Delhi and Agra Volunteers to Pick up Trash

The Yamuna Foundation for Blue Water, under the umbrella of the Rivers of the World (ROW) Foundation (www.rowfoundation.org ) begins a Campaign to cleanup the Yamuna River with Volunteers picking up trash on March 29th in Delhi and March 25th in Agra. This project in India is in partnership and motivated by a similar project in Washington, DC, USA to Clean-up the Potomac River by the Alice Ferguson Foundation (www.fergusonfoundation.org ). In both cases, these major rivers are polluted in varying degrees impacting the lifeline of the people living there. Both flow through the Capitals of their countries.

Subijoy Dutta, Executive Director of the Yamuna Foundation for Blue Water announced, “We start now to clean up the Yamuna with our hands. We will continue cleanups until river becomes, once again, clean and blue. The Yamuna River is sacred. It is a life source. We can not continue to trash it!”

The United States partner in the Trash Cleanup Project is The Alice Ferguson Foundation, Accokeek, MD, USA (www.fergusonfoundation.org • www.potomaccleanup.org). On Saturday, April 5, 2008 the Foundation will lead its 20th Annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup. Thousands of volunteers will participate at hundreds of Cleanup sites throughout the region to remove enormous amounts of trash. In the past twenty years, over 40,000 volunteers have removed more than 3 million pounds of trash from fields, forests, parking lots, shorelines, school yards, and all areas of the region that drain into the Potomac River.

“Our trash problem is one of the few major long-term issues we can address and solve right now,” said Tracy Bowen, Executive Director of the Alice Ferguson Foundation. “It is through addressing this trash issue that we can get to greater awareness of many other environmental issues, clean, healthy water, and strong civic pride... The goal of the project is to create a trash free Potomac by 2013!”

Mr Brij Khandelwal, Coordinator of the Agra Yamuna Cleanup said a sustained mass movement was necessary. "Citizens should stop looking to the government for everything but initiate action on their own to stop further degradation of the river."

The Yamuna River Cleanup in Agra takes place on March 25, 2008. Volunteers will meet at _Hathi Ghat, Yamuna Kinara road and remove trash from the river bank between 8am to 12 noon.

Coated gloves will be given to all Volunteers to protect hands and Blue plastic bags will be used to collect recyclable items and orange bags for trash to be disposed. The recyclables will be transported to the municipal recycling center; arrangements are being made for the non-recyclables to be picked up by the city garbage collection system.

Delhi Coordinator, Mr. Suresh Nair and D.K. Mital for the Yamuna River Cleanup are committed to the Yamuna Foundations’ motto “…to turn the Yamuna Blue” and agrees that it will take a major effort on the part of all sectors of the Dehli community to turn this issue around. In a recent press conference Subijoy Dutta said “We must stop trashing the river we love that is vital to health and livability of everyone in this region. We must make this commitment NOW!”

As in Agra, similar gloves and bags will be used. The recyclables will be transported to the municipal recycling center; arrangements are being made for the non-recyclables to be picked up by the city garbage collection system.

After the Trash Cleanups, information, along with pictures, will be released publicly about how much volume/weight and types (paper, plastics, soda cans, bulk items, such as tires etc.) of trash collected. Both ROW Foundation and Alice Fergusion Foundation will have listing of volunteers and pictures from the Cleanups on the websites, which will be easily accessible to everyone. ENDS.

Delhi Coordinator:
Mr. Suresh Nair and D.K. Mital
Delhi, India
Suresh: 4050-6600; Mobile: 98990-12403;
D.K. Mital: 98105-65485
gtindia@rediffmail.com

Save the Varuna

2008-03-21T00:30:00.000-07:00

Dear all,

Greetings from HAMARI VARUNA ABHIYAN (Save the Varuna moovement) , Varanasi(India). Varuna is the famous river of Varanasi.World’s oldest and holy city Varanasi was named on this holy river. In hindu mythology and history we have got the reference of river Varuna. Varuna starts from melhum at phulpur in Allahabad District. It flows from Bhadohi ,Mirzapur ,Jounpur, enters in varanasi, and ends in river ganga at sarai mohana. Its total length is about106 kms.
Varanasi is also an ancient name, found in both the Buddhist Jataka tales and in the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata. From the pali version of this name –baranasi- comes the corrupted name Banaras, by which the city is most widely known today. Varanasi sits between the Varana river ,which flows into the ganges on the north and the Asi river, which joins the Ganges on the south . Varanasi stretches along the river between the two. According to the Padma Puran ‘The Varana and the Asi are two rivers, set there by Gods. Between them is a holy land and there is none more excellent on earth.”
Since 1980, Varuna was recognized as lifeline of Varanasi. It’s water was very medicated and its river bank were famous for medicated plants like Brahmi, punarnava, sarpgandha,juri, sankhpuspi, satavar and ghritkumari. It maintained the water level of varanasi, which is now a days at 3rd strata. The farmers of this area used its water for drinking, irrigation and cattle. But now, the total scenario has changed, Varuna has became the most polluted river of India, there is no any living things even parasites also in it. Varuna is ailing and becoming a garbage tank. the impact of all these things are shown. Due to these, the ground water level is going at downiest level. Pollution is being high and a holy lifeline river is dying.
Save the Varuna movement (Hamari Varuna Abhiyan) is a joint effort of some Civil Societies, who are involve in social activities in Varanasi and nearby aras . prayash Foundation Trust, Centre for Social Development society & Hamari Varuna Samiti are playing the major roles in this movement. Except then, many other VOs, NGOs and institutions like Water community, Social Vision, Computer institute for Management System(CIMS), Dr. Shambhunath singh Research Foundation(SRF) , Premchand Margdarsan Kendra, Manav Seva Samiti , Prerna Kala Manch, Tarumitra are supporting us. We have decided to work on Varuna revival since last 3 years, when we saw that Varuna river is ailing from its source and it was being a sever . due to our efforts Commissnor Varanasi ordered to chek it. By our meetings and awareness camps Polithine is avoid by the native people. Schools & Colleges are making the plantation programe for it . we are crating a social pressure on Govt. of U.P. to make a green belt & oxygen Bank on both sides of this river especially in Varanasi city from Chokaghat to civil court. By this way there will be a beautiful and visible pollution free zone in this cultural city. We are planning to dig the riverbed and use this place for boating and water transport also. For this purpose we have demanded from Govt. of U.P. to make a pukka ghat at chokaghat.
We the people of save varuna movement are trying to revive the varuna with our best efforts. We have taken it as challenge, but our resources are very limited. Now days ,we are creating a public awareness through camps. Our sub convener Surya Bhan is on padyatra along with river Varuna and creating a good rapport about Varuna’ cleanness and revival. Our convener Dr. Vyomesh Chitravansh is trying to attract the people and activists on this problem. As a Executive member of National Committee on ailing rivers, he presented the problem of Varuna in The South Asian Convention of Ailing & Dead Rivers at New Delhi on July 8th, 2007. He is fighting for Varuna at state, national & international level. He is a good journalist and advocate from Varanasi. By his effort Varuna is kept in top 5 of ailing rivers of India.In coming period we are making plan to dig Varuna riverbed and to plantation on its both side with the help of native people. We are going to file a PIL in Allahabad High Court for Varuna in the light of Court’s orders.
For all these effort, we are expecting your help, support and contribution. Our humble appeal to all of you that please Give your full support through the moral, financial and other contributions to Save the Varuna and save the lifeline of Varanasi. Keep in touch.
Please forward this massage to your contacts, it will your support for our efforts

You may contact us on following numbers:-

-Dr. Vyomesh Chitravansh, convener,
Hamari Varuna Abhiyan,
c/o Prayash Foundation Trust,
SH3/18.B-4N, Sharda Vihar,
Meerapur (Basahi), Varanasi-221003 (India)
Email:vyomc@sify.com;forum_flash@sify.com
Cell. 91-94509608510; 91-9794254579

Surya Bhan, Sub Convener, HVA
c/oCentre for Social Development society
Sh8/40P-1, Veer Nagar Calony, Shivpur koat,
Shivpur, Varanasi.(India)
Email:csds@sify.com
Cell. 91-9452709385

Ajai Srivastava
c/o Hamari Varuna Samiti
S24/7 Taktakpur, Varanasi-221002,(India)

The Three W’s of Water

2008-03-21T00:23:00.000-07:00

Three international organisations, play a critical and key role in shaping the world’s views, approach to the world’s water problems.

The first, The World Water Forum is a tri-annual gathering of water experts and aimed at solving the world’s water problems. The Forum is the brainchild of the World Water Council the second organisation, a private think tank established in 1996. Among the members who helped in the formation of this Forum are UN Agencies like UNCIF, UNDP, FAO, the World Bank, IUCN and water companies like the Lyonnaise des Eaux.

The first meeting of the Forum took place in Marrakesh (1997) and since then it has met twice, at The Hague (2000) and in Kyoto in 2003. The Forum is not a platform for presenting papers, but a venue for participants to share their experiences on actions and practices that facilitate solutions to water problems.

Third major international player in the water business is the Global Water Partnership, which is a working partnership among all those involved in water management, government agencies, private companies and multilateral development agencies. The Partnership serves as a mechanism for alliance building and information exchange on integrated water resource development.

The Council produced The World Water Vision as a comprehensive document providing a long-term vision of water, life and environment. It established the World Water Commission as a forum to translate this vision into reality. The report of the World Water Commission was presented to the world by the former president of the erstwhile Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev at the World water Forum at The Hague. The report outlines the steps to be taken to solve the world water problems, which include full-cost recovery, wiping out of subsidies and off course privatisation.

The Global Water Partnership was provided the task to develop and guide a `framework of Action’ to achieve these objectives.

Tarun Bharat Sangh

2007-11-29T23:27:00.000-08:00

Tarun Bharat Sangh (TBS), a non-government organization works on issues related to forest management and water resources.

Primary web addresses
http://www.tarunbharatsangh.org

Email
rajendrasingh@tarunbharatsangh.org
watermantbs@yahoo.com
jalpurushtbs@yahoo.com

Main Address
Tarun Bharat Sangh
Tarun Ashram
Bhikampura, Kishoree , Via Thangazi,
District Alwar, Rajasthan - 301022, Country - India

Main Telephone
09414066765

Yamuna Jiye Abhiyan/ PEACE Institute Charitable Trust

2007-11-29T23:24:00.000-08:00

PEACE Institute Charitable Trust is an organisation dedicated to the promotion of nature conservation as a strategy for the establishment of a peaceful world.

PEACE Institute began its activities first as a firm in September 2002 and later became the PEACE Institute Charitable Trust in May 2003. It is managed by a Board of Trustees and is advised by a group of eminent conservationists in the country.

The PEACE Institute Charitable Trust is a registered Trust. It is also registered under the section 12A and 80 G of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Contact
PEACE Institute Charitable Trust
178-F, Pocket - 4
Mayur Vihar, Phase - I
Delhi - 110091, INDIA
Tel: 91-11-22719005 / 43026150
Fax: 91-11-22719005
Email : info@peaceinst.org

www.peaceinst.org

Become a Part of AVEKSA

2007-11-29T22:06:00.000-08:00

The journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step’ – Lao Tzu.

We are starting this initiative ‘AVEKSA’ to create a platform for all of us to serve and contribute positively to the world. You may be working in the development sector, a software engineer, a student, a housewife or a corporate house – but if you have a will to serve the society we can provide you with a platform through which utilising your expertise you can make meaningful contributions to the developmental work. This is just a beginning and we need all your support for the journey as we can do it provided you all are with us.

You can become a part of AVEKSA through:

1. Joining us as a full-time team member
As a Facilitator Organisation we instil complete responsibility in our team members, hence we look for three important skills: Self Motivation, a Trouble Shooter and Sensitivity towards contempary issues.

2. Volunteer with/through us
Every individual can contribute by serving towards different causes. Those who feel that they are too small to contribute in development work or make a difference should observe an ant. We all have several life skills developed during our careers and through our daily learnings in life. If this interests you, we’ll provide you avenues for utilising your skills in contributing towards the development sector. You can also check at our E-Volunteering portal projects link which would be uploaded shortly or contact us at team@aveksa.org.

3. Becoming a Service/Project Partner
To deliver our services or implement our projects we try to tie up with existing service providers/organisations/consultants. E.g. we are launching projects and offering services which needs film making expertise. However we are not adding anyone in our full time team for this but we have tied up with POT Productions for its delivery, thus we are able to not only keep our overhead costs down but are able to get the best available talents. There are many such avenues that we can offer. Kindly contact at team@aveksa.org for further information.

4. Contributions
You can be part of AVEKSA by supporting us with your gifts/donations. Contributions can be made directly/online to Account No: 028010100298377 of Axis Bank, Bandra West Branch, Mumbai. This we would be utilising judiciously while doing what we stand for – ‘To Serve’. We would look forward to meet all our donors in person so to seek their involvement in AVEKSA and its activities. Kindly send your donations in the favour of ‘AVEKSA TRRUST'
www.aveksa.org

India Resource Center

2007-11-29T21:26:00.000-08:00

About India Resource Center
India Resource Center works to support movements against corporate globalization in India. We provide timely information on transnational corporations to Indian movements. We also educate and mobilize key constituencies in the US and other countries to take action in support of campaigns in India.

India Resource Center is a project of Global Resistance. Global Resistance works to strengthen the movement against corporate globalization by supporting and linking local, grassroots struggles against globalization around the world. Our goal is to ensure that those most impacted by globalization are engaged in and at the forefront of the movement against corporate globalization.

History
India Resource Center is the result of numerous discussions with activists in India spanning a wide array of issues.
The fact that India provides some of the most vibrant resistance to corporate globalization was never a doubt in our mind. The ongoing anti-dam movement in the Narmada valley, and the 1993 rally in Bangalore that mobilized over a half million farmers against what is today known as WTO, are testimony to the strength and sophistication of Indian social movements. So the purpose of our engagement with Indian groups was not so much on how we could help them but rather, how we could create a dialogue with Indian movements and those around the world in order to share information, skills and strategies for organizing -- in order to strengthen the global movement for holding corporations accountable to human rights, environmental justice and labor rights.

The India Resource Center website provides a platform for Indian movements to articulate their demands and for us to mobilize a key constituency in the US and around the world that will take action in support of movements in India -- by applying pressure in the home countries of the corporations where they are more susceptible to public pressure. The initiative will also provide timely information resources to Indian campaigns and link struggles in India with those worldwide.

By publishing insightful and important stories from India on a regular basis, we also anticipate that the India Resource Center website will become a valuable resource center for activists and journalists both in India and around the world.

Our work will not merely exist in cyberspace. Over time, the India Resource Center initiative will provide important opportunities for dialogue on social movements between Indian groups and their counterparts in other countries. We have already hosted and plan to host more activist exchanges and organize strategic meetings and workshops.

We invite you to join us in building this important cross-border initiative by visiting us regularly, joining our email list and not hesitating to contact us with information you think would be of interest to the initiative.

The India Resource Center team would like to thank the many allies who helped us realize this project.

In solidarity,
Amit Srivastava
Coordinator, India Resource Center
Director, Global Resistance
Email: info@IndiaResource.org
Web: www.GlobalResistance.org
www.IndiaResource.org

Ganesh ji

2007-11-29T21:21:00.000-08:00

we pray for health