Reporting on Water from India Together.https://indiatogether.org/en-inhttps://indiatogether.org/groundwater-track-scaling/https://indiatogether.org/groundwater-track-scaling/Groundwater levels collapse across Karnataka's hard-rock terrain; decades of drilling ever-deeper borewells have meant losing sight of the shallow aquifers and local knowledge that sustained this landscape. Small towns may be best placed to change course.Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/plan-neighbourhood-wards/https://indiatogether.org/plan-neighbourhood-wards/A new framework from Assam's town planners argues that city masterplans never quite reach the street. In a crowded square kilometre of central Guwahati, Ward 29 is where that argument is being tested, starting with a monsoon-flooded footpath.Tue, 08 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/donkhera-agriculture/https://indiatogether.org/donkhera-agriculture/By simultaneously carrying out multiple development schemes in a village, can its all-round development be made more sustainable? The Uttam Gram program, in Haryana's Donkhera village, provides some answers. Shashank Devra reports.Thu, 27 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/ranchi-wells-government/https://indiatogether.org/ranchi-wells-government/Can people themselves plan for their basic services? A new initiative in the informal settlements of the city which have been ignored by formal planners shows the potential of a different approach.Sun, 27 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/thirty-four-years-of-irregularities-and-failures-government/https://indiatogether.org/thirty-four-years-of-irregularities-and-failures-government/The recently released CAG audit report on Maharashtra has heavily criticized the time and cost overruns in Gosikhurd irrigation project in Vidarbha. Himanshu Upadhyaya analyses the report to list the shortcomings of the project.Tue, 10 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/what-you-can-t-measure-properly-you-can-t-manage-properly-government/https://indiatogether.org/what-you-can-t-measure-properly-you-can-t-manage-properly-government/Shripad Dharmadhikary critiques the recently released NITI Aayog’s report on Composite Water Management Index.Sun, 01 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/concrete-riverfronts-or-ecological-rejuvenation-environment/https://indiatogether.org/concrete-riverfronts-or-ecological-rejuvenation-environment/A two-day dialogue on urban rivers held in Pune recently focused on the plight of urban rivers. Shripad Dharmadhikary reports and presents his views.Wed, 02 May 2018 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/a-guardian-of-rivers-op-ed/https://indiatogether.org/a-guardian-of-rivers-op-ed/Himanshu Upadhayay pays a personal tribute to the inspiring and dedicated river activist Latha Anantha, who passed away on 16th of November.Mon, 27 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/creating-national-water-commission-environment/https://indiatogether.org/creating-national-water-commission-environment/A recent report suggests merging the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) into a new organisation to be called the National Water Commission. Shripad Dharmadhikary comments on the report.Fri, 30 Sep 2016 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/the-right-to-water-for-life-environment/https://indiatogether.org/the-right-to-water-for-life-environment/The Draft National Water Framework Bill, put out for public comments recently, represents an important and progressive step forward despite some shortcomings and challenges involved in its implementation, writes Shripad Dharmadhikary.Mon, 11 Jul 2016 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/extraction-exceeds-recharge-agriculture/https://indiatogether.org/extraction-exceeds-recharge-agriculture/Last month, the Bombay High Court passed an order to shift IPL matches scheduled for the month of May out of the state of Maharashtra citing an acute water shortage in some parts of the state for its decision. PRS Legislative Research, answers some basic questions about ground water and its depletion in our country.Thu, 19 May 2016 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/proof-will-be-in-the-eating-environment/https://indiatogether.org/proof-will-be-in-the-eating-environment/New regulations from the environment ministry require coal-based thermal power plants to stick to legally binding limits for water consumption. Shripad Dharmadhikary examines the implications of these rules.Mon, 11 Apr 2016 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/hill-women-no-longer-panic-over-water-scarcity-women/https://indiatogether.org/hill-women-no-longer-panic-over-water-scarcity-women/In many part of rural India, women spend most of their time walking long distances to collect water for their household's needs. Nitin Jugran Bahuguna visits the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand where the women no longer have to worry about fetching water from long distances thanks to an intervention that has brought potable water right to their doorstep.Fri, 25 Mar 2016 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/losing-our-rivers-to-grand-plans-economy/https://indiatogether.org/losing-our-rivers-to-grand-plans-economy/As per the National Waterways Bill recently introduced in the Parliament, 101 stretches of rivers in the country will be declared as National Waterways. There are many advantages of waterways but these advantages will be realised only when certain conditions are met, and only under certain circumstances says Shripad Dharmadhikary.Mon, 21 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/cag-audit-report-of-karnataka-irrigation-projects-government/https://indiatogether.org/cag-audit-report-of-karnataka-irrigation-projects-government/Successive audits of irrigation projects in Karnataka over the years, starting with a report from the CAG for the year ending 31 March 2001, have repeatedly pointed to missed targets, wasted expenditure and negligible benefits. Himanshu Upadhyaya presents the findings from the most recent audits.Sat, 28 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/development-in-maharashtra-perils-of-the-beaten-track-economy/https://indiatogether.org/development-in-maharashtra-perils-of-the-beaten-track-economy/The report of a high level committee led by Vijay Kelkar to promote balanced development in Maharashtra has several important recommendations. But will it all come to nought because of its failure to avoid a few conventional pitfalls? Shripad Dharmadhikary explores.Tue, 27 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/bhadreshwar-gujarat-opg-thermal-power-plant-environment-approval-environment/https://indiatogether.org/bhadreshwar-gujarat-opg-thermal-power-plant-environment-approval-environment/In yet another contested environmental approval decision, a 300-MW power plant in Gujarat has been granted changes in technology, relaxing certain original conditions, without any public consultation. Kanchi Kohli reports on the grievances of the local people.Thu, 04 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/india-rivers-week-new-delhi-report-environment/https://indiatogether.org/india-rivers-week-new-delhi-report-environment/India Rivers Week held in November 2014 was a first-of-its-kind gathering in New Delhi, which celebrated rivers and those trying to protect them, while charting out a road map to mitigate the threats they confront. Shripad Dharmadhikary reports on the proceedings.Wed, 03 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/impact-of-hydropower-energy-on-bhutan-environment-and-implications-for-india-environment/https://indiatogether.org/impact-of-hydropower-energy-on-bhutan-environment-and-implications-for-india-environment/The immense untapped potential of hydropower generation in Bhutan has led to several major projects in the offing, with varying degrees of Indian involvement. However, Shripad Dharmadhikary finds a steady rise in voices questioning their impact on the Himalayan environment.Thu, 13 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/yamuna-river-rejuvenation-plan-by-jica-environment/https://indiatogether.org/yamuna-river-rejuvenation-plan-by-jica-environment/With the thrust on rejuvenation of the Ganga by the Narendra Modi-led government, rivers in India have become the focus of attention from several international players. Manoj Misra points out how this may explain some recent statements from the government's partner in Yamuna restoration, the Japan International Cooperation Agency.Mon, 03 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/iit-consortium-report-es-on-ganga-rejuvenation-environment/https://indiatogether.org/iit-consortium-report-es-on-ganga-rejuvenation-environment/A Consortium of 7 IITs is working on a plan that will form the basis for the long-term vision for the government’s much-talked about Ganga rejuvenation programme. Shripad Dharmadhikary reviews an initial summary released by the Consortium as the framework within which the final plan will be drawn up.Thu, 09 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/gujarat-sabarmati-riverfront-development-model-for-ganga-yamuna-environment/https://indiatogether.org/gujarat-sabarmati-riverfront-development-model-for-ganga-yamuna-environment/When river restoration translates merely into cosmetic beautification of its ‘front’, real estate and urban elite are the only ones to gain at the cost of the larger river ecology. Amruta Pradhan discusses the Sabarmati Riverfront Development project and others inspired by it to highlight the risks in the model.Thu, 11 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/ganga-river-waterway-reviving-and-impact-on-ecology-environment/https://indiatogether.org/ganga-river-waterway-reviving-and-impact-on-ecology-environment/The Rs 6300-crore plans for development of the Ganga waterway from Allahabad to Haldia should be undertaken only after meticulous examination of its impact on various elements of river ecology. Debadityo Sinha explains why.Sat, 09 Aug 2014 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/water-concerns-near-coastal-thermal-power-plant-krishnapattanam-cheyyur-environment/https://indiatogether.org/water-concerns-near-coastal-thermal-power-plant-krishnapattanam-cheyyur-environment/It is often believed that coal-based power plants near the coast, by virtue of their proximity to the sea, do not create any pressure on water resources. Shripad Dharmadhikary’s visit to Krishnapattanam in Andhra Pradesh and parts of Tamil Nadu exposes the fallacy in that.Mon, 28 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/gujarat-decision-to-raise-narmada-dam-height-human-rights/https://indiatogether.org/gujarat-decision-to-raise-narmada-dam-height-human-rights/In view of the alleged corruption in rehabilitation of dam-affected families, the Jabalpur HC has imposed a stay on the decision to raise the height of the Narmada dam further. Recalling the history of the project till date, Himanshu Upadhyaya asks why a higher dam should be considered at all.Sat, 12 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/ipcc-working-group-water-report-environment/https://indiatogether.org/ipcc-working-group-water-report-environment/The uncertainty of the nature and extent of climate change impact on the water sector calls for adaptive and flexible measures to effectively combat and address the issues likely to arise in the future. Shripad Dharmadhikary quotes from a recent report of an IPCC Working Group to establish the fact.Tue, 17 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/mullaperiyar-dam-conflict-between-kerala-tamil-nadu-states/https://indiatogether.org/mullaperiyar-dam-conflict-between-kerala-tamil-nadu-states/With the SC striking down the Kerala Irrigation and Water Conservation Act, concerns over the Mullaperiyar Dam could create tension anew between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Could a new study contain a potential solution to the issue? P N Venugopal explores.Thu, 12 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/mentioning-narmada-in-gujarat-op-ed/https://indiatogether.org/mentioning-narmada-in-gujarat-op-ed/The labelling of Arvind Kejriwal as ‘anti-Narmada’ by political cadres in Gujarat is only in keeping with a long-standing culture of discouraging any dialogue on the river itself and gagging dissent at large, says Himanshu Upadhyaya.Wed, 19 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/kishenganga-government/https://indiatogether.org/kishenganga-government/The award by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the dispute between India and Pakistan over the Kishenganga hydroelectric project has several dimensions that could hold important lessons for settling water disputes within the country, says Shripad Dharmadhikary .Thu, 06 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/mmrdams-environment/https://indiatogether.org/mmrdams-environment/The plan to erect 12 dams in order to meet the water requirements of cities in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region is not only objectionable from an environmental perspective, but also undermines the priorities laid out by the 12th Five Year Plan. Shripad Dharmadhikary reports.Sun, 05 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/barrage-environment/https://indiatogether.org/barrage-environment/The construction of barrages to meet the water needs of thermal power plants in western Chattisgarh shows that irregularities involved in the allocation of this resource may be as large as the ones in coal allocation itself. Shripad Dharmadhikary throws light on the issue.Thu, 05 Dec 2013 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/nsubm-environment/https://indiatogether.org/nsubm-environment/The extent of submergence of villages and farmland in the Narmada valley under the backwaters of Sardar Sarovar dam increases with successive monsoons. Himanshu Upadhyaya stresses the need for a more realistic and effective look at solutions to the woes of the region.Sun, 25 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/khandwa-environment/https://indiatogether.org/khandwa-environment/An independent committee appointed by the state validates and upholds most of the objections raised by civil society against attempted privatisation of water supply in Khandwa. Shripad Dharmadhikary, Rehmat and Gaurav Dwivedi discuss the report.Thu, 22 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/chinchave-environment/https://indiatogether.org/chinchave-environment/A tragic accident at the Chinchave Minor Irrigation Project in Maharashtra brings into focus long-simmering questions over the quality of minor irrigation works as well as the nexus between engineers and contractors. Parineeta Dandekar takes a look.Sat, 10 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/river-environment/https://indiatogether.org/river-environment/The draft River Basin Management Bill 2012 has been crafted with good intentions but threatens to be counter-productive unless the critical need for decentralisation of power is addressed; a review by Shripad Dharmadhikary.Fri, 02 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/narmada-government--3/https://indiatogether.org/narmada-government--3/As elections draw closer, state rhetoric over the Sardar Sarovar dam heightening project is slowly reaching a crescendo as evident from various media reports, but who will finally benefit from the moves on the ground? Himanshu Upadhyaya asks some hard questions.Wed, 10 Jul 2013 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/waterlaw-laws/https://indiatogether.org/waterlaw-laws/Legislation to regulate and administer the country's water sector is a crying need, but the Draft National Water Framework Law recently submitted by the Alagh Committee is a disappointment. Shripad Dharmadhikary explains why.Sun, 30 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/mamana-environment/https://indiatogether.org/mamana-environment/If you keep water standing in a glass for a while here, it causes a stain around the rim. Pamela Philipose describes the tribulations and ordeal of women in Mamana village of Uttar Pradesh, as they fight to collect potable water everyday.Fri, 07 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/keni-environment/https://indiatogether.org/keni-environment/Keni, the miraculous mini well of adivasis of Wayanad in Kerala, is well on its way to becoming a part of history - a victim of rapid environmental decline of this once bountiful state. Shree Padre reports.Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 GMThttps://indiatogether.org/pawar-society/https://indiatogether.org/pawar-society/Once impoverished and drought-prone, Hiware Bazar in Maharashtra is a shining example of how a visionary leader can use good governance to make degraded areas resource-rich and transform the future of its people through empowerment and inspiration. Ramesh Menon reports.Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT