Every drop is Precious..............

Rain water harvesting

Rain water belong to each one of us................
But how do we keep and share is more important........
Have you got your share?
Water on the earth is the main source of survival. It is the most abundant and the most rare on this earth. The fresh water is the asset that we are going to pass on to the next generation. The rampant expansion of the civilization has resulted in the decline of this precious asset. The water table has been declining consistently. Rain water harvesting is one of the most important tool in preserving the water table. With the population explosion the increased demand for the


Why harvest rainwater?
The rain water has become the ultimate source of water. Still you might like to know the reasons for harvesting.
• Relief of strain on other water supply
• Ability to build or farm in areas with no other water supply
• Cleaner water
• Increased independence and water security
• Lower water supply cost
• Reduced flood flows
• Reduced topsoil loss
• Improved plant growth
• Greater sensitivity to and connection with natural cycles
There is greater improvement in infiltration and reduction in run-off. Having the constant supply of water also helps in reducing strain on Special Village Panchayats/ Municipal / Municipal Corporation water supply
Improvement in groundwater quality is also the result of the rain water harvesting.
Estimated quantity of additional recharge from 100 sq. m. roof top area is 55.000 liters.


The various methods for the Rain Water Harvesting

Pits
Recharge pits are constructed for recharging the shallow aquifer. These are constructed 1 to 2 m, wide and to 3 m. deep which are back filled with boulders, gravels, coarse sand.
Trenches
These are constructed when the permeable stream is available at shallow depth. Trench may be 0.5 to 1 m. wide, 1 to 1.5m. deep and 10 to 20 m. long depending up availability of water. These are back filled with filter. materials.
Dug wells
Existing dug wells may be utilized as recharge structure and water should pass through filter media before putting into dug well.
Hand pumps
The existing hand pumps may be used for recharging the shallow/deep aquifers, if the availability of water is limited. Water should pass through filter media before diverting it into hand pumps.
Recharge wells
Recharge wells of 100 to 300 mm. diameter are generally constructed for recharging the deeper aquifers and water is passed through filter media to avoid choking of recharge wells.
Recharge Shafts
For recharging the shallow aquifer which are located below clayey surface, recharge shafts of 0.5 to 3 m. diameter and 10 to 15 m. deep are constructed and back filled with boulders, gravels & coarse sand.
Lateral shafts with bore wells
For recharging the upper as well as deeper aquifers lateral shafts of 1.5 to 2 m. wide & 10 to 30 m. long depending upon availability of water with one or two bore wells are constructed. The lateral shafts is back filled with boulders, gravels & coarse sand.
Spreading techniques
When permeable strata starts from top then this technique is used. Spread the water in streams/Nalas by making check dams, nala bunds, cement plugs, gabion structures or a percolation pond may be constructed.

This inspiring video is a must watch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWnhYIIKY0U

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

Agriculture is the practise that is going to remain for as long as the civilization. The important task for the present generation is to pass on the ability of to cultivate to the next generation. The most important asset for farming is the fertile soil. The sustainable world will survive on the foundation of the sustainable agriculture. The present format of agriculture is dangerous for the sustenance of the agriculture. The extensive use of fertilizer and chemicals has spoiled the living world and eroded the soil that has taken million of years to form. The main concern is now to preserve the precious soil.

Sustainable agriculture integrates three main goals--environmental health, economic profitability, and social and economic equity. A variety of philosophies, policies and practices have contributed to these goals. People in many different capacities, from farmers to consumers, have shared this vision and contributed to it. Despite the diversity of people and perspectives, the following themes commonly weave through definitions of sustainable agriculture.

Sustainability rests on the principle that we must meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Therefore, stewardship of both natural and human resources is of prime importance. Stewardship of human resources includes consideration of social responsibilities such as working and living conditions of laborers, the needs of rural communities, and consumer health and safety both in the present and the future. Stewardship of land and natural resources involves maintaining or enhancing this vital resource base for the long term.

There are many efforts taken world wide to spread awareness as well as gather the force to change the society. One such institute is the Worldwatch Institute, 1776 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.Washington, DC 20036-1904, U.S.A.

Worldwatch Institute delivers the insights and ideas that empower decision makers to create an environmentally sustainable society that meets human needs. Worldwatch focuses on the 21st-century challenges of climate change, resource degradation, population growth, and poverty by developing and disseminating solid data and innovative strategies for achieving a sustainable society.

About Worldwatch

The Worldwatch Institute is an independent research organization recognized by opinion leaders around the world for its accessible, fact-based analysis of critical global issues. The Institute's three main program areas include Climate & Energy, Food & Agriculture, and the Green Economy.

Worldwatch has catalyzed effective environmental decision making since 1974. The Institute's interdisciplinary research is based on the best available science and focuses on the challenges that climate change, resource degradation, and population growth pose for meeting human needs in the 21st century. Worldwatch seeks innovative solutions to intractable problems, emphasizing a blend of government leadership, private sector enterprise, and citizen action that can make a sustainable future a reality.

Based in Washington, D.C., Worldwatch leverages its Internet presence and strong network of partners in more than a dozen countries for global impact. Its research is disseminated in over 20 languages through innovative use of print and online media.

Sites for Knowledge

Here are few sites you can visit to gather more knowledge about the sustainable world and living.

http://www.sustainabilityed.org
http://www.landinstitute.org
http://www.fairviewgardens.org/
http://www.actionfornature.org/
http://www.riverofwords.org
http://www.ecostudies.org/syefest/appen1main.htm

Hi
Sustainable development is a dynamic process which enables all people to realize their potential, and to improve their quality of life, in ways which simultaneously protect and enhance the Earth's life support systems. The idea of sustainable development grew from numerous environmental movements in earlier decades. Summits such as the Earth Summit in Rio, Brazil, 1992, were major international meetings to bring sustainable development to the mainstream.

It is evident that our generation has failed so far in their responsibility to create a sustainable world.. The concept of sustainability means many different things to different people, and a large part of humanity around the world still live without access to basic necessities. It is high time that we start mending the way.

This blog is an endeavor to put together the efforts of the people who are trying to maintain the sustainability of the world. It is also to bring out the damages that is being done to the world. The world has been handed to over to us by the ancestors who had the responsibility to pass it on to us. Now it is upon us to pass it on to the next generation. It is yet to be seen how successful we will be in this. The knowledge of what is going wrong and what we can do is the first step towards the revival of the world.

We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.