Lava-ka-Baas: The blame game
When one contests the dominant, it is of utmost importance that all actions and their outcome be above doubt. There isn't the faintest margin of …
The goat gamble
It has been a slow and steady shift over decades. Forced by declining returns from farming in ecologically fragile areas, small farmers have been …
A belief in tradition
It was a unique ceremony for a unique award given to a unique rural community of India. In what is perhaps the first ceremony of its kind, …
Climate change is destroying women’s lives in Alwar
A host of climate change-related problems bedevil the district’s women and girls, unlike men and boys
India's Cow Crisis Part 2: Threat of decline looms over livestock economy after 35 years’ growth
The circular economy of cattle has ruptured, threatening livelihoods of India’s poorest. The value output of the livestock economy is Rs 9.…
River of joy
Rejuvenation of the Ruparel river in Rajasthan has brought about a wave of prosperity in the region. The gains are manifold
Possessed by land
Landholding can affect marital prospects. It can also affect sex ratios and lead to polyandry. A village in Alwar provides a snapshot
'The mining lobby tried to suppress our voice'
Chairperson of Tarun Bharat Sangh writes about their fight against illegal mining that started in the 1980s
Small is more
A small water harvesting structure can produce amazing economic crossover effects. The same may not be true for large canals
Rainwater rights
The government- NGO friction at Lava ka Baas has opened a Pandora's box water ownership, archaic laws and hopeful communities that want to hold …
Aravallis razed
Repeated court orders fail to save part of the primitive mountain range in Alwar from mining
Vindicated
The Magsaysay award for Rajendra Singh has meant volte-face by critics of community-based water harvesting
Razing Aravalls (Video Special)
Residents of Harla ki Dhani in Rajasthan discuss effects of illegal mining in the Aravallis
Who owns the river?
The Rajasthan government believes that it has a right over every raindrop and makes a move to demolish a water harvesting structure set up by …
NGT orders complete ban on mining in Rajasthan's Alwar
Mine leases continued to operate without requisite clearances despite a previous ban on mining, says an RTI response
Billionth carbon credit issued
Kyoto Protocol device marks impressive milestone, but its effectiveness remains doubtful
Lies, deceit and relocation
People shifted from Sariska tiger reserve allege they have been deprived of forest rights
Manufactured Chaos
How the Delhi government evaded the Supreme Court order on CNG to engineer a state of anarchy?
Solo Performances
Besides the communities who have done exemplary work in the field of environment, several individuals are making a difference in the lives of …
Hamlets reborn
Although Bhaonta-Kolyala village walked away with the Down To Earth-Joseph C John Award, the judges came across several such communities worthy …
Awarded : Bhaonta-Kolyala
... for reviving the Arvari river, for showing that a healthy ecology and good water management mean prosperity, for proving that drought is a myth
Cash transfers do not benefit
Jitendra visited three districts in Rajasthan to meet people who are supposed beneficiaries of UPA government’s much-touted Direct Benefit …
Transition failure
With an eye on the 2014 general election, the UPA government is expanding its ambitious Direct Benefit Transfer programme that promises welfare …
Green signal: 90% brick kilns in Alwar adopted clean tech
Nearly all brick kilns in Alwar have started using biomass fuel as mandated by CAQM
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