Your search found 10 records
(Location: IWMI-HQ Call no: P 3676 Record No: H016060)
2 Kumar, A. 2002. Struggle to save Nagpur’s water bodies. Economic and Political Weekly, December 37(5):4987-4989.
(Location: IWMI-HQ Call no: P 6141 Record No: H031002)
3 Phansalkar, S. 2003. Understanding underdevelopment in Vidarbha. IWMI-Tata Water Policy Research Highlight, 11/2003. 5p.
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: IWMI 631.7.3 G635 PHA Record No: H031805)
(658.25 KB)
Research highlight based on a paper titled ôUnderstanding underdevelopment: Characterizing regional development in Vidarbha with special focus on water useö
(Location: IWMI-HQ Call no: IWMI 631.7.4 G635 LON Record No: H037056)
(0.24 MB)
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: 631.7.5 G635 NAR Record No: H044743)
(0.32 MB)
6 Amerasinghe, Priyanie; McCartney, Matthew; Apsunde, K.; Mehra, Kanika. 2015. Wetland spatio-temporal change analysis and ecosystem services in two urbanising cities [Abstract only] In Nyssen J., Enyew A., Poesen J et al. (Eds.). International Conference on Tropical Lakes in a Changing Environment: Water, Land, Biology, Climate and Humans (TropiLakes), Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, 23-29 September 2015. Book of Abstracts. Bahir Dar, Ethiopia: Bahir Dar University. pp.46-47.
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H047414)
(0.22 MB)
Wetlands in India are under stress due to many natural and anthropogenic events. While the definition of a wetland can extend from small ponds/marshes to large reservoirs, a recent study estimates the wetland area to be 4.7% of country’s geographic area. Key drivers for wetland loss are urbanization and associated land-use changes, population growth and pollution. It is well known that functionally, they provide a variety of ecosystem services (ESS) for human wellbeing and inextricably linked to the hydrological cycle and therefore, the environment as a whole. Usually, wetland loss is assessed only after ground level observations, however, RS/GIS tools offers a way to assess the areas that are rapidly losing wetlands that can be regarded as “Hot spots”. This study was aimed at providing the evidence for wetland loss and showcase the important Ecosystem Services (ESS) they provide, so that planners can take appropriate steps to conserve and safeguard this natural resource.
Urban and peri-urban wetlands distribution was studied in two cities, namely, Kolkata, West Bengal, and Nagpur, Maharashtra. Supervised Image classification and Modified Normal Difference Water Index (MNDWI) were used to assess the changes in landscape and loss of wetland area respectively, during the period 2000 and 2013, covering an area of urban sprawl. A wetland inventory was prepared to the extent possible, from the satellite images available in the public domain. A checklist of ESS were prepared through a participatory process (wetland users and key informants) based on the TEEB’s approach to assessing ESS. A total of 27 ESS were selected, based on observations and surveys. Further, in each site, 4 wetlands were investigated to validate the ESS and wetland dependence by poor communities.
The satellite images enabled the visualization of wetlands of a size class of 0.36 ha and above. Change analysis for the city of Kolkata indicated an increased land area for built-up areas (6%) and waste/open lands (1%), calculated against the mapped area of 87,500 ha. Decreased coverage was observed for water bodies (3%), orchards and trees (5%), agriculture and shrub lands (10%). Development activities appeared to impact especially the water bodies. Based on wetland inventories and water density maps, 4 types of wetlands appeared to be prominent. These were tanks, aquaculture/paddy rice, riverine marsh/lagoons and treatment units, which covered a total area of 10,645 ha (year 2000). Tanks constituted 12% of the total area, while only 1.2% (127 ha) could be classified as natural. The rest of the area that included much of the EKW (East Kolkata Wetland) was influenced by anthropogenic activities over time. A 50% reduction (5930 ha) in the wetland area was attributed to the loss of aquaculture/paddy rice areas. Interestingly, the EKW area had increased marginally, perhaps due to the conservation efforts through the Ramsar program, although areas close to the city were constantly under threat. While the reduction in the overall area of tanks was marginal, the number of tanks had halved, indicating the impact urbanization has had on the water bodies. Among the 37 wetlands studied in detail, 7 were in the peri-urban areas and were part of the EKW. A rich array of ESS were attributed to the wetlands by the wetland users, where the ESS scores ranged from 4-20, with over 75% receiving scores of 15-17.
In the city of Nagpur, the increase in built-up areas was similar to Kolkata (5%). The overall changes in the area for water bodies were marginal. While the agriculture/shrub land area had increased overtime (3%), the vegetation and forest areas (5%), and open/fallow lands (3%) indicated a decline. The sand mines/stone quarry areas remained the same. Four types of wetlands were identified, in the mapped area of 92,500 ha, and they were, tanks, reservoirs, water logged areas in quarries and treatment plants which accounted for over 844 ha. Tanks and reservoirs constituted over 90% of wetland area, and of the 182 wetlands that were mapped only 0.4% could be visualised as natural. Marginal increases in wetland area was attributed to high rainfall and consequent filling up of active quarries and increases in the surface area of tanks, but the loss of natural tanks was significant (70%). Water density maps showed that the southern parts of the city were experiencing water scarcity, probably associated with over abstraction. Eight urban and 4 peri-urban wetland analysis showed a rich diversity of ecosystem functions, with a majority having a range in scores 15-23. Hot spots of wetland loss was clearly evident in both Kolkata and Nagpur, highlighting the need for their conservation. City areas close to the EKW were subject to constant threats, with mounting garbage dumping sites. Considering the rich diversity of ESS of wetlands in both cities, a well-planned conservation program can have benefits that are far reaching.
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H047973)
(0.62 MB)
The water treatment plant at the Hingna industrial area receives raw water from Ambazari Lake and supplies drinking water to industrial area, after conventional treatment. The treated water was found to have a pungent odour and yellow colour, which in turn changed from a brown to black precipitate. The water becomes aesthetically unacceptable to consumers. It was observed that a blackish precipitate formation was due to the presence of iron and manganese in lake water, which was not completely removed during treatment. To remove iron and manganese from drinking water, treatment studies were carried out with chlorine and KMnO4 as oxidants. Alum and lime were added for coagulation and pH correction. Jar test studies revealed that treatment with potassium permanganate at pH 7.7–8.0 was effective in the removal of iron, manganese and organics, which were responsible for causing colour and odour to water. The studies helped in improvements in water quality for safe drinking water supply.
8 Gross,T.; Breitenmoser, L.; Kumar, S.; Ehrensperger, A.; Wintgens, T.; Hugi, C. 2021. Anaerobic digestion of biowaste in Indian municipalities: effects on energy, fertilizers, water and the local environment. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 170:105569. (Online first) [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2021.105569]
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H050404)
(3.55 MB) (3.55 MB)
Anaerobic digestion (AD) of biowaste seems promising to provide renewable energy (biogas) and organic fertilizers (digestate) and mitigate environmental pollution in India. Intersectoral analyses of biowaste management in municipalities are needed to reveal benefits and trade-offs of AD at the implementation-level. Therefore, we applied material flow analyses (MFAs) to quantify effects of potential AD treatment of biowaste on energy and fertilizer supply, water consumption and environmental pollution in two villages, two towns and two cities in Maharashtra. Results show that in villages AD of available manure and crop residues can cover over half of the energy consumption for cooking (EC) and reduce firewood dependency. In towns and cities, AD of municipal biowaste is more relevant for organic fertilizer supply and pollution control because digestate can provide up to several times the nutrient requirements for crop production, but can harm ecosystems when discharged to the environment. Hence, in addition to energy from municipal biowaste - which can supply 4-6% of EC - digestate valorisation seems vital but requires appropriate post-treatment, quality control and trust building with farmers. To minimize trade-offs, water-saving options should be considered because 2-20% of current groundwater abstraction in municipalities is required to treat all available biowaste with 'wet' AD systems compared to <3% with 'dry' AD systems. We conclude that biowaste management with AD requires contextualized solutions in the setting of energy, fertilizers and water at the implementation-level to conceive valorization strategies for all AD products, reduce environmental pollution and minimize trade-offs with water resources.
9 Breitenmoser, L.; Quesada, G. C.; Anshuman, N.; Bassi, N.; Dkhar, N. B.; Phukan, M.; Kumar, S.; Babu, A. N.; Kierstein, A.; Campling, P.; Hooijmans, C. M. 2022. Perceived drivers and barriers in the governance of wastewater treatment and reuse in India: insights from a two-round Delphi study. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 182:106285. (Online first) [doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2022.106285]
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H051103)
(1.94 MB) (1.94 MB)
Wastewater treatment and reuse practices are limited in India despite the known benefits of preventing water resources pollution and contributing to sustainable production and consumption systems. We identify the perceived key drivers and barriers to wastewater treatment and reuse governance in a two-round Delphi study, including literature and case study analyses and consultation with 75 panelists. Panelists indicated that the most significant driver for wastewater treatment and water reuse is persistent water scarcity that necessitates diversification to alternative water supplies. In contrast, the most significant barriers are the lack of enforcement of pollution monitoring and control, the lack of an umbrella directive for integrated water resources management, and insufficient collaboration between responsible governmental organizations, central and state water authorities. Given the absence of central guidelines, only a few Indian states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat or Punjab have adopted effective governance structures. These states showcase that defined reuse standards can create successful wastewater treatment and reuse practices but require target-based regulations which are enforced and regularly monitored and financing mechanisms for their long-term operation. The new effluent discharge standards by the National Green Tribunal, the government support programmes, and increasing water scarcity in many parts of India will supposedly drive innovative wastewater treatment and reuse structures. Panelists agreed that efforts are needed to develop technology guiding frameworks following the fit-for-purpose principle and that strengthening institutional and monitoring capacity is crucial to increase confidence in the quality of recovered water resources, create demand, and ultimately safeguard human health and the environment.
(Location: IWMI HQ Call no: e-copy only Record No: H051452)
(3.48 MB) (3.48 MB)
Psychological frameworks are rarely used to understand irrigation adoption behaviour in developing countries. A Bayesian belief network (BBN) model was developed that integrated socio-economic characteristics and psychological factors to understand farmer behaviours with respect to irrigation practices in four districts of Maharashtra, India. Strong norms, risk perceptions of water scarcity, and attitude play roles in the adoption of irrigation technology and practices. Critically, it was found that no one factor can explain adoption behaviour; rather, an ensemble of factors is needed to understand farmer behaviour. A farmer who is highly educated, middle-aged, and moderately wealthy with a significant level of family help and an open well as their main water source, while receiving low promotional information related to water scarcity and irrigation adoption, is most likely to adopt irrigation technology. The application of the BBN in this study enables stakeholders and policymakers to better understand the linkages between different factors and behaviour.
Powered by DB/Text
WebPublisher, from