Keystone Foundation Archives

Items

• Wetlands conservation and sustainable management in the nilgiri's
  The report focuses on the conservation and sustainable management of wetlands in the Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, highlighting their crucial role in biodiversity and the livelihoods of local communities, particularly Indigenous groups like the Todas and Badagas. Wetlands, often undervalued and threatened by agriculture and urban development, are essential for water supply and ecological balance. The project involved data collection, awareness campaigns, and the creation of local management plans for five key wetlands, aiming to address pollution, habitat degradation, and stakeholder involvement in conservation efforts. Active restoration activities were initiated to enhance wetland health and community engagement.
• Wetlands in the Nigiris_ Report
  The wetlands in the Nilgiris are critical but increasingly endangered ecosystems due to human activities such as agriculture, urban development, and pollution. These ecosystems, often overlooked and seen as wastelands, provide essential services like water supply, biodiversity support, and flood control. The Ramsar Convention has highlighted the need for their conservation since 1971. Studies in the region reveal significant wetland degradation, exacerbated by invasive species and poor land management practices. Conservation efforts, including community awareness and sustainable land use practices, are crucial to restore and protect these vital habitats for future generations.
• Development control regulations
  The Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) has produced 30 cases focusing on urban inclusion through a collaborative research project called 'Reframing Urban Inclusion'. The cases aim to rethink urban theory and practice from India, South Asia, and the Global South. The project has three thematic foci: conceptualizing pro-poor planning, re-visiting settlement upgrading, and addressing slums in India. The cases aim to provide new evidence of possible opportunities and mechanisms for urban integration and build a conceptual and empirical foundation for politically, socially, and economically inclusive cities.
• Can peri urban development choose partnerships
  The Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) is producing 30 cases focusing on urban inclusion. The cases aim to rethink urban theory and practice from India, South Asia, and the Global South. The cases are distributed through open access modes to encourage diverse use and provide a new canon for scholars and educators in the Global South. The project has three thematic foci: conceptualizing pro-poor planning, re-visiting settlement upgrading, and addressing slums in India. The aim is to provide new evidence of possible opportunities and mechanisms for urban integration.
• MODEL BILL FOR THE CONSERVATION, PROTECTION, REGULATION AND MANAGEMENT OF GROUNDWATER
  The 2016 Model Bill for the Conservation, Protection, Regulation, and Management of Groundwater aims to address the ongoing groundwater crisis in India, characterized by over-extraction and contamination, which threatens drinking water security and livelihoods. It recognizes groundwater as a common pool resource and establishes a legal framework to ensure equitable access and sustainable management through local governance structures like Gram Panchayats, urban committees, and councils. The Bill emphasizes the right to safe water, prioritizes groundwater for basic human needs, and mandates comprehensive planning, monitoring, and regulatory measures to protect water resources while promoting conservation and community participation.
• The Tamil Nadu (Additional Assessment and Additional Water-Cess) Act, 1963
  The Tamil Nadu Additional Assessment and Additional Water-Cess Act of 1963 establishes a framework for levying additional assessments and water-cess on specific lands in Tamil Nadu. It aims to regulate land revenue for irrigation purposes, defining terms related to irrigation sources and land types. Amendments have been made over the years to clarify definitions and adjust rates for different crop types. The document includes disclaimers about the reliability of the information provided, stating that it should not be solely relied upon for legal or professional decisions, and emphasizes that authoritative texts should be consulted for accuracy.
• The Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning (Amendment) Act
  The Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning (Amendment) Act, 2010, received the Governor's assent on November 29, 2008, and is set to take effect from January 1, 2011. This Act amends the original Town and Country Planning Act of 1971 by introducing Section 47-A, which requires individuals seeking to develop land in non-planning areas to apply for permission from local authorities. Prior approval from the Director and, in cases involving wet lands, from the District Collector is also necessary. The Act outlines the consequences for unauthorized land development and specifies the definition of "wet land" as per existing legislation.
• Government Open Data Use License - India National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy Government of India
  The Government of India's National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy (NDSAP), established in 2012, emphasizes the importance of open data for governance and public use. This policy facilitates accessible, structured data under an open license, allowing users to adapt and redistribute data for both commercial and non-commercial purposes. Users must provide proper attribution and cannot misuse or misrepresent the data. Exemptions include personal information and data not authorized for sharing. The license is governed by Indian law, includes provisions for dispute resolution, and mandates that published data remain available for reference.
• Ooty Urbanization in Ecologically Fragile Area
  The case study on Ooty, part of the Rockefeller-IIHS initiative, examines urbanization in the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats, highlighting the challenges of balancing development and environmental conservation. With nearly 48% of the Western Ghats' population in urban areas, understanding urban impacts is crucial. Ooty's growth trajectory reflects its unique ecological context, necessitating governance frameworks that address both urban planning and environmental preservation. The study emphasizes the need for integrated strategies to mitigate environmental degradation while accommodating urban demands, particularly in tourism, which strains local resources and infrastructure. Sustainable practices are essential to preserve the region's biodiversity and cultural heritage.
• Participatory Groundwater Management
  Participatory Groundwater Management (PGWM) emphasizes community involvement in managing groundwater resources, addressing issues related to equity and sustainability. Traditional methods have often neglected community perspectives and supportive legal frameworks. Successful initiatives like Pani Panchayat in Maharashtra and APFAMGS in Andhra Pradesh showcase how local governance and participatory approaches can effectively manage groundwater. These programs involve collective decision-making, demand management, and sustainable practices, such as banning water-intensive crops. For PGWM to thrive, it requires collaboration, capacity building, and data-driven strategies, ensuring that groundwater is recognized as a common pool resource that benefits all community members.
• Groundwater Governance
  Groundwater governance is increasingly important as global groundwater extraction has surged, with India, the USA, and China using nearly half of it. In India, groundwater management faces challenges due to unclear legal frameworks, insufficient data, and weak institutional support. Critical areas like Kerala and Punjab are experiencing over-exploitation. Effective governance requires community participation, regulations, and awareness initiatives. Internationally, many countries have implemented groundwater legislation and agreements to manage shared resources. A proposed model bill emphasizes groundwater as a public trust, advocating for the protection and regulation of this vital resource while promoting sustainable practices.
• Experience in Groundwater Management Case Studies_ACWADAM
  ACWADAM's groundwater management initiatives highlight successful community-based strategies in three villages: Pondhe, Muthalane, and Randullabad. In Pondhe, a formal water user group system is established to manage irrigation solely through dug wells, with regulations to prevent overexploitation and ensure equitable water distribution. Muthalane, a tribal region, focuses on community participation and sustainable practices, with new wells and repairs planned to enhance water access. Randullabad employs effective monitoring and management of its aquifers, promoting sustainable irrigation practices. Overall, these case studies demonstrate the importance of community engagement and strategic planning in groundwater management.
• HYDROGEOLOGICAL MAPPING USING WELL LOGS
  Hydrogeological mapping involves collecting and representing data on groundwater through well logs. Key methods include using tools like GPS, cameras, clinometers, and field diaries for data collection, while representation is done via Excel, Google Earth, and software like Corel Draw and ArcGIS. Well inventory is critical, documenting details such as depth, casing, water levels, and quality parameters like pH and salinity. This data helps create depth profiles and geologic sections, which are visually represented on maps and graphs to analyze groundwater behavior effectively in specific areas, such as Shambhukalan village in Punjab.
• Socio - hydrogeology Linking social and hydrogeological systems
  The discussion highlights the critical link between groundwater and societal needs in India, where groundwater supplies 90% of rural drinking water and 70% of irrigation. Despite its importance, 60% of Indian districts face groundwater issues related to availability and quality. Key factors influencing groundwater development include technological advancements, land scarcity, and changing cropping patterns. Governance challenges arise from inadequate regulation and enforcement, while competition for groundwater often leads to local inequities rather than outright conflict. Effective management requires a coordinated approach that integrates social equity, economic efficiency, and sustainable practices to address groundwater as a common pool resource.
• AN ECOSYSTEM PERSPECTIVE TO GROUNDWATER GOVERNANCE IN INDIA
  The governance of groundwater in India faces significant challenges due to varying aquifer types, overexploitation, and climate change impacts. With over 30 million wells, groundwater serves as a critical resource for both domestic and industrial use, despite being underutilized and poorly managed in many regions. Effective groundwater management requires a comprehensive understanding of aquifer dynamics, community participation, and regulatory frameworks that balance extraction with sustainability. Prioritizing equitable access, protecting recharge areas, and engaging users in decision-making are essential for addressing water scarcity and ensuring long-term water security across diverse ecosystems.
• Groundwater in the alluvial systems
  Groundwater management in alluvial aquifer systems, particularly in regions like Neemrana, Rajasthan, presents challenges due to slow recharge and significant vulnerabilities. Effective water management strategies are essential, emphasizing the need for local governance to regulate groundwater use and implement best practices. In North Bihar, where 80% of water sources are groundwater-based, issues like drinking water scarcity and contamination during floods highlight the urgent need for improved sanitation and access to safe water. Reviving traditional water management systems and focusing on recharge structures near ridges can enhance groundwater sustainability in these areas.
• GEOHYDROLOGICAL CATCHMENT ASSESSMENT_ BHAMA -ASKHED DAM AND PART CATCHMENT AREA OF CHAS -KAMAN DAM
  The geohydrological assessment of the Bhama-Askhed Dam and Chas-Kaman Dam catchment areas in Pune, Maharashtra aims to identify vulnerable groundwater recharge zones for infrastructure projects. The study involves geological mapping, drainage analysis, and the development of conservation structure recommendations. Key findings reveal varied geomorphology, with the Bhama river as the primary drainage, and suggest significant recharge vulnerabilities due to disturbances from land-use changes, including windmill installations. The assessment highlights that certain recharge zones are critical for maintaining aquifer potential and emphasizes the need for conservation efforts in these areas to ensure groundwater sustainability.
• Case Study Central India
  The project in Central India, led by the Advanced Center for Water Resources Development and Management and Samaj Pragati Sahayog, focuses on sustainable groundwater management in Bagli Tehsil, where reliance on groundwater is increasing but data for effective planning is lacking. It involves gathering hydrogeological data and community participation to create a comprehensive understanding of groundwater resources. This includes monitoring water levels, quality, and recharge rates across various aquifers, developing protocols for responsible water use, and implementing measures to protect recharge areas and regulate abstraction. The goal is to ensure equitable management of groundwater resources amid rising demand.
• BOHAL SPRING CASE STUDY
  The Bohal Spring, situated in Bohal Village near Palampur, has experienced a decline in water discharge and quality over the past decade due to human activities. To address these issues, a study aims to create a hydrogeological map, identify recharge zones, and develop a spring management plan focused on protection and conservation. Key recommendations include community-led protection initiatives, catchment treatment measures, and monitoring of rainfall and water quality. A formal agreement between the Palampur Municipal Committee and the local Village Forest Development Society will facilitate sustainable management, including financial support and restrictions on resource use to enhance the spring's viability.
• GROUNDWATER BALANCE
  The groundwater balance in an aquifer involves the assessment of inputs like recharge from precipitation and outputs such as discharge from pumping and baseflow. Different watershed scenarios can affect this balance, with variations in aquifer types—deep, shallow, or a combination. Key components include groundwater pumping, which significantly impacts the natural flow and baseflow contributions to streams. The balance can be quantified by measuring discharge and calculating specific yield, which estimates storage changes. For effective management, understanding the relationship between recharge (38% of rainfall) and discharge is crucial, ensuring sustainable aquifer levels amid varying climatic conditions.
• Hydrogeology-Sanitation linkages
  Effective management of wastewater and solid waste is crucial for public health and environmental sustainability. This includes safe collection, treatment, and recycling of household wastewater, human excreta, and solid waste, alongside stormwater drainage and hazardous waste management. Urban areas typically rely on sewer systems for off-site sanitation, while rural areas may use septic tanks or soak pits for on-site solutions. Key factors influencing the movement of pathogens through soil include filtration and adsorption, which help reduce contaminants. Understanding these processes and implementing proper sanitation practices are essential for reducing health risks and protecting groundwater.
• Understanding Competition & Conflict_ GROUNDWATER
  Groundwater in North Bihar faces increasing competition as multiple users—farmers, industries, and urban areas—vie for limited resources, leading to potential conflicts. Approximately 30 million wells provide crucial water for drinking, agriculture, and industry, but the reliance on groundwater is challenged by quality issues, such as arsenic and iron contamination. The lack of understanding and data on aquifers exacerbates tensions among users, as individual land ownership complicates access. Sustainable groundwater management must focus on equitable resource use, recharge strategies, and addressing exploitation risks to ensure long-term viability for all stakeholders involved.
• Aquifer Mapping Process
  The aquifer mapping process involves several key steps to assess groundwater resources effectively. It begins with reconnaissance to analyze regional groundwater dependence using various data sources. Surveys follow, including geological mapping and well inventories, supported by geophysical surveys to enhance data accuracy. Groundwater levels and quality are then monitored regularly to gather seasonal insights. The process culminates in aquifer conceptualization, where data is overlaid to create a comprehensive aquifer map detailing characteristics like storage, quality, and recharge potential. Finally, ongoing monitoring and adjustments are made to manage groundwater sustainably and address any emerging issues.
• SPRINGS : IMPORTANT HYDROGEOLOGICAL ASPECTS
  Springs are vital hydrogeological resources shared among users, with access often through common sources. Effective management requires mapping and characterizing springs, assessing their geological features, and monitoring factors like discharge and water quality. Community involvement is crucial for data collection and decision-making in spring management. Springs vary greatly in their discharge characteristics and aquifer types, influencing their recharge dynamics and water quality. Strategies for capacity building include planning interventions for recharge and protection, ultimately aiming for sustainable use of these essential water sources.
• Pumping Test methodology
  Pumping tests are essential procedures used to evaluate how aquifers respond to water extraction from wells. They help well-owners determine their well's yield, the appropriate pump capacity, and aquifer characteristics like Transmissivity and Storativity. The tests involve pumping water from a well, measuring the resulting changes in water levels in both the pumping and nearby observation wells. There are two main types of tests: well tests, focusing on the well's performance, and aquifer performance tests, which assess aquifer properties. Data collected during these tests informs on drawdown, recovery rates, and the aquifer's behavior under varying pumping conditions.