Groundwater Contamination & its Depleted Levels: It is Alarming and Needs Effective Solutions

Posted on 26th July 201810th December 2018 by Chaitanya

India is a land of 14 major and 44 medium rivers. The catchment area of each of the major river is 20,000 sq. km and above while that of medium rivers, is between 2000-20,000 sq. km. Also, there are 53 small rivers each with the catchment area of 2000 sq. km. These rivers receive their top-up from glaciers and rainwater. India receives an average rainfall of 4000 BCM (Billion Cubic Metre) every year from the rain. This is what we see as surface water. Then, there is some proportion of this surface water which gets absorbed and accumulated beneath the ground, called as groundwater.

Among all the available sources of water, mankind is majorly interested in groundwater, for his drinking and majorly, for its agricultural needs. From the statistics mentioned earlier, it may seem like our country has enough water to meet the demands of the population. But here are some eye-opening points.

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Converting Rainwater into Potable Drinking Water – Methods and Benefits

Posted on 19th July 201810th December 2018 by Chaitanya

The drinking water demand of our earth’s population is generally fulfilled by two sources – groundwater and surface water (river, streams, waterfalls). However, rainfall is a major source of supply for above-mentioned sources. So, isn’t it a great idea to directly use the rainwater for drinking purpose? And moreover, rainwater is considered the purest form of water.

By the purest form of water, it is meant that rainwater has a low mineral composition and acidic content. But that does not mean it is safe to directly drink the rainwater. Even though its natural composition is neutral, the rainwater drops do pick up pollutants and dirt from the atmosphere, especially in the areas of high chemical industries and nuclear explosions. There are more reasons that support the need for purifying rainwater before using it as a potable water. […]

Uranium in the Water of Indian States – Is it Alarming?

Posted on 12th July 201810th December 2018 by Chaitanya

The naturally occurring water from the sources like rain, rivers, under the ground, water streams, etc. is base of life on our beautiful planet. Water is just not water. It has all the life-supporting nutrients- Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Copper, Selenium, Potassium. But along with it, there is one more element whose presence can be found in naturally occurring water – Uranium

What is Uranium?

Uranium is a chemical which is silvery-grey metal with weak radioactive in nature. We can see Uranium in ammunition (high-density penetrators) and as a fuel for nuclear power plants (It is to be noted that naturally occurring Uranium is found in different variance, with different levels of radioactive intensity). The Uranium in nature is found in soil and rocks.

Interestingly, a very small amount of Uranium is found in water as well, with the concentration varying from region to region. The amount of Uranium in the water depends on the type of minerals in the soil and bedrock.

For instance, the average concentration of Uranium in water is comparatively higher in the granite bedrock. […]

Rainwater Harvesting at Home – Simple, Yet Effective Methods

Posted on 4th July 201810th December 2018 by Chaitanya

There is a common saying, “Charity begins at home”. This may look odd, but we can associate this saying with water preservation technique called rainwater harvesting. Imagine the quantity of rainwater we could save if every possible house or building structure in India starts to take rainwater harvesting measures! At least, these households or buildings can preserve a certain percentage of required water quantity, thus lowering some of the pressure over the depleting natural ground water.

The idea is very simple; setup either simple or somewhat sophisticated rainwater harvesting systems in your house or in a building having several apartments, for collecting and storing the water poured down as rain. The care must be taken that the stored water does not contaminate & becomes the ground for breeding diseases. For this purpose, a minor investment is needed on your individual or collective part. […]

Rainwater Harvesting in Developing Countries – Need, Initiative and Methods

Posted on 27th June 201810th December 2018 by Chaitanya

Developing countries are characterized by low per capita real income, high population growth rate, high rates of unemployment, dependence on primary sector, dependence on exports of a primary commodity, and underutilization of natural resources. This is a broad categorization. Exploring each one of these will dig out various causes that are becoming a hindrance for Read more about Rainwater Harvesting in Developing Countries – Need, Initiative and Methods[…]

Role of the Indian Government in Support of Rainwater Harvesting Initiatives

Posted on 20th June 201810th December 2018 by Chaitanya

Rainwater harvesting in India dates back to 1st century when traditional methods of harvesting rainwater in big rocks or manmade structures were in practice. Due to the change in climatic conditions because of human intervention with natural resources, the present civilization in India are facing a scarcity of potable drinking water and quality of water Read more about Role of the Indian Government in Support of Rainwater Harvesting Initiatives[…]

Once a Summer Capital of India, Shimla is Now Under Water Crisis

Posted on 11th June 201810th December 2018 by Chaitanya

In British India, Shimla was declared as the summer capital of India and was used to hold important political meetings in the serene, beautiful and nature-blessed surroundings. Everyone was awestruck with the naturally built forest, gorgeous water streams and pleasantly cold weather at the time when the Indian plains faces a blazing heat. It is no surprise that Shimla is one of the favourite holiday destinations, especially during summers. In fact, the tourism is the primary source of revenue for this capital of Himachal Pradesh. But the year 2018 is no good for tourism industry at Shimla. It is only because the land of divine beauty is facing a serious water crisis. […]

Case Study of Requirement of a Rainwater Harvesting System at Easter Heights Society, Santa Cruz Mumbai

Posted on 6th June 20186th June 2018 by Chaitanya

Background Description This is a case study of setting up a rainwater harvesting solution at the Easter Heights, Santa Cruz, Mumbai. Easter Heights is the luxury apartment society located in the Santacruz East, Mumbai. Developed by Ambrosial developers, the society is an epitome of construction design and quality parameters. The developers worked towards providing a Read more about Case Study of Requirement of a Rainwater Harvesting System at Easter Heights Society, Santa Cruz Mumbai[…]

Recharge Structures for Groundwater Recharge – Awareness is a key here

Posted on 31st May 201831st May 2018 by Chaitanya

“If there is a magic on this planet, it is contained in water “ – Loren Eiseley Well! We all agree to that. Have you ever felt a void when suddenly the water supply disrupts your household? Though it is mostly because your daily work gets upset, that dried up sink gives you a Read more about Recharge Structures for Groundwater Recharge – Awareness is a key here[…]

Rainfall in India – Current Scenario, Prediction and Harvesting

Posted on 15th May 201810th December 2018 by Chaitanya

India is a vast country, in terms of geography, culture and population. Each of them supports each other and hence it becomes a land of unity in diversity. And the strength of Indian economy is agriculture. Agriculture in India heavily hinges upon the amount of rainfall. This is why farmers and meteorologists are always on Read more about Rainfall in India – Current Scenario, Prediction and Harvesting[…]