Best printers for Home

Best Mixer Grinder

Best wired Earphones

Best 43 Inch TV in India

Best Wi Fi Routers

Best Home Theatre in India

Smart Watch under 5000

Best Laptops for Education

Best Laptop for Students

The government on Tuesday announced a series of measures for development of Andhra Pradesh, including arranging <keyword id="20006597" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rs-15000-crore" source="keywords">Rs 15,000 crore</keyword> this fiscal and in future years for development of the <keyword id="19948211" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Capital-city" source="keywords">capital city</keyword> of the state. Presenting <keyword id="20387181" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Budget-2024-25" source="keywords">Union Budget 2024-25</keyword>, Finance Minister <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> said the government will also facilitate special financial support for development of the capital city. Besides, the Centre allocated over Rs 3 lakh crore for schemes benefiting women and girls and stated that it is fully committed for completion and financing of <keyword id="22237410" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Polavaram-irrigation-project" source="keywords">Polavaram irrigation project</keyword>. The minister also announced backward region grant for three districts of the state. The <keyword id="19910625" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Telugu-Desam-Party" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Telugu Desam Party" meta.hostid="83" meta.entityid="Telugu Desam Party">Telugu Desam Party</keyword> (TDP) is a key ally of the BJP in the Centre. Political parties from Andhra Pradesh have protested time and again since 2014 demanding special category status for the state. Special category status is a classification of regions or states by the central government to provide special assistance in the form of tax benefits and financial support for development of the region. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/union-budget-2024-live-updates-finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-key-announcements-23-july/liveblog/111942008.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/union-budget-2024-live-updates-finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-key-announcements-23-july/liveblog/111942008.cms" target="_blank">Union Budget 2024 Live Updates: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to present her record seventh consecutive Budget today</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/expectations-from-union-budget-2024-25-how-will-this-budget-impact-you/articleshow/111946291.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/expectations-from-union-budget-2024-25-how-will-this-budget-impact-you/articleshow/111946291.cms" target="_blank">Union Budget 2024-25: How will this budget impact you?</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/heres-a-quick-overview-of-pm-modi-3-0-governments-first-budget-to-be-presented-by-fm-nirmala-sitharaman-today/articleshow/111944393.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/heres-a-quick-overview-of-pm-modi-3-0-governments-first-budget-to-be-presented-by-fm-nirmala-sitharaman-today/articleshow/111944393.cms" target="_blank">Here's a quick overview of PM Modi 3.0 government's first budget, to be presented by FM Nirmala Sitharaman today</a>

Centre to arrange ₹15,000 crore for development of capital city of Andhra Pradesh

<ul><li><keyword id="6360371" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="jharkhand">Jharkhand</keyword> Government's ambitious project worth ₹2,500 crore, <keyword id="3667683" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="konar-dam">Konar Dam</keyword>, collapsed within 14 hours of inauguration, destroying crops spread across 100 acres. </li><li>The officials blamed the rodents for a major breach developed in the canal, causing extensive flooding in several villages. </li><li>The Jharkhand irrigation project -- that initially started with an estimated cost of ₹6 crore, took 42 years to build </li></ul> Yes, you read that right. Jharkhand Government's ambitious project worth ₹2,500 crore, Konar Dam, collapsed within 14 hours of inauguration, destroying crops spread across 100 acres. The officials blamed rodents for the major breach developed in the canal, which caused extensive flooding across several villages. The state administration found rodents to pin the blame on. The Jharkhand irrigation project -- that initially started with an estimated cost of ₹12 crore, took 42 years to build. The canal was meant to provide water in 85 villages across Giridih, <keyword id="43255" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hazaribagh">Hazaribagh</keyword> and Bokaro districts was washed away. The irrigation project in Giridih district was dedicated to the people by Chief Minister Raghubar Das on Wednesday. "The initial probe suspected 'rat holes' causing damage to the canal," said the government statement. The repair works are on. In 1978, the then Governor of undivided Bihar Jaggananth Kaushal had laid the foundation of the project. However, it was delayed due to several reasons, including the indifference of the successive governments. The cost of the project also escalated from ₹12 crore in 1978 to ₹2,500 crore. In 2003, the then Chief Minister Arjun Munda again laid the foundation stone for the canal, but work moved at a snail’s pace. In 2012, once again tender was floated for the project, which was bagged by a Mumbai-based company. As per the Water Resources Department, the total length of the canal is 404.17 km. On a regular basis, 800 cusecs water can be released daily while the overall target is to release 1,700 cusecs per day. (With IANS)

Rats ate my ₹2,500 crore irrigation project, Jharkhand explains how a dam was washed away within 14 hours of inauguration

New Delhi, Dec 9 () Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said the government will look at setting up a high-level committee to monitor use of long term irrigation fund.
 The long term irrigation fund was instituted under NABARD in 2016-17 under the 'Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchyee Yojana-Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme' that envisages bringing 76 lakh hectares under irrigation through 99 identified projects.
 "The funds which have been allotted and the projects which have benefited from it under the long term irrigation fund will be better served if there is a high-level committee to monitor it," Sitharaman told the Lok Sabha.
 Noting that she would come back to the House after forming a committee which can look into these projects, Sitharaman said the review can be done along with the states.
 "The suggestion that a high-level committee should consider reviewing it is a very well-taken point... I will certainly look into forming a high-level committee for reviewing it," she said during the Question Hour.
 In a written reply, she said that as on March 31, 2019, cumulative loans sanctioned and disbursed, including towards both central and state share, were Rs 75,769.9 crore and Rs 34,248.73 crore, respectively, under the long term irrigation fund.
 According to her, the same could be the case for many other projects under the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). RAM RVK

Ready for high-level panel to monitor long term irrigation fund use: FM

Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd (HCCBPL) and <keyword id="114815" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Jain-Irrigation">Jain Irrigation</keyword> have announced a plan to scale up their initiative for <keyword id="6368690" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Mango">mango</keyword> production, targeting involvement of 25,000 farmers and entailing an investment of Rs 50 crore over 10 years. The project, called <keyword id="2257102" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Project-Unnati">project Unnati</keyword>, targets mango farmers with the aim of increasing the yield. 

	The first phase of the project was launched in 2011 with an investment of $2 million and has covered nearly 4,000 farmers till date, the companies said in a joint statement. It established 200 demo farms in the mango-growing Chittoor region in Andhra Pradesh and covered around 4,000 farmers.
 

	After achieving the desired results in Phase 1, HCCBPL made the announcement of scaling the initiative fivefold, reaching 25,000 farmers in Phase 2 at an investment of Rs 50 crore over the next 10 years. The second phase of the project will identify nearly 25,000 farmers covering around 50,000 acres and support them in adopting the Ultra High Density Plantation (UHDP) technology.
 

	The UHDP technique enables plantation of nearly 600 trees in an acre, instead of the conventional method of planting 40 trees, thereby increasing yield and improving the livelihood of the farmers. The agricultural practices under Project Unnati offer the basis to improve mango productivity and hence, enhance supply of mango pulp for the industry. 
 

	While Unnati Phase 1 has successfully trained farmers on UHDP technology and encouraged them to adopt the new technology, Unnati Phase 2 is built around building deeper relationship and engagements with farmers.
 

	The project will mainly harness higher productivity of potential of mango farms for making HCCBPL’s mango drinks Maaza and Minute Maid, T. Krishnakumar, chief executive of HCCBPL, said. He also added that the scaled up initiative is expected to deliver close to 300,000 tonnes of fruit by the 2022-23.
 

	Over two-thirds of the 5,000-crore-a-year Indian juice drinks market consists of mango drinks alone. If managed on a long-term, sustainable basis, juice drinks offer a tremendous business opportunity.
 

	HCCBPL is the largest bottling partner of The Coca-Cola Company in India and is part of the Atlanta-based firm's Bottling Investment Group. 
	Image: Thinkstock

Coca-Cola, Jain Irrigation To Invest Rs 50 Crore To Scale Up Mango Farming

The Indian state of Maharashtra is home to 11 major irrigation dams, which normally is enough for the state. However, because of the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/The-Drought-Series-Maharashtras-drought-explained/articleshow/51927097.cms">severe drought </a>that the state is facing, 7 such dams have <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Key-reservoirs-in-India-dont-have-enough-water/articleshow/51825053.cms">no water left</a> in them. 
 
These seven major irrigation dams that have faced the wrath of draught this year are Jayakwadi, Purna Siddheshwar, Majalgaon, Manjra, Lower Terna, Mannar and Sina Kolegaon, and are located in Aurangabad, Parbhani, Beed, Nanded and Osmanabad districts. 
 
The latest data has come from Water Resources Department for the week ending April 15th, and says that the<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Maharashtra-faces-the-tough-challenge-of-using-water-either-for-drinking-or-for-industries/articleshow/51892493.cms"> parched region of Marathwada</a> has only 3% of water stock available, counting all the 814 major, medium and minor irrigation projects. 
 
To fight the acute water scarcity that several parts of the state are facing, the department has deployed 4,356 tankers across Maharashtra that will supply drinking water to the dwellers. 
 
Other than this, a 50-wagon water train, called Jaldoot, has also reached Latur, the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Bombay-High-Court-says-no-IPL-matchesin-drought-hit-Maharashtra-after-April-30/articleshow/51812532.cms">worst-hit area</a>. It carries 25 lakh litres of water, in addition to the 70 lakh litres that has already been delivered by train to Latur residents. 
 
<a href="https://s.yimg.com/os/publish-images/news/2015-03-23/6d9dd230-d117-11e4-a8a4-d76d47faa484_23drought.jpg">Image source</a>

Drought-hit Maharashtra dams have no water left for irrigation

The central government today approved a scheme to provide irrigation facilities to every village in India which will also reduce agriculture sector's dependence on monsoon. 
 The <keyword id="6393070" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="agriculture-ministry">Agriculture Ministry</keyword>’s proposal on 'Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (<keyword id="2689411" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="PMKSY">PMKSY</keyword>)' has been approved in the <keyword id="6355512" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Union-Cabinet">Union Cabinet</keyword> meeting, headed by Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword>, reported PTI. 

	The scheme assumes significance as 65% of the total 142 million hectare of cultivable land in the country does not have proper water supply. 
 

	According to sources, the PMKSY aims to ensure access to some ways of protective irrigation to all agricultural farms in India, to produce 'per drop more crop', thus bringing much desired rural prosperity. 
 

	With a budget allocation of Rs 1,000 crore for this fiscal, the scheme proposes to provide flexibility and autonomy to states in the process of planning and executing projects to ensure water supply to farms. 
 

	It would also ensure that district and state irrigation plans get prepared on the basis of agro-climatic conditions and sources of availability of water in that region. 
 

	Besides, PMKSY seeks to promote extension activities relating to 'on farm water management and crop alignment' for farmers, sources added. 
 The state agriculture department would be the nodal agency to implement PMKSY projects, while there would also be an inter-ministerial <keyword id="1550528" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="National-Steering-Committee">National Steering Committee</keyword> (NSC) for periodic review of projects. 

	The PMKSY intends to focus on 'end-to-end solution' in irrigation supply chain by implementing the new programme in a "project mode" with decentralised state-level planning and execution, sources said. 
 PMKSY funds would be given to states as 75% grant by the central government and the remaining 25% share is to be borne by the <keyword id="51011" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="state-government">state government</keyword>. For north-eastern region and hilly states, the funding pattern would be 90:10. 
	(Image: Reuters)

Villages to have better irrigation facilities via PMKSY

New Delhi, Dec 2 () The ongoing mega Polavaram irrigation project in Andhra Pradesh will be completed by December 2021 as per the revised tender floated by the state government, Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said in Rajya Sabha.
 Responding to queries during Question Hour, the minister, however, said the completion of this project will depend on how fast the state government settle the issue of rehabilitation and resettlement (R&amp;R).
 The proposed Polavaram Irrigation project aims to irrigate 2.91 lakh hectares, generate 960 MW of power, and fulfil water needs of industries and 540 villages in Andhra Pradesh.
 "...this project is being constructed by the state government. The revised tender floated a couple of weeks ago by the state government. As per the new revised tender agreement, they have given the date of completion of the project as December, 2021. So, I hope, by December, 2021, this project will be completed," Shekhawat said in the Upper House.
 Treating it as a national project, the minister said the Centre had agreed to bear the cost of the project based on the 2014 expense estimate. However, a Revised Cost Committee (RCC) was set up to look into the cost escalation issue of the project.
 So far, two meetings have been held. In its second meeting held in October 2019, the RCC has sought details from the Andhra Pradesh government, he said.
 The information sought has been with regard to types of land identified for acquisition along with their quantities or cost as per the first and second RCC and also details of land acquisition and corresponding project displaced families as on March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2018, he added.
 "The state has submitted partial information in this regard. Findings or recommendations of the RCC is dependent upon satisfactory compliances by the state government on its observation," the minister noted.
 Responding to a supplementary on who will bear the escalated cost of the proposed project, including land acquisition, the minister said, "The difference is because of cost of the land acquisition and the issue related to R&amp;R. We have sought information. We will take a call after receiving the full information from the state."
 On displacement of tribals in Odisha due to large-scale submergence of Polavaram project, the minister said the concerns of Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Telangana governments are all pending in the Supreme Court.
 Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said "Polavaram is the lifeline for Andhra Pradesh and everything needs to be done."
 The cost of the Polavaram project is pegged at Rs 55,548.87 crore as per the second revised cost estimate done at 2017-18 price level, which has been accepted by the Jal Shakti Ministry.
 YS Jaganmohan Reddy-ruled Andhra Pradesh government had cancelled the contracts and gone to reverse tendering for Polavaram headworks and hydropower station. Infrastructure major Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL) bagged the order. MJH LUX LUX SHW
SHW

Polavaram project completion expected by Dec 2021 but depends on R&R settlement: Centre

Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword> today said residents and city leadership should play the major role in deciding how their city will grow and not private property developers, as he unveiled three mega flagship urban schemes aimed at developing cities as engines of growth. Urbanisation should be viewed as an opportunity and urban centres should be viewed as growth engines, he said launching the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and <keyword id="2130852" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Urban-transformation">Urban Transformation</keyword> (AMRUT), <keyword id="2738020" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Smart-Cities-Mission">Smart Cities Mission</keyword>, and <keyword id="2481158" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Housing-for-All">Housing for All</keyword> (Urban) here. 

	"Under these schemes we can go ahead and we can do it together (Centre and state). India is rapidly urbanising. Every year Hindustan gives birth to a small country," he said. 
 

	While 500 cities will be developed under AMRUT scheme, there would be 100 Smart Cities over five years and Housing for All aims construction of 2 crore houses in urban areas in the next seven years. 
 

	Smart City will be selected through a competition among cities while 500 cities are being identified under AMRUT. 
 

	Referring to Smart City, Modi said, "For the first time in India, a challenge was being floated, in which the citizens of urban India could contribute in the formulation of development visions of their cities." 
 

	Those cities which were able to competitively meet the required parameters would be developed as smart cities. 
 

	"This competitive mechanism would end the top-down approach, and lead to people-centric urban development," he said. 
 

	"These urban development schemes were not prepared by the Government alone, but involved perhaps the biggest consultation exercise ever taken by the Union Government, involving all stakeholders and examining global best practices," he said. 
 

	Stressing that all schemes for urban development should move forward based on people's participation, Modi said, "There is a lack of holistic vision about urban planning, and expansion is driven not by the administrators of a city, but by property developers. 
 

	"Through AMRUT, the aim of the Government is to give cities themselves the chance to plan their future growth," he said. 
 

	The Prime Minister said the people assembled for the function here had on them the collective responsibility for better quality of life for 40 percent of India's population that either lived in cities, or were dependent on cities for their livelihood. 
 

	The Prime Minister stressed that aspirations of migrants from rural areas, and slum dwellers, should be balanced with the changing global environment and said ensuring a good life for them is the government's responsibility. 
 

	Giving a simple vision of a smart city, he said it is one which was a step or two ahead of people's aspirations. 
 

	"There should be facility for walk-to-work because today a person spends maximum time in travelling to office and gets very little time to work," Modi said. 
 

	Besides transportation, technology also plays a key role and there should also be provision for energy efficiency, and cycling etc. 
 

	Lamenting the state of affairs in urban areas, he said, "If this had been done 25-30 years ago, it would have led to good results today, but better late than never. Schemes which had a clear vision and were people-centric, were the need of the hour." 
 

	Seeking replication of best practices from across the country, the Prime Minister mentioned Hyderabad's tax collection system, Karnataka's efforts for solid waste management, and Chhattisgarh's work to eliminate open defecation. 
 

	Chhattisgarh, which is fighting Maoist menace, is making an all out effort to make the state free from open defecation, he said. 
 

	Mentioning the challenge of rising population, he said all possible avenues should be explored to find the resources for urban development. 
 

	Highlighting the importance of the housing scheme, the Prime Minister observed that, "A house was a turning point in the lives of poor, which leads towards a better life and the government's effort was to not just provide a house, but to provide the right environment to live life to the fullest." 
 

	Citing the existing housing shortage of 2 crore units, he said India would complete 75 years of Independence in 2022, and by then, it was "our responsibility to provide a house for everyone". 
 

	Noting that public representatives and leaders are remembered by the good work they did in their terms, the Prime Minister asked urban leaders to contribute to doing something for the good of the people. 
 

	If a person gets an opportunity and does something worthwhile, it will be remembered even after 50 years, he said. 
 

	Asking chairpersons of municipalities and mayors of urban local bodies to do some good work in their terms, Modi said, "You can show your grandson whether it is any building or whatever you have done 50 years ago. The success parameter of life is that what you have done for the people." 
 

	The Prime Minister appreciated people for their interest and work in the Swachh Bharat initiative, as well as the positive role played by media in generating awareness. 
 

	"All media men are doing it on their own and media role in Swachh Bharat campaign will always be remembered for this, he said. 
 

	On the rural and urban divide, the Prime Minister said urban and rural development in the country should be complimentary. 
 

	"One way of doing this was to ensure waste water management in urban areas, so that the treated water could be returned to rural areas for irrigation. Similarly solid waste management could generate compost which could act as organic fertiliser for the surrounding rural areas," he said. 
 

	Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis, Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar, Jammu and Kashmir Deputy CM Nirmal Kumar Singh, mayors, chairpersons of urban local bodies and senior officials from all states and UTs have attended the mega event at the Vigyan Bhawan. 
 

	On the occasion, the Prime Minister released logos, and taglines for AMRUT and Smart Cities Mission; and guidelines for AMRUT, Smart Cities Mission and Housing for All (Urban). 
 

	The Prime Minister also visited an exhibition on best practices in urban development. 
	 
	(image credits: indiatimes)

Citizens will plan their city: Narendra Modi on Smart city
project

India was the cradle of civilization, a riverine world that had its proud foundation in the Indus Valley. Indian culture is thus interwoven with water. The holy Ganges, the early dip, the bathing ritual---all early Hindu practices are water-shot. 
 
Yet the paradox is that the most fertile nation is today one of the most water-challenged countries in the world, “<a href="http://www.wri.org/blog/2015/02/3-maps-explain-india%E2%80%99s-growing-water-risks">from its deepest aquifers to its largest rivers</a>”. 
 
How much is too much? 
 A report by the <keyword id="6356505" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="World-Resources-Institute">World Resources Institute</keyword> shows that more than 100 million people in India live in severely polluted areas. Out of 632 districts examined, only 59 districts had water safe enough to drink. The area that is the most severely polluted is Bagalkot, Karnataka. 
 
The statistics mock the country. While 54% of India’s total area faces the threat of water scarcity, almost 600 million people are not able to get enough. In a total population of 1.2 billion according to the 2011 census, India has just 1,000 cubic meters of water per person today, as against the US supply of nearly 8,000 cubic metres per person. Any country with less than 1,700 cubic meters per person per year is considered water-stressed. 
 
Even the most fertile region, which is the source of not only food but also her civilization and the Vedic culture, is the excessively high-stressed Northwest India, which produces 50 per cent of the national rice supply and 85 per cent of its wheat. This area is also called India’s “breadbasket.” But the 550 wells in Northwestern India face the danger of declining groundwater levels by 58 per cent. 
But why exactly, has this all happened? 
 
Why the <keyword id="6355836" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="water-crisis">water crisis</keyword>? 
 The reasons are obvious. Even as the population is expanding, water supply is reducing, with farmers over-extracting the resource. Especially after the Green Revolution, groundwater, rather than surface water, is being overused to irrigate crops. 
 
There is not enough investment in technology and infrastructure at all federal, state, and local levels. Due to lack of efficient planning, shooting corporate privatization, industrial and human pollution and finally corruption, the lifeline of a healthy community has been threatened, according to <a href="http://thewaterproject.org/water-in-crisis-india">The Water Project</a>. 
 
South, West and Central India, on the other hand, have a significantly lower water table than other regions. 
 
In Eastern India, the strange paradox of abundant groundwater, but lack of electricity, has made water inaccessible for irrigation. All over the country, faulty distribution of electricity has stressed out agricultural practices. 
 
When examined at a national level, it is clear that the groundwater levels come down continuously, as its 4,000 wells show a reduction of 54% of the water supply in the past seven years. Almost 16% of the water reduces by over 1 meter (3.2 feet) annually. 
 
Moreover, the groundwater is extremely polluted as chlorine, fluoride, iron, arsenic, nitrate, and/or electrical conductivity exceed the national standards. Most of the water in India is not even fit for drinking, and sometimes not even for bathing. The Clean Ganga campaign never proceeded beyond a launch in 1984, due to lack of maintenance of the facilities. 
 
Improving water supply? 
How do we increase water creation and storage, then? In the cities, a poor and leaky distribution network has led to large-scale leakage as well as “unaccounted water.” But with adequate pricing, and the use of private firms to streamline distribution, reliable water supply can be improved and pricing can be reduced, as in Dharwad. 
 
In rural areas, while recharging and harvesting water is important, such techniques have limited advantages. It is important to utilize water for local storage. In the long run, dams can be used, apart from full groundwater recharge, water harvesting, and recycling, in order to prevent it from getting lost in the oceans. 
 
However, two opposing viewpoints lock horns over the issue of dams. One section says that a worrying aspect of storage dams is its record of disturbing biodiversity and the environment, submerging and displacing people and disrupting their lifestyles, cultures, social support systems and emotional attachment to certain areas. Hence, instead of big dams, they advocate watershed development, involving leveling land and tapping rainwater in small ponds and check dams in streams, which can increase soil moisture, recharge groundwater, and facilitate a second crop. 
 
On the other hand, many heavy technology-oriented nation builders feel that storage dams cannot be neglected, considering the swelling population and the need to overcome the national crisis. They point out that while the population is expected to grow astronomically, the target increase of agriculture by 4% every year is essential to expand 140 million hectares (mh) of net cultivated area in India, even though only about 60 mh of land is irrigated today. 
 
Some new steps One optimistic feature of India’s water development is that certain issues have been addressed, at least. In India’s eleventh five-year plan (2007–12), according to The <keyword id="467755" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Bureau-of-Asian-Research">National Bureau of Asian Research</keyword> some 15 mh through watershed development, as well as NGO-led efforts have paved the way to the program’s success. 
 For example, <keyword id="57766" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Anna-Hazare">Anna Hazare</keyword> transformed Ralegan Siddhi village in Maharashtra through water harvesting and cooperation. Another NGO called <keyword id="290378" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tarun-Bharat-Sangh">Tarun Bharat Sangh</keyword> brought about community-based development through water harvesting and management in Rajasthan. Even Gujarat built over 100,000 check dams, which are said to be the main reason for Gujarat’s 8%-plus growth rate of agricultural GDP. 
 
With a lot of focus on water management in the 12th Five-Year plan, there seems to be some attention being given to aquifer mapping, watershed development, reduction of pollution and treatment, and efficient management of irrigation. 
 
With sound partnership between the centre, state, municipal and private bodies, the water crisis can be blown over, point out the optimists. 
Can we then rise to the occasion and reach for the sodden skies and a fertile earth?

How India’s Waterless Doom Can Be Defeated

In a bid which would be a big boost to Narendra Modi’s Clean Energy campaign, Japan's telecom and Internet major <keyword id="163404" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Softbank">SoftBank</keyword>, Bharti Enterprises and Taiwan-based <keyword id="168792" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Foxconn-Technology-Group">Foxconn Technology Group</keyword> have Monday formed a joint venture, SBG Cleantech which will invest around $20 billion over 10 years into green energy projects. 
 "Our eyes are trained on India, given the vast potential that the country offers. We have already made considerable investments in the technology sector here. With this partnership, our goal is to create a market-leading clean energy company, to fuel India's growth with clean and renewable sources of energy," <keyword id="357983" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Masayoshi-Son">Masayoshi Son</keyword>, Chairman &amp; CEO of SoftBank, said in a joint statement. 
 
SoftBank will own a majority stake in the Renewable energy project, while Bharti and Foxconn will take minority stakes, subject to certain conditions, in the venture which will bid for solar and wind energy projects across different states. 
 SBG Cleantech will have Manoj Kohli, a Bharti veteran, as Executive Chairman and <keyword id="231092" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Raman-Nanda">Raman Nanda</keyword>, as the CEO and will be headquartered in Delhi. 
 "At Bharti, we believe in projects that have a transformational impact on society. In line with this vision, we are participating in a renewable energy venture with SoftBank and Foxconn which has the potential to transform the Indian economy," Sunil <keyword id="272096" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Bharti-Mittal">Bharti Mittal</keyword>, Chairman, Bharti Enterprises, said. 
 
Son and Mittal will be visiting Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan over the next two days to talk to state government officials about potential projects, Mittal said at a news conference. He said that subject to winning project bids, land and other clearance, the first project should get off the ground in 12 to 18 month, adding that land acquisition should not be an issue since the venture will be using arid, non-cultivable and non-irrigable land. 
 
Mittal added that this project will immensely contribute to the Hon'ble Prime Minister's vision of meeting the country's energy demands through clean sources. "Just as mobile phones have connected every Indian, renewable power has the potential to provide every Indian with access to electricity; SBG Cleantech underlines our commitment to India's growth plans not only by eliminating energy deficit but also providing clean environment to the future generations of India." Son said that the venture will initially import equipment for the projects but as and when it gets sufficient land, it will look to manufacture in India. 
 SBG Cleantech will be a harbinger of solar and wind energy. Following the Indian Prime Minister's 100GW solar and 60GW wind target by 2022, the venture will invest in and develop renewable energy plants across India. The company intends to participate in the 2015-16 round of solar power plant tenders under the <keyword id="73669" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="national-solar-mission">National Solar Mission</keyword> (NSM) program and state-specific solar programs. 
 
"Harnessing renewable energy is a key pillar in our SER strategy and we are excited to join our industry partners, SoftBank and Bharti, in championing clean energy solutions in India through SBG Cleantech, and supporting the country's efforts to grow its renewable energy industry," Terry Gou, Founder and CEO, Foxconn Technology Group, said. 
 
(image credits: colourbox.com)

Project SBG Cleantech to boost Modi’s Clean Energy Mission

Ever experienced a scenic flight <keyword id="2073446" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="On-board-a-seaplane">on board a seaplane</keyword>? No, you don’t have to shell out a fortune any more to charter a private seaplane and go flying. From today (February 24), <keyword id="1703859" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="commercial-seaplane-service">commercial seaplane service</keyword> is starting in Mumbai for the first time. And that’s another feather in the cap of the financial capital after the city rolled out the country’s first-ever <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Mumbai-Monorail-IsNow-On-Track-To-Run-From-Feb-1/articleshow/29663991.cms">monorail</a> on February 1. 
 Initially, the <keyword id="509938" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="seaplane-service">seaplane service</keyword> is connecting Mumbai to <keyword id="2073466" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Aamby-Valley-hill-station">Aamby Valley hill station</keyword> in <keyword id="6378734" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lonavala">Lonavala</keyword> – a 100 km stretch – and the flight will take just 25-28 minutes or one-fourth of the time taken by a road trip. As of now, there will be just one flight a day and you only get a <keyword id="2073454" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Four-seater-Cessna-206">four-seater Cessna 206</keyword> amphibian. But the <keyword id="1429804" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="seaplane-services">seaplane services</keyword> will be scaled up if there is enough response. The flights will be operated by Mumbai-based <keyword id="1392953" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Maritime-Energy-Heli-Air-Services">Maritime Energy Heli Air Services</keyword> (<keyword id="779896" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="MEHAIR">MEHAIR</keyword>) and a <keyword id="2073455" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="nine-seater-Cessna-208">nine-seater Cessna 208</keyword> amphibian will be deployed if the demand rises. 
 While a seaplane is capable of taking off or landing on water, without an airstrip, there is another variety that can also take off from regular airfields on land. <keyword id="1645279" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="test-flights">Test flights</keyword> for the current stretch took place in December last year and the amphibians landed and took off from the <keyword id="2073458" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Aamby-Valley-Lake">Aamby Valley Lake</keyword>. 
 
In June last year, Kerala launched the country’s first tourist seaplane service that connects the distant backwater destinations. Similar services are also available in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. 
 Mumbaikars, however, will have to wait some more for the intracity seaplane flights from Juhu to Girgaum Chowpatty. The <keyword id="190329" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Maharashtra-Tourism-Development-Corporation">Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation</keyword> (<keyword id="111420" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="MTDC">MTDC</keyword>), along with MEHAIR, had planned it nearly two years ago. But the project got delayed as it was awaiting crucial clearances from several authorities. It has finally got the nod from the <keyword id="6369097" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Ministry-of-Defence">Ministry of Defence</keyword> and has also obtained clearances from key agencies including the <keyword id="56306" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Coast-Guard">Coast Guard</keyword>, the <keyword id="42407" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Navy">Navy</keyword>, <keyword id="11098" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="police">police</keyword>, the <keyword id="170906" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="urban-development-department">urban development department</keyword>, <keyword id="48434" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="BMC">BMC</keyword>, <keyword id="136514" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mumbai-Port-Trust">Mumbai Port Trust</keyword>, the <keyword id="6356826" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="environment">environment</keyword> department and the <keyword id="54875" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Airports-Authority-of-India">Airports Authority of India</keyword>. 
 But to implement this project, MTDC will require to build a <keyword id="2073482" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Floating-jetty">floating jetty</keyword> for ferrying passengers to and fro. It has already earmarked some 5,000 sq km, about 100-200m into the sea and next to H2O, the privately operated water <keyword id="6356028" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Sports">sports</keyword> complex. However, a High Court-appointed committee will have to give the go-ahead first before the <keyword id="2073483" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mumbai-City-Collectors-office">Mumbai City Collector’s office</keyword> can grant the land near the city’s coast. 
 
Once the last leg of the project is cleared and the seaplane service is launched, the hour-long commute will come down to 5-7 minutes for a one-way fare of Rs 750-1,000. 
 MTDC and MEHAIR are also planning to operate several other routes with no air connectivity. In fact, MTDC has already started working with the irrigation ministry to identify suitable water bodies like dams, lakes and rivers for starting seaplane services across the state. The upcoming destinations could be Lonavala, <keyword id="64488" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mahabaleshwar">Mahabaleshwar</keyword>, <keyword id="46028" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Panchgani">Panchgani</keyword>, <keyword id="143186" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Shirdi">Shirdi</keyword>, <keyword id="2073489" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Shani-Singnapur">Shani-Singnapur</keyword> and <keyword id="680155" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Trimbakeshwar">Trimbakeshwar</keyword> – most of them are either popular <keyword id="476562" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="tourist-attractions">tourist attractions</keyword> or noted <keyword id="680154" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="pilgrimage-sites">pilgrimage sites</keyword>. So fasten your seatbelt and be ready – these amphibians are all set to take you on a discovery flight of a lifetime – over land and water. 
 
With input from Agencies. 
Image: Thinkstock Photos/Getty Images

You Searched For "irrigation project" and got 11 results

Centre to arrange ₹15,000 crore for development of capital city of Andhra Pradesh

PTI

Rats ate my ₹2,500 crore irrigation project, Jharkhand explains how a dam was washed away within 14 hours of inauguration

Preeti Soni

Ready for high-level panel to monitor long term irrigation fund use: FM

PTI

Coca-Cola, Jain Irrigation To Invest Rs 50 Crore To Scale Up Mango Farming

BI India Bureau

Drought-hit Maharashtra dams have no water left for irrigation

BI India Bureau

Villages to have better irrigation facilities via PMKSY

BI India Bureau

Polavaram project completion expected by Dec 2021 but depends on R&R settlement: Centre

PTI

Citizens will plan their city: Narendra Modi on Smart city project

BI India Bureau

How India’s Waterless Doom Can Be Defeated

Preetam Kaushik

Project SBG Cleantech to boost Modi’s Clean Energy Mission

BI India Bureau

After Monorail, Mumbai Gets Commercial Seaplane Service; Now Fly To Aamby Valley Under 30 Minutes

Sanghamitra Mandal

Popular Keywords

Buying Guides