
Shallow aquifer tech revives water supply for village in Bengaluru
The rejuvenation was implemented under the Central Government's AMRUT 2.0 scheme, with Biome Environmental Trust, a non-profit organisation, playing a pivotal role.
'One of the wells, which is over 50 years old, was filled with garbage,' recalled Neelima Ramesh, a social worker at Biome. Her team revived the well within a year, making it operational by 2024.
The recharge well replenishes every 48 hours, ensuring supply once every two days.
Renuka, a poura karmika and resident, has become a local hero and is called 'Water Woman', as she manages the daily operations, running the motor from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Her efforts ensure water reaches over 50 homes, shops, a temple, and a public toilet near Avalahalli lake.
Support from local corporator K. Somashekar, who provided pipes and motors, helped the initiative.
Kavita, a resident of the village, said, 'Earlier, borewell water was not sufficient to cater to the daily needs of the locals. Now we use this water for daily chores.'
With a 5 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) under construction and plans to revive two more wells, the future of water supply in Gollahalli village looks increasingly secure.
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Time of India
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- Time of India
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News18
05-08-2025
- News18
What world can learn from Korea's 15th-century rain gauge
Seoul, Aug 5 (The Conversation) Droughts and floods are becoming more frequent and more severe across the globe. The cause is often rain — either too little or too much. The monsoon regions of the world, where societies have weathered cycles of drought and deluge for thousands of years, hold essential lessons about rainwater monitoring and conservation. In Korea, one such lesson dates back to the 15th century. In 1441, during the reign of King Sejong, Korea established the world's first official rain gauge (cheugugi) — a cylindrical copper instrument — and also created a state-administered rain monitoring network. This wasn't just a technical invention; it was part of a wider policy. On September 3 of that year, according to the Annals of the Choson Dynasty (a UNESCO Memory of the World record), local magistrates across the country were ordered to measure rainfall regularly and report it to the central government. This system represented one of the earliest forms of climate data governance and set a precedent for valuing rain as a measurable, manageable and fairly governed resource — a public good to be shared and respected. It also reflected a philosophical tradition in Korea of respecting rain not as a curse, but as a gift — one that must be understood, welcomed and shared. India too has a rich tradition of rainwater harvesting, spanning from the Vedic period and the Indus–Sarasvati Valley civilisation (3,000–1,500BC) to the 19th century. Throughout diverse ecological zones, Indian communities developed decentralised systems to capture and store rainwater. The archaeological site of Dholavira in Gujarat, for example, featured sophisticated reservoirs designed to collect monsoon runoff. Historical records, including ancient inscriptions, temple documents and folk traditions, indicate that these systems were not only engineered but also governed, with established rules for sharing, maintaining and investing in water as a communal resource. In some regions of India, every third house had its well. Although these practices declined during colonial rule, they are now being revived by local communities, government initiatives, and non-governmental organisations. The revival of traditional wells is gaining momentum, particularly in urban areas facing water scarcity. For example, in the city of Bengaluru in southern India, local communities and organisations are using age-old well-digging techniques to tap into shallow aquifers. These efforts are often supported by the state or central government, as well as specialists and organisations, including the Biome Environmental Trust, Aga Khan Trust for Culture, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, and the Centre for Science and Environment. India's current prime minister has also launched a campaign called Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain as part of a nationwide effort to restore and promote community-led rainwater harvesting. Reviving ancient wisdom In Korea, there's also been a resurgence of this ancient wisdom in modern contexts. Although urban initiatives like the Star City rainwater management system show promise, the movement towards reviving old practices like rainwater harvesting is still growing. Meanwhile, in Cambodia, the Rain School Initiative empowers students and teachers to manage rainwater for drinking and climate education. Rainwater is not just a technical solution — it is a cultural key to resilience. It offers autonomy, sustainability and hope. That is why we propose to establish UN Rain Day on September 3, in recognition of Korea's historical contribution and in celebration of global rain literacy. It is a symbolic date that reminds us how rain has shaped civilisations and how it can shape our future — if only we choose to listen to the wisdom of water. Designating international days has proven effective in raising awareness and catalysing global action. For instance, World Water Day (March 22) has spurred international cooperation and policymaking on water issues since its establishment in 1993. World Toilet Day (November 19) has elevated the global conversation around sanitation and public health. A UN Rain Day would spotlight rain as a vital yet often overlooked resource. This is something that's especially crucial for climate adaptation in monsoon regions and beyond. (The Conversation) SKS GSP (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: August 05, 2025, 11:15 IST News agency-feeds What world can learn from Korea's 15th-century rain gauge Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


Time of India
03-08-2025
- Time of India
UT schools must report safety incidents within 24 hours under new audit order
1 2 Chandigarh: All schools in Chandigarh have been directed to report any safety-related incident, near miss, or hazard within 24 hours of its occurrence, as per a new enforcement order issued by the Directorate of School Education, UT Chandigarh. The directive, applicable to all government, government-aided, private recognised, and Central Government schools, forms part of the newly issued School Safety Audit Guidelines. The 24-hour mandatory reporting rule aims to instil a culture of institutional vigilance and immediate accountability. Any lapse in timely reporting will invite strict action, reinforcing the administration's declared zero-tolerance policy towards negligence that endangers student safety. The guidelines also mandate a comprehensive safety audit to be carried out by all schools, with detailed compliance reports to be submitted to the District Education Officer (DEO) by August 30. The DEO will submit a consolidated status report to the Directorate by Sept 10. 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All school personnel and students are required to undergo regular emergency preparedness training, including evacuation drills and first aid sessions, to be conducted in coordination with the Fire Department, Police, Health Department, and the State Disaster Management Authority. Responsibility for audit compliance has been clearly defined. Government schools are to be inspected by civil, electrical, and public health teams deployed by the Chief Engineer, UT Chandigarh. Government-aided, private recognised, and Central Government schools must engage certified safety audit agencies at their own level. The guidelines also place strong emphasis on community participation. Schools are expected to involve School Management Committees (SMCs), Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), and local stakeholders in regular safety walks, incident monitoring, and feedback mechanisms to ensure a shared culture of accountability. Importantly, the order outlines that heads of schools, management bodies, and teachers are individually accountable for implementing all provisions, including the 24-hour reporting rule. Safety of students during commute is also included in their scope of responsibility. Officials say that while the national School Safety and Security Guidelines issued in 2021 were largely advisory, Chandigarh's directive gives the framework enforcement teeth. It integrates legal mandates from the RTE Act, Juvenile Justice Act, and POCSO Act, and incorporates performance metrics from NEP 2020 and the Performance Grading Index. Describing the 24-hour rule as a pivotal shift in approach, Director School Education Harsuhinder Pal Singh Brar said, "This is not just about reacting to emergencies. It's about building a culture where prevention, preparedness, and response are institutional habits. Accountability starts the moment something goes wrong and it must be recorded within a day." With enforceable deadlines, defined responsibilities, and direct administrative oversight, Chandigarh's safety audit framework marks a systemic shift in how school safety is structured and monitored. BOXES What Chandigarh schools must comply with by August 30 1. 24-hour reporting rule All incidents, near-misses, or hazards must be reported within 24 hours Mandatory for all school types; non-reporting will attract action 2. Comprehensive safety audit Assess: building stability, fire safety, electrical wiring, boundary walls, gates Evaluate: evacuation routes, alarms, first-aid kits 3. Emergency preparedness Evacuation drills and first-aid training for all staff and students Must be coordinated with Fire, Police, Health, and Disaster Management teams Safety and disaster plan to be displayed in every classroom 4. Psychosocial safety Schools must provide counselling, peer-support systems, and mental health activities 5. Community involvement SMCs, PTAs, and local stakeholders to join safety walks, feedback, and vigilance 6. Audit responsibility by school type Govt schools: audit by UT engineering teams Aided, private, central govt schools: audit via certified agencies 7. Reporting and monitoring timeline Schools to submit compliance reports by August 30 DEO to submit compiled audit status to Directorate by September 10 Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !