EENADU 9 June 2016

EENADU EDITORIAL 8 June 2016 TREES FOR EXISTENCE

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Anumakonda Jagadeesh Facebopok 9 June 2016

REPLY TO SHRI RAMOJI RAO,EDITOR,EENADU, HYDERABAD ON SUJALAM – SUPHALAM – INKUDUGUNTALU & VANA BHARATHIKI JANA HARATHI PADADAM.I read with interest your Editorial ,” VANA BHARATHIKI JANA HARATHI PADADAM”(Eenadu,9 June 20216).

I am glad that EENADU,E-tv initiated SUJALAM - SUPHALAM". The objective is laudable. But the way it has been implemented with political colour leaves much to be desired. Does it going to succeed? PRACTICAL UTILITY determines the success of the programme not targets like 4 Lakhs Inkuduguntalu in a District !

You wrote A programme which started with a target of 1 Lakh Inkuduguntalu has culminated with 20 lakh pits. Is it practical? Can this claim be substantiated with each count of pits just like Census? Why not number for each Inkudugunta be given village wise,Taluq wise,District Wise and State wise. When so much public money and resources were spent there must be accountability. What is astonishing is the 3 – 4 ft depth of the pit when the water vtable is 100 ft. with no protection. One Child died in Inkudugunta. People just dug the pit and leave the soil. Because of recent rain in some areas the soil has gone to the pit.

It is typical of Municipal Authorities to dig roads(including Cement) for putting drainage pipes and leave them with out proper coverage and plastering in the case of Cement Roads. IT IS NOT STARTING OF A PROGRAMME BUT SUSTAINABBILITY THAT IS NEEDED.

I AM SURE WITH ALL YOUR WISENESS,VISION,YOU WILL GUIDE THE RAIN WATER HARVESTING,WATER CONSERVATION,PLANTING OF TREES PROGRAMMES ON SCIENTIFIC BASIS RATHER THAN ARBITRALIRILY LIKE POLITICIANS TO GET POPULARITY. Percolation pits(Inkuduguntalu) is not a new concept. During the regime of Chief Minister(1995 - 2004) the same was implemented with much more paraphernalia. With what results? Did the present Government reviewed the past performance on Inkuduguntalu and set right the pitfalls in it in the present programme?See Today's EENADU(25 May) the depth of the Inkudugunta(not even 3 ft without proper lining to arrest seepage from sides and no safety for humans and animals from falling into it. Everybody knows that Water depths in most areas range from 50 ft to 200 ft. Certain areas are not fit for water percolation. A lot of Hydrology is involved in identifying the areas which have water table at reasonable depths and Modern Tools like GIS(Geographic Information System) and Remote Sensing are available. EENADU publishes latest Science and Technology Achievements. How you missed these? Since Eenadu has wide circulation, Government took advantage in promoting their Inkudugunta Programme. You are a visionary and businessman par excellence. Whatever might be the undertaking it is a phenomenal success. Once somebody remarked,when asked what is your weakness, you replied" Not to accept the Second Position". I hold you in high respect. I am a disciple of Great

Scientist Prof. Y.Nayudamma whom you respect most. All news relating to Nayudamma award(which we present annually) is prominently covered in EENADU.KINDLY CONVENENE A HIGH LEVEL MEETING OF GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS,NGOs,HYDROLOGISTS,EXPERTS IN GIS and REMOTE SENSING AND OTHERS TO REVIEW THE PRESENT TARGET INKUDUGUNTAS TO DRAW A PLAN FOR PRACTICAL APPROACH WHICH IS MORE PRODUCTIVE.What is astonishing is it took us 3 days to dig a Inkudugunta 6ft length,3 ft width and 6 ft depth in a sandy soil. One day for wetting the area. In hot summer 3 people were unable to work around 11 am. So we started work next day at 5 am. We gave HDP lining and covered the pit with bamboo mats for safety. Even in choosing the site we used common sense. Nearby we have a Bore well of 16 ft Depth. THIS IS JUDICIOUS WAY OF DOING THINGS NOT ARBITRARY FOR TARGETS. When this being the case how one can dig 40,000 and 50,000 Inkuduguntas in ONE DAY? These are at what depths? How could Eenadu publishes this which sends wrong signals to the Readers.ALREADY AP STATE ECONOMY IS IN A POOR STATE. SUCH WASTAGE OF RESOURCES,RESOURCEFULNESS AND TIME WILL LEAD TO MORE DAMAGE OF THE CONCEPT. IF IT IS FOR TARGET, OK BUT NOT FOR PROGRESS? TODAY’S WASTAGE IS TOMARROW’S SHORTAGE!THERE ARE GENIUSES IN EVERY FIELD,EXPERIENCED FARMERS,SCIENTISTS ETC WHOSE SERVICES CAN BE UTILISED IN SEEKING THEIR EXPERTISE IN BUILDING NAVYANDHRA PRADESH. YOU CAN TAKE LEAD ON THIS FRONT.I myself sent you a note on Scientific Way of Identifying suitable places for Percolation Pits and even suggested in the Eenadu E-tv session on Sujalam Suphalam(which was a eyewash) about Improvements in the design of INKUDUGUNTA. What is

astoninishing is EENADU published my Improved Inkudugunta design as "VINUTHNA INKUDU GUNTA - Dr.JAGADEESH SRUSHTI(30 April 2016)(refer below.)Here is a critical analysis of Inkudugunta and Rain water Harvesting and Conservation plan. Please consider this and publish in EENADU with by our assessment.INTINTIJKI INKUDU GUNTAEenadu 24 May 2016Union Ministry of Urban Development wrote to AP and Telangana Governments to make it mandatory the Percolation pits(Inkuduguntalu) for every house. Though the spirit behind this is laudable , however here are some pertinent issues:During 1995 - 2004 a massive programme of Inkuduguntalu was undertaken in Andhra Pradesh. With what results? Rain water recharge is site specific. Not all soils percolate water.Water table differs from place to place. When the water table is 50 to 100 ft what is the effect of Inkuduguntalu of 3 to 4 ft that too with out insulation on the sides? Rain water Harvesting is a tricky business. It needs scientific approach. Instead of arbitrarily digging these pits,a scientific way is to identify prospective sites for water recharge using Geographic Information System(GIS) and Remote Sensing. These are followed in Rajasthan and even in a small African country like Eritrea.The Andhra Pradesh Government launched the so called PERCOLATION PIT(NOT TANK) INKUDUGUNTA on a war footing. Leading Telugu Daily 'EENADU' is popularising it with full speed. No doubt Rain water saving and water conservation are the need of the hour. This is not the maiden project. When Chandrababu Naidu was Chief Minister (1995 - 2004) Inkuduguntalu were promoted in the state on a large scale. An analysis of them on subsequent water recharge might have been undertaken and pitfalls corrected in the current programme.Today it is Scientific Age(SPACE AGE,COMMUNICATION REVOLUTION etc.). AP Chief Minister is known as HIGH TECH

CHIEF MINISTER and we all appreciate his progressive thinking and adopting Modern Technology. Very often he cites Israel's innovative water harvesting and rain water harvesting methods. How is it that he missed the point of Scientific Approach in Rain Water Harvesting and water recharge.? Water Harvesting is a highly complex subject. Today abundant data on water table is available through GIS and Remote Sensing. Before embarking on this massive INKUDUFGUNTA Programme, a brainstorming session should have been conducted with all stakeholders including Hydrologists,Civil and Environmental Engineers,NGOs,Government Officials,Politicians etc. and consensus and concrete action plan might have been prepared. Arbitrary choosing of spots for Inkudugunta will leave only GUNTA without any INKUDU where the water table is deep. As a Scientist involved in Energy and Environment,Water Management,Science & Technology,Sustainable Development and Agriculture for over 4 decades, I am presenting a BLUE PRINT for your consideration and adoption.Union Government and State Government will do well to involve intellectuals,NGOs etc. in policy formulation.BEST PLAN FOR RAIN WATER HARVESTING IN ANDHRA PRADESH – USE GIS(Geographic Information System Remote Sensing Data) TO IDENTIFY SUITABLE SITES FOR PERCOLATION PITS(INKUDU GUNTALU).DISTRICT WISE WATER LEVELS IN A.PMinimum and Maximum water levels of A.PMarch - 2007Sl. No. District No. of Piezometers D.T.W.(m.bgl)Min Max1 Srikakulam 37 1.13 32.372 Vizianagaram 32 1.20 10.283 Visakhapatnam 42 0.70 17.304 East Godavari 44 0.87 51.185 West Godavari 24 1.29 53.33

6 Krishna 36 1.80 52.167 Guntur 46 0.60 27.088 Prakasam 56 1.79 46.999 Nellore 30 0.60 12.1610 Chittoor 58 2.09 40.8911 Kadapa 46 1.77 75.5012 Anantapur 69 2.93 70.8713 Kurnool 55 2.16 56.67CHANGING GROUNDWATER SCENARIO IN HARD ROCK HYDRO SYSTEMSYears Type of Wells Yield Well density/sq.km1982 Dugwells 60 - 150 cu.m < 51983-84 Dugwells/ Dug cum borewells 60 - 150 cu.m 5 - 101984-94 Dugwells/ borewells 40 - 100 cu.m / 150 - 600 lpm > 101994-98 Borewells/ Dug cum borewells 50 - 400 lpm / 30 - 60 cu.m > 151998-04 Borewells/ Few dug cum borewells 50 - 150 lpm / 20 - 40 cu.m > 20Source: Groundwater department Is not Water table in a particular area site Specific?Presently Rain Water Harvesting Pits(Better called Percolartion pits) Inkuduguntalu are set up in Andhra Pradesh with out any scientific study. The decision of location is arbitrary just for targets. The depth of the pit varies from 2ft to 5 ft. In many cases these is no lining on the 4 sides which means the stored water in the pit has seepage from sides which goes as waste. Common sense tells us water availability changes even in few meters area(Wide). It depends on the water flow inside the ground. As a thumb rule I cm rain fall means water percolation of about a 1 foot. As such at least 6 meters depth of percolation pit makes sense. This 2ft - 3ft depth pit is mere waste.INNOVATIVE,COST EFFECTIVE,EFFICIENT PERCOLATION PIT(INKUDUGUNTA)I designed 6ft length, 3.5 ft width and 6 ft depth percolation pit

covered inside 4 sides with High Density Polythene(HDP). For safety to humans and animals, I covered the upper portion with bamboo pole mat. Since it has gaps, water will go into the pit. One can remove the mat when required.It took us 4 hours on two days(as the laborers cannot work in 42 degrees Celcius. It costs us Rs 2000 excluding Labour. When this being the case I wonder how is it possible(even with Proclain) 40 thousand pits in one Assembly Constituency and 50 000 pits in one District? Rain water harvesting is a tricky business with lot of science involved but not only numbers(Target)?.In this Scientific Age When everything involves advance science & Technology Methods GIS(Geographic Information System) makes sense first to identify the ground water availability area wise through remote sensing data and then identifying areas where one can go for ‘Water Percolation pits”(areas where at lower depths ground water is available).In Rajasthan this has been done, even a poor Aftrican country like Eritrea has done this.ACADEMIAWATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ANDDEVELOPMENT IN RAJASTHANDr. B. C. Jat,Senior faculty member ,Department of Geography,Govt.P.G.College,Neemkathana,Rajasthan,IndiaRajasthan is a region with very limited water resources. Water is the most crucial for maintaining an environment and ecosystem conducive to sustaining all forms of life. The principle of watershed management is the proper management of all the precipitation by the way of collection, storage and efficient utilization of runoff water and to recharge the ground water. The present study aim‟s to identify suitable zones for water harvesting structures in Pisangan watershed of Ajmer district, Rajasthan by using Geographic Information System (GIS) and Multi Criteria Evaluation (MSE). Multi criteria evaluation is carried out in Geographic Information system to help the decision makers in determining suitable zones for water harvesting structures based

on the physical characteristics of the watershed. Different layers which were taken into account for multi criteria evaluation are; Soil texture, slope, rainfall data (2000-2012), land use/cover, geomorphology, lithology, lineaments, drainage network. The soil conservation service model was used to estimate the runoff depth of the study area Analytical Hierarchy Processes (AHP) is used to find suitable water harvesting structures on the basis of rainfall. Produced suitability map will help in the selection of harvesting structures such as percolation tanks, storage tank, check dams and stop dams.GIS TOOLS HELP IDENTIFY SITES FOR RAINWATER HARVESTING IN ERITREAMar 23,2012GIS analysis helps identify water harvesting sites in drought-prone Eritrea.Rainwater harvesting – trapping runoff water and channeling it to more productive use – can greatly improve food production as well as water productivity (‘more crop per drop’).An IFAD-funded collaborative program in Eritrea used geographic information systems (GIS) to identify the best locations for water harvesting systems in the country’s Southern Zone (Zoba Debub).GIS-enabled spatial analysisThe first task was to compile hard-to-find information on land cover, topography, soils and precipitation – the key factors that determine whether a site is suitable for water harvesting. Using GIS and data integration tools, this information was transformed into maps showing suitability for different kinds of water harvesting systems.The study looked at two kinds of systems: micro-catchments, where the field is also the catchment area; and macro-catchments, where many fields share water trapped from a large catchment area.Site suitability was assessed for six micro-catchment systems (contour ridges, semi-circular bunds, small pits, small run-off basins, run-off strips, and contour bench terraces) under three

different land-use scenarios: range shrubs, field crops, and tree crops.For macro-catchment systems, suitability for catchment and for farming were analyzed separately, followed by an assessment of the constraint imposed by distance between farm and catchment area.The results indicate excellent potential for water harvesting schemes – 70% of Zoba Debub is suitable for at least one micro-catchment system.Making water harvesting work for farmersEight watersheds were shortlisted for potential pilot projects. The selection was based on the GIS analysis as well as other criteria including population concentration, and availability of water, land, and agricultural data.To begin with, pilot water harvesting systems will be built at two of the eight shortlisted sites: Tselema watershed in the north-west of Zoba Debub, and Hazemo watershed in the south-east.Food production in Eritrea has dropped by 60% over the last decade, largely because of frequent droughts. The ICARDA maps could help plan a water harvesting program to reverse this trend.GIS analysis showed that 70% of the area was suitable for water harvesting.Partners• National Agricultural Program, Eritrea• International Fund for Agricultural Development• CLEAN RAIN WATER COLLECTION PLASTIC CONTAINERS• “Water, water, everywhere,And all the boards did shrink;Water, water, everywhere,Nor any drop to drink.”• ― Samuel Taylor Coleridge, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner• Water is the Elixir of Life - Leonardo da Vinci• Sanskrit slokas on save water or water? • The following are NOT Slokas--but VEDA Mantrams.

(1) "Aapaha Punanthu Prithveem" "Prithvee Poothaa Punaathu Maam"(meaning) Let copious flow of rain water purify the Earth from garbage--dirt--filth--Thus purified Earth,by giving me CLEAN food purify me also.(2) "Yo Apaam Pushpam Veda--Pushpavaan" "Prajaawaan Pasumaan Bhavathi"(meaning) that person who possesses the knowledge (Veda) that pure water is the best flower (to offer to God) --let him/her be bestowed with Flowers (capacity to bear children) --blessed with Children and Cows (to feed the children)--(3) "Varunaaya Paaca Hasthaaya Jalaadhipathaye Makara Vaahanaaya""The Divinity in water and King of Water,O! Varunaa!! having crokodiles as your mount to travel"(4) "Gange cha Yamune chaiva,Saraswathi, Godhaavari, "Taambraparni "Narmathe,Zindhu,Kaveri Jalesmin Zannithim Kuru"O! the Supreme Goddess!! you make your presence felt in these Sacred Rivres :-GangaYamunaSaraswathiGodhaavariTaambraparniNarmadhaZindhuKaaveri(my salutation to You)Bhagavat Gita(5) when devotees come to Temples to pray "Me" (Lord sri.Krishna)-they may come with fruits (Very Rich)--flowers(Rich)-- leaves (middle income) or Pure water (poor)"Patram(leaf)--Pushpam (flowers)-- Phalam (Fruit) --Thoyam (pure) Water"

• Necessity is the Mother of Invention.• With rising temperatures, drought in some areas people are involved in rain water harvesting in the coming season as well as water conservation.• In Andhra Pradesh the infamous “Percolation Pits” INKUDUGINTALU are being dug in thousands per day which may soon go to lakhs per day in a particular region. As a Scientist involved in Science and Technology, Energy and Environment, Water Management, Sustainable Development for over 4 decades, I always think of Alternatives as enunciated by my Guru and great Scientist Prof.Y.Nayudamma.• Rain water is the purest form of water. In olden days when ‘snowflakes’(Vadagallu in Telugu) were falling we used to collect and put them in bottles. Some Ayurveda Doctors use that water for medication .• CLEAN RAIN WATER COLLECTION PLASTIC CONTAINERS• Now many use plastic tanks(trade name: Syntax). These are rugged and durable. I will use Two plastic tanks of 200 Liters capacity with cover and a vent and tap. These tanks care kept open when it is raining and when once it is filled covered. These 400 litres water can be used in the house. It may meet the demand of water for a small family. These are modular and units can be increased. Why I chore two 200 litres is they will get filled quickly.• If we can save water like this in rainy season for at least 5 to 10 days,on a National level it means enormous saving of water from under ground. The Rooftop water collection may not be clean for domestic use and for gardening and other purposes only.The whole system costs around Rs 1300. • Under normal days these tanks can be filled with tap water for plants on the terrace. As such it is multi purpose.• I inite Facebook Readers study my method and suggest improvements. Let us think creatively,innovatively and inventively. These are basis for progress and development.• IDEAL USES OF RAIN WATER

• INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE HOME• There is no higher quality source of water available to us than rainwater. Unlike water captured in dams which requires an extensive treatment process to ensure a quality fit for human consumption, rainwater that is collected on roofs and stored appropriately represents a sustainable source of water ideal for use inside and outside the home.• By using rainwater for toilet flushing, laundry and garden use alone, it can reduce mains water requirements of a typical household by 70%. If hot water systems are supplied with rain water, this reduction can be as high as 85%!• How much? • Below is a rough guide to the amounts of water used in different activities at home.• Activity How much water is used? • Running the tap 8 – 12 litres per minute • Washing up in the sink 6 – 8 litres• Washing hands and face 3 – 9 litres • Taking a normal shower 6 – 12 litres per minute• Taking a power shower 13 – 22 litres per minute• Flushing the toilet 6 – 12 litres • Running a modern dishwasher 15 litres • Running a modern washing machine 60 – 80 litres • Having a bath 75 – 90 litres• Making food and drink 6 – 10 litres• • Average water use• How much water does an ‘average’ person/household use?• Because water usage varies enormously, it is difficult to give a precise answer on average water use. The table below provides an estimation of what we believe is a rough figure. You can monitor your own usage by reading your meter regularly or comparing the consumption recorded on your bills. This could also help you to identify leaks or other problems (for which you may be responsible).

• The table below gives a guide to average water use based on the number of occupants. It is based on figures provided by Waterwise and average customer entries into our water meter calculator. For information based more closely on your own usage, please visit our water meter calculator.• Water wise InformationNumber of People Living at Home ANNUAL WATER USAGE IN CUBIC METRESLow / Average / High1 45 / 66 / 1002 55 / 110 / 1363 82 / 136 / 1754 110 / 165 / 2105 136 / 182 / 2456 155 / 200 / 265• Water Meter CalculatorNumber of people living at home ANNUAL WATER USAGE IN CUBIC METRES LITRES PER DAY1 54 1492 101 2763 134 3674 164 4505 191 5236 216 5927 239 655• - See more at:http://www.ccwater.org.uk/savewaterandmon…/averagewateruse/…• (Consumer Council for Water).• • HALF THE WATER WE USE ENDS UP AS WASTE WATER!• • A typical household uses over 650 litres of water every day. This equates to around 240,000 litres (or 5 average sized swimming

pools) each year! Up to half the water supplied to household ends up as waste water.• By reducing the amount of water you use, you reduce running costs and spend less on water, energy and detergent bills, and help sustain our water resources.• The main uses of water at an average home are:• Flushing toilets (20% or 54,000 litres per year)• Showers, bathing and the bathroom (20% or 54,000 litres per year)• Washing clothes (15% or 40,500 litres per year)• Dishwashing and the kitchen (10% or 27,000 litres per year)• Watering the garden and other outside uses (35% or 94,500 litres per year)• OTHER WATER FACTS• Water or ice covers about 80% of the world, yet only 1% of the world’s water is suitable for human needs, 97% is salt water in the ocean and 2% is ice.An average person can survive for nearly two months without food, but less than a week without drinking water.The human body loses 3 to 3.5 litres of water in an average day. Exercise and climatic conditions may increase this.An average tap flows at a rate of 20 litres per minute, depending on how far it is turned on.• (Source:Rain water Knowledge Centre,Rain Water Harvesting)WATER DESALINATION PLANTS NEEDED IN ANDHRA PRADESHWater in Israel:Water Desalination(Updated March 2016)Today, Israel is widely considered a pioneer in the area of water desalination. In 2013, more than a third of Israel's tap water came from the Mediterranean Sea and briny wells. "If we had to rely on sources of fresh water, we wouldn't be here," says Oded Distel, director of Israel New Tech, a government agency that gives grants to high-tech water startups. "In Israel, we use every drop

twice."This was not always the case, however.For decades after its founding, and even during the pre-State days, Israel dealt with major challenges in water shortages and desertification. With its water supply entirely dependent on rainfall, which can fluctuate dramatically year to year, the country would routinely find itself in a perilous position regarding water usage nationwide.To read more:https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/…/agric…/desal2011.htmlAP Government should consider this type of advanced technologies and besides ‘effective’INKUDUGUNTALU to solve the water crisis.Negev: land, water, and civilization in a desert environmentDaniel Hillelhttp://archive.unu.edu/unupre…/unupbooks/uu02fe/uu02fe05.htm……Freshwater utilizationPermanent rivers are totally absent in the Negev, and even springs or proper locations for digging shallow wells are few and far between. Hence, the major source of water for humans and animals could only be the collection of surface run-off obtained from sloping ground during winter rains, a task that has been called "water harvesting." The ability to collect and store potable water from runoff was the first imperative of desert settlement. This was done by means of cisterns, which are artificially constructed reservoirs filled by directed surface flows during each infrequent rainstorm. Building efficient cisterns became possible after the advent of watertight plaster, the recognition of suitable rock formations, and the proper construction of channels to collect and divert overland flow.Where cisterns could be located along the rim of a natural watercourse, they were filled by flash floods. However, most cisterns in the Negev were hewn into hillsides and depended on the direct collection of run-off. Many hundreds of such cisterns

were built in the Negev, and they are clearly discernible landmarks even today. A typical hillside cistern resembles a giant necklace, with the glistening white pile of excavated rock seeming to hang as a pendant from the two collection channels that ring the hill and curve down its sides from opposite directions. To the thirsty ancient traveller, to whom these cisterns beckoned from afar, no sight could be more gladdening.Run-off water was also used for irrigating crops. The run-off from winter rains falling on adjacent slopes was gathered and directed to bottomland fields for periodic soakings, to accumulate and store sufficient moisture in the soil to produce crops. Although the Negev's average winter rainfall is only about 100 mm, the run-off farmers were able to gather and concentrate sufficient run-off from the barren slopes to develop intensive agriculture in the depressions and bottomlands, which constituted only some 5 per cent of the total area in the northern Negev Highlands subregion.To continue Reading:http://archive.unu.edu/unupre…/unupbooks/uu02fe/uu02fe05.htmThe role of dew in Negev Desert plantsAmber J. Hill1 • Todd E. Dawson2 • Oren Shelef1 • Shimon Rachmilevitch1DOI 10.1007/s00442-015-3287-5AbstractWe investigated the possible use of dew as a water source for three desert plant species native to the Negev Desert: an annual Salsola inermis, and two perennials Artemisia sieberi and Haloxylon scoparium, with different rooting depths of 15, 30 and 90 cm, respectively. We quantified dew-water inputs and used stable isotope analyses to determine the proportion of dew as compared to the proportion of soil water each species utilized. Dew was isotopically enriched (δD values ranged from −25 to 5 ‰), relative to rainfall with δD values that ranged from −40 to −20 ‰ and relative to soil water with δD values that ranged from −65 to −35 ‰. Using a two-source isotope mixing model, we found that S. inermis, A. sieberi and H. scoparium used, on average, 56,

63 and 46 % of their water from dewfall, respectively. Our results suggest that dew-water utilization by Negev Desert plants is highly significant ecologically and thus may be more common than previously thought. In light of future predicted climate change, it may be increasingly important for plants of the Negev Desert to make use of dew as a water resource as it may play an important role in their ability to cope with the associated hydrological constraints predicted for the Negev region.Why not AP Government go for big reservoirs and desilting of existing water tanks and reservoirs so that water problem can be solved to a major extent by next summer.NDTVScientists Make Sea Water Drinkable, Produce 6.3 Million Litres A DayAll India | Written by Pallava Bagla | Updated: May 06, 2016 13:26 ISTby Taboola Sponsored LinksTo see Video:http://www.ndtv.com/…/scientists-make-sea-water-drinkable-p…Scientists of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre use waste steam from a nuclear reactor to purify the seawater.MUMBAI: HIGHLIGHTS1. Pilot plant to convert sea water is at Tamil Nadu's Kalpakkam2. Plant has a capacity to produce 6.3 million litres of fresh water a day3. The fresh water currently being is used at the Kudankulam nuclear reactorAs 13 states struggle with drought, scientists in a corner of India have devised a way to make potable water - 6.3 million litre of it every day - from sea water. They have also developed certain filtration methods that ensure groundwater containing arsenic and uranium are safe to drink.The pilot plant at Tamil Nadu's Kalpakkam, built by scientists of

Bhabha Atomic Research Centre use waste steam from a nuclear reactor to purify the seawater. Its capacity is 6.3 million litre every day.Currently, the fresh water is being used at the Kudankulam nuclear reactor. But this reporter tasted the purified water - it tasted like fresh water, not saline at all.Several such plants have been installed in Punjab, as well as West Bengal, Rajasthan, said KN Vyas, Director, Bhabha Atomic Research Center, Mumbai.Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to the centre, examines the cycle fitted with a water purifier."Besides, BARC has developed several membranes, by which, at a very small cost, groundwater contaminated by uranium or arsenic can be purified and make fit for drinking," Dr Vyas added.On his recent visit to BARC, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had pedalled a bicycle that had a water purifier installed on it. It turns dirty contaminated water into potable water. Turning the pedals produces the energy the purifier needs.The nuclear scientists have also made several household water purifiers that are being marketed all over drought-hit Marathwada. Some these use thin membranes and special filters to separate the contaminants.Here are Experts Opinion on identification of Rain Water Harvesting sites through GIS and Remote Sensing Method:EXPERTS OPINION ON USING GIS AND REMOTE SENSING IN IDENTIFYING SUITABLE SITES FOR PERCOLATION PITS- INKUDUGUNTALU IN ANDHRA PRADESHI wrote to some experts in GIS and Remote Sensing the scientific way to identify possible ground water recharge areas using GIS and Remote Sensing. In Andhra Pradesh INKUDUGUNTALU are being dug left and right in towns, villages,on road sides before houses etc.There is no scientific reasonining in choosing the spots – arbitrary – for numbers(Target meeting). Huge resources and manpower are utilized in this massive operation. Leading local telugu dailies are giving much publicity. In states like

Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan etc. GIS and Remote Sensing are used in identifying the suitable water table areas for possible recharge through Percolation Pits. Also in abroad (Refer below).Here are some pertinent points in the present INKUDUGUNTA Programme:1. The Timing(period) chosen is wrong. It is pretty hot these days in Andhra Pradesh. When we dug Inkudugunta in our village near a bore ,we have to wet it one day in advance as the soil is not permeable. It took us 8 hours to dig one 6ft length,3 ft width and 6 ft deep percolation pit. We used common sense in choosing the spot as there is plenty of water under ground in the area(Our Bore is around 18 ft). We started work at 5 am to avoid heat.2.What is the depth of the pit presently promoted? Mere 3ft to 4 ft depth is simply waste.3. How effective these are when dug before houses? Do they not obstruct traffic? How about drainage and other repairs?4. In streets before houses are these not dangerous for playing children?5. In most cases(except in some cases cement varalu) the four sides of the pit are not insulated. Thus when the pit is full most of the water seepage occurs on the 4 sides. Little goes down.6. There is no protection to pedestrians and animals as they are not covered.7. Pits before the houses, water stagnation lead to mosquito breeding.8.Is it humanly possible(including porcelain usage) to dig 40,000 Pits in one Assembly Constituency and 50,000 in One district in this hot summer when people consume more water in the operation than might be saved as recharge!9.When the water table is about 100 ft. what effect 3 to 4 ft Inkudugunta has on rain water recharge?10.Instead of digging pits for target the purpose will be better served in going in for large number of deeper pits where the water table is reachable. 11. Construction of Big Reservoirs,desilting of existing reservoirs,

canals and water tanks yields immediate results .12. Enormous water is wasted in irrigation of fields through open canal seepage and evaporation. PVC Pipes are the best option. Why not Government draw a scheme to help small and medium farmers to provide PVC pipes for irrigation. 13 In the new Apartments around the Bore well a well 9about 10 ft) with gravel and sand cover should be made mandatory as the bore well gets rain water recharge.14. There are many Experts in Water Management, Hydrologists,Civil Engineers,NGOs,Politicians,Officiakls and others whose services can be utilized in this massive water programme in the state.15. I visited Israel and it is amazing to see how they bring out ground water from a depth of 3000 ft(as it may not be saltish) and store it in huge reservoirs covered with LDP at the bottom,sides and top.GIS AND REMOTE SENSING IN GROUND WATER RESOURCE ASSESSMENTGIS and Remote Sensing in identifying water Table for digging PERCOLATION PITS IN ANDHRA PRADESH,INDIA - Your Opinion - Requested

1:28 الجهماني ياسين يحيى PM (3 hours ago)jawad bakri2:22 PM (2 hours ago)to me, y.yaseenDear Dr JagadeeshI have taken a look at the file which compiled different documents and thoughts. I do encourage the adoption of GIS-RS for water harvesting. The key issues that can be raised are:1- Remote sensing data can provide very useful information including Digital elevation models (DEM) that can identify sinks in the down stream and possible locations for water table recharge. Also, the use of active data (RADAR) can provide direct measure of soil water content down to 25 cm if L band is used and soil is

bare.2- GIS tools can be used to merge different layers (information) and to process DEM so that other layers can be derived. Also, some models can be used to identify locations where groundwater would occur. I agree with what was written in the document that arbitrary digging is not accepted any more. In Jordan, we have implemented the geospatial techniques to identify the most suitable locations for macro and micro water harvesting (http://badiarp.gov.jo/). the project which was funded by UN included GIS-RS as a major component that built a geodatabase for implementing WH.Best regardsProf. Jawad Al-BakriLand Resources Management-GIS&RS, PhDDept. Land, Water &Env.Faculty of Agriculture, The University of JordanAmman, JordanTel: +962-6-5355000 Ext 22449Mobile: +962-79-6169966Application of GIS and Remote Sensing to Groundwater Exploration in Al-Wala Basin in JordanJawad T. Al-Bakri1 , Yahya Y. Al-Jahmany2 1 Department of Land, Water and Environment, Faculty of Agriculture, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan 2 Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, Majmaah University, Majmaah, Saudi Arabia Email: jbakri@ju.edu.jo, y.yaseen@mu.edu.sahttp://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx…GIS and Remote Sensing in identifying water Table for digging PERCOLATION PITS IN ANDHRA PRADESH,INDIA - Your Opinion - Requestedmahabose .2:46 AM (14 hours ago)to me

Dear Sir,I have gone through your mail and so impressed about your knowledge in new technologies.As you have asked my opinion on this, I could suggest that, the analysis of following parameters would help us to find out the suitable place for the construction of percolation pit.1. The depth of the water2. Characterizes of soil3. Topography of earth surface (including Slope)4. Land use and Land cover5. Rainfall6. Rainfall runoff7. Process of soil erosion8. Lineaments 9. Geology and Geomorphological characters10. Drainage patternAs a Geographer and GIS specialist, I am happy to help you for the successful completion of your wish. If you have any specific question in related to GIS and Remote Sensing, please write a mail to me.-------------------- INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEOMATICS AND GEOSCIENCES Volume 5, No 3, 2014 © Copyright by the authors - Licensee IPA- Under Creative Commons license 3.0 Research article ISSN 0976 – 4380 Submitted on September 2014 published on January 2015 393 Identification of ground water potential zones using GIS and Remote Sensing Techniques: A case study of Mysore taluk –KarnatakaRamu, Mahalingam B, Vinay M Center for Geoinformatics Technology, Department of Geography, Maanasagangotri, University of Mysore, Mysore – 06, Karnataka, India mahabose@gmail.comhttp://www.ipublishing.co.in/jggsart…/volfive/EIJGGS5033.pdfJ. Ind. Geophys. Union ( April 2012 ) Vol.16, No.2, pp. 55-63 

Study and Mapping of Ground Water Prospect using Remote Sensing, GIS and Geoelectrical resistivity techniques – a case study of Dhanbad district, Jharkhand, IndiaV.K.Srivastava, Devendra Nath Giri and Pawan Bharadwaj Dept. of Applied Geophysics, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad - 826004, India E-mail: ismkvinay@gmail.comhttp://www.igu.in/16-2/paper3_srivastava.pdfT Subramani Professor & Dean, Department of Civil Engineering, VMKV Engg College, Vinayaka Missions University, Salem,India E-mail : tsm2007@rediffmail.comT. Subramani et al. Int. Journal of Engineering Research andApplicationswww.ijera.com ISSN : 2248-9622, Vol. 4, Issue 12( Part 3), December 2014, pp.127-138 www.ijera.com 127 | P a g e Identification Of Ground Water Potential Zones In Tamil Nadu By Remote Sensing And GIS TechniqueT. Subramani1 , C.T.Sivakumar2 ,C.Kathirvel3 , S.Sekar4 1 Professor & Dean, Department Of Civil Engineering, VMKV Engineering College, Vinayaka Missions University, Salem, India. 2Associate Professor, Department Of Civil Engineering, Mahendra Engineering College, Mallasamudram, Namakkal District, Tamilnadu, India. 3,4Assistant Professors, Department Of Civil Engineering, VMKV Engineering College, Vinayaka Missions University, Salem, Indiahttp://www.ijera.com/…/Vol4_…/Part%20-%203/W041203127138.pdfGEO SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL ZONEUSING REMOTE SENSING AND GIS TECHNIQUES IN VARAHANADHI SUB BASIN,TAMILNADU1RAMAMOORTHY. P, 2 ARJUN. A, 2 GOBINATH. K, 2 SENTHILKUMAR. V, 2 SUDHAKAR1Department of Geology, University of Madras, Chennai‐600025

2Department of Civil Engineering, Mailam Engineering College, Mailam‐604304ABSTRACTGroundwater is vital natural resources available on the earth. Due to rapid growth ofpopulation, the available water resources are unable to meet the agricultural, industrialand domestic needs. The demand for water has increased from the last few decades andhas led to water scarcity. Evaluating the potential groundwater zone for recharge is veryimportant for the protection of water quality and management of groundwater systems.Remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) is a rapid and effectivetechniques, it provides information of large and inaccessible area within short periodfor assessing, monitoring and management of groundwater resources. In this paper, acase study was conducted to find out the groundwater potential zones in VarahanadhiSub basin, Tamil Nadu, India. Thematic maps such as geology, geomorphology, landuse/land cover, lineament, drainage, soil, rainfall maps are prepared in the Arc GIS. Thethematic maps and data are integrated in to GIS environment where it is digitized,registered, stored analyzed and finally overlaid to classify the groundwater potentialzones. Based on this concept, weightage, and ranking were assigned to each thematiclayer with respect of influencing rate of water percolation. The groundwater potentialzones thus obtained were divided into four categories, viz., Poor, Moderate, Good andVery Good.KEYWORDS:Groundwater, GIS, Land use/ Land cover, Varahanadhi sub basin,Tamilnadu.https://www.academia.edu/…/GEO_SPATIAL_ANALYSIS_OF_GROUNDWA…ACADEMIAWATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT ANDDEVELOPMENT IN RAJASTHANDr. B. C. Jat,Senior faculty member ,Department of

Geography,Govt.P.G.College,Neemkathana,Rajasthan,IndiaRajasthan is a region with very limited water resources. Water is the most crucial for maintaining an environment and ecosystem conducive to sustaining all forms of life. The principle of watershed management is the proper management of all the precipitation by the way of collection, storage and efficient utilization of runoff water and to recharge the ground water. The present study aim‟s to identify suitable zones for water harvesting structures in Pisangan watershed of Ajmer district, Rajasthan by using Geographic Information System (GIS) and Multi Criteria Evaluation (MSE). Multi criteria evaluation is carried out in Geographic Information system to help the decision makers in determining suitable zones for water harvesting structures based on the physical characteristics of the watershed. Different layers which were taken into account for multi criteria evaluation are; Soil texture, slope, rainfall data (2000-2012), land use/cover, geomorphology, lithology, lineaments, drainage network. The soil conservation service model was used to estimate the runoff depth of the study area Analytical Hierarchy Processes (AHP) is used to find suitable water harvesting structures on the basis of rainfall. Produced suitability map will help in the selection of harvesting structures such as percolation tanks, storage tank, check dams and stop dams.GIS TOOLS HELP IDENTIFY SITES FOR RAINWATER HARVESTING IN ERITREAMar 23,2012- See more at: http://www.icarda.org/…/gis-tools-help-identify-sites-rainw…BEST PLAN FOR RAIN WATER HARVESTING IN ANDHRA PRADESH AND OTHER STATES – USE GIS(Geographic Information System Remote Sensing Data) TO IDENTIFY SUITABLE SITES FOR PERCOLATION PITS(INKUDU GUNTALU).CLEAN RAIN WATER COLLECTION PLASTIC CONTAINERS

• Now many use plastic tanks(trade name: Syntax). These are rugged and durable. I will use Two plastic tanks of 200 Liters capacity with cover and a vent and tap. These tanks care kept open when it is raining and when once it is filled covered. These 400 litres water can be used in the house. It may meet the demand of water for a small family. These are modular and units can be increased. Why I chore two 200 litres is they will get filled quickly.• If we can save water like this in rainy season for at least 5 to 10 days,on a National level it means enormous saving of water from under ground. The Rooftop water collection may not be clean for domestic use and for gardening and other purposes only.The whole system costs around Rs 1300. • Under normal days these tanks can be filled with tap water for plants on the terrace. As such it is multi purpose.Today many farmers have fam water irrigation through open canals where there will be water seepage losses and evaporation. In 1970 we had cement pipes made locally for irrigation. Unfortunately the coconut trees nearby roots penetrated into the cement pipes(made locally) and they broke. So we run now the water in open canals.I SUGGEST THE GOVERNMENT OF ANDHRA PRADESH WILL DEO WELL TO DRAW A SCHEME TO FINANCE PVC PIPES FOR IRRIGATION TO SMALL AND MEDIUM FARMERS ON SUBSIDISED RATES. THIS WAY ALREADY THE EXISTING WATER CAN BE USED WISELY.

VANA BHARATHIKI JANA HARATHI PADATHAM …Your Editorial is excellent. Not mere planting trees and forgetting about them. We must go in for plants/trees which are of care free growth,regenerative and CAM plants which also act as CARBON SINK. Also we should promote trees with multiple uses under Afforestation.

Bringing in Waste Lands under cultivation to generate Biofuel|Biogas and subsequent power generation:Alvarez from Mexico and Myself have had been championing the cause and use of Agave and Cactus for Biofuel|Biogas and Subsequent power generation.I am presenting a case for India for growing these care-free growth plants in millions of hectares of waste lands in view of multiple uses:Utilising Waste Lands in Andhra Pradesh :There are thousands of Sq.km of Waste lands in Andhra Pradesh.In this vast area of Andhra Pradesh Why not We grow multiple use plants like Agave,Opuntia ,Seethaphal etc.which have many uses.Hitherto Corn and Sugarcane are used in the biofuel production. In the debate on FOOD Vs FUEL, it is necessary to find alternatives.“Agave has a huge advantage, as it can grow in marginal or desert land, not on arable land,” and therefore would not displace food crops, says Oliver Inderwildi, at the University of Oxford. The majority of ethanol produced in the world is still derived from food crops such as corn and sugarcane. Speculators have argued for years now that using such crops for fuel can drive up the price of food.Agave, however, can grow on hot dry land with a high-yield and low environmental impact. The researchers proposing the plant’s use have modeled a facility in Jalisco, Mexico, which converts the high sugar content of the plant into ethanol. The research, published in the journal Energy and Environmental Science, provides the first ever life-cycle analysis of the energy and greenhouse gas balance of producing ethanol with agave. Each megajoule of energy produced from the agave-to-ethanol process resulted in a net emission of 35 grams of carbon dioxide, far below the 85g/MJ estimated for corn ethanol production.

Burning gasoline produces roughly 100g/MJ.“The characteristics of the agave suit it well to bioenergy production, but also reveal its potential as a crop that is adaptable to future climate change,” adds University of Oxford plant scientist Andrew Smith. “In a world where arable land and water resources are increasingly scarce, these are key attributes in the food versus fuel argument, which is likely to intensify given the expected large-scale growth in biofuel production.”Agave already appeared to be an interesting bio ethanol source due to its high sugar content and its swift growth. For the first time Researchers at the universities of Oxford and Sydney have now conducted the first life-cycle analysis of the energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of agave-derived ethanol and present their promising results in the journal Energy & Environmental Science.On both life cycle energy and GHG emissions agave scores at least as well as corn, switchgrass and sugarcane, while reaching a similar ethanol output. The big advantages agave has over the before mentioned plants is that it can grow in dry areas and on poor soil, thus practically eliminating their competition with food crops and drastically decreasing their pressure on water resources.Plants which use crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM), which include the cacti and Agaves, are of particular interest since they can survive for many months without water and when water is available they use it with an efficiency that can be more than 10 times that of other plants, such as maize, sorghum, miscanthus and switchgrass. CAM species include no major current or potential food crops; they have however for centuries been cultivated for alcoholic beverages and low-lignin fibres.They may therefore also be ideal for producing biofuels on land unsuited for food production.

In México, there are active research programs and stakeholders investigating Agave spp. as a bioenergy feedstock. The unique physiology of this genus has been exploited historically for the sake of fibers and alcoholic beverages, and there is a wealth of knowledge in the country of México about the life history, genetics, and cultivation of Agave. The State of Jalisco is the denomination of origin of Agave tequilana Weber var. azul, a cultivar primarily used for the production of tequila that has been widely researched to optimize yields. Other cultivars of Agave tequilana are grown throughout México, along with the Agave fourcroydes Lem., or henequen, which is an important source of fiber that has traditionally been used for making ropes. The high sugar content of Agave tequilana may be valuable for liquid fuel production, while the high lignin content of Agave fourcroydes may be valuable for power generation through combustion.Along with Agave species described above, some other economically important species include A. salmiana, A. angustiana, A. americana, and A. sisalana. Agave sisalana is not produced in México, but has been an important crop in regions of Africa and Australia. Information collected here could thus be relevant to semi-arid regions around the world.Agave is a CAM Plant. Crassulacean acid metabolism, also known as CAM photosynthesis, is a carbon fixation pathway that evolved in some plants as an adaptation to arid conditions in a plant using full CAM, the stomata in the leaves remains shut during the day to reduce evapotranspiration, but open at night to collect carbon dioxide (CO2). The CO2 is stored as the four-carbon acidmalate, and then used during photosynthesis during the day. The pre-collected CO2 is concentrated around the enzyme RuBisCO, increasing photosynthetic efficiency. Agave and Opuntia are the best CAM Plants.Agave Competitive Advantages* Thrives on dry land/marginal land. Most efficient use of soil, water and light 

* Massive production. Year-around harvesting * Very high yields with very low or no inputs * Very high quality biomass and sugars * Very low cost of production. Not a commodity, so prices are not volatile * Very versatile: biofuels, byproducts, chemicals * World-wide geographical distribution * Enhanced varieties are ready.Another care-free growth plant is OPUNTIA.Biogas from OpuntiaA source of renewable gas and fertilizerStructure of the proposed process1st step: Production of Biomass (Opuntia) 2nd step: Process of the Biomass into Biogas through Anaerobic Fermentation 3rd step: Process of the Digested Material into Fertilizer The potential of Opuntia Biomass for energy production in semi-arid areas 100 to 400 tons of biomass/ha/year 1 ton Opuntia biomass = 50-60 m3 of biogas = 300-360 kWh of gas 30 000 to 140 000 kWh per ha 150 to 400ha necessary for 1MW electrical capacity High efficiency in water & fertilizer use Reduced risk for farmers of crop failure due to high drought tolerance. No competition with food crops on arable land as it can grow on degraded land. Study on renewable biogas energy production from cladodes of Opuntia ficus indica by Elias Jigar, Hameed Sulaiman and Araya Asfaw and Abraham Bairu (ISABB Journal of Food and Agriculture Science Vol. 1(3), pp. 44-48, December 2011) revealed: Cladodes, which are a plate like section of Opuntia ficus indica, were characterized for their physical properties, total solids (TS) and volatile solides (VS) and they were assessed in five

combinations with or without cow dung for their suitability to biogas production in 2.8 L triplicate batch digesters. The highest total biogas yields were obtained from T5 (75% Cow dung: 25% Cladodes combination) as 14.183 L followed by T1 (cow dung alone) as 13.670 L (0 .022 m3/kg) and the lowest was from T2 (Cladodes alone) as 6.176 L. The percentage of methane gas obtained from the experiment for treatments T1, T2, T3 (50% cow dung: 50% cladodes), T4 (25% cow dung: 75% Cladodes) and T5 were 66.33, 53.16, 63.84, 52.1 and 69% respectively. Among all treatments, T5 was found to produce high methane percent of the biogas. From Biogas, Power generation can be done at local level itself. Another Option is to utilize Water Hyacinth which has become a menace for Biogas and subsequent power generation. In Indonesia Fine Furniture is made from Water Hyacinth.Youth Economic Zones(YEZ):The waste land can be allotted to youth with agricultural background (about 10 acres) on lease and ten such people can form a co-operative. They can grow fast growing care free plants like Agave, Opuntia and Jatropha. Biogas and biofuel can be generated at local level. Biogas power plants from KW size to MW size are available commercially from China. This way unemployment problem can be solved to some extent and the waste land can be brought under use.Multiple Use PlantsThere are many trees which grow very wildly even with less water. To name a few, we have “Annona Squamosa (Seethaphal), Agave (Americana). The fruit of Annona Squamosa contains many seeds. The seed of the fruit yield 21 to 29 % oil. The characteristics of the oil are :Sp. Gr. At 150 C 0.92116N 600 D 1.4558Saponification Value 181 to 183.3Iodine number 85.6 to 88.2

R.M. Value 0.6Poplenske Value 0.2Unsaponification matter 0.2 %The oil contains the following percentage percentages of acids.Oleic 18.1Linoleic 55.1Palmitic 14.7Stearic 10.7Cerotic 00.9These acids are used in the preparation of :Oleic Acid : Soap base, manufacture of oleates, ointments, cosmetics, polishing compound, Lubricants, ore floatation, organic synthetic intermediate,surface coatings.Linoleic Acid : Soaps, special driers, for protective coatings, emulsifying agents, medicine, foods, feeds, biochemical research.Palmitic Acid : Starting point in the manufacture of various matallic palmitates, soaps, lube oils, water proofing.Stearic Acid : Chemicals, especially stearates and stearic driers, lubricants, soaps, candles, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, rubber compounding, shoe and metal polishes, coatings, food packaging.The oil in general is used in the manufacture of paints and varnishes.The pulp is rich in Vitamin C and Sugar. It is used as soft drink. The residue after extraction of oil from seed is used as fertilizer. The Epicarp used as green manure. Cattle won’t eat the leaves as they are bitter.WEALTH FROM WASTE – WATER HYACINTH:In Kolleru Lake in hundreds of Km area the Water Hyacinth is available for nearly 10 moths a year.A WATER HYACINTH COMPLEX can be set up in the area to harness the potential of Water Hyacinth:

Water hyacinth is a free-floating perennial aquatic plant (or hydrophyte) native to tropical and sub-tropical South America. With broad, thick, glossy, ovate leaves, water hyacinth may rise above the surface of the water as much as 1 meter in height. The leaves are 10–20 cm across, and float above the water surface. They have long, spongy and bulbous stalks. The feathery, freely hanging roots are purple-black. An erect stalk supports a single spike of 8-15 conspicuously attractive flowers, mostly lavender to pink in colour with six petals. When not in bloom, water hyacinth may be mistaken for frog's-bit (Limnobium spongia).One of the fastest growing plants known, water hyacinth reproduces primarily by way of runners or stolons, which eventually form daughter plants. Each plant can produce thousands of seeds each year, and these seeds can remain viable for more than 28 years. Some water hyacinths were found to grow up to 2 to 5 metres a day in some sites in Southeast Asia. The common water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) are vigorous growers known to double their population in two weeks.In their native range these flowers are pollinated by long tongued bees and they can reproduce both sexually and clonally. The invasiveness of the hyacinth is related to its ability to clone itself and large patches are likely to all be part of the same genetic form. There are three morphs of water hyacinth, long medium and short. However, the short morph is restricted to the native range due to founder events during its distribution.BioenergyBecause of its extremely high rate of development, Eichhornia crassipes is an excellent source of biomass. One hectare of standing crop thus produce more than 70,000 m3 of biogas. According to Curtis and Duke, one kg of dry matter can yield 370 liters of biogas, giving a heating value of 22,000 kJ/m3 (580 Btu/ft3) compared to pure methane (895 Btu/ft3) Wolverton and McDonald report only 0.2 m3 methane per kg, indicating requirements of 6000 MT biomass/ha to attain the 70,000 m3 yield projected by the National Academy of Sciences

(Washington). Bengali farmers collect and pile up these plants to dry at the onset of the cold season; they then use the dry water hyacinths as fuel. They then use the ashes as fertilizer. In India, a ton of dried water hyacinth yield circa 50 liters ethanol and 200 kg residual fiber (7,700 Btu). Bacterial fermentation of one ton yields 26,500 cu ft gas (600 Btu) with 51.6% methane, 25.4% hydrogen, 22.1% CO2, and 1.2% oxygen. Gasification of one ton dry matter by air and steam at high temperatures (800°) gives circa 40,000 ft3 (circa 1,100 m3) natural gas (143 Btu/cu ft) containing 16.6% hydrogen, 4.8% methane, 21.7% CO, 4.1% CO2, and 52.8% N. The high moisture content of water hyacinth, adding so much to handling costs, tends to limit commercial ventures., A continuous, hydraulic production system could be designed, which would provide a better utilization of capital investments than in conventional agriculture, which is essentially a batch operation., The labour involved in harvesting water hyacinth can be greatly reduced by locating collection sites and processors on impoundments that take advantage of prevailing winds. Wastewater treatment systems could also favourably be added to this operation. The harvested biomass would then be converted to ethanol, natural gas, hydrogen and/or gaseous nitrogen, and fertilizer. The resulting byproducts of water and fertilizer can both be used to irrigate nearby cropland.Fine Furniture from Water HyacinthAssorted Water Hyacinth Furniture Styles!In the search for green and eco-friendly living, eco-friendly homes, and now eco-friendly furniture, a new type has emerged, water hyacinth furniture. Those of you who thought water hyacinth only spelled destruction, here’s some interesting news for you. This invasive plant is now used to create furniture of all types for home use. Because the furniture made by water hyacinth does not require any extensive processing, it is termed as a green or eco-friendly material to be used within the home. It only requires a

basic wooden frame around which the material is woven to create unique furniture items.Water hyacinth tables (dining, center, side, etc.), sofas, chairs, armchairs, and all other types of furniture are uniquely designed and manufactured to cater to customers with varied taste. It is soft, flexible, yet resilient, which is why a lot of people are now choosing this type of furniture for their homes. This quality makes it easy to mold into different furniture shapes and accessories too. Further, its appearance makes it a great choice for homes designed under the theme of tropical décor. It is light in its appearance, and those who like a minimalist look in terms of interior designing may use water hyacinth furniture in their homes. This furniture can also be used outdoors as patio furniture to make a brilliant style statement.Native to South America, the water hyacinth is a plant that grows at an immensely fast pace when removed from its natural habitat. In a water body, it can grow at a pace that starts blocking waterways and even killing fish. In order to stunt its growth, the water hyacinth is harvested and used for a variety of purposes. One of these uses is now the creation of gorgeous, elegant furniture. The leaves of the water hyacinth are dried and woven to create extraordinary furniture items. In appearance, this furniture resembles cane or wicker furniture but is much softer than both.Because the furniture made by water hyacinth does not require any extensive processing, it is termed as a green or eco-friendly material to be used within the home. It only requires a basic wooden frame around which the material is woven to create unique furniture items. Water hyacinth tables (dining, center, side, etc.), sofas, chairs, armchairs, and all other types of furniture are uniquely designed and manufactured to cater to customers with varied taste. It is soft, flexible, yet resilient, which is why a lot of people are now choosing this type of furniture for their homes. This quality makes it easy to mold into different furniture shapes and accessories too. Further, its appearance makes it a great

choice for homes designed under the theme of tropical décor. It is light in its appearance, and those who like a minimalist look in terms of interior designing may use water hyacinth furniture in their homes. This furniture can also be used outdoors as patio furniture to make a brilliant style statement.Beautiful Bedroom Styles!While a lot of manufacturers aim to retain the original golden shade of dried water hyacinth, a lot of manufacturers also stain the furniture to make it look darker and give it a rich, elegant appearance. Furniture of this type can also be custom-made based on your requirements, though the prices of such furniture will be higher than those of furniture pieces that are readily available. In any case, water hyacinth furniture is a new and interesting choice for all you home owners who are keen on redecorating.The Water Hyacinth Furniture Basics!The best way to regularly clean this furniture is to run a vacuum over it regularly. This will keep away any dust that collects in the woven parts. Every once in a while, use a mild soap and water solution to give it a fresh glow. Ensure that the furniture dries thoroughly. You may also use a nylon brush to remove any stains on the furniture. It is important for you to remember to keep the furniture dry. Though dried water hyacinth is a natural material and will absorb any moisture it is important that the area the furniture is kept in be well ventilated. If it is moist for too long it is likely that the furniture will start developing mold, can weaken and lose its natural appeal.Dr.A.Jagadeesh Nellore(AP)Photos: Internet

Deccan Chronicle 21 April 2016

Sakshi 13 June 2016

Eenadu 30 April 2016

PVC Pipes

Agave Farm

Biogaspower from Opuntia

Water Hyacinth in Kolleru Lake(Andhra Pradesh

FURNITURE FROM WATER HYACINTH ROOTS

EENADU 13 June 2016

Anumakonda Jagadeesh Facebook 13 June 2016

CAM PLANT AGAVE AS CARBON SINK ON HIGHWAY DIVIDERS On the Highways and in City Roads we have dividers where plants are grown. On the highways the idea is they will reduce focusing of light on the driver in the opposite direction. In many cases the plants are watered through tanks. On the highways and towns release of CO2 and SO2 from Vehicles is a problem especially from old vehicles. When any hydrocarbon (compounds of C and H) are burned, oxygen from the atmosphere reacts to form CO2 and water.

CAM PLANT AGAVE AS CARBON SINK ON HIGHWAY DIVIDERS Agave can be planted in the divider space. It won’t spread much. It is care-free growth, CAM and looks ornamental  and regenerative.  Crassulacean

acid metabolism, also known as CAM photosynthesis, is a carbon fixation pathway that evolved in some plants as an adaptation to arid conditions. In a plant using full CAM, the stomata in the leaves remain shut during the day to reduce evapotranspiration, but open at night to collect carbon dioxide (CO2). The CO2 is stored as the four-carbon acid malate in vacuoles at night, and then in the daytime, the malate is transported tochloroplasts where it is converted back to CO2, which is then used during photosynthesis. The pre-collected CO2 is concentrated around the enzyme RuBisCO, increasing photosynthetic efficiency.

When the plant begins to grow side succulent leaves can be cut which can be used as input for biogas/biochar.Let us hope the Highway authorities and Municipal Corporations in towns adopt this.

From:Dr.A.JagadeeshDirectorNayudamma Centre for Development Alternatives2/210 First Floor,NawabpetNELLORE- 524 002,Andhra PradeshINDIAE-mail:anumakonda.jagadeesh@gmail.comFacebook:http ://www.facebook.com/anumakonda.jagadeesh Blog: http://www.drjagadeeshncda.blogspot.comTwitter: @anumakondajPhone: + 91 861 2317776 ; Mobile: +91 9490125950

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CommentsAnumakonda Jagadeesh Facebook 12 June 2016

I read with interest the news”KALPATHARUVULANU KAPADUKUNDAM’.

Though it was an experts and Environmentalists discussion,there is no mention of specific task of plants for growing. It was all general. What is astonishing is that there is no mention of CAM plants at all except Kalabanda as Medicinal Plant.

Care-free growth,regenerative CAM plants like Agave(Kittanarara) and Opuntia for multiple uses and to act as CARBON SINK. Also there is Annona Squamosa(Seethaphal) ,every part of the tree can be utilized(LEAF TO ROOT APPROACH).

I have had been involved in Environment,Energy,Sustainable Development etc. for decades. Here are my Innovations:Simple Vertical Farminghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqOlwI0U-Ns

JAGADEESH SCIENTIST 31https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Xx_h-vYg9Q

4 .GROWING VEGETABLES ON A STANDhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYTKgKhFuPM

2 .GROWING VEGETABLES ON A STANDhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEOoLiHTfyk

Green Leafy Vegetables for Allhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEbR9XIVtPc

CAM Plants as Carbon Sinkhttps://youtu.be/cz4oJr1up4I

JAGADEESH SCIENTIST 31https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Xx_h-vYg9Q

01https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqOlwI0U-Ns

Paryavarna Hithakarihttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz4oJr1up4I

WORLD environment DAY 1https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT_d0I4Bg9U

WORLD environment DAY 2https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snYT0H8CDas