The Himalayan arc, 40% of which ruptured in the last two centuries, has witnessed half a dozen large to great earthquakes including the 1833 and 1934 Bihar

India s first alliance of women affected by mining takes shape

Largest groundnut cultivation
5,000 traditional water tanks
104 farmer suicides during 2000 02

Sal forest worth: Rs 30,000 crore
85% population dependent on forest
65% people below poverty line

Once rich in forest and grazing land
Now known as 20th century desert
68% population marginal and unemployed

First district for tribal development
Rampant deforestation
Malnutrition and starvation deaths

Average rainfall: 1,300 mm
Irrigation: 2% of gross cropped area

Policymakers don t need to go too far to eradicate poverty. The solution is as close as is a village well to a villager