Hydropower is a valuable renewable energy resource in India, which can help in climate change mitigation and meet the increasing energy demands. However, the crucial role of climate change on hydropower production in India remains unexplored.

To chalk out the future course of action in view of the disputes regarding the use of Mahanadi river water, a well-rounded strategy that includes both the people and policymakers is needed. The strategy must allow for dialogue by rebuilding trust and should look at arbitration and negotiation as methods of conflict resolution.

Orissa is prone to natural disasters, especially floods. Yet, the authorities have not been able to draw up an effective disaster management plan and politicians continue to play politics with relief works. What is needed in dealing with these disasters and the relief and rehabilitation work that follows is the participation of the local community and functionaries of panchayati raj institutions, and coordination with national and international bodies.

Grout material in recent years has made quantum advancement and researchers have made this material more application friendly. Grouts are finding increasing applications for checking seepage under dams and in repair work for old dams.

As I write this my city Delhi is drowning. It started raining early this morning and within a few hours the city has come to a standstill. The television is showing scenes of traffic snarled up for hours, roads waterlogged and people and vehicles sunk deep in water and muck.

Odisha, is struggling to cope with floods of horrendous magnitude. This state which recorded deficient rains of 40 per cent, is now in surplus. Experts and the public attribute the current flood in Orissa entirely to the mismanagement of the Hirakud dam. This special report by Down to Earth Online, calls for adopting a new strategy based on the present rainfall pattern both upstream and downstream of this dam.