The BMC has decided to put its foot down in the issue between Mumbai and Thane over water supply. At a meeting between the two municipal corporations and state Water Supply and Sanitation department on Wednesday, the BMC officials will state that that using Mumbai's conveyance system for supplying 100 million litres a day (mld) of water from Bhatsa dam to Thane will result in the city reeling under a water shortage.

With the city continuing to reel under acute water shortage, the time has come for us to look at other alternative sources to get around this problem and make intelligent use of available water.

The Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA) is making great strides in the field of utilization of solar energy to replace traditional electricity-fueled water heating systems in the state. Nearly 5 megawatts (MW) of energy is produced using this non-conventional source of energy. In 250 villages that are not connected by grid electricity, solar panels are providing hot water. The practice is also growing in areas around Thane and not without reason.

Bio-fuels hold potential as an energy alternative

Bio-fuels have recently been attracting the global spotlight for their potential as an energy alternative. Though increasing environmental concerns have led to a simultaneous cost-benefit analysis, the scales are still tilting in favour of bio-fuels.

It began as an idea that had more to do with filling up the coffers of state governments than tackling the actual concerns of climate change. Coal-rich states, which are witnessing private power producers line up for a piece of action, began flexing their muscles by demanding an environmental cess on power exported outside the state.

Several mental barriers separate the villages of Bhimnagar and Dare. A concrete wall is the latest to divide the Dalit and Maratha villagers The lines are drawn

In a grubby courtroom in Manmad, a major train junction around 90 km from Nashik, a pitched battle is being fought to protect the rights of an elephant. Lakshmi has been in custody since April 14 after the Manmad police registered a complaint against the owner, alleging that he had "whipped and poked' the elephant, troubling and abusing it during a BSP rally to mark Ambedkar Jayanti.

The report readied by the committee to look into the Dow Chemical imbroglio has given a green signal for the construction at the Shinde village site, stating that it will be used only for research and development activities. It has also asked the company to get the requisite environmental clearance before they start operations and has asked the company to work with the local communities to generate employment opportunities for the villagers.

With abysmal levels of penetration and awareness, how do you sell the concept of health insurance to the rural poor?