It has been a hot, dry summer in the Middle East, and as water levels have plunged, political tensions have risen. In early July, Israel's Water Authority unveiled plans to combat what it called "the worst water crisis in the nation's history". Environmental campaigners responded by slating the Water Authority for not doing enough to protect the region's aquifers. Meanwhile, Palestinian authorities warned of dire consequences if Israel didn't provide them with more water.

The second round of community water pollution monitoring was organizing in Bandi and Luni basins during September 16-18, 2008. The SKPSS Samiti and CSE decided to carry out the monitoring not only in Pali but also in Balotra. The members of the SKPSSS undertook sampling and testing of treated effluents from CETP 1, 2 and 3, river water at Sumerpur bridge and well water from Jetpur village.

Radhakrishnan Kuttoor

ARANMULA: The dumping of huge quantity of waste generated at the Oottupura of Sree Parthasarathy Temple here on the banks of the Pampa and the liquid waste flowing directly into the river have been causing pollution of the river.

The pollution status of the river has gone up considerably with the beginning of the festival season of Vallasadya, ritualistic feast given to oarsmen of snakeboats, at the temple. An average of three Vallasadyas take place at the temple every day during the period, according to temple authorities.

CHENNAI: The dumping of untreated waste

PANJIM, AUG 21

SANGUEM, AUG 20

PANJIM, AUG 19

Hyderabad, Aug. 17: The stench from Musi river cannot be ignored. It is unbearable, thanks to the "lackadaisical" attitude of the authorities towards the sewage system which is channelled into the river. The dumping of garbage along the banks of the river is worsening the situation.

New Delhi, Aug. 17: A group of 250 spiritual heads representing most of the religious sects and Hindu organisations across India on Sunday launched the "Save the Ganga campaign" in the national capital.

River dolphins, gavial (gharial) and turtles have almost been extinct from the rivers of the country.

When the list of near extinct animals is increasing it is a rare opportunity to watch river dolphins and gavial (gharial) in the rivers of Bangladesh.

Pages