Water conservation
T. RAMAKRISHNAN
THE ERY SYSTEMS OF SOUTH INDIA: T.M. Mukundan, Akash Ganga Trust, D-15 Bay View Apartments, Kalakshetra Colony, Besant Nagar, Chennai 600090. Rs. 100
SELF RELIANCE IN WATER: Indukanth S. Ragade, published by Jayanti Ragade, B-9 Atandra, 25 Thirumalai Road, T.Nagar, Chennai 600017. Rs. 140
Tank irrigation is one of the age-old systems prevailing in southern parts of the country. Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka account for over 50 per cent of tanks in the country Though tanks have played a critical role in sustaining agriculture over the years, their importance has not been much recognised.
Tank rehabilitation
T.M. Mukundan's book, The Ery Systems of South India, despite being a slim publication, brings out the importance of tanks. Written in simple language, the author has given a historical background, particularly focussing on the British rule. The author rightly points out how inadequate the data is with the authorities regarding tanks. He deals with recent governmental efforts in rehabilitating tanks in the 1970s and the 1980s but does not throw any light on a more recent happening — the experiment of water users' association in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. A word about the background of the author could have been mentioned. However, the Akash Ganga Trust deserves appreciation for publishing this important book.
Rainwater harvesting
The concept of rainwater harvesting (RWH) has become more popular in recent years, particularly since 1990s. Indukanth Ragade has been working for popularisation of RWH and in this book, he has dealt elaborately on RWH design, suitability, benefits and maintenance. His book is replete with photographs, drawings and tables.
His treatment of the subject is comprehensive, backed by data from reliable sources. He offers tips to builders on water management during construction activities.
He has devoted one chapter to desalination plants, particularly focussing on mini-sized units that are increasingly used in residential apartments. Though the author has modestly described his work as a practical manual, it provides clarity on a subject that is widely talked about without much understanding.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Book Review
