Feature Article

This new study of nine coastal cities around the world published in the latest edition of journal Natural Hazards, says that Kolkata is among the most flood vulnerable cities in world and could experience coastal flooding as the city is built on river delta.

This is with reference to the excellent editorial “When the Water Runs Out” (EPW, 2 June 2012). In this regard there are two vital tasks for the government: one, capacity building of groundwater users with regard to groundwater resource ­extraction, utilisation, and recharge, and two, amendments to the existing laws on groundwater regulation and control (Acts passed by Karnataka and other states). (Letters)

Peri-urban agriculture has brought out two clear impacts on farmers and the rural economy. The fi rst is the long-term impact of rise in land prices associated with reduced size of holding for agriculture, and the second, the short-term impact of rise in agricultural wages. In peri-urban and rural agriculture, the contribution from wage income exceeds 50%. Nevertheless, the per capita incomes of farmers in these scenarios are 50% lower than the per capita income of an average Indian. Steps are suggested to improve the economic situation of peri-urban farmers.

Urbanisation in India is currently marked by two fundamental trends: lopsided migration to the larger cities and unbalanced regional economic development. In this context, this paper makes a case for the concerted development of small and medium cities as the key focus in the strategy to ensure sustainable urbanisation in India. As cities plan for the long term, among the most critical components they need are the availability of land and the provision of infrastructure and services for a growing population.

The choice before energy policymakers is stark - we can either choose a carefully thought-out strategy of responsible demand-side management and sustainable energy supply options, or allow things to drift by projecting an unlimited energy demand, and face all the associated serious consequences through the continued use of fossil fuels and nuclear power.

Drug regulation in India seems only to serve the interests of industry; the citizen does not matter. (Editorial)

Commission a report and when it is ready, place it on a high shelf so that no one can reach it or read it. This seems to be the time-worn norm followed by successive governments in this country. So it comes as no surprise that after having asked the distinguished scientist Madhav Gadgil to head a committee to evaluate the ecological sensitivity of what is one of the world’s important biodiversity hotspots, the Western Ghats, the Ministry of Environment and Forests (EF) has received the final report without “accepting it”.