The Karnal Farmer's Story and many more
The latest editions of hydrogeek showcases three case studies where innovative designs by which rain water is harvested provided sustainable supply of water resources.
Casestudies
Narinder Kumar Kamboj, a dedicated farmer from Ramana village, has become a beacon of innovation by personally funding and installing a rainwater harvesting system in his fields. This forward-thinking initiative proved invaluable during the recent monsoon, helping him safeguard nearly 8 acres of paddy crop in a flood-prone low-lying area.
Beyond his own success, Kamboj has extended a helping hand to neighboring farmers, assisting them in draining excess water from their fields using the same system. His efforts have sparked widespread interest, with farmers from distant regions visiting his fields to learn more about the project.
A video showcasing his rainwater harvesting model has gone viral on social media, turning his fields into a hub of agricultural curiosity and inspiration.
Contribute a Casestudy for possible publication in this newsletter
The Ripple Effect: Paani Foundation’s Model for Rural Renewal
Permaculture educator Andrew Millison travels to Maharashtra, India, to document the transformative work of the Paani Foundation’s Water Cup and Farmer’s Cup Competitions. His journey takes him to the village of Savargaon Tal, a standout participant in the 2019 Water Cup, where villagers raced against time to install the highest number of water harvesting structures within just 45 days.
In 2023, Savargaon Tal continued its legacy of innovation by joining the Farmer’s Cup Competition, showcasing the power of community-driven agricultural resilience. Guided by Dr. Avinash Pol, chief advisor to the Paani Foundation, Millison witnesses firsthand the sweeping impact of a watershed-scale groundwater restoration project.
The results are profound: improved livelihoods, a thriving local economy, rejuvenated ecology, and a deep sense of stability rooted in a landscape that now pulses with health and abundance.
Contribute a Casestudy for possible publication in this newsletter
Dhanora: India’s First Smart Village Sets a New Benchmark in Sustainable Development
Dhanora, recognized as India’s first smart village, is pioneering a transformative model of rural development through its Greenfield Smart Village initiative. At the heart of this innovation is a 2.5 km-long canal, engineered to be 4 meters wide and 3 to 3.5 meters deep, strategically linked to percolation tanks—a visionary approach to water conservation.During the monsoon season, this system enables an impressive 400 million liters per day (MLD) of groundwater recharge, dramatically enhancing the village’s water security. The success of this groundbreaking project is the result of a collaborative effort by the Eco Needs Foundation, Coca-Cola Foundation, local administration, and the resilient villagers of Dhanora. The engineering design, crafted by Prof. Priyanand Agale and Dr. Sataypal Singh Meena (IRS), played a crucial role in educating and convincing the community about the long-term benefits of sustainable water management.Dhanora now stands as a beacon of ecological innovation, community empowerment, and smart rural planning—an inspiring model for villages across India and beyond.
Contribute a Casestudy for possible publication in this newsletter
Latest News
Predicting how vegetation responds to water scarcity is challenging due to significant spatial and temporal variability. Our global study of soil moisture patterns shows that plant water-use strategies consistently differ across ecosystem types, shaped by prevailing ecological and climatic conditions…Click here to learn more.
Uncovering broad-scale patterns from individual lake characteristics remains a key yet frequently underappreciated challenge in limnology. A novel framework for analysing lake hypsography across spatial scales—by aggregating the hypsographic profiles of individual lakes—provides a promising approach to tackle this complexity.… Click here to learn more.
By decoding the hidden signals in tree rings, scientists have uncovered significant shifts in the Amazon’s rainfall patterns over the past four decades—showing that wet seasons are becoming increasingly wetter, while dry seasons grow more intense.… Click here to learn more.
Extended droughts, raging wildfires, and critical water shortages. Sudden deluges that breach dams and unleash devastating floods.… Click here to learn more.
Karst groundwater systems are essential, supplying drinking water to nearly 10% of the global population. Yet, human impacts and climate change are increasingly compromising water quality and the fragile ecosystems that depend on them. This article explores how scientists model the movement of contaminants and outlines key directions for future research. Click here to learn more.
A recent UN-Habitat report warns that Kabul is grappling with an unprecedented water crisis, as groundwater levels plummet—threatening over 6 million residents. The report emphasises that local measures alone are insufficient to reverse the worsening trend. Click here to learn more.
Once overlooked in ocean chemistry, mesopelagic fish have now been shown to excrete carbonate minerals—just like their shallow-water relatives—despite inhabiting the deep, dark, high-pressure zones of the ocean. Click here to learn more.
For more than twenty years, satellites have been silently tracking a growing crisis—Earth’s continents are drying at rates never seen before. Click here to learn more.
Latest Jobs
“We are looking for a Junior Research Fellow to join the ANRF-Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PMECRG) project focused on groundwater modelling. This role may lead to a PhD opportunity depending on your performance.”Deadline for application: 21 Aug 2025.
“PhD student opportunity on coastal water quality at Florida State University. The position will involve water quality modelling, machine learning and remote sensing”.
“We are seeking a motivated PhD student to join our research group at the University of Toronto, starting in January 2026. This fully funded position will focus on advancing flood risk assessment and mitigation strategies for the Greater Toronto Area, combining hydrological and hydraulic modelling with risk-based planning to support resilient urban infrastructure”.
Latest Courses
Climate Risk Assessment in the Tea Industry
This course is designed to equip participants with the skills and tools needed to assess and respond to climate risks in tropical crop systems—specifically tea, cocoa, and coffee. It emphasises climate data analysis, risk prioritisation, and adaptation strategies to ensure sustainable production and protect farmer livelihoods.
Click here to Enroll
Implementation of Circular Economy in the Water Industry
To guide professionals in transitioning from linear water management—where water is treated as a single-use resource—to a circular economy model that emphasises reuse, recycling, and resource recovery. The course integrates sustainability principles with cutting-edge technologies to reshape how water is managed across industries.
Click here to Enroll
Introduction to GIS in Hydrology
To introduce learners to the fundamental concepts and applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in hydrological studies, including catchment analysis, digital elevation modeling, and spatial data processing for water resource management.
Click here to Enroll
Latest Books
HOW TO PRESERVE THE FRESHWATER DROPS LAST FOREVER? A Policy Book on Water Resources by Dr P M Natarajan
This 406-page policy-focused book explores the urgent need to conserve freshwater resources in the face of growing environmental, industrial, and societal pressures. Dr. Natarajan presents a comprehensive framework for sustainable water governance, blending scientific insights with actionable policy recommendations.The book serves as a policy blueprint for governments, NGOs, and water professionals aiming to preserve freshwater ecosystems and ensure equitable access for future generations. It aligns with global sustainability goals and offers a roadmap for long-term water security.
Click here to buy
Let's Save the Rain: A book on rainwater harvesting by Neha
Published by TERI in 2018, this 28-page illustrated book introduces young readers and curious minds to the importance of rainwater harvesting as a sustainable solution to water scarcity. It blends traditional wisdom with modern techniques, encouraging readers to rediscover ancient Indian practices and apply them in today’s context.
Click here to buy
On Water by Yann Arthus-Bertrand, European Investment Bank (Editor)
This visually evocative and philosophically rich essay marks the first installment in the Big Ideas series by the European Investment Bank. In just 38 pages, Yann Arthus-Bertrand—renowned French photographer and environmentalist—delivers a compelling meditation on the fragility of our freshwater resources and the urgent need for global stewardship.
Click here to buy
Latest Findings
1. Rainwater Harvesting Potential Assessment Using GIS and Electrical Resistivity
Study Location: Wadala Village, Solapur District, India
Key Findings:
GIS and resistivity surveys were used to identify optimal zones for rainwater harvesting.
Integration of remote sensing (RS) and GIS improved watershed management planning.
Source: Journal of Water Resource Engineering and Management, STM Journals
2. Water Quality Index Estimation Using AI Models
Application: Rain-fed river systems (e.g., Zohreh River)
Method: Principal Component Analysis (PCA) combined with AI for water quality prediction.
Implication: Enhances decision-making in rainwater reuse and treatment.
3. Underground Reservoirs for Urban Rainwater Management
Innovation: Use of bio-concrete and subsurface reservoirs to store rainwater and mitigate urban flooding.
Benefits: Cost-effective, sustainable, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Source: Journal of Water Resource Engineering and Management, STM Journals
Latest Journals/Special Issues
“Digital Innovation in Water Management: From Data Foundations to Autonomous Systems”. Journal: Cambridge Prisms: Water. Submission deadline: 15th December 2025.
Click here to submit.
"Coastal nature-based solutions: successes, failures, and future uncertainties". Journal: Environmental Management. Submission deadline: 31 August 2026.
Click here to submit.
“Environmental Frontiers for Water-Energy Nexus”. Journal: Engineering. Submission deadline: 31 December 2025.
Click here to submit.
or
Available for Free if you are a Paid Member of HydroGeek.
Enjoy fifteen days of free access to this post, no strings attached! Afterwards, unlock unlimited access and join the community for just Rs.600/= (or choose to pay in dollars). Upgrade now by clicking here and never miss out on valuable insights!": Click here and pay Rs.600/=( or buy in dollars)
You may also like :
3)International Journal of HydroClimatic Engineering: Call for Papers
4)Virtual Forum on Water and Power Engineering 2025: Call for Paper
5)Bio Inspired Optimization Technique Bundle Membership
6)How to open your own home page?(AD)
7)Podcast : Hydrology for Beginners
9)600 Interview Questions on Water Resources