This book, COMPENDIUM ON IRRIGATION & DRAINAGE PRACTICES by Er. Bipin Bihari Sahay & Planner Vikas Kumar discusses the recent situations in the core sectors in the country related to water, like irrigation, drainage, sewage, etc. with best practices and recommendations of the same.
In addition, few new and interesting topics like virtual water is also explored. The readers would get more detailed insights of the deepening problems in the water scenario. Moreover, the book also throws lights upon how with use of sustainable practices, participative and effective government policies, along with a holistic approach, we can not only save the lives of our future generations but also contribute towards of our environment.
India is on the verge of one of the most severe water crisis in its history. Though India has been endowed with vast flowing rivers, lakes, glaciers, vast 7500 km sea line, still, due to unsustainable, ignorant, unsustainable water practices, frequent droughts, heatwaves, water scarcity, groundwater depletion has added fuel to the ongoing water crisis.
This book, "Compendium on Irrigation & Drainage Practices" by Er. Bipin Bihari Sahay and Planner Vikas Kumar is a timely and insightful work that addresses one of the most pressing issues of our era — the looming water crisis. Falling under the genre of environmental engineering, the book offers a structured, research-driven, and solution-oriented approach to the challenges that India faces in managing its water resources. What makes this compendium stand out is not only its technical rigour but also its accessibility to a wide spectrum of readers, ranging from engineering professionals and policymakers to students and environmentally conscious citizens. By combining scientific analysis with practical recommendations, the authors create a valuable resource that bridges the gap between theory and implementation.
The book begins by situating readers in the harsh reality of India’s water crisis, which is not merely a distant threat but an urgent and ongoing disaster. Despite being a land blessed with rivers, glaciers, lakes, and an expansive coastline, the country finds itself grappling with recurring droughts, depleting groundwater, shrinking aquifers, frequent heatwaves, and water scarcity at alarming scales. Sahay and Kumar do not shy away from identifying the root causes — unsustainable practices, mismanagement of resources, and policy gaps — that have exacerbated this fragile situation. Yet, rather than stopping at diagnosis, the book is designed as a compendium of best practices and actionable recommendations that can help mitigate the crisis!
One of the book’s most compelling aspects is its holistic perspective on water management. The authors weave together discussions on irrigation techniques, drainage systems, and sewage management with forward-looking concepts such as “virtual water” — the hidden water embedded in the production of goods and services. By doing so, they broaden the reader’s understanding of how water is not just a local resource but part of a global ecological and economic network. This integrated approach compels readers to think beyond conventional ideas of conservation and recognise the interconnectedness of agriculture, industry, urbanisation, and the environment.
The narrative is not restricted to technical jargon but consistently emphasises sustainability, participation, and policy. The authors argue that any long-term solution requires a combination of sustainable practices at the grassroots level, participative approaches that involve communities, and government policies that are not only effective but also holistic in design. They highlight that water management cannot be left to engineers or policymakers alone — it must be a shared responsibility involving citizens, industries, and institutions alike. The book’s vision is clear: to safeguard water resources is to safeguard the future of coming generations and, ultimately, the environment itself.
What makes "Compendium on Irrigation & Drainage Practices" particularly relevant is its balance of urgency and optimism. While it underscores the gravity of the crisis, it also reassures readers that solutions exist — solutions rooted in innovation, collaboration, and responsibility. On top of that the recommendations provided are practical, scalable, and adaptable, which makes the book not only informative but also actionable. For students and professionals in environmental engineering, it offers a consolidated resource of technical knowledge. For policymakers and planners, it serves as a guide to informed decision-making. For the general readers, it is a wake-up call to rethink our relationship with water!
In conclusion, Sahay and Kumar have delivered a compendium that is both intellectually rigorous and socially relevant. "Compendium on Irrigation & Drainage Practices" is not just a technical manual; it is a manifesto for sustainable living and responsible governance. In an age where India stands at the threshold of its most severe water crisis, this book provides the much-needed clarity, direction, and urgency to act. It is a MUST READ for anyone who wishes to understand the depth of the problem and, more importantly, be part of the solution.