An Ancient Indian Rainwater Collection System That Could be Revived

No Tech Magazine has this excellent article that should be of immense value as India struggles to cope with alternating dry spells and occasional very heavy rain on its coasts. Water Johads were the method of water storage before colonial rule, and they might be considered along with other rainwater harvesting methods being introduced these days. If they worked for thousands of years before the British came to India, there is no reason why they should not work now. Do follow No Tech Magazine and its associated Low Tech Magazine from the link above. There are amazing ideas to be gained from reading these fantastic publications.

Excellent Discussion on Solar Thermal Energy

An excellent post on the always excellent Low Tech Magazine website discusses the uses of Solar Thermal energy. Speaking in an Indian context, I have written about how some Indian states are doing a good job offering incentives for apartment buildings that use solar water heaters. I have also written about how religious bodies in India including the Shirdi Sai Baba complex and some others have begun using solar power to cook food for devotees. The potential to do much more than this exists. Please click on the link to learn how.

And, follow the Low Tech Magazine website. It is well worth checking out from time to time.

Taking Cycling Several Leaps Ahead

My close friends know how much I enjoy reading Low tech Magazine - there are few free resources on the internet that give as much information for those interested in forgotten technologies from the pre automobile era. This particular piece on Velomobiles (basically cycle cars)is one of the best that I have read in a long time. And the potential for a country like India is massive - India has a huge bicycle manufacturing sector, labor is cheap in India and there is a huge interest in cycling. I do think that an entrepreneur could tie up with one or another of the European companies designing and manufacturing these Velomobiles and build them for sale both in the local market and for export and offer them at far lower prices than they are sold for at the moment.

Think about it - speeds close to those at which cars drive in India with no need to fill any tank up - ever. No batteries to charge and you just get in and pedal away whenever you feel like it.