Tensions build over water shortage.
Millions of people across northern India currently face water shortages that threaten their survival as the region attempts to cope with a severe prolonged drought. In many places, people have access to water for 30 minutes only once every seven days.

In Bhopal state, three people lost their lives as neighbors struggled with each other to obtain the precious fluid during the limited time that water was flowing through the pipes. The lack of rain is also affecting food supplies in regions such as Andhra Pradesh state, normally known as the rice bowl of India, where the monsoon
season so far this year has brought 43% below average precipitation.

We join the people of India in sorrow for their perilous situation as we pray for their safety and the life-giving blessing of rain. May we all be reminded to appreciate and conserve these precious resources as we strive to return balance and harmony to our planetary home.

In her tireless work to bring peace to the globe, Supreme Master Ching Hai has often addressed situations that may arise with climate change, as she did in the following excerpt from an April 2009 videoconference in South Korea, where she also offered the quickest solution.

Reference
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jul/12/india-water-supply-bhopal

India promotes organic produce farming.
The state of Maharashtra in India has announced a training program whereby nearly 6,500 farmers will learn organic growing practices. Once a grower completes the year-long course, he or she will be expected to allocate at least one hectare of land to this agricultural method.

The state has initiated this project in an effort to reverse the damage of prolonged chemical fertilizer and pesticide use for both the land and the farmers.

Certification is also being made available for those who wish to export their produce.Maharashtra, we send our accolades for your leadership in initiating this environmentally-friendly practice.

Blessed be all such endeavors to share the wholesome and plentiful benefits of organic vegan farming.
Reference
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Pune/Organic-farming-gets-a-boost/articleshow/4735839.cms

US House of Representatives passes measure to protect birds.
The legislative body voted to formally acknowledge a bird conservation program called the Joint Ventures for Bird Habitat Conservation Act of 2009.

Speaking of the initiative, US Congressman Frank Kratovil said, “This bill ensures that the land will be protected against development, and the health of the environment will be preserved.”

We are grateful, Representative Kratovil and all US legislators supporting the passage of this life-saving measure. Wishing you continued success in protecting our feathered co-inhabitants and the environment.  
Reference
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jul2009/2009-07-16-091.asp

Extra News
Eco-conscious English alternative rock band Radiohead with vegan lead singer Thom Yorke offer fans an alternative to concert t-shirts in the form of practical rain ponchos made of 100% certified recycled plastic bottles.  
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/07/radiohead-flogs-eco-gear.php

US Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announces that commercial logging on federal lands will be scaled back to offer greater protection to endangered animals such as the spotted owl.  
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31946602/ns/us_news-environment/


Internationally renowned eco-community, Findhorn in Scotland, launches Europe’s first organic waste water cleaning system, using only living plants and flowers.  
http://www.clipsyndicate.com/video/play/1025052/scotland_s_eco_haven?wpid=3132