This book addresses how water supply systems can be planned, designed and managed for sustainability by presenting unique approaches and methodologies in rural drinking water supply schemes. It synthesizes the outcomes and findings of research studies undertaken by the Institute for Resource Analysis and Policy (IRAP) and pilot projects undertaken by RCUES (Regional Centre for Urban Environmental Studies) of AIILSG, Mumbai in collaboration with government of Maharashtra, with technical support from other development partners on climate-resilient water and energy systems.

Backed by empirical research, this volume aims to build the conceptual foundations of the subject, additionally bringing in results of pilot projects that apply some of the models in water conservation, clean energy production and environmental management. Towards building a climate-resilient society, it also discusses the feasibility of reducing carbon emissions in rural water supply, to make it more energy efficient.

The book will be useful to students, researchers, and teachers working on Water Resources, Water Supply, Renewable Energy systems, Management of Climate-Induced Disasters, Water-Energy-Climate Policy, and Development Studies. This will also be an invaluable companion to policy makers, general administrators, civil society organizations, media persons, and bilateral agencies like WHO, UNICEF, UNDP, UNEP, World Bank and the Gates Foundation.

M. Dinesh Kumar is the Executive Director of Institute for Resource Analysis and Policy, an Indian think-tank on water management founded by him in 2008. He is a PhD in Water Management. He had a graduation in Civil Engineering and master’s degree in water resources management. He works on water, agriculture and energy related issues in India and internationally, heading several research and consultancy projects and training assignments of the organization. He is the author of nearly 300 research publications, including 11 academic books, 9 edited volumes, 120 book chapters and several international, peer-reviewed journal articles.

Yusuf Kabir has been working in the water and sanitation sector for the past 25 years. He has been with UNICEF India since 2007. His areas of specialization are: Rural and Urban Drinking Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene, Wastes Management, Environment, Climate Change Adaptations, Disaster Management and Sustainable Development. He has a post graduate degree in Environment Engineering and Management from India’s premier management Institute: Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management (IISWBM), PG in Sustainable Development from Staffordshire University, U.K. He is the author of two International edited volumes, several book chapters and eight peer-reviewed journal articles.