(Feature Image: Untreated effluents being discharged in Gang river through ‘Chor’ nullah in Kanpur on May 19, 2024. Image Source: Sceenshot of ABC News Media report)

The reports this week from Ganga basin rivers clearly show that after ten years of Namami Gange and NMCG (National Mission for Clean Ganga) efforts and expenditure of over Rs 40 000 Cr, there is no improvement in even river pollution, leave aside the state of river flows or state of the rivers in the Ganga basin.

In fact, there is nothing to show that even the new STPs are making any difference to the river even with respect to the limited objective of sewage treatment. As highlighted in the report below, until and unless the governance of STPs become more transparent, accountable and participatory, there is no hope for change, no matter how much money is spent, how much new STP capacity is added or what technology is used. Only a responsive, confidence inspiring governance can make a difference. But there is no interest in working in that direction from the government.

This is the situation of possibly world’s most worshipped river, where culture, prayers, scriptures and festivals have so much about the river. And after ten years of rule by a government that is supposed to value all this.

GANGA Namami Gange 10 years on, river still runs dirty Indeed, as far as the nearly Rs 40,000 crore is concerned this is mostly related to the construction of STPs and sewers and river infrastructure such as river bank ghats and so on, said water activist and expert Himanshu Thakkar, coordinator of the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People (SANDRP). “The objective of these wasn’t to improve the status of the river, or river flow. It was only to tackle the sewage flowing into the river. Even if you look at that limited objective, the whole emphasis has been on money, infrastructure and some on technology. But nothing addresses the issue of governance,” he told The Wire. “You can put in as much money, technology, or install as much infrastructure as you want to, but if that infrastructure doesn’t work as per its objectives and design, it is not going to help.”

– The Ganga has a long history of its STPs not functioning; in fact, nowhere are STPs functioning to their designed capacities, not even in Modi’s constituency of Varanasi, said Thakkar. Incidentally, Modi won from Varanasi in 2014, and one of his main promises was to clean up the Ganga. “Varanasi is also in a pretty bad situation even in terms of the limited objective of treatment of sewage,” Thakkar told The Wire. 

– There is also no data which shows that the STPs are actually functioning, Thakkar added. And the information that we do have about the functioning of STPs does not inspire much confidence, he said. “Moreover, smaller and decentralized STPs are a far better option than big, mega-STPs but we are not even considering this option.” Good governance will ensure that these ideal systems are in place, that they are monitored and that corrective measures are taken whenever necessary, Thakkar said. “Credible, independent, democratic, participatory governance is required at several levels, the STP, city, sub-district, district levels.”

– According to him, the government has also not done anything to improve the quantum of flow in the river or its status either; they’ve not even been assessing flow in the river, he told The Wire. All the barrages on the Ganga divert water from the river, and none of them maintain flow in the river. “The only thing they can claim to have done to maintain weather flow in the Ganga is the October 2018 notification on Ganga e-flows. But it is not based on any science, and not comprehensive.”

– To decide on environmental flows based on science, the first thing that needs to be done is define your objective, Thakkar clarified. “There can be many objectives – to sustain certain social services, environmental services, biodiversity, economic services that the river provides. Then based on those objectives, at different points on the river and in different seasons, you need to estimate how much water is required to achieve this objective. Then you need to ensure that that flow exists. But this has not happened.”

– Thakkar accuses that authorities just used a “thumb rule” to decide how much percentage of water should be released from specific projects on the Ganga. “The UPA-led government would at least listen to (Prof G D Agarwal’s) his concerns and implement the measures he wanted but the NDA government completely ignored him,” Thakkar told The Wire. “They let him die.” https://thewire.in/environment/ten-years-and-nearly-rs-40000-crore-later-the-ganga-still-runs-dirty-its-water-undrinkable  (17 May 2024)

Uttarakhand The serene tributaries of the Ganga have become battlegrounds in the fight against escalating pollution levels, as recent reports unveil a distressing reality. https://urbanacres.in/uttarakhands-rivers-grapple-with-escalating-pollution-crisis/  (08 May 2024)

कानपुर में नमामि गंगे मिशन फेल करने में जुटे अफसर. चोर नाले के जरिये गंगा में बहाया गया प्रदूषित पानी. ट्रीटमेंट प्लांट की मोटर हुई खराब, अधिकारी मनाते रहे छुट्टी. https://x.com/abcnewsmedia/status/1792194883643654581  (20 May 2024) कानपुर में सीधे गंगा में समां रहे हैं 6 नाले: नगर निगम ने बायोरेमेडिएशन किया बंद; पॉल्यूशन बोर्ड ने खोला सच, 5 लाख रुपए जुर्माना https://www.bhaskar.com/local/uttar-pradesh/kanpur/news/6-drains-are-directly-flowing-into-the-ganga-133038487.html  (18 May 2024)

Illegal floodplain encroachment & pollution continuing in Kanpur NGT, while hearing a recent case, has remarked that the Ganga’s floodplain at Sarjupurba, downstream of Ranighat in Kanpur district, is being illegally encroached in direct contravention of its 2017 order. Not just that, garbage, polythene and sewage are being dumped into the river, the bench of NGT Chairman and Justice Prakash Srivastava stated on April 22, 2024.

The bench, after perusing the report filed by the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department on February 10 this year, said the latitude and longitude provided by the Central Water Commission at the concerned place has not been marked as a ‘No Development Zone’ and ‘No Construction or Regulatory Zone’. Also, the order given in the 2017 Ganga verdict regarding the demarcation of floodplains has not been acted upon, said the bench. The next hearing of the case is now on August 5, 2024. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/pollution/ganga-illegal-floodplain-encroachment-pollution-continuing-in-kanpur-says-ngt-95952  (03 May 2024)

The UPPCB has imposed a fine of Rs 62 lakh for discharging filth into Ganga from Paramiya, Ranighat drains and STPs. Out of the fine amount, a fine of Rs 30 lakh has been slapped on the municipal corporation and the remaining on the Kanpur River Management Private Limited (KRMPL) company operating the STP. Notices have also been issued to both. The NGT has ordered bio-remediation of those drains which are not tapped and discharge effluents directly into Ganga. In view of this, the Kanpur Municipal Corporation is treating water of the three drains, including Sattichaura, Dabka falling into the Ganga and the two drains including Rafaka, falling into the Pandu river through bio-remediation method. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kanpur/kmc-fined-rs-62-lakh-for-discharging-filth-into-ganga/articleshow/107837900.cms  (20 Feb. 2024)

गंगा और पांडु नदी में रोज जा रहा 3.5 करोड़ लीटर गंदा पानी कानपुर में नालों को टैप करने और वीआईपी रोड में गंदे पानी का भराव रोकने के लिए तैयार किया गया प्रस्ताव एनएमसीजी में ठंडे बस्ते में पड़ा है। इस कारण सात नालों से रोज करीब साढ़े तीन करोड़ लीटर गंदा पानी गंगा और पांडु नदी में जाता रहेगा। इस पानी से गंगा गंदी होती रहेगी। गंगा नदी में बैराज के पास से ही नाले गिरने शुरू हो जाते हैं। जल निगम की रिपोर्ट के अनुसार इन नालों से रोज 1.2 से 1.5 करोड़ लीटर गंदा पानी गंगा नदी में प्रदूषण बढ़ा रहा है। गंदा नाला और रफाका नाला से पांडु नदी में रोज करीब दो करोड़ लीटर गंदा पानी पांडु नदी में जा रहा है। इससे इस नदी का पानी काला नजर आने लगा है। यह नदी भी फतेहपुर जिले की सीमा के पास गंगा नदी में मिलती है।

सीसामऊ नाले की तरह गंगा नदी में गिर रहे पांच नालों को टैप करने के लिए सवा साल पहले जल निगम ने 67 करोड़ का प्रस्ताव तैयार कर शासन के माध्यम से एनएमसीजी को भेजा था। जल निगम के अधिकारियों के अनुसार, पिछले साल अक्तूबर-नवंबर में प्रस्ताव की थर्ड पार्टी आकलन रिपोर्ट एनएमसीजी भेज दी गई थी। पर, वहां से अभी तक प्रस्ताव स्वीकृत नहीं हुआ है। प्रस्ताव वहां धूल खा रहा है। इस वजह से उक्त समस्या दूर नहीं हो पा रही है। डेढ़ महीने पहले जाजमऊ STP और करीब 400 करोड़ से नवनिर्मित सीईटीपी का निरीक्षण करने आए केंद्रीय जल संसाधन मंत्री गजेंद्र सिंह शेखावत ने दावा किया था कि सन् 2025 में प्रयागराज में कुंभ से पहले सभी नाले टैप कर दिए जाएंगे। पर, हकीकत यह है कि जब एनएमसीजी ने अभी तक नाले टैप करने का प्रस्ताव ही स्वीकृत नहीं किया है तो इन नालों का पानी गंगा और पांडु नदी में जाने से कैसे रोका जा सकता है? उनका दावा फेल होने की आशंका है। https://www.amarujala.com/uttar-pradesh/kanpur/proposal-to-tap-drains-stuck-3-5-crore-liters-of-dirty-water-is-going-into-ganga-and-pandu-river-every-day-2024-04-01  (01 April 2024)

कानपुर में गंगा और पांडु में बहाई 6 करोड़ लीटर गंदगी, कार्रवाई की चेतावनी का भी अफसरों पर असर नहीं https://www.livehindustan.com/uttar-pradesh/story-6-crore-liters-of-filth-flowed-into-ganga-and-pandu-in-kanpur-even-warning-of-action-has-no-effect-on-officers-9134523.html  (30 Dec. 2023) कानपुर: नमामि गंगे योजना के तहत गंगा को साफ करने के लिए करोड़ों रुपये खर्च कर दिए गए, लेकिन गंगा का जल आज भी दूषित है. कानपुर शहर में कई नाले गंगा में जाते थे. इस बीच विभागों द्वारा दावे किए गए की नाले टैप कर दिए गए, लेकिन अभी भी कुछ नाले गंगा में जा रहे हैं. इससे गंगा का जल लगातार दूषित हो रहा है. इसके चलते अब प्रदूषण नियंत्रण कंट्रोल बोर्ड ने दो विभागों पर गंगा को दूषित करने पर 35 लाख जुर्माने की संस्तुति की है. https://hindi.news18.com/news/uttar-pradesh/kanpur-ganga-water-news-pollution-control-board-imposed-rs-35-lakh-fine-on-municipal-corporation-and-jal-nigam-7812919.html  (08 Nov. 2023) कानपुर में गंगा में रोजाना 10 करोड़ लीटर गंदा पानी जा रहा:PM ने जिस नाले के बंद होने पर ली सेल्फी, वो भी गिर रहा https://www.bhaskar.com/local/uttar-pradesh/kanpur/news/kanpur-ganga-pm-narendra-modi-cm-yogi-kanpur-news-ganga-namami-gange-reality-check-of-increasing-pollution-in-ganga-132106726.html  (05 Nov. 2023)

एनजीटी ने अधिकारियों से यह सुनिश्चित करने को कहा है किसी भी तरह के दूषित जल को कटहल नाले में न छोड़ा जाए। बता दें कि कटहल नाला बारिश के पानी के लिए बनाया गया है, जो बलिया जिले में है। यह नाला गंगा नदी से भी जुड़ता है। एनजीटी ने 13 सितंबर, 2023 दिए निर्देश में कहा है कि साफ करने के बाद इस गंदे पाने को गंगा में छोड़ने के बजाय इसके उपयोग के अन्य उपाय किए जाने चाहिए। इस मामले में एनजीटी ने नौ फरवरी, 2023 को जारी संयुक्त समिति की एक रिपोर्ट का भी जिक्र किया है। रिपोर्ट के मुताबिक गंगा में हर दिन करीब दो करोड़  लीटर दूषित सीवेज छोड़ा जाता है। इतना ही नहीं छह अलग-अलग स्थानों पर नदी को साफ करने के प्रयास कितने कारगर रहे हैं इसके बारे में भी कोई जानकारी नहीं है। https://www.downtoearth.org.in/hindistory/pollution/water-pollution/environment-in-court-15-sept-2023-91786   (15 Sept. 2023)

Ganga has moved away from ghats and sand bars are emerging in river as water level sees sharp drop in Varanasi stretch in May month: -जलस्तर में घटाव का यही क्रम रहा तो 24 मई के आसपास गंगा का विगत पांच वर्षों के न्यूनतम जलस्तर का रिकार्ड ध्वस्त हो जाएगा. केंद्रीय जल आयोग के आंकड़े बताते हैं कि इस वर्ष 16 मई को गंगा का जलस्तर 58.95 मीटर रहा. यह गत वर्ष 29 जून को दर्ज किए गए गंगा के न्यूनतम जलस्तर 58.11 मीटर से 84 सेमी ही ज्यादा है. मानमंदिर घाट से सिंधिया घाट के बीच गंगा किनारे से आठ मीटर तक दूर जा चुकी हैं. गंगा विज्ञानी प्रो बीडी त्रिपाठी बताते हैं की वातावरण में तापमान की वृद्धि से वाष्पीकरण के तेज हो जाने से जलस्तर में तेजी से कमी हो रही है. गर्मी में बहुत सी सहायक और मौसमी नदियों का सूख जाना गंगा के जलस्तर में कमी का दूसरा बड़ा कारण है. https://journalistcafe.com/water-level-of-ganga-reduced-sand-visible-on-the-stairs-of-the-ghat/  (17 May 2024)

YAMUNA SANDRP Blog ‘Let Yamuna Flow’: A River’s Appeals to Political Parties

In the wake of Lok Sabha election 2024 in Delhi on May 25, the civil societies and concerned citizens on behalf of River Yamuna appeal to the political parties to address the critical issue of absence of environmental flows adversely impacting the river health in the national capital. https://sandrp.in/2024/05/20/let-yamuna-flow-a-rivers-appeals-to-political-parties/  (20 May 2024)

Delhi NGT seeks new report on floodplain encroachment Expressing dissatisfaction with a Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) report, NGT has requested a new one regarding the matter of encroachment in the O-zone or Yamuna floodplain within four weeks. Earlier this year, the tribunal took suo moto cognizance of a TOI report titled “161 illegal colonies on O zone making river water toxic” and sought explanations from various departments, including DPCC. On March 25, NGT had sought explanation from the DPCC and others regarding the matter. The O-zone is one of approximately 15 zones designated by Delhi Development Authority (DDA), which includes areas along the Yamuna and the riverfront. It holds ecological significance, is prone to floods, and should be a no-construction zone, yet it is vastly encroached upon.

“No one is present on behalf of the respondents – Delhi Jal Board, district magistrate, north Delhi, district magistrate, north-west Delhi, and district magistrate north-east Delhi…Learned Counsel appearing for the DDA has submitted that since the officers are busy in forthcoming Parliamentary Elections, therefore, response could not be filed and has prayed for four weeks’ time to file the reply… Response on behalf of DPCC dated May, 2024 has been filed but there is no reply on merit in that response and only plea is that the high level committee … has been asked to deal with the issue,” stated the bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava in an order dated May 15. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/ngt-seeks-new-report-on-floodplain-encroachment/articleshow/110256181.cms  (20 May 2024)

Govt to rename Najafgarh drain as Sahibi River – Delhi’s Irrigation and flood control (I&FC) department has initiated the process to rename the Najafgarh drain the Sahibi River in Delhi, officials said, after a proposal was submitted to the state names authority (SNA) under the urban development department, in a move to help authorities create awareness about the lost river. An application has been submitted on May 11 2024. The Sahibi River originates in Rajasthan and flows through Haryana before entering Delhi and merging with the Yamuna. In Delhi, the channelled course of the Sahibi River is presently called the Najafgarh drain.

– In a report submitted to the NGT, which had asked the Delhi government on February 7 “whether Najafgarh drain was at any point of time known as Sahibi River and whether the same could be renamed as Sahibi River for generating people’s support to its rejuvenation”, it said historical records dating to 1807 from the ”Environs of Delhi” showed the present Najafgarh drain as the “Sabee Nullah”.

– Manu Bhatnagar of INTACH said that around the 1860s, the Sahibi nallah was chalked out by creating a canal downstream of Najafgarh lake, which is when it became popular as Najafgarh drain. “If you look at man-made canals, they are generally straight, but the Najafgarh drain meanders along the city. This is because it was built along the original channel of the Sahibi River, which eventually flows into the Yamuna,” he said. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/delhi-to-turn-back-clock-on-najafgarh-drain-rename-it-sahibi-river-101715710141610.html  (15 May 2024)

2 drains in Sonipat impacting water in Yamuna, NGT told Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has informed NGT that it has identified two drains – drain numbers 6 and 8 in Sonipat with drain number 6 often overflowing into drain number 8 that runs parallel to it – which eventually reach the Yamuna in Delhi and impact the water quality of the Wazirabad pond. DJB report said treatment of water is hindered when pollution levels are high, and the situation has not improved despite letters having been sent to Haryana.

However, another report filed by HSPCB stated that a fresh survey of the drain number 6 has been conducted by the team of HSPCB and irrigation & water resource department. “It was found that still there are 21 number of point sources of untreated discharge exists in the drain number 6, out of which 17 number of point sources are related to Municipal Corporation Sonipat and 4 number of point sources are related to villages and to be tapped by panchayat raj department. Time-bound action plan for tapping of these point sources of untreated discharge has been submitted by the concerned authorities,” said the report by HSPCB official. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhi-jal-board-2-drains-in-sonipat-impacting-water-in-yamuna/articleshow/108278925.cms  (07 May 2024)

मार्च में ही यमुना सूखने लगी है. इसमें जल ना के बराबर दिख रहा है. पानी की जगह सफेद रंग का झाग बड़ी मात्रा में नजर आ रहा है. https://www.etvbharat.com/hi/!state/decreasing-water-level-in-yamuna-increases-tension-need-for-quick-action-dls24031803213  (18 March 2024)

Despite treatment, about 75% of the STPs being operated by the DJB are terribly failing to get even close to treating the e-coliform or fecal coliform which represents the presence of raw sewage and excreta in the water. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/why-75-of-delhis-stps-arent-ready-to-tackle-yamuna-stink/articleshow/107806060.cms  (19 Feb. 2024)

Uttar Pradesh This video report interviews Gangnauli villagers in Baghpat who have been suffering adverse health impacts including cancers due to groundwater pollution caused by severe pollution in Kali, Krishna and Hindon rivers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHuBLjb8fXE&t=198s  (15 May 2024)

Haryana Weak stand on plastic pollution harms IndiansResidents of villages around the refinery also spoke of having to deal with severe water pollution. They explained that the water that their borewells had been expelling over the last five years was often dark in colour, malodorous, and at times, even frothy.

-The Central Pollution Control Board team found that the groundwater quality could have deteriorated because the refinery was discharging untreated effluent outside the premises of the unit into a drain. This it noted, “may result in odour problem in the nearby areas besides deterioration of ground water quality”.

-Though residents once used borewell water for drinking, the team noted that water samples from sources in the vicinity of the refinery did not adhere to the acceptable norms for drinking water – rather, “significant values of Chemical Oxygen Demand”, an indicator of groundwater contaminated with external sources. https://scroll.in/article/1067786/how-indias-weak-international-stand-on-plastic-pollution-harms-indians  (15 May 2024)

Villagers demand  developing bridge over Yamuna Residents of Tapu Majri village in Yamunanagar district on Sunday (April 07) warned to boycott the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, demanding construction of a bridge over Yamuna river to access and connect the village with the district. The villagers held a panchayat and threatened to boycott upcoming Parliamentary elections if the state government did not take steps towards their demand. Tapu Majri village of this district is on the Uttar Pradesh (UP) side of the Yamuna river but it falls in the jurisdiction of Yamunanagar district of Haryana. Yamuna river is considered and works as border Yamunanagar district of Haryana and Saharanpur district of UP. The villagers said that they would also boycott upcoming Haryana state assembly elections after the Lok Sabha elections, if the government failed to meet their demand. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/yamunanagar-villagers-warn-to-boycott-lok-sabha-elections-demands-developing-bridge-over-yamuna/articleshow/109111883.cms  (07 April 2024)

HYDRO POWER PROJECTS

Himachal Pradesh Lambadug HEP Disaster: Company Negligence destroys Multhan A fresh incident of a disaster in a hydropower project occurred in Himachal Pradesh, this time in the Barot region of Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh on the 10th of May 2024. A massive seepage in the 25 MW Lambadug Power project works uphill of Multhan village and market, led to a flash flood like situation on the morning of the 10th and this was followed by a rockfall and landslide from the tunnel and penstock area about 12 hours later which brought a deluge of muck and sludge into the habitation. This led to unprecedented damages to the farm fields, homes and shops of Multhan village affecting about 60 to 80 families. The Himdhara Environment Research and Action Collective, who visited the area on 11th May 2024 to document the views of the affected people and observe the extent of damage and other impacts and look into the urgent issues surrounding the disaster, has prepared a report to be submitted to the authorities demanding immediate action. https://www.himdhara.org/2024/05/14/criminal-negligence-destroys-multhan-farms-and-market-in-barot-valley-kangra/  (14 May 2024)

“The EIA report is shoddy as is commonplace of such assessments,” says Manshi Asher, an environmental justice activist and researcher, who was part of the fact finding team of the Himdhara Collective. “These incidents show that not only mega projects but small and medium projects, too, can cause both short and long term disastrous impacts in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem and changing climatic conditions of the region,” said Himanshu Thakkar of the SANDRP. “A credible and independent EIA is the need of the hour to avoid disaster,” he added. https://www.newindianexpress.com/xplore/2024/May/18/himalayan-disaster-at-the-village-level  (18 May 2024)

This documentary film compiles testimonies from the affected area, a day after the disaster took place on 10th May 2024. The evidently shaken up residents call out the absence of proper assessment of environmental impacts apart from willful negligence, corruption and the company-government nexus compromising local communities’ constitutional rights. While the implementation agreement of the project was signed in 2008-09 with Hyderabad based KU hydropower limited, the company that executed the project is MEIL (with a full stake in KU hydro). MEIL is also been under scrutiny for being the second largest donor of electoral bonds. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UcaFpHQQaw  (16 May 2024)

Experts demand moratorium on new HEPs The project, constructed on the Lambadug river, is one among 40 projects in different stages of commissioning, construction, and planning on the Beas river and its tributaries. Nineteen of these projects are of 25 MW and above capacity with significant underground and surface excavation. The project, being executed by Megha Engineering Infrastructure Limited, had suffered leakage during the testing phase too. However, the volume of water was not large, and people were assured that the project would be operational only after all safety measures were taken.

-The May 10 incident affected nearly a 300-metre stretch of Multhan market and about 4 hectares of farmland. The foundations and lower stories of the structures in the affected area are covered in 6 feet of muck, the team of Himdhara Environment Research and Action Collective found. They said water leakage continues despite the claim of project authorities that the reservoir had been completely drained. Water is leaking from near the pressure shaft and the penstock below the forebay. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/renewables/himachals-hydro-project-leaked-in-test-phase-too-experts-demand-moratorium-on-new-projects/articleshow/110113230.cms  (14 May 2024)

-In a letter to CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, coordinator, Himalaya Niti Abhiyan (HNA), Guman Singh stated that such incidents had occurred in over a dozen hydro projects in the last around one decade. “There is an urgent need to carry out a safety audit of all the hydro projects, commissioned and under-construction. On the basis of the safety audit, new measures can be taken to ensure the safety of the citizens,” read the letter. The HNA also demanded a time-bound inquiry into the Lambadug hydro project water leakage. “This incident should be treated as a criminal offence and all negligent officials should be charged. Also, the project proponent must pay compensation and bear the cost of providing relief to the victims,” the letter mentioned. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/flooding-of-kangra-village-green-groups-seek-audit-of-hydro-projects/articleshow/110065228.cms  (13 May 2024)

The DC directed the Kundah Pumped (KU) Hydropower Project authorities to repair the damaged penstock before the onset of the monsoons, restore the local roads and public paths immediately and also remove the muck and debris accumulated in the houses and shops. The affected villagers told the DC that the power company had played havoc with nature, destroyed green forests and violated the environment laws. Besides, it hasn’t spared private land as large chunks of debris were stacked there. They said the government should also keep a check on panchayats to ensure that NOCs were granted to power companies for setting up new hydro projects in the Chhota Bhangal area after detailed discussions. Meanwhile, residents of the Chhota Bhangal area appealed to the CM for imposing complete ban on the construction of hydel power projects in the area as these have made their lives miserable. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/nine-days-on-kangra-dc-assures-help-to-penstock-deluge-victims-623017  (20 May 2024)

प्रशासन का मानना है कि कंपनी प्रबंधन तकनीकी जांच पड़ताल के बाद लिखित में यह देती है कि अब किसी भी तरह का खतरा नहीं है, तभी रेड से सेफ जोन में तब्दीली की जाएगी। वर्तमान में प्रभावित कंपनी की तरफ से बुक करवाए गए होटल में ही रह रहे हैं। कंपनी की तरफ से विभिन्न तकनीकी टीमें मौके पर आकर जांच-पड़ताल कर रही है। हालांकि घटना के सात दिन बाद भी अभी तक यह साफ नहीं हो पाया कि आखिर पानी का रिसाव कैसे हुआ और पानी लगातार कहां से आ रहा है। https://www.amarujala.com/shimla/multhan-market-in-red-zone-for-seven-days-due-to-danger-know-the-reason-2024-05-18  (18 May 2024)

मुल्थान बाजार में तबाही : 73 में से 30 प्रभावितों को दिए 1.05 करोड़ के चेक हैदराबाद से आई तीन सदस्यीय टीम ने पहाड़ी पर जायजा लिया और हर पहलू को बारीकी से जांचा। टीम यह जांच कर रही है कि रिसाव कैसे हुआ। जांच के बाद टीम कंपनी प्रबंधन को रिपोर्ट सौंपेगी और सुझाए गए उपायों पर काम होगा। कंपनी की तरफ से टनल के समीप लगे मलबे के ढेरों से आगामी समय में होने वाले नुकसान को रोकने का कार्य भी होगा, ताकि मुल्थान बाजार को भारी बरसात के दौरान संभावित खतरे को टाला जा सके। कंपनी की तरफ से पहाड़ी पर टनल से निकला हुआ मलबा डंप किया गया है। यह पानी के बहाव के साथ बाजार पहुंचा था। जबकि बाकी पहाड़ी पर ही मौजूद है। यहां बारिश के साथ भूस्खलन की आशंका बनी हुई है।https://www.amarujala.com/himachal-pradesh/mandi/devastation-in-multhan-market-checks-worth-rs-105-crore-given-to-30-out-of-73-affected-people-mandi-news-c-90-1-ssml1026-126467-2024-05-16  (16 May 2024)

Multhan deluge: 4 panchayats still cut off -Five days after the penstock of the 25-MW Kundah Pumped (KU) Hydropower Project burst leading to a flood in the Multhan area, four panchayats of Multhan, Dharman, Kothi Kohar and Bara Gram remained cut off from the rest of the state on Tuesday (May 14). Villagers are finding it difficult to take patients to hospitals, besides sending children to schools as debris that came along with gushing water is yet to be cleared off roads.

-Information gathered by The Tribune revealed that initially, Baijnath SDM Sanjiv Thakur had directed the hydro company to restore the road. However, the work could not be taken up as a dispute over the compensation amount arose between the affected villagers and the company. The affected villagers wanted the company to deposit the compensation amount into the state exchequer till a detailed inventory of the loss is finalised. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/multhan-deluge-four-panchayats-still-cut-off-621676  (15 May 2024)

Even after four days of the penstock burst at the 25-MW Lambadug hydro power project in Kangra district, the water leakage has not been plugged by the project management although an inquiry into the incident is under way. According to local residents, water from the power project site continues to reach Multhan village and the market below.

-An inquiry into the incident is also being conducted by a team of experts headed by a chief engineer from the department of energy of Himachal govt. The administration is also conducting a survey to assess the losses even as the project authorities have already announced to pay the compensation to villagers. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/water-leakage-at-25-mw-lambadug-hydro-power-project-in-kangra-district/articleshow/110130694.cms  (15 May 2024)

The project, constructed on the Lambadug river, is one among 40 projects in different stages of commissioning, construction, and planning on the Beas river and its tributaries. Nineteen of these projects are of 25 MW and above capacity with significant underground and surface excavation. The project, being executed by Megha Engineering Infrastructure Limited, had suffered leakage during the testing phase too. However, the volume of water was not large, and people were assured that the project would be operational only after all safety measures were taken.

-The May 10 incident affected nearly a 300-metre stretch of Multhan market and about 4 hectares of farmland. The foundations and lower stories of the structures in the affected area are covered in 6 feet of muck, the team of Himdhara Environment Research and Action Collective found. They said water leakage continues despite the claim of project authorities that the reservoir had been completely drained. Water is leaking from near the pressure shaft and the penstock below the forebay. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/renewables/himachals-hydro-project-leaked-in-test-phase-too-experts-demand-moratorium-on-new-projects/articleshow/110113230.cms  (14 May 2024)

-Senior officials of KU Hydropower Project company reached Multhan last night (May 12)from Hyderabad. The floodwater has damaged 50 houses, shops, hotels and restaurants in the Multhan market. Besides, the Multhan branch of Punjab National Bank, tehsil office, the state government’s fair price shop, a BSNL telephone exchange and the office of Horticulture Officer have suffered extensive damage.

-Many villagers claimed that the penstock had been leaking for one year while it was in the testing stage. Though the company had repaired the penstock, it burst due to the poor quality of construction, they said. Due to intermittent rain in the upper areas, water is now entering the market. No efforts have been made by the administration so far to remove the debris or divert the flow of water towards Uhl river. The incident has led to panic in the area, with villagers demanding action against the project management.

-The DSP said a FIR had already been registered and investigation into the incident was underway. The police were procuring documents from the company as well as from the state departments as part of the probe. He said no arrest had been made so far. “Technical glitches and other shortcomings will also be looked into during the investigation. Officials from the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited will assist the probe,” the Baijnath SDM added. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/multhan-incident-2-days-on-relief-rehab-work-yet-to-begin-620632  (13 May 2024)

Meghalaya Alert issued for residents downstream of Ganol dam The Executive Engineer, Ganol Civil Division-I, Tura Rongkhon, has informed that in view of the heavy rainfall, the sluice radial gates of the Ganol Small Hydroelectric Project (SHP) concrete dam may need to be opened at any time to release the water for the safety of the aforesaid dam and its structures. In this connection, all the villagers residing or working in the downstream area of the Ganol SHP dam have been cautioned against engaging in any activities near the banks of the Ganol River as the level of the river may suddenly rise due to opening of the gates of the dam.  https://theshillongtimes.com/2024/05/18/alert-issued-for-residents-downstream-of-ganol-dam-2/  (18 May 2024)

Jammu & Kashmir 4 houses damaged as land sinks in Udhampur Following the recent incident of land subsidence in Ramban district’s Pernote village, a similar phenomenon has hit Chenani village of Udhampur district, where three to four houses were damaged causing fear among the villagers, who have turned to the administration for help. The land subsidence occurred in ward number 5 of Tandhar Panchayat in Chenani tehsil.

-Addressing the issue, Chenani sub divisional magistrate Gurdev Kumar said, “Land subsidence has occurred in ward number 5 of Tandhar Panchayat where around 100 kanal land (12.5 acres) has been affected. Though 70% of it is forest land, three to four houses have been immediately affected by it.” The SDM informed that experts from the geology and mining department are being requisitioned to ascertain the triggers behind it and to analyse how much this phenomenon may extend.

-Frequent land subsidence in districts like Ramban and Doda and now in Udhampur in the fragile Himalayan region are being attributed to a multitude of factors including blasting and cutting of hills for roads and tunnels, proliferation of hydroelectric projects and murree formation of soil akin to Joshimath where sewerage water seepage into the ground cause land sinking. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/four-houses-damaged-as-land-sinks-in-udhampur-101715757500041.html  (15 May 2024)

According to this report on Bhaskar of May 16 2024, NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) team visited the sinking areas in Chanab valley in Ramban-Doda-Kistwar districts of J&K have opined that the sinking is not due to the tunnels and related works of hydro projects, highways and railways, but due to natural causes. It says water is flowing from some streams and is collecting in depressions, creating ponds, this should not be allowed to happen. Not very clear what this means.

Uttarakhand Lessons from a Himalayan village -In other words, Uttarakhand needs what is valorised as ‘development’. The mushrooming growth of fancy hotels, resorts and ‘second homes’ for rich people from Delhi and Mumbai; the unplanned urbanisation and resultant deforestation in the places like Bhimtal, Bhowali, Nainital, Almora and Mussoorie; the destruction of fragile mountains for building the Char Dham highway to enable affluent ‘pilgrims’ to drive their SUVs; and the environmental impact of a series of hydropower projects — Uttarakhand is repeatedly witnessing the devastating consequences of this sort of ‘development’ in the form of flashfloods, landslides, earthquakes and forest fires. It is sad that the legacy of the likes of Sunderlal Bahuguna and Chandi Prasad Bhatt, who strove for a pro-people, ecologically sustainable and life-affirming mode of development, has almost been forgotten in the hill state. (Avijit Pathak, Sociologist) https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/comment/lessons-from-a-himalayan-village-620882  (14 May 2024)

MoEF Agenda of EAC meeting on River Valley Projectsto be held on May 28 2024:

1. Maa Ratangarh Multipurpose Project erstwhile Sindh (Seondha) Barrage project (CCA: 78,484 ha and 9 MW) in 3337.63 Ha near village Dangdiroli, Tehsil Seondha, Dist Datia, Madhya Pradesh by Water Resource Division, District Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh – Environmental Clearance

2. Pedakota Pumped Storage Project (1800 MW), in 202.11 ha. at Village Dayarti, Tehsil Ananthagiri, Dist, Alluri Sitharama Raju, Andhra Pradesh by Adani Green Energy Ltd – Terms of References

3. Musakhand Pumped Storage Project (600 MW), in 344.609 ha. at Village Janipur, Malhar, Munsakand and etc, Sub Dist Chakia, Dist Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh by Acme Cleantech Solutions Pvt Ltd – Amendment in Terms of References

4. New Mullaperiyar Dam in 39 ha. (CCA 92963 Ha) at Village Periyar, Taluk Peerumade, Dist Idukki, Kerala by Irrigation Design & Research Board, Govt. of Kerala –Terms of References

5. Kamala Hydro Electric Project (1720 MW), in 4001.67 ha. at Village Amperi, Baktap, Rabam and etc, Sub District Kamporijo Circle, Dist Kamle, Arunachal Pradesh by Acme Cleantech Solutions Pvt Ltd – Terms of References

6. Naying Hydro Electric Project of 4×250 MW on river Siyom, in 470.8 ha. at Village Yapik, Hone, Lipo, Row and etc, Sub District Payum Circle and tato, Dist Shi Yomi & Siang, Arunachal Pradesh by North Eastern Electric Power Corp Ltd. – Terms of References https://parivesh.nic.in/utildoc/67797680_1715670925840.pdf

Relevant decisions of meeting of FAC held on Apr 30 2024:

1. Diversion of 315.74 ha forest land for Renovation of Asolamendha Irrigation Project in Saoli, Mul and Pombhurna talukas of Chandrapur District in Mah: MORE INFO SOUGHT.

– The Asolamendha Irrigation Project is a medium irrigation project in the Chandrapur District which was completed in 1914. As it was constructed in British Era, at that time forest land was acquired for submergence and Canal system as per Various Notifications of Forest Department. Now it is proposed to raise the height of existing Asolamendha Dam by 2.70 M. The area is important from wildlife point of view and also reported the

presence and movement of Tiger & Leopard in the proposed forest land. Out of 315.74 ha forest area proposed for diversion, 267.33 ha area has been moved for clearance from NBWL. 1,17,224 no. of trees of various species and girth class are standing in the area proposed for diversion. Further the Regional Office, Nagpur in its site inspection report mentions that total 7501 trees are to cut only for the renovation of canal network. The trees in the submergence area are to be retained, which will eventually die out.

– The irrigation potential of the instant project will increase from 9919 ha to 54879 ha which is more than five times. This implies that the volume of water to be stored/ held by the dam with an increased height is going to be many fold as compared to its present capacity. The committee therefore was concerned

regarding the safety and stability of the existing dam structure and its capacity to hold such a huge volume, in view of the fact that the dam has been constructed in the year 1914.

2. Diversion of 17.00 ha. of forest land for underground work of URI-I Stage II HE Project, District Baramulla UT of Jammu & Kashmir: The proposal shall be deferred till the State Govt obtain the Cumulative Impact Study (CIS) and Carrying Capacity Study (CCS) report for the Jhelum River Basin, as per para 9.3 of chapter 9 of the consolidated guidelines issued by the Ministry on 29.12.2023; Site Suitability certificate for CA land by the DFO concerned shall be submitted; Comments of Chief Wildlife Warden, Jammu & Kashmir Government for the land proposed for diversion along with conservation measures, if required, may be submitted since there is presence of Black Bear on it.

3. Policy Agenda No. 1: Temporary Use of forest land for river dredging at Raison, Jia and Chhoj Nalla: APPROVED

– The PCCF, Government of Himachal Pradesh, adverting to the imminent threat posed by accumulation of river-borne material along the Beas River, has requested the MoEF&CC to allow dredging of the Beas River, Parvati River and Choj nalla in Kullu district to mitigate the risk of further damage, particularly during the impending monsoon season. Submission made by the State are given as under:

(a) As per recommendations made by the Committee constituted on 27 July 2023, it has been deemed necessary to undertake river dredging, as a shortterm mitigation measure, to protect vulnerable sites along the Beas, Parabati, Sainj, and Tirthan rivers. The three most vulnerable sites are Raison, Jia Bhunter, Chij nalla at Manikaran are located along the river Beas and Parvati. These sites have 1,63,126 T of accumulated RBM material. Collection and disposal of the dredging material shall be done by the DDMA at its own level. https://forestsclearance.nic.in/writereaddata/FAC_Minutes/51115123912151ApprovedMoMofACdated30-04-2024-Parivesh1.pdf

DAMS

Kaleshwaram Project Govt plans repairs at Medigadda barrage A decision on taking up repair works in view of the upcoming monsoon season is expected to be made at the next meeting of the state Cabinet. CM A. Revanth Reddy is believed to have asked the Irrigation Department to take necessary measures immediately to prevent further damage to the barrage during monsoon. The repair works are expected to help in storing the water in the barrage to meet irrigation requirements. The issue was to come up for discussion at the Cabinet meeting on Saturday (May 18) but the meeting could not take place as the Election Commission of India’s nod was not received for the it. The state government had sought the poll panel’s nod in view of the Model Code of Conduct for ongoing elections to Lok Sabha. https://www.siasat.com/telangana-govt-plans-repairs-at-medigadda-barrage-of-kaleshwaram-project-3028672/  (19 May 2024)

CM A Revanth Reddy on May 18 2024 stressed the need to take a decision on Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages of Kaleshwaram irrigation project in the cabinet meeting soon as there is only a month left for monsoon to hit the state. He highlighted that the National Dam Safety Authority, in its interim report, had made it clear that a threat cannot be ruled out to the barrages even if repairs and restorations works are taken up on damaged portions of the barrages. “Whether repairs should be done? Or are there any alternatives? What other steps can be taken to avoid further damage? All such crucial decisions have to be taken together with the officials of the irrigation department,” he said. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/need-to-take-decision-on-medigadda-soon-says-cm/articleshow/110241321.cms  (19 May 2024)

The CM is said to have expressed the view that L&T, executing agency of the Medigadda barrage, has to take total responsibility for the restoration with no monetary damages to the government. He is said to be disappointed with the way the agency first agreed to take up repair on its own and backtracked later. He also wanted action against the engineers who gave the completion certificate first and later, an extension of time certificate to the agency. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/govts-dilemma-on-medigadda-repairs-continues-cm-wants-action-against-officials-over-clearance-certificate/article68193406.ece  (20 May 2024)

Monsoon protection work on Medigadda may be limited to lifting gates The irrigation department has reportedly instructed L&T, the company responsible for constructing the Medigadda barrage, to initiate work promptly based on recommendations from the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA), as outlined in an interim report submitted to the state government earlier this month. It is understood that the company received a copy of the NDSA’s interim report on May 15. Sources indicate that the irrigation department held extensive discussions with engineers from L&T and its own team over the past three days, emphasising the need for the NDSA-recommended works to be completed by June 10. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/monsoon-protection-work-on-medigadda-may-be-limited-to-lifting-gates-894140  (15 May 2024)

Telangana NDSA team to reassess Srisailam dam safety on May 18 A team of the NDSA will be revisiting the Srisailam project on May 18 as part of a stock taking exercise. The team which is likely to have experts from the Central Water Commission (CWC) will assess the safety aspects of the dam ahead of the onset of monsoon. The NDSA, according to sources, was not happy with the maintenance of the project for quite some time.

– The NDSA team visited both Naragurjuna Sagar and the Srisailam projects in Feb 2024 to conduct safety inspection of the project structures. Responding to its report, the State government of Telangana stepped up the pace of maintenance works even as its officials had to face hurdles in gaining access to the project site following the deployment of CRPF after the Andhra Pradesh bid to take control of half of the dam gates on its end. The works taken up on the dam are nearing completion. So far as the Srisailam project was concerned, no significant headway could be made in respect of most of its repairs.

– The NDSA team wanted the Irrigation department of AP to take certain precautions and initiate special measures to ensure total safety in the operations pertaining to the radial gates, water pumping facilities and the plunge pool located at the outlet of the spillway. The project authorities had proposed works accordingly with an outlay of Rs 135 crore. The 60-year-old Srisailam dam is a joint project of both AP and Telangana and it was in need of a major rehabilitation initiative, said officials.

– The NDSA which proved to be prompt in responding to the structural issues noticed in Medigadda barrage on Godavari involving the State government of Telangana, lacked a serious approach so far as the maintenance of Srisailam project on which AP continues its operational control.

– The NDSA was yet to respond on the Annamayya project that was partially washed away in Kadapa district and the Polavaram project diaphragm wall left damaged in flood couple of years ago. The NDSA cannot treat the states of Telangana and AP with two different yardsticks in getting the repairs completed on the joint projects, pointed out officials of TS Irrigation Department. https://telanganatoday.com/ndsa-team-to-visit-srisailam-dam-to-reassess-project-safety-on-may-18  (14 May 2024)

Farakka Barrage Long piece in Bangla on Farakka Dam on Farakka March day 2024. https://www.bbc.com/bengali/articles/c0jkj98g48po  (16 May 2024)

Gujarat Floodgates of Machchu-II dam to be replaced The irrigation department has opened floodgates of Machchhu-II dam to drain water from the reservoir to replace five floodgates, which have become very old and are not deemed fit for operation. “We opened floodgates of Machchhu-II on Sunday and are discharging 1,400 cusec. We increased the discharge gradually to take it to 3,100 cusecs,” said Preksha Goswami, executive engineer of Rajkot irrigation circle. “Five of the 20 floodgates in the new spillway were installed in 1989 and have become weak. The government has decided to replace these. For that, we need to reduce water level in the dam,” Goswami said. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/floodgates-to-be-replaced-lowering-of-water-level-starts-at-machchhu-ii-dam-9329260/  (15 May 2024)

This (Gujarati) report from Bhaskar shows that a village just 5 km from the massive Ukai dam is struggling for water.

Ken-Betwa Linking Bundelkhand: No immidiate solutions to real water problems Biased reporting by TOI with categorical, unsubstantiated statement, not even quoting anyone: “The river-linking project will benefit the Bundelkhand region of both MP and UP. Once implemented, the project will provide annual irrigation to 10.6 lakh hectares of land across Chhattarpur, Tikamgarh, Panna, Sagar, Damoh and Datia districts of MP and Banda, Mahoba, Jhansi and Lalitpur districts of UP.” Its possibly statements like that which are the biggest reasons for no real immediate solutions to Bundelkhand’s real water problems. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/lok-sabha-polls-ken-betwa-link-statehood-remain-hot-button-issues/articleshow/110187967.cms#google_vignette  (17 May 2024)

‘Rampant corruption in Bundelkhand package’ Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh speaks out about the Ken Betwa Link viability and corruption in Bundelkhand package. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/elections/lok-sabha/uttar-pradesh/under-modi-govt-implementation-of-bundelkhand-package-plagued-by-rampant-corruption-congress/articleshow/110209687.cms  (17 May 2024)

Six of the seven districts in the poll-bound Bundelkhand region of UP, spread over four parliamentary constituencies, come in the top 100 riskiest districts in the country in terms of their vulnerability to climate change and future hazards, and this is reflected on the ground in depressed agricultural activities, water scarcity and land degradation in all four Lok Sabha seats that will go to poll on Monday (May 20). https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/in-bundelkhand-the-fields-are-thirsty-for-water-people-for-change/articleshow/110254816.cms  (20 May 2024)

INTERSTATE WATER DISPUTES

Cauvery Water Disputes Ensure flows as per SC order: CWRC Cauvery Water Regulation Committee on Thursday (May 16) said Karnataka govt should ensure the natural environmental flows at Biligundlu, the inter-state border, for the rest of May, in accordance with Supreme Court’s order. Karnataka govt had earlier contended that storage in Cauvery reservoirs was reserved only for drinking water supply and water could not be released to Tamil Nadu, sources said.

The meeting in hybrid mode took place against the backdrop of a significant fall in storage in Mettur reservoir in Salem district. The main water source for the delta region has a storage of only 18tmcft as against its capacity of 93.47tmcft. About 1,500 cusecs of water is being released for drinking water supply and environmental needs. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/ensure-cauvery-flows-as-per-sc-order-cwrc-to-ktaka/articleshow/110189660.cms  (17 May 2024)

Wayanad: Projects to tap river water drag on The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) had in its verdict in 2007, allocated 30 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic feet) of river water for the state. This included 20.56 TMC for Wayanad. As per the data of the irrigation department, the district is utilizing only less than 4 TMC water so far. It has been cited that if the state fails to tap the water from the tributaries before 2033, the CWDT would revise the allocation and would divert the share to other states.

-The major attempt in utilizing the water was the construction of Karappuzha Dam which has a capacity of 2.78 TMC. Though there are many check-dams, most of them are defunct. The only silver line is the Kadmanthode project aims at utilizing 0.51 TMC water in the Kabani basin, whereas thetribunal had allotted 1.53 TMC water for the project. The original proposal was to tap the water of the river Kadamanthodu through seven small and medium projects utilizing a total of 1.53 TMC water. It was however scaled down to minimize the social impact as there were widespread protests from various sections. https://www.onmanorama.com/content/mm/en/kerala/top-news/2024/05/07/wayanad-border-villages-water-cauvery-river.html  (07 May 2024)

URBAN RIVERS

Pune River Ghotala (Scam) song by citizens in Pune.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAmeYAvTSks  (15 May 20243)

MPCB seeks time-bound action plan for STPs upgradation In a letter issued to the PCMC, the MPCB highlighted that the PCMC generates about 353 MLD domestic effluent however only 300 MLD domestic effluent is treated while the remaining 53 MLD is discharged without any treatment into various nullahs that ultimately meet the rivers in Pimpri-Chinchwad. There is no uninterrupted, 24×7 power supply to the STPs and the untreated sewage discharged into various nullahs finally flows into the rivers in the PCMC jurisdiction.

The MPCB also highlighted that in the catchment area of the Pawana river, installed sewage treatment capacity is 260 MLD whereas only 229 MLD sewage is treated and the remaining 31 MLD untreated sewage is discharged into the Pawana river. Furthermore, there is no STP for the treatment of domestic effluent generated from the Kudalwadi, Chikhali, Moshi and Talwade areas, and the untreated domestic effluent is discharged into various nullahs that flow into the Indrayani river.

Presently, the PCMC has installed and is operating a total of 16 STPs out of which five STPs have been commissioned before 2003 and are designed for treated effluent parameter BOD as 30 mg/litre; nine STPs have been commissioned between 2003 to 2013 and are designed for treated effluent parameter BOD as 20 mg/lit; and two STPs have been commissioned in December 2023 and are designed for treated effluent parameter BOD as 10 mg/lit. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/pune-news/mpcb-directs-pcmc-to-submit-time-bound-action-plan-for-upgradation-of-existing-stps-101715974460335.html  (18 May 2024)

Chandigarh City Beautiful, with awful sanitation? Dadumajra landfill site is created close to Patiala Ki Rao stream in Chandigarh: -What the dump could do to the entire city can be gauged from the fact when a fire at the dumping ground breaks out. And it not just engulfs the entire city with smoke but also the water tanks run dry to douse those fires. As many as 486 incidents of fire took place from year 2005 till July 2021. Apart from the harmful impact caused by the fire- both environmentally and health-wise, data revealed that about 40 lakh litres of water (from 2016 to 2021) was consumed in dousing these flames.

-In 2019, before the Lok Sabha election that year, it was announced that the administration will get rid of the dump at the Dadumajra dumping ground as the project of legacy mining will help clear 5 lakh metric tonnes of waste. After election, It was said that only that waste which was dumped in Dadumajra prior to 2008 will be cleared for this Rs 34 crore amount allotted to the project. However, waste amounting to around 7.67 lakh metric tonnes dumped after 2008 was not included in the ‘mega project’– tender of which was awarded afresh and given in an additional Rs 68 crore amount.

-Again before the Lok Sabha polls now , another key promise has been made which is getting a new agency to run the sole waste processing plant. And, it would involve Rs 400 crore funds to get a company that runs the plant — which JP was doing prior to 2020. It is said it will require two years of execution and would be given for 15 years. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/chandigarh-city-beautiful-with-awful-sanitation-9324767/  (13 May 2024)

RIVERS

Study Nearly 6 million trees disappeared from farmlands in 3 years According to a University Denmark study just published, between 2019 and 2022, India lost mind boggling 5.8 million larger trees from farmlands. This only reinforces the increasing degradation of our river basins. https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/nearly-6-million-trees-disappeared-from-farmlands-in-three-years-says-satellite-mapping-study/article68187264.ece  (17 May 2024)

Bihar Interesting to know this University of Bihar govt has Centre for River Studies.

CAUVERY Karnataka Activists alarmed as trees chopped near Talacauvery WS According to environmental activists, the Mundrote Forest Range, located near the Kerala border where the alleged illegal activity took place, is renowned for its rich flora, which includes over 6,000 species of trees and plants. Thamoo Poovaiah, environment activist based in Kodagu said, “This area is located near the Talacauvery Sanctuary, recognised as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Karnataka. It is characterised by dense tropical evergreen forests that have largely remained untouched. The perpetrators have burnt the felled trees, increasing the risk of a forest fire that could have potentially spread to other parts of the Talacauvery Sanctuary. “The Forest Department has failed to control such activities in the district and has been unaware of perpetrators burning trees, risking forest fires spreading to nearby areas. The accused have cleared more than five acres of reserve forest, an action with potentially serious ecological repercussions,” he added. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/environment-activists-alarmed-as-trees-chopped-and-burnt-near-talacauvery-wildlife-sanctuary-in-kodagu-coorg-karnataka/article68173881.ece  (14 May 2024)

NARMADA Madhya Pradesh This Bhaskar report talks about a new plan to store monsoon Kshipra water in a 55 MCM reservoir and release it in the river post monsoon during the Kumbh Bathing celebrations, where since 2016, Narmada water is being used.

Insufficient details to give any view, but from the available information, it is doubtful if this Rs 667 Cr project will succeed in achieving the stated objectives. https://www.bhaskar.com/local/mp/bhopal/news/rain-water-will-be-collected-25-km-away-from-ujjain-133036394.html  (18 May 2024)

कागजी साबित हो रहे प्रदूषण मुक्त के दावे नर्मदा के पवित्र जल में नालों का गंदा पानी मिलने का सिलसिला जारी है। पिछले दो दिनों से हो रही वर्षा से शनिचरा वार्ड स्थित नाले में पानी आ गया यही पानी नर्मदा जल में मिल रहा है। पर्यटन घाट पर गंदा पानी जमा होने से गंदगी भी फैल गई है, जिसके चलते इस घाट पर श्रद्धालु भी नहीं पहुंच रहे हैं। स्थानीय लोग भी यहां पर नहीं आ रहे हैं। कोरीघाट व सेठानीघाट के बीचों बीच स्थित पर्यटन घाट के सुंदरीकरण के लिए लाखों रुपये नगर पालिका की ओर खर्च किये जा चुके हैं। नाले के गंदे पानी को रोकने की व्यवस्था नहीं की जा सकी है। नर्मदा जयंती के अवसर पर प्रदेश सरकार के मुखिया मुख्यमंत्री डॉ मोहन यादव ने 15 करोड़ से नाले निर्माण की घोषणा की है। जानकारों का कहना है कि सीवेज ट्रीटमेंट प्लांट को जब तक पूरा नहीं किया जाएगा तब तक नालों का गंदा पानी मिलता रहेगा। एसटीपी यानी सीवेज ट्रीटमेंट प्लांट का काम भी कई सालों में पूरा नहीं हो सका है। https://www.naidunia.com/madhya-pradesh/hoshangabad-narmadapuram-news-dirty-drain-water-is-getting-into-narmada-river-claims-of-pollution-free-are-being-proved-on-paper-8300570  (12 April 2024)

RIVERS BIODIVERSITY

Maharashtra Rare leopard cat spotted in Pench TR for first time! Pench Tiger Reserve has recorded the sighting of an elusive leopard cat, scientifically known as Prionailurus bengalensis. It has been sighted for the first time, as confirmed by a senior forest official on Sunday (May 12). This sighting marks a significant milestone, being the first of its kind in central India. Deputy Director Prabhu Nath Shukla elaborated that a camera installed in the vicinity of Narahar village in Pench, Nagpur district, captured an image of the elusive feline within the confines of a seasonal stream. This notable observation signifies the inaugural documentation of the leopard cat’s existence in central India.

-Pench Tiger Reserve derives its name from the meandering Pench River that flows through its heart. Renowned for its dense teak forests, Pench provides a vital habitat for a plethora of wildlife. Beyond its natural splendor, Pench serves as a crucial wildlife corridor, linking neighboring reserves and facilitating the movement of diverse fauna. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/travel-news/rare-leopard-cat-spotted-in-maharashtras-pench-tiger-reserve-for-the-first-time/articleshow/110078965.cms  (13 May 2024)

Arunachal Pradesh Red panda sighted in EWS A camera trap installed in the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary (EWS) in Singchung subdivision in West Kameng district captured a red panda recently. Range Forest Officer (RFO) Yachang Kani said, “This is a significant sighting of a highly endangered species. The sighting of the red panda indicates that the EWS is an ideal habitat for it.” “While this is not the first time that a red panda has been sighted, the species is rare and highly endangered, and we must protect their habitats,” he said.

-The red panda, also known as ‘firefox’ for its striking red and white fur, is a highly endangered species native to the eastern Himalayas, with a global population of less than 10,000 individuals. As a result, conservation efforts are crucial to protect these animals and their habitats. https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2024/05/14/red-panda-sighted-in-ews/  (14 May 2024)

Giant shrike bird spotted in Tawang A physiotherapist from Mumbai, Kalyan Kapdi, who was on a family holiday in March, found the bird species while visiting Sangetsar Lake in Tawang district. This is the first time that a giant shrike has been recorded in India; otherwise, this particular species has been recorded in China. https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2024/05/15/giant-shrike-bird-spotted-in-tawang/  (14 May 2024)

FISH, FISHERIES, FISHERFOLKS

Maharashtra Port project cleared despite opposition from fishing villages -A fisher, Ramdas Vinde said, “The government wants to develop this area with the port but we are already developed. We have a thriving gold-die and fishing business. We employ so many people. Instead of developing us the government is destroying us.” Even if the port developers assure the community that villages won’t be displaced, Vinde said they would have to leave as living next to such large port would deprive them of a livelihood and they fear that they would be displaced. https://india.mongabay.com/2024/04/port-project-in-maharashtra-cleared-by-environment-ministry-despite-opposition-from-fishing-villages/  (23 April 2024)

SAND MINING

Rajasthan No mining within 1-km radius around tiger habitats: SC A bench of Justices B R Gavai, S V N Bhatti and Sandeep Mehta pointed out that on April 26, 2023, the court, in a judgment, had said that mining within 1-km from the boundary of a national park or a wildlife sanctuary shall not be permissible. It added, “as such the prohibition… will be automatically applicable even to the critical tiger reserves”. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/no-mining-within-1-km-radius-around-tiger-habitats-sc-to-rajasthan-9331911/  (16 May 2024) The history of Supreme Court orders against illegal mining in Sariska reserve. https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-illegal-mining-in-sariska-9339325/  (20 May 2024)

वन विभाग टीम पर हमला किया, जब्त ट्रैक्टर, JCB भी छुड़ा ले गए – अलवर में अवैध खनन रुकवाने पहुंची वन विभाग की टीम पर खनन माफियाओं ने हमला कर दिया. इस दौरान वन विभाग द्वारा पकड़े गए ट्रैक्टर ट्राली और JCB मशीन को आरोपी छुड़ाकर अपने साथ ले गए. वन कर्मियों ने मामले की लिखित शिकायत पुलिस को दी. पुलिस ने 16 लोगों के खिलाफ FIR दर्ज करके मामले की जांच पड़ताल शुरू की है. https://www.thelallantop.com/news/post/alwar-illegal-mining-mafia-attack-on-forest-department-team-rajasthan  (2 May 2024)

Madhya Pradesh शहडोल में हर महीने 1 करोड़ की रेत चोरी एएसआई की हत्या के बाद से ही दैनिक भास्कर की टीम शहडोल के ब्यौहारी क्षेत्र में इस बात की तफ्तीश कर रही है कि आखिर रेत माफिया इतना बेखौफ क्यों है? तो पता चला कि रेत का अवैध कारोबार मुनाफे का धंधा है। यही वजह है कि लीज पर ली जाने वाली वैध खदानों से भी अवैध तरीके से रेत का खनन हो रहा है। इस अवैध या अतिरिक्त निकाली जाने वाली रेत को डंपर या हाईवा में ओवरलोड कर न केवल एमपी बल्कि यूपी और छत्तीसगढ़ के बाजार में खपाया जा रहा है बल्कि इस तरह से हर महीने 1 करोड़ रुपए की रेत चुराई जा रही है।

-ब्यौहारी में 4 मुख्य नदियां हैं- सोन, बनास, समधिन और झांपर। इन चारों नदियों में 35 मुख्य जगहों पर रेत का खनन होता है। हालांकि, स्थानीय लोगों की मानें तो इन नदियों पर वैध और अवैध मिलाकर करीब 80 खदानें हैं। यहां से हर दिन 500 गाड़ियां निकलती हैं। एक भी ऐसी गाड़ी नहीं होती जो ओवरलोड न हो।

-खनन माफिया एक ओर जहां ओवरलोड रेत परिवहन करके राजस्व के साथ प्रधानमंत्री ग्राम सड़क योजना (PMGSY) में बनी सड़कों को भी नुकसान पहुंचा रहे हैं। PMGSY के नियमों में साफ लिखा है कि उसकी सड़कों पर 10 टन की क्षमता से ज्यादा वाले वाहन पूरी तरह से प्रतिबंधित है, लेकिन खदान से निकलने वाले हाईवा और डंपर 40 और 50 टन से ज्यादा रेत भरकर सड़कों पर दिखाई देते हैं। यही वजह है कि सड़कें कुछ दिनों बाद ही खस्ताहाल हो जाती है। https://www.bhaskar.com/amp/local/mp/news/police-revenue-and-rto-are-under-the-control-of-mining-mafia-133003452.html  (11 May 2024)

Kerala Pvt firm wins black sand mining contract in Thottappally The contract to mine black sand at Thottappally has been awarded to a private firm Indian Rare Earths Ltd (IRE). The company will also outsource the removal of black sand from the coast to another firm.Concerns have been raised that this arrangement will benefit private black sand companies. Since 1954, the Department of Water Resources has been overseeing black sand mining at Thottappally. The sand is extracted to facilitate the draining of water from Kuttanad to the sea during floods. For the past three years, this task has been delegated to private sand mining companies.

The objective of these companies is to transport black sand alongside regular sand. Last year, permission for sand mining was granted to KMML, a state government entity. This year, IRE Ltd. has assumed responsibility. However, there are allegations that subcontracting by IRE will indirectly benefit private companies at the expense of the state treasury.

Coastal residents have been protesting against black sand mining at Thottapally for over 1,400 days. In light of the recent developments, it has been decided to intensify the strike. Critics argue that this decision aims to solidify the position of Mathew Kuzhalnadan, who has consistently criticised the state government and the CM regarding black sand mining. https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2024/05/17/black-sand-mining-contract-thottappally.html  (17 May 2024)

Stir against mining at Thottappally to complete 1,000 days Amid allegations that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan intervened to facilitate mineral sand mining at Thottappally in Alappuzha to aid the interests of Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL), the indefinite relay satyagraha being staged under the aegis of the Karimanal Ghanana Virudha Ekopana Samithi (KGVES) against the sand removal will complete 1,000 days on Tuesday (March 04).

The protest against the “indiscriminate mineral sand-mining” began on June 10, 2021, two years after the government issued an order to remove sand from Thottappally pozhi (sandbar at sea mouth) in May 2019 in the name of disaster management (flood mitigation in Kuttanad). It has been alleged that the KMML diverted the sand containing atomic minerals to CMRL at a throwaway price and that the private firm had paid money to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s daughter T. Veena as remuneration for the government’s support for mining activities at Thottappally.

The KGVES alleged that ‘single pond mining’ at pozhi had resulted in the destruction of 476 houses of fisher families in the region. On Tuesday, a protest meeting will be held at Thottappally. It will be inaugurated by Congress leader V.M. Sudheeran at 3 p.m. K.K. Rema, Mathew Kuzhalnadan, MLAs; and former MP K.S. Manoj will attend.  https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/stir-against-mineral-sand-mining-at-thottappally-to-complete-1000-days-on-tuesday/article67913365.ece  (04 March 2024)

Haryana Open portal in four months for filing complaints: NGT The NGT has directed the mining department to create a website within four months for citizens to file complaints about any illegal quarrying of stones and sand in the Aravalis of south Haryana. Apart from filing complaints, the portal will record and make all information related to complaints and action-taken easily available, the tribunal said. The tribunal was hearing a plea from the Aravalli Bachao Citizens Movement, which had requested that authorities put a stop to illegal stone and sand mining, carry out restoration efforts, take strict measures against erring officials and set up a standalone Aravali protection authority.

“The information regarding complaints received and action taken on the same should also be documented and uploaded on the website of the (mining) department. The concerned complainant should be informed and asked to approach this Tribunal in case of any grievance regarding environmental violations and lack/inadequacy of remedial action,” the NGT bench of judicial magistrate Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member Dr Afroz Ahmad said in its May 2 order, which was released on Saturday (May 19). NGT will take up the plea next on July 12. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/ngt-directs-haryana-to-create-portal-for-complaints-on-illegal-mining/articleshow/110256068.cms  (20 May 2024)

Aravalis: 180 forest watchers soon to curb illegal activities The forest department is planning to recruit 180 forest watchers in Faridabad to curb constant encroachments in the Aravalis and monitor the eco-sensitive forest areas. The areas of focus will be Alipur Sikhargarh, Surajkund and Pali, which have been witnessing a surge in illegal construction, tree felling, and land grabbing. The department has sent a request for approval to the higher authorities in Chandigarh. The proposal outlines the need for additional manpower to safeguard the region’s natural resources and biodiversity. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/increased-checks-in-aravalis-180-forest-watchers-soon-to-curb-illegal-activities/articleshow/110255968.cms  (20 May 2024)

WETLANDS, LAKES, WATER BODIES

Bihar Kanwar lake faces challenge of survival Kanwar Lake the only Ramsar site in the state has been deteriorating and the drying area has been increasing. More and more the lake has been encroached upon for agricultural purposes and the waterbody’s bird population has been on the decline. Considering this, there is a need to take urgent measures to save it.

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/kanwar-lake-bihar-s-only-ramsar-site-faces-challenge-of-survival-but-not-a-poll-issue-96172  (15 May 2024)

URBAN LAKES, WETLANDS

Delhi Wetlands going extinct The Delhi Wetland Authority, conceived in 2019 as per the Wetland Conservation Rules, has met only five times between 2019 to 2021. There is no record of a meeting, or a ruling passed by the authority since. What is even more alarming is that even after five years of existence, the Delhi Wetland Authority has not notified a single wetland in Delhi, despite there being over 490 wetlands listed on the Wetlands of India portal. https://theprint.in/ground-reports/delhi-wetlands-going-extinct-to-be-found-in-govt-files-only/2082226/  (13 May 2024)

URBAN WATER

Kochi Jaundice cases at Vengoor rise to 180 The first case in the panchayat was reported on April 17 after residents allegedly consumed drinking water supplied by Kerala Water Authority from its pump house in Choorathode. Following the outbreak, KWA super chlorinated the pump house and the local body carried out chlorination in other waterbodies in five wards. A 55-year-old woman had died of jaundice in the panchayat last week. People who contracted the infection are still languishing due to nausea, fatigue and itching in the skin. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/jaundice-outbreak-in-vengoor-panchayat-with-180-cases/articleshow/110098109.cms  (14 May 2024)

Mumbai Residents fall sick Residents of a housing society in Bandra had been suffering from stomach pain, and other health-related problems for the past one week. Upon a discussion among neighbours, the residents suspected something wrong with the water being supplied to their homes. Thereafter, they decided to get the water quality checked, and contacted an external agency. The nightmare of the residents came true when the report stated that the water is contaminated, and unsafe to drink. The incident pertains to a seven-storey Dharamjyot-2 on New Kantwadi Road which receives water from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). After the test results, residents suspected the cause of contaminating water is the ongoing road work in the locality. Residents have filed a complaint with the BMC already. https://www.timesnownews.com/mumbai/mumbai-apartment-residents-fall-sick-in-a-week-find-out-bmc-supplied-water-was-yellow-not-potable-article-110231571  (18 May 2024)

Gurugram Recycled water for new sectors GMDA plans to transport recycled water to new sectors along Dwarka Expressway through a new pipeline. The pipeline will distribute treated wastewater (TWW) from the Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) in Manesar, which has a capacity of 55 MLD, to the existing recycle pipelines in sectors 81, 86, 87, 90, 91 and 92. It had earlier conducted a trial to supply recycled water to the green belts of these sectors.

An official from GMDA said that although HSVP had previously installed pipelines to supply treated wastewater in sectors 81 to 104 from Dhanwapur STP. However, encroachments delayed the land acquisition at various locations. Now they have installed a pipeline from CETP Manesar to Sector 91. Out of 55 MLD at CETP Manesar, 5 MLD is being used by the HSIIDC for horticulture, and approximately 4-5 MLD is being used by builders for construction work. “Around 15-20 MLD of recycled water will be reused in the green belt area for watering purposes in new sectors,” a senior GMDA official said. The project has cost GMDA Rs 2.2 crore. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/recycled-water-for-new-sectors-to-curb-potable-water-usage/articleshow/110239771.cms   (19 March 2024)

JJM/ RURAL WATER SUPPLY

Maharashtra Tribals in Nashik call for poll boycott Located on the top of a plateau in Igatpuri taluka, Khairewadi is a tribal hamlet that houses nearly 40 families of the indigenous Ma-Thaker (Thakar) community, who are living here for several generations now. The villagers speak a Marathi dialect and predominantly work as farmers, while some work as caretakers and cleaners in nearby tourism resorts at Igatpuri.

In 2019, the villagers were promised water taps in every household under the Centre’s Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) under which the Jal Shakti ministry aims to provide tap water to every rural household by 2024. However, five years since the promise of tap water, for Balu, Chhaya and several others it remains a pipe dream. Alongside Khairewadi, tribal villagers from as many as 10 different hamlets in Igatpuri taluka have given a call to boycott the elections on May 20, as a sign of protest against lack of drinking water. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/yet-to-get-tap-water-connections-tribals-in-nashik-call-for-poll-boycott-9338096/  (19 May 2024)

DISASTERS

Report Disasters triggered over half million internal displacements in India in 2023 India experienced over half a million internal displacements due to floods, storms, earthquakes, and other disasters in 2023, a sharp dip from around 2.5 million displacements in 2022, according to a global report released on Tuesday (May 14).

Deadly floods left behind a trail of destruction in the Himalayan states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand last year.

The glacial lake outburst flood in Sikkim in October 2023 led to the collapse of a hydroelectric dam, killed more than 100 people, and affected more than 88,000.

In Delhi, identified as a “flood displacement hotspot”, the Yamuna River overflowed after heavy rains on July 9, 2023, prompting authorities to evacuate residents from their homes.

The report by the Geneva-based Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) said around 27,000 displacements in the national capital. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/May/14/disasters-triggered-over-half-million-internal-displacements-in-india-in-2023-report-3  (14 May 2024)

Rajasthan Why have Bikaner & Barmer reported land sinking last month? In the last month, two incidents of land subsidence took place in Rajasthan, alarming both geologists and the general public. Both incidents took place in desert districts, raising suspicions of a possible connection between them.

On April 16, 2024, one and a half bigha of land collapsed around 3:30 am in Sahajrasar village of Lunkaransar tehsil of Bikaner district. At the time, a train full of passengers was passing by, narrowly escaping the sinking ground with the assistance of a tractor. The subsidence formed a pit about 70 feet deep, which, according to villagers, has since expanded to about 80-90 feet.

The second incident occurred on May 6, 2024, in Nagana village of Barmer district, where two parallel cracks appeared in the ground over an area of about one and a half kilometres. A geological team has submitted its preliminary report to the administration on these incidents occurring in the two districts of the Thar Desert. A detailed report is forthcoming, based on satellite imagery, water data, and other technical information.

– The preliminary reports suggest that water is a common factor in both districts. The reporter spoke with residents of Sahajrasar and Nagana and investigated the area’s history. Alongside the Geological Survey of India’s (GSI) claims, a different perspective emerged. Villagers are questioning the two main reasons for land subsidence cited in GSI’s preliminary report. GSI attributed excessive groundwater exploitation and reduced rainfall as the primary reasons for the pit in Sahajrasar.

– Lunkaransar SDM Rajendra Singh said: “The area is experiencing a high degree of groundwater depletion over the years. It may lead to drying up the water bearing aquifer rocks / sediments at the contact zone of the sub-surface hard rocks and aeolian deposits which may induce compaction of dried up pore spaces / voids, consequently reduction of volume of sub-surface strata and resultant loose sand bearing land subsidence.” However, data from the state government’s water resources department’s annual monsoon report suggests an increase in average rainfall over the past 30 years, indicating that rainwater is not penetrating the ground effectively.

– Shyam Sundar Jyani, an environmental activist, noted the absence of flowing water in the area, even during rainfall, with water primarily absorbed into the sand. Omkarmal, aged 40, shared that the crater is over 50 years old, with surrounding sand dunes directing monsoon water into the ground through the pit. He noted continuous sinking since 2018-19, with recent incidents occurring over two days. “Water seepage into the pit during the rainy season, forming whirlpools before groundwater absorption,” said Singhor. Since 2018, there has been a pothole on the side of the road that is gradually getting bigger. We extracted images of 2018, 2020, 2023 and May 2024 through Google Earth.

– According to Barmer GSI officer Bhakar Ram, preliminary investigations suggest water as the cause. He explained that abundant multani mitti (Fuller’s earth) in the soil dissolved floodwater in 2005, creating a cave-like space underground. Subsequent water shifts created a vacuum, resulting in the emergence of cracks as the soil burst due to decreasing groundwater levels. GSI is monitoring the situation, with plans for geophysical surveys if cracks escalate. Local residents alleges groundwater overexploitation by Mangla, the crude oil company. Bhakar Ram stated that, while not highlighted in the preliminary report, investigations will consider this aspect if cracks worsen. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/urbanisation/why-have-bikaner-and-barmer-in-rajasthan-reported-land-sinking-in-the-last-month–96169 (May 15 2024)

थार रेगिस्तान के दो जिलों में होने वाली इन घटनाओं पर जियोलॉजिकल टीम ने अपनी प्रारंभिक रिपोर्ट प्रशासन को सौंप दी है, लेकिन सवाल यह है कि आखिर रेगिस्तानी इलाकों में हो रही इन भूगर्भीय हलचलों के पीछे क्या कारण हैं? हालांकि प्रारंभिक रिपोर्ट्स में हैरान करने वाला तथ्य है कि दोनों ही जिलों में घटना के कई कारणों में से समान कारण पानी है। डाउन-टू-अर्थ ने सहजरासर और नागाणा में कई लोगों से बात की और यहां का थोड़ा इतिहास भी खंगाला। इसमें जीएसआई के दावों के साथ-साथ एक अलग तस्वीर भी सामने आई। साथ ही जमीन धंसने की जो दो मुख्य वजहें जीएसआई की प्रारंभिक रिपोर्ट में दी गई हैं, ग्रामीण उन दावों पर सवाल उठा रहे हैं।https://www.downtoearth.org.in/hindistory/water/ground-water/why-is-land-sinking-in-bikaner-and-barmer-of-rajasthan-96140  (14 May 2024)

ENVIRONMENT GOVERNANCE

Uttar Pradesh SC stays NGT direction calling for action against company under PMLA The Supreme Court was of the view that the NGT lacked authority to issue such a directive. In this case, the UPPCB imposed a fine of over ₹46 crore on the appellant firm for allegedly dumping hazardous waste containing Chromium in a hamlet. The order was then appealed before NGT, which noted that the PMLA includes offences under environmental norms by way of Section 30 of the PMLA (Amendment) Act, 2012. These offences include those under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, the EPA, 1986, the Water Act, 1974, and the Air Act, 1981. Accordingly, the NGT had found that the method of producing materials resulted in hazardous discharge and a breach of scheduled crimes under Section 3 PMLA. https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/supreme-court-stays-ngt-direction-action-against-company-under-pmla  (13 May 2024)

SOUTH ASIA

Pakistan PM orders probe into faults at Neelum Jhelum HEP Prime Mini­ster Shehbaz Sharif on May 16 ordered an urgent investigation into the reasons behind the technical fault in the Neelum-Jhelum Hydro­power Project (NJHP), which led to the suspension of electricity generation. He issued the order at the project site in the Chattar Klass area.

The 969 MW NJHP stopped production at 6am on May 1, as authorities had to shut down the remaining two turbines after aggravation of problems in the Head Race Tunnel. Previously, two turbines were shut due to reduced pressure in the tunnel in early April, less than a week after the project recorded generation at full capacity. The project was earlier closed in July 2022 due to major cracks in the Tail Race Tunnel, which was repaired over the next 13 months and resumed power generation in August-September 2023.

He regretted that even though the project had consumed a hefty $5 billion against an initial estimate of $40 million, it was still facing technical issues. “I need a thorough probe whether lapses were in the design or in the construction, and the responsibility should be fixed. No more delay will be acceptable,” he said, adding the inquiry should be carried out by third party experts and not by the designer or contractor of the project. PM Shehbaz said NJHP was a project of national significance and therefore it must remain functional for decades. He directed Wapda and NJHP company to complete the repair work of tunnel at the earliest.

An MoU was signed by the AJK secretary for energy and water resources, Irshad Ahmed Qureshi and Wapda member water Javaid Akhtar Latif for the construction of 960MW Dudhniyal Hydropower Project in Neelum valley. https://www.dawn.com/news/1833997 (May 17 2024)

Nepal खै खोला ? हाइड्रोले खायो -Chitra Bahadur claims that 5 hydropower projects including Super Madi, Himalaya, Sikles, Madi Hydro have been built on the land and the residents of the lower coastal areas have suffered damage due to the fact that these hydros have changed the natural course of the river.

“Sometimes there is a flood that lifts the whole village, but look now, not a single drop of water has been left”, he says. https://www.onlinekhabar.com/2024/05/1478806  (01 May 2024)

Bhutan Electricity imports surge six-fold during lean season Electricity imports during the lean season increased significantly compared to last year, despite the commissioning of the 118MW Nikachhu Hydropower Project at the end of last year. From Dec 2022 to Mar 2023, Druk Green Power Corp (DGPC) imported 367.17 million units of electricity, worth Nu 1.75 billion. From Dec 2023 to May 13, 2024, DGPC purchased a total of 1,447 GWh of electricity from the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) at a total cost of Nu 6.07 billion. DGPC imported electricity at rates ranging from Nu 1.2 to Nu 10 per unit from the IEX.

– The export of electricity has witnessed a significant drop over the years. In 2021, Bhutan exported electricity valued at Nu 24.2 billion. This figure decreased to Nu 22.47 billion in 2022, and last year, Bhutan exported electricity worth Nu 16.67 billion. However, according to the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), the 118MW Nikachhu Hydropower Project exports 68 percent of its production to India, with only 32 percent allocated for domestic consumption. Additionally, DGPC has been importing electricity for almost six months, from December 2023 until May 2024, up from 3 months earlier. https://kuenselonline.com/electricity-imports-surge-six-fold-during-lean-season/  (18 May 2024)

Afghanistan Satellite imagery of aftermath of flash flooding Planet Labs images show the extreme impacts of the rainfall induced flooding that has affected the north of the country (Dave Petley) https://eos.org/thelandslideblog/burkah-1  (15 May 2024)

THE REST OF THE WORLD

USA Demolition begins on last Klamath River dams -Crews scraped the first shovelful of dirt from the top of the earthen dam on May 1, beginning the clearing of another obstacle for people and salmon who rely on the Klamath.

-The Iron Gate Dam was the last of the dams built to provide electricity to Northern California in the early 20th century. The reservoir behind the 173-foot-high dam, which went into service in 1962, was drained in January along with the other reservoirs. Klamath River Renewal Corporation, the nonprofit in charge of the largest dam removal project in the U.S. to date, chose to drain the reservoirs in the dead of winter because it was in between fish runs. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/05/12/demolition-starts-iron-gate-dam-klamath-river-dams/73647405007/  (12 May 2024)

Report The river is calm again, bringing a wealth of biota Every spring, when they return, sandpipers find elements of this riverine landscape rearranged by the winter’s roaring floodwater, but these stony margins, where they feed and sometimes nest perilously close to the water’s edge, call them back. An unstable habitat, tumbled, eroded and resorted by more than 10,000 winter floods since the last glaciers retreated. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/may/14/country-diary-the-river-is-calm-again-bringing-a-wealth-of-new-flora-and-fauna  (14 May 2024)

Compiled by SANDRP (ht.sandrp@gmail.com)

Also see: DRP News Bulletin 13 May 2024 & DRP News Bulletin 06 May 2024  

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