(Feature Image: Boatmen protesting against Ganga water taxi project in Kashi. Source: Live VNS News, 06 July 2023)

The Boatmen Association of Varanasi has opposed the government move to introduce taxi service for tourists and pilgrims to travel along Ganga Ghats as it will hit the livelihoods of some 5000 families. The government did not think it even necessary to consult the boatmen or their association and take them into confidence. Even when the concerned boatmen tried to meet the officials, no proper information was shared with them. The commercialisation of the river transport and profiteering from it for a few at the cost of thousands of poor boatmen will neither be desirable nor sustainable. The least the administration should have done is to discuss the proposal with the boatmen and suggested via media to upgrade some of the boats gradually, ensuring that the livelihoods of thousands is not affected.

Varanasi boatmen stage protest against water taxi service The Kashi boatsmen on Thursday (July 6, 2023) stopped plying boats while staging a protest against the decision to ply water taxis in the river Ganga. The boatmen later submitted a memorandum of their demand to the ACP after they suspended the agitation for two days.

– Pramod Manjhi of Maa Ganga Nishadraj Seva Nyas said that none of the officials from the administration spoke to them before taking the decision to ply water taxis, though we tried to meet them. If water taxis will ply in the ghats it will affect the business. Therefore, water taxis should not be plied, he added. The Varanasi municipal corporation has planned to start a water taxi service between Namo Ghat and Assi Ghat.

– Out of 10 water taxis brought from Bhavnagar in Gujarat, two are being prepared for operation in the Ganga River. The municipal corporation has fixed four routes from Assi ghat to Namo ghat, Harishchandra ghat to Manikarnika ghat and Kashi Vishwanath Corridor to Assi ghat and Namo ghat. The regular operation of these water taxis will be done on these routes after the Sawan. A water taxi will take 86 devotees to the destination via the Ganga in one round. In all, two water taxis will complete 10 trips throughout the day. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/varanasi-boatmen-stage-protest-against-water-taxi-service-101688668427559.html  (07 July 2023)

On Thursday (July 06), the boatmen called upon a Maha Panchayat under the banner of Maa Ganga Nishadraj Sewa Nyas and decided to continue their strike until the water taxi service was withdrawn. According to the leader of boatmen, Shambhu Sahani, for centuries, traditional boats have been the only source of their income and now the government wants to kill it. He said that more than 5000 boatmen have been providing service at river Ganga in Varanasi. However the water taxis can provide employment to barely two dozen people only. Sahani said that the administration has refused to even listen to them and decided to go ahead with the plan of plying water taxis. The boatmen would not let these taxis run in Ganga and oppose with full might, he said. Instead of upgrading the existing boats, the administration has invited a company from Gujarat to run water taxis. https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/up-kashi-boatmen-oppose-gujarat-water-taxis-in-ganga-go-on-strike  (06 July 2023) 

HYDRO POWER PROJECTS

Subansiri HEP Interesting interview by NHPC CMD on Lower Subansiri HEP: He says the commissioning schedule of the project has now been further delayed to Dec 2024. The cost is Rs 21247 Cr at Dec 2022 price line, which means it will be much higher before the project is commissioned. Its success is very crucial for future hydro projects like Dibang HEP. https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/subansiri-hydro-powers-success-critical-for-dibang-project-nhpc-cmd/article67052354.ece  (07 July 2023)

Uttarakhand Fresh cracks near residential building in Joshimath The crack appeared a couple of days ago between the residential building and the retaining wall of the Joshimath-Auli motor road in Sunil ward, city tehsildar Ravi Shah, who led a team of Public Works Department (PWD) engineers to the spot to examine the problem on Monday (July 03), told PTI on the phone.

-Joshimath Bachao Sangharsh Samiti staged a dharna at the tehsil office to protest against a study report of scientists on the subsidence issue in Joshimath not being made public even after six months of the crisis. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/jul/03/locals-worried-as-fresh-crack-appears-near-residential-building-in-joshimath-2591042.html  (3 July 2023)

सिर्फ प्रशासनिक और सिविल इंजीनियरिंग उपायों से नहीं थमेंगी आपदाएं जोशीमठ में भूधंसाव की घटनाओं ने हिमालय के प्रति चिंता को बढ़ा दिया है। साथ ही, हिमालयी राज्यों में विकास के मॉडल को लेकर हमारी समझ पर सवाल खड़े किए है:- भारतीय भूवैज्ञानिक सर्वेक्षण के पूर्व निदेशक मनोज कुमार का आलेख https://www.downtoearth.org.in/hindistory/development/urbanisation/Disasters-will-not-stop-only-by-administrative-and-civil-engineering-measures-87576  (15 Feb. 2023)

Concerns over construction in ecologically fragile Badrinath SP Sati, head geologist of social science department at college of forestry in Rani Chauri (Tehri) campus, said, “V shape refers to slanting slopes, whereas U shape means vertical slopes. In an U-shaped valley, the equilibrium of slope is not maintained properly therefore it is more prone to landslides and rockfall. Old glacial material gets mobilised in extreme events just like the Kedarnath tragedy of 2013. Here, Badrinath valley up to Pandukeshwar is alike, and therefore it is prone to mishaps if that terrain is disturbed for construction work sans adequate scientific know-how.”

-The experts added that they are more worried now as footfall at Badrinath has increased and construction continues unabated.

Meanwhile, an official involved in the projects, requesting anonymity, told TOI, “Out of 15 projects in the first phase, over 60% work has been done, including BRO road, tourist management centre, civic amenity building, hostel and hospital building refurbishment. Barring all six riverfront projects due to tough conditions, we are going by the approved detailed project report which we presume must have undergone scientific checks.” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/environmentalists-concerned-over-construction-work-in-ecologically-fragile-badrinath/articleshow/101442294.cms  (3 July 2023)

Report Drastic changes in ice, snow and water deserves political attention The key sentence in the most comprehensive report to date on the Hindu Kush Himalayan “cryosphere”, or icy areas, is that the region is “undergoing unprecedented and largely irreversible changes over human timescales, primarily driven by climate change”. The assessment, released on 20 June by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), describes vast changes: glaciers are retreating more quickly, snowfall days are dwindling, permafrost is melting. These will have key impacts on states, societies, and biodiversity.

– Some key lessons are clear. Water availability will peak by 2050. The “Water, Ice, Society, Ecosystems in the Hindu Kush Himalaya” assessment, known as HI-WISE, is a follow up to the first-of-its-kind assessment of HKH released by ICIMOD in 2019. The most significant observed change is how fast the glaciers are receding. In 2000–2009 the pace of retreat was -0.17 metres water equivalent (m w.e.). In 2010–2019, it had increased to -0.28 m w.e., almost doubling. This retreat was greatest for glaciers at lower elevations, and in the eastern parts of the Himalayas, as has long been the case. But one of the key findings of the new report is the disappearance of the “Karakorum Anomaly”. It will have a major impact on the Indus basin, since “meltwater [from glaciers and snow] contributes up to 83% of annual groundwater recharge in the Upper Indus River Basin”.

– “half of the more than three million perennial springs in IHR [Indian Himalayan Region] States … already dried up or become seasonal, resulting in acute water shortages across thousands of Himalayan villages”. https://www.thethirdpole.net/en/climate/drastic-changes-himalayas-ice-snow-water-deserves-political-attention/  (23 June 2023)

DAMS

Polavaram Project The 380 km long ‘Polavaram Nirvasitula Poru Keka Maha Padayatra’, through 270 villages in 2 mandals, which was organised recently by the CPI(M) State Committee, has highlighted the fact that Polavaram project is not only about the construction of the dam but also proper rehabilitation of the families displaced by the project, the party’s State secretary V. Srinivasa Rao said. The padayatra was held from June 20 to July 4. Minister for Water Resources Ambati Rambabu issuing a statement a day after the padayatra that discussions would be held with CPI(M) leaders of the villages affected by the Polavaram project in a week’s time. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/cpim-padayatra-has-brought-back-focus-on-polavaram-displaced-people-says-leader/article67053880.ece  (07 July 2023)

Kaleshwaram Project The Irrigation department released Godavari water from Kaleshwaram project into SRSP, located at higher altitude, through Mupkal pump house on July 7, 2023. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/water-from-kaleshwaram-project-lifted-into-srsp-project/article67054809.ece  (07 July 2023)

Study Morphological adjustments of Yamuna in response to natural, anthropogenic stresses Results showed a substantial narrowing of the active channel after 2013, which coincided with the construction of the Lakhwar-Vyasi Dam. We calculated a 67% reduction in mean active channel width, narrowing from ~800 m in 1989 to ~250 m in 2021. During the same period, evidence of sand mining in the active channel indicates a substantial increase in mining activities after 2015. The concept of stasis was explored under different flow regulation scenarios to suggest that the river has undergone a state of inactivity, where the river is doing nothing for much longer durations. We suggest that the combined effects of flow regulation and increased mining activities during the same period have altered river morphology, and further stresses due to a combination of human activities can be damaging for the river regime. This study sheds light on the potential implications of multiple stresses acting on the Yamuna River at the same time, which can inform future sustainable river management activities. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hyp.14934  (4 July 2023)

Uttar Pradesh ऑल इंडिया पीपुल्स फ्रंट ने कनहर परियोजना के शेष बचे हजारों विस्थापितों को अतिशीघ्र मुआवजा देने व विस्थापित परिवारों में महिला मुखिया वाले परिवारों को भी शामिल करने की मांग की है। https://samtamarg.in/2023/07/07/ipf-wrote-a-letter-to-the-governor-kanhar-displaced-people-should-get-immediate-compensation/  (7 July 2023)

Odisha Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has written to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on July 2, 2023, requesting him to provide compensation to 13,000 families who were displaced decades ago due to the construction of the Rengali dam as they are yet to receive the financial aid. He also urged Patnaik to accord revenue village status to places, where the displaced people are now living, and give them permanent land records. https://theprint.in/india/pradhan-urges-odisha-cm-to-provide-compensation-to-people-affected-by-rengali-dam-project/1653645/  (4 July 2023)

Uttarakhand CM seeks funds for Song dam CM Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday  (April 04) met with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and sought central funds worth Rs 1,774 crore for the Song Dam Drinking Water Project. The expenditure of Rs 247 crore for rehabilitation and resettlement of the families affected by the project will be borne by the state government, the chief minister added. To be built on the Song river, a tributary of the Ganga, at a cost of Rs 2,021 crore, the Song Dam Drinking Water Project will fully take care of the drinking water needs of Dehradun and its suburbs, Dhami said. https://www.outlookindia.com/national/dhami-meets-sitharaman-seeks-financing-from-centre-for-song-dam-project-news-275982  (04 April 2023)

INTERSTATE WATER DISPUTES

Mahadayi Water Dispute In the midst of the decades-old dispute which is still sub-judice, canals and conduits that have been built are flooding the low-lying areas in Karnataka’s Khanapur, which thrives on its expanding sugarcane crops. Goa, meanwhile, is accused of not making “better use of the river” and allowing it to flow straight to the sea, has decided to build dams downstream. https://india.mongabay.com/2023/07/inside-goa-and-karnatakas-conflict-on-mhadei-river-water/  (07 July 2023)

Tamil Nadu-Karnataka Proposal to form Pennaiyar river tribunal awaits final nod: Centre to SC The GoI told the Supreme Court on June 4, 2023 The proposal to form the Pennaiyar water disputes tribunal to resolve the Pennaiyar water distribution dispute between TN and Karnataka is pending before the cabinet and no decision has been taken. On May 2, 2023, SC had given one month’s firther time to set up the Tribunal. On Nov 14, 2019, SC had permitted TN to invoke powers of the ISWD Act and seek formation pf the Tribunal. TN had alleged that Kartaka had violated the 1892 and 1933 agreements in several of its projects. https://www.deccanherald.com/state/top-karnataka-stories/proposal-to-form-pennaiyar-river-tribunal-awaits-final-nod-centre-to-sc-1233983.html  (4 July 2023)

RIVERS AS NATIONAL WATERWAYS

Kerala  Water Metro, barge operations hit by swathes of water hyacinth The operation of Water Metro ferries on the Vyttila-Kakkanad route had to be suspended from Tuesday (July 04) morning as vast swathes of water hyacinth accumulated in and around the pillars of the Kaniampuzha bridge at Vyttilla following intense rainfall.

-This resulted in the propeller of Orion, a barge of the city-based Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC) that ferried rock phosphate, getting stuck in the water hyacinth. Efforts to tow it using a tug failed to yield results. Another barge that ferried ammonia had to be anchored at Thykoodam for fear of meeting with a similar fate. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/water-metro-barge-operations-hit-by-swathes-of-water-hyacinth/article67041757.ece  (5 July 2023)

Bengaluru Persisting sewage discharge stalls first waterway project Bengaluru’s first waterway project is stuck since the BBMP and BWSSB are struggling to stop sewage from entering a 12 km stretch of stormwater drain between Majestic and Bellandur. https://www.deccanherald.com/city/bengaluru-infrastructure/persisting-sewage-discharge-stalls-bengalurus-first-waterway-project-1234343.html  (6 July 2023)

Ahmedabad Cruise out of control The River Cruise inaugurated in Sabarmati river has created problems in Ahmedabad city. For navigation of cruise, it is imp to keep water level at 134 ft, but to ensure rainwater is able to discharge into the river, the river water level has to be 125 ft or lower. Thus the cruise has failed the storm water drains. Amit Shah has written to Municipal Commissioner to keep water level 128 ft or lower. https://www.news.in/headlines/gujarat/5/3D803C95  (09 July 2023)

URBAN RIVERS

SANDRP Blog “Green Stormwater Infrastructure and River Restoration are inseparable in Urban Areas”: Dr. Fouad Jaber, Texas A&M University Even as the sun was harsh on the streets of Baner, the banks of River Mula were lined with ancient willows, their branches brushing against the flow. Crinum lilies softened banks and in a months’ time, they will burst in white, fragrant blooms. Gnarled roots of Karanj (Pongamia pinnata) tree, immortalized in Indian literature as the river’s companion, made walls along the riverbanks making sure that the banks will not get washed away in a flood.  https://sandrp.in/2023/07/07/green-stormwater-infrastructure-and-river-restoration-are-inseparable-in-urban-areas-dr-fouad-jaber-texas-am-university/  (07 July 2023)

Tawi; Jammu Concerns raised over ongoing riverfront work A youth group called Friends of River Tawi (FORT), is resisting the government plan for riverfront development on Tawi and is raising awareness among the public about the possible negative impacts of the project. Anmol Ohori, a member of FORT, told Mongabay India that the project, on paper, aims to beautify the city and boost tourism and that “it is more focused on commercialisation and concretisation”. “This will be destructive [to the environment] as the climate crisis worsens, and J&K being one of the Himalayan states will bear the brunt of it.”

-Ohori added that their team of climate experts has raised concerns regarding the project, claiming that it is being developed by reclaiming a large patch of land from the riverbed, starting from the riverbank inside the river, approximately 200 feet each from both sides. “This will decrease the width of the river at the heart of the city, which will in turn, increase the pressure of the water flow in river Tawi, further increasing the possibility of flooding,” he said. https://india.mongabay.com/2023/07/environmentalists-raise-concerns-as-work-on-jks-tawi-riverfront-continues/  ( 7 July 2023)

RIVERS

How Rivers Are Made IFS officer Parveen Kaswan, who regularly shares interesting facts about wildlife, shared an interesting video of how rivers are made. The video shows how a dried-up riverbed slowly gets filled with water. The video was recorded by the IFS officer during a 6 AM foot patrolling session with his team. Along with the video, Mr Kaswan wrote, “This is how rivers are made. The forest is the mother of the river. Today morning at 6 AM. Foot patrolling with the team.” https://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/bureaucrat-shares-stunning-video-of-how-rivers-are-made-internet-stunned-4174700  ( 3 July 2023)

Study Plastic turfs as widespread pollutants of aquatic environments Despite concerns regarding the impacts of Artificial turf (AT), little is known about the release of AT fibers into natural environment. Here, for the first time, we specifically investigate the presence of AT fibers in river and ocean waters as major conduits and final destination of plastic debris transported by water runoff. Our sampling survey showed that, AT fibers – composed mainly of polyethylene and polypropylene – can constitute over 15% of the mesoplastics and macroplastics content, suggesting that AT fibers may contribute significantly to plastic pollution. Up to 20,000 fibers a day flowed down through the river, and up to 213,200 fibers per km2 were found floating on the sea surface of nearshore areas. AT, apart from impacting on urban biodiversity, urban runoff, heat island formation, and hazardous chemical leaching, is a major source of plastic pollution to natural aquatic environments. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749123010965?via%3Dihub  (July 2023)

KRISHNA Karnataka Farmers dig wells on dry river bed Farmers are digging small ‘wells’ in a desperate attempt to tap into springlets beneath the sand on dry river beds. Spending several lakhs of rupees, farmers have dug more than 100 wells on the Krishna river bed in the past month to somehow obtain water. However, contamination of these springlets is taking a toll on both humans and livestock. Locals along the Krishna river, which passes through six districts, say they normally get at least 10,000 to 20,000 cusecs of water by June. This is happening for example in Jamakhandi in Vijaypura dist. Farmers are spending Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 on backhoes, equipment, and labour to dig these wells.

– If there is a rocky layer, they dig up to 10ft. One must of course filter the water since it could be contaminated with silt and other pollutants. Each well could supply water for five-six days before drying up. Then another one is dug elsewhere. A water conservationist from Bagalkot said: “First, it is completely illegal to damage or alter the river bed. Second, water is not guaranteed, and the quality is also a question since it would be mixed with contaminants present in the silt, sand or due to human and livestock activity. Last week, six buffaloes died in Kadakol village in Jamakhandi after consuming water from one such well.” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/karnataka-in-desperate-search-for-water-farmers-dig-wells-on-dry-krishna-river-bed/articleshow/101445541.cms  (3 July 2023)

Jharkhand नदियों में घाघ है बूढ़ा नदी, जानें क्या है इसके पीछे का कारण? Interesting detailed report about Lodh also called Budha river a tributary of Koel in city पहाड़ी रास्ते पर उछलती-कूदती एक नदी जिसने परष को काटने का सघन अनुभव लेकर एक पुरुष नाम लिया बूढ़ा, जब वो जलप्रपात बनाती है तब हो जाती है बूढ़ा घाघ. सचमुच यह नदी घाघ ही है इसके आने-जाने के रास्ते को चट्टान तक नहीं जान पाते. बूढ़ा नदी की तीव्रता, फुर्तीलापन और चतुराई की दाद उत्तर कोयल नदी भी देती है.

-कहते हैं अपने सुरीले कंठ सी धार से बहती कोयल नदी जब पलामू के पठार से गुजरने लगी तो पत्थरों को चीरते हुए वो लगभग हाँफने लगी. इन ऊँची पहाड़ियों को देखकर लगभग ठिठक कोयल नदी अपनी धारा बदलने के फ़िराक में ही थी कि तभी उसके पीछे से आती उसकी सहायक नदी ने हौसला बढाया और खुद आगे बढ़कर चट्टान को काटते हुए रास्ता बनाई, जिससे कोयल नदी भी होकर गुजरी.

-इस साथ ने कोयल नदी को इतनी हिम्मत दी कि पहाड़ों को काटती सीधे समकोण बनाती हुई उत्तर की ओर अपनी मंजिल सोन से मिलने निकल पड़ी. और तत्पश्चात उत्तरी कोयल ने अपनी घाघ सहायक नदी को ‘बूढाघाघ’ का नाम दिया. अपने नाम के अनुसार यह नदी खुद में छोटानागपुर के पाट प्रदेश का ढेर सारा जल छेछारी घाटी में समेटकर उत्तर कोयल नदी में समाहित हो जाती है.

-एक बड़ी नदी को रास्ता बता खुद ही उसी नदी में समा जानेवाली इस नदी को अपनी उत्पति स्थान की सच्चाई अवगत कराने के पहचान का संकट है. आने-जाने वाले लोग लोध नदी (बूढ़ा नदी की सहायक नदी) के जलप्रपात के रूप में भयंकर गर्जना की आवाज़ वाले स्थान को ही बूढ़ा नदी की उत्पति का स्थान मान लेते हैं. जबकि यह नदी बोहता के नाम से छोटानागपुर की रानी नेतरहाट और वीरपोखर के दक्षिण-पश्चिम भाग से निकलती है. उत्पति स्थान पर बोहता कही जाने वाली बूढ़ा नदी उत्तरी कोयल की एकमात्र दक्षिणगामी सहायक घर्घरी नदी के जलभरण क्षेत्र के पश्चिमी भाग से निकलती है. https://www.prabhatkhabar.com/amp/story/state/jharkhand/jharkhand-budha-river-is-consummate-among-rivers-know-reason-zzz  (1 July 2023)

Assam Bharalu and Kolong are the two most polluted rivers of India As per a report from the Government of India, the rivers Bharalu and Kolong are two of the most polluted rivers in the country. The Guwahati city sewerage pollutes the river Bharalu, whereas Nagaon town sewerage pollutes the river Kolong. https://pragnews.com/environment/Bharalu-and-Kolong-are-the-two-most-polluted-rivers-of-India  (13 June 2023)

YAMUNA Editorial River abandoned But in the past two decades, goalposts on Yamuna cleaning have been shifted several times. The Delhi government must get its act together. It seems that the interceptor drain project did not plan for the impact Delhi’s growing population would have on the capital’s waste disposal system. The trouble also is that the different authorities in the city — the DDA, the municipal corporation, and the pollution control agencies — rarely work in sync. And, the Yamuna cleaning work is among the several casualties of the constant confrontation between the Delhi government and the city’s LG.  https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/express-view-on-yamuna-status-report-river-abandoned-8812135/  (08 July 2023)

Territorial Army withdrawn In a report submitted to the NGT recently, the DPCC said the “Territorial Army (has been) withdrawn with effect from June 30”. The DPCC in its report said immediate alternate measures need to be put in place following the withdrawal of the TA company. “In addition, a separate proposal of raising a new 3 company based TA battalion for Yamuna and Najafgarh Drain in Delhi needs to be taken up with NMCG. The new battalion can be on the lines of 137 ECO TA Battalion located at Prayagraj for Ganga, funded by NMCG as a central government asset (sic),” the report read. Another NMCG official aware of the development said it will be difficult to accommodate a request for a TA battalion for the Yamuna in Delhi and suggested that the city government deploy civil defence volunteers for this purpose. https://www.deccanherald.com/national/north-and-central/territorial-army-company-drafted-for-yamuna-cleaning-work-in-delhi-withdrawn-1235095.html  (08 July 2023)

FISH, FISHERIES, FISHERFOLKS

Bengaluru 11 fishkill cases in 6 months as pollution chokes  lakes City has seen at least 11 incidents of mass fishkill in its lakes in first six months of 2023, a clear case of rising pollution of the water bodies. Major reasons are delay in constructing sewage lines and constructing STPs. https://www.deccanherald.com/city/top-bengaluru-stories/11-fishkill-cases-in-6-months-as-pollution-chokes-b-luru-lakes-1234335.html  (6 July 2023)

Rajasthan Free fish seed scheme to benefit nearly 20,000 farmers Ashok Gehlot recently approved the Rs 2 crore project that will provide each farmer or diggi (water pond) with 1,000 fingerlings of major Indian carps like rohu, catla, and mrigal.  The project, announced in Budget 2023-24, has received financial approval recently. Select farmers will be imparted with training on fisheries at the district level soon, a department official said. 

-Rajasthan’s water bodies cover about 430,000 water spread area. This is in addition to about 70 rivers and canals covering about 30,000-hectare (ha) area. The state has made steady growth in inland fisheries over the past three decades. 

-The area under fish culture and production in the state, which ranks 18th in output, has gone up. About 60 per cent of the total fish production comes from reservoirs, and the rest from tanks and ponds. The productivity of large reservoirs (55 kg/ha) is above the national average. https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/free-fish-seed-scheme-to-benefit-nearly-20-000-farmers-in-rajasthan-123070301079_1.html  (3 July 2023)

SAND MINING

Uttar Pradesh Sand Mining Deaths & Violence

Kaushambi कोखराज के दरियापुर मझियांवा गांव के सामने शुक्रवार (June 23) को बाइक सवार को बालूलदे ट्रक नेरौंद दिया। हादसेमेंयुवक की मौके पर ही मौत हो गई। युवक बाइक समेत ट्रक के नीचेचला गया था। घंटों बाद युवक का शव जेसीबी की मदद सेबाहर निकाला जा सका।

करारी के भैला मकदूमपुर निवासी सागर सरोज (35) पुत्र देवप्रकाश की शादी चार साल पहलेमीना देवी के साथ हुई थी। वह घर का इकलौता लड़का था और मुंबई मेंबेकरी मेंकाम करता था। गुरुगुवार को गांव मेंही सागर की मौसी की बेटी की शादी थी। शादी मेंशामिल होनेगुरुगुवार को ही सागर मुंबई सेआया था। शुक्रवार को विदाई होनेके बाद वह बाइक सेससुराल पांडेयमऊ जा रहा था। जैसेही वह दरियापुर मझियांवा गांव के समीप पहुंचा। सामनेसेआ रहेबालूलदे ट्रक का टायर फट गया। इससेअनियंत्रित ट्रक सागर सरोज को रौंदतेहुए पुल सेजा टकराया। हादसेमेंसागर सरोज की मौके पर ही मौत हो गई। सूचना पर कोखराज पुलिस पहुंची। सागर बाइक समेत ट्रक के नीचेफंस गया था। जेसीबी बुलाकर किसी तरह उसका शव बाहर निकाला गया। करीब दो घंटे की मशक्कत के बाद शव बाहर आया। परिजनों मेंहाहाकार मचा हुआ है। सागर के पिता मजदूरी करतेहैंऔर उसकी मां सुमन देवी बीमार रहती है। घर के इकलौतेकमाऊपूत की मौत सेकोहराम मचा हुआ है। पत्नी मीना देवी के आंसूनहीं थम रहेहैं। https://www.livehindustan.com/uttar-pradesh/kausambi/story-sand-laden-truck-crushed-the-young-man-8346349.html  (23 June 2023)

Three individuals died on the spot in a head-on collision between a sand laden truck and a trailer at Nanmai modh of Saini Police station in the neighbouring Kaushambi district, on Thursday (June 22). The incident occurred on Prayagraj- Kanpur highway. According to station officer Saini, Subash Chaurasia, “The sand laden truck, having registration plate of Pratapgarh, was coming from the wrong side and hit the trailer coming from Rajasthan and heading towards Prayagraj. The driver and cleaner of the trailer died in the accident while the third deceased was the driver of the truck”. The accident occurred at around 6:30 am, on Thursday. Police have to pull out the bodies of the deceased after cutting the cabin of the two vehicles. The kin of the deceased have been informed of the mishap and bodies were sent for postmortem examination, police said.  https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/allahabad/three-killed-in-truck-trailer-collision-in-ups-kaushambi/articleshow/101187392.cms  (22 June 2023)

कौशांबी में गुरुवार (June 22) सुबह ट्रक और कंटेनर में भीषण टक्कर हो गई। हादसे में तीन लोगों की मौत हो गई। जिसमें दोनों गाड़ियों के ड्राइवर और ट्रक के क्लीनर शामिल हैं, जबकि कंटेनर के क्लीनर को 4 घंटे के रेस्क्यू के बाद बचा लिया गया है। गैस कटर से गाड़ी को काटकर तीनों के शवों को बाहर निकाला गया। शव बुरी तरह से क्षतिग्रस्त हो गए हैं। घायल की भी स्थिति गंभीर है। चार घंटे तक गाड़ी में दबे होने के कारण उसे गंभीर चोटें आई हैं। उसे अस्पताल में भर्ती कराया गया है। सुबह 7 बजे के करीब हादसा सैनी व कोखराज थाना के पास के हाईवे-2 पर एकता ढाबा के पास हुआ। https://www.bhaskar.com/local/uttar-pradesh/kaushambi/news/driver-cleaner-trapped-in-the-cabin-the-body-of-the-truck-driver-was-removed-after-3-hours-rescue-operation-continues-131434594.html  (22 June 2023)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1c01fFDj5E

Sonebhadra बालू खनन के लिए खोदे गए गड्ढे में डूबने से अधेड़ की मौत थाना क्षेत्र के डूमरा ग्राम पंचायत के कोरगी गांव के पास कनहर नदी में डूबने से अधेड़ की मौत हो गई। वह मछली मारने वहां गया था। घटनास्थल के बगल में ही कोरगी बालू साइट भी है। आरोप है कि बालू निकालने के लिए नदी में पोकलेन मशीन से गहरा गड्ढा कर दिया गया था, जिसमें वह डूब गया। ग्रामीणों ने इस पर कड़ी नाराजगी भी जताई। https://www.amarujala.com/uttar-pradesh/sonebhadra/middle-aged-man-died-due-to-drowning-in-a-pit-dug-sand-sonbhadra-news-c-194-1-son1002-57-2023-06-17  (17 June 2023)

Chandauli कमालपुर। धीना थाना क्षेत्र की बघरी नहर से महुजी जाने वाली सड़क की पुलिया पर बुधवार की सुबह बालू लदे ट्रक ने बाइक सवार अधेड़ को रौंद दिया। उसकी मौत हो गई। हादसे के बाद ट्रक चालक वाहन छोड़ कर भाग गया। पुलिस का कहना है कि सिंगल रोड पर ट्रक यहां कैसे आया, उसे नहीं मालूम। रामरूपदासपुर गांव निवासी राधेश्याम पांडेय उर्फ सुमन पांडेय (50) बुधवार (June 14) की सुबह नौ बजे बाइक से महुजी से घर लौट रहे थे। बघरी नहर से एवती होते हुए महुजी की तरफ बढ़ते ही पुलिया पर ट्रक ने बाइक को धक्का मारते हुए गड्ढे में जा फंसा। चालक ट्रक छोड़कर भाग गया।  https://www.amarujala.com/uttar-pradesh/chandauli/sand-laden-truck-crushed-bike-rider-death-chandauli-news-c-20-1-252043-2023-06-15  (15 June 2023)

Gorakhpur बेलघाट इलाके के समहुतापुर गांव में खनन के बाद बालू लादकर जा रहे ट्रक से कुचलकर समरजीत (40) की मौत हो गई। पुलिस ने ट्रक को कब्जे में ले लिया है। बालू खनन को लेकर स्थानीय लोगों में आक्रोश है। उनका कहना है कि आए दिन यहां ओवरलोड ट्रक चलने से हादसे हो रहे हैं। जानकारी के मुताबिक, समहुतापुर गांव के समरजीत बुधवार (June 07) रात 11 बजे के करीब शौच करने के लिए घर से बाहर निकले थे। इस दौरान बालू लदे ट्रक ने रौंद दिया, जिससे घटनास्थल पर ही उनकी मौत हो गई। हादसा के दौरान तेज आवाज होते ग्रामीण एकजुट हो गए और पिटाई कर चालक को पुलिस को सुपुर्द कर दिया गया।  ; https://www.amarujala.com/gorakhpur/youth-crushed-to-death-by-truck-laden-with-mining-sand-in-belghat-gorakhpur-2023-06-08  (08 June 2023)

Mau घोसी कोतवाली क्षेत्र के फोरलेन पर बने अंडरपास ब्रिज के नीचे खड़े ट्रक से बालू से लोड ट्रेलर रविवार (June 04) की भोर में टकरा गया। भीषण भिड़त में ट्रेलर का अगला हिस्सा बुरी तरह से क्षतिग्रस्त हो गया। उधर हादसे की सूचना मिलने पर पहुंची घोसी पुलिस ने क्षतिग्रस्त मलबा से ट्रेलर चालक और परिचालक को बाहर निकाला और अस्पताल लाकर भर्ती कराया। जहां चिकित्सकों ने चालक को मृत घोषित कर दिया।पुलिस ने शव को कब्जे में लेकर पोस्टमार्टम के लिए भिजवाया। https://www.amarujala.com/uttar-pradesh/mau/mau-accident-uncontrollable-trailer-full-of-sand-collided-with-a-standing-truck-driver-died-2023-06-04  (04 June 2023)

Varanasi रोहनिया थाना क्षेत्र के मोहनसराय ओवरब्रिज पर रविवार (May 28) की देर रात तेज रफ्तार बालू लदे ट्रक ने घर जा रहे बाइक सवार दो सगे भाईयों को रौंद डाला। हादसे में दोनों भाईयों की मौके पर ही मौत हो गई। सूचना पर पहुंची पुलिस ने शवों की शिनाख्त के बाद परिजनों को सूचना दी। एक साथ दो सगे भाइयों की मौत से परिवारवालों में कोहराम मच गया। देर रात पूरे गांव में परिजनों की चीत्कारें गूंजने लगीं और पूरे गांव में मातम पसर गया। पुलिस ने मृतकों के शवों को पोस्टमार्टम के लिए भेज दिया। बालू लदा है। इस हादसे के बाद चालक ट्रक छोड़कर भाग निकला। पुलिस ट्रक को कब्जे में लेकर चालक की तलाश कर रही है। इस मामले में पुलिस ने अज्ञात चालक के खिलाफ अनिच्छित हत्या की रपट दर्ज कर ली है। https://livevns.news/Top-Headlines/in-mohansarai-a-speeding-truck-loaded-with-sand-crushed-two/cid11124123.htm  (29 May 2023)

Chitrakoot राजापुर क्षेत्र में बालू लदे ट्रक ने बाइक सवार दंपती कुचल दिया, जिसमें पति की मौके पर मौत हो गई। बाइक सवार ने हेलमेट नहीं लगा रखा था। हादसे में गंभीर रूप से घायल हुई युवक की पत्नी का जिला अस्पताल में इलाज चल रहा है। चालक ट्रक को छोड़कर भाग गया है। ‌जनपद व थाना कौशांबी के गुरौली के रहने वाले 25 वर्षीय विजय निषाद की राजापुर थाना क्षेत्र में कुटी मजरा कुसौली में ससुराल है। गुरुवार (April 27) को वह बाइक से ससुराल आया था। बताते हैं रात करीब 10:30 बजे पत्नी वंदना को लेकर बाइक से घर जा रहा था। जैसे ही वह कुटी मार्ग से कर्वी राजापुर हाईवे 35 ए पर पहुंचा तो बालू लदे ट्रक की चपेट में आ गया।  https://www.jagran.com/uttar-pradesh/chitrakoot-horrific-accident-in-chitrakoot-sand-laden-truck-crushed-bike-rider-couple-and-husband-died-23397596.html  (28 April 2023)

Kanpur कानपुर देहात के सिकंदरा कोतवाली क्षेत्र में बीहड़ पट्टी के विछावली गांव में यमुना घाट पर रविवार  (April 02) को ट्रक में बालू भरते समय पोकलेन मशीन की बकेट की चपेट में आने से वहां खड़े परिचालक की मौत हो गई। राजस्थान प्रांत के भरतपुर जिले के वैर निवासी ट्रक चालक सुरेश कुमार ने बताया कि वह यमुना घाट पर ट्रक लेकर बालू लोड करने आया था। उसके साथ परिचालक वैर गांव का ही मुफतलाल उर्फ मुफ्ती (45) भी आया था। सुरेश के मुताबिक बीहड़ पट्टी के विछावली गांव में यमुना घाट पर उसने ट्रक खड़ा किया था। यहां पोकलेन मशीन से ट्रक पर बालू लोड की जा रही थी। इसी दौरान मशीन के आगे लगी बकेट की चपेट में मुफतलाल आ गया।  https://www.amarujala.com/uttar-pradesh/kanpur/khalasi-died-after-being-hit-by-poklen-in-kanpur-dehat-accident-occurred-while-filling-sand-2023-04-02?pageId=1  (02 April 2023)

Banda जिले के औगासी गांव में (Nov. 14) बालू से भरा ओवरलोड ट्रक पलट गया। बच्चे समेत पांच लोग इसके नीचे दब गए। सूचना पर पहुंची पुलिस उन्हें निकाला और सीएचसी भेजा। डॉक्टर ने बच्चे को मृत घोषित कर दिया। घायलों का प्राथमिक उपचार कर जिला अस्पताल रेफर कर दिया। ट्रक चालक मौके से भाग निकला।  https://www.amarujala.com/uttar-pradesh/banda/banda-overloaded-truck-full-of-sand-overturns-innocent-killed-four-injured-banda-news-knp7283004197  (14 Nov. 2022)

Deoria पुलिस की लापरवाही से मंगलवार देर रात दशहरा मेला के दौरान देवरिया शहर में दर्दनाक हादसा हुआ। नो एंट्री के बावजूद मेला की भीड़ में घुसे बेकाबू ट्रक ने दो बच्चियों रौंद दिया, जिससे उनकी मौके पर ही मौत हो गई और कई लोग गंभीर रूप से घायल हो गए। कोतवाली से चंद कदमों की दूरी पर हुए इस हादसे के बाद भी काफी देर तक पुलिस का कहीं पता नहीं था। गुस्साए लोगों ने ट्रक में आग लगाने की कोशिश की। मौके पर पहुंचे एसपी संकल्प शर्मा समेत अन्य अधिकारियों ने भीड़ को शांत किया। हादसे के बाद ट्रक चालक फरार हो गया।  https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/uttar-pradesh/deoria/uncontrollable-truck-loaded-with-sand-rams-into-dussehra-fair-in-deoria-two-girls-killed-many-injured/articleshow/94655267.cms  (05 Oct. 2022)

Bihar Sand Mining Deaths & Violence

Munger सड़क हादसे में एक युवक की मौत हो गई। वहीं 12 लोग घायल हो गए। सभी घायलों को आननफानन में मुंगेर जिला सदर अस्पताल लाया गया। जहां 10 गंभीर मरीजों को बेहतर इलाज के लिए हायर सेंटर रेफर कर दिया गया। घटना धरहरा प्रखंड अंतर्गत हेमजापुर ओपी क्षेत्र के सिंघिया चौक के पास की है। शनिवार (July 01) की अहले सुबह दाह संस्कार से अपने घर लखीसराय लौट रहे ट्रैक्टर पर सवार 25 लोगों को तेज रफ्तार बालू लदे ट्रक ने सामने से टक्कर मार दी। हादसा इतना भीषण था कि इसमें एक की मौत घटनास्थल पर ही हो गई और 12 लोग गंभीर रूप से घायल हो गए ।  https://www.amarujala.com/bihar/bihar-truck-tractor-collision-in-munger-one-youth-killed-many-injured-sand-loaded-truck-road-accident-2023-07-01  (01 July 2023)

बेकाबू बालू लदे ट्रक के चालक ने बोलेरो को बचाने की कोशिश की, लेकिन वह सफल नहीं हो सका। बोलेरो को टक्कर मारते हुए ट्रक पांच दुकानों को क्षतिग्रस्त करते हुए रुका। इस घटना में एक की मौत मौके पर ही हो गई। वहीं, एक दर्जन लोग घायल हो गए। हेमजापुर ओपी प्रभारी संजय कुमार और सुबोध पासवान ने कहा कि ट्रक चालक फरार हो गया है। सभी घायलों को बेहतर इलाज के लिए मुंगेर सदर अस्पताल भेजा गया है।  https://www.jagran.com/bihar/munger-uncontrollable-truck-rammed-into-the-shops-after-hitting-the-tractor-and-bolero-one-died-a-dozen-wounded-23457449.html  (01 July 2023)

Bhojpur आरा मेंएक बालूलदे अनियंत्रित ट्रक नेएक बुजुर्गको कुचल दिया. इससेउसकी घटना स्थल पर मौत हो गयी. बताया जा रहा हैकि हादसा बिहटा-पीरो पथ पर ईमादपुर थाना क्षेत्र के सहियारा गांव स्थित पुल के समीप हुआ. 73 वर्षीय बुजुर्गमजदूरी करने जा रहेथे, तभी यह घटना हुई. मृतक का नाम शिवशंकर है, जो सहियारा गांव निवासी स्व भोला साह के बेटे थे. इस घटना सेनाराज ग्रामीणों नेबिहटा-पीरो पथ पर शव को रखकर घंटों हंगामा किया. बाद मेंजिला पर्षद सदस्य एवं ईमादपुर थाना की पुलिस वहां पहुंची और लोगों को समझा बुझा कर जाम हटवाया.

घटना के संबंध मेंबताया जा रहा हैकि शिवशंकर साह गुरुगुवार (June 22) को घर सेमजदूरी करनेजा रहेथे. इसी दौरान सहियारा गांव के समीप अनियंत्रित ट्रक नेपीछे सेधक्का मार दिया, जिसके कारण वह गिर कर बुरी तरह सेजख्मी हो गये. उन्हेंआनन-फानन में पब्लि क की सहायता सेइलाज के लिए आरा लेजाया जा रहा था, लेकिन रास्तेमेंही शिवशंकर साह नेदम तोड़ दिया. https://www.prabhatkhabar.com/state/bihar/arrah-sand-laden-truck-trampled-the-elderly-going-to-work-road-accident-in-bihar-mdn  (23 June 2023)

भोजपुर के न्यू सिक्स लेन पुल पर मंगलवार (June 20) की सुबह बालू लदे दो ट्रक की सीधी भिड़ंत हो गई। हादसे में एक ट्रक चालक की घटनास्थल पर ही मौत हो गई। घटना को लेकर लोगों के बीच काफी देर तक अफरा-तफरी मची रही। हादसा जिले के आरा-पटना नेशनल हाईवे पर जिले के कोईलवर थाना क्षेत्र का है। सूचना मिलते ही पुलिस घटनास्थल पर पहुंची और शव को अपने कब्जे में लेकर उसका पोस्टमार्टम सदर अस्पताल में करवाया। जानकारी के अनुसार मृतक मुजफ्फरपुर जिला के बोचहा थाना क्षेत्र के मिश्रौलिया गांव निवासी रुदल सहनी का 44 वर्षीय पुत्र नागेंद्र सहनी एवं वह पेशे से ट्रक चालक था। इधर मृतक के जीजा रामाकांत सहनी ने बताया कि वह बराबर बालू लोड करने के लिए कोईलवर आया करता था।  https://www.bhaskar.com/local/bihar/bhojpur/news/the-driver-had-come-to-load-sand-a-direct-collision-between-two-trucks-while-returning-131427204.html  (21 June 2023)

Munger मुफस्सिल थाना क्षेत्र के श्री कृष्ण सेतु पुल पर तेज रफ्तार बालू लदे वाहन ने दो लोगों को रौंदते हुए फरार हो गया। जिसके बाद स्थानीय लोगों के द्वारा सड़क दुर्घटना में घायल लोगों को ईलाज के लिए अस्पताल लाया गया। सदर अस्पताल के इमरजेंसी वार्ड में घायल का प्राथमिक उपचार करने के बाद उसे हायर सेंटर रेफर कर दिया गया। https://www.bhaskar.com/local/bihar/munger/news/the-condition-of-both-the-injured-in-the-accident-is-said-to-be-serious-complaint-of-accident-due-to-sand-laden-vehicle-131393930.html  (June 2023)

Saran छपरा रेवा एनएच 722 स्तिथ भेल्दी थाना क्षेत्र के सराय बक्स पलमुआ पुल के समीप से सिरसा की तरफ जाने वाली ग्रामीण सड़क पर अपाचे बाइक से घर आ रहे दो लोगों को बालू लदे ट्रक के चालक ने तेजी से भागने के दौरान सीधी टक्‍कर मार दी। घटना में बाइक चला रहे भेल्दी थाना क्षेत्र के हैं सरायबक्स बरकुरुवा टोला निवासी संतोष सिंह की मौत मौके पर ही हो गई, जबकि बाइक पर सवार दूसरे व्यक्ति केदार सिंह घायल हैं, उनका इलाज चल रहा है। घटना के बाद ट्रक चालक मौके से भागने लगा, लेकिन आगे ग्रामीणों ने पकड़कर पुलिस के हवाले कर दिया। सड़क दुर्घटना की सूचना जैसे ही स्थानीय ग्रामीणों को मिलेगी कि सैकड़ों की संख्या में ग्रामीण मौके पर जुट गए विरोध में आगजनी कर एनएच 722 पर ट्रक व ट्रैक्टर लगाकर 2 घंटे तक सड़क जाम कर दिया, जिससे वाहनों की लंबी कतार लग गई। घटना की सूचना होने पर प्रशासन मौके पर पहुंच लोगों को समझा-बुझाकर सड़क जाम हटवाया।  https://www.jagran.com/bihar/saran-a-speeding-truck-loaded-with-sand-dragged-brother-of-a-civil-servant-for-20-meters-died-people-blocked-road-23423818.html  (26 May 2023)

Munger सोमवार (May 22) को भीषण सड़क हादसा हो गया है. बालू लदे हाईवा और ट्रैक्टर में जोरदार टक्कर हो गई. ट्रैक्टर पर कुल 30 लोग सवार थे. जो कि देवघर से अपने बच्चे का मुंडन करा कर अपने परिवार और रिश्तेदार को दो ट्रैक्टर पर लेकर वापस मुंगेर लौट रहे थे. तभी बरियारपुर थाना क्षेत्र के बरियारपुर बाजार लाइन होटल के पास एनएच 80 पर पीछे से तेज रफ्तार से आ रहे बालू लदे हाईवा ने ट्रैक्टर को टक्कर मार दी.

टक्कर इतना जबरदस्त था कि ट्रैक्टर पर सवार सभी 30 महिला पुरुष एवं बच्चे दूर जा गिरे, जिसमें 70 वर्षीय रीता कुमारी एवं 4 वर्षीय माही कुमारी ट्रक के सामने आ गई और ट्रक ने उन्हें कुचल दिया. जिससे घटनास्थल पर ही उनकी मौत हो गई. वहीं, 18 से अधिक लोग गंभीर रूप से घायल हो गए हैं. बरियारपुर पुलिस ने हाइवा ट्रक को मौके से जब्त कर लिया है. वहीं, घटना के विरोध में स्थानीय ग्रामीण एवं परिजनों ने बरियारपुर के पास एनएच 80 सड़क को जाम कर दिया. मौके पर पहुंची पुलिस ने लोगों को समझाने की कोशिश की और ग्रामीणों को वहां से हटाया.  https://www.newsnationtv.com/states/bihar/horrific-road-accident-in-munger-30-people-injured-2-killed-373134.html  (22 May 2023)

Jamui शनिवार (April 15) की रात एक अनियंत्रित ट्रक ने बाइक सवार तीन युवकों को रौंद दिया। यह दर्दनाक घटना जिले के कोहबरवा-झाझा मार्ग पर हुई। हादसे में बाइक सवार एक युवक की मौके पर ही मौत हो गई, जबकि दो गंभीर रूप से घायल हो गए।  https://www.jagran.com/bihar/jamui-sand-laden-truck-ran-over-three-youths-riding-a-bike-one-dead-two-serious-23386909.html  (16 April 2023)

Patna बिहटा थाना क्षेत्र के राघोपुर स्वामी सहजानंद सरस्वती आश्रम के पास बालू लदा तेज रफ्तार ट्रक ने बाइक सवार मजदूर को रौंद दिया। आनन-फानन में उसे इलाज के लिए अस्पताल ले जाया गया, जहां उसकी इलाज के दौरान मौत हो गई। घटना के बाद ट्रक चालक और उपचालक बीच सड़क पर वाहन छोड़कर भाग निकला। मृतक की पहचान बिहटा थाना क्षेत्र के पैनाल हिरवनपुर गांव निवासी स्व छोटे लाल राय के 50 वर्षीय पुत्र नागेंद्र यादव के रूप में की गई है।  https://www.bhaskar.com/local/bihar/patna/news/accident-while-going-home-by-bike-driver-absconded-leaving-sand-laden-vehicle-police-started-searching-131284794.html  (April 2023)

Jamui झाझा थाना क्षेत्र में बुधवार (March 15) सुबह बालू से लदे हाइवा ट्रक ने एक बुजुर्ग को कुचल दिया। इस हादसे में बुजुर्ग की मौके पर ही मौत हो गई। यह हादसा कोहवरवा झाझा मुख्य मार्ग स्थित धमना मोड़ के पास हुआ। मृतक बुजुर्ग की पहचान झाझा थाना क्षेत्र के धमना गांव निवासी जितेंद्र तुरी के रूप में की गई है। वहीं, घटना के बाद आक्रोशित लोगों ने सड़क को जाम कर दिया। वे ट्रक चालक की गिरफ्तारी और मुआवजे की मांग करने लगे। वहीं, जाम के कारण सड़क के दोनों तरफ वाहनों की लंबी कतार लग गई। इस वजह से यात्री काफी देर तक जाम में फंसे रहे।  https://www.amarujala.com/bihar/sand-laden-hiva-truck-crushed-elderly-person-in-jamui-he-died-on-the-spot-angry-people-blocked-the-road-2023-03-15  (15 March 2023)

जमुई के लक्ष्मीपुर में स्थानीय थाना क्षेत्र अंतर्गत जमुई-खड़कपुर राष्ट्रीय राज मार्ग पर केनुहट चौक के समीप गुरुवार (March 02) को बालू लदे ट्रक ने अनियंत्रित होकर स्कूटी चालक अधेड़ को कुचल दिया। परिणाम स्वरूप घटनास्थल पर ही अधेड़ की मौत हो गई। जानकारी के अनुसार, अधेड़ एक शादी समारोह में शिरकत करने के लिए घर से निकले थे। मृतक अधेड़ की पहचान नजारी गांव निवासी खेमन दास के पुत्र दशरथ दास के रूप में हुई है।  स्थानीय लोगों के सहयोग से ट्रक चालक को पकड़ लिया गया। हालांकि, ट्रक चालक बाद में भीड़ का फायदा उठाते हुए चकमा देकर भागने में सफल रहा।  https://www.jagran.com/bihar/jamui-jamui-accident-sand-laden-truck-crushed-scooty-rider-who-was-going-to-attend-wedding-ceremony-died-on-spot-23345521.html  (02 March 2023)

Lakhisarai लखीसराय के रामगढ़ चौक थाना क्षेत्र के चमघाड़ा गांव के समीप सोमवार (Feb. 13) की दोपहर बाइक और बालूलदे ट्रैक्टर की टक्कर हो गई। दुर्घटना मेंवीरुपुर थाना क्षेत्र के गिरधरपुर निवासी राजेश कुमार के पुत्र रवि कुमार और रामगढ़ चौक थाना क्षेत्र के कामता नगर निवासी राजेश कुमार के पुत्र गुलशन गु कुमार की घटनास्थल पर ही मौत हो गई है। वहीं बाइक पर सवार नंदनी कुमारी बुरी तरह जख्मी हैं। घटना के बाद परिजनों के साथ मिलकर स्थानीय लोगों नेमुआवजा की मांग को लेकर सड़क जाम कर दिया। पुलिस पदाधिकारी आक्रोशित लोगों को समझा बुझाकर सड़क जाम समाप्त करानेको लेकर प्रयासरत दिखी। स्थानीय लोगों के द्वारा करीब ढाई घंटे तक शेखपुरा-लखीसराय मुख्य सड़क को चमघाड़ा के समीप जाम कर रखा गया। https://www.livehindustan.com/bihar/story-lakhisarai-high-speed-sand-laden-truck-crushed-the-bike-two-died-on-the-spot-blocked-the-road-for-two-and-a-half-hours-7764390.html  (13 Feb. 2023)

Munger मुंगेर में सड़क हादसा हुआ है. यहां एक तेज रफ्तार ट्रक ने ऑटो में जोरदार टक्कर मार दी. जिसमें एक की मौत हो गयी और 7 गंभीर रूप से घायल हो गए. https://www.etvbharat.com/hindi/bihar/state/munger/road-accident-in-munger-truck-collided-with-auto-one-died/bh20230203224149029029767   (03 Feb. 2023)

मुंगेर मेंसड़क हादसेमेंयुवक की मौत हो गई. घटना एनएच-333 स्तिथ खड़गपुर-बरियारपुर मुख्य मार्गके शामपुर थाना के पास की है. जहां एक बालू लदे ट्रक नेबाइक सवार युवक को रौंद दिया. जिसमेंबाइक सवार एक युवक की दर्दनाक मौत हो गई. बाइक पर सवार दो अन्य युवक गंभीर रुप से जख्मी हो गया. जिसे आनन-फानन में इलाज के लिए अस्पताल लेजाया गया. घटना के बाद सेमृतक के घर मेंकोहराम मच गया है.  https://www.etvbharat.com/hindi/bihar/state/munger/road-accident-in-munger/bh20230119225418076076876  (19 Jan. 2023)

Kaimur सोमवार सुबह करीब 6:30 बजे राष्ट्रीय राजमार्ग-19 पर कुदरा थाना क्षेत्र के चिलबिली गांव के पास ट्रक व बस की सीधी भिड़ंत हो गई।तेज रफ्तार बालू ट्रक में सामने से पर्यटक बस की हुई टक्कर में करीब 41 से अधिक लोग घायल हो गए,जिनमें पर्यटक बस चालक केबिन में फंस गया जिससे कुछ देर बाद चालक की मौत हो गई जबकि इलाज के बाद हायर सेंटर रेफर करने के बाद रास्ते में बस सवार एक यात्री समेत दो की मौत हो गई।  https://www.bhaskar.com/local/bihar/kaimur/kudra/news/tourist-bus-collided-with-sand-laden-truck-41-tourists-injured-two-killed-130673424.html  (12 Dec. 2022)

Assam A fatal road accident occurred on the Rangia-Bhutan International Highway in Tamulpur during the early hours of Sunday (April 02). The incident took place at Nine Mile when a dump truck carrying rock and sand collided head-on with a truck loaded with coal. According to sources, the driver of the truck carrying coal died on spot. Eyewitness said that the truck loaded with coal was travelling words Rangia, while the dump truck was coming from the opposite direction heading towards Bhutan. Due to reckless driving, the dump truck suddenly swerved to the wrong lane and crashed into the truck carrying coal, causing a massive collision. https://www.pratidintime.com/latest-assam-news-breaking-news-assam/assam-head-on-collision-between-trucks-kills-1-in-tamulpur  (02 April 2023)

Sikkim At around 4:30 PM on Thursday (April 20) a Tipper truck with sand freight tumbled down into 300-400 feet deep gorge at village Bering under Pakyong District in which three succumbed and 2 injured.  Three were declared dead at Pakyong Hospital, whereas 2 injured are being referred to STNM Sochyagang Hospital , Gangtok.  https://voiceofsikkim.com/sand-carrying-tipper-truck-accident-claim-3-life-2-sustained-injury-in-pakyong/  (21 April 2023)

Jammu & Kashmir Two policemen were injured in an attack by a group of people involved in illegal sand mining in the Tawi river on the outskirts of Jammu city, officials said on Tuesday (June 13). Acting on a complaint about illegal mining in the Kukdiyal area, a mining department team assisted by police rushed to the spot. When the police personnel tried to seize the machinery, a large number of people close to the illegal miners came to the spot and attacked them, the police said. Two policemen suffered minor injuries in the attack. Additional police force was rushed to the spot and one person was arrested. The machines used by the illegal miners were seized, they said. https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/two-policeman-injured-in-attack-by-illegal-sand-miners-in-jammu-23292093  (13 June 2023)

Madhya Pradesh Former CM Digvijaya Singh on Thursday (July 06) alleged that the tribal victim, who was peed upon, used to “work for BJP leader Pravesh Shukla and the son of Sidhi BJP MLA Kedarnath Shukla in their illegal sand-mining racket”.  “This person, who is responsible for such an incident, the BJP MLA’s son and the village sarpanch — all three were involved in illegal sand mining from Son river. Even now, you can see a large number of trucks parked outside his house,” Singh said. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/digvijaya-singh-connects-sidhi-incident-to-illegal-sand-mining/articleshow/101558781.cms  (07 July 2023)

Tamil Nadu Illegal sand mining gang threatens villagers Villagers of T Panchampatti in Dindigul district submitted a petition to the Collector on Monday (July 03), saying that despite pressing the panic button on illegal sand mining a fortnight ago, Sanarpatti police failed to take any action. The petitioners led by V. Suresh of Poongampadi in Sanarpatti police station limits submitted that they had informed the police about sand mining in their village by a four-member gang on June 19. However, the police did not take any tangible action. “They did not even give a CSR”, the villagers told the Collector.

Further, the petition named four people with their addresses. The water body was the main source of drinking water and irrigation. Above all, the water which entered Pudukulam tank in survey number 370/1 reached about 14 tanks on the stretch. The sand mining gang entered with their dipper lorries and gadgets and lifted sand without any order. It was an offence and prohibited by the courts, Mr Suresh told media persons. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/illegal-sand-mining-gang-threatens-villagers-in-dindigul-district/article67037966.ece  (04 July 2023)

Haryana Govt to set up 8 special police stations to deal with illegal mining and related illegalities. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/8-exclusive-police-stations-to-deal-with-cases-of-illegal-mining-construction-523402  (07 July 2023)

Karnal district admin has bought a drone for monitoring illegal mining along Yamuna River, but lack of good internet connection is hampering live streaming. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/new-drones-live-streaming-hit-by-poor-internet-connection-523103 (6 July 2023)

Attack on Mining officers in Palwal. Dainik Bhaskar (06 July 2023)

Gujarat Indiscriminate mining causes extensive damage  It has come to light that around eight quarries in the area of the Udwada highway between Vapi and Pardi in the Valsad district are engaging in reckless quarrying practises that pose substantial health and safety threats to the local population. Without regard for safety rules or environmental considerations, the miners have dug down to the stone and mineral deposits around 150 feet. Worryingly, ongoing digs have reached depths of up to 100 feet below surface. The destruction caused by mining activities was documented in a picture article published in Divya Bhaskar on July 5. https://theblunttimes.in/indiscriminate-mining-in-valsad-district-causes-extensive-damage-to-properties/33818/  (6 July 2023)

Report Crucial for India’s booming construction industry, illegal sand mining has been allowed to go unchecked for decades. But environmentalist Sumaira Abdulali has remained steadfast in her efforts to end it once and for all. https://www.vogue.in/content/sumaira-abdulali-has-toiled-to-put-a-stop-to-illegal-sand-mining-in-india  (04 July 2023)

WETLANDS, LAKES, WATER BODIES

Maharashtra ELF Cleans Mangroves In the last three years, Environment Life Foundation (ELF), a mangrove clean-up group – started by Dharmesh Barai, a Nerul resident along with his two friends Sriram Sankar and Rohan Bhosale with the primary objective to protect and conserve the vital mangrove ecosystem, has removed more than 250 tons of waste from plastic bottles to household trash from various locations in Navi Mumbai, including Panvel.

-ELF celebrated its 150th week on Sunday (July 02) with more than 30,000 volunteers joining the cause over time. Around 40 volunteers collected over 600 kg of waste in the 150th week of clean-up drive conducted near Shiv Mandir in Karave Jetty, along Palm Beach in Nerul from 7 am to 10 am on July 3. https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/with-aim-to-protect-mangroves-this-navi-mumbai-foundation-has-cleaned-more-than-250-tons-of-waste-in-last-3-years  (3 July 2023)

Goa City to have 50 notified wetlands in 2 years: SWA The State Wetland Authority (SWA) has informed the NGT that it is in the process of notifying 35 additional wetlands in the state, which will take the total number of notified wetlands in Goa to 50. The process is expected to take two years, it said.

The SWA, which submitted its quarterly progress report, as required by the NGT, after petitioner Kashinath Shetye approached the tribunal accusing the government of dragging its feet on notifying wetlands, said that the process of survey, identification and then notifying the wetlands was on.

-Petitioner Shetye, however, expressed reservations over the reduced number of wetlands being identified pointing out that as per a prior statement before the NGT, 385 wetlands have been delineated that have an area of more than five hectares, and 167 wetlands which are less than 2.25 hectares, thus totalling to 550 wetlands in Goa covering an area of 213.77 sq. km. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/goa-state-wetland-authority-to-notify-35-additional-wetlands-taking-total-to-50-in-two-years-gswa-to-ngt-101688543841135.html  (5 July 2023)

Punjab Panel to probe misuse of tourist centre funds in Keshopur Chhamb Gurdaspur Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal has constituted a fact-finding committee to look into the alleged misappropriation of funds in construction of the Tourist Interpretation Centre (TIC) in one of the country’s biggest wetlands-Keshopur Chhamb. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) had given a grant of Rs 8 crore to the Punjab Tourism Department. In 2016, work at the first phase of the TIC suddenly came to a halt. The first phase was constructed at a cost of Rs 4 crore while the second phase failed to come up. This meant the “half-baked” building could never be put to use.

Rules envisaged that the structure should have been handed over to the Wildlife Department in 2016 itself, but this was not done. In January 2018, the department took possession. An official said, “The TIC has been rendered a white elephant with nobody knowing what to do about it. Let us hope the committee comes up with something concrete and does not turn out to be a group of people who keep minutes but lose hours.” He added, “Some official files are sure to go missing now.” The TIC, had it been fully constructed, was meant to facilitate ornithologists and amateur bird watchers to study migratory birds. It was to come up in two phases and was to be equipped with the latest equipment. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/panel-to-probe-misuse-of-tourist-centre-funds-517458  (16 June 2023)

WATER OPTIONS

Tamil Nadu Namakkal has some solutions for rising water woes Namakkal district has successfully addressed its water scarcity challenges and become the second-best district in India in terms of groundwater availability according to the Union Jal Shakti Ministry’s annual ranking.

The district was facing acute water scarcity before 2022 and a number of water conservation activities, lakes, rivers, springs protection and reconstruction works were undertaken by the district administration in five municipalities, 19 town panchayats and 322 village Panchayats across the district, to deal with water scarcity.

A comprehensive approach involving community participation, rainwater harvesting, sustainable agriculture, efficient water management systems, installation of artificial recharge structures and robust policies was undertaken.  Around 685 individual farm ponds, 530 community farm ponds, 113 recharge shafts and 105 check dams were constructed across the district. Trenches were cut across 84 locations. About 1,400 kms of minor streams, rivers, as well as 49 tanks, were rejuvenated. Encroachments spread along the waterbodies across the district were removed. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/water/tamil-nadu-s-namakkal-has-some-solutions-for-india-s-rising-water-woes-90331  (30 June 2023)

WRD to launch Rs 30cr digital portal to enhance water management The water digital portal will be launched by the end of 2023, according to sources in the state water resources department.

According to the state water resources department, the data will serve as a reliable source of water data in the state. This includes the availability of water, the quality and quantity of water which will help in providing information and also felicitate operation, management and conservation of water sources that are scarce.

-The project will help in preventing unlawful activities, including encroachment in water bodies, water theft and illegal pumping of water. It will also help the state government departments to assess the water availability, quality and quantity for future policy planning. The dashboard according to officials has constituted modules that will have details on rainfall, reservoirs, tanks, groundwater availability, river gouges and other details required in water conservation. https://weather.com/en-IN/india/news/news/2023-07-08-tamil-nadu-to-launch-digital-portal-to-enhance-water-management  (07 July 2023)

Gujarat Water storage experiment achieves success in Junagadh A check dam in the Kabutari mine was built by the Junagadh irrigation department behind the Rashtraveer Chhelbhai Dave police training center. It is now full of water due to good rainfall recently in the region. There is 4 meter high land on both sides of the check dam and the central flow area is 30 meter wide. There is a 2-meter high body-wall and the water spread is across 3.5 ha. The water body created stores 2.14 million cubic feet of water. It results in an improvement in groundwater in an 8 km area around. https://www.deshgujarat.com/2023/07/04/a-mine-converted-into-a-check-dam-water-storage-experiment-achieves-success-in-junagadh/  (4 July 2023)

Bengaluru Useful information about lake volunteers orgs in Bangalore. https://www.deccanherald.com/metrolife/metrolife-your-bond-with-bengaluru/what-do-lake-volunteers-do-1234069.html  (July 5, 2023)

Haryana Amrit Sarovars rejuvenate ponds Notably, Haryana has a total 19,488 ponds, including 18,589 in rural areas and 899 in urban locations. Of them, 1,856 are polluted, with a tendency to overflow in monsoons.

In Haryana, 7,691 sites have been identified, work has commenced on 3,327 and completed on 1,518. Of the 175 sites identified in Gurugram district, work has commenced on 73 and finished on 46. Of these, many ponds come within the panchayat/urban local body limits. According to its annual report for 2021-22, 644 water bodies were present under the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority in 1956. By 2018, it came down to 123.

GuruJal, a non-profit organisation, is working closely with the government of Haryana to rejuvenate ponds. GuruJal has revived 17 ponds in Sohna, Pataudi, Farrukhnagar and Gurugram blocks of Gurugram district. Around 90% of these projects were completed under Mission Amrit Sarovar. In Sohna block, besides Hariahera, a water body in Daula village was revived.

GuruJal has mapped 400 water bodies in Haryana, designed the systems for wastewater treatment plants for 17 of them and reviewed about 80 Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the government. “When we work with the government, we do surveys, prepare DPRs and give estimates, but we do not do the execution. When we do it alone, we work fully from start to end,” details Tiwari. https://101reporters.com/article/environment/Amrit_Sarovars_rejuvenate_Haryana_villages_resolve_wastewater_problem  (28 June 2023)

Chennai With tariff regulation, sewage collection service gains patronage Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board’s (CMWSSB) efforts to streamline private sewage lorries and provide a comprehensive sewage collection service to residents in areas without a sewer network is gaining patronage. However, residents want the board to coordinate with the authorities in the neighbouring districts to stop unauthorised sewage disposal into waterbodies.

The board had introduced licences to private lorries clearing sewage in the peripheral areas of the city, bringing them under its purview. The CMWSSB recently fixed a tariff for private sewer lorries. It varies between ₹650 and ₹1,500 depending upon the distance between the treatment plant and the place from the sewage is collected. With this, more residents have started using the service and the helpline received nearly 420 calls in the past few weeks. The average number of daily paid trips increased to 10-15 from 2-3 a day earlier, said the officials.

Besides the 15 sewer lorries operated on contract for dial-for-sewer service, about 300 private lorry owners have applied for licence as per the requirement of the Septage Management Regulations and Operative Guidelines released early this year. “We have ensured that 256 licensed lorries are fitted with GPS equipment to track their movement till decanting points. About 10 million litres of sewage is disposed daily at the decanting points now. Private sewer lorry operators have been assured that they would not lose regular trips,” said an official. About 300 more lorries in and around Chennai still need to be brought under the ambit of the new system.

Meanwhile, residents and activists said the practice of dumping raw sewage continued in suburbs bordering neighbouring districts, including Poonamallee, Manimangalam and Sembakkam. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/with-tariff-regulation-sewage-collection-service-by-private-operators-gains-patronage/article67041901.ece  (04 July 2023)

Delhi Govt suggests fine of up to ₹5L on properties without functional RWH system The Delhi government has proposed slapping an environmental compensation of up to ₹5 lakh on property owners with an area of at least 100 square metres who fail to maintain a functional rainwater harvesting system. In a report submitted to the NGT recently, the AAP government in the national capital said the penalty could be increased by 50 per cent for non-residential units.

-The Delhi government had made rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems mandatory in 2012 and non-compliance attracts a penalty of one-and-a-half times the water bill amount. A 10-per cent rebate is given on the water bill if an RWH system is installed. The city government also said the DJB has been asked to withdraw the rebate given on water bills to the societies and institutions that do not have a functional RWH system.

-The NGT asked the Delhi chief secretary in February to file an action-taken report after a petition claimed that RWH systems were not functioning properly in many societies at Dwarka. The tribunal had directed the DPCC to coordinate with the DJB and take remedial action, creating awareness and preventing extraction of groundwater. It had also formed a joint committee comprising the CPCB, Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) and Ministry of Urban Development to consider the situation on the same pattern throughout the country. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/delhi-govt-suggests-fine-of-up-to-rs-5l-on-properties-without-functional-rainwater-harvesting-system-101688559219865.html  (05 July 2023)

Rajasthan In the inhospitable terrain of Thar Desert, centuries-old water conservation methods still flourish, and meet the drinking water needs of villagers and their cattle throughout the year. https://www.gaonconnection.com/lead-stories/jaisalmer-rajasthan-rainwater-harvesting-pokhran-beria-summer-clean-drinking-water-villages-jal-jeevan-mission-jal-shakti-water-conservation-52313  (05 July 2023)

GROUNDWATER

Delhi 20% tubewell water polluted, DJB tries to rectify system According to the officials, after detecting that approximately 1,060 tubewells have water containing harmful pollutants, like nitrate, ammonia and fluorides, the board has started work on installing treatment units on all of them in the first phase. Currently, tubewells supply around 180 MGD of water of Delhi’s total output. The South, South West and North East districts have the highest number of polluted tubewells. Currently, the tubewell treatment and monitoring system, installed by the Treatment and Quality Control Department of the DJB, is in place in the Sonia Vihar area.

Usually the tubewell is allowed only in an area where the water table is high, but now, as the department is working towards modern wells that are close to artificial lakes, the water from the well will be first transferred to a water treatment plant and then there will also be reverse osmosis (RO) plants to clean it further before it is fit for consumption.  https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/20-tubewell-water-polluted-djb-tries-to-rectify-system/articleshow/100834970.cms  (08 June 2023)

Karnataka 24 borewells in Mysuru district found contaminated with Nitrates, closed There is a fear of drinking water scarcity in Mysuru district at a time when a 53 per cent deficit in South West Monsoon showers, including a 19 per cent deficit in south interior Karnataka, including Mysuru district, has been recorded. At this juncture, as many as 148 water samples tested between April 1 and June 30 have been found to be contaminated in the rural areas of Mysuru district. Among them, alarmingly, 24 samples of borewell water sources had Nitrate. All these 24 borewells are closed by the Mysuru district administration. According to District Health Officer Dr K H Prasad, the presence of Nitrate indicates the presence of bacteria and contamination of water. Contamination of water can cause gut infection including gastroenteritis and typhoid.  https://www.deccanherald.com/state/mysuru/24-borewells-in-mysuru-district-found-contaminated-with-nitrates-closed-1233815.html  (04 July 2023)

URBAN WATER

DTE About NGT’s Rs. 80,000 for sewage, garbage management About 27 years ago, in 1996, the case of Almitra H Patel vs Government of India regarding the demand for scientific treatment and management of solid waste and sewage reached the Supreme Court. It continued in the Supreme Court for almost 18 years.

-Meanwhile, the Supreme Court passed comprehensive orders in 2000 and 2004. However, these orders were not implemented at state-level. In 2014, the Supreme Court referred the matter to the NGT saying that the tribunal had the expertise to look into the matter.

-The NGT, after hearing the case for about 9 years, calculated the fine of Rs 80,000 crore for the states, accounting for about 27 years. It did so for the original application number 606/2018, in its revised order dated May 22, 2023.

-Experts, though, believe that states will not deposit the amount immediately. Advocate Rahul Chaudhary said states might knock on the doors of the Supreme Court. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/waste/ngt-has-imposed-a-fine-of-about-80-000-crore-so-far-on-states-for-not-disposing-of-sewage-and-garbage-90449  ( 6 July 2023)

Bengaluru Sewage treatment conundrum The report throws some interesting light on the issue, but fails to look at the governance in detail, nor highlights some positives from practical world that can help improve matters.  https://www.deccanherald.com/specials/bengaluru-s-sewage-treatment-conundrum-1234898.html  ( 8 July 2023)

In the last 25 years or so, urbanisation increased by around 87%, at the cost of a 30% reduction in the area which used to be under lakes and wetlands, says Dr. Prakash Chauhan, Director, National Remote Sensing Centre. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/65-lakes-lost-since-1965-temperature-increases-by-15-degree-celsius-in-last-two-decades-nrsc-director/article67057075.ece/amp/  (08 July 2023)

Shillong Water rates charged by private tankers exorbitant: HC A bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W Diengdoh also suggested that the State could make use of funds from Central government projects to improve the water supply scenario in the capital. “Apart from the problem of exorbitant rates charged by water- tankers supplying water to various parts of the city, which the State must immediately regulate and rein in, there have to be long-term and short-term plans put in place for the immediate future and how the State reckons the demand for water would be, say, 20 years hence,” the Court’s order stated.

Further, the bench urged the State to work on improving the state of water bodies in and around Shillong. “The State would also do well to clean and rejuvenate water- bodies in and around the city particularly the rivers and streams that may have been choked up or completely contaminated. The District Council should be tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that local folk who live by the water-bodies act responsibly,” the Court said.

-The observations came while hearing a PIL on the issue. The State government was directed to file a comprehensive affidavit, including details of the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme. The case will be heard next on July 21. https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/water-rates-private-tankers-shillong-exorbitant-meghalaya-high-court  (08 July 2023)

Navi; Mumbai Water supply hit after pipe burst The water supply to nodes like Kharghar, Kamothe, Kalamboli, Dronagiri and Ulwe is likely to remain affected till Saturday as a pipeline from Hetawane dam has burst at Chirner in Uran on Thursday  (July 06) evening. As per officials from CIDCO, a container hit the water pipeline resulted in a massive pipe burst. The incident occurred at 6.40 pm. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/water-supply-to-navi-mumbai-nodes-likely-to-be-affected-till-saturday-due-to-burst-pipeline-at-chirner-in-uran-101688678083879.html  (7 July 2023)

Mumbai The prima facie cause of the landslide which occurred at Chunabhatti on Wednesday (July 05), burying with it 30 bikes and one car, was due to water percolation from a nullah, according to the slum rehabilitation authority (SRA). The seepage loosened the soil leading to the collapse of a shore piling. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/mumbai-landslide-caused-by-water-percolation-from-nullah-31-vehicles-buried-sra-and-bmc-investigate-101688756406484.html  (08 July 2023)

Itanagar Main water supply pipeline damaged The public health engineering department (PHED) on Friday (July 07) informed that the main water supply pipeline which supplies water to most parts of Itanagar has been damaged following a massive landslide triggered by rainfall near Poma village in Sangdupota circle, and that its restoration may take a month.

-“The main pipeline was washed away, while a few pipelines were completely submerged in the debris, and could not be retrieved due to massive landslides. The alignment of the pipeline was washed away and a new formation and alignment needs to be created,” Camdir said. “It is a challenging task and may take around a month if the heavy downpour continues. The portion of the road, measuring around 400 metres, leading to the water intake point is also washed away and needs to be reconstructed,” he informed.   https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2023/07/08/main-water-supply-pipeline-near-poma-village-damaged-restoration-may-take-a-month/  (08 July 2023)

Shimla Water scarcity back to haunt Shimla residents Following heavy rainfall last week, excessive silt accumulated at water sources, forcing the suspension of water supply. The supply was restored in many areas after the turbidity levels improved at water sources, but it has been adversely affected in the city yet again.

-Mayor Surender Chauhan said, “The unauthorised dumping of loose soil in the catchment areas of water sources has complicated the problem. Had steps been taken in time to prevent the unabated dumping, the scenario would have been different.” “We have brought the matter to the notice of the district administration and the deputy commissioner and asked to ensure punitive action against violators,” the Mayor added. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/water-scarcity-back-to-haunt-shimla-residents-522574  (04 July 2023)

Jaipur LSG secy finds garbage, sewage flowing on roads during inspection in city Secretary for local self-government (LSG) Mahesh Sharma on Thursday (July 06) inspected four zones of JMC Heritage along with commissioner Rajendra Shekhawat and mayor Munesh Gurjar. During the inspection, sewer line was found broken in the middle of the road near Ajmeri Gate and dirty water was overflowing on the road. The secretary instructed the commissioner to write to JMC-Greater to get it repaired as the area falls under JMC Greater.  https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/lsg-secy-finds-garbage-sewage-flowing-on-roads-during-inspection-in-city/articleshow/101558990.cms  (07 July 2023)

Bathinda Warrior Moms, an environmental organisation representing concern mothers, from 32 cities across the country have urged the CPCB to act tough and strictly implement ban on Single-Use Plastics. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/warrior-moms-urge-cpcb-for-strict-ban-on-single-use-plastics/articleshow/101576703.cms  (07 July 2023)

WATER POLLUTION

Report -Despite noting that just 520 districts across the country had declared themselves free of manual scavenging, the Central Monitoring Committee (CMC) of the Social Justice Ministry concluded in its eighth meeting on July 5, 2023 that all unsanitary latrines had been made sanitary under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan and that the problem of manual scavenging is eliminated. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/govt-set-to-announce-india-manual-scavenging-free-by-august-246-districts-yet-to-self-declare/article67045733.ece  (05 July 2023)

Report Despite these findings, non-point sources of pollution did not gain enough attention in India until recently. Regulatory frameworks and policies in India lack clear mandates and strategies addressing the issue. https://thewire.in/environment/india-agriculture-waste-water-pollution-manage  (23 March 2023)

JJM/ RURAL WATER SUPPLY

This Edit in The Hindu raises quite a few question marks about the claims of Har Ghar Jal Project of GOI. https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/clearing-the-water-on-piped-potable-water-to-rural-households/article67037710.ece  (4 July 2023)

AGRICULTURE

Opinion Soil health crisis: Urgent reforms needed for sustainable agriculture Great to Shir V Vijaya Sai Reddy, a Member of Parliament, authoring this article about URGENT need for attention to soil health crisis. Its particularly important the he mentions not only the deficient organic content in Indian soil but also other important deficiencies like Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium. He also mentions other issues about soils including the erosion, waterlogging and salinisation. https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/panorama/soil-health-crisis-urgent-reforms-needed-for-sustainable-agriculture-1234300.html  (5 July 2023)

Madhya Pradesh Soil testing labs built at cost of Rs 130 cr now used to store cow dung Shocking state of soil testing labs in MP: 219 of 265 soil testing labs are now completely shut. In most cases, the buildings have been locked, but in some instances, they are being used for other purposes, such as drying cow dung for fuel. The initiative began in 2015 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as the government launched the soil health card scheme to assist farmers in identifying essential nutrients needed to enhance their crop yields. The buildings for these 265 laboratories were constructed several years ago and were equipped with necessary equipment. https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/india/story/soil-testing-labs-locked-used-to-store-cow-dung-madhya-pradesh-2402401-2023-07-05  ( 5 July 2023)

MONSOON 2023

SANDRP Blog June 2023: High Rainfall district days in India’s SW Monsoon An analysis of the daily district wise rainfall data from India Meteorological Department (IMD) for the month of June 2023, the first month of India’s South West Monsoon 2022 shows that there were  instances (462 in June 2022 and 442 in June 2021) when district rainfall of a day was above 50 mm. This is high considering that the rainfall of India in June 2023 was 148.6 mm, the rainfall of India in June 2022 was 152.3 mm, or daily average rainfall is about 5 mm. The high rainfall instances in June 2023 included 339 (339 and 371 in June 2022 and 2021) instances when rainfall was 50-100 mm, 68 instances (68 and 59 in June 2022 & 2021) when it was 100-150 mm, 26 (26 and 5 times in June 2022 & 2021) times it was 150-200 mm and 29 (29 & 7 times in June 2022 & 2021) times above 200 mm. https://sandrp.in/2023/07/09/june-2023-high-rainfall-district-days-in-indias-sw-monsoon/  (09 July 2023)

June 2023: District wise rainfall in India’s SW Monsoon In the just concluded month June 2023, the first month of India’s South West 2023 monsoon, India received 148.6 mm rainfall, 10% below the normal June rainfall of 165.3 mm as per India Meteorological department. In June 2022, the rainfall was 152.3 mm, 8% below normal, in June 2021, the rainfall was 182.9 mm, about 11% above normal and in June 2020, the rainfall was 196.9 mm, or about 18% above normal and in June 2019 it was 33% below normal. However, the rainfall has been far from normal this month. In almost 400 of the 717 districts, the rainfall saw a deficit. https://sandrp.in/2023/07/07/june-2023-district-wise-rainfall-in-indias-sw-monsoon/  (07 July 2023)

Putting the CWC data in context, especially for the impact on hydropower generation, Himanshu Thakkar of South Asia Network for Dams, River and People (SANDRP) said: “North India has larger installed capacity of hydropower. Cyclone Biparjoy and western disturbances have ensured positive reservoir status as of now. But it is the July and August rainfall that will have real impact on hydropower generation in North India.” “But the main impact would be felt – both on agriculture and hydropower generation – in South India and Maharashtra,” cautioned Thakkar. For July, the IMD has indicated that the rainfall will be normal to above normal for most parts of central India and adjoining south peninsular and east India apart from some areas of northeast and northwest India. Meanwhile, it will be below normal over many parts of northwest, northeest and southeast peninsular India. “In north India, if there is some deficit (in July), some of it may be compensated because of the high snow melt as we had western disturbances late in June also,” Thakkar added. https://www.news9live.com/india/dont-despair-july-may-make-up-for-junes-rain-deficit-2197541  ( 30 June 2023)

“In a changing climate, we see that hilly areas and surroundings – whether it’s the Himalayan foothills or the Western Ghats – are particularly susceptible to heavy rains and landslides. Due to global warming, there’s extra moisture, and the hills stop this moisture flow and lift it, which comes down as heavy rains. Some of the regions over India where extreme rains have increased are such places where the rains happen due to orographic lifting,” said Roxy Mathew Koll, climate scientist at Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/surge-in-monsoon-rainfall-causes-flooding-and-landslides-in-northern-india-101688925112602.html  (10 July 2023)

The Himachal Pradesh state reported at least 14 landslides and 13 instances of flash floods over the weekend. At least five people, including three members of a family, have died and more than 700 damaged roads have been shut for repairs since Saturday (July 08). Authorities have closed all schools and colleges for the next two days. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-66149758  (10 July 2023)

High Rainfall districts on July 9, 2023: 50-100 mm: Lower Dibang Valley, Papum Pare, Tirap (Arunachal Pradesh), Imphal West (Manipur), Baghpat, Barreily, Sharanpur (W UP), Haridwar, Udhamsingh Nagar (UKD), Karnal, Kurukshetra, Panipat (Haryana), Central Delhi, E Delhi, NW Delhi, SW Delhi (Delhi), Faridkot, Fatehpur Saheb, Firozepur, Hoshiarpur, Jallandhar, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran (Punjab), Kullu, Mandi, Shimla (HP), Jhunjhunun (E Raj), Balaghat, Chhindwara, Sioni (E MP), Gir Somnath (Guj), Bhandara, Gondiya (Mah), Dakshin Kannada (Karnataka) [34]

100-150 mm: Kochbihar (WB), Ambala, Yamunanagar (Haryana), New Delhi, N Delhi (Delhi), Pathankot, SAS Nagar (Punjab), Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Lahaul-Spiti, Sirmour, Solan (HP), Doda (J&K) [14]

150-200 mm: Panchkula (Haryana), Gurdaspur, SBS Nagar (Punjab), Bilaspur, Una (HP) [5]

200-300 mm: Chandigarh-290.9 (UT), Rupnagar (Punjab), Kathua (J&K) [3]

High Rainfall districts on July 8, 2023: 50-100 mm: E Siang, Papum Pare (Arunachal Pradesh), Lakhimpur (Assam), SW Khasi Hills (Meghalaya), Haridwar (UKD), Sirmaur (HP), Kulgam, Punch, Ramban (J&K), Pratapgarh, Sirohi, Sawaimadhopur (E Raj), Anuppur (E MP), Valsad, Botad, Porbandar (Guj), Diu (UT), N Goa, S Goa (Goa), Palghar, Raigarh, Sindhudurg, Suburban Mumbai, Thane (Konkan), Dakshin Kannada, Udupi, Uttar Kannada (Karnataka), Kannur, Kasargod (Kerala), Lakshadweep (UT) [30]

100-150 mm: Ratnagiri (Konkan) [1]

High Rainfall districts on July 7, 2023 50-100 mm: E Siang, Papum Pare (Arunachal Pradesh), Dhemaji, Lakhimpur (Assam), E Khasi Hills (Meghalaya), Imphal W (Manipur), Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri (WB), Farrukhabad (E UP), Etah, Sambhal (W UP), East Delhi (Delhi), Rajgarh, Shajapur (W MP), Narashimapura (E MP), N Goa, S Goa (Goa), Raigarh, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Suburban Mumbai (Konkan), Bastar, Dantiwada, Dhamtari (CG), Uttar Kannada, Kodagu (Karnataka), Kannur, Kasargod, Malappuram (Kerala), Lakshadweep [30]

100-150 mm: Lower Dibang Valley (ArP), SW Khasi Hills (Meghalaya), Dakshin Kannada, Udupi (Karnataka) [4]

High Rainfall districts on July 6, 2023: 50-100 mm: Papum Pare (Arunachal Pradesh), Cachar, Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Sibsagar (Assam), E Khasi Hills, SW Khasi Hills (Meghalaya), Imphal West (Manipur), Deogarh (Odisha), Muzafarnagar (W UP), Udham Singh Nagar (UKD), Ludhiana, Pathankot, SBS Nagar (Punjab), Anand, Botad (Guj), Suburban Mumbai (Konkan), Latur (Mah), Kodagu (Karnataka), Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kollam, Kottyam, Malappuram, Palakkad, Pattanmitta, Trishur, Wayanad (Kerala) [29]

100-150 mm: Serchhip (Mizoram), N Goa, S Goa (Goa), Sindhudurg (Konkan), Uttar Kannada (Karnataka), Kozikod (Kerala) [6]

150-200 mm: Dakshin Kannada (Karnataka), Kannur, Kasargod (Kerala) [3]

200-250 mm: Mahe (Puducherry), Udupi (Karnataka) [2]

High Rainfall districts on July 5, 2023 50-100 mm: Tirap (Arunachal Pradesh), Gomati, Khowai, Unakoti, W Tripura (Tripura), Madhubai, Supaul (Bihar), Kheri (E UP), Shahjahanpur (W UP), Gurdaspur (Punjab), Burhanpur (W MP), N Goa (Goa), Suburban Mumbai (Konkan), Yavatmal (Vidarbha), Sri Alluri Sitharamraju (AP), Hanumakonda (Tel), Uttara Kannada (Karnataka), Alappuza, Idukki, Kollam, Kottayam, Malappuram, Palakkad, Pattanamitta, Thrisur, Wayanad (Kerala) [26]

100-150 mm: Dhalai (Tripura), Samba (J&K), S Goa (Goa), Sindhudurg (Konkan), Mahe (Puducherry), Dakshina Kannada, Udupi (Karnataka), Ernakulam, Kannur, Kasargod, Kozikod [11]

High Rainfall districts on July 4, 2023 50-100 mm: Dibrugarh, Kokrajhar (Assam), E Sikkim, S Sikkim (Sikkim), Balarampur (EUP), S Goa (Goa), Raigarh, Ratnagiri (Konkan), D Kannada, Udupi, U Kannnada (Karnataka), Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Kannur, Kasargod, Kollam, Patanamitta (Kerala) [17]

100-150 mm: W Garo Hills (Meghalaya), Kottayam (Kerala) [2]

Source: IMD’s daily district wise rainfall report. https://mausam.imd.gov.in/responsive/rainfall_statistics.php?PAGE=4 

Report 123 साल के इतिहास में जून 2023 में दक्षिणी भारत में हुई सबसे कम बारिश आईएमडी द्वारा जारी इस रिपोर्ट में बताया गया है कि जून में दक्षिणी प्रायद्वीप में सामान्य बारिश 161 मिलीमीटर होती है, लेकिन जून 2023 में केवल 88.6 मिमी बारिश हुई, जो सामान्य से 45 प्रतिशत कम है। इसके अलावा पूर्वी और पूर्वोत्तर भारत में सामान्य से 18 प्रतिशत कम बारिश हुई। यहां सामान्य तौर पर 328.4 मिमी बारिश होती है, लेकिन जून 2023 में 269.9 मिमी बारिश हुई।

-इससे उलट उत्तर पश्चिमी भारत में सामान्य से 42 प्रतिशत अधिक बारिश हुई। यहां जून में सामान्य बारिश का आंकड़ा 78.1 मिमी रहता है, लेकिन जून 2023 में 111.1 मिमी बारिश हुई। मध्य भारत में बारिश में कोई खास फेरबदल नहीं आया। आम तौर पर जून में मध्य भारत में 170.3 मिमी बारिश होती है, लेकिन जून 2023 में 160.4 मिमी बारिश हुई, जो सामान्य से 6 प्रतिशत कम है। ‘ https://www.downtoearth.org.in/hindistory/weather/monsoon/in-the-history-of-123-years-the-lowest-rainfall-in-june-2023-in-south-india-90398  (4 July 2023)

FLOOD 2023

Report A 2-system confluence led to torrential rain The deluge in north India over the past two days resulted from a deadly confluence of two systems – the monsoon winds and a western disturbance – similar to the interaction of two systems that led to the deadly Uttarakhand flooding in 2013. Such interactions are increasingly likely to cause extreme rain and flooding in a warming world, warn experts.

Meanwhile, helped by the heavy downpours in the north, the nationwide monsoon deficit was wiped out and cumulative rainfall in the season recorded a surplus of 2% for the first time since June 1. Over the past two days, two weather systems have been active over north India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/a-2-system-confluence-similar-to-the-kedarnath-flood-led-to-torrential-rain/articleshow/101621498.cms  (10 July 2023)

Himachal Pradesh Impact of excessive rains and floods.

Five villages cut off from road connectivity in Mori block. https://bbckhabar.in/the-country-of-five-villages-cut-off-contact-with-the-world-alternative-bridge-book/  (10 July 2023)

Punjab 40-feet wide breach in Kandi canal A 40-feet wide breach occurred in Kandi canal at Chakrota village in Garhshankar here after heavy rain on Wednesday (July 05), officials said. Superintending Engineer of the Kandi canal circle Vijay Kumar said due to heavy rain in Garhshankar, the breach occurred in the high-filling reach of the canal in the sub-mountainous area near Chakrota. The canal, which extends from Talwara (near Pong Dam) to Balachaur in Nawanshahr district, is about 50 feet from the ground level on the breach site. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/40-feet-wide-breach-in-kandi-canal-after-heavy-rain-in-punjab-523039  (05 July 2023)

HFL BREACH 2023

SANDRP Blog Rivers Breaching High Flood Level in June 2023 In the first month of South West (SW) monsoon season June 2023, there have been Highest Flood Level (HFL) breach incidents at two sites. Both of these sites namely Suklai on Suklai river and DRF on Puthimari river are level monitoring sites located in Baksa district of Assam in Brahmaputra basin. Interestingly, the old HFL at both sites were attained in 2020 and 2022 only and the old HFLs were breached thrice between June 15 and 20, 2023. https://sandrp.in/2023/07/06/rivers-breaching-high-flood-level-in-june-2023/  (06 July 2023)

#HimachalPradesh #Floods

As per CWC records 4 #rivers

Bata at Ganguwala, Sirmaur

Meenus at Meenus khad, Sirmaur

Tons at Meenus, Sirmaur

Ropa at Ropa khad, Kinnaur

that had attained the Highest Flood Level in July-August 2019

have breached it on 09-10 July 2023. pic.twitter.com/GpPpy5vA7B

— SANDRP (@Indian_Rivers) July 10, 2023

Himachal Pradesh River Bata at Ganguwala level monitoring site in Sirmaur district has crossed old HFL 372.6 meter dated 18.08.2019 by 0.3 meter & has 372.9 meter as new HFL at 05:00 hour on 10.07.2023. Present flood level is 371.2 meter at 08:00 hour on 10.07.2023 with falling trend.

River Bata at Ganguwala level monitoring site in Sirmaur district has crossed old HFL 372.6 meter dated 18.08.2019 by 0.3 meter & has 372.9 meter as new HFL at 05:00 hour on 10.07.2023. Present flood level is 371.2 meter at 08:00 hour on 10.07.2023 with falling trend.

Ropa khad at Ropa level monitoring site in Kinnaur district has crossed highest flood level 3048.28 meter dated 17.07.2019 with 2.45 meter rise. Present flood level is 3050.7 meter at 20:00 hour on 09.07.2023 with rising trend.

Its peak monsoon time & Beas river in Himachal Pradesh is flooding dangerously, however the CWC has just one flood monitoring station along the river namely Kothi in Kullu district that too is INACTIVE. The second site Barot is on Uhl tributary & its hydrograph is running late by about 4 hours.

URBAN FLOODS

Gurugram Navigating the waters between urban planning and floods City areas have expanded to occupy the spaces for water – with consequences of flooding. The way forward, beyond buzzwords like flood resilience, is to incorporate natural areas – especially water channels and water bodies – into urban plans https://questionofcities.org/gurugram-navigating-the-waters-between-urban-planning-and-floods/  ( 30 June 2023)

City hits brakes again as 1hr rain causes flooding at key junctions The city received 49mm of rainfall on Tuesday (July 04). It was chaos as usual at pain points like Narsinghpur, Chakkarpur, Kapashera border, IFFCO Chowk, Nathupur, Galleria market, Medanta Road, MG Road, Sheetla Mata Mandir Road, Khandsa, Daultabad and Udyog Vihar, as the rainwater failed to recede during the evening rush hours. The entire stretch from Rajiv Chowk to Narsinghpur on NH-8 was choked, with the tailback on the Delhi-Jaipur carriageway extending for several kilometres. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/city-hits-brakes-again-as-1hr-rain-causes-flooding-at-key-junctions/articleshow/101500587.cms  (5 July 2023)

Mumbai ‘City development not being done as per its extreme climate risks’ “The challenge in city is to take actions proactively, despite their cost, rather than wait for the worst to happen as we did in New York City,” says Professor Adam H. Sobel, who researched city cyclone preparedness. https://questionofcities.org/mumbais-development-not-being-done-as-per-its-extreme-climate-risks/  (July 2023)

Jaipur The JMC-Greater administration in a review meeting on Thursday (July 06) of monsoon-related problems have identified 60 spots in the city where waterlogging is reported.  https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/jmc-g-identifies-60-waterlogging-spots/articleshow/101558986.cms  (07 July 2023)

DROUGHT

Report How India made it harder to declare a drought In 2016, a government manual complicated an already fraught process. This made it significantly more difficult for affected farmers to seek relief.  https://scroll.in/article/1052002/how-india-made-it-harder-to-declare-a-drought  (23 June 2023)

LANDSLIDES

Himachal Pradesh Interesting to see that Mandi district police have sent a notice to two Highway contractors for ‘unscientific’ hill cutting leading to frequent landslides at two locations along the Highway. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/blasting-of-hills-led-to-landslides-police-probe-on-521953  (2 July 2023)

In what seems like pioneering move, city has identified about 17000 landslide prone locations. The highest such numbers are in Sirmaur at 2562 and the lowest in Hamirpur at 123. At 35 selected locations, early warning systems are to be set up in collaboration with IIT Mandi. The numbers in other districts are: Chamba-2384; Kangra-1779; Kinnaur 1595; Kullu 1337; Lahual Spiti 2275; Mandi 1809; Shimla 1357; Bilaspur 446; Solan 1036; Una 411. In June 2023, already 46 incidents of landslides have happened. https://www.bhaskar.com/local/himachal/shimla/news/warning-system-will-be-installed-in-35-sensitive-areas-in-himachal-information-about-landslide-will-be-available-in-advance-131475314.html (Dainik Bhaskar, 3 July 2023)

Uttarakhand  Landslides on Badrinath road leave over 1,500 stuck landslide occurred around 9 am on June 29 at Chinka in Chamoli district following a bout of rainfall, blocking the road since then. A section of the highway was washed away in the landslide while a mound of debris accumulated on the key stretch. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/landslides-on-badrinath-road-leave-over-1500-stuck/articleshow/101377797.cms  (30 June 2023)

Nagaland Two dead, three injured as Giant rock crushes cars Two persons were killed and three others critically injured after a giant rocks rolled down and crushed their cars on Kohima-Dimapur National Highway near Chumoukedima district Tuesday (July 04) evening. The incident happened amid heavy rains on National Highway 29 near Old Chumoukedima police checkpost around 5 pm. The identity of the victims is still not known, police said. https://www.livemint.com/news/india/two-dead-three-injured-as-giant-rock-crushes-cars-in-nagaland-video-11688504286275.html  (5 July 2023)

CLOUD BURSTS

Uttarakhand Bridge washed away due to flash floods The cloudburst happened in Chal village of Dharchula town in the Pithoragarh. As the bridge washed away and debris got accumulated, hundreds of locals were stranded https://www.outlookindia.com/national/uttarakhand-cloudburst-bridge-washed-away-due-to-flash-floods-over-200-trapped-in-pithoragarh-news-300942  (8 July 2023) दारमा घाटी के चल गांव में बादल फटा जिस कारण पैदल पुल और ट्रॉली ध्वस्त हो गई है. जानकारी के मुताबिक करीब 200 से ज्यादा लोग गांव में फंस गए हैं. https://www.etvbharat.com/hindi/uttarakhand/bharat/landslide-in-pithoragarh/na20230707115858635635042  (7 July 2023) -धौली नदी के किनारे चल गांव को जोड़ने वाली ट्रॉली बारिश और मलबे की चपेट में आकर ध्वस्त हो गई। इससे लगभग 50 परिवारों का संपर्क आसपास के इलाको से कट गया। गांव के कुछ लोग कीड़ा जड़ी निकालने के लिए जंगल में गए हुए थे लेकिन रास्ता बंद होने के कारण उन्हें उफनती नाले को रस्सी के सहारे पार करना पड़ा।

-ग्राम प्रधान सरस्वती देवी का कहना है कि 2013 की आपदा में लोहे का पुल बह गया था। तब से अब तक यह पुल नहीं बनाया गया है। जिस वजह से हर साल बरसात के समय परेशानी होती है। प्रवास पर आने और वापस लौटते समय ग्रामीणों को दो बार लकड़ी का पुल बनाना पड़ता है। https://www.aslibharat.com/uttarakhand-villagers-who-went-to-find-wormwood-in-the-forest-survived-with-difficulty/  (7 July 2023)

Himachal Pradesh मंगलवार (June 13) देर शाम को मंडी जिले के धन्यारा पंचायत में देर शाम बादल फटा। जिसकी वजह से भारी नुकसान हुआ है। वहां पर रहने वाले लोगों की कई बीघा जमीन पानी में बह गई और कई संपर्क मार्ग भी बंद हो गए हैं। बादल फटने से कई वाहन मलबे में दब गए हैं। यह घटना देर रात हुई है जिस वजह से नुकसान कितना हुआ है इसका अनुमान फिलहाल नहीं लगाया गया है। धन्यारा मैं फंसे लोगों के लिए तुरंत प्रभाव से रेस्क्यू ऑपरेशन चलाया गया जिसमें 40 लोगों को सुरक्षित स्थानों पर पहुंचाया गया है। बीडीओ विवेक भाटिया ने जानकारी देते हुए बताया कि धन्यारा पंचायत के करला गांव में सबसे ज्यादा तबाही हुई है। https://www.amarujala.com/shimla/many-bighas-of-land-washed-away-due-to-cloudburst-in-shimla-2023-06-13  (14 June 2023) https://www.bhaskar.com/local/himachal/shimla/news/himachal-pradesh-weather-forecast-rainfall-alert-monsson-update-himachal-manali-shimla-dharmasala-weather-131401533.html  (14 June 2023)

मंडी स्थित शिकारी देवी में बादल फटने से करीब 200 पर्यटक और श्रद्धालु शिकारी देवी के पास फंस गए. इन श्रद्धालुओं को स्थानीय प्रशासन ने छह घंटे के रेस्क्यू ऑपरेशन के बाद सुरक्षित निकाला.  https://www.abplive.com/states/himachal-pradesh/himachal-mandi-landslide-more-than-200-tourists-stranded-due-to-cloudburst-in-mandi-ann-2440045  (26 June 2023)

Jammu & Kashmir कुलगाम जिले में बादल फटने की घटना सामने आई है। बताया जा रहा है कि जिले में बिजली गिरने से एक व्यक्ति की मौत हो गई।  https://www.amarujala.com/jammu/jammu-kashmir-weather-news-cloud-burst-in-kulgam-one-dead-rain-continues-in-many-districts-including-poonch-a-2023-07-07  (07 July 2023)

Ladakh अगस्त 2010 में लेह में बादल फटने से 1000 से ज्यादा लोगों की मौत हो गई थी और 400 से अधिक लोग घायल हुए थे। इस जानलेवा आपदा के कारण लद्दाख क्षेत्र के कई गांव उजड़ गए और करीब 9000 से ज्यादा लोग बेघर हो गए थे। https://hindi.oneindia.com/news/india/what-is-cloudburst-in-hindi-badal-kyon-fatta-hai-785440.html?story=2   (28 June 2023)

Sikkim The residents of Gangtok can breathe a sigh of relief as the water supply, which was disrupted for the past five days, is set to resume from April 25. The disruption was caused by the damage to the pipeline supplying drinking water from Rateychu due to a cloud burst on April 19. The Rateychu water supply pipelines are the sole source of water for Gangtok, and the disruption had caused inconvenience and difficulties for the residents, as well as for hotels and businesses during the peak tourist season. https://www.indiatodayne.in/sikkim/story/sikkim-gangtok-water-supply-to-resume-from-april-25-after-five-days-of-disruption-547945-2023-04-24  (24 April 2023)

पेकयॉन्ग में जमीन खिसकने से भारी तबाही मची तो वहीं बादल फटने के बाद सैलाब उमड़ आया है  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCk9ZFwq9cU  (16 June 2023)

ENERGY OPTIONS

Report Solar canals not good for business A solar canal is a canal fitted with solar panels, increasing their efficiency, and reducing evaporation and land usage. Gujarat pioneered the concept of solar panels on canals about 11 years ago. But the progress it has made is slow compared to that of large solar parks. The high cost of mounting the structures is the biggest discouraging factor, say industry experts. However, the environmental benefits of this set up are not taken into consideration when calculating the monetary investment. https://india.mongabay.com/2023/07/solar-canals-prove-to-be-good-for-the-environment-but-not-for-business/  (04 July 2023)

ENVIRONMENT GOVERNANCE

Report After 5-yr tenure, NGT chief Adarsh Kumar Goel’s term ends today Senior environmental lawyer Ritwick Dutta said, “The report does not mention how many cases have been dismissed. Disposal means it has been decided, but not that the cause of environmental justice has been served. The report also does not state how many judgements have sustained themselves in the Supreme Court or the High Court. On compensation and damages, the report doesn’t assess how much of that has gone to the victims, and not from one pocket of the government to another. A report like this is a little unprecedented for a judicial body.” https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/after-5-yr-tenure-ngt-chief-adarsh-kumar-goels-term-ends-today-8780099/  (6 July 2023)

‘Master of disposal’ or ‘committee raj’?: A look at Goel’s NGT tenure Over the past five years, the Supreme Court has repeatedly pulled up the NGT for various reasons, from not hearing parties to leaving zonal issues to branches, and how it dealt with Assam’s Baghjan oil and gas leak.

-In the last five years, the tribunal, which adjudicates environment cases, received 15,132 cases and disposed of 16,042, including those accruing from before. Considering high pendency in courts, the outgoing chairperson’s record is enviable. Justice Goel’s bench alone has disposed of 8,419 cases. His alacrity also had the stamp of approval from the central government.

-Most lawyers Newslaundry spoke to claimed that a “committee raj” was prevailing due to Justice Goel’s propensity to form panels comprising government officials and barely any non-government independent experts.

-While NGT rules do not clearly specify who should be part of a committee, the Supreme Court this month called out the composition of a committee formed by the NGT. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud was “disappointed” to note that a 10-member panel, which was to look into a fire caused by Assam’s Baghjan oil well, included an official from Oil India Ltd.

-Additionally, the analysis of cases heard by the NGT from May 8 to July 6 showed that the principal bench disposed of several cases without waiting for the authorities’ status report. In a case related to the Ban Ganga river pollution in Jammu and Kashmir, the NGT on May 10 acknowledged the problem of legacy waste but closed the case while seeking a report from the authorities.   https://www.newslaundry.com/2023/07/06/master-of-disposal-or-committee-raj-a-look-at-goels-ngt-tenure  (6 July 2023)

The Central government on Thursday (July 06) notified the appointment of Justice Sheo Kumar Singh as Acting Chairperson of the NGT till a new Chairperson is appointed. The appointment was made in light of the retirement of Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel as Chairperson on Thursday (July 06). https://www.barandbench.com/news/justice-sheo-kumar-singh-appointed-acting-chairperson-ngt  (6 July 2023)

SOUTH ASIA

Pancheshwar Dam India and Nepal have agreed to hold an experts’ meeting to conclude the detailed project report (DPR) for the 6,480MW Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project on the Kali river. The decision was taken in the two-day meeting at Pokhara on July 6 and 7, and follows the recent agreement between the PMs of India and Nepal to finalise the DPR within three months. Nepalese PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal had come to Delhi for a four-day visit from May 31 to June 3, where both the countries agreed to finalise the DPR within three months. Four years after the third meeting of the team of experts was held in Kathmandu in February 2019, the two sides have agreed to hold a fourth meeting. The two sides also agreed that the next meeting of the team of experts will be organised within 10 days to sort out differences on the DPR. Water and Power Consultancy Services Limited submitted a DPR draft in 2016. Before that, both the countries had prepared separate project reports, which were later merged. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/nepal-india-to-finalise-dpr-for-pancheshwar-project-in-expert-meet/articleshow/101605287.cms  (09 July 2023)

Indus Water Treaty PR of PCA on 06 July 2023: “In a unanimous decision, which is binding on the Parties and without appeal, the Court rejected each of the objections raised by India and determined that the Court is competent to consider and determine the disputes set forth in Pakistan’s Request for Arbitration.

In light of the Court’s determination in the Award, the Court also issued Procedural Order No. 6, regarding the next phase of these proceedings. In the next phase, the Court will address certain questions concerning the overall interpretation and application of the Treaty’s provisions on hydro-electric project design and operation, as well as the legal effect of past decisions of dispute resolution bodies under the Treaty.” https://pcacases.com/web/sendAttach/47335  (6 July 2023)

Ministry of External Affairs on decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in rejection of India’s objections: “We have seen a press release issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) mentioning that an illegally-constituted so-called Court of Arbitration has ruled that it has the ‘competence’ to consider matters concerning the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects. India’s consistent and principled position has been that the constitution of the so-called Court of Arbitration is in contravention of the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty.”

– “A Neutral Expert is already seized of the differences pertaining to the Kishenganga and Ratle projects. The Neutral Expert proceedings are the only Treaty-consistent proceedings at this juncture. The Treaty does not provide for parallel proceedings on the same set of issues. India has been participating in the Treaty-consistent Neutral Expert proceedings. The last meeting of the neutral Expert took place at The Hague on 27-28 February 2023. The next meeting of the Neutral Expert process is scheduled to be held in September 2023.”

– “India cannot be compelled to recognize or participate in illegal and parallel proceedings not envisaged by the Treaty. The Government of India has been in talks with the Government of Pakistan regarding the modification of the Indus Waters Treaty under Article XII (3) of the Treaty. This recent development only underlines why such modification is so necessary.” https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/36761/Matters+pertaining+to+the+Indus+Waters+Treaty  (06 July 2023)

THE REST OF THE WORLD

USA Extreme weather could threaten California’s dams A conversation with Christopher Cox, who wrote about the near-failure of the Oroville Dam and whether it could happen again. But in a state threatened so regularly by Mother Nature, the risk of flooding from a dam failure doesn’t tend to get much attention. And that’s despite the fact that just six years ago, as Christopher reported, the Oroville Dam nearly failed. “Fires happen more frequently, and drought years are more common than wet ones,” he told me. “But the biggest disasters in the state’s history have been floods.”

– A truly comprehensive approach to dam safety tends to slip through the cracks, as meteorologists, hydrologists, engineers and climatologists focus only on their pieces of the equation and not the overall picture. That seems to make officials and experts particularly tight-lipped about the problem. “Dam safety,” Christopher wrote, “is an orphaned problem.” https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/05/us/california-dams-extreme-weather.html  ( 5 July 2023)

Scientists Sound Alarm on Methane Emissions from Dams Evidence suggests the dangers posed by dams will worsen as the climate warms, ICN adds. Increasing precipitation and extreme weather are set to exceed the capacity of some dams, raising safety concerns. A two-year investigation by the Associated Press identified at least 1,680 dams in the U.S. that are considered to be high hazard and in poor or unsatisfactory condition, noting that “a dam is listed as high hazard if its failure is likely to result in people being killed.” The obstructions that dams cause for wildlife can also become more of a burden as changing weather patterns stress populations.

-Recent research also suggests methane emissions associated with dams have been underestimated, and are contributing more significantly to climate change than previously understood.

-The world’s reservoirs—more than one million in total—release the equivalent of 1.07 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, 29% higher than previously acknowledged, found a 2021 study led by John Harrison, a professor at Washington State University’s School of Environment. The study also suggested some reservoirs produce more methane than natural lakes because of decomposing organic matter carried from upstream, which piles up at the dam to decay. https://www.theenergymix.com/2023/05/23/scientists-sound-alarm-on-methane-emissions-habitat-hazards-at-u-s-hydro-dams/  (23 May 2023)

America’s most endangered rivers 2023. https://mostendangeredrivers.org/

Report Amazon Dolphins At Risk From Fishing, Dams And Dredging The research was carried out by the University of Exeter and Peruvian conservation organisation Pro Delphinus. “It’s clear that the Amazon river dolphin is facing increasing threats from humans,” said Dr Elizabeth Campbell, of the Centre for Ecology and Conservation on Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall.

-The construction of dams, mainly in Brazil, is an expanding threat, with 175 dams operating or under construction in the Amazon basin, and at least 428 more planned over the next 30 years.

-Additionally, the Amazon Waterway has been approved and is under contract for construction. This will involve dredging sites across four main rivers of the Amazon basin, and the expansion of ports to facilitate ship navigation across the Amazon, Ucayali and Marañón rivers. https://www.eurasiareview.com/04072023-amazon-dolphins-at-risk-from-fishing-dams-and-dredging/  (4 July 2023)

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

Also see: DRP News Bulletin 03 July 2023 & DRP News Bulletin 26 June 2023 

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