(Feature Image: At Bhuntar, the Beas in spate claimed more than 20 shops, several houses and a major chunk of the road. PTI/The Tribune)
Over the past 10 days, several Himalayan and North Indian states including national capital Delhi have been battling severe flood disaster which has already taken a heavy toll of human lives apart from displacing people in large numbers and causing massive scale and still unfolding destruction to public-private infrastructure which is still unfolding.
While at macro level the impact of climate change induced excessive and abnormal rainfall patterns is seen as a major culprit but the micro level analysis reveals the deep connection of human activities behind the devastation on ground.
For example, in Himachal and Uttarakhand it is increasingly becoming clear that the large-scale construction and widening of improperly designed and poorly executed highways projects have started proving a double whammy for the fragile hills and river systems.
One hand the sensitive hills have been exposed by the unscientific cuttings causing more frequent and deadly landslides along the routes and on the other hand the debris and muck generated in gigantic volume is being pushed down into the water streams and rivers. As a result, the muck and debris loaded rivers are unleashing unimaged flood wrath along their paths.
These states are also seeing mushrooming of unsustainable tourism facilities and floods of tourists’ that too during the active monsoon season and way beyond the carrying capacity of hill stations and pilgrims.
Then the incidents of dam induced floods, some of which are listed below, are only on the rise in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Assam and Punjab states.
In plains, the common factors behind breaching of embankments over a dozen places along Ghaghar, Sutlej, Yamuna are encroachment of rivers channel, decline in flood carrying capacity of the rivers and excessive riverbed mining activities during lean season.
The reports also highlight how building residential colonies on water bodies, channels and dried river beds as key reasons for water deluge invading Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, Faridabad and Noida city areas. In the case of Srinagar, the manner in which the flood restoration project is being implemented, it could well turn into a disaster itself.
FLOOD 2023
YAMUNA FLOODS July 2023
SANDRP Blog Why Unprecedented Yamuna Water Levels even at moderate releases? The present unusual flood situation in Delhi and unexpected rise in Yamuna water level at ORB is more due to anthropogenic reasons some which are discussed above warranting a complete overhaul in the prevailing approach through which the floodplain and river are seen and managed by the all concerned government departments in the national capital. https://sandrp.in/2023/07/16/delhi-july-2023-possible-reasons-key-lessons-from-unprecedent-floods-in-yamuna/ (16 July 2023)
Talking point: why are Indian cities so vulnerable now to extreme climate changes? On RAJDEEP SARDESAI show on July 13, 2023, 9 pm. DIscussants includes Dr K T Ravindran, Arunabha Ghosh and Himanshu Thakkar of South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People (SANDRP). https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=xbxyl7iWanw (13 July 2023)
This excellent NDTV report from Sushil Bahuguna and Sanket Upadhyay on Delhi Yamuna Floods on July 13 2023 includes a byte from SANDRP Coordinator from 22.20 to 24.35 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7O68BMTRUSs (13 July 2023)
Himanshu Thakkar on NDTV: दिल्ली में Yamuna के बहाव में बाधाएं बाढ़ का कारण https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoJ4kEIih-Q (15 July 2023)
The real reason behind Delhi flood is not extreme weather event or record rainfall…. It is mainly poor urban planning and obstruction in the course of the river (water). Eliminating wetlands and lakes. Renowned river expert Manoj Misra had given this warning two years ago. Manoj Misra is no more. He left us a few week ago but Hridayesh Joshi is reminding us of his prophetic words on this occasion. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvANdIyrOns&t=200s (15 July 2023)
“The surprising thing this time is that the peak volume of water being discharged from upstream is comparatively lower than previous years. But Delhi and Haryana’s catchment areas recorded heavy rain and encroachments on the river bed and floodplains have increased constricting the river’s flow. There are several flyovers and bridges which impact the flow and concretisation has also increased. Silt and muck accumulation in the river has also caused it to flood,” said Himanshu Thakkar, coordinator of SANDRP. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/unprecedented-floods-in-delhi-climate-crisis-young-mountain-range-and-mindless-infrastructure-projects-to-blame-101689276438322.html (14 July 2023)
Yamuna flood fury: How Delhi ate into its floodplains bridge by bridge Environment experts are worried about the impact of these encroachments on the river ecology. “The 22 km stretch between Wazirabad barrage and Okhla barrage has three barrages and 26 bridges for roads, railways, metro and Regional Rapid Transit System or RRTS. The multiple bridges have fragmented the floodplains and affected the spread of flood water during monsoon,” says Bhim Singh Rawat, associate researcher, SANDRP.
The damage does not stop there. All of Delhi’s bridges are meant to have a span of 500 m to allow 12,000 cubic metres per second flow of water below it.
While the actual bridges meet the 500 m rule, the approach roads to the bridges are also built on the floodplains, aligned perpendicular to the flow of the river, extending the effective span impacting the river. “These bridges facilitate official, illegal encroachments of the riverbed vis-a-vis creation of approach roads and guide bunds to protect the bridge structures, grabbing of large floodplain area in lieu of space for maintenance facilities and dumping of construction material. These, too, result in negative impact on the river ecosystem,” Rawat adds. https://www.news9live.com/india/yamuna-flood-fury-how-delhi-ate-into-its-floodplains-bridge-by-bridge-2210846 (12 July 2023)
SANDRP के असोसिएट कॉर्डिनेटर और यमुना एक्टिविस्ट भीम सिंह रावत ने बताया कि राजधानी में यमुना के किनारों से काफी छेड़छाड़ की गई है। जल्द ही 22 किलोमीटर की यमुना में 29 पुल बन जाएंगे। यहां से दूसरी सबसे बड़ी समस्या शुरू होती है। ये पुल भी नदी को बांधने का काम कर रहे हैं। ये पुल नदी के लिए अस्थाई बांध का काम करते हैं और नदी में पीछे की तरफ पानी के स्तर को बढ़ाते हैं। जो पुल बन चुके हैं उन पर शोध करने की जरूरत है और उनकी क्षमता बढ़ाने की जरूरत है। जिन नए पुलों की जरूरत यमुना के ऊपर नहीं है उन्हें रोक देना चाहिए।
आईटीओ बैराज को खत्म करने की जरूरत:- भीम सिंह रावत ने बताया कि दिल्ली में तीन बैराज हैं। वजीराबाद, ओखला और आईटीओ। अब आईटीओ बैराज की उपयोगिता खत्म हो गई है। आईटीओ बैराज से नहर के जरिए इंद्रप्रस्थ पावर स्टेशन की दो यूनिट को ठंडा करने के लिए यमुना का पानी नहर के जरिए दिया जाता था। यहां से पावर प्लांट के लिए एक नहर जाती थी। अब प्लांट अस्तित्व में नहीं हैं। इसकी वजह से इस बैराज की उपयोगिता भी खत्म हो गई है। इसलिए अब सरकार को सोचना चाहिए कि इसे हटाया जाए ताकि इस हिस्से में नदी अपने पुराने स्वरूप में लौट सके।
बाढ़ क्षेत्र की इकोलॉजी से न हो छेड़छाड़:- पिछले कुछ सालों से डीडीए यमुना के इकोसिस्टम को बदलने की कोशिश कर रहा है। सौंदर्यीकरण के नाम पर यमुना के किनारे चिनार, बांस, घास आदि लगाने का काम कर रहे हैं। खादर इसके लिए बना ही नहीं है। खादर में पेड़ नहीं लगाने चाहिए। न ही वहां किसी भी तरह के अस्थाई या स्थाई निर्माण की जरूरत है। इस तरह के काम तुरंत बंद कर देने चाहिए। बल्कि डीडीए को अब श्वेतपत्र लाना चाहिए कि दो साल में कितना पैसा इसमें खर्च किया गया, बाढ़ की वजह से कितना नुकसान हुआ। इसका एक्टिविस्ट लगातार विरोध भी कर रहे हैं। https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/metro/delhi/other-news/how-delhi-will-survive-flood-like-this-again-people-have-question-abot-delhis-future/articleshow/101774845.cms (15 July 2023)
Man-made factors at play in Delhi going under water Bhim Singh Rawat, associate coordinator, South Asia Networks on Dams, Rivers and People, (SANDRP) pointed out that though there are six flood monitoring stations between Hathnikund in Haryana and Old Railway Bridge in Delhi, the Yamuna waters breached the Highest Flood Level (HFL) only in Delhi. “This shows that the problem is in Delhi. In 1978, more than 7 lakh cusecs of water was released from the Hathnikund barrage and the water level in Delhi was only 207.49 metres. Now, only 3.59 lakh cusecs was released, but the water level went up to 208.66 metres. This shows that there is more flooding in Delhi though less water is coming to the city,” Mr. Rawat said. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/man-made-factors-at-play-in-city-going-under-water-say-experts/article67077551.ece/amp/ (14 July 2023)
Rising river water level leaves large areas vulnerable According to a report by the Yamuna Monitoring Committee of the NGT, over 900 hectares of the Yamuna floodplains have been encroached upon in Delhi. Bhim Singh Rawat, a Yamuna activist and member of the SANDRP, said in 1978, there were fewer embankments and they were not as high as they are today. “In 1978, the flood water reached as far as GT Karnal Road, about 10 kms west of the Yamuna bank. However, if a breach takes place, then we may see a similar scenario. Even without a breach, based on the current speed at which water is rising, many more areas on the eastern bank such as Sonia Vihar, Bhajanpura, Seelampur, Shahdara, parts of Mayur Vihar, Ashok Nagar, Gandhi Nagar, Shastri Nagar, Geeta Colony, Laxmi Nagar, Shakarpur, Akshardham, Ganesh Nagar, Pandav Nagar, Samaspur and Chilla may get flooded,” said Rawat.
– “During the 1978 floods, the western side of the embankment was breached which led to the entire region around Model Town being submerged. Similarly, if the eastern side of embankments are crossed now, the low lying Shahdara belt will be flooded. A forecast on what areas are going to be flooded will have to be based on the vulnerability of the embankments,” Prof A K Gosain added. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/rising-river-water-level-leaves-large-areas-vulnerable-in-delhi-101689187373129.html (13 July 2023)
HISTORIC YAMUNA BREACHED HIGHEST FLOOD LEVEL 207.49 METER DATED 06.09.1978 AT OLD RAILWAY BRIDGE DELHI AT 13:00 HOUR ON 12.07.2023. PRESENT FLOOD LEVEL 207.55 METER AT 13:00 HOUR ON 12.07.2023 WITH RISING TREND. (12 July 2023)
Yamuna flood level shot up from 203.14 metres at 11 am on Sunday (July 09) to 205.4 at 5 pm on Monday (July 10), breaching the danger mark of 205.33 metres 18 hours earlier than expected. https://www.ndtv.com/video/news/news/yamuna-floods-yamuna-water-levels-cross-danger-mark-at-a-10-year-high-710824 (12 July 2023)
Yamuna swells to record level, trouble mounts for Delhi Country representative of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, Yashveer Bhatnagar, attributed the record water level in the Yamuna to intense rainfall in the entire upper catchment area.He said, “Encroachment of the floodplains may have an incremental effect.”
-Bhim Singh Rawat, associate coordinator of the SANDRP, said a major reason for the unprecedented rise in the Yamuna’s water level is the riverbed’s elevation due to significant silt accumulation. “More than 20 bridges within the 22-kilometre river stretch from Wazirabad to Okhla obstruct the flow, leading to the deposition of silt in the riverbed and the formation of numerous mid-stream sandbars,” he told PTI. https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/yamuna-swells-to-record-level-trouble-mounts-for-delhi-10948841.html/amp (13 July 2023)
Amrut Biodiversity Park site flooded twice in last two years. (below 11 July 2023 & above 08 Aug 2022) It is being developed by DDA, NMCG, MoUD near CWG Village, Delhi in active floodplain of Yamuna. This site is quite vulnerable to annual flooding. Ongoing beautification work being done there has been impacted in two consecutive floods wasting crores of public money. (11 July 2023)
Prof KT Ravindran: Poor maintenance of drainage is only a minor reason for this mess and real culprits are planned and unplanned developments. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/flooding-in-india-poor-urban-planning-and-climate-crisis-lead-to-severe-flood-fury-urgent-action-needed-101689223076503.html (13 July 2023)
Drain rules What really causes citizens’ monsoon misery everywhere is what the municipalities do. Or rather, don’t do… the core challenge for fixing infra shortfalls is not shortage of funds but their abuse. Whatever the municipalities’ deficiency in power and resources, their shortage of accountability hurts citizens much worse. Will anyone be punished for not rain-proofing prestige projects in the capital or for constructions defying the hydrology of ecologically fragile mountains? What happens when it rains hard, is the result of what happens the rest of the time.
– But authorities using this (climate change) as an explanation for citizens entrapped in a regular cycle of rain-inflicted miseries, is complete eyewash. the development model of the plains continues to be duplicated in the Himalayan states. There are complaints in cities like Dehradun that standards of infra work, including drain work, are actually falling. Hill stations are allowed to get dangerously choked with tourists even when there are serious weather warnings. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/toi-editorials/drain-rules/ (11 July 2023)
The plantations of saplings carried out by Delhi’s greening agencies along the Yamuna floodplains last winter are likely all damaged after getting inundated by floodwater, officials aware of the matter said on Sunday (July 16), adding that the forest and wildlife department will carry out an assessment soon. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/delhis-sapling-plantations-along-yamuna-floodplains-damaged-by-floodwater-assessment-to-be-conducted-101689533394501.html (17 July 2023)
Residents of Civil Lines say NDRF, police personnel swiftly started evacuation. At settlement on the Yamuna banks near Rajghat, labourers left with no homes say they got ‘no warning, no help’. https://theprint.in/india/in-the-same-boat-yet-not-surviving-the-delhi-floods-a-tale-of-two-localities/1670647/ (15 July 2023)
Delhi Water Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Thursday (July 13) said that five gates at the ITO barrage are disrupting the flow of the Yamuna water. During an inspection of the barrage near the Delhi Secretariat, Bharadwaj said five of the 32 gates are jammed due to silt accumulation, hindering the quick drainage of river water. “We are actively working to open these gates. A compressor has been brought from the Kondli plant to remove the silt surrounding the gates. If the gates fail to open, gas cutters will be used,” he said. https://www.outlookindia.com/national/five-gates-at-ito-barrage-obstructing-yamuna-s-flow-says-delhi-minister-saurabh-bharadwaj-news-302696 (13 July 2023)
Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar on Saturday (July 15) ordered constitution of a two-member high-level fact-finding technical committee to check whether five gates of Delhi’s ITO barrage were jammed or not. The move comes in the backdrop of claims made by Delhi government that five gates at the ITO barrage managed by the Haryana government were jammed and restricted the flow of water, thus causing flooding. The 32 gates at the ITO barrage are under the control of Haryana irrigation department. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/cm-khattar-orders-committee-to-investigate-ito-barrage-gate-jam-seeks-truth-about-haryana-s-role-in-delhi-flooding-101689439307969.html (15 July 2023)
Delhi was flooded in the early hours yesterday after swollen Yamuna broke the regulator of a nallah near the WHO Building on Ring Road near the ITO traffic signal. The Indian Army’s assistance was requisitioned by Delhi administration. During early hours of July 14, a team of the Army engineers was deployed near WHO Building. The regulator door was damaged due to the surge of water from the Yamuna. The Army constructed a temporary bandh to divert the water back to the river. The backflow of water into the city was controlled. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/delhi/how-army-cut-open-gates-of-barrage-under-ito-bridge-526095 (16 July 2023)
-Key roads in the Indian capital, Delhi, have been flooded as water from the Yamuna river has overflowed onto them. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-66184551 (13 July 2023)
The situation had looked grim in the morning. The backflow from a drain where a regulator had collapsed because of pressure building up at some choked gates of the ITO barrage had, as anticipated, pushed water on to Vikas Marg at ITO and Mathura Road, reaching the doorstep of the Supreme Court. Vikas Marg was closed for traffic till late at night. Rajghat and other samadhis were inundated even as the water showed little signs of receding from behind Red Fort and areas near Kashmere Gate, particularly Civil Lines, besides other low-lying areas.
After some unseemly squabbling between the Delhi government and the LG’s office, Army engineers were called in to help. They had completed around 80% of the restoration work on the barrage by night – primarily opening some jammed gates and clearing silt and sludge – after which they were to start working on restoring the collapsed regulator near the WHO building on Ring Road. By nightfall, the water that had been flowing into the drain from the river had changed direction, easing pressure on the roads in the vicinity. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/army-engineers-called-in-to-plug-ito-breach-yamuna-begins-receding/articleshow/101767331.cms (15 July 2023)
New Delhi races to open jammed flood gates as river surge halts India’s capital. https://www.reuters.com/world/india/new-delhi-sees-flooding-after-broken-regulator-causes-river-water-flow-into-city-2023-07-14/ (15 July 2023)
Plastic – nearly 9.6 tonnes of it – is flowing back into rivers and landfills as waste-pickers living on the banks of the Yamuna remain stranded and unable to work, according to an assessment conducted by the Chintan Environmental Research and Action Group. Over 800 waste-picker families from Usmanpur and Mayur Vihar Phase 1 to the east of Yamuna and from Wazirabad to the west of Yamuna have been impacted by incessant rain followed by flooding. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/waste-pickers-off-work-plastic-going-back-into-river-landfills/articleshow/101792044.cms (16 July 2023)
Paintings from the era show the river flowing alongside the fort. Today, the Ring Road abuts the fort leading towards the ISBT at Kashmere Gate. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/for-a-few-hours-a-river-flowed-along-red-fort-8835007/ (14 July 2023)
Before and after satellite images of the floodplains of the Yamuna river document the initial manifestation of its current state. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/yamuna-water-level-delhi-record-high-satellite-images-2406606-2023-07-14 (14 July 2023)
Yamuna flood level shot up from 203.14 metres at 11 am on Sunday (July 09) to 205.4 at 5 pm on Monday (July 10), breaching the danger mark of 205.33 metres 18 hours earlier than expected. https://www.ndtv.com/video/news/news/yamuna-floods-yamuna-water-levels-cross-danger-mark-at-a-10-year-high-710824 (12 July 2023)
Known as ‘lohe ka pul’ in common parlance, the iron truss bridge was built in 1863 as part of a railroad link between Delhi & Calcutta. Now submerged in Yamuna, it waits for the flood to recede. https://theprint.in/india/british-era-construction-to-2023-floods-delhis-old-yamuna-bridge-has-been-a-witness-to-changing-india/1670941/ (16 July 2023)
Ghaziabad The breach at the Alipur embankment near Subhanpur remains unplugged, despite 48 hours passing since it occurred on Thursday (July 13) evening. According to officials, thousands of cusecs of water have already flooded into Ghaziabad’s Loni, adversely affecting the livelihoods of residents in the floodplains. The 18km long embankment serves as the primary defence against the Yamuna’s rising waters for the local population. Stretching nine kilometres each in Ghaziabad and Baghpat districts, the embankment is located upstream of Delhi’s Wazirabad.
“The breach was caused by an unprecedented flow of Yamuna river water. Our teams, along with myself, are currently at the site, engaged in repairs. It is anticipated that most of the breach will be plugged in by late Saturday night. Subsequently, strengthening measures will be undertaken for the next 2-3 days. Our teams are continuously monitoring the 18km embankment to promptly identify any further breaches,” said Sandeep Kumar, chief engineer (Okhla division) of the UP Irrigation Department (UPID). https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/noida-news/unplugged-breach-at-alipur-embankment-floods-ghaziabad-s-loni-repairs-delayed-due-to-kanwar-yatra-diversions-101689442374475.html (15 July 2023)
In the wake of a major breach at the Alipur embankment near Subhanpur, the lives of thousands of people in Ghaziabad’s Loni have been turned upside down. The breach, which began on Thursday (July 13) evening, took two days to plug, causing extensive flooding in the area. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/noida-news/devastating-floods-leave-thousands-stranded-in-ghaziabad-s-loni-urgent-relief-needed-101689533877274.html (17 July 2023)
Noida Among the thousands of people impacted by the floods along Yamuna banks in Noida this week, there were hundreds who were hired as help in farmhouses built illegally in the low-lying areas near the river, officials said. Government officials said the workers and staffers of the farmhouses – thousands in number – were not moved to safety in time even as advisories were issued well before the area got inundated. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/stranded-to-die-500-workers-rescued-from-illegal-farmhouses-during-floods-in-noida/articleshow/101781883.cms (15 July 2023)
Kairana Hundreds of acres of farmlands in and around Dundukheda village flooded after breach in Kairana embankment. Villagers alleged that the embankment was weakened by sand mining. https://www.livehindustan.com/uttar-pradesh/shamli/story-yamuna-water-entered-dundukheda-2500-bigha-submerged-8425763.html (12 July 2023)
कैराना क्षेत्र के गांव सहपत के निकट तटबंध क्षतिग्रस्त हो गया। जिसके बाद यमुना का पानी गांव की ओर बढ़ रहा है। इसे लेकर लोगों में बाढ़ की दहशत व्याप्त हो गई है। मौके पर तहसीलदार पहुंचकर मौके का जायजा लिया। लेकिन अभी तक प्रशासनिक स्तर पर तटबंध की मरम्मत का कार्य शुरू नहीं कराया गया है। https://www.bhaskar.com/local/uttar-pradesh/shamli/kairana/news/due-to-flood-situation-the-villagers-themselves-engaged-in-preventing-water-131517864.html (11 July 2023)
गांव सहपत के पास तटबंध का 30 मीटर हिस्सा बाढ़ के पानी में बहा, जेसीबी व पोकलेन से तटबंध की मरम्मत कराई. https://www.amarujala.com/uttar-pradesh/shamli/flood-of-yamuna-river-showed-fierce-form-embankment-broken-in-sahapat-shamli-news-c-26-1-sal1001-5598-2023-07-12 (12 July 2023)
Flood protection wall washed away in Yamuna floods in Laximpura, Shamli. Villagers blame excessing riverbed mining reason behind the damages. https://www.livehindustan.com/uttar-pradesh/shamli/story-years-old-stumbling-block-in-yamuna-uproar-by-villagers-8439322.html (15 July 2023)
Agra आगरा में यमुना नदी ने रविवार (July 16) सुबह खतरे का निशान पार कर लिया है। 45 साल बाद यमुना के पानी ने ताजमहल की दीवार को छुआ है। इससे पूर्व 1978 की बाढ़ में यमुना का पानी ताजमहल के तहखाना तक पहुंच गया था। यमुना का जलस्तर लगातार बढ़ रहा है। आगरा में दक्षिणी किनारे पर पानी एत्माद्दौला की यमुना किनारा स्थित कोठरियों में एक से डेढ़ फीट ऊंचाई तक भर गया है। ताजमहल के पार्श्व में यमुना किनारे बनाए गए उद्यान में पानी भर गया। https://www.jagran.com/news/national-yamuna-river-reaches-taj-mahal-after-45-years-water-level-decrease-in-delhi-rain-alert-in-himachal-23473423.html (17 July 2023)
Yamuna Nagar यमुनानगर के गांव टापू कमालपुर के लोग कुछ रातों से सो नहीं पाए हैं. उनकी नींद उड़ चुकी है.गांव वालों को सालों पुराने अपने आशियाने की चिंता सता रही है . इस भीषण बाढ़ में गांव टापू कमालपुर के अस्तित्व पर संकट मंडरा रहा है . पल-पल यमुना सब कुछ निगलने की जिद्द में गांव की तरफ बढ़ रही है. ग्रामीणों ने अपने बच्चों और महिलाओं को रिश्तेदारों के पास भेज दिया है और खुद दिन- रात एक कर यमुना से होने वाले भूमि कटाव को रोकने का प्रयास कर रहें है. गांव वासियों ने सरकार से अपील की है कि यमुना के साथ लगते इलाकों को पक्का किया जाए, ताकि भूमि कटाव रुक सके.उनका कहना है कि करोड़ों रुपए की सैकड़ों एकड़ भूमि यमुना में समा चुकी है और यह सिलसिला लगातार जारी है. प्रशासन द्वारा सेना को बुलाया गया था. जो सिंचाई विभाग को कुछ सुझाव देकर चले गए. https://hindi.news18.com/news/haryana/yamunanagar-villagers-of-tapu-kamalpur-engaged-in-saving-existence-of-village-6905685.html (16 July 2023)
Land erosion caused by the Yamuna near Tapu Kamalpur village of Yamunanagar district has triggered panic among residents of the village.Meanwhile, the district administration today called in the Army to plug the erosion with the help of the Irrigation and Water Resources Department, said Jagadhri SDM Amit Gulia. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/army-called-in-after-land-erosion-525432 (14 July 2023)
सरपंच प्रतिनिधि सुभाष राणा रामकुमार राणा पंडित विशेश्वर नाथ शर्मा जसवीर सिंह पूर्व सरपंच प्रदीप चौहान आदि का कहना है कमालपुर गांव की सुरक्षा को लेकर प्रशासन लापरवाही बरतता है । बाढ़ की विभीषिका से बचाने के लिए यहां बाढ़ विकास कार्य करवाने जरूरी है मगर 2 साल से हमारे गांव में सिंचाई विभाग द्वारा कोई तट बंध बना, ना सीसी ब्लॉक लगे हां फॉरेस्ट विभाग ने जरूर यहां कुछ सीसी ब्लॉक लगाए थे। जो पानी के तेज बहाव में बह गए। https://www.amarujala.com/haryana/yamuna-nagar/land-erosion-in-tapu-kamalpur-village-offering-water-to-cc-block-yamuna-nagar-news-c-18-1-knl1002-171724-2023-07-13 (13 July 2023)
Panipat:-सनौली खुर्द खंड के गांव नवादा पार व पत्थरगढ़ के बीच देर रात को यमुना का तटबंध टूट गया। जिससे खंड के पांच गांव नवादा पार, जलालपुर द्वितीय, पत्थरगढ़, राणा माजरा व गढी बेसक का संपर्क कट गया है।इन गांवों के चारो तरफ पानी भर गया है। इन गांवों को जोड़ने वाली सड़क पर कई फीट पानी भरा हुआ है। वहीं इन गांवों के अलावा गांव सनौली खुर्द, झांबा, धनसौली सहित 8 गांव की करीब 40 हजार एकड फसल पानी में डूब गई है। यमुना का पानी सनौली खुर्द गौशाला में घुस गया, जिससे करीब 10 गाय एवं बछड़ों की मौत हो गई और ग्रामीणों ने करीब एक हजार गायों को गौशाला से बाहर निकाल कर सड़क पर छोड़ दिया है। https://www.jagran.com/haryana/yamunanagar-panipat-five-villages-of-sanauli-block-lost-contact-with-yamuna-water-40-thousand-acres-of-crops-submerged-in-water-23467832.html (11 July 2023)
हथिनी बैराज से दो दिन में छोड़े गए 5.68 लाख क्यूसेक पानी ने पानीपत में दो जगह यमुना के बांध को तोड़ दिए। मंगलवार को 2.58 लाख क्यूसेक पानी छोड़ा गया। इससे यमुना ने विकराल रूप धारण कर लिया। सुबह तामशाबाद गांव के पास बांध टूट गया। प्रशासन ने इसे रोकने का प्रयास किया, लेकिन कामयाब नहीं हुए। फिर सुबह नौ बजे नवादा के पास बांध टूट गया। गढ़ी बेसिक, रामड़ा, तामशाबाद, पत्थरगढ़, नवादा आर, नवादा पार गांवों में पांच-पांच फीट पानी भर गया। इससे इन गांवों का संपर्क पूरी तरह टूट गया। यहां सैकड़ों परिवार अब भी फंसे हुए हैं। https://www.amarujala.com/haryana/panipat/flood-in-yamuna-broken-dam-in-nawada-and-tamshabad-farmers-drowned-and-10-cattle-died-panipat-news-c-244-1-pnp1001-2316-2023-07-12 (12 July 2023)
Prof. Dinesh Misra: Flood a boon or bane? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObI3EaWJ4Lg (15 July 2023)
Himachal Dam Floods Devastation After Dam Gates Opened:-The devastation at a market in Pandoh was not because of any flood, but floodgates of a dam opened on Sunday (July 09), without any warning. A nine-feet wall of water had gushed into the market, breaking the safety wall on the banks, and left a trail of wreckage. https://www.ndtv.com/video/news/news/himachal-pradesh-flood-9-foot-wall-of-water-devastation-in-himachal-town-after-dam-gates-opened-710821 (12 July 2023)
Flood threat in Ravi after dam water release Two lakh cusecs of water was released in the Ujh river from Ujh Dam this (July 9)morning. The water of the Ujh river entered the Ravi near Makura Patan, causing its level to increase. Ghonewal is the last village of the Amritsar district on the banks of the Ravi river. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/amritsar/flood-threat-in-ravi-after-dam-water-release-rains-in-himachal-pradesh-524300 (10 July 2023)
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. https://twitter.com/Indian_Rivers/status/1677884576369360897?s=20 (9 July 2023)
No lessons learnt, it’s time to review highway, airport, hydro projects Manshi Asher concludes by saying that the Centre and the Himachal governments will have to take responsibility and draw a concrete policy for the safety of rivers and natural resources. “The very existence of rivers and nature is at stake. The density of tourism arrival needs to be checked. We need to identify which are the places in Himachal that have turned out to be massive tourist hubs,” she mentions. The state government needs to chalk out a well-defined tourism policy and cap the number of tourists visiting certain sought-after tourist spots to reduce the pressure.
Experts mention that the government should review immediately and assess whether there is actually a need for four-laning in the wake of the weakening of the hills in the state that witnessed massive destruction during the monsoons in recent years. https://www.thestatesman.com/india/himachal-rains-and-floods-no-lessons-learnt-its-time-to-review-highway-airport-hydro-projects-1503201118.html (16 July 2023)
Manshi Asher of HIMDHARA explaining man-made factors responsible for flood disaster in Himachal:- In recent years, the Himalayas have become the site of multiple disasters that were attributed by various governments to erratic weather patterns spurred by the climate crisis. Yet, blaming excess rainfall or demonising flooding rivers cannot hide the development excesses and faulty planning that eroded the local capacity to weather climate vagaries. https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/in-himachal-a-deluge-of-missed-warnings-101689491312270.html (16 July 2023)
Tikender Singh Panwar, former deputy mayor of Shimla said, the disaster is caused by hydropower projects and infrastructure, like widened roads, for tourists — necessities for the smaller state to attract money. “We’ve seen rains all our lives, but the damage and the disaster have not been to the level we see now,” said Panwar. “I never used to see muddied waters in the rain. Now the rivers are brown because the roads were constructed without mountain ethos and ethics. … It’s a planned destruction of the Himalayas.” These incidents should force public authorities to prevent infrastructure encroachment on river floodplains — an ongoing issue in India’s development.
– He added that urban areas must ensure storm water lines and drains are developed and maintained. Panwar said he was not surprised that so many cars are now floating in the rivers because authorities built parking spaces at river beds. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/07/14/india-floods-himachal-pradesh-monsoon/ (14 July 2023)
This clearly underlines how rampant dumping of construction debris, road muck along Beas river aggravated the flood destruction in Kullu: Joginder Walia, convener of the Bhumi Adhigrahan Prabhavit Manch, says that right from Manali to Pandoh, there has been violation of rules governing the disposal of debris. “It is to be thrown at the designated dumpyards that are within 10-km radius of the construction site, but was dumped by the bank. When the rains came, the debris raised the water level, causing flooding. Also, government policy says that any construction by the river has to be at least 50 metres away (recently revised by the High Court to 100 metres). But we have hotels, shops and homes bang on the bank. We invited trouble.”
An urban practitioner and scholar of the Himalayan region, Negi says: “Rampant construction proximate to rivers and streams across sites like Manali, Kullu, Tirthan and Jibhi puts buildings and people at considerable flood-risk. The development of highways so close to the river is also unscientific. Opaque decision-making by NHAI is at fault here. Its engineers must be made answerable to the public at large.” Negi says these floods underline the urgency of comprehensive planning of infrastructure and tourism in the Himalayas, and the HP government must task a skilled, sensitive, and open-minded team of individuals to advise. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/features/kullu-ravaged-525989 (16 July 2023)
Rain toll points to man-made disaster Anthropogenic factors such as deforestation, unsustainable construction have intensified damage caused by rain-related events even as unprecedented downpour has caught the State off guard. https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/himachal-pradeshs-battle-with-the-fury-of-nature-is-also-a-manmade-disaster-say-experts/article67068010.ece (11 July 2023)
Adaptive strategies require a dramatic shift Charathgarh, is a small town in Una district, Himachal Pradesh. The recent images from this town, depicting a dead body floating in the cremation ground, serve as a stark reminder for adaptive strategies to minimise the loss resulting from Climate Change. Reckless infrastructure development in both urban and rural areas of the mountain regions, especially in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), is a major contributing factor. This ongoing development has led to colossal losses year after year, affecting Roads, bridges, houses, buildings, towns, villages across India. https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/environment-adaptive-strategies-require-a-dramatic-shift-1235586.html (10 July 2023)
Rushed green nod, poor planning in focus as rains wash away hill roads Another major concern, according to experts, is the way these projects are awarded. https://www.business-standard.com/industry/news/as-climate-crisis-intensifies-extreme-weather-exposes-shoddily-built-infra-123071000833_1.html (10 July 2023)
Muck dumping: NHAI warns its contractors This comes after the destruction is already done:- National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has given its contractors seven days to lift the muck they had dumped illegally along the under-construction Kiratpur-Manali road. It warned the contractors that a second offence will invite penalty and stall their payment. The NHAI’s project directors of Mandi, Shimla, Palampur, and Hamirpur met the contrators recently. The NHAI claimed a statement issued on Sunday (July 09) in Kullu that: “The contractors have orders to remove all the muck and restore the roadside areas to their original state without any environmental damage. For dumping, there are approved sites.” The contractors have orders to contribute to environmental conservation by planting trees and installing additional rainwater harvesting systems to compensate for any environmental damage. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/muck-dumping-nhai-warns-its-contractors/articleshow/101623890.cms (10 July 2023)
Unregulated construction puts river banks at risk Town and country planning department head KK Saroch says, “The distance for construction from the river bank should be at least 25 metres, and if someone violates it, we cancel the permission. Our local teams carry out inspections from time to time. But it has been noticed that due to mining activities on the banks and beds, rivers change their course. Still, no one can predict the fury of nature,” he says. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/unregulated-construction-near-rivers-in-himachal-pradesh-raises-concerns-amidst-heavy-rain-and-flash-floods-101689098773799.html (11 July 2023)
Bridges swept away in Mandi The Panchvaktra Bridge in Mandi collapsed on Sunday (July 08) due to heavy rains due to the rise in water levels of the river due to heavy rains, according to Ashwani Kumar, Additional District Magistrate, Mandi. Bridges connecting Aut village to Banjar and of Pandoh village were also swept away by the overflowing Beas River in Mandi district. A bridge in the Koon area connecting Mandi city and Joginder Nagar also suffered the same fate. The 126-megawatt Lalji hydropower project was also closed after floodwater entered the powerhouse. https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/trends/story/himachal-pradesh-monsoon-update-bridges-swept-away-in-mandi-due-to-rains-imd-issues-red-alert-388921-2023-07-10 (10 July 2023)
One person was killed while three others were injured after a cloudburst occurred near Kais village in Kullu’s Raison at 3.55 am on Monday (July 17). The incident happened following heavy rainfall in the state. Kullu DEOC informed the incident occurred near Kais village at Raison in Kullu district.
Heavy rains had wreaked havoc in Himachal triggering landslides, flash floods, damaging roads and infrastructure. So far the state has suffered losses to the tune of Rs 4,357 crore since the onset of monsoon on June 24 and 111 people have died in rain-related and road accidents, according to the state emergency response centre. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/cloudburst-hits-himachal-pradeshs-kullu-early-morning-one-dead-526403 (17 July 2023)
Blockages in the Chandra-Bhaga River System Herald Doom for Lahaul and Spiti More trouble looms in the Himalayas that could endanger water security and farming. Emergency alarms are ringing about the Chandra-Bhaga river systems in upper Himachal. The Chandra-Bhagha is one of the most voluminous river bodies but is currently plagued by sudden blockages in its flow. Erratic weather, including a delayed winter, excessive rain and changing climate, has resulted in landslides across the valley, causing mud and debris to flow into the river and block its flow.
– According to reports, water levels have surged in several nallas, including Nain Gahar, Madgran, Mayad Valley, and Jahlma Nalla of Pattan Valley, resulting in blockages and the formation of dams. New lakes are being formed, flooding villages and engulfing arable land. The recent spell of rains has exacerbated the problem, causing flooding in Teiling Nalla, located about a kilometre from the Atal Tunnel, and flash floods in Madrang and Kala Nullah in the Udaipur area of Lahaul and Spiti. https://thewire.in/environment/chandra-bhaga-river-system-blockage-climate-change-lahaul-spiti-climate (11 July 2023)
Seven families have been evacuated in Kholaksa, located at a distance of about 3 km from Losar in Lahaul and Spiti district, following flooding due to the melting of a glacier. However, no casualty was reported. https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/India/melting-of-glacier-floods-village-in-lahaul-and-spiti-villagers-evacuated/ar-AA1dU4Ne (17 July 2023)
Worst rain crisis, city pegs its losses at Rs 4,000 cr As many as 1,321 roads, including Mandi-Kullu, Gramphu-Losar (Lahaul-Spiti), Kullu-Manali and Aut-Jalori national highways, have been blocked. More than 4,500 power distribution transformers have been rendered non-functional while over 750 water supply schemes have been affected. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation has suspended services on 1,255 routes while its 576 buses lie stranded in various parts of the state due to blockades. In the three-day monsoon mayhem, one hotel and 11 houses have been completely damaged while 20 houses have suffered partial damage. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/worst-rain-crisis-himachal-pegs-its-losses-at-4-000-cr-524538 (11 July 2023)
Heavy monsoon rain accompanied by strong winds wreaked havoc across northern India on Sunday (July 09), leading to widespread landslides and flash floods that claimed 17 lives in the hills of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and J&K while five deaths were reported in the plains of UP, Punjab, and Rajasthan. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/22-die-in-north-as-rain-wreaks-havoc-himachal-pradesh-hit-by-landslides/articleshow/101619442.cms (10 July 2023)
BBMB releases 10,000 cusecs water from Pong Dam The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) on Wednesday (July 12 2023) released 10,000 cusecs of water from Pong Dam into the Beas river to offset the surplus inflow into the reservoir. Board officials said the river has enough carrying capacity so the amount of water released would not flood any area downstream. The dam is still receiving around 80,000 cusecs of water. The officials said that they decided to go for controlled release of water with the dam being two-thirds full to capacity. Owing to extremely heavy rainfall in the river catchment areas from Saturday to Monday, the reservoir is still receiving huge inflow of water. The BBMB held a technical committee meeting in Chandigarh on Wednesday with partner states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi to work out a strategy for controlled release of water from the dams it manages. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/himachal-floods-bbmb-releases-10-000-cusecs-of-water-from-pong-dam-into-beas-river-101689157127989.html (12 July 2023)
BBMB not to release excess water from dams till flood situation in Punjab; Haryana normalises The BBMB will not release any excess water from the Bhakra and Pong dams on the Sutlej and Beas, respectively, till the situation in the flood-hit areas of Punjab and Haryana normalises. A special Technical Committee Meeting comprising BBMB officials and representatives of the member states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi was held today, in which the matter was discussed.
– A communication was sent to the concerned state authorities on July 11 that an extra 16,000 cusecs of water would be released from Bhakra on July 13 in addition to the 19,000 cusecs being released in routine. Punjab had objected to this move pointing out that there was no requirement for releasing extra water from the dam when the water level in the reservoir at present was much below the top mark, while rivers and streams in many places in the state were swollen.
– During the torrential rains over the past four days, a staggering 1,088 million cubic meters of water flowed into the Bhakra Dam and about 1,530 million cubic meters flowed into the Pong Dam. BBMB chairman Nandlal Sharma said that the monsoon season has just started and will continue till the end of September and in order to be prepared for any such eventuality in future, BBMB may have to increase the releases from its dams in a controlled manner in the days to come. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/bhakra-dam-to-release-additional-16-000-cusecs-of-water-on-thursday-525057 (13 July 2023)
More than 36 hours after two breaches in the Ghaggar river in Mansa district, the authorities have failed to plug them. So far, flood water has entered 15 villages of Mansa district and six villages have already been inundated. Meanwhile, an army unit was deployed to plug the breaches following request from the district administration on Sunday (July 16). https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/36-hours-after-ghaggar-river-breaches-authorities-fail-to-plug-floodwater-enters-15-villages-101689522234700.html (16 July 2023)
With two breaches, the Ghaggar unleashed its fury in Mansa district on Saturday (July 15) with floodwaters entering villages bordering Haryana. The river’s embankments in Rorki village of Sardulgarh sub-division and near Chandpura Dam in Budhlada sub-division gave way on the Punjab side, leading to panic in several villages of Mansa district. Of the affected villages, 36 are in Budhlada sub division and 12 in Sardulgarh sub division. The administration is struggling to plug the breaches, which is a challenge. Mansa deputy commissioner Rishi Pal Singh said this is the first time since 1993 that the Ghaggar’s water level has reached this point in the district. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/ghaggar-river-breaches-embankments-causes-panic-in-punjab-s-mansa-district-authorities-struggle-to-plug-breaches-101689401261263.html (15 July 2023)
Satluj breaches banks in 2 spots, over 20 Jalandhar villages submerged Breaches at two places in Dhussi Bund (earthen embankment) along Satluj river took place during the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday (July 10-11), leading to floods in around two dozen villages of Lohian block in Jalandhar district. Thousands of acres of crop and hundreds of houses were submerged. One youth was washed away when the water level was rising in Satluj and Chitti Bein before the breaches and his motorcycle was later taken out by people.
The first breach took place between villages Mandhala and Naseerpur at around 12.40 am and then another took place near village Mundi Shehrian. As the river was flowing to the brim, residents of villages situated along the Dhussi bundh were keeping a close watch and in the late night even strengthened the bundh at village Mandhala Chhannan, but breaches took places at other places.
Drainage department executive engineer Amarinder Singh said that breach near Mandhala was over 200 feet wide and the other around 350-400 feet. The area has witnessed flood after four years and most of the affected villages are the same. In 2019 also, breaches had taken place along the same stretch from two-three places. At that time, the biggest breach was at village Janian Chahal.
With a flood hitting villages in Lohian block of Jalandhar after four years, Rajya Sabha member and environmentalist Balbir Singh Seechewal on Tuesday (July 11) said the reason for breaches appear similar, squeezing of a river passage near a railway bridge at Gidarpindi for want of desilting, which increases the pressure on the barrage upstream. He revealed that he had been telling officials since August last year and written letters urging them to ensure desilting of the river bed near railway bridge at Gidarpindi before rainy season of this year, but desilting work was started only some days back and that did not help. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/satluj-breaches-banks-in-2-spots-over-20-jal-villages-submerged/articleshow/101683760.cms (12 July 2023)
Two breaches in dhussi bundh along the Sutlej inundated as many as 15 villages in Shahkot on July 11. As the river was in full spate, the first breach occurred at Nasirpur village and then it damaged the bundh at Gatta Mundi Kasu village. Both the breaches were up to 150 ft and 60 ft, respectively. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/two-breaches-in-dhussi-bundh-15-villages-in-shahkot-submerged-524855 (12 July 2023)
Volunteers from Mandhala village, who had plugged a breach in a dhussi bundh of Satluj river on Saturday (July 15) afternoon, worked all night to strengthen it and make it motorable. They filled the 350-foot-long gap with earth and covered it with sandbags held together by a wire cage. Rajya Sabha member Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal, who led this massive effort in which several villages clubbed their resources and manpower to plug the breach before the next spell of rain. Seechwal himself laboured for hours, operating the earth digger machine. The district administration provided the team with tippers trucks to move this earth. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/satluj-breach-now-motorable/articleshow/101810915.cms (17 July 2023)
While many districts along the rivers in Punjab suffered from floods due to Monsoon fury, Moga district managed to limit the damage to a few villages. Officials said the prompt plugging of three breaches when Sutlej was in spate helped limiting the deluge.
Sutlej flows in the Moga district for a length of about 31 km. Four villages, Pralliwal, Mehruwala, Kambo Khurd and Sanghera, were evacuated as a precaution while neighbouring Jalandhar district’s Shahkot sub-division witnessed flood fury on the other side of the river bank. The officials claim that in Moga advance flood prevention measures were completed before June, including strengthening of two main embankments and cleaning of drains. “When Sutlej was in spate, three breaches occurred in Moga district, which the administration managed to plug promptly with the help of the locals limiting the impact,” an official said. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/limited-damage-in-moga-district-as-prompt-action-plugs-breaches-during-monsoon-floods-in-punjab-101689521873362.html (16 July 2023)
बारिश और बाढ़ के चलते पंजाब के 14 और हरियाणा के 13 जिले प्रभावित हुए हैं, दोनों राज्यों में बारिश के पानी की घटनाओं से 55 लोगों की मौत हो चुकी है. सरकारी आंकड़ों के मुताबिक, पंजाब में बारिश से कुल 29 और हरियाणा में 26 लोगों की मौत हो चुकी है
शनिवार (July 15) को पंजाब के मानसा जिले में घग्गर नदी में दो दरारें आ गईं, जिसके बाद हरियाणा की सीमा से लगे कई गांवों में बाढ़ का खतरा मंडरा रहा है. अधिकारियों ने कहा कि पहली दरार बुढलाडा में चांदपुरा बांध के पास एक तटबंध में और दूसरी सरदुलगढ़ क्षेत्र के रोरकी गांव में हुई. उन्होंने बताया कि कई गांवों में बाढ़ को रोकने के लिए दरारों को भरने का काम चल रहा है, लेकिन पानी का तेज बहाव एक समस्या पैदा कर रहा है. हालांकि, जिला प्रशासन ने कहा कि गांवों में बाढ़ का पानी घुसने की स्थिति में ग्रामीणों को सुरक्षित स्थानों पर पहुंचाने की व्यवस्था की गई है. इस बीच, उफनती घग्गर नदी ने पंजाब के संगरूर जिले के खनौरी और मूनक ब्लॉकों में कहर बरपाना जारी रखा, जिससे इन क्षेत्रों में विशाल भूभाग जलमग्न हो गया. https://www.gaonsavera.com/floods-killed-55-people-in-haryana-punjab/ (16 July 2023)
40-feet wide breach in Kandi canal after heavy rain 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 ( 5 July 2023)
Haryana Breaches in two canals, Ghaggar lead to floods in Ambala district Three major breaches took place in Haryana’s Ambala district due to heavy rain and excessive inflow of water in the Narwana Branch canal and Satluj Yamuna Link canal in the Ismailpur village area and in the Ghaggar river near Ghel village on Monday (July 10). The breaches could not be plugged till late evening. National Highway (NH) 152 is still closed and all schools have been directed to close for two more days.
-As the water from the Narwana Branch canal reached the SYL canal, the situation of waterlogging arose, Ambala deputy commissioner (DC) Shaleen said. “At all three spots of the breaches, one column of the Army has been deputed along with the irrigation department and we are working to plug them. But as the flow of water is heavy in all three channels, it is making the situation difficult. About 8-10 villages in the range of these spots are submerged in about 5 feet of water. All three breaches are open as water flow is making it tough,” the DC said.
-All three channels are running at full capacity. The Ghaggar, Tangri and Markanda rivers in the district are also running full. Water from the Markanda river spilled over and entered the nearby villages. The Mullana area is also submerged under five feet of water. So far, no casualty has been reported from the district, the DC added. The flood-like situation in Ambala also seriously affected the power and water supply. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/severe-flooding-in-haryanas-ambala-causes-breaches-in-canals-and-river/articleshow/101645860.cms (10 July 2023)
Chandigarh floods is glaring example of what happens when the residential houses, posh colonies are developed on encroached water channels, water bodies and dried river beds with poor drainage and sanitation condition by builders.
Harish Sharma, a resident of Gurdev Nagar, Zirakpur says,” When it rained, and our society was flooded with water, it looked as if a canal was flowing through the society.” Sharma attributes this flooding to the rampant encroachments along the Sukhna Choe and other water channels which have reduced rainwater carrying capacity and it finds its way into the housing societies. Tiwari rues that the local authorities, who approved the housing societies and colonies when they were being built without ensuring basic civic infrastructure, should be hauled up.
Woeful tales of the likes of Tiwari and Sharma are not restricted to Dera Bassi and Zirakpur only. In Kharar, it is no different. A resident of Khanpur, Kharar requesting anonymity says, that a number of housing projects have come up due to its proximity to a number of private universities. But the basic facility such as sewerage and drainage is poor. Sunil Khurana, a resident of Ambika Green in Kharar, says, “Initially the builders paint a rosy picture while selling flats. But only when one starts living does one realise that one has been cheated. In Kharar, the sewerage system is not to the capacity, sewer holes keep overflowing onto the roads. The rainwater enters societies every time it rains incessantly.”
Even in the posh New Chandigarh area which is a few minute drive from Chandigarh but falls under SAS Nagar district, residents are alleging that a developer has built a housing project on a dried bed of rivulet by blocking its natural course, dug up the road to drain out the rainwater from residential projects to the nearby fields. https://www.thestatesman.com/cities/chandigarh/after-heavy-rains-lakhs-in-chandigarhs-periphery-feel-cheated-for-buying-flats-in-societies-built-over-dried-water-bodies-1503200165.html (13 July 2023)
Some details of rain, flood impacts on Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula:- The widespread damage to sewer and storm water drainage pipelines and multiple cave-ins following heavy rain over the weekend is set to cost the Chandigarh municipal corporation (MC) over ₹4.43 crore in repairs. In Dera Bassi, SDM Himanshu Gupta has tasked the kanungo to prepare a report of damages caused by floods in Dera Bassi sub-division and submit it within one month. Due to breach in Ghaggar river, nine villages in the sub-division still remain under water, including Alamgir, Sadhawala, Dandehra, Khajur Mandi, Tiwana, Bahora, Bahori, Sarsini and Khajur Mandi. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/chandigarh-municipal-corporation-faces-4-43-crore-bill-for-repairs-after-heavy-rain-causes-damage-to-infrastructure-101689202617977.html (13 July 2023)
Assam DAM FLOODS? Around 500 families have been evacuated from villages along the Bhutan foothills in Assam as the state went into high alert on Friday with the release of water from Bhutan’s Kurichhu dam. The families were evacuated from villages in Assam’s Baksa and Chirang districts as a precautionary measure. The Assam government on Thursday night had directed district administration to be alert after the Bhutan government communicated that there would be a release of water from the dam. An official order from Bhutan’s National Center for Hydrology & Meteorology stated that Drunk Green Power Corporation would begin carrying out reservoir scouring of Kurichhu Hydropower Plant. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/flood-alert-in-assam-as-bhutan-releases-water-from-reservoir-8838334/ (15 July 2023)
Dam Floods Uttarakhand Ajit Singh Rathi:-छिरकिला बांध से एक साथ भारी मात्रा में पानी छोड़े जाने से छोड़ने से धारचूला में तीन मकान काली नदी में समा गए। अब ग्रामीण एनएचपीसी से मुआवजे की मांग कर रहे है। https://twitter.com/AjitSinghRathi/status/1679021064070787075?s=20 (12 July 2023)
Rains lashed many places on Sunday (July 16), triggering landslides that blocked several roads, even as the Ganga crossed the danger mark in Devprayag and the warning level in Haridwar due to heavy release of water from the dam on the Alaknanda river. According to officials, the Ganga was flowing at 463.20 metres following which water filled up in Sangam Ghat, Ramkund, Dhaneshwar Ghat and Fuladi Ghat.
There was also a tremendous jump in the water level of the Ganga after 2,000-3,000 cusecs of water was released from the dam of the GVK hydroelectric project built on the Alaknanda river. The officials said 2,000-3,000 cusecs of water was released from the Srinagar Hydro Electric Project dam in Pauri district as the Alaknanda river was flowing above the warning level, the officials said. Tehri District Disaster Management officer Brijesh Bhatt said the district administration is making frequent calls to warn people to stay away from the banks of the river.
The State Disaster Operation Centre has directed Haridwar District Magistrate Dheeraj Singh to repair Gate No 10 of the Bhimgoda barrage at the earliest to avert any heavy losses due to the high-speed water flowing through the breached gate.
The abutment of a bridge on the Joshimath-Malari road was damaged due to debris and excess water flowing into the Girthi Ganga river at Niti Ghati in Chamoli district’s Joshimath, they said. According to the disaster management department, this bridge was only used by the Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police.
A flood-like situation is prevailing in 71 villages of Laksar, Khanpur, Roorkee, Bhagwanpur and Haridwar tehsils due to incessant rains in the past few days. In Roorkee, Bhagwanpur, Laksar and Haridwar tehsils, 3,756 families have been affected in 71 villages. Of these families, 81 have been shifted to relief camps, they said. Five people have died in these areas due to the floods. Seven houses have been completely damaged and 201 suffered partial damage. Seventeen roads and nine bridges have also been damaged due to the heavy rains in Haridwar, they added. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/fresh-rain-causes-landslides-in-uttarakhand-ganga-breaches-danger-mark-4213494 (17 July 2023)
River In Spate Breaks Off Part Of Concrete Bridge Incessant rain , which has claimed at least five lives, has led to the collapse of an important bridge in Pauri today. The Malan river is in spate and the increased velocity of the flowing water led to the collapse of a section of the concrete bridge, which links the district to Kotdwar Sigaddi. The bridge is on the important Kotdwar Sigaddi-Laldhang-Haridwar route and traffic has been obstructed on the road. At least 50,000 people have been cut off and may struggle for supplies if the bridge is not repaired soon. Videos show one end of the bridge’s middle section lying in the water as the river continues to flow ferociously past it. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/river-in-spate-breaks-off-part-of-concrete-bridge-in-uttarakhand-4203459 (13 July 2023)
Bridge washed away due to flood in Jummagad river Floods in Jummagad river in the border area of Chamoli district of Uttarakhand has washed away the bridge built on it, blocking the Indo-Tibet border road there while contact with over a dozen border villages has also been lost. Flooding in Jummagad river flowing near Jumma village on the Joshimath-Niti highway, about 45 km from Joshimath, continued till late night on Monday evening, during which the bridge collapsed.
– There has been no official comment on the reason for the abrupt flooding in the river but it is being speculated that landslides in the upper reaches could have stopped the flow of the river, and flooding could have been caused when the water flow found a release later. Others point to the possibility of the melting of glaciers in the upper catchment area of the river for the flood. https://theprint.in/india/uttarakhand-bridge-washed-away-due-to-flood-in-jummagad-river-contact-lost-with-several-border-villages/1664114/ (11 July 2023)
Jammu & Kashmir Srinagar continues to be under Flood Threat Flood Recovery Project:-Aftermath of the devastating floods of September 2014 wherein Srinagar city remained flooded for almost a month, the Government of India requested assistance from the World Bank. An emergency project named as Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project was started in J&K which primarily focuses on restoring critical infrastructure using international best practice on resilient infrastructure. As J&K is prone to natural disasters like floods and earthquakes the infrastructure under this project was supposed to be designed with upgraded resilient features, and included contingency planning for future disaster events. After 8 years of the devastating floods and funding having been allocated by the World Bank, it seems things are not moving in the right direction.
-The Jhelum and Tawi flood recovery projects were aimed at restoring essential services disrupted by the floods and improving the design standard and practices to increase resilience. The said projects were also focussed on to support the recovery and increase disaster resilience in Project Areas, and increase the capacity of the project implementing entities to respond promptly and effectively to an eligible crisis or emergency, but when we see off and on flooding happening on our roads in Srinagar city and drainage systems having been choked it seems things are not moving in good direction vis a vis implementing of these twin projects in Srinagar and Jammu.
-Under the Urban Flood Management programme the World Bank provided around 50 million US dollars (Rs 300 Crores) to J&K Govt through Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project. To execute the works an amount of Rs 103 Crores were provided to Srinagar Municipal Corporation -SMC for construction of 49 storm water pumping stations in Srinagar to prevent water-logging and flooding in low lying areas. Out of 49 pumping stations four pump stations were upgraded by the city drainage division of Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) at Natipora, Barzulla, Bul Bul Bagh and Magray Pora. These dewatering stations have been set up against all the environmental laws especially because they openly violate the Water (Prevention & Control ) of Pollution Act -1974. Few stations like the one in Bulbul Bagh Barzulla have been set up against the natural gradient.
-These water pumping stations can pump out storm water but in addition to it flushes all the liquid waste, sewerage from the localities near Doodh Ganga banks which gets drained into Doodh Ganga. This has been my concern for the last many years as I feel pity on authorities who allowed all this to happen post 2014 floods? https://www.greaterkashmir.com/editorial-page-2/srinagar-continues-to-be-under-flood-threat (14 July 2023)
EDIT Building climate resilience urgent need Deccan Herald EDIT on July 12 2023: Loss of lives, destruction in floods as much human made as due to climate change. https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/second-edit/building-climate-resilience-urgent-need-1236102.html (12 July 2023)
75% districts exposed to floods, 25% have early warning systems Research shows that 97.51 million people in India are exposed to extreme flood events, and most districts are exposed to more than one extreme event, highlighting the importance of making EWS available to all in the country, especially in the states and districts most exposed to its impacts, the CEFW report said. https://www.firstpost.com/india/india-floods-75-per-cent-districts-exposed-to-floods-25-have-early-warning-systems-12863202.html (13 July 2023)
Tamil Nadu is among 12 states which are highly exposed to extreme flood events and are also among the states which have low availability of early warning systems (EWS) for floods. Despite high exposure to floods, Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim are the best-performing states in terms of flood EWS, according to a report by an independent policy research think tank The Council on Energy Environment and Water. The new report on Thursday stated that an estimated 72 per cent of districts in India are exposed to extreme flood events but only 25 per cent of them have level flood forecasting stations, or early warning systems. https://www.dtnext.in/news/tamilnadu/tn-among-12-states-with-poor-flood-early-warning-system-724235 (14 July 2023)
“Flood early warning systems will only give us advance information about floods; it will not prevent floods. Protecting the integrity of flood plains is critical and that would mean questioning faulty projects on flood plain..LIFE” https://twitter.com/lifeindia2016/status/1680197104851886080?s=20 (15 July 2023)
Study Multiday Precipitation Is a Prominent Driver of Floods in Indian River Basins The drivers of floods in the Indian river basins have not been examined for the observed and projected future climate. Here using a novel framework, we examine antecedent moisture conditions and precipitation characteristics before high flow events. We estimate the probability of occurrence of flood drivers and their association with peak flood magnitude under the observed and projected future climate in Indian river basins. Multiday precipitation, a proxy to heavy precipitation on wet soil conditions, was found as the predominant flood driver in the observed and projected future climate. We show that multiday precipitation is more prominent driver than extreme soil moisture conditions in larger rivers basins while extreme precipitation drives floods in smaller river basins. The frequency of major drivers of floods is projected to rise in the future, which may pose a greater risk to agriculture and infrastructure under the warming climate. https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1029/2022WR032723 (5 July 2022)
Karnataka The first inflows of the 2023 monsoon season into Almatti reservoir were noticed on July 12, 2023 with inflow of 19172 cusecs. The first inflows are delayed by a month and are the most delayed since 2002. (12 July 2023)
HFL BREACH 2023
Uttar Pradesh After 13 years, river Ganga at Kacchla Bridge level forecast site in Budaun district has breached its old HFL 162.79 meter attained on 24.09.2010. The river is in extreme flood situation and forecasted to rise upto 162.82 meter at 08:00 hour on 16.07.2023.(16 July 2023)
River Kali at Ratanpuri site in Muzaffar Nagar district has crossed its HFL 218.05 meter dated 27.09.2022 at 07:00 hour on 15.07.2023. Present flood level is 218.15 meter at 22:00 hour on 15.07.2023 with rising trend. (15 July 2023)
River Khoh at Nagina site in Bijnor district has breached old HFL 236.75 meter dated 06.08.2019 at 16:00 hour on 13.07.2023. The river has set 237.4 meter as new HFL for the site at 18:00 hour on 13.07.2023. Present flood level is 236.96 meter at 08:00 hour on 15.07.2023 with declining trend. The river had also breached the old HFL on 10.07.2023 and had attained 236.82 as peak.
At Shergarh the first site in Mathura district, River Yamuna has breached HFL 176.19 meter dated 30.09.2022 at 05:00 hour on 13.07.2023 at Shergarh. Present flood level 176.24 meter at 08:00 hour on 13.07.2023. (13 July 2023)
Haryana Maskara river a tributary of Yamuna joining river upstream Kalanaur bridge in Yamuna Nagar at Ghodopipli level monitoring site has touched its old HFL 271.25 dated 18.08.2019 at 14:00 hour on 10.07.2023. Present flood level, 270.83 at 12:00 hour on 11.07.2023 with falling trend. (11 July 2023)
Uttarakhand River Solani at Raysi site in Haridwar district has gained 0.69 meter rise and set 232.93 meter as new HFL 12:00 hour on 14.07.2023. The old HFL for the site was 232.24 m dated 01.09.2018. The river had breached the old HFL at 18:00 hour on 12.07.2023 and remained in extreme flood situation for 76 hours. Present flood level 232.16 at 22:00 hour on 15.07.23 with declining trend. (15 July 2023)
Himachal Pradesh Ropa khad at Ropa level monitoring site in Kinnaur district continues to be in extreme flood situation for past 46 hours. The river had breached old HFL 3038.28 m dated 17.07.2019 at 19:00 hour on 09.07.23. It gained rise of 2.57 meter and set 3050.85 meter as new HFL at 23:00 hour on 09.07.2023. Present flood level is 3050.30 meter at 15:00 hour on 11.07.2023 with rising trend. As ususal even before the flood level declined below previous HFL, CWC has updated the new HFL. (11 July 2023)
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. (9 July 2023)
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. (10 July 2023)
River Tons at Meenus level monitoring site has crossed old HFL 729.02 meter dated 18.08.2019 at 23:00 hour on 09.07.2023. Present flood level is 730.20 meter at 24:00 hour on 09.07.2023.(9 July 2023)
Assam After crossing old HFL thrice in June 2023, River Puthumari at DRF site in Baksa district, Assam has again breached old HFL 144.51 meter dated 19.06.2022 at 10:00 hour on 13.07.2023. Present flood level is 144.58 meter at 15:00 hour on 13.07.2023 with stable trend. (13 July 2023)
URBAN FLOODS
Delhi 100mm of rainfall for 2 days but city can’t harvest it A 2021 study stated that 1.4 million gallons of rainwater was harvested by the seven biodiversity parks during the monsoon from June to September. Experts claimed that the entire city had the potential of harvesting more water. Even a recent report submitted to NGT said a joint committee of DJB and DPCC inspected the water samples from rainwater harvesting systems of 235 societies in Dwarka and found contamination – ammoniacal nitrogen and total dissolved solids – in 180 of them. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/100mm-of-rainfall-for-2-days-in-a-row-brings-only-pain-no-gain-as-capital-cant-harvest-it/articleshow/101681964.cms (12 July 2023)
Gurugram Just about half an hour of rain inundated parts of the city early on Friday (July 14) evening, triggering traffic jams during the rush hours, at a time when Delhi and other NCR cities Noida and Ghaziabad are struggling with flooding of the Yamuna river. Most of the stormwater channels in the city run into the Najafgarh drain, which culminates in Yamuna river waters in Delhi. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/half-an-hour-of-rain-sinks-key-spots-slams-brakes-on-traffic/articleshow/101778011.cms (15 July 2023)
HYDRO POWER PROJECTS
Jammu & Kashmir JKPCL appeals public to make judicious use of power Jammu & Kashmir Power Corp Ltd has announced on July 10 2023 that due to high silt content and floods in the Chenab river, the hydropower projects like Baglihar I and II, Salal and Duhlhasti has been forced to shut down, leading to power supply going down by around 1300 MW. https://brighterkashmir.com/jkpcl-appeals-public-to-make-judicious-use-of-power (11 July 2023)
Uttarakhand Detailed video report on Joshimath sinking. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/watch/insight-2023-2024/indias-sinking-himalayan-towns-3626281 (13 July 2023)
MoEF Decisions of EAC meeting on River Valley projects held on June 26, 2023:
1. Yaganti Pumped Storage Project (1000 MW) by NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT CORP OF ANDHRA PRADESH LTD at NANDYAL,ANDHRA PRADESH for TOR: APPROVED
2. Chitravathi Pumped Storage Hydro-Electric Project Sri Sathya Sai District of Andhra Pradesh (2*250=500 MW) by NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OF ANDHRA PRADESH LTD at SRI SATHYA SAI,ANDHRA PRADESH for EC: APPROVED
3. Hasdeo Bango Pumped Storage Hydro-Electric Project (1200MW) by CHHATTISGARH STATE POWER GENERATION COMPANY LIMITED at KORBA,CHHATTISGARH for TOR: It was observed that the proposed site comes under dense forest area with abundance of Sal trees (Shorea Robusta L). The Lemaru Elephant Reserve is in proximity. The Hasdeo river Valley has ecological significance being a home to a diverse ecology and Adivasi communities. This pristine ecosystem is very much required for survival of the Hasdeo river which is good source water for local population even for thermal power plants situated in the vicinity. The EAC after detailed deliberation was of the view that it is not advisable to disturb this biodiversity rich area and suggested to explore other area for developing the project.
4. Koyna-Nivakane Pumped Storage Project (2450 MW) by ADANI GREEN ENERGY LIMITED at SATARA, MAH: TOR: APPROVED
5. Gujjili Pumped Storage Hydro Electric Project (1500 MW) by NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT CORP OF ANDHRA PRADESH LTD at ALLURI SITHARAMA RAJU,ANDHRA PRADESH TOR: APPROVED
6. Chikni Pumped Storage Project by CHIKINI ENERGY PRIVATE Ltd at SURAJPUR, CHHATTISGARH: For TOR: APPROVED
7. Arunachalam Pumped Storage Project (900 MW) by VOLTHILLS PRIVATE Ltd at DHARMAPURI,TAMIL NADU for TOR: Approved
8. Shoma Pumped Storage Project by TORRENT POWER Ltd at SONBHADRA,UTTAR PRADESH for TOR: Approved
9. Saidongar Pumped Storage Project by TORRENT POWER Ltd at RAIGAD,MAHARASHTRA for TOR: The project location comes under ESA of Western Ghats and the location is very sensitive wrt dense forest point of view. It was also observed that the project design involves creation of two separate upper reservoirs with individualwater conductor system and power house for both upper reservoirs, though the lower reservoir is same for feeding thewater to two upper reservoirs. The EAC was of the view that as per the proposed project design the proposal may not beconsidered as single project. The PP should consult with Central Electricity Authority to look into the design aspect andsubmit the proposal accordingly. https://parivesh.nic.in/utildoc/6720466_1689146306733.pdf (12 July 2023)
MoEF Relevant agenda of FAC to be held om July 17, 2023: 1. 181.39 HA FOREST LAND FOR APCHAND MEDIUM IRRIGATION PROJECT OF WATER RESOURCE DIVISION in SAGAR DIST OF MADHYA PRADESH
2. 160.4 HA. OF FOREST LAND IN KARLAKATTI, CHAKRAGERI AND KAGIHAL VILLAGE, SAVADATTI (SAUNDATTI) TALUK, BELAGAVI DIST FOR STANDALONE PUMPED STORAGE COMPONENT OF SAUNDATTI INTEGRATED RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECT OF THE GREENKO SOLAR ENERGY Pvt Ltd, BANGALURU, KARNATAKA
3. 426.763 HA PANNA DIST FOR MAJHAGAON MEDIUM IRRIGATION PROJECT in PANNA DIST IN MADHYA PRADESH (MODIFICATION OF STAGE-I CONDITION)
4. 7.3722 HA OF FOREST LAND AS ADDITIONAL FOREST LAND REQUIREMENT IN ALREADY APPROVED DIVERSION IN FAVOUR OF SHONGTONG KARCHHAM HYDRO ELECTRIC PROJECT, HPPCL in KINNAUR FOREST DIVISION, DISTT. KINNAUR, HIMACHAL PRADESH https://forestsclearance.nic.in/AgendaDetail.aspx?id=288!dis1 (17 July 2023)
INTERSTATE WATER DISPUTES
Mahadayi Water Dispute The Supreme Court on Monday (July 10 2023) admitted a special leave petition filed by Goa challenging the decision of the Mahadayi Interstate Water Disputes Tribunal and has posted the matter for hearing on 28 November 2023. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/supreme-court-admits-goa-s-petition-challenging-mahadayi-tribunal-decision-sets-hearing-for-november-101688988805749.html (10 July 2023)
URBAN RIVERS
Mula-Mutha; Pune Stop the riverfront DESTRUCTION Citizens claim the project is causing an irreversible damage to the rivers and their ecosystem while upping the risk of floods. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2023/jul/03/revive-bengalurus-raja-kaluves-instead-of-mekedatu-project-environmentalists-2590796.html (29 May 2023)
RIVERS
Moving Upstream A Walk Along the River Betwa Abstract: The Bundelkhand region has long been in the news for its lack of development, political tussles and water insecurity. By embarking on a riverwalk in Bundelkhand, where we followed the Betwa River on foot for 130 kilometres, we were able to engage with a range of communities and ecosystems and better grasp both the problems and opportunities in the region. The mode of walking was essential to our methodology, as it allowed us to stop, listen and absorb all the details that make rural life what it is.
We explored places, peoples, textures, smells and landscapes relatively unknown to us and our urban existence, and reflected on ways in which booming urban centres are dependent on rural areas that provide them with everything from food to sand. The riverwalk provided the foundation for our subsequent research and analysis on water governance in Bundelkhand. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/24557471231168717 (11 May 2023)
NARMADA बिगड़ती इकोलॉजी खराब कर रही नदी की सेहत -नर्मदा नदी पर काम कर चुके साउथ एशिया नेटवर्क ऑन डेम्स रिवर्स एंड पीपल के कोआर्डिनेटर हिमांशु ठक्कर कहते हैं कि एक नदी का डिफाइनिंग कैरेक्टरस्टिक होता है बहना, जबकि नर्मदा नदी एक बड़े हिस्से में अच्छी तरह से बह नहीं रही है। नर्मदा का पानी ज्यादातर रिजर्वायर में कैद है, वहीं साल के कुछ समय डाउन स्ट्रीम में पानी ही नहीं होता।
-उनके अनुसार, “नदी अकेली नहीं बहती है, बल्कि उसके साथ वनस्पति, रेत आदि कई तरह की चीजें बहती हैं। नर्मदा नदी की सबसे बड़ी परेशानी रेत के लिए होने वाला खनन है। मध्य प्रदेश में इस नदी को रेत के लिए लगातार खोदा जा रहा है। जबकि, नदी में से रेत निकाले जाने की कोई मॉनिटरिंग नहीं हो रही है।” https://mojostory.com/ground-reports/after-yamuna-now-narmada-is-dying/ (13 July 2023)
GANGA Uttarakhand Kanwariyas leave behind 30,000 mt ton garbage at Haridwar The huge turnout of kanwariyas at Haridwar this year – officials have pegged the figure to be over 4 crore – has left behind a sea of waste throughout the holy town, mainly empty bottles, discarded clothes, plastic bags and other waste scattered by the pilgrims. At least 50% of the waste left behind was plastic, Haridwar municipal commissioner Dayanand Saraswati said, adding that the total waste generated over the 12-day- long yatra would be around 27,810 metric tonnes (MT). Around 30,000 MT waste was generated in last year’s kanwar yatra season too.
Generally, Haridwar produces this much waste in a period of around 4 to 5 months. In addition, open defecation along the Ganga – which is prevalent during the kanwar yatra every year – was rampant this year too. Although official numbers regarding open defecation were hard to come by, it is estimated that around 10,000 tonnes of fecal waste might have gone into the river. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/kanwariyas-leave-behind-30000-mt-ton-garbage-at-haridwar/articleshow/101792559.cms (16 July 2023)
YAMUNA Delhi SC stays NGT order asking L-G to head panel for Yamuna The Supreme Court Tuesday stayed the NGT’s January 9 direction appointing LG as the chairman of a high-level committee on Yamuna rejuvenation. “There shall be a stay of the operation of the direction issued on 9 January 2023 by the National Green Tribunal to the extent that the Lieutenant Governor has been directed to be a member of the committee and to chair it. The rest of the committee shall continue to function”, ordered a three-judge bench presided by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud. The bench, also comprising Justices P S Narasimha and Manoj Mishra, issued notice on the Delhi government’s plea challenging the NGT order. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/sc-stays-ngt-order-asking-l-g-to-head-panel-for-yamuna-8828447/ (12 July 2023)
Haryana State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) is planning to install real-time water quality monitoring stations in Yamunanagar, Karnal, Panipat, Sonipat and Faridabad. Regular and timely updates will also help the board act against polluters who are releasing untreated or partially treated wastewater into rivers, and large data sets will allow them to take remedial measures, HSPCB officials said on Sunday (July 16).
“The procurement process for five real-time water quality monitoring systems is currently underway. Technical bids are currently under evaluation,” P Raghavendra Rao, HSPCB chairperson, told TOI. Asked if there is a timeline to install these systems, he said, “We are targeting October or November this year to commission the work.”
Last year, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) had released data of a survey that said almost half (45%) of ammoniacal nitrogen in Yamuna waters was from Panipat. It was followed by Gurgaon (25.25%), Faridabad (15.17%), Sonipat (10.11%) and Bhiwani (2.3%). Of the 413 polluting industries in Haryana, 181 are in Panipat, 100 in Gurgaon, 32 in Faridabad and the remaining in Sonipat, Jhajjar and Rohtak. The textile industry is the key polluter for contributing ammoniacal nitrogen. The study was carried out between December 2021 and March 2022. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/hspcb-to-install-real-time-monitors-at-5-spots-to-check-water-quality-in-rivers/articleshow/101810110.cms (17 July 2023)
FISH, FISHERIES, FISHERFOLKS
Odisha Quintals of dead sardines found on banks of Bahuda Quintals of dead fish were found on the banks of Bahuda river in areas under Chikiti block of Ganjam on Wednesday (July 12). Sources said at least 100 fishing boats reached the shore with their catch in the last two days. Unable to find buyers for their huge haul of oil sardines, the fishing boats dumped the fish in the river. Most of the dead fish drifted to the banks of Bahuda.
-A senior officer of the Fisheries department said such fish dumping is not new. A similar incident took place near Gopalpur Port between 2016 and 2017.It was suspected that the large-scale fish death was caused by release of poisonous chemical substances in the sea.Bahuda river merges with the Bay of Bengal at Sunapur. Many fishermen of the village depend on the fish at the river mouth for their livelihood. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2023/jul/13/quintals-of-dead-sardines-found-on-banks-of-bahuda-2594391.html (13 July 2023)
Bengaluru How to stop fishkill in city lakes Local community monitoring is the key for lake conservation. Citizen volunteers such as lake enthusiasts /lake groups/RWA members should keep a vigil on lake inlets/ streams that bring pollutants into the lake.
-There is a need of shift in perspective from Engineering to Ecology within the BBMP cadre. It is not just about civil engineering works but also about protecting life forms. They need to show concern and care for the lake ecosystem. BBMP engineers should coordinate with KSPCB in accessing reports of lake water quality and start effectively monitoring the lake waters. BWSSB officials need to quickly respond to sewage entry into the lake due to UGD malfunctions / sewage overflow etc. https://bengaluru.citizenmatters.in/fishkill-fill-lakes-ecology-kspcb-bbmp-lakes-departmentf-121395 (13 July 2023)
SAND MINING
Uttarakhand As CM lobbied, Centre went against rules, courts to allow river mining Indepth report by Tapasya & Aggam Walia of Reporters’ Collective on how State and Central governments are jointly pushing destructive riverbed mining practices in sheer disregard to rules and court orders.
“During the monsoon, the flow of the river increases and runs on a specific course. But if mining is happening and the course is disturbed then the river can change its path and wreak havoc along the way,” Bhim Singh Rawat, Associate Coordinator of South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People (SANDRP) explained. “Gaula’s health, ecology, fish-life, whatever you want to call it, has been totally decimated. The labour rights of miners are violated. The river is mined excessively and it’s considered only a gold-mine for the state that has totally given up on the river’s protection,” Rawat of SANDRP opined. https://www.reporters-collective.in/trc/as-cm-lobbied-centre-went-against-rules-courts-to-allow-river-mining-in-uttarakhand (17 July 2023)
39 bridges went down in past 6 years The collapse of a bridge over river Malan has again highlighted the issue of corruption and large scale river bed mining from river beds which has been one of the major reason of collapse of 39 bridges in the state in the past more than six years.
-Dr SP Sati, a leading geologist of HNB Garhwal University, said that most of the rivers have become dumping grounds due to construction of ‘Char Dham’ road and Rishikesh- Karanprayag railway line projects in the hills while in the foothills massive mining of the river beds had gone unhindered since the creation of Uttarakhand. He said that mining from the river beds increased the flow of water and weakens the foundations of the pillars of the bridge, which happened at recent collapse of Malan river bridge near Kotdwar.
-Interestingly, river bed mining from all the rivers across the state has been the biggest money spinning venture from which politicians, bureaucrats, contractors and police officials have benefitted immensely. “ The river bed mining has reached gigantic proportions starting from Yamuna in the east to Sharda river in the west of the state. Even the small streams and rivulets are not spared as huge money is involved,” said Indresh Maikhuri, secretary of the Garhwal unit of CPI(ML). https://www.thestatesman.com/india/thirty-nine-bridges-went-down-in-past-six-years-in-uttarakhand-1503200514.html (14 July 2023)
मिनटों में धराशायी हो गया 12 करोड़ से बना मालन पुल लाखों की आबादी के बीच रास्ता बनाने वाला मालन पुल अवैध खनन की भेंट चढ़ गया। स्थानीय लोगों का कहना है कि पुल के उत्तर व दक्षिण दिशा में लगातार अवैध खनने से बड़े गड्ढ़े बन गए थे, जिससे मालन पुल के पिलर नंबर नौ और 10 लगातार कटाव झेल रहे थे। मिट्टी खिसकने से पिलर की जड़ें कमजोर हो गई थीं।
-विभागीय अधिकारी भले ही मालन पुल टूटने का कारण बाढ़ और कटाव बता रहे हैं लेकिन जमीनी हकीकत ये है कि लोक निर्माण विभाग अपने पुल को बाढ़ व अवैध खनन से नहीं बचा पाया। एक सप्ताह पहले नदी का बहाव नियंत्रित करने को चैनेलाइजेशन का काम शुरू कराया गया था लेकिन नौ और 10 नंबर के पिलरों की ओर ध्यान नहीं दिया। https://www.amarujala.com/photo-gallery/dehradun/uttarakhand-kotdwar-malan-bridge-collapse-due-to-illegal-mining-in-river-see-photos-2023-07-14 (14 July 2023)
Uttar Pradesh Embankment breach along Yamuna flooded and damaged croplands in several villages in Kairana block of Shamli district. Villagers blame excessive riverbed mining and plying of heavy sand trucks resulting in weakening and breaching of the embankment. The drainage division of Irrigation department had raised alarm on the issue but no action was taken. The mine contractors had no permission from Irrigation department to use the embankment for transporting the sand through heavy trucks. (July 2023)
Andhra Pradesh The state government had approached the Apex Court against the ban imposed by NGT on March 23, 2022. Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Sanjay Karol, who heard the petition, refused to stay the ban proposed by the NGT. However, a fine of Rs 18 crore imposed by the NGT has been stayed. An expert committee has been directed to ascertain the environmental damage caused by sand mining. The Secretary to the Environment Department has been directed to conduct an inquiry into allowing excavations with heavy machinery in river banks and river beds and to take action against those responsible. https://www.newstap.in/national/supreme-court-bans-sand-mining-in-andhra-pradesh-1484952 (14 July 2023)
WETLANDS, LAKES, WATER BODIES
SC asks Centre to respond on plea to protect 2.31 lakh wetlands mapped in country The Supreme Court on July 10 recorded that the number of wetlands in the country has expanded from 2.01 lakh to 2.31 lakh since 2017, and sought the Centre’s response on a plea to protect the enhanced wetland areas which act as a natural protection from floods. “In Delhi alone 27 wetlands are there… None of them have been notified… Waste and garbage get dumped there… This issue is important when cities are witnessing heavy floods after rains,” senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, for petitioner M.K. Balakrishnan, submitted before a Bench led by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud. The Bench asked Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, for the Centre, to take “appropriate instructions” on the plea to protect the expanded area of wetlands. The court posted the case for hearing after a week. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sc-asks-centre-to-respond-on-plea-to-protect-231-lakh-wetlands-mapped-in-country/article67064962.ece (10 July 2023)
Bihar Makhana and the wetlands they grow in A popular snack in India, makhana, is the seed of a water lily species, Euryale ferox, found in south and east Asia. For the region of Darbhanga in Bihar, both makhana and the wetlands they grow in, are very significant.
Over 85% of India’s makhana comes from Bihar and almost a quarter of it is produced in Darbhanga’s wetlands. Almost 850 ponds in the district are currently used for makhana cultivation as per government documents. These wetlands therefore, are important for the state’s makhana cultivation and the livelihoods they support. However, the waterbodies are losing to pollution, illegal construction and encroachments. https://india.mongabay.com/2023/07/video-bihars-makhana-and-the-wetlands-they-grow-in/ (12 July 2023)
URBAN WATER
Gurugram ‘Leachate flows into Aravalis again’ After three days of rain, puddles of black-viscous liquid – suspected to be leachate – were seen in the Aravalis within a kilometre of the Bandhwari landfill site. Residents alleged on Tuesday (July 11) that leachate has contaminated a pond in the forest area that was used by birds and wildlife for drinking water. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/leachate-flows-into-aravalis-again-but-mcg-says-its-just-muddy-water/articleshow/101682522.cms (12 July 2023)
WATER POLLUTION
Punjab Zira distillery will not be allowed to run: CM Bhagwant Mann on Friday (July 14) said that Zira distillery will not be allowed at all to run in future and if it would run then he himself would be the culprit. “I swear Zira factory (distillery) will not run,” Mann said while responding to questions on the issue from a few youths when he was at Gidarpindi road bridge to take stock of the situation of flood in the area. The morcha against Zira factory by residents of neighbouring villages has been continuing for nearly a year. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/amritsar/zira-distillery-will-not-be-allowed-to-run-says-punjab-cm-bhagwant-mann/articleshow/101762977.cms (14 July 2023)
WATER
Report Del-Mum eway stretch built on pond? NGT wants action -The NGT on Friday (July 14) directed NHAI to submit a factual report by October 3 and take “remedial action” on the allegation that a portion of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway (NH-148NA) was illegally built on a village pond in Nuh and by felling trees in Gurgaon. The tribunal was hearing a petition by city resident Prem Mohan Gaur, who has alleged the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) used up the catchment area of a 2-acre pond in Kiranj village of Nuh to build the six-lane expressway. Construction of the 60km stretch of the expressway began in November 2021. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/del-mum-eway-stretch-built-on-pond-ngt-wants-action/articleshow/101771324.cms (15 July 2023)
MONSOON 2023
IMD High Rainfall districts on July 16, 2023: 50-100 mm: E Siang (Arunachal Pradesh), Dhemaji, Lakhimpur (Assam), Jagatsinghpur, Sundergarh (Odisha), Sonbhadra (E UP), Samba (J&K), Dausa (E Raj), Gadchiroli, Gondiya (Vidarbha), Mungeli (CG) [11]
100-150 m: Changlang (Arunachal Pradesh), Bhadrak, Jharsughoda (Odish) [3]
High Rainfall districts on July 15, 2023: 50-100 mm: Kiphire, Phek (Nagaland), Bahraich, Varanasi (E UP), Junagarh (Guj), N Goa, S Goa (Goa), Raigarh, Sindhudurg, Suburban Mumbai (Konkan), [18]
High Rainfall districts on July 14, 2023: 50-100 mm: E Siang (Arunachal Pradesh), Kokrajhar (Assam), E Khasi Hills, SW Khasi Hills (Meghalaya), E Sikkim (Sikkim), Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri (WB), Arariya (Bihar), Farrukhabad, Kannuaj (E UP), Etawah, Mainpuri, Moradabad (W UP), Navsari (Guj), Dadar & N Haveli (UT), Suburban Mumbai (Konkan), Udipu, Uttar Kannada (Karnataka) [18]
100-150 mm: Kishanganj (Bihar), N Goa, S Goa (Goa), Sindhudurg (Konkan) [4]
High Rainfall districts on July 13, 2023: 50-100 mm: E Siang, Lohit (Arunachal Pradesh), Darjeeling (WB), Unnao (E UP), Amroha, Bijnor, Muzafarnagar, Sambhal Sharanpur (W UP), Dehradun, Rudraprayag, Tehri Garhwal ( UKD), Panchkula, Yamunanagar (Haryana), Sirmaur (HP), Betul, Harda, Shajapur (W MP), Navsari (Guj), Krishna (AP), Villupuram (TN) [21]
100-150 mm: N Sikkim (Sikkim), Jalpaiguri (WB), Haridwar (UKD), Udupi (Karnataka) [4]
150-200 mm: E Khasi Hills, SW Khasi Hills (Meghalaya) [2]
High Rainfall districts on July 12, 2023: 50-100 mm: Lohit, Upper Siang (Arunachal Pradesh), Kokrajhar (Assam), E Jaintia Hills, W Garo Hills (Meghalaya), Jalpaiguri, Kochbihar (WB), Almora (UKD), Jhabua, Ratlam (W MP) [10]
100-150 mm: E Siang, Lower Dibang Valley (Arunachal Pradesh), Kishanganj (Bihar), Barabanki (E UP) [4]
150-200 mm: E Khasi Hills (Meghalaya) [1]
200-300 mm: SW Khasi Hills (Meghalaya) [1]
High Rainfall districts on July 11, 2023: 50-100 mm: Changlang, E Siang, Lower Dibang Valley (Arunachal Pradesh), E Garo Hills, E Jaintia Hills, E Khasi Hills (Meghalaya), Kochbihar (WB), Muzafarnagar (W UP), Tehri Garhwal, Uttarkashi (UKD), Bhiwani, Kurukshetra, Yamunanagar (Haryana), Central Delhi (Delhi), Fatehgarh Sahib (Punjab), Mandi, Shimla (HP), Sirohi (E Raj), Alirajpur (W MP), Aravalli, Dangs, Sabarkantha (Guj), Balod, Bijapur (CG), Kumaram Bheem, Mulugu (Tel) [26]
100-150 mm: SW Khasi Hills (Meghalaya), Sharanpur (W UP), Dehradun (UKD), Ambala, Panchkula (Haryana), Chandigarh (UT),Solan (HP) [7]
150-200 mm: Haridwar (UKD), Sirmaur (HP) [2]
High Rainfall districts on July 10, 2023: 50-100 mm: Lower Dibang Valley (Arunachal Pradesh), E Jaintia Hills, S Garo Hills (Meghalaya), Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Sharanpur (W UP), Dehradun, Haridwar (UKD), Ambala, Nuh, Panchkula, Rewari (Haryana), Central Delhi, New Delhi, North Delhi (Delhi), Patiyala (Punjab), Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Shimla (HP), Sirohi (E Raj), Seoni (E MP), Gandhinagar, Valsad, Botad, Junagarh, Rajkot (Guj), Dadar & N Haveli (UT) [30]
100-150 mm: Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra (Haryana), Chandigarh (UT), Fatehgarh Sahib, SAS Nagar, SBS Nagar (Punjab), Bilaspur, Chamba, Solan, Una (HP) [10]
150-200 mm: Rupnagar (Punjab), Sirmaur (HP) [2]
Source: IMD’s daily district wise rainfall report. https://mausam.imd.gov.in/responsive/rainfall_statistics.php?PAGE=4
Ladakh Over 10,000% of its normal rain on July 8-9 This is not the first time that such unusual rainfall has happened in the region. An extremely unlikely cloudburst event had occurred in Ladakh region in August 2010 which was attributed to global warming by scientists from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, according to Jammu and Kashmir State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC). https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/climate-change/north-india-deluge-2023-ladakh-a-cold-desert-received-over-10-000-of-its-annual-rain-on-july-8-9-90496 (10 July 2023)
Lahaul-Spiti एक दिन में 3640 प्रतिशत अधिक बारिश पूरे हिमाचल प्रदेश में 9 जुलाई को 1193 प्रतिशत अधिक बारिश हुई, लेकिन सबसे अधिक चिंता लाहौल स्पीति को लेकर है, जहां 3640 प्रतिशत अधिक बारिश हुई। देश के तीन शीत रेगिस्तानों में शामिल लाहौल स्पीति के गांव लोसर में जुलाई माह में पहली बार बर्फ गिरने से भी विशेषज्ञ हैरान हैं।
-नौ जुलाई 2023 को लाहौल स्पीति जिले में 112.2 मिली मीटर बारिश हुई, जबकि सामान्य बारिश की अगर बात करें तो इस दिन केवल 3 मिमी बारिश होनी चाहिए थी। आम तौर पर जुलाई महीने में इस जिले में 131.5 मिमी बारिश होती है। इसका मतलब है कि नौ जुलाई को यहां महीने भर के बराबर बारिश हो चुकी है। इससे पहले लाहौल स्पीति में 1951 में लाहौल स्पीति में 24 घंटों में 73 मिमी बारिश दर्ज की गई थी।
-लाहौल स्पीति जिले में बारिश का अनियिमिता का अंदाजा इस बात से लगाया जा सकता है कि पांच जुलाई तक इस जिले में सामान्य से 74 प्रतिशत कम बारिश हुई थी। लेकिन पिछले सात दिन के दौरान यहां सामान्य से 683 प्रतिशत अधिक बारिश हो चुकी है। मॉनसून के दौरान सामान्य तौर पर इस जिले में 394.7 मिमी बारिश होती है, लेकिन मात्र एक दिन (9 जुलाई 2023) में यहां पूरे मॉनसून सीजन की एक तिहाई बारिश हुई। https://www.downtoearth.org.in/hindistory/weather/monsoon/cold-desert-is-in-danger-3640-percent-more-rain-in-lahaul-spiti-90499 (10 July 2023)
Delhi was on Saturday (July 08) battered by its heaviest spell of July rain in two decades. The city got 126.1mm of rain between 8.30am and 5.30pm – a quantum that isn’t child’s play for any megapolis, let alone the glass-and-concrete forest of the Capital. But to crumble so swiftly, even with the experience of having had to bear an ever-spiralling series of unfettered rain in 2020 and 2021? It only worsened on Sunday (July 09), when another 106mm of precipitation ploughed the city.
-In 2021, the Capital smashed a fresh weather record every month, leaving history books redundant. The rain, in particular, was unforgiving that year – the city recorded 1,512.4mm of rainfall till December 29, the second highest ever, behind only 1,534.3mm in 1933. In context, Delhi receives just about 775mm of rain per year on average, according to weather office records.
-The writing is, therefore, on the wall, in neon colours on a white backdrop. To contend with the heat, Delhi – and indeed the country at large – will need a summer action plan. And to drain out the excess rain that we will inevitably now get, the city needs to upgrade its creaking infrastructure and medieval drainage system.
-Infrastructure and administrative preparedness go hand-in-hand when contending with such weather events. There will be several surprises, but the city just can’t afford to get taken by surprise. https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-newsletter/htcapitalletters10072023.html (10 July 2023)
Gurugram From deficit a few days ago, city goes to 120% rain surplus Data by the Met department shows that Gurgaon was at a deficit of 87% between June 30 and July 6. The normal rainfall during this time is 19.2mm, and the city had recorded 2.5mm. By July 10, the city received an average of 101mm of rainfall – a surplus of 120% from the normal of 46mm for this timeframe. The city was pummelled with heavy rain the past weekend, recording 145mm in less than two days between Saturday (July 08) and Sunday (July 09). 10 July 2023) https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/from-deficit-a-few-days-ago-city-goes-to-120-rain-surplus/articleshow/101652305.cms (11 July 2023)
-In the past 24 hours, the city’s rainfall quota shot up from 10.5mm to 145mm. Since humidity was as high as 99%, there was little difference in the temperature though. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/gurgaon-inundated-145mm-counting/articleshow/101622388.cms (10 July 2023)
DISASTERS
Uttarakhand ऋषिकेश-कर्णप्रयाग रेल टनल में लगातार ब्लास्ट, कई गांवों के घरों में पड़ी दरारें -चमोली जिले के सूगी ग्राम पंचायत में कई आवासीय मकानों में भारी दरारें आ गई हैं, जिससे ये सभी मकान खतरे की जद में हैं। ग्रामीण इसके लिए ऋषिकेश-कर्णप्रयाग रेललाइन परियोजना को जिम्मेदार बता रहे हैं। उनका कहना है कि रेल लाइन के लिए टनल निर्माण के दौरान भारी मात्रा में विस्फोटकों का प्रयोग हो रहा है। जिससे सूगी, क्यार्खू में कई आवासीय मकानों में दरारें पड़ गई हैं। इन मकानों में रहने वाले लोग डरे हुए हैं। दहशत की वजह से वो रात-रातभर सो नहीं पाते। https://www.rajyasameeksha.com/uttarakhand/26969-rishikesh-karnprayag-rail-tunnel-blasting-cracks-in-many-houses (14 July 2023)
LANDSLIDES
Uttarakhand 4 pilgrims killed, 6 injured as boulders crush vehicles As many as four pilgrims were killed and six others were injured, after the vehicles they were traveling in got crushed under boulders and debris, which came up with swelled up stream, near Sunagar area of Gangotri national highway in Uttarkashi district. The incident took place on Monday (July 10) late evening at around 9.30pm. According to sources, rescue forces faced difficulties while conducting operation at night due to incessant rains and rock fall at the incident spot. Gangotri highway was also blocked in several patches due to landslides. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/four-pilgrims-killed-six-injured-as-boulders-crush-vehicles-on-gangotri-national-highway-in-uttarkashi/articleshow/101652469.cms (11 July 2023)
CLOUD BURSTS
Himachal Pradesh रोहड़ू के मनखून में बादल फटने से सड़कों व सेब के बागीचों को नुकसान पहुंचा है। जाहलमा नाला फिर उफान पर है, जिससे चंद्रभागा नदी में बनी झील का दायरा बढ़ गया है। मंडी में घर की छत गिरने से दो लोगों की मौत हुई है। मनाली में ट्रेकिंग पर गए दो लोगों के बर्फ में दबे शव मिले हैं। https://www.jagran.com/news/national-yamuna-river-reaches-taj-mahal-after-45-years-water-level-decrease-in-delhi-rain-alert-in-himachal-23473423.html (17 July 2023)
ENVIRONMENT GOVERNANCE
Ex Civil Servants Question New Forest Conservation (Amendment) Bill Procedurally, the Bill should have been referred to the Parliamentary Committee on science, technology, environment and forests, instead of being referred to a Select Committee, all the members of which, except one, belong to the ruling party, making the examination partisan and unsatisfactory,” the letter states.
Besides the fact that the Bill seeks to overturn the praiseworthy Supreme Court judgment of 1996 in the Godavarman case (which, inter alia, defined forests as any piece of land that resembles the dictionary meaning of forest), one of its most damaging provisions is to allow forest lands within 100 kms. of the country’s borders to be used for ‘strategic linear projects of national importance and concerning national security’,” it continues. https://thewire.in/government/more-than-100-ex-civil-servants-question-new-forest-conservation-amendment-bill (13 July 2023)
EDIT in The Hindu about construction laws and science behind it. Grooming private forests might look good in theory but expecting them to be a permanent carbon stock is wishful thinking given that strong market incentives exist to use them as ‘carbon credits’. While new climate realities might necessitate changes to the way conservation laws are interpreted, these must be backed by rigorous scientific evidence. https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/green-washing-the-hindu-editorial-on-amendments-and-the-forest-conservation-amendment-bill-2023/article67067924.ece (12 July 2023)
The Supreme Court recently held that the NGT being an adjudicatory body must comply with the principles of natural justice. It also held that if the NGT intends to rely on the report of an expert Committee or any other material that is brought to its knowledge, the concerned party must be informed of it in advance, and be given an opportunity for discussion and rebuttal. https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/ngt-cannot-pass-directions-relying-on-recommendations-of-expert-committee-without-giving-parties-a-chance-to-rebut-it-supreme-court-232624 (13 July 2023)
THE REST OF THE WORLD
River experts call for permanent river protection in Brasilia The Brazilian Coalition for Rivers, the Angá Association, International Rivers, and the Federal University of Southern Bahia hosted a three-hour event in the Chamber of Deputies on river protections as part of a month-long congressional session on socio-environmental issues, called the Virada Parlamentar Sustenabel. The event, entitled “Rivers Ask for Protection: Panorama of Brazilian Rivers, Impacts, Environmental Legislation and Perspectives of Legal Protection,” described the gaps in current environmental protections in Brazil and called for stronger protections for rivers at all levels. https://www.internationalrivers.org/news/international-rivers-and-allies-call-for-permanent-river-protection-in-brasilia/ (13 July 2023)
Japan ‘Heaviest Rain Ever’ South hit by ‘heaviest rain ever’: The top forecaster at the Japan Meteorological Agency said that part of Kyushu, the country’s southernmost main island, had endured its “heaviest rain ever experienced” on Monday. At least six people died. Three more are missing. The rains had stopped by yesterday, but officials warned residents to remain alert for floods and landslides, which the island is prone to because of its mountainous terrain. In recent years, rains have killed hundreds of people there. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/11/world/asia/japan-weather-rain-floods.html (11 July 2023)
Compiled by SANDRP (ht.sandrp@gmail.com)
Also see: DRP News Bulletin 10 July 2023 & DRP News Bulletin 03 July 2023
Follow us on: www.facebook.com/sandrp.in; https://twitter.com/Indian_Rivers
SANDRP 
Sir, first of all, very happy to see you questioning about accountability of authorities at district, city and state levels. But this is just the beginning as more incessant rains, cloud bursts and the consequences ie landslides and road closures are in store. According to a reports published in Uttarakhand, 346 bridges are in danger. People in villages of Sainj and Tirthatan valleys, HP say that unplanned development , frequent hydropower projects, road cutting and blasting and an influx of unregulated tourism is mainly responsible for such a large scale devastation. But we ie they are also aware of coming months of August and first half of September because these are months of extended monsoon in the hills. On one instance, Malang pool near Kotdwar was built with 12 crore and couldn’t run for more than 12 years. Similar bridges are being built at 12-30 crores depending on “state of the art technology” (so-called). Earlier, bridges were constructed for at least 30 years to be used, that’s no more the case. On the other hand, British era bridge on Chakki river is closed which was normally fit for commuting but fell victim to illegal sand mining. In fact, many of our rivers have stated showing dangerous signs of this corrupt practice. I guess, authorities already know why. First of all, huge corruption follows from issuing tenders for road and bridge constructions till the completion. If such malpractices can run the political parties at power for years, why would they mind building bridges like the ones built at British era ie Yamuna bridge “Lohe ka pool” or building roads over the hills that are sustainable! There are already 200 to 300 roads closed in each state of Himachal and Uttarakhand. Why would they care about the fragile Himalayas, let alone the indigenous people living there for generations.? If lakhs of crores can be looted every year in the name of “development”, who would care to build infrastructure that survives at least one season?
Sir, please let the authorities know that citizens do watch and know what’s happening year after year. And it’s not about one political party or their administration. It’s about the whole system which is rotten and infested with powder pests.
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https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/flash-flood-tragedy-one-dead-three-injured-in-himachal-pradesh-heavy-rain-and-landslides-continue-101689585140686.html
…and I forgot to mention about financial corruption in construction of mega hydropower projects. By now, we have got evidence that hydropower isn’t that green as is often claimed. As every time, the cost escalates, so does the potential of possible man-made disaster which makes them astronomically high and whose money it is, btw?
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