(Feature Image:- Screen shot of Hridayesh Joshi, News Laundry ground report showing destruction along Pin Parbati river due to NHPC dam in Sainj Vally in July 2023)

The Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary’s proposed action against violations by 21 of 23 big hydro projects in the state for violations of Dam Safety Act and CWC 2015 guidelines are welcome. We hope there will be no backlash against this from the central govt. In fact Central Govt agencies like CWC, NDMA, CEA and Ministry of Power will welcome and support the HP action and also ask all states to follow suit. In fact all dam owner states need to follow the HP example. SANDRP and other like-minded organisations like Himdhara in HP have been saying this for long and we are glad that there is some though long overdue action on this issue.

A lot more needs to be done. All information related to dam operations and dam safety must be without exception, promptly in public domain. Flood forecasting needs to get out of the ad-hoc-ism now prevailing and possibly needs to be handed over to a new independent organisation that has no axe to grind, unlike CWC. Earlier we bring all these changes, the better it will be for our disaster management.

CS pitches stringent action against dam authorities Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena pitched for stringent action against dam authorities not following water release guidelines, saying “it is time to send notices and not letters or reminders”. Chairing a meeting on safety issues regarding the discharge of water from dams, Saxena said that though a part of the devastation was natural but responsibility must also be fixed for the failure of the dam authorities in complying with relevant provisions of the Dam Safety Act (DSA) and the Central Water Commission (CWC) guidelines of 2015.

– However, many dam authorities have failed in fulfilling their duties, resulting in the damage to public and private property, agricultural produce, and road networks, he said. “The time for persuasion and dialogues was over and we should not shy away from taking stringent action against the defaulters,” he said, according to a statement issued here.

– He stated that the recent crisis in the state downstream of the reservoirs can be attributed towards the failure of the dam safety check, which was either neglected or was not done as per the standard guidelines of the DSA. He said that there are relevant provisions under the DSA, like setting up of early warning systems, water release guidelines, setting up of control rooms, reservoir maintenance, emergency action plan and better communication between dam sites and power house which must be implemented on the ground.

– Underlining the need for risk assessment of the dams on a regular basis and ensuring that dam safety units are functional round-the-clock, the chief secretary pitched for effective functioning of the state committee on dam safety and state dam safety organisation. https://www.republicworld.com/india-news/general-news/himachal-chief-secretary-pitches-stringent-action-against-dam-authorities-amid-crisis-articleshow.html (18 August 2023)

Secretary Prabodh Saxena said on Aug 20 2023 that 21 of 23 large hydro projects of HP violated the dam safety norms during floods and legal action will be taken against them. Lack of monitoring by the govt agencies is also blamed. Officials have been asked to prepare a detailed report about the extent of damages due to the negligence of the dam authorities. Larji, Sainj and Sawra Kuddu HEPs of HP govt agencies are also among violators. Only Kol Dam and Karcham Wangtoo HEP were seen to be following the water release guidelines. Strengthening of warning systems were stressed after the 2014 accident that killed 24 AP students downstream of Larji Dam. CS said that the accountability must be fixed for failure to adhere to the Dam Safety Act and CWC guidelines of 2015.

– He said that there are relevant provisions under the DSA, like setting up of early warning systems, water release guidelines, setting up of control rooms, reservoir maintenance, emergency action plans and better communication between dam sites and powerhouse which must be implemented on the ground. Underlining the need for risk assessment of the dams on a regular basis and ensuring that dam safety units are functional round the clock, the chief secretary pitched for the effective functioning of the state committee on dam safety and state dam safety organisaion. https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/power/hp-govt-to-take-action-against-21-dam-managements-for-violation-of-safety-norms/102885331 (21 Aug. 2023)

Chairing a meeting on safety issues regarding the discharge of water from dams, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena on Aug. 18 said that though a part of the devastation was natural but responsibility must also be fixed for the failure of the dam authorities in complying with relevant provisions of the Dam Safety Act (DSA) and the Central Water Commission (CWC) guidelines of 2015.

-Strengthening of early warning system was stressed after 24 students from Andhra Pradesh were washed away as water from the Larji Dam was discharged without prior warning in 2014, he said, adding that the Act provides for surveillance, inspection, operation and maintenance of all specified reservoirs.

-However many dam authorities have failed in fulfilling their duties, resulting in the damage to public and private property, agricultural produce, and road networks, he said. “The time for persuasion and dialogues was over and we should not shy away from taking stringent action against the defaulters,” he said, according to a statement issued here.

-“The time for persuasion and dialogues was over and we should not shy away from taking stringent action against the defaulters,” he said, according to a statement issued here. “It is time to send notices and not letters or reminders,” the chief secretary told the officers and directed them prepare a detailed report on the damage caused due to the negligence of the dam authorities and take legal action against them. https://www.republicworld.com/india-news/general-news/himachal-chief-secretary-pitches-stringent-action-against-dam-authorities-amid-crisis-articleshow.html

HYDRO POWER PROJECTS

Himachal Pradesh Questions over hydropower projects Himanshu Thakkar, coordinator of the South Asia Network for Dam River and People, said there is a “lot of ad-hocism in our country” regarding flood forecasting and early warning. “This attitude needs to change and responsibility should be fixed through the National Disaster Management Act.”

“Be it the Uttarakhand floods of 2013 or the Kashmir floods in 2014, the devastating floods of Himachal, and in Punjab this year; in each of these episodes, the CWC did not forecast the floods. Every time they are asked why they could not forecast, they say in each instance the state government did not seek a forecast so we did not do it. This ad-hocism is proving to be too costly and the risks are going to be worse with each passing year.”

Thakkar said the CWC is not the right agency for flood forecasting as it does a lot of work – from sanctioning large dams and reservoirs to making rules, monitoring, and giving permissions – and many of these roles are contradictory. “This creates a conflict of interest and hence we have been demanding that a completely independent and neutral body be given the responsibility of flood forecasting and monitoring of rivers and reservoirs.” https://www.newslaundry.com/2023/08/18/no-coordination-greed-buried-in-himachal-rubble-questions-over-hydropower-projects (18 August 2023)

Excellent Ground Report by Hridayesh Joshi of News Laundry about Sainj Valley District Kullu, floods starting from July 8, 2023 and role of hydropower projects and CWC’s absent flood forecasting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1KXtTt3Ho0 (17 August 2023)

All other ground reports by Hridayesh Joshi on Himachal floods can be seen here. https://www.newslaundry.com/2023/08/18/why-is-himachal-the-worst-hit-by-rains-check-out-our-ground-reports (18 Aug. 2023)

Hydro projects blamed for flood disaster Experts say that unscientific constructions in ecologically fragile Himalayas, depleting forest cover and faulty planned structures near the streams are causing landslides. However, one of the main reasons behind the disaster is the uncontrolled construction of the hydropower projects, which have essentially transformed mountain rivers into mere streams. Currently, there are 168 hydropower projects in operation, generating 10,848 MW of electricity.

However, the state is not looking to stop as it is projected that by 2030, 1,088 more hydropower projects will be commissioned to harness 22,640 MW of energy. This surge in hydropower projects raises concerns about the inevitability of disasters in the region, which is already under the grip of major crisis. According to geological expert Prof Virender Singh Dhar, excessive cutting of hill slopes for construction and widening of roads and hydro projects have been the primary reasons behind increase in landslides. https://www.news18.com/explainers/himachal-pradesh-hydropower-projects-landslides-himalayas-explained-8540561.html (18 August 2023)

According to experts, the Himalayas’ ecological fragility, a decline of forestland, and poorly designed buildings built close to streams are all contributing to landslides. However, one of the primary causes of the catastrophe is the unregulated development of the hydropower projects, which has essentially reduced rivers to streams.

– The increase in hydropower projects raises questions about the likelihood of disasters in the area, which is already gripped by a serious crisis. Prof. Virender Singh Dhar, a geologist, claims that the main causes of the rise in landslides have been cutting too much of hill slopes for building, expanding of roads, and hydro projects. https://www.dnaindia.com/explainer/report-explainer-why-hydropower-projects-are-being-blamed-for-landslides-in-himachal-pradesh-delhi-ncr-rains-3056410 (19 Aug. 2023)

Hydro projects, road widening main reasons for landslides: Experts Extensive cutting of hill slopes for construction and widening of roads, blasting for tunnels, and hydro projects are the main reasons behind increase in slides, said geological expert Prof Virender Singh Dhar. Mr Dhar further said that vertical cutting of mountains for road construction has been witnessed in Himachal with just 5-10 feet retaining walls.

-According to experts, slopes in Himachal have become highly vulnerable to landslides due to cutting of rocks at the foothills and the lack of proper drainage system, and high intensity rainfall is making the things worse for the state. The rain intensity has increased and high temperatures coupled with heavy rains lead to landslides due to loosening of the strata in places which have undergone cutting downstream on the foothills, Scientist (climate change) Suresh Attre had earlier said. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/widening-roads-hydro-projects-main-reasons-for-himachal-landslides-experts-4307436 (18 August 2023)

हाइड्रो प्रोजेक्ट्स पर गंभीर सवाल हिमाचल में जलविद्युत क्षमता के दोहन के लिये तकरीबन हर नदी पर बांधों की कतार खड़ी कर दी गई लेकिन इस साल हुई आपदा के बाद साफ है कि नियमों के पालन और बाढ़ मॉनिटरिंग के स्तर पर गंभीर खामियां हैं. https://hindi.newslaundry.com/2023/08/18/himachal-floods-reveals-reality-and-raised-questions-on-hydro-power-projects (18 August 2023)

Awaiting further disaster? According to renowned geologist Professor Bhargwa, the disaster in Himachal is more human-made than natural. He argues that concrete structures on river banks obstruct natural seepage processes, leading to flooding and altering river courses. River Beas, for instance, changed its course during recent floods in several places in the Kullu and Mandi districts of Himachal Pradesh.

Professor Bhargwa also blames unscientific road widening and debris dumping into rivers for exacerbating the disaster. He notes that the Himalayan rivers, which used to flood only when snow melted, have become unpredictable due to road and hydropower project construction. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/himachal-pradesh-torrential-rains-disaster-reasons-2422622-2023-08-18 (18 August 2023)

Uttarakhand हाइड्रो प्लांट मे फसें दो कर्मी Two workers of Hydro Power Limited plant on Birahi Ganga trapped in a vehicle were rescued by police after the bridge and approach road near Gaadi village were washed away in flash floods on Aug. 14, 2023. https://newsheight.com/big-breaking-two-workers-in-hydro-power-limited-plant-chamoli-police-rescued-by-video/ (14 August 2023)

Joshimath continues to sink -The government has neither come up with a rehabilitation plan nor shared the report of the expert committee constituted by it to study the land subsidence, which could inform the people of the possible future threats. The government has also ignored the allegations of residents that massive infrastructure projects, particularly the construction activities of the NTPC, formerly known as the National Thermal Power Corporation, are to blame for the land subsidence.

-While pushing such development, the government has turned a blind eye to repeated disasters in Uttarakhand over the last decade alone, such as the 2013 and 2021 floods, numerous landslides and destabilised villages – like the Chipko village Reini in Joshimath. With residents of the town having nowhere to go and few options in sight, such development projects are rendering Joshimath uninhabitable, in contrast to their stated goals. https://scroll.in/article/1054259/joshimath-continues-to-sink-as-the-government-plows-ahead-with-giant-projects (18 Aug. 2023)

Arunachal Pradesh Its not all about compensation EDIT: Amidst the strong resistance against signing of memorandum of agreement between government of Arunachal and central public sector undertakings, Union Power Minister RK Singh Saturday said people affected by hydropower projects (HEP) in Arunachal Pradesh will be compensated handsomely.

– The resistances against major hydropower projects are coming from Dibang and Siang basins. The offer to handsomely compensate may not be enough to end the resistance. The affected people need more than money. They are going to lose their homes and ancestral lands. There are deep emotional connections with the lands and it will be difficult to convince them to part ways with it. The government will have to do more to convince them. The first step will be to engage them in dialogues. There should be debate and discussion between the government, developers and the affected people. The government and developers will have to listen to the grievances of the people. Simply offering money won’t resolve the impasse. https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2023/08/17/its-not-all-about-compensation/ (17 Aug. 2023)

MoEF Relevant Agenda of FAC Meeting to be held on Aug 21 2023: 1. Diversion OF 211.8427 HA. OF FOREST LAND FOR 500 MW DUGAR HYRDO PROJECT OF NHPC LTD. UNDER PANGI FOREST DIVISION AND CHAMBA DIST, HIMACHAL PRADESH

4. Diversion OF 139.319 (ORIGINALLY PROPOSED AREA 159.895 HA) OF FOREST LAND FOR CHHELIGARH MEDIUM IRRIGATION PROJECT IN R. UDAYGIRI BLOCK OF GAJAPATI DISTRICT OF ODISHA-STAGE-1 COMPLIANCE https://forestsclearance.nic.in/AgendaDetail.aspx?id=289!dis1 (21 August 2023)

DAMS

SMEC-Stucky JV selected for Phase II & III of DRIP A JV of SMEC-Stucky has secured a role as the Engineering & Management Consultant for Phase II & III of the country’s Dams Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP). Commissioned by CWC, this project signifies a significant step forward in enhancing the safety and operational efficacy of designated dams throughout the nation. With joint financial support from both the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the implementation of DRIP Phase II and III will span across 19 states and involve three central agencies, notably including the CWC.

– The project’s scope encompasses four components:

1. Revitalization and enhancement of designated dams and their related components.

2. Strengthening of institutional frameworks for dam safety.

3. Incidental revenue generation to ensure the sustainable operation and maintenance of dams.

4. Effective project management.

– Anticipated outcomes from the project encompass heightened safety standards, augmented water availability, and a diminished threat of floods, thereby fortifying communities against the repercussions of climate change. https://www.waterpowermagazine.com/news/newssmec-stucky-jv-selected-for-phase-ii-iii-of-indias-dams-rehabilitation-and-improvement-project-11075775 (15 August 2023)

Sardar Sarovar Project SC directs govt to pay enhanced compensation in Narmada Project In a latest judgment, the Supreme Court has directed the Gujarat government to pay enhanced compensation to the landowners whose lands were acquired for the Vadodara Branch Canal of Narmada Project.

A bench comprising Justices Bela M. Trivedi and Dipankar Datta set aside the order of the Gujarat High Court reducing the payable compensation.

Lands in the villages Morlipura, Kumetha and Nimeta of Waghodia taluka, district Vadodara, were acquired for the project and the land acquisition officer calculated the market value of the lands at Rs 1.90 per square metre.

Later, the Reference Court in May 2007 enhanced the amount of compensation by returning a finding that the market value of the lands should have been reckoned as Rs 40 per square metre. The state carried the same in appeals before the high court, where it succeeded.

The Supreme Court observed that “in a welfare state like ours, where we have promised all the citizens social and economic justice, it would be fair and just if the appellants are meted equal treatment as the other affected landowners”. The court asked that the enhanced compensation be paid within 90 days with simple interest of 5% on net payable amount. https://www.punjabnewsexpress.com/national/news/sc-directs-gujarat-govt-to-pay-enhanced-compensation-in-narmada-project-219557

BMS alleges that when Kutch farmers need water, there is no water in the Kutch Narmada Canal even though the dam is getting close to full with water level at 132 m. https://www.divyabhaskar.co.in/local/gujarat/kutch/news/despite-full-water-in-sardar-sarovar-kutchs-narmada-canal-bottoms-out-131706369.html (19 Aug. 2023)

INTERLINKING OF RIVERS

Madhya Pradesh Politicians seem to love this game. While they want to transfer water from Ken basin to Betwa basin, here MP CM says he wants to bring Narmada water to Panna district in Ken basin! https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/mp-cm-chouhan-inaugurates-development-works-worth-677-crore-in-panna-says-efforts-will-be-made-to-bring-narmada-water-here (18 August 2023)

INTERSTATE WATER DISPUTES

Cauvery Water Disputes Inflow to dams 42% less than normal: CWMA According to this report, inflows into Cauvery dams has been 42.54% below normal (average of last 30 years) for the period from June 1 to Aug 9, 2023, as per Cauvery Water Management Authority minutes of the meeting, when the rainfall has been about 19% below normal. KRS catchment received 23% below normal inflows and Kabini dam catchment 22% below normal. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/inflow-to-dams-42-less-than-normal-cwma-2648890 (16 August 2023)

‘Ready to release 10 TMC water’ DK Shivakumar’s statement comes a day after he said there was no need for Tamil Nadu to move the Supreme Court “so urgently”, as Karnataka was ready to release 10 thousand million cubic (TMC) feet water to it, after considering availability, drinking water requirements, and sentiment of the farmers. Earlier, officials from the Tamil Nadu government walked out of the meeting of Cauvery Water Management Board as Karnataka refused to release the required water, including the shortfall, to Tamil Nadu on a daily basis. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/dont-have-enough-water-but-will-release-shivakumar-on-cauvery-water-row-2421512-2023-08-15 (15 August 2023)

URBAN RIVERS

Sabarmati; Ahmedabad HC raps AMC for polluting river, demands detailed action plan The judges had a word of advice for the defaulting civic body: “You yourself are discharging untreated sewage. You have admitted to it. If you are doing it, what action will you take against others? Before taking any stand, you must correct yourself. You know that nothing is right. Rectify it and come back. Otherwise, we will be forced to pass some harsh orders. We are still avoiding it and trying to be modest, but we will not be able to do it any further.”

-The judges asked AMC not to act in “bits and pieces” and chalk out a comprehensive and concrete plan instead because the court is concerned with the interest of the public at large. Amicus curiae Hemang Shah had pointed out in his report that AMC’s sewage treatment plants are not treating wastewater properly and untreated sewage is being dumped into the river through stormwater lines. The court accepted his contention that AMC and GPCB admitted to these violations in their affidavits. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/hc-raps-amc-for-polluting-river-demands-detailed-action-plan/articleshow/102846225.cms (19 Aug. 2023)

Mithi; Mumbai River seeking course correction -It’s been 18 long years since the Mithi river was blamed for Mumbai’s worst flood. Ten committee reports and thousands of crores later, the authorities have scrambled to deepen and desilt the river besides construct retaining walls on both the sides along its course. However, this patchwork approach to get the Mithi flowing again has yielded little results and is limiting. What the Mithi needs is sustained and wide-ranging work flowing from a comprehensive vision to restore it ecologically. Mithi is critical to Mumbai’s flood management but its ecosystem – including its narrowing floodplain – deserves to be rebuilt anyway. https://questionofcities.org/mithi-desperately-seeking-course-correction-ecological-restoration/ (11 Aug. 2023)

Greater Noida Authority to develop city’s 1st river front Authority has undertaken the task of rejuvenating the Lohia drain, a 23 km long natural waterway that had dried up over time, officials aware of the development said, adding that the authority aims to transform this area by not only restoring the water body but also creating a sprawling riverfront spanning 250 acres.

-To execute this vision, the Greater Noida authority has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to select a consultant responsible for crafting a comprehensive architectural and landscape blueprint for the Lohia Drain’s waterfront rejuvenation. The application submission deadline is set for September 6, with the technical bid evaluation scheduled for September 8.

-Lohia drain, originating near Surjapur Wetland and traversing residential and industrial sectors before concluding at Momnathal, has encountered several environmental hurdles that have jeopardized its ecological balance.

The adverse effects of pollution from industrial, residential, and agricultural sources, coupled with encroachments and improper waste disposal, have led to the degradation of water quality and habitat. Moreover, the drain’s susceptibility to flooding during heavy rainfall poses threats to road infrastructure and public safety.

During a visit by the HT team to the spot, it was revealed that the drain is covered with hyacinth and wild growth. It has broken in many places, while debris has obstructed its path from several places. All sorts of filth are also found to be dumped in the drain. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/noida-news/greater-noida-authority-to-rejuvenate-lohia-drain-creating-250-acre-riverfront-recreational-enclave-101692120530480.html (15 August 2023)

RIVERS

SANDRP has been included among river warriors of 2023 in third list by Lewis Pugh Foundation:

GODAVARI Andhra Pradesh Island where the tricolor has stopped fluttering for years Cut off from the mainland, a small island in the heart of the Godavari home to around 200 fisherfolk has not witnessed Independence Day celebrations for the fourth year in a row due to the absence of a school and no means of transport. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/an-island-in-the-godavari-where-the-tricolor-has-stopped-fluttering-for-years/article67198284.ece (15 August 2023)

Madhya Pradesh कलियासोत डेम पर भी लागू होगा 33 मीटर नो-कंस्ट्रक्शन जोन का फैसला कलियासोत नदी के दोनों किनारों पर 33 मीटर (करीब 100 फीट) नो-कंस्ट्रक्शन जोन बनाने का एनजीटी का फैसला कलियासोत डेम पर भी लागू होगा। एनजीटी ने डेम को भी नदी का ही हिस्सा मानते हुए नदी की सीमा में इस पर बने डेम और रिजरवायर का भी जिक्र किया है। ऐसे में राज्य शासन को कलियासोत डेम की एफटीएल से चारों ओर भी 33 मीटर तक ग्रीन बेल्ट या ओपन स्पेस सुनिश्चित करना होगा। इस क्षेत्र में होटल और फार्महाउस की संख्या अधिक है। वहीं, नदी क्षेत्र में आवासीय इमारतों की संख्या अधिक है।

– केंद्र सरकार के निर्देश पर कलियासोत नदी के पुनर्जीवन के लिए 2019 में एक एक्शन प्लान बनाया था। https://www.bhaskar.com/local/mp/bhopal/news/ngt-also-considered-dam-as-a-part-of-the-river-decision-of-33-meter-no-construction-zone-will-be-applicable-on-kaliyasot-dam-as-well-131700717.html (18 August 2023)

As per this report, NGT has given the decision that 33 meters along the 36 km long river in Bhopal will be no construction zone and about 2000 encroachments in this zone will have to be removed by Dec 31. https://www.bhaskar.com/local/mp/bhopal/news/3-thousand-constructions-in-9-km-between-sarvdharma-to-salaiya-131702236.html (18 Aug. 2023) The builders and occupants of illegal buildings in Kaliasot riverbed in Bhopal ready to approach SC against NGT decision to remove all such buildings withing 33 meters of the river. https://www.bhaskar.com/local/mp/bhopal/news/ngt-also-considered-dam-as-a-part-of-the-river-decision-of-33-meter-no-construction-zone-will-be-applicable-on-kaliyasot-dam-as-well-131700717.html (18 Aug. 2023)

Jammu & Kashmir Danger of microplastics in rivers A new study has confirmed the presence of microplastic contaminants in Jhelum river, locally known as Vyeth, and suggests that improper municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal sites along the Jhelum river are a potential source of these microplastics. https://india.mongabay.com/2023/08/microplastics-in-jks-waterbodies-dangerous-to-ecosystems-and-humans-alike/ (18 Aug. 2023)

Punjab According to this report, the Kishanganga river (a tributary of Jhelum, and it is called Neelum in Pakistan) flows for about 140 km in India and part of the way the river is border between Kashmir and POK.

As Pakistan has build concrete embankment along this border area, the river has changed course and has started flowing towards India, thus about 100 acres of land and an island has gone to Pak side over the last ten years. Pak is developing this valley as tourist spot. https://www.bhaskar.com/international/news/concrete-embankment-in-keran-valley-pakistans-move-131707209.html (19 Aug. 2023)

GANGA West Bengal Man of Boats For over 26 years, he (Swarup Bhattacharya) devoted himself to understanding the diverse boats dotting waterways. Despite his vast knowledge and adventures, he remains humble, explaining everything calmly and always answering my questions with a smile and intrigue.

– In a way, Swarup Bhattacharya’s journey becomes an ode to the human spirit’s capacity for passion and resilience and the profound impact of one individual’s dedication in shaping our shared heritage. Waiting to witness the dreams of this boat researcher set sail into the boundless waters of the future. https://simpleandhonestblog.wordpress.com/2023/08/19/swarup/ (19 Aug. 2023)

YAMUNA Delhi Just 2 drains meet water health parameters Bhim Singh Rawat, a Yamuna activist SANDRP, said: “In comparison to water samples collected in August last year, the water quality in drains this time has shown improvement. However, much needs to be done.” He said that DPCC “should publish dissolved oxygen (DO) levels and flow rates observed at the monitoring locations of drains in monthly reports. Apart from monitoring of water quality on scientific parameters, the body needs to monitor the river on some key biotic parameters like zooplankton, phytoplankton, algae, fish and crabs, which are more relatable to citizens and reveals more about the overall ecological heath of the river.” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/just-two-drains-meet-water-health-parameters-study/articleshow/102816436.cms (18 August 2023)

Greater Noida When will our rivers get freedom from pollution As we celebrate 77th Independence Day, mass fish death is happening in Hindon river near Sector 150, Noida after release of untreated effluents on August 14, 2023. The incident is taking place hardly 20 days after the brief flood spell has revived the highly polluted river to some extent. Interesting, in 2021 also untreated effluents were discharged in river around same time of the year. The reoccurrence of such incidents and gradual increase in pollution level in Hindon clearly exposes the efficiency of state and central pollution control board officials and shows the failure of NMCG projects. (15 August 2023)

Hindon turns dark again, dead fish float; pollution board says will examine samples The water in the Hindon has once again turned dark with a number of dead fish floating on the waters near Momnathal village on Tuesday (Aug. 15). Nem Singh, a resident of Momnathal, the sight of various shades of dye discharge coursing through the river was neither new nor unusual. “This time, the water turned black on Monday (Aug. 14) and has been so till Tuesday (Aug. 15). We are concerned that the polluted river may contaminate the groundwater and can make hundreds of people dependent on boring sick,” he said.

-Pollution department officials said they would check water samples. Utsav Sharma, regional officer of UPPCB Noida, said, “A joint inspection of the area and river stretch is being done by the pollution departments of Noida, Ghaziabad and Greater Noida. The teams have also noted villagers’ statements. Necessary action will be taken.” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/hindon-turns-dark-again-dead-fish-float-pollution-board-says-will-examine-samples/articleshow/102756511.cms (16 August 2023)

RIVERS BIODIVERSITY

Mumbai – The study, published in the journal of the International Otter Survival Fund, highlights the alarming consequences of this illicit trade, which imperils the survival of these creatures. The study sheds light on an incident that unfolded last year when a male smooth-coated otter was discovered inside an abandoned Mumbai mill. This discovery exposed the dark underbelly of the illegal pet trade, with the otter becoming a casualty of its treacherous web. https://www.mid-day.com/amp/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mumbai-new-study-exposes-impact-of-pet-trade-on-otters-23304404 (19 Aug. 2023)

FISH, FISHERIES, FISHERFOLKS

Chennai Citizens, activists oppose Adani port expansion The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board’s (TNPCB) call for a public hearing on the expansion of Adani group’s Kattupalli Port in Tiruvallur district has evoked sharp responses. Environmentalists, social activists, and climate activists have urged the government to reconsider the project and have demanded that the expansion plan be stopped.

Those opposing the project have contended that the expansion will impact the Ennore creek, Pulicat lake, Kosasthalaiyar river, Buckingham canal, other water bodies, mangroves, and bird sanctuaries in a 15 km radius. https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/citizens-activists-oppose-adani-port-expansion-chennai-say-stopadanisavechennai-181250 (19 Aug. 2023)

SAND MINING

MoEF Relevant Agenda of FAC Meeting to be held on Aug 21 2023: DIVERSION OF 54.668 HA. OF FOREST LAND FOR EXTRACTION OF SAND, STONE AND BAJRI FROM BED OF RIVER YAMUNA MINING PROJECT BY RANDEEP SINGH, MAUZA AND MOHAL BHAGANI, DIST SIRMOUR, HIMACHAL PRADESH

FOR RENEWAL OF COLLECTION OF MINOR MINERALS FROM 64.0 HA FOREST LAND OF SONG RIVER OF MUSSOORIE FOREST DIVISION, DEHRADUN, UTTARAKHAND https://forestsclearance.nic.in/AgendaDetail.aspx?id=289!dis1 (21 August 2023)

Report India Sand Watch to fight illegal sand mining – Illegal sand mining is the mining of sand from the riverbeds without a licence or a permit. Both legal and illegal sand mining have significant environmental impact, such as erosion of river beds which eventually cause floods. However, although illegal sand mining is seen as a massive problem in India, there aren’t many mechanisms for large-scale tracking. It’s here that India Sand Watch comes into play.

-But there are sceptics. Himanshu Thakkar, coordinator of the SANDRP — a network working on issues related to rivers, communities and large scale water infrastructure like dams — questions the scope of India Sand Watch’s work. “Sand mining is essentially a decentralised activity, spread across 700 districts of India. Even within a district, there are multiple actors at play,” he told ThePrint. “What is needed is a focused effort in specific areas, rather than a comprehensive approach”.

-Thakkar, quoted earlier, believes the real problem when it comes to illegal sand mining is law enforcement. “Court documents and district survey reports are available in the public domain. The real problem is their implementation — which is something we can only achieve when the state tackles it,” he said. https://theprint.in/india/how-new-platform-plans-to-fight-illegal-sand-mining-in-india-satellite-imagery-remote-sensors/1718885/ (17 Aug. 2023)

West Bengal Sand mining further erodes Damodar banks The banks of river Damodar flowing in Bankura district of West Bengal are eroding due to indiscriminate sand mining, affecting the lives of people living in adjoining areas. Over the past 10 years, the river banks have seen JCB machines whizzing back and forth, carrying sand extracted from the river beds. https://www.newsclick.in/bengal-people-fear-losing-homes-farmland-sand-mining-further-erodes-damodar-river-banks (18 August 2023)

Gulabchandra who has been associated with Damodar River Bachao Abhiyaan since 1995 tells the story of the river here.

Goa Rampant mining eroding riverbanks The water resources department (WRD) has found that the deepening of riverbeds and the collapse of riverbanks are occurring in many places in Goa due to uncontrolled sand mining. Earlier this year, a study conducted by Isro’s Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad, had found that Goa has lost 15 hectares of land along its coast to erosion over a decade from 2004-06 to 2014-16.

The WRD has said that it has engaged the services of National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai, to study erosion in Goa and suggest remedial measures. “There is large-scale damage by way of the collapse of riverbanks due to unscientific and uncontrolled sand mining, resulting in the deepening of riverbeds,” WRD minister Subhash Shirodkar said in a reply tabled in the recently concluded assembly session. He added, “The problem is more prominent in Khandepar, Chapora, and Tiracol rivers. Erosion has also been triggered along the Arabian Sea coast in places such as Keri, Morjim, and Coco beaches.” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/rampant-mining-eroding-goa-riverbanks-chennai-institute-to-offer-remedial-measures/articleshow/99416270.cms (12 April 2023)

URBAN WATER

Chandigarh Groundwater level declines by 28% in a decade The city has witnessed a decline of 28% in groundwater levels over the past decade. The issue was brought up in the Rajya Sabha during last week’s session, where the minister of state for jal shakti, Bishweswar Tudu, presented the data for Chandigarh. On the other hand, the concerned authorities in Chandigarh said that the situation is expected to improve with the implementation of the 24X7 water project in the city, which is anticipated to be completed by December this year. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/decline-in-chandigarh-s-groundwater-levels-alarming-28-drop-in-past-decade-solutions-in-progress-101692090828425.html (15 August 2023)

JJM/ RURAL WATER SUPPLY

Karnataka 5 deaths put Dalit village on edge Kavadigarahatti, a Dalit village in central Chitradurga district, has witnessed the death of five people since August 1. All of them experienced symptoms similar to diarrhoea, vomiting, and stomach ache. The five deceased had one more thing in common — they had consumed the water from the village’s sole overhead water tank on July 31.

-The overhead water tank alleged to be contaminated was the primary source of water for 220 houses in Kavadigarahatti. District authorities attribute the deaths to cholera caused by water contamination in the tank, and this theory has been bolstered by medical reports which show the presence of cholera-causing bacteria in two of the deceased people. The residents however suspect the tank could have been contaminated on purpose by a person from a dominant caste.

-In January 2023, a similar incident had happened in Vengavayal in Pudukottai district of Tamil Nadu where Dalit villagers alleged that people from dominant castes had defaecated in their water tank. Multiple investigations (judicial and police) are happening in the case. In Kavadigarahatti, there have also been allegations that the municipal council has not cleaned the water tank for several years. https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/five-deaths-put-karnataka-dalit-village-edge-residents-demand-probe-181155 (17 August 2023)

How safe is drinking water Contamination of drinking water has led to at least 12 deaths and left scores ill in districts across Karnataka this year. This is despite claims of success of the Jal Jeevan Mission. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/death-by-contamination-reveals-that-a-tap-in-every-house-looks-good-on-paper-but-water-quality-is-bad/article67204271.ece (18 August 2023)

MONSOON 2023

IMD High Rainfall districts for 24 hrs ending at 0830 hrs on Aug 21, 2023: 50-100 mm: Dhemaji (Assam), Banswara (E Raj) [2]

High Rainfall districts for 24 ending at 0830 hrs on Aug 20, 2023:50-100 mm: Papum-Pare (Arunachal Pradesh), Lakhimpur (Assam), Burhanpur (W MP), Gadchiroli, Wardha (Mah), Dakshin Kannada, Udupi (Karnataka) [7]

High Rainfall districts for 24 ending at 0830 hrs on Aug 19, 2023: 50-100 mm: Lohit, Lower Dibang Valley (Arunachal Pradesh), Cachar (Assam), Jharsuguda (Odisha), Central Delhi, SW Delhi, W Delhi (Delhi), Narmadapuram (W MP), Jabalpur, Narashimapura (E MP), Bijapur, Bilaspur, Dhamtari, Kanker, Raigarh (CG), J Bhupalpally, Jagtial, Mulugu, Nirmal, Nizamabad, Pedapally (Tel) [21]

High Rainfall districts for 24 ending at 0830 hrs on Aug 18, 2023:50-100 mm: Haora (WB), Kendujhar (Odisha), Saraikela (Jharkhand), Dehradun (UKD), Chhindwara, Seoni (E MP), Bhandara, Gadchiroli (Mah), Raipur (CG) [9]

High Rainfall districts for 24 ending at 0830 hrs on Aug 17, 2023: 50-100 mm: N Garo Hills (Meghalaya), Uttar Dinajpur (WB), Godda (Jharkhand), [3]

High Rainfall districts for 24 ending at 0830 hrs on Aug 16, 2023: 50-100 mm: N & Middle Andaman (UT), Kokrajhar (Assam), Imphal W (Manipur), W Tripura (Tripura) [4]

100-150 mm: Gomati (Tripura) [1]

High Rainfall districts for 24 ending at 0830 hrs on Aug 15, 2023: 50-100 mm: Imphal W (Manipur), Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi (HP) [4]

100-150 mm: N & Middle Andaman (UT) [1]

Source: IMD’s daily district wise rainfall page

Report This month could be among driest ever Augusts in India After having just come out of a 12-day “break” spell, the longest in 14 years, the monsoon in India may go into another weak phase from Aug 21 to 28, meteorological models suggest. With the countrywide rain deficit for the month already at 36%, Aug 2023 may end up as one of the driest Augusts in India’s recorded history. The Aug deficit can end up higher than 25% recorded in Aug 2005, the driest Aug in history since 2013. The lowest Aug Rainfall was in 2013 at 188.8 mm, Aug 2023 can have lower than that considering rainfall has been 106.2 mm till Aug 19. Rajeevan said the effects of the El Nino were already visible in India’s monsoon rainfall. “The prolonged break in the monsoon during which rainfall was extremely subdued across most regions of the country are signs of large-scale factors at work. It is a typical impact of El Nino,” Rajeevan said.

– Historical data during El Nino years suggests a significant chance of a rain deficit in September in India. “There’s an 87% probability of a deficit of 10% or more and a 47% probability of a deficit of 20% or more in September,” he said.

– Rain deficits in Aug range around 25-26% as was the case in 2005, 2009, 2015, 2021. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/this-month-could-be-among-driest-ever-augusts-in-india/articleshow/102868134.cms (20 Aug. 2023)

India set for a record 11-day dry spell “The continuous extension of a dry spell over 11 days is quite a rare phenomenon,” according to Dr Madhavan Nair Rajeevan, former secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences. “The current monsoon break spell is one of the most prolonged spells on record. It has been already 11 days. It is likely to continue for 2-3 days more,” said Rajeevan. The longest consecutive break spell was in 1972, which was a deficient year. This second longest was in 2002.

-Earlier, in 1972, the dry spell continued for 47 days from 18 June to 3 August 1972, and it was considered a deficient year. In 2002, there were 24 days of dry spells in July, but this was not continuous. “In July 2002, the first dry spell was 11 days and another dry spell was 13 days in a row,” said Rajeevan.

-In its latest briefing, the IMD said weaker rainfall activity is likely to continue across the country for the next 4-5 days except over central and eastern India. Rainfall activity in central and eastern India is likely to activate by August 17, the department said. In its latest forecast, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology has predicted that the El Nino impact would likely hit the southern hemisphere between the months of September and November this year. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/aug/17/india-set-for-a-record-11-day-dry-spell-during-this-southwest-monsoon-2606074.html (17 August 2023)

Rain deficit in North East -“Our analysis of long-term rainfall trends (1950s onwards) also shows a declining trend in rainfall over parts of northeast states, including north Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and east Assam. This may be due to the weak inland reach of monsoon flow and depressions in the recent decades,” said Roxy Mathew Koll, climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune. “Based on our research, the rapid warming in the Indian Ocean is a key contributor to the weakening monsoon flow over the larger Indian subcontinent. It’s possible that the same applies for the northeast states, though we need a detailed region focused study.” https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/declining-monsoon-rain-and-higher-temperatures-impacting-northeast-india-s-living-conditions-new-delhi-101692470590265.html (20 Aug. 2023)

FLOOD 2023

SANDRP Blog July-August 2023: Problems in CWC Flood Monitoring & Forecast July and August are peak months of South West monsoon. There has already been flood related destruction in several states including Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Uttarakhand so far. Amid these flood spells, SANDRP has observed many serious issues plaguing CWC flood forecasting and monitoring work and some of these are described in this report. https://sandrp.in/2023/08/19/july-august-2023-problems-in-cwc-flood-monitoring-forecast/ (19 Aug. 2023)

CWC Flood Watch app launched The Chairman, Central Water Commission (CWC), Shri Kushvinder Vohra today (Aug. 17) launched the mobile application, “FloodWatch” with the aim of using mobile phones to disseminate information related to the flood situation and forecasts up to 7 days on a real-time basis to the public. The in-house developed user-friendly app has readable and audio broadcast and all the information is available in 2 languages, viz. English and Hindi. Key feature of the app includes real-time flood monitoring where users can check up-to-date flood situation throughout the country. The app utilizes near real-time river flow data from various sources. The app also provides flood forecast at nearest location where users can check the flood advisory at the station nearest to them on the Home Page itself. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1949958 (17 Aug. 2023)

Karnataka Almatti violates rule curve Almatti dam reached its FRL of 519.6 m on Aug 16, 2023. This is clear violation of the Rule Curve. The first inflows into the reservoir started rather late this year on July 12. Irrigation water releases started on July 27 and can continue till Nov 23. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/almatti-reaches-brim-for-first-time-this-year-2650216 (17 August 2023)

Himachal Pradesh Heritage rail tracks fall to ‘poor drainage’ While Railways officials blame this destruction on the “unscientific” laying of drainage pipelines beneath the four-lane Kalka-Shimla national highway, managed by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), the latter says the damage was “primarily caused by natural calamity”.

-The tracks, which have been featured in many a films, including the iconic Hindi film song “Gaadi bulaa rahi hai, seeti baja rahi hai”, saw obstructions at more than 135 locations — 100 between Kalka and Solan, and 35 between Solan and Shimla. While Railways authorities managed to clear 35 locations between Solan and Shimla, and even operated an engine between the two stations last week, they estimate restoring the entire stretch, constructed between 1898 and 1903, will take approximately one month.

-Sources said the maximum damage occurred between Kalka and Solan due primarily to lower elevation from the four-lane highway on this stretch. In contrast, the section between Solan and Shimla suffered less damage, as it is situated above the highway. Besides, the hills between Kalka and Solan are more susceptible to landslides compared to those between Solan and Shimla, they said.

-A Railways section engineer, who inspected the restoration work between Koti and Dharampur stations, said, “The tracks were constructed more than a century ago and became operational in 1903. Over the last 122 years, it has endured heavy rain, cloudbursts, and survived due to its scientifically designed bridges. The engineers built these bridges after studying the natural waterfalls and landslide-prone areas, ensuring that water flows smoothly under them without harming the track.”

-However, the engineer said, “problems arose” when giant pipes were opened to drain water from the national highway and the hills opposite, “without considering the impact on the tracks”. “The recent heavy rainfall brought fallen trees, boulders, and debris, which either blocked the tracks or eroded the soil underneath,” the engineer said.

-Sanjay Kaushal, 62, who walked along the whole stretch of 96.6 km to compile a coffee table book in 2015, said: “It is not just the damage that is disturbing us; it is the extent of the damage that is alarming. In August 2017, a cloudburst washed away the tracks along with a significant portion of Koti railway station. While the Kalka-Shimla stretch does face landslides and tree falls, especially during the monsoon, train services typically resume within 72 hours under normal conditions.” “However,” he said, “the situation has changed since the operation of the four-lane highway.” https://indianexpress.com/article/india/heritage-tracks-that-survived-a-century-fall-to-poor-drainage-8844950/ (18 August 2023)

Kalka-Shimla road: many questions on highway construction The perils of the rock structure in Parwanoo-Solan stretch were not entirely unknown to the construction team. While the widening project was underway and experiencing repeated landslides in 2017, a study titled ‘Investigation of critical landslides and design of remedial measures on National Highway-5, Himachal Pradesh’ by the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) was sponsored by GR Infra projects Ltd, the company undertaking the widening project.

-The detailed investigation, by PS Prasad, principal scientist, and Kishor Kumar, chief scientist, geotechnical engineering division, CSIR-CRRI, New Delhi, had noted, “Most of the slopes, after cutting, became unstable, partly because of the fragmented nature of rock mixed with soil and steep slopes. This stretch of 40-km length of national highway experiences slope instability in forms of landslide/ rockfall/debris fall all along the alignment. A total of 95 locations, between km 67.0 to km 106.39, have been identified as prone to landslide / rock fall and 18 locations demarcated as critical, requiring immediate attention.”

-Besides, an internal report of Northern Railway has held road construction activity responsible for “endangering” the 120-year-old Kalka-Shimla rail track, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Railways blamed uncontrolled discharge of drains from the highway towards the track by the NHAI and the cutting of slopes for damage at nearly 135 spots on the 96.6-km track. “Although service on the Solan-Shimla section was restored after repairs at 35 locations, it was suspended again after the track got damaged in the recent cloudburst on August 14. The rack below the track was washed away,” a Railways officer said. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/kalka-shimla-road-highway-construction-nhai-premium-8896056/ (17 August 2023)

Experts deplore loss of geological history in Kalka-Shimla road expansion Eminent geologists and experts have expressed their anguish at the manner in which the Kalka-Shimla highway construction has taken place in an area that contained a vast geological history dating back millions of years, much of which is destroyed due to the destruction of mountain slopes. Geologists say the loss of geological history, which was present along the Parwanoo-Solan stretch of this highway and which has been lost due to the road widening project, is irreparable. The veteran geologist also finds fault with the dumping of landslide waste in the valley which will end up in the Kaushalya river flowing nearby. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/experts-deplore-loss-of-geological-history-in-kalka-shimla-road-expansion-8896746/ (17 August 2023)

Arch railway bridge washed away near Shimla An arch railway bridge of 5 span (1 span is 3.66 m long) between Summer Hill and Jutogh stations on the Kalka-Shimla heritage line was around 08:00 am on Monday (Aug. 14) washed away after the incessant rainfall. Divisional railway manager Mandeep Singh Bhatia, meanwhile, said the track was also blocked at a total of 34 spots due to tree collapses, mudslides and other calamities. Rail operations on the line have remained suspended for over a month due to heavy rainfall. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/bhopal-news/arch-railway-bridge-between-summer-hill-and-jutogh-washed-away-track-suspended-due-to-heavy-rainfall-101692050337218.html (15 August 2023)

– The locals strongly feel that nature’s fury this time is nothing less than a wakeup call for policy makers to revisit the ‘development model’ being followed in the fragile hill state.

Whether it is about four-lanes piercing through the fragile mountains, hydro project tunnels shaking rocks and hills, haphazard and unsafe construction just everywhere on the mountains or the debris of construction work finding way to the rivers or their tributaries- Everything has added up to the devastation caused by rains.

-The alleged unscientific mining on river beds too has been a cause of concern that increases the risk in such a disaster. The environmentalists feel that while the digging of hills for infrastructure is loosening the strata, the construction activity near the river beds across the state has increased the extent of damage in floods. The devastation that occurred in Kullu, Manali and Mandi, which are located on the banks of Beas river, is a live example.

-A case study by National Institute of Disaster Management on major Kotrupi landslide in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh in 2017, where 46 passengers travelling in two buses were buried alive, revealed that the five perennial rivers of Himachal Pradesh house 118 mini, small, large and mega hydro power stations, out of which 67 hydro power stations are built in landslide hazard risk zones. Among these, 10 mega hydro power stations are in medium to high risk landslide areas. The study also pointed out that landslides are the second most recurring hazards in the mountainous state, after earthquakes. https://www.bqprime.com/nation/unprecedented-monsoon-fury-in-himachal-pradesh (19 Aug. 2023)

Krishna Kumar: -Landslides on highways and washed-out bridges seem to have made little impact on economic planning in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. It looks as if the tussle is between discourses. On one side is the discourse of development, tourism being central to it in the hills. On the other side is the wail of nature conservationists.

-Across the Himalayan region, you notice how little the hospitality industry cares for the disappearance of forests or the disposal of waste, which is emptied out on the back slope, to eventually get immersed in a river.

-Rivers are the ultimate drainage: Nature’s gift to engineers and contractors. In Delhi, the Yamuna must cope with human settlements on its bed. In the hills, the Yamuna’s tributaries must deal with the debris of landslides cleared every now and then to relieve traffic jams on the highway. In last month’s flood fury, nature deposited whole chunks of a four-lane highway near Manali into the mighty Beas. The government will, of course, prioritise rebuilding the broken chunks of highways and bridges.

-If nature is determined to send a message, policymakers lack the literacy to read that message. Policy is governed by the perception that the tourism industry is the key to prosperity. An important element of this perception is the underestimation of the cost of unbridled tourism for the fragile Himalayan ecology. https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/disaster-in-the-himalayas-no-one-likes-to-say-that-tourism-brings-trouble-8892303/ (19 Aug. 2023)

-Incessant rain that triggered landslides in Himachal killed 71 people in the last three days with the state now facing a monetary loss of ₹75,000 crore in this year’s monsoon. Redeveloping the infrastructure that got washed away in the rain will take at least a year, CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/rain-fury-in-himachal-71-killed-uttarakhand-laksham-jhula-landslide-101692235755667.html (17 August 2023)

-14 bodies have been so far recovered from the sites of two landslides in Himachal’s Shimla and officials fear there could be more people trapped under the debris. Mandi district accounted for the second-highest number of deaths where 24 people were known to have been killed due to the landslides. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/himachal-pradesh-uttarakhand-rain-red-alerts-issued-top-news-updates-101692078334103.html (15 August 2023)

BBMB Dams Flood Punjab & Himachal Can canalisation of rivers be a solution? An example of completely misguided and wrong advocacy quoting anonymous sources. A remedy worse than the problem. More importantly the report does not even question the wrong management of dams. https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/punjab-floods-canalisation-rivers-8897891/ (18 August 2023)

Speaking to The Indian Express on the condition of anonymity, a dam officer said that during the initial two weeks of August when rain activity was minimal in Punjab, the dam authorities could have responsibly released a substantial amount of water to create more space. However, they maintained higher water levels instead. This decision, coupled with the sudden rise in water levels, led to the flooding of 63 villages in the Doaba region and around 150 villages in the Majha region.

The water level should have been brought down to 1,363 feet during less rain in the state, the officer added. The catastrophic aftermath of these floods has spurred widespread criticism and anger directed at the BBMB authorities. Affected residents expressed dismay over the lack of proactive measures and the delay in releasing excess water during the initial rise in water levels. Experts and local leaders emphasised that maintaining an additional 10 feet of space (in the dam) during the recent rain in Himachal could have averted the severe downstream flooding. With affected individuals demanding accountability and a reevaluation of water management protocols, pressure is mounting on the BBMB authorities. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/punjab-floods-dam-bbmb-water-8901641/ (21 Aug. 2023)

BBMB chairman N L Sharma: There have been two or three times in history when the water crossed 1,680 feet. Dams are ageing now. The higher the water level goes, the more danger there is to the dam structure. If the dam is breached, it would lead to unexpected damage. There could have been a danger to the dams. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/imd-forecast-bhakra-beas-management-board-punjab-floods-8899712/ (20 Aug. 2023)

पंजाब के 8 जिले बाढ़ की चपेट में हैं। इसमें रोपड़, होशियारपुर, कपूरथला, गुरदासपुर, अमृतसर, तरनतारन, फिरोजपुर और फाजिल्का शामिल है। इन जिलों के 140 गांव पानी में डूबे हुए हैं। कई जगह बांध टूट गए हैं। वहीं बॉर्डर पर BSF की चौकियां डूब गई हैं। बाढ़ का असर अब फाजिल्का में भी पहुंच गया है। आंकड़ों के मुताबिक फाजिल्का और फिरोजपुर के 74 गांव बाढ़ की चपेट में आ चुके हैं। वहीं गुरदासपुर में राहत कामों में तेजी लाई गई है। बीती शाम (Aug. 19) तरनतारन के घडुंम में धुस्सी बांध टूट गया। फिरोजपुर में बाढ़ के हालात बिगड़ने पर ग्रामीणों में दहशत है। बचाव कार्य के लिए उन्होंने चारपाई पर रबड़ की ट्यूब बांधकर नांव की तरह इस्तेमाल करना शुरू कर दिया है। https://www.bhaskar.com/local/punjab/amritsar/news/punjab-flood-conditions-bhakra-dam-pong-dam-updates-firozpur-fazilka-tarn-taran-gurdaspur-131712288.html (20 Aug. 20230

This problem is man-made: PEC professor on floods The floods were majorly a man-made problem, according to Punjab Engineering College (PEC) Director, Professor Dr Baldev Setia, a water resource engineer. He was referring to the recent heavy rain that battered the region, bringing life to a grinding halt and the administration to its knees.

-“There is a need to design a proper drainage system, and it has to be properly maintained as well. Before the monsoon, the drains have to be cleared of all the weed growth. We have to ensure that the rivers or water-bodies don’t breach their banks. The drains need to be checked from time to time. Just like one bad apple spoils the whole barrel, one uncleared drain can make a big mess,” Dr Setia elaborated.

-He said a lot of construction has been done in Nayagaon, many buildings have come up in the area. And this is where the problem lies, because the natural flow of water coming from Nayagaon is towards PEC. “Water doesn’t know when it is entering Chandigarh from Punjab. Now, on the day of the heavy rain, there was huge accumulation of water behind that 30 feet to 40 feet Nayagaon wall. And the wall collapsed. The result was – the water entered houses and other areas,” Professor Setia added. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/this-problem-is-man-made-pec-professor-on-floods-8838466/ (15 July 2023)

IAF, army evacuate stranded villagers in Kangra district Pong Dam on the Beas river received an all-time high inflow of 7.3 lakh cusecs of water on Monday (Aug. 14), resulting in the level in the reservoir crossing the permissible limit of 1,390 feet following which the BBMB opened the floodgates. The dam authorities released about 1 lakh cusecs of water initially but by Tuesday (Aug. 15), the volume had been increased to 1.6 lakh cusecs in view of the reservoir level and inflow, a BBMB official said. The water level in Pong Dam was 1,398.68 feet on Wednesday (Aug. 16) afternoon. The water inflow was 1.18 lakh cusecs, while 1.41 lakh cusecs was being released through floodgates and spillways. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/over-1-000-rescued-as-pong-dam-floods-villages-in-kangra-himachal-pradesh-rescue-operation-underway-101692177185967.html (16 August 2023)

In Kangra district, the release of water from the Pong dam has inundated vast areas, necessitating a large-scale rescue operation of more than 1,700 people so far. The combined efforts of the district administration, Army, and IAF are underway to relocate affected residents to safer zones. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/himachal-pradesh-rain-toll-71-1700-rescued-as-dam-water-floods-kangra/articleshow/102782892.cms (17 August 2023)

The water release from the Pong Dam was brought down to 79,780 cusecs at 5 pm on Friday (Aug 18). The water release was between 1.48 lakh cusecs and 1.18 lakh cusecs since August 15 and it was brought down finally on Friday (Aug. 18). The water level in the dam also came down to 1393.62 feet. Inflow into the reservoir was 44995 cusecs. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/in-some-relief-water-release-from-pong-dam-reduces-to-79780-cusecs-8899245/ (19 Aug. 2023)

-In Tarn Taran district, a few villages along the India-Pakistan border submerged under 15 feet of floodwater. Gurdaspur deputy commissioner (DC) Himanshu Aggarwal said, “There are around 90 villages in the district where the floodwater has entered out of which in only 12 villages, the population has been affected. On Friday, the water receded by around 2 to 2.5 feet. The main reason is that the excess water released from the Pong Dam has reduced to around 80,000 cusecs, which was 1.5 lakh cusecs on Thursday (Aug. 17) night.

-Following the release of 2.60 lakh cusecs of water from Harikee headworks on Friday (Aug. 18) early morning, the flood situation turned grim in Ferozepur and Fazilka districts. The road link to as many as 20 border villages in Ferozepur was snapped as water flowed over the only bridge connecting the area. As many as 19 schools in Ferozepur and 12 in Fazilka district have been closed down temporarily.

-The situation in flood-hit areas of Rupnagar district remained grim on the fourth day on Friday (Aug. 19). More than a dozen villages along the Sutlej are still cut off from the mainland, officials said. As many as 45 villages have been largely affected due to floods due to a swollen Beas in the Kapurthala district. Most of these villages are situated in the Mand area. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/floodwaters-wreak-havoc-in-punjab-as-thousands-evacuated-villages-submerged-and-schools-closed-101692387712068.html (19 Aug. 2023)

It has been almost 10 days since there was no rain in Punjab, and BBMB should have used this time for the controlled release of water. However, the opening of floodgates has affected us. We have lost all our belongings”, said Jatinder Singh, a flood-affected person in Nangal.

– At the Harike headworks, the confluence of Sutlej and Beas rivers, the water level rose rapidly overnight. Till Wednesday morning, the headworks received 1 lakh cusecs of water from upstream leading to a flood-like situation in lower areas. As per information assessed from the office of headworks, till 4 pm, the headworks received 1.32 lakh cusecs of water from upstream, of which 1.16 lakh cusecs of water was released. As per officials, 2 lakh cusecs more is expected to be received by the headworks. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/over-3-000-rescued-as-excess-water-from-dams-inundates-punjab-villages-evacuations-and-relief-efforts-underway-101692213008551.html (17 Aug. 2023)

112 villages still affected, more than 5,000 evacuated Flooding due to release of excess water from Bhakra Dam into the Beas and Sutlej rivers, continued to wreak havoc in the Majha region on Thursday (Aug. 17). In Gurdaspur, as many as 70 villages located near Beas river have been affected by the flood with around 5,000 people evacuated to safer locations on Thursday (Aug. 17).

-Residents of villages in Hathar area, which falls in the downstream, were particularly on the edge in wake of the situation. The residents kept a vigil throughout the night, especially on the condition of dhusi bandh here. A breach in the bandh may lead to massive devastation in several villages. On the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday (Aug. 16-17), a breach was found near Basti Lal Singh Wala village, following which the administration swung into action and plugged the breach using sand bags.

-In over a dozen villages in Mand area, including Bhail, Munda Pind, Gujjarpur, Gharka, Karmuwal, Dhun Dhaewala and Chamba Kalan, the fresh floods have caused widespread destruction of paddy crops. Residents have also reported flood water entering into their homes. Many had to leave their homes in boats to reach safer places.

-In Ferozepur, at least 20 villages, including Nihala Lavera, Nihala Khilcha, Bandala, Basti Ram Lal and Kaluwala were submerged. All occupants of these villages were evacuated and at least 12 government schools were closed in wake of the situation. People in the border villages of Fazilka have been shifted to 17 relief centres as a precautionary measure.

– The quantity of water received by Harike headworks, the confluence of Beas and Sutlej river, from upstream surged to 2.5 lakh cusecs by Thursday (Aug. 17) evening, worsening the situation in areas falling in the upstream and downstream. Residents of villages in Hathar area, which falls in the downstream, were particularly on the edge in wake of the situation. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/flooding-wreaks-havoc-in-majha-region-as-excess-water-released-from-bhakra-dam-into-beas-and-sutlej-rivers-101692297679013.html (18 Aug. 2023)

38 more villages in Punjab’s Gurdaspur affected by flood With a few more villages in this district coming under water, the total number of villages affected by floods on Friday (Aug. 18) reached 90. Earlier, the number of villages affected by floods was 52. As many as 30,000 people have been displaced. There has been a total crop loss in 90 villages. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/38-more-villages-in-punjabs-gurdaspur-affected-by-flood-30-000-people-displaced-535963 (18 August 2023)

5,500 sent to relief camps in Hoshiarpur; situation grim in Rupnagar district A total of 22 villages have been affected by floods in the Beas river due to release of excess water from Bhakra Dam. Some parts of Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur and Rupnagar and Kapurthala districts were submerged following the release of excess water from Pong and Bhakra dams this week. The flood situation in Rupnagar district remained grim as more water was being released into the Sutlej river from Bhakra Dam.

-More than 5,500 inhabitants of the flood-affected villages have been sent to relief camps and safer places. Last month too, several parts of Punjab were affected by a downpour in the state between July 9 and 11 that flooded vast tracts of farmlands and other areas, besides paralysing daily life. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/punjab-floods-army-ndrf-teams-rescue-300-people-from-kapurthala-villages-situation-grim-in-rupnagar-district-535756 (18 August 2023)

Controlled discharge continues from reservoirs Controlled discharge of water by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) continued on Thursday (Aug. 17) as water level in Pong Dam on Thursday remained at 1,395 feet against the maximum capacity of 1,390 feet and Bhakra Dam holding 1,676 feet of water. There was release of 1,19,959 cusecs of water from the Pong Dam and 78, 344 cusecs from Bhakra Dam on Thursday, adding to the floods in several downstream areas of Punjab. “The decision to go for controlled discharge of water from the reservoirs was taken jointly by the BBMB and the Punjab government to free up space in the dams and keep prepared for the possibility of heavy downpour in future,” said an official.

– The run off to Bhakra ranged from 93,767 cusecs to 27,617 cusecs, it was 47,168 cusecs to 42,659 cusecs in case of the Pong Dam.At the Ranjit Sagar Dam, water level was 522 metres against the maximum level of 527 metres. Around 20,330 cusecs was released from the dam while there was an inflow of 11,792 cusecs. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/controlled-discharge-continues-from-reservoirs/articleshow/102818964.cms (18 August 2023)

Sangrur: Ghaggar nears danger mark -Already reeling under huge debt due to recent flooding, the rise in water level of the Ghaggar to 746.01 ft has led to panic among area residents. Farmers fear that embankments of the river may get breached again if water level continues to rise. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/monsoon-fury-ghaggar-nears-danger-mark-535766 (18 August 2023)

The Sutlej flooded villages between Nangal and Anandpur Sahib in Ropar district, whereas the Beas inundated parts of Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur and Kapurthala districts. Villages in Tarn Taran district faced the fury of both the rivers.

– The Gurdaspur administration sent an SOS to the Army, NDRF and SDRF after 36 villages were inundated. More than 250 people from Talwandi Kuka village of Bholath in Kapurthala district were shifted to a relief camp by the SDRF and the Army. At least 200 people are still stuck there. Water entered dozens of villages in the Talwara area of Hoshiarpur district. In Himachal Pradesh, the swollen Beas today submerged several villages in the Mand area of Kangra, forcing the authorities to rescue over 1,300 persons. IAF choppers were also deployed to airlift stranded persons. As many as 150 people are still stuck there. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/monsoon-fury-parts-of-punjab-kangra-flooded-as-pong-bhakra-release-water-hp-toll-rises-to-72-535463 (17 August 2023)

The mean inflow at both dams at present has come down to 65,000 cusecs, with the outflow being 1.4 lakh cusecs at Pong and 80,000 cusecs at Bhakra this afternoon, according to BBMB officials. Bhakra level is 1677 ft on Aug 16, 3 ft below the FRL. The water level at Pong had almost touched 1,399.65 feet on the morning of August 16, almost 10 feet above the permissible limit of 1,390 feet. This was later brought down to 1,398 feet, with additional discharge continuing. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/rain-fury-bhakra-pong-flood-gates-to-remain-open-for-another-3-4-days-to-discharge-excess-water-535427 (17 August 2023)

Floods wreaked havoc on several villages in Hoshiarpur and Kapurthala districts on Wednesday, triggered by the release of water from Pong Dam. Over 2,700 people were successfully rescued from a dozen villages in the Mukerain and Tanda subdivisions of Hoshiarpur district and Sultanpur Lodhi and Kapurthala subdivisions of Kapurthala district. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Indian Army teams worked tirelessly, evacuating people from waterlogged regions to safer places. The villages, including Haled, Motla, Bela Sariyana, Koliyan in Mukerian, and Poshi Bet, Rampur, and others in Tanda, were severely affected by the sudden inundation of water. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/floods-pong-dam-water-release-havoc-hoshiarpur-kapurthala-8896110/ (17 Aug. 2023)

गांवों में घुसा पानी:5 दिन खुले रहेंगे भाखड़ा के गेट सतलुज नदी पर बना देश का दूसरा सबसे बड़ा भाखड़ा बांध और ब्यास नदी पर बना पौंग डैम दोनों ही खतरे के निशान के करीब पहुंच चुके हैं।बीते दिन तकरीबन 35 साल के बाद भाखड़ा के फ्लड गेट 10 फीट से अधिक खोले गए थे, जिन्हें देर रात बंद कर दिया गया। वहीं पौंग डैम से भी लगातार पानी छोड़ा जा रहा है।

-ब्यास का जलस्तर बढ़ने से होशियारपुर व गुरदासपुर के बाद कपूरथला में विधानसभा हलका भोलाथ में भी हालात बिगड़ने लगे हैं। ब्यास नदी के किनारों से मंड तलवंडी कूका, मंड सरदार साहिब, मंड रायपुर आर्यियां आदि गांवों में पानी आना शुरू हो गया है। वहीं गुरदासपुर व होशियारपुर में रेस्क्यू ऑपरेशन कल से ही जारी है। वहीं, गुरदासपुर में NDRF ने मोर्चा संभाल लिया है।

पौंग डैम के कारण ब्यास का जलस्तर बढ़ गया है। बीती रात 1.60 लाख क्यूसेक पानी पौंग डैम से छोड़ा गया, जिसकी मात्रा आने वाले दिनों में बढ़ सकती है। डीसी गुरदासपुर कोमल मित्तल ने जानकारी दी कि ब्यास नदी के आसपास के गांवों में पानी घुस गया है। मुकेरियां के कुछ गांवों के अलावा गांव महताबपुर, मोतला, हलेट, जनारदन, तलवाड़ा का 52 बराज में ब्यास का पानी ओवरफ्लो होकरघुस आया है।

-गुरदासपुर में जगतपुरा टांडा के क्षेत्रों में ब्यास नदी के राख बांध में जलस्तर बढ़ने से भैनी पसवाल के पास धुस्सी बांध टूट गया है, जिससे निचले क्षेत्रों में पानी ओवरफ्लो होना शुरू हो गया है https://www.bhaskar.com/local/punjab/amritsar/news/punjab-flood-condition-bhakra-dam-pong-dam-alert-rupnagar-ropar-hoshiarpur-gurdaspur-131692143.html (16 August 2023)

Sutlej floods area after water is released from Bhakra dam In Gurdaspur, Army, BSF and NDRF officials have been deployed as flood waters entered two dozen villages. The town has been cut off from other parts as the Mukerian bridge has been closed to traffic. The Gurdasapur-Mukerian link road is badly damaged due to the overflowing water. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/those-stuck-in-punjabs-ropar-evacuated-as-sutlej-floods-the-area-after-water-released-from-bhakra-535346 (16 August 2023)

Several villages inundated after water released from Pong, Bhakra dam Several villages near the Beas River in Hoshiarpur district and the Sutlej River in Rupnagar district were inundated following the release of excess water from the Pong and the Bhakra dams, officials said on Tuesday (Aug. 15).

-In Hoshiarpur, several farmlands in the Talwara, Hajipur, Dasuya, Tanda and Mukerian villages were flooded due to water discharge from the Pong dam reservoir, said the officials. Water entered the low-lying villages, fields and some homes located near the Beas river, they said. The Beal Sariana village in Hajipur block is under two-three feet of water, forcing some villagers to shift to a village gurdwara in Purochak, said the officials. Farmlands of Patti Naam Nagar, Handowal, Ulaha, Dhade Karwal and Patti Nve Ghar villages in the Hajipur area and Changarhwan, Chakmirpur and Sathwan in Talwara block are inundated, they said. Water also entered the fields of Mehtabpur, Mauli and Naushehra villages in the Mukerian block, they added.

-Talwara SHO Hargurdev Singh said 5 migrant labourers were rescued after they got trapped near the Shah Nehar barrage in Talwara due to the release of water from the dam. Another 15 labourers were rescued near Chakmirpur village, the police said. 9 members of a family in Changharwan village, located near the river, have also been rescued.

-Hoshiarpur Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal said the NDRF, State Disaster Response Force and non-government organisations are being enlisted for relief operations. Mittal said the evacuation work in about 15 villages is still underway and around 1,000 people have been sent to relief camps. The relief camps have been set up at Bhangala, Atalgarh, Sariana, Gera, Motka, Mehtabpur and Harse Mansar villages.

-In Rupnagar district, about half a dozen villages, including Bela Dhyani, Bhanam, Palasi in Nangal area, were inundated following the release of excess water from the Bhakra dam. Several people were trapped in their homes in Bhanam and Lower Bela villages, located near the Sutlej River, due to a strong current, villagers said. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/aug/15/several-villages-in-punjab-inundated-after-water-released-from-pong-bhakra-dam-2605559.html (15 August 2023)

Nangal area flooded as BBMB releases water from Bhakra As the flow of water into Gobind Sagar Dam has increased due to heavy rain in Himachal Pradesh, the Bhakra Beas Management Board on Tuesday (Aug. 15) released nearly 1 lakh cusecs of water from Bhakra dam leading to flooding of several villages in the area. Sources said water level at Bhakra Dam reached 1678 feet against the upper limit of 1680 feet at 5 pm today and the inflow was recorded at 85,899 cusecs. Keeping in view the alarming situation the BBMB has decided to discharge 1 lakh cusecs of water, out of which 77,000 cusecs was released in the river while remaining was diverted through the canals.

-Crop fields were inundated in several villages, including Bela Dhiani, Bela Ramgarh, Harsa Bela, Palasi, Bhanam, Bhalan, Sainsowal, Gohlani, Passiwal Dasgrain, Jindwairi, Swaarrah, Taraf Majari, Mehndli Kalan, Dolowaal, Ballowal, Hariwal, Amarpur Bela, Shahpur Bela and Chandpur Bela. After flooding the fields the water started entering the houses by evening in many of the affected villages. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/several-villages-in-nangal-area-flooded-as-bbmb-releases-water-from-bhakra-dam-into-sutlej-535334 (15 August 2023)

Bhakra, Pong Dams brimming, Punjab put on high alert Pong dam on Aug 14 2023 saw the highest ever inflow sinec 1974, of 7.3 lakh cusecs. Bhakra dam saw inflow of 1.93 lakh cusecs. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/bhakra-and-pong-dams-in-himachal-pradesh-brimming-after-heavy-rain-posing-threat-downstream-in-punjab-101692041800067.html (15 August 2023)

The Pong Dam water level has gone beyond FRL of 1390 ft to now 1395.31 ft, which means it has storage of 107% of its capacity. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/pong-dam-records-highest-ever-inflow-535091 (15 Aug. 2023)

-Water overflowing from the Bhakra Dam has affected many villages in Anandpur Sahib. This marks the second instance of floods in Punjab within a span of 2 months. https://patialapolitics.com/33473/ (15 Aug. 2023)

Uttarakhand 114 workers trapped in flooded tunnel 114 workers and engineers trapped in an under-construction tunnel of the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail project after water from a nearby stream gushed in. The water was first pumped out of the tunnel using heavy equipment and the workers were safely brought out. The company employees are now cleaning the garbage inside the tunnel. https://theprint.in/india/ukhand-water-from-stream-gushes-into-under-construction-tunnel-114-workers-and-engineers-rescued/1714513/ (14 August 2023)

Ajay Pratap Singh, manager of L&T company, Shivpuri, said a total of 114 workers, including engineers, were stuck after 300 metres deep in Edit tunnel 2 was submerged in water.

-Meanwhile, debris entered the camp located at Mohan Chatti in Yamkeshwar block of Pauri district adjacent to Rishikesh following heavy rainfall in the state. According to initial reports, at least three to five people, who were present in the camp, were trapped under the debris. The incident took place on Sunday (Aug. 13) late at night around 2 am. Debris is being removed by the District Disaster Management team and SDRF personnel. https://www.etvbharat.com/english/videos/other-videos/watch-more-than-100-workers-rescued-from-shivpuri-tunnel-after-rains-wreak-havoc-in-uttarakhand/na20230814193008550550311 (14 August 2023)

प्रधानमंत्री नरेन्द्र मोदी के ड्रीम प्रोजेक्ट में शामिल ऋषिकेश-कर्णप्रयाग रेल परियोजना को तय समय पर धरातल पर उतारने के लिए रेल विकास निगम ने पूरी ताकत झोंक दी। हिमालयी क्षेत्र के विषम भूगोल में तैयार हो रही इस परियोजना पर कुल 213 किमी सुरंग बननी हैं। इनमें सिंगल ब्राडगेज रेल लाइन के लिए 116.59 किमी की मुख्य सुरंग के अलावा 84.54 किमी की निकास सुरंग शामिल है। https://www.jagran.com/uttarakhand/haridwar-under-the-rishikesh-karnprayag-rail-project-114-people-trapped-in-a-tunnel-being-built-in-shivpuri-were-rescued-23501425.html (14 August 2023)

Residents blame ‘development’ spree for monsoon woes Ever since the Char Dham yatra started around two months ago, 500 to 800 pilgrims have been stranded due to frequent landslides along the Kedarnath Yatra route. A Public Works Department survey records collapsed houses and over 75 bridges in the State left unfit. At least five key bridges have collapsed in two months, most recently the bridge over the Malan River that connects Kotdwar with Sigaddi and Haridwar. It has cut off 50,000 people and left them struggling for supplies. Buildings across the State that have developed cracks or other landslide-related damage are being pulled down.

**The Doon Defense College building collapses following incessant monsoon rains, near Dehradun, Monday, Aug. 14, 2023. Image Courtesy: PTI**

-Instead, with scant concern for the mountains and the public, the PK Dhami government is considering amendments to an Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) notification of February 1989 introduced to protect the Doon Valley. The ESA ensures land use is not changed where it had been set aside for grazing or other environmentally protective activities. Doing away with the ESA will green-signal “red category industries” whose construction had been prohibited in notified areas. https://www.newsclick.in/uttarakhand-residents-blame-development-spree-monsoon-woes (14 August 2023)

The toll in rain-related incidents rose to 6, as two more bodies were found while seven were still missing. The state has been receiving heavy rains since Monday (Aug. 14). A body of a woman, who went missing after water from a swollen river Pawar entered villages in Uttarkashi district’s Arakot area, was found on Tuesday (Aug. 15), the disaster control room in Dehradun said. Another body of a 14-year-old girl, Tejaswini, was recovered from a rain-fed stream in the Lakshman Jhula area of Rishikesh.

-Three people were rescued and a few others are feared trapped under debris after a building collapsed on Tuesday (Aug. 15) at Helang near subsidence-hit Joshimath in Chamoli district, officials said. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/himachal-pradesh-uttarakhand-monsoon-rain-fury-houses-collapse-fresh-landslides-weather-forecast-2421708-2023-08-16 (16 August 2023)

Rishikesh recorded the highest amount of rainfall across the country on Monday (Aug. 14). Three people were killed and 10 were reported missing in rain-related incidents in the state. At least 13 more people have also been killed since Friday (Aug. 12) in neighbouring Uttarakhand state, officials said on Tuesday (Aug. 15).

-Roads leading to the revered Badrinath, Kedarnath, and Gangotri shrines were damaged due to landslides. As a consequence, the pilgrimage to these shrines, known as the Chardham Yatra, had to be halted for a period of two days.

-Major highways were blocked on Monday (Aug. 14), including Kalka-Shimla, Kiratpur-Manali, and Pathankot-Mandi, Dharamshala-Shimla routes.

-Fresh cracks appeared in Joshimath, which has raised fear among the residents of the town as heavy rainfall lashed the state. As reported by PTI, 16 families in Joshimath’s Sunil village are at risk, raising the possibility of a major landslide in the area. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/himachal-pradesh-uttarakhand-rain-red-alerts-issued-top-news-updates-101692078334103.html (15 August 2023)

Restrictions on 2 wheelers at Ram Jhula bridge Tehri district administration has temporarily suspended two-wheeler movements on the iconic 750ft-long Ram Jhula (suspension bridge) over the Ganga in Rishikesh as the river is in spate and has chipped away the bank near the foundation of the bridge on the Tehri side. The movement of people was also briefly halted in the morning, officials said. Ram Jhula, an iron suspension bridge built in 1986, connects the Sivananda Nagar area of Muni Ki Reti in Tehri Garhwal district with Swargashram in Pauri Garhwal district. It is comparatively bigger than the Lakshman Jhula bridge, which is nearly 2km upstream.

-Last year in April, public movement on the iconic 450ft-long Lakshman Jhula (also a suspension bridge) over the Ganga was stopped by Muni ki Reti police after one of its supporting wires suddenly snapped. A new bridge is currently under construction adjacent to the old structure. The Lakshman Jhula was constructed between 1927 and 1929, replacing the old 284ft structure that stood there before it was washed away by floods in October 1924. The bridge was opened for people in April 1930. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/dehradun-news/ganga-in-spate-two-wheeler-movement-on-ram-jhula-suspended-in-rishikesh-due-to-erosion-near-bridge-foundation-101692271396409.html (17 August 2023)

Expressway project work may have weakened stretches highway: Geologists Following a major cave-in on the busy Delhi-Dehradun highway last week which officials attributed to “damage due to rains”, geologists told TOI that work on the new expressway may have contributed to the weakening of the highway that runs parallel to the under-construction e-way. They added that it is likely that more cave-ins may happen at vulnerable points in the highway in future.

-Last week’s road collapse happened between Daatkali temple and Mohand on the present highway in Uttarakhand, after a recent landslide near Daatkali tunnel, the entry point for the Doon valley from UP’s Saharanpur. A visit by a TOI team to the site found that there were at least five more spots on the around 12km stretch of the highway between Daatkali and Mohund, which were vulnerable. “For the elevated road, 500 pillars have been erected on the river bed after felling 11,000 trees and cutting down the hill. Soil erosion has become a real concern in this area.

-Damage not only to the present highway but to the fragile terrain is inevitable,” said Harsh Vats, research scholar, department of geophysics, Kurukshetra University. Officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the agency responsible for the e-way project, however, played down the apprehensions expressed by the experts. Pankaj Maurya, project director, NHAI, said, “Landslides in Uttarakhand are common during monsoon and since this is a catchment area that sees water from two sides, damage to highways during this season is nothing new.” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/delhi-doon-nh-more-vulnerable-spots-evident/articleshow/102738566.cms (15 Aug. 2023)

YAMUNA Delhi Man-made floods call for ecosystem-led solutions Prof. C R Babu: -There should be a moratorium on the construction of bridges across the river. There should be a single authority to oversee sustainability and protect the ecological integrity of the Yamuna’s Delhi stretch. https://www.livemint.com/opinion/online-views/manmade-floods-of-the-yamuna-call-for-ecosystem-led-solutions-11689866167864.html (20 July 2023)

Bhim Singh Rawat, associate coordinator of the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People, said, “Sedimentation is a continuous process, it happens round the year, and it’s natural. What’s happening now is that rivers are being subjected to dumping of debris, and may be getting a higher sediment load throughout the catchment. Then there are other drains, not just Najafgarh. They keep bringing sediments round the year. We have created so many structures that are trapping sediments. The flow in the river would have to be restored. The matter of sediment cannot be seen as just a Delhi-centric one, it would have to be considered upstream as well.” https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/centre-forms-panel-to-assess-yamunas-embankments-8900355/ (20 Aug. 2023)

In the 13-page letter, LG Saxena suggested a single nodal agency be made for the upkeep of the river, all pumping installations at regulator locations be given to a single department, and two agencies — the CPWD and PWD — work together to ensure hassle-free drainage from Rajghat and Samadhi Complex, which were “embarrassingly inundated” last month.

In a 7-point rebuttal, the Delhi water, irrigation and flood control minister Saurabh Bhardwaj said the problems in the Yamuna occurred due to Saxena’s decision to implement “an innovative method” to desilt drains, which deposited huge quantities of silt in the river, and that there were projects under the LG that were being carried out without any details being shared with the elected administration. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/delhi-lieutenant-governor-blames-government-departments-for-floods-aap-dismisses-claims-suggests-solutions-for-future-101692380742861.html (19 Aug. 2023)

The “deluge that inundated” the city shows Delhi requires preparation for extreme weather events, including steps to integrate rainwater harvesting into “climate resilience planning”, Delhi High Court bench of Chief Justice SC Sharma and Sanjeev Narula said on Aug 18 2034. The court made the observation while disposing of a PIL, filed in 2014 by RK Kapoor, seeking adoption of measures for water conservation in Delhi, specifically through rainwater harvesting.

– “The discussion on this subject would be incomplete without acknowledging the unprecedented recent weather events of 2023 in Delhi. This year, the northern regions of India encountered heavy and sporadic rainfall that led to flooding across several states, including certain parts of Delhi. The deluge that inundated Delhi magnifies the relevance of proactively anticipating and preparing for extreme weather events, which are becoming increasingly commonplace due to climate change,” the bench said while disposing off a 2014 petition. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhi-needs-better-preparation-to-deal-with-extreme-weather-events-hc/articleshow/102846229.cms (19 Aug. 2023)

Lakes for flood solution Another aim of the project is to provide a buffer against floods, but some experts are skeptical. The recent flooding due to a raging Yamuna river happened because of urbanization in low-lying areas where there is no drainage, said Manu Bhatnagar, who heads the Natural Heritage Division at INTACH. “It’s a good idea conceptually but there are limitations,” said Bhatnagar, an urban and environmental planner. “Delhi lakes can’t act as buffer for flood because most are tiny and are in locations where they don’t capture floodwater.”

-Delhi’s water problem – both too much and not enough – became strikingly evident during the most recent monsoon season, when the worst flooding in decades crippled parts of the city and shut three water treatment facilities when floodwater entered the machines, temporarily cutting water supply by 25%. https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/after-floods-delhi-looks-to-its-lakes-for-water-solution-4307483 (18 August 2023)

Delhi on alert as Hathnikund water flow set to increase As Delhi braces for another round of Yamuna high flows, this report says that now all the gates of ITO barrage are now open. THe last of the two closed gates were opened on Aug 12 and 13. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/fears-of-flooding-in-delhi-as-water-levels-rise-in-yamuna-river-due-to-heavy-rains-in-himachal-pradesh-and-uttarakhand-101692031898601.html (14 August 2023)

CLOUD BURST

Himachal Pradesh जोगेंद्रनगर के वींचकैंप में बादल फटने से भारी नुकसान Shanan hydro project complex flooded with muck after cloud burst incident in Jogendarnagar, Mandi on July 20: -जोगेंद्रनगर के वींचकैंप (नालागार्ड) में बादल फटने से हारगुनैण पंचायत में भारी नुकसान हुआ है। पानी के तेज बहाव से नागचला, डिगली सड़क व पुल पर मलबा भर जाने से यातायात प्रभावित हुआ है। नकेहड़ सड़क का कलवर्ट पुल भी पानी के तेज बहाव में बह गया। वहीं जलशक्ति विभाग के पेयजल पाइप लाइन समेत स्त्रोत भी तबाह हुए हैं। वीरवार (July 20) आधी रात को बादल फटने के बाद वींचकैंप की एक पहाड़ी से भी भूस्खलन होने से नुकसान हुआ है। नेरी खड्ड के साथ लगती भूमि भी पानी के तेज बहाव में बह गई। राजस्व विभाग के अलावा अन्य विभागाें के अधिकारी भी नुकसान का आकलन कर रहे हैं। जलशक्ति विभाग के कनिष्ठ अभियंता अराध्य ने बताया कि प्राकृतिक पेयजल स्त्रोत फेगडू के नजदीक भी भूस्खलन हुआ है। जिमजिमा, नागचला व आरठी, कूपड़ पेयजल योजना प्रभावित हुई है। पानी की आपूर्ति के लिए जलशक्ति विभाग के कर्मचारी फील्ड पर तैनात कर दिए हैं।

-शानन परियोजना से करीब 4000 फीट उंचाई पर वींचकैंप (नालागार्ड) में हुई भारी वर्षा व बादल फटने से परियोजना परिसर के इर्द गिर्द कीचड़ व जलभराव हो जाने से लोगाें को दिन भर परेशानी झेलनी पड़ी। बादल फटने से बिगड़े हालात के बाद आसपास के लोग भी सहम उठे हैं। हालांकि पावर हाउस को कोई भी नुकसान नहीं पहुंचा है लेकिन परिसर में कीचड़ भर जाने से अधिकारियाें व यहां से होकर गुजरने वाले लोगाें की दिक्कतें बढ़ गई है। बादल फटने से हारगुनैण पंचायत के पंचायत घर में भी पत्थर व मलबा घुस जाने से भवन को काफी नुकसान पहुंचा है। पंचायत के मोक्षधाम भी प्रभावित हुए हैं। https://www.jagran.com/himachal-pradesh/mandi-cloudburst-in-jogendranagar-heavy-damage-drinking-water-pipeline-destroyed-23478205.html (21 July 2023)

5 killed, 8 missing as cloudburst triggers flash flood in Mandi All roads connecting Kullu and Mandiwere closed on Monday (Aug. 14), including the Chandigarh-Manalinational highway, and other link roads including the MandiKataula-Bajaura road.

-The highway was blocked at 7 Mile, 6 Mile and near Pandoh dam, where an entire stretch of the highway has caved in as hundreds of vehicles including from the outside remained stuck on the highway between Kullu and Mandi. The highway was also washed away at Harabag near Sundernagar in Mandi district due to a landslide.

-A flash flood also struck Baginala near Parashar in Mandi district, sweeping away a bridge. Many people were feared to have been buried under a debris in Bagi Tihri area of the district. The historic Panchvaktra temple has also submerged due to a rise in the water level of Beas river. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/himachal-rains-chandigarh-manali-highway-blocked-at-multiple-places-five-killed-eight-missing-as-cloudburst-triggers-flash-flood-in-mandi/articleshow/102711212.cms (14 August 2023)

Landslides, cloudburst claim 19 lives in Mandi Heavy rain for the past three days has led to widespread death and destruction in Mandi district, where several villages at Balh valley have been inundated and some houses badly damaged. As many as 19 persons lost their lives in the monsoon fury across the district during the day today.

A cloudburst occurred in the morning at Sambhal village near 8 Mile along the Chandigarh-Manali highway in Mandi in which six persons were swept away. Among the victims were three labourers of a construction company and one woman and two children of one family. According to the police, six labourers were sleeping under a shed at Sambhal when a cloudburst occurred. Of the six, three labourers succeeded in saving their lives by running to a safe place, while the rest were washed away. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/monsoon-fury-landslides-cloudburst-claim-19-lives-in-mandi-535214 (15 August 2023)

राजधानी शिमला के समरहिल में शिव बावड़ी के पास हुई दर्दनाक घटना में अब तक 13 लोग जान गवां चुके हैं। आठ से दस लोग अभी भी लापता बताए जा रहे हैं। इस घटना में जिस तरह से भारतीय उच्च अध्ययन संस्थान (एडवांस्ड स्टडी) के लॉन से लेकर शिव बावड़ी के नीचे नाले तक सैसैकड़ों पेड़ भूस्खलन की चपेट में आए हैं, उसे बादल फटने की घटना से जोड़कर भी देखा जा रहा है। मौके पर देखें तो जिस तरह से एडवांस स्टडीज से भूस्खलन शुरू हुआ और नीचे तक दो सड़कों, ऐतिहासिक धरोहर शिमला-कालका रेल लाइन के करीब 15 मीटर हिस्से को मलबा बहाकर लेकर गया है, उससे यह घटना आम नहीं है। https://www.amarujala.com/shimla/shimla-summer-hill-landslide-news-local-residents-demand-for-probe-2023-08-17 (17 Aug. 2023)

Uttarakhand आपदा से कोंजपोथनी व काणा गांव में भारी तबाही दशोली ब्लाक के कोंज पोथनी, काणा गांव में बादल फटने से भारी नुक़सान, आदा दर्जन गाय मलवा में बहे, लोगों के घरों में घूसा मलवा, दूसरों के घरों में ली शरण, जिला मुख्यालय से 20 किमी की दूरी पर गांव लेकिन प्रशासन चार दिन बाद भी नहीं ले पाया प्रभावितों की सुध, गांव में खाद्यान्न संकट गहराया। चमोली जिला मुख्यालय से 20 किमी दूरी पर स्थित कोंजपोथनी व काणा गांव में रविवार (Aug. 13) की रात्रि में बादल फटने से भारी नुक़सान हुआ है। https://pahadraftar.com/chamoli-heavy-devastation-in-konjpothani-and-kana-villages-due-to-disaster-nine-families-took-shelter-in-other-houses-dozens-of-cattle/ (17 August 2023)

चमोली में बादल फटने से घरों में भर गया मलबा, मोटर-पुल और मवेशी बहे चमोली में रविवार (Aug. 13) रात तकरीबन 10 बजे सोल क्षेत्र में बादल फटने से प्राणमती नदी का अचानक जलस्तर बढ़ गया। इससे थराली गांव में काफी ज्यादा नुकसान देखा गया। प्रत्यक्षदर्शियों का कहना है कि सोल क्षेत्र में बादल फटने की सूचना पहले ही टेलीफोन के जरिए थराली के ग्रामीणों को मिल गई थी। ग्रामीण अपने मकानों को छोड़कर चले गए थे। वहीं इनके मकानों में मलबा भर गया है। मकान क्षतिग्रस्त हो गए हैं। कई मवेशी भी बह गए हैं। https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/uttarakhand/dehradun/uttarakhand-chamoli-cloudburst-debris-came-in-houses-motor-bridge-washed-away/articleshow/102738983.cms (15 August 2023)

चमोली में बादल फटने से तबाही, सैलाब में बह गईं कई गाड़ियां चमोली के पीपलकोटी में देर रात बादल फटने के कारण मलबे के ढेर में कई गाड़ियां दब गईं। नगर पंचायत पीपलकोटी का कार्यालय पूरी तरह मलबे के ढेर में तब्दील हो गया है। यहां रह रहे सफाईकर्मियों ने किसी तरह भागकर अपनी जान बचाई। बादल फटने के बाद वे यहां से सुरक्षित स्थानों पर चले गए।

-सोल घाटी में बादल फटने और भारी बारिश से प्राणमति नदी उफान पर है। इसके चलते कई मकान और दुकान क्षतिग्रस्त हो गए हैं। सीसी और वैली ब्रिज भी टूट गया है। धाधड़ बगड़ में भारी नुकसान होने की आशंका है। वहीं, सोल घाटी मोटर मार्ग का 50 मीटर हिस्सा पानी में बह गया है। चमोली जिले में बद्रीनाथ हाईवे पर मायापुर में पहाड़ से आए मलबे के नीचे कई गाड़ियां दब गई हैं। https://www.agniban.com/devastation-due-to-cloudburst-in-chamoli-many-vehicles-washed-away-in-flood/ (14 August 2023)

Heavy rains, flash floods cause severe damages to public infrastructure in Pindar valley. https://uttarakhandhimalaya.in/normal-life-in-pindar-valley-not-returned-so-far/ (16 Aug. 2023)

URBAN FLOODS

Hyderabad Rampant encroachments of 2 lakes cause flooding Encroachments are rampant not only in the Chakalavani Cheruvu from which surplus water floods the high traffic road, but also within the Gopi Cheruvu upstream, from where the excess water flows here. Going by the satellite historical imagery, most of the encroachments are pretty recent, and happened over the past couple of years. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/rampant-encroachments-of-two-lakes-cause-flooding-under-lingampally-railway-bridge/article67194797.ece (15 August 2023)

DISASTERS

Report Using social media images to better respond to disasters -While deriving useful information, a new study by a multi-country research team presents a large-scale dataset and explores how to automate information processing about natural disasters from social media images. The study used one million photos of natural disasters and other types of incidents that need human intervention, to train an AI (artificial intelligence) system to recognise similar disasters and incidents automatically.

-A separate study by IIT Mumbai, which is yet to be published, explored the feasibility of using crowdsourced information as a data source for flood forecasting and warning. The results confirmed the dependability of social media posts to accurately reflect the ground situation.

-One concern experts have is that since the social media landscape is riddled with misinformation or fake news, it could come in the way of the authenticity of the data. https://india.mongabay.com/2023/08/using-social-media-images-to-better-respond-to-disasters/ (18 Aug. 2023)

Uttarakhand Govt assess load-bearing capacity of tourist hotspots The Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) has decided to start a study to assess the load-bearing capacity of major towns in the state. Fifteen town areas, including the popular holiday destinations of Mussoorie, Nainital and Lansdowne, have been identified in the project’s first phase, officials said, signaling a policy shift demanded by both environmentalists and activists for long. Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said on Aug 19 2023, “The scientific and technical study would be done by experts and on the basis of their recommendations, construction works would be approved in the towns, especially in the hill areas.” The other towns identified for the survey include Pauri, Tehri, Gopeshwar, Uttarkashi, Almora, Dharchula, Kapkot, Ranikhet, Champawat, Bhawali and Pithoragarh. Other areas would be covered in the later phases of the project, officials said. Existing drainage system will also be studied.

– The third major point of the study would be finding the degree of slope (incline) on which houses have been made, identifying those not in a good condition, and tracing the permissible height of buildings and the number of buildings in violation of the approved limit. The agencies would also find out the number of houses not in a “safe zone” during a natural calamity. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/uttarakhand-to-assess-load-bearing-capacity-of-tourist-hotspots/articleshow/102864069.cms (20 Aug. 2023)

More than 9 village panchayats in Urgam valley have been disconnected with road services for past 15 days. https://uttarakhandhimalaya.in/9-panchayats-of-urgam-valle-are-cut-off-from-rest-of-the-world/ (21 Aug. 2023)

उत्तराखंड में हिमाचल में लगातार हो रही तबाही के क्या हैं वैज्ञानिक कारण, बता रहे हैं भूवैज्ञानिक डॉक्टर एसपी सती. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO8PiPqeOrg (20 Aug. 2023)

It is important to understand these recurring calamities in the context of increasing developmental activities and the naturally fragile position of the Himalayan ecosystem. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpgY5hr3lv8 (16 Aug. 2023)

LANDSLIDES

Uttarakhand Long stretch of Badrinath highway sinks in Chamoli A 70-metre stretch of the Badrinath highway, between Maithana and Pursari in Chamoli district, developed major cracks on Thursday (Aug. 17) morning. Officials said it is on the verge of caving in. Chamoli’s disaster management officer Nanda Kishore Joshi said this stretch had witnessed subsidence a few years ago. “The National Highways Authority of India had repaired it after which the subsidence stopped for some years,” Joshi told TOI. Significantly, the affected area is around 50km from subsidence-hit Joshimath town. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/long-stretch-of-badrinath-highway-sinks-in-chamoli/articleshow/102815692.cms (18 August 2023)

Subsidence on a 70m stretch of Badrinath highway between Pursari and Maithana that started on Thursday (Aug. 17) morning increased significantly on Friday (Aug. 18). Local residents said that in the past 24 hours, parts of the road had sunk by as much as 3ft. As reported by TOI earlier, the affected stretch is around 50km away from Joshimath, which is facing substantial subsidence too. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/in-24-hours-cracks-on-badrinath-highway-widen-by-around-3-ft/articleshow/102845669.cms (19 Aug. 2023)

The Badrinath national highway-58 was blocked on Sunday (Aug. 20) morning due to a landslide at Tayya bridge near Govindghat in Chamoli district, resulting in long queues of vehicles on both sides of the bridge. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/badrinath-highway-blocked-due-to-recurrent-landslides/articleshow/102886930.cms (21 Aug. 2023)

मंदाकिनी नदी में बहा Kedarnath Highway का हिस्सा https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9h6dlURsLU (20 Aug. 2023)

बदरीनाथ हाईवे 13 अगस्त की रात से अवरुद्ध है। पीपलकोटी नगर से एक किलोमीटर जोशीमठ की ओर भनेरपाणी में हाईवे करीब 800 मीटर तक क्षतिग्रस्त हो गया था। एनएचआईडीसीएल की ओर से यहां जेसीबी की मदद से हाईवे को खोलने का काम किया जा रहा है। https://www.amarujala.com/dehradun/badrinath-highway-collapsed-in-bhanerpani-passengers-going-to-hemkund-sahib-valley-of-flowers-face-trouble-2023-08-16 (16 Aug. 2023)

As per this report Badrinath Highway being built under All Weather Road Project has faced severe damages after every kilometer and has developed 21 landslide and 28 land sinking zones along the route.

Building collapses near Joshimath The incident occurred in Helang village on the Badrinath highway between Pipalkoti and Joshimath late Tuesday (Aug. 15) evening. According to information received, the two-storey house was built near a crusher unit on the banks of the Alaknanda river. People working in the crusher unit were living in the building which collapsed. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/uttarakhand-joshimath-helang-3-rescued-some-feared-trapped-after-building-collapses-near-joshimath-4301051 (16 August 2023)

Houses collapse in Jakhan, Dehradun 16 families comprising 80 people were affected by the landslide which damaged 12 houses, 10 completely and two partially, it said. Even those partially damaged are not safe to live in, Vikasnagar Sub Divisional Magistrate Vinod Kumar, who visited the affected village on Thursday (Aug. 17), said. The landslide on Wednesday (Aug 16) also disrupted power supply to the village, Madarsu Majra Jakhan, in Vikasnagar area of Dehradun district, situated about 50 km from the city, it said. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/12-houses-damaged-after-massive-landslide-hits-village-in-uttarakhand-4308845 (18 Aug. 2023)

बदरीनाथ हाईवे पर 20 भूस्खलन और 11 भूधंसाव जोन सक्रिय हो गए है। कई पुराने भूस्खलन जोन भी सक्रिय हुए हैं। इससे वाहनों की आवाजाही खतरनाक बनी हुई है। आज शनिवार (Aug. 19) को ऋषिकेश-बदरीनाथ हाईवे एक बार फिर तोताघाटी के पास बाधित हो गया। ट्रैफिक को डायवर्ट कर दिया गया है। https://www.amarujala.com/dehradun/rishikesh-badrinath-highway-closed-due-to-a-landslide-up-to-100-meters-from-mountain-in-tota-ghati-2023-08-19 (19 Aug. 2023)

ऋषिकेश-बदरीनाथ हाईवेतोता घाटी में फिर से बंद हो गया है. तोता घाटी में ऑल वेदर रोड के तहत सड़क के चौड़ीकरण का काम किया जा रहा है, जिसकी वजह से यहां लगातार पहाड़ दरक रहा है. तोता घाटी में लगातार हो रहा लैंडस्लाइन नासूर बन चुका है, जिसका कोई उपचार नहीं मिल पा रहा है. इसका खामियाजा आम से लेकर खास तक सभी को भुगतना पड़ रहा है. तोता घाटी में हाईवे बंद होने की वजह से लोगों को ऋषिकेश से वाया नरेंद्र नगर, चंबा और टिहरी होते हुए पहुंचना पड़ रहा है. ये रास्ता 60 किमी लंबा पड़ता है, जिससे लोगों का समय और पैसा दोनों ज्यादा खर्च हो रहा है. शुक्रवार 18 अगस्त सुबह फिर से तोता घाटी में भारी भूस्खलन हुआ है. इस कारण ऋषिकेश-बदरीनाथ नेशनल हाईवे 58 फिर सेबंद हो गया. बीते दिनों भी तोता घाटी में ही सड़क का 50 मीटर हिस्सा नदी में समा गया था. यानी तीन मीटर चौड़ी सड़क पूरी तरह खत्म हो गई थी. इसके साथ-साथ अटाली गंगा में भी सड़क बंद हो रखी है. यहां मार्ग कभी खुलता है तो कभी पहाड़ी से बोल्डर आने के कारण बंद हो जा रहा है. https://www.etvbharat.com/hindi/uttarakhand/state/pauri-garhwal/rishikesh-badrinath-highway-closed-due-to-landslide-in-tota-ghati-near-srinagar/uttarakhand20230818115344849849589 (18 Aug. 2023)

ऋषिकेश-बदरीनाथ हाईवे पर तोता घाटी में भारी भूस्खलन हो गया। जिससे यहां सड़क का आधा हिस्सा ढह गया। इसके चलते हाईवे पर यातायात बाधित हो गया है। उधर, व्यासी के समीप अटाली गंगा में मलबा आने से हाईवे सोमवार (Aug. 07) से अवरुद्ध चल रहा है। लगातार बारिश होने के कारण मार्ग खोलने में समय लग रहा है। जिसके चलते थाना देवप्रयाग और थाना मुनिकीरेती से ट्रैफिक डायवर्ट किया गया है। https://www.amarujala.com/dehradun/heavy-landslide-in-badrinath-highway-tota-ghati-half-of-road-collapse-uttarakhand-weather-news-2023-08-08 (08 Aug. 2023)

Himachal Pradesh 60% roads prone to landslips, threat ignored Various studies, including the Landslide Hazard Risk Assessment, 2015, undertaken by Delhi and Ahmedabad-based TARU for the disaster management cell of the Department of Revenue, had clearly warned of the threat and high vulnerability faced by 60 per cent of the total road network in Himachal. The report clearly spelt out the impending dangers which have only been triggered by unprecedented rain, the highest in the past four decades.

-The Landslide Hazard Zonation Atlas of India clearly mentions that most past landslides have taken place along national/state highways and pilgrimage routes. The Landslide Hazard Risk Assessment clearly spells out that road cutting and other development activities should be carried out keeping in mind the hazard profile to reduce emerging risk due to landslides. Such hazard zoning and vulnerability assessment must be an integral part of development plans to provide guidance to the authorities. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/slippery-slopes-60-himachal-pradesh-roads-prone-to-landslips-threat-ignored-534618 (13 august 2023)

14 Aug 2023 landslides in Himachal Pradesh, India Dave Petley Landslides are typically triggered by large variations from the normal level of rainfall for that location, rather than absolute rainfall totals. But ofcourse underpinning all of this is the impact of poor-quality development, such in inadequately engineered roads, which has made the landscape so much more vulnerable. https://eos.org/thelandslideblog/the-14-august-2023-landslides-in-himachal-pradesh-india (15 August 2023)

NGT had flagged Shimla’s vulnerability to natural disasters Responding to the Govt’s Town and Country Planning Department’s application dated July 24, Yogendra Mohan Sengupta – on whose plea the NGT had passed the order –has told the top court that the NGT had in its November 16, 2017 order flagged Shimla’s vulnerability to natural disasters and the additional uncontrolled constructions which was making the situation worse.

-The NGT had said by allowing and undertaking constructions in the ecologically fragile areas, the principle of Sustainable Development and Precautionary Principle along with the Public Trust doctrine have been violated which has increased the vulnerability of Shimla to man-made and natural disasters. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/shimla-development-plan-green-tribunal-had-flagged-himachal-capitals-vulnerability-to-natural-disasters-535747 (18 August 2023)

Several houses crumble down after landslide Several buildings, including houses and a slaughterhouse, on Tuesday (Aug. 15) crumbled down in Shimla in instance of landslide due to incessant rainfall. Locals in the area are moving to safety fearing their house could collapse next as they are situated adjacent to where the landslide took place. NDRF and SDRF teams are carrying out rescue operation in the area. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/himachal-pradesh-rain-latest-updates-landslide-shimla-houses-collapse-101692108198232.html (15 August 2023)

2 die after landslide washes away 4 houses Two people have died and 5-10 are feared trapped. The incident took place in the city’s Krishna Nagar area around 5.30 pm on Aug. 15. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/video-tree-falls-on-house-in-shimla-then-4-homes-come-crashing-down-4300515 (15 August 2023)

IIAS complex ‘sinking’, officials send SOS The Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Shimla, has written to the Union Ministry of Education and the local authorities for risk assessment of the complex in the wake of a massive landslide on Monday (Aug. 14) morning that left around 20 persons buried inside a temple in Summer Hill.

-Even as it’s widely believed a cloudburst triggered off the landslide, sources in the weather department think otherwise. According to them, neither the rain intensity was as high as required for a cloudburst nor was the impact area as large as witnessed in case of a cloudburst. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/advanced-study-complex-sinking-officials-send-sos-535785 (18 August 2023)

चक्कीमोड़ में पहाड़ में आईं बड़ी दरारें, दरकने का खतरा -कालका-शिमला नेशनल हाईवे-5 पर चक्कीमोड़ के समीप पहाड़ी पर भूस्खलन होने के बाद अब बड़ी-बड़ी दरारें पड़ गई हैं। इससे पूरी पहाड़ी के खिसकने का खतरा बना हुआ है। हैरत की बात तो यह है कि इस पहाड़ी ने अब एनएचएआई और फोरलेन निर्माण कर रही कंपनी की रातों की नींद भी उड़ा रखी है। वहीं चक्कीमोड़ के इस पहाड़ को टिकाना और यहां पर सड़क का निर्माण करना एजेंसियों को लिए बड़ी चुनौती भी बना हुआ है। https://www.amarujala.com/shimla/kalka-shimla-national-highway-5-news-cracks-in-hill-near-chakki-mod-landslide-may-occur-2023-08-16 (17 August 2023)

This report highlights the three blunders of construction of roads, hydro and other infrastructure: Cutting/ worsening slopes, stopping drainage and encroaching on waterways. https://www.bhaskar.com/local/himachal/shimla/news/wide-roads-shook-the-foundation-of-mountains-drainage-stopped-landslides-increased-6-times-131701166.html (18 Aug. 2023)

Arunachal Pradesh An eroded portion of NH 415 on the way to Papu Nallah. https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2023/08/21/222703/ (21 Aug. 2023)

Panchkula The residents of Kharog village in Morni block say that the land is sinking and it has caused about five houses to develop cracks. Situated on Morni –Tikkar Taal road, Kharog has about 25 houses. They added that the situation worsens with every rainfall. “The river Tapi is cutting into the land, thus causing a portion of the hill to sink,” said Duni Chand, another villager. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/residents-sleepless-as-cracks-appear-in-houses-at-morni-s-kharog-village-101692487389492.html (20 Aug. 2023)

DROUGHT

Uttar Pradesh More than half of Uttar Pradesh districts see deficient rainfall this monsoon 40 districts have received deficient rainfall from the onset of monsoon in the first week of June till July 28, the India Meteorological Centre Lucknow data showed. The majority of these districts fall in the eastern UP region. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/more-than-half-of-uttar-pradesh-districts-see-deficient-rainfall-this-monsoon-101690624171498.html (29 July 2023)

A total 46 out of 75 districts are experiencing rainfall deficits of varying degrees including 28 of these facing parched conditions and 18 others are categorized as highly deficient. (29 July 2023)

CLIMATE CHANGE

Study Climate change may turn Thar Desert green by century’s end Study suggests that an east ward shift of Indian SW Monsoon could be an important reason behind arid conditions in India’s west and NW region. Climate change may reverse that. The Thar desert covering about 2 lakh sq km is partly in Rajasthan and partly in Punjab and Sind of Pakistan. THe mean rainfall here has increased by 10-50% between 1901 and 2015, says a new study published in Journal of Earth’s Future. The corresponding author of the study is Prof B N Goswami of Dept of Physics in Cotton University, Guwahati.

– “This happens due to the seasonal migration of the rainband or the active Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) from south of the equator over the Indian Ocean in winter to about 25 degrees North in summer over the Indian continent,” Goswami said. The research team, including P. V. Rajesh from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune, compiled weather data from South Asia over the past 50 years. By analysing changes in monsoon duration and concentration, they fed historical weather and sea surface temperature data into a climate model to predict future changes under various greenhouse gas scenarios. The results of their analysis indicate that the Indian monsoon is indeed expanding westward, leading to a 10 per cent decrease in mean rainfall in the northeast and a 25 per cent increase in the west and north-west during the historical period.

– The researchers said though this unexpected turn of events presents opportunities, it also raises concerns. As the Thar Desert potentially transforms into a greener landscape, the delicate balance of its ecosystem and the broader implications for the environment and local communities remain a subject of research. https://www.deccanherald.com/environment/climate-change-may-turn-thar-desert-green-by-centurys-end-study-2650791 (17 August 2023)

Delhi City needs better preparation to deal with extreme weather events The “deluge that inundated” the city shows Delhi requires preparation for extreme weather events, including steps to integrate rainwater harvesting into “climate resilience planning”, Delhi High Court bench of Chief Justice SC Sharma and Sanjeev Narula said on Aug 18 2034. The court made the observation while disposing of a PIL, filed in 2014 by RK Kapoor, seeking adoption of measures for water conservation in Delhi, specifically through rainwater harvesting.

SOUTH ASIA

India-Nepal Overlooking environmental issues while signing hydropower deals Nepal is sacrificing its ecology and neglecting domestic priorities to build economic ties with India, says Ramesh Bhushal. High-profile intergovernmental discussions between India and Nepal usually overlook climate change. In 2014, the countries jointly issued a 35-point press release on Narendra Modi’s first prime ministerial visit to Nepal that did not mention climate change. During the intervening 14 such visits between the two nations, climate change has never been officially discussed.

– As of 28 June 2023, Nepal’s Department of Electricity Development had 241 construction licenses issued for hydropower projects with a capacity of 1MW or more, representing more than 8,820MW in total. In addition, hydropower construction applications awaiting approval amounted to more than 8,680MW. India is now funding the construction of projects representing 4,000MW and a further 1,100MW was signed off by Dahal and Modi in June.

– Megh Ale, president of the Nepal River Conservation Trust, tells The Third Pole: “Imagine what will happen to these rivers if you just think about electricity. In the last two decades, we have dammed almost all our major river systems except Karnali. We should also think about ecology and ecosystems while not undermining the need for electricity. The current madness will be costly.” https://www.thethirdpole.net/en/regional-cooperation/analysis-india-and-nepal-overlooking-environmental-issues-while-signing-hydropower-deals/ (16 August 2023)

Nepal Revisiting water-induced disaster Dipak Gyawali: The kind of “flood” Kathmandu and other cities experience, with streets running full of water as if it were a river, is not because of too much rainfall: indeed, during the most recent flooding one saw in Kapan rainfall was not the extreme of cloudbursts but a normal monsoon event.

– That state of affairs might finally be changing with two maverick non-party mayors – Balen Shah in Kathmandu and Harka Sampang in Dharan. The former has made it his mission to reverse river bank and flood plains encroachment by demolishing structures (illegally and with a lot of land mafia corruption underlying them) built on such lands. The latter has had exemplary success in bringing water to his city with off-beat schemes that never entered into the thinking of central agencies in Kathmandu. https://www.spotlightnepal.com/2023/08/16/revisiting-water-induced-disasters/ (16 August 2023)

Task force for relaxing provisions on optimisation of hydro generation capacity The NEA board on February 9 2023 had formed the task force to recommend ways to sign power purchase agreement (PPA) with developers of projects having optimised generation capacity. A report recently prepared by the task force states that the door should be opened for operating power plants in their optimum capacity. “For this, the current provision of Q40 criteria of Probability of Exceedance (PoE) needs to be revised,” it says.

While designing projects in Q40, projects should be able to supply power in full capacity for at least 4.8 months. However, as they have to operate the plants for a longer period, the capacity of projects would need to be lowered, eyeing the hydrological capacity of such projects during the dry season when water level in the river remains low. When the percentage of PoE is reduced, the project’s capacity can be optimised, according to the report. For example, a 100MW project with Q40 criteria can be optimised to 185MW by adopting Q25 criteria, the report said. https://kathmandupost.com/national/2023/08/16/task-force-for-relaxing-provisions-on-optimisation-of-hydro-generation-capacity (16 August 2023)

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

Also see: DRP News Bulletin 14 Aug. 2023 & DRP News Bulletin 07 Aug. 2023

One thought on “DRP NB 210823: Welcome Himachal action against Dam safety violations”

sujata says:

August 21, 2023 at 8:15 pm

Himbus blogger Avinash Thakur claimed in his yesterday’s blog (from Haripurdhar to Nahan) that a dam is likely to come up on Giri river dissecting Renuka and Nahan.

Jai Bharat TV has shown yesterday that the newly constructed Char Dham Highway has started caving in in many places along the routes to char dham. Authorities have not stopped vehicle movement along the routes but it’s in a precarious situation ie accident may happen anytime soon. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuF2DhKE6sc

When rivers were not dammed in such a vast number, monsoon rains happened and the swollen rivers used to carry sediments from the hills to the plains which make the agricultural fields fertile. Now these rivers are stopped by frequent ie almost one dam at every 10-20 kms stretch and those sediments fill the reservoirs making the dam itself unsustainable. Besides endangering the ecology and environment, these man-made structures bring immense loss or dangers to human lives and properties in billions. But our successive governments have not changed their perspective along new ways of mitigating power demands. A country such as India gets almost 10 months of extreme sunlight in most of its states (except hill states where it rains for 8/9 months). Even Ladakh and Spiti valley in Himachal Pradesh receive scorching sunlight in summer months, so much that glaciers all along the ranges melt so rapidly. Wind turbines can also add in power generation along our coast lines. All countries are eyeing on reducing negative impacts on environment in whichever better policies they have while India is pressurising more on hydropower. This only indicates that there’s something more that meets the eye. Both Uttarakhand and Himachal are currently reeling under huge damage while centre has approved more dams in Arunachal which is another vulnerable area with a biological hotspot according to IUCN. Sometimes, it seems that these regions won’t survive another 20-30 years if foolish rush of hydropower and highway constructions are not stopped. We people are not only responsible for electing governments but it’s our right to know if our elected administrations are working in peoples’ ie our favour (which isn’t visible for last 9+ years). Therefore, along with CWC’s dam safety vigilance, government has to choose people from scientific community, young science graduates who are ready to serve for their future, guided by scientists like Dr. S P Sati, Dr. D P Doval, Dr. Navin Juyal and lot more. These stories of recurrent losses due to flash floods, landslides etc don’t occur in “World’s 3rd largest economy” or a “5 trillion economy” to be honest.

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DRP NB 210823: Welcome Himachal action against Dam safety violations

HYDRO POWER PROJECTS

DAMS

INTERLINKING OF RIVERS

INTERSTATE WATER DISPUTES

URBAN RIVERS

RIVERS

RIVERS BIODIVERSITY

FISH, FISHERIES, FISHERFOLKS

SAND MINING

URBAN WATER

JJM/ RURAL WATER SUPPLY

MONSOON 2023

FLOOD 2023

CLOUD BURST

URBAN FLOODS

DISASTERS

LANDSLIDES

DROUGHT

CLIMATE CHANGE

SOUTH ASIA

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One thought on “DRP NB 210823: Welcome Himachal action against Dam safety violations”

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HYDRO POWER PROJECTS

DAMS

INTERLINKING OF RIVERS

INTERSTATE WATER DISPUTES

URBAN RIVERS

RIVERS

RIVERS BIODIVERSITY

FISH, FISHERIES, FISHERFOLKS

SAND MINING

URBAN WATER

JJM/ RURAL WATER SUPPLY

MONSOON 2023

FLOOD 2023

CLOUD BURST

URBAN FLOODS

DISASTERS

LANDSLIDES

DROUGHT

CLIMATE CHANGE

SOUTH ASIA

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