(Feature Image: Construction work of World Bank funded 444Mw Vishugad-Pipaltkoti hydro dam project is going. The Developer have been found dumping muck in massive amount in river and carrying out blasting work evening during monsoon time. Image Source: Social Media)

This is indeed the key message if we are serious about tackling climate change with any sincerity. The adverse impacts of mindless activities in the name of development, are acting as force multipliers for climate change impacts as we are experiencing first hand, latest example being in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.

Particularly when the “development” activities are done without credible project specific and cumulative impact assessment, genuine public consultation process and confidence inspiring monitoring and compliance processes, as is the norm.

The message may sound a bit dis-ingenuous as it comes from GEF that has been indulging in support of all kinds of mainstream activities, but let us take the message seriously, not bothering about where it comes from.

GEF chief calls on countries to defund activities ‘destroying’ nature Imp message for Govts: Defund nature destroying activities. A new global fund for nature conservation alone won’t do much to solve biodiversity crisis, says the CEO of the Global Environment Facility. “The political challenge is not mobilizing resources, it’s something more complicated, [it’s to] stop investing in those activities that destroy nature,” said Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, CEO of GEF. https://www.politico.eu/article/top-environmental-fund-chief-carlos-manuel-rodriguez-calls-countries-stop-destroying-nature/  (22 Aug. 2023)

HYDRO POWER PROJECTS

Invitation to panel discussion highlighting need for flood risk, dam (public) safety, institutional accountability, environmental impact post 2023 disaster in Himachal Pradesh on August 28.  Zoom link https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84125566796?pwd=UGpWRjlvaXRZQ25wMmtYcStycXhUZz09

Uttarakhand  Hydro project’s blasting sparks fear Construction related to the 444 MW Vishnugad-Pipalkoti hydropower plant in Chamoli has raised apprehensions among five families of Haat gram sabha. Villagers fear that blasting work might render the entire area more fragile in the wake of persistent rain. The historical significance of Haat can be traced back to Adi Shankaracharya, who is believed to have established the Laxmi Narayan temple here over a millennium ago.

– “The continuous rain has already adversely affected our farms and cowsheds, yet there’s no sign of blasting being stopped. It occurred on August 14 and August 16. Even now, internal blasting is ongoing. This is making the entire landscape more fragile,” said Bhavani Devi, a resident of Harsari Tok, Haat gram sabha.

– THDC officials agreed that blasting is going on, claiming, “blasting is essential to the hydropower project”. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/hydro-projects-blasting-sparks-fear-amid-heavy-rain/articleshow/102999456.cms  (24 August 2023)

Video report on how in open violation of norms THDC and HCC have been dumping muck generated from Barrage site of under construction Vishnugad Pipalkoti hydro power project into Alaknanda river. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOnphjxL6A4  (24 August 2023)

चमोली का एक गांव दुर्गापुर भी दरक रहा है. इस गांव के नज़दीक 444 मेगावॉट की विष्णुगाड़-पीपलकोटी परियोजना के लिये सुरंग खोदी जा रही है. यहां के अधिकतर घरों में भी दरारें दिखीं. गांव की अधिकतर आबादी अनुसूचित समुदाय की है और उन्हें बार-बार विस्थापित होना पड़ रहा है. दुर्गापुर की सुलोचना देवी के घर में दरारें बढ़ रही हैं. वह कहती हैं, “सुरंग के लिये यहां दिन में दो से तीन बार ब्लास्टिंग होती है और तब घर हिलते हैं. हमें 2013 की आपदा के बाद यहां आना पड़ा. अब फिर से विस्थापित होकर हम कहां जायेंगे?” https://hindi.newslaundry.com/2023/01/23/uttarakhand-joshimath-tehri-dam-crisis-houses-ntpc-project  (23 Jan. 2023)

Details of installation of the tunnel boring machine for the 444 MW Vishnugad Pipalkoti hydropower project. https://tunnellingjournal.com/tbm-launches-vishnugad-pipalkoti-hydropower-project/  (25 Aug. 2023)

Sikkim Protests against Teesta IV project in Sikkim on Aug 27 2023:

Himachal Pradesh Govt goes ahead with reduced rate water cess The govt is going ahead with its proposed water cess on hydel power projects despite the Centre’s objections, but it will be “one-fifth of the original tax”, we have learnt. “Earlier we were expecting Rs 4,000 crore revenue, but now, it will go down. But we have lowered the tariff so that it does not impact the stakeholders much,” industries minister Harshwardhan Chauhan told reporters after a cabinet meeting Tuesday, where the decision was taken. This, according to an official, means that the tariff is “one-fifth of the tax proposed earlier”.

– According to the official, the government now proposes a cess of 2 paise/cubic metre for head (height difference between where water enters into the hydro system and where it leaves) of up to 30 m; 5 paise/cubic metre up to 30-60 m; 7 paise/cubic metre up to 60-90 m; and 10 paise/cubic metre above 90 m. In comparison, the law passed in March lays down a cess of 10 paise/cubic metre up to 30 m; 25 paise per cubic meter for 30-60 m; 35 paise per cubic metre for 60-90 m, and 50 paise per cubic meter for above 90 m. The new cess, according to officials, is similar to Uttarakhand’s water tariff, fixed through a notification on 15 November, 2015.  https://theprint.in/india/governance/himachal-govt-goes-ahead-with-controversial-water-cess-but-brings-it-down-to-1-5th-of-original-tax/1730688/  (25 Aug. 2023)

Arunachal Pradesh NHPC Limited has signed an MoU with RITES, a Central Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Railways, for construction of railway siding at Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh, for NHPC’s 2,880 MW Dibang Multi Purpose Project. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1950887  (21 August 2023)

Andhra Pradesh NHPC Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corp Limited on Aug 23, 2023 for implementation of Pumped Hydro Storage Projects. In the first phase, the MoU envisages implementation of two identified Pumped Hydro Storage Projects of total capacity 1,950 MW. These projects are Kamlapadu (950 MW) and Yaganti (1,000 MW). The projects will be implemented under Joint Venture mode. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1951760  (24 Aug. 2023)

MoEF Minutes of EAC on River Valley Projects held on Aug 11 2023:

1. Musakhand Pumped Storage Project (600 MW) by ACME CLEANTECH SOLUTIONS Pvt Ltd at CHANDAULI, UTTAR PRADESH for TOR: Approved

2. Saidongar-2 Pumped Storage Project (1200 MW) by TORRENT POWER Ltd at RAIGAD,MAHARASHTRA for TOR: Approved

3. Pindval Pumped Storage Project (1000 MW) by TORRENT POWER Ltd at VALSAD,GUJARAT: Approved

4. Saidongar-1 Pumped Storage Project (3000 MW) by TORRENT POWER Ltd at RAIGAD, MAHARASHTRA for TOR: Approved

5. Shirawta Off Stream Open Loop Pumped Storage Project (1800 MW) by The Tata Power Co. Ltd at PUNE, MAH for TOR: Approved

6. Ramial Left Bank Pumped Storage Project (1500 MW) by RENEW SOLAR POWER Pvt Ltd at KENDUJHAR, ODISHA for TOR: Deferred: “The EAC during deliberation observed that the alternative site study is focused on power generation perspective, no environmental consideration has been taken in to account. The PP should revisit the proposed alternatives in terms of loss of forest land, impact on ecosystem services and scope for restoration of natural environment.”

7. Bhivpuri Off-Stream Open Loop Pumped Storage Project (1000 MW) by Tata Power Co. Ltd at RAIGAD, MAH for TOR: Approved

8. Tokarpada Pumped Storage Project by TORRENT POWER Ltd at VALSAD, GUJARAT for TOR: Approved

9. Raiwada Pumped Storage Project by ADANI GREEN ENERGY Ltd at ANAKAPALLI,ANDHRA PRADESH for TOR: PP absent https://parivesh.nic.in/utildoc/8715825_1692967635524.pdf 

Agenda of EAC on River Valley Projects to meet on Aug 31 2023:

1. Kadopada Pumped Storage Project (750 MW) in 325 ha at Village Guradikhol & Kadopada, Dist Deogarh, Odisha by Jindal Renewable Power Pvt Ltd – Terms of References

2. Tainsar Pumped Storage Project (675 MW) in 281 ha at Village Gailo & Kailash, District Deogarh, Odisha by Jindal Renewable Power Pvt Ltd – Terms of References

3. Expansion of Tembhu Lift Irrigation Project in 2284.601 ha at Village Tembhu, Dist Satara, Sangli & Solapur, Mah by Dept of Irrigation – Terms of References

4. Emra-II Hydro Electric Project (315 MW) in 236 ha at District Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh by Athena Emra Power Pvt Ltd – Terms of References https://parivesh.nic.in/utildoc/8241138_1692796416166.pdf

DAMS

Mekedatu Dam Mr. Shivakumar told presspersons here that the necessity of the construction of the Mekedatu balancing reservoir was informed to the Supreme Court which is hearing the water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. There would not be a dispute on water sharing with Tamil Nadu if the Mekedatu project was constructed. More than 400 tmcft of water reached the sea as waste last year, he said. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/mekedatu-dam-is-only-solution-for-cauvery-water-row-dk-shivakumar/article67234829.ece  (25 Aug. 2023)

INTERSTATE WATER DISPUTES

Cauvery Water Disputes Expert calls on tribunal to address key factors Environmental activist and water expert Himanshu Thakkar from South Asia Network on Dams, River and People (SANDRP), told News Trail that the tribunal should address key factors, which also include the definition of ‘distress formula’ to end the ongoing dispute. “There is no definition of distress formula and about sharing water during bad monsoons. The lack of guidance from the tribunal when the monsoon is deficit adds to the dispute as it has only laid down guidelines for normal years”, he said. Further, Thakkar also added that exploiting the groundwater will have an impact on water sharing and the tribunal needs to address how the water catchment is to be managed. https://newstrailindia.com/inner.php?id=15641  (23 August 2023)

Eexperts call for “distress formula” for rain-deficit years According to Himanshu Thakkar from SANDRP there needs to be a roadmap for all rivers in the country for all seasons, not only during drought or monsoon. “So far as Cauvery is concerned, there should be a proper ‘distress formula’ for the times when there is a bad monsoon. The tribunal has laid down the principle for normal years but there is no guidance for years when monsoon is deficit,” explains Thakkar. The environmentalist says that the definition of a ‘distress year’ should also be clearly specified. “What is the definition of a ‘distress year’? There are two issues, one when the monsoon is less and two when the inflow in the river is less. The duration of the ‘distress period’ should also be clearly specified,” he adds. Thakkar says Karnataka and Tamil Nadu continue to be engaged in “unsustainable water intensive cropping pattern” which must change if the aim is to finalise some lasting solution to the problem, especially in mind the climate change. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/cauvery-dispute-supreme-court-constitutes-bench-to-hear-water-sharing-dispute-experts-call-for-distress-formula-for-rain-deficit-years-536941  (21 August 2023)

SC defers decision; asks TN, Karnataka to await CWMA report The Supreme Court on Friday (Aug. 25) indicated its disinclination to decide on how much Cauvery river water from Karnataka should be released to Tamil Nadu, without first examining the report of the designated expert body. A three-judge bench of Justices BR Gavai, PS Narasimha and Prashant Kumar Mishra said it would await the report of the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), which would also indicate whether Tamil Nadu’s share over the river water should be increased or reduced. The report is slated to be submitted by September 1, when the matter is next listed.  https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/supreme-court-defers-decision-cauvery-river-dispute-case-asks-tn-karnataka-await-cwma-report  (25 August 2023)

The Supreme Court, on Monday, August 21, agreed to list a plea filed by the Tamil Nadu government demanding the release of its allotment of Cauvery river water from Karnataka for the month of August. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud said that the bench would be constituted as soon as possible.  https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/sc-set-bench-hear-cauvery-dispute-181344  (22 August 2023)

RIVERS AS NATIONAL WATERWAYS

Odisha Centre planning a Rs 12K cr inland waterway on  Brahmani Centre is gearing up for a significant infrastructure initiative — a Rs 12,000 crore inland waterway project on Odisha’s Brahmani river. According to an ET report, the primary objective of this project is to facilitate the transportation of goods from four key industrial clusters to the ports of Paradip and Dhamra. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/why-centre-is-planning-a-rs-12000-crore-inland-waterway-on-odishas-brahmani-river/articleshow/102931406.cms  (22 August 2023)

URBAN RIVERS

Ahmedabad HC seeks concrete action plan for zero waste discharge in Sabarmati A division bench of the Gujarat High Court has directed the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB), and Ahmedabad MEGA Clean Association to submit before the court their vision, planning, decisions, and concrete actions that the bodies plan to undertake to ensure zero wastewater discharge into the Sabarmati River. The development comes as the court noted that the earlier directions issued by the HC for curbing pollution and discharge of wastewater in the river have not been followed. The order was issued by the bench of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Vaibhavi Nanavati dated August 18. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/gujarat-hc-seeks-concrete-action-plan-for-zero-waste-discharge-in-sabarmati-river-8906376/  (24 August 2023)

Ludhiana Untreated effluents major source of water pollution in city Ludhiana generates a total of 761 MLD of effluent, with domestic effluent contributing 612 MLD, industrial effluent 137 MLD, and dairy effluent 12 MLD. However, the operational capacity of the STPs installed by the Municipal Corporation (MC) is only 418 MLD, resulting in a significant gap of 194 MLD of untreated effluent. This untreated effluent is discharged directly into Budha Nullah, a water channel, through multiple outlets maintained by the MC.

-It is worth noting that the government prepared an action plan for clean river Sutlej in January 2019, which required the MC Ludhiana to install a CETP with a capacity of 5 MLD for Tajpur Dairy Complex and a CETP with a capacity of 10 MLD for Haibowal Dairy Complex by December 2020. However, no action has been taken by the MC, resulting in continued pollution of water bodies by untreated wastewater from domestic and dairy complexes, severely affecting the entire city’s population. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/ludhiana/untreated-domestic-dairy-effluents-major-source-of-water-pollution-in-city-514672  (6 June 2023)

RIVERS

Report Highways vs rivers Venkatesh Dutta The adverse effects of Highways on freshwater systems should be taken into account at the time of planning and design. Not doing so has negative consequences that cannot be reversed. Recently, I travelled to Lakhimpur Kheri to survey the wetlands that serve as the origin of the 760-km Sai river — a tributary of the Gomti. The source wetland is called Panai Jhabar. I was disappointed to see the whole wetland fragmented into parts due to the construction of the highway that connects Shahjahanpur and Lakhimpur. Consequently, the wetland has significantly diminished in size, primarily due to the loss of crucial watersheds that used to feed the Sai.

Similarly, in Lucknow, Kisan Path — a circular road circumferencing the entire district — is being made. Our researchers were trying to restore the 28-km Kukrail river in Lucknow. It is a very important drainage system of the city. Now the problem is how to connect the upper reaches with the lower stretch of the river as the carriageway width of Kisan Path has blocked the drainage near the origin of the river. The natural flow of water has been intercepted by the road. As a result, upstream villages are at a higher risk of flooding during the rainy season, while downstream portions of the river may dry up as the flow gets cut off. https://civilsocietyonline.com/column/living-rivers/highways-vs-rivers/  (August 2023)

Yettinahole Project DKS sets 100-day deadline to finish Ph-1 Deputy CM and Water Resources Minister DK Shivakumar here on Tuesday (Aug. 22) set a 100-day deadline for contractors to complete the first phase of the project. Engineers have been strictly told to lift the water on a trial basis by December, he added. He is planning to hold a review meeting every month to monitor the project https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2023/aug/23/dks-sets-100-day-deadline-to-finish-ph-1-of-yettinahole-project-2607903.html  (23 August 2023)

GANGA Uttar Pradesh 3 decades of judicial efforts fail to solve pollution problem 17 years after the Allahabad High Court took up the matter of cleaning up the Ganga, a new question was posed before it: does the case even come under its jurisdiction? In a 22 February order this year, the HC noted that the Uttar Pradesh government had argued that the matter should be heard by the NGT instead.

-To make this submission, the state government relied on a 2012 Supreme Court judgment, which directed that all environment-related cases filed after the enactment of the National Green Tribunal Act 2010 should be transferred to the NGT. The SC had noted that this would help avoid conflicting orders from the NGT and high courts.

-As for environment-related cases that were filed prior to the NGT Act, the Supreme Court in 2012 only had a word of “caution for consideration of the courts”. It said that  “the courts may be well advised to direct transfer of such cases to the NGT in its discretion, as it will be in the fitness of administration of justice”. https://theprint.in/india/allahabad-hc-to-sc-to-ngt-judicial-efforts-to-clean-ganga-span-3-decades-but-road-ahead-unclear/1664708/  (12 July 2023)

YAMUNA Uttar Pradesh Define Hindon, Yamuna Floodplain: NGT -Referring to the plea filed by Manoj Singh, the NGT ordered the Gautam Budh Nagar district administration and Noida authority to clearly demarcate the floodplain areas of Yamuna and Hindon and produce a report before the tribunal within two months. The NGT has set November 2, 2023, as the next date of hearing. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/noida-news/ngt-directs-gautam-budh-nagar-district-and-noida-authority-to-define-floodplains-of-yamuna-and-hindon-rivers-101692899812863.html  (24 Aug. 2023)

‘Yamuna, Kali, Hindon causing cancer in over 100 villages’: MP Rajya Sabha MP Vijay Pal Singh Tomar has raised concerns in Parliament regarding the rising toxicity in Kali, Yamuna, and Hindon rivers. Tomar alleged that the rivers have become a “source of cancer” in over 100 villages located along these water bodies, Times of India reported. https://www.livemint.com/news/india/yamuna-kali-and-hindon-rivers-causing-cancer-in-100-villages-says-rajya-sabha-mp-11691220924225.html  (5 August 2023)

Agra Conserve precious rainwater in tributaries of Yamuna, demand river activists https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=1113543   (25 Aug. 2023)

Mathura Yamuna river floods India’s holy cities of Mathura, Vrindavan. https://www.reuters.com/world/india/yamuna-river-floods-indias-holy-cities-mathura-vrindavan-after-heavy-rainfall-2023-07-19/  (20 July 2023)

Baghpat Underwater gas pipeline bursts A video showing the water of the Yamuna River gushing out in Baghpat is going viral on social media. The incident took place because an underwater pipeline of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) burst, which caused the sudden eruption in the river. IOC officials acknowledged the leakage, saying it occurred in the Dari-Panipat Natural Gas Pipeline, which was promptly detected and plugged. Official said that the leakage was spotted in Jagos village in Baghpat district and took place because of a failure in the pipeline. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/viral-video-underwater-gas-pipeline-bursts-yamuna-water-gushes-up-in-up-town-4240933  (26 July 2023)

Delhi 14 June 2023 & 13 July 2023 Satellite image showing flood inundation along Yamuna River & standing water in part of Delhi. https://reliefweb.int/map/india/satellite-image-showing-flood-inundation-along-yamuna-river-standing-water-part-delhi-map-idp2023fldl12-vap13-07-2023    (15 July 2023)

A video examining the reasons behind the Yamuna flooding around Delhi. https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/watch-understanding-the-factors-behind-yamunas-devastating-floods/article67157765.ece  (04 Aug. 2023)

Supplies of drinking water in New Delhi will fall by a quarter on Thursday and Friday because three treatment plants have been flooded, the city government said, as the Yamuna river overflows after incessant rain. The river that flows through the city of 20 million residents is at its highest level in 45 years after unusually heavy downpours in neighbouring states like Haryana to the north.  https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/7/13/indias-capital-faces-drinking-water-shortage-after-pumps-flooded  (13 July 2023)

Uttarakhand चकराता के कनासर रेंज में पेड़ों के अवैध काटन के मामले मेंं वन विभाग ने आरोपियों के नाम का खुलासा किया है। वन विभाग की ओर से जारी वन अपराध पत्र में प्रधानाचार्य, प्रधान और सहायक विकास अधिकारी समेत 17 लोगों को 21 मुकदमों में आरोपी बनाया गया है। इनमें से कुछ लोगों के खिलाफ दो-दो जुर्म काटे गए हैं। मामले की जांच सहायक वन संरक्षण को सौंपी गई है। https://www.amarujala.com/dehradun/uttarakhand-news-21-people-named-in-case-of-illegal-felling-of-trees-in-kanasar-range-of-chakrata-2023-08-27  (27 Aug. 2023)

RIVERS BIODIVERSITY

Uttarakhand Plastic pollution in Ganga; Researchers flag concerns Researchers at Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University have found a new way to detect pollution levels in the Ganga River in Uttarakhand. They claim that microplastics, thermocol and clothing fibres have been found in stomachs of the marine population, which shows that the Ganga is getting polluted unhindered, besides consuming such fish can have a very adverse effect on human health.  https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/aug/26/something-fishy-about-plastic-pollution-in-ganga-researchers-flag-concerns-2608843.html  (26 August 2023)

Report Significance of male gharial’s conservation -The gharial was discovered on the banks of the Budhi Rapti stream, a tributary of the Rapti river that flows through the park. According to Chitwan National Park officials, it was one of only four or five adult males in the Reu, Rapti and Narayani rivers, which are home to about 219 gharials.

A 2019 survey of the Rapti river spotted 99 gharials, but only one was confirmed as an adult male. Gharials were once abundant in the Ganges river and its tributaries that flow through the plains of Nepal and India. Their range is now limited to a handful of rivers and their survival is threatened by fishing, changes in river flow and poaching. https://india.mongabay.com/2023/08/the-endangered-gharials-conservation-crisis-highlighted-after-death-of-a-male-in-nepal/  (21 August 2023)

State of India’s Birds 2023 report Launch of State of India’s Birds 2023 report, 25 August, India International Centre, New Delhi. Please find below a link to a press release and media kit announcing the launch of the second edition of the State of India’s Birds, an assessment based on 30 million field observations from 30,000 birdwatchers and researchers. https://docs.google.com/document/d/14E0jAHzwgFDPElNhAbAMFy1V6S7zumvEUcIGbv62UNQ/edit?pli=1  (25 August 2023)

SAND MINING

NGT From Sept 1, SPCB’s consent mandatory for river sand mining The tribunal on May 30 directed the MoEF&CC to issue guidelines within two months to ensure that the requirement of obtaining these consents is made uniformly applicable to all river bed sand mining projects across the country.

-The order noted: “It is now universally acknowledged that excavation of minor mineral may disturb or change the underlying soil characteristics of the river bed/catchment/basin; may disturb the velocity and flow pattern (discharge) of the river water and may also adversely affect river morphology/ecology, the groundwater regime and habitat of wild fauna in the river bed significantly.” In the case that the court was considering, the project proponent was found to have carried out mining in the river without the requisite consents for five years.

-The tribunal has also pointed to contradictory practices in the state of Uttar Pradesh regarding the enforcement of the regime of environmental norms, including that of obtaining consent from the UPPCB. “On the one hand UPPCB is claiming that there is no mandatory requirement of CTE/CTO from UPPCB for river bed sand mining and on the other hand UPPCB is issuing show cause notices and passing orders for imposition of environmental compensation for not obtaining CTE/CTO from UPPCB,” the order stated. In addition to the violation of environmental norms by the project proponent, the NGT has raised the matter of “serious dereliction of duty” by officers in the Department of Geology and Mining in Uttar Pradesh, and the UPPCB. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/state-pollution-control-boards-consent-mandatory-river-sand-mining-ngt-8668583/  (17 June 2023)

Uttar Pradesh- Haryana NGT forms 2 panels to check illegal mining in Yamuna Taking suo moto cognizance of a letter, the National Green Tribunal has ordered formation of two joint committees to check illegal mining and state of sediments in the Yamuna River in Yamunanagar and Saharanpur districts of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

-The court also observed that the sediments in the river consist of boulders, stones, pebbles, sand, gravel, clay, etc that play an important role in maintaining the hydro-geology of river stream and also the aquatic ecosystem, while also preventing flooding and erosion of the banks and also acting as substrata for biological growth such as aquatic plants on which the fish and other animals depend.

-The court said that there has been rampant mining of these sediments, particularly sand, pebbles and stone for construction and other development activities, that has been going on indiscriminately along the river at various stretches right from the place of origin till it meets the final destination at sea.

-On this, the bench formed another joint committee led by Chairman, CPCB. Other members of this committee include a scientist, senior scientist, a professor each from NIT, Kurukshetra and IIT, Roorkee and a scientist from Space Application Centre, Ahmedabad to study the sediments and suggest erosion control mechanisms, flood control mechanisms and mechanisms for utilisation of environment compensation. The next hearing is scheduled for November 9. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/national-green-tribunal-forms-joint-committees-to-combat-illegal-mining-and-assess-sediments-in-yamuna-river-101691867352474.html  (13 August 2023)

Himachal Pradesh Govt shuts stone crushers near Beas The govt has decided to immediately stop the operations of all stone crushers on both perennial and non-perennial rivulets of the Beas river basin and its tributaries, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Wednesday, Aug 23, 2023. The decision has been taken after considering the alarming transformation of the ecosystem during the current monsoon which saw excessive heavy rainfall and landslides, wreaking havoc downstream in the Beas river basin and its tributaries in Kullu, Mandi Kangra and Hamirpur districts besides Chakki rivulet in district Kangra, an official statement issued here said. It said the decision will ensure the safety of human settlements and infrastructure and preserve the fragile ecology and environment of the state. However, the lease of legal mining has not been cancelled.

– The decision will ensure the safety of human settlements and infrastructure and preserve the fragile ecology and environment of the state. https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/india/story/himachal-pradesh-government-shuts-stone-crushers-along-beas-rivers-2425674-2023-08-23  (23 August 2023)

HC has questioned why the illegal miners are getting with paying fine and earning more than 100 times the fine and not stopping their activities. https://www.bhaskar.com/local/chhattisgarh/bilaspur/news/case-of-illegal-sand-mining-131724521.html (24 August 2023)

CM here agrees that blocking of streams, illegal construction and mining has majorly contributed to the disaster in the state this year. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/harsh-steps-needed-to-curb-construction-activity-says-sukhvinder-singh-sukhu-himachal-pradesh-cm-537852  (24 August 2023)

Jammu & Kashmir Unchecked mining is ruining Kashmir’s rivers. The government is doing little about it In three districts, this report found miners breaking several rules. Worse, the mechanism put in place to check such violations was completely absent. Experts say mechanised riverbed mining damages aquatic life by extracting sand and gravel at the bottom of the river, which are key to the nourishment and breeding of fish. “From the scientific point of view, riverbed mining should be banned,” said Dr Farooz Ahmad Bhat, dean of the faculty of fisheries department, at Sheri Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. “Our research concludes that mining is not feasible for the natural ecosystem of the fish.”

– But it is not just fish that have been affected by the riverbed mining. According to villagers, the extensive riverbed mining has changed the topography of the river, affecting water sources, drying up farmland, sometimes even leading to the death of mining workers.

– Scroll travelled to three districts in southern Kashmir – Kulgam, Shopian and Pulwama – to find multiple violations at mining sites, from extraction beyond limits set by the government, to the use of heavy machinery like excavators, leading to unchecked environmental devastation. More crucially, the mechanism put in place to monitor and check such violations was completely absent. https://scroll.in/article/1054434/unchecked-mining-is-ruining-kashmirs-rivers-the-government-is-doing-little-about-it  (23 August 2023)

Jharkhand A 7 member CBI team has reached Sahibganj following orders of the Jharkhand HC to investigate the Rs 1000 Cr sand mining scam. HC has asked CBI to submit Preliminary report in a month. https://www.bhaskar.com/local/jharkhand/news/cbi-reaches-sahibganj-to-investigate-illegal-mining-the-report-will-be-submitted-within-a-month-131732046.html  (24 August 2023)

Report Impact of mining in tropical rivers -A careful analysis of satellite images has revealed marked changes in the suspended-sediment concentrations of many rivers around the world. The study links these changes directly to river mining activities in the affected areas. https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-02349-3  (23 Aug. 2023)

Sand could be next lithium? -The sand can hold onto the power for weeks or months at a time — a clear advantage over the lithium ion battery, the giant of today’s battery market, which usually can hold energy for only a number of hours.

-So investors are now pouring money into even bigger battery ventures. More than $900 million has been invested in clean storage technologies since 2021, up from $360 million the year before, according to the Long Duration Energy Storage Council, an organization launched after that year’s U.N. climate conference to oversee the world’s decarbonization. The group predicts that by 2040, large-scale, renewable energy storage investments could reach $3 trillion. That includes efforts to turn natural materials into batteries. https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/2023/08/24/natural-battery-storage/ (24 Aug 2023)

WETLANDS, LAKES, WATER BODIES

Kolkata Urbanisation is killing Indian wetlands Every day, 910 million litres of nutrient-rich sewage flow into the wetland, feeding a network of about 250 hyacinth-covered ponds. “Sunlight and the sewage create a massive plankton boom,” said K Balamurugan, chief environment officer for West Bengal state, explaining that the microorganisms in the shallow fish ponds feed rapidly growing carp and tilapia.

Once the fish have had their fill, the water run-off irrigates surrounding rice paddies and the remaining organic waste fertilises vegetable fields. “The sewage of the city is being naturally treated by the wetlands,” Balamurugan said, giving them the nickname the “kidneys of Kolkata”. https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2023/7/18/kidneys-of-kolkata-how-urbanisation-is-killing-indian-wetlands  (18 July 2023)

Goa 50 wetlands identified, 15 of them notified:SWA State Wetland Authority (SWA) has informed the NGT that a total of 50 wetlands have been identified in the state, out of which 15 wetlands have been notified and the process of identification. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/goa/wetlands-identified-notified-goa-wetland-body-ngt-8776336/  (5 July 2023)

WATER OPTIONS

Rajasthan Educator sets up a ‘jal sansad’ in schools The parliament is in session throughout the school year, and as its members, students conduct several activities to ensure conservation of water —including periodic audits to gauge how much water is used by each class; rallies, competitions and campaigns to spread awareness; and maintaining a digital calendar and e-magazine to highlight all the water conservation-related activities. The school’s jal sansad (water parliament), was put in place in mid-2022 by Sheela Asopa, after she took charge as the school’s principal. “We also have a nutrition garden, which gets irrigated by water that directly flows from specific hand-washing points in the school,” says Bano, who is a monitor in the sansad and is responsible for conducting water-conservation activities.

– Shyam Sadan is not the first school in Rajasthan with a jal sansad. Asopa has set up similar initiatives in several schools across Jodhpur. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/water/this-educator-in-rajasthan-has-set-up-a-jal-sansad-in-schools-to-helps-students-harvest-conserve-water-91038  (21 August 2023)

Karnataka Set back to success -Since then, the Maralappanahalli community has implemented several Soil and Moisture Conservation (SMC) activities to restore and regenerate their common lands. The Samiti worked tirelessly to inform the community about using MGNREGS for Natural Resource Management (NRM) and for additional incomes.

-So far, the community has implemented the revetment of the feeder channel and drainage, created a cattle pond, and periodically planted native species, all of which have improved water recharge and surface water availability. Around 25 households undertake MGNREGS work, for 70 days on an average. Tank desilting is periodically undertaken and 40 households across the 3 villages have benefited from applying the tank silt on their farmlands. https://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/journeying-setbacks-successes-one-step-time  (23 Aug. 2023)

West Africa In Senegal, SRI helps farmers grow more with less To fight food insecurity and climate change, Senegal is increasingly employing “system of rice intensification” (SRI). Developed in Madagascar in the 1960s, this method of growing rice intentionally stresses the plants, which allows the farmer to use less water, improves soil fertility, decreases methane emissions, and, most importantly, increases yields. Critics of the method say it’s more a list of principles than set rules, with some farmers also turning to herbicides to deal with weeding. https://news.mongabay.com/2023/05/in-senegal-rice-intensification-helps-farmers-grow-more-with-less/ (30 May 2023)

GROUNDWATER

MoJS Groundwater dominates India’s minor Irrigation landscape A staggering 94.8% of India’s minor irrigation (MI) schemes, out of a total of 23.14 million, rely on groundwater (GW), while the remaining 5.2% are surface water (SW) schemes, according to the latest census data released by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. https://www.livemint.com/news/india/groundwater-dominates-indias-minor-irrigation-landscape-with-94-8-share-report-11693051474575.html  (26 Aug. 2023)

Haryana NGT asks govt to check use of groundwater for construction The state has been asked to form a special panel to inspect the use of groundwater allegedly extracted from borewells at some construction sites, including those in some new sectors in the city. An order by NGT chairperson Sheo Kumar Singh, judicial magistrate Arun Kumar Tyagi, and expert member A Senthil Vel said, “We deem it just to ask call a report on the matter from a joint committee that comprises the Gurugram district administration, a representative of the state pollution control board and a representative of the central groundwater authority”.  The committee has been directed to visit the place and submit an action taken report within four weeks. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/ngt-asks-haryana-govt-to-check-use-of-groundwater-for-construction-530540  (31 July 2023)

URBAN WATER

New Book Shades of Blue A new book to be published in Sept 2023, on traditional water systems in a number of cities including Bangalore, Chennai, Lakshadweep. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/sandras-were-water-bodies-book-recalls-2660108  (25 August 2023)

IWP Major challenges facing urban drinking water supply Effective governance is crucial for addressing the water sector challenges and ensuring sustainable water management writes Amita Bhaduri https://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/what-are-major-challenges-facing-urban-drinking-water-supply-india   (25 Aug. 2023)

Bengaluru KC valley project STPs are breaching regulatory limits. Paani team visited BWSSB’s Doddabele and Vrishabhavathi Valley STPs (They are not part of the KC valley project) as we had requested to inspect flow and treated wastewater quality records under Right to Information. During informal discussion with the BWSSB engineers we learnt that the sim cards of the online sensors were not recharged regularly. Thus the sensors were not transmitting data online. Besides, we also learnt BWSSB had let AxisNano’s contract expire. AxisNano is the third party that maintains the whole setup. The contract expired a few months ago, and BWSSB is yet to renew it. This, to us citizens, is unacceptable. Online portal is the only avenue for citizens to know what is happening with the treatment plants. Without that, we are in the dark. Furthermore, our analysis also found that (based only on the online reported data) treated wastewater quality breached limits numerous times.   https://paani.earth/regions/bengaluru_homepage/koramangala-challaghatta-watershed-homepage/kc-valley-project-homepage/wastewater-quality/  (23 August 2023)

Sewage continues to enter TN as agencies throw caution to wind Last year, the NGT disposed of a suo motu case over frothing in River Thenpennai, after giving directions to the Karnataka chief secretary, the Central and state pollution control boards (CPCB and KSPCB). However, Bengaluru continues to send about 140 million litres of polluted water every day as the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) and the other authorities have failed to treat sewage generated by the city. The water is polluted with sewage and industrial effluents.

-The Koramangala-Challaghatta and Hebbal-Nagavara valleys contribute to the pollution of water that flows into the Palar and Dakshina Pinakini river basins. In its progress report submitted to NGT, CPCB flagged non-cooperation from the state government as a major concern. “The BDA, BBMP, lake department and minor irrigation department neither attended meetings nor responded,” the report said. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bluru-sewage-continues-to-enter-tn-as-agencies-throw-caution-to-wind-2654356  (22 August 2023)

Chennai IT corridor choked as tanker lorries line up to tap groundwater illegally NGT and the Madras High Court had passed several structures against the illegal extraction of groundwater but there had been no let up with tankers pumping out lakhs of litres of water from borewells everyday, which could seriously impact the groundwater situation. Hoses that extend to several hundred metres are being used by the tankers to draw the water.   https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/chennai-it-corridor-choked-tanker-lorries-line-tap-groundwater-illegally-181335  (21 August 2023)

Panchkula DC Aashika Jain on Thursday (Aug. 24) held a meeting National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and district officials regarding the traffic chaos in various parts of the district. Dera Bassi sub-divisional magistrate Himanshu Gupta apprised the DC that five notices have been issued to housing societies and projects for causing traffic hinderance by allegedly draining out the water on the main road after getting complaints from NHAI. The DC also issued directions to the sub-divisional magistrates concerned to take strict action against such developers. Jain asked NHAI authorities to streamline the traffic on Zirakpur national highway and install permanent pumps at the spots such as Palm resorts/MCD to drain out rain water. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/deputy-commissioner-takes-action-against-traffic-chaos-in-district-urges-nhai-to-streamline-highways-101692951187778.html  (25 Aug. 2023)

WATER POLLUTION

Tamil Nadu Effluents from NLC contaminate air, soil, water in villages A new study has found that the soil, water, and air in the villages around the Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) in Cuddalore, are seriously contaminated. The pollution has also caused residents of adjacent villages to suffer from health conditions like skin, kidney, and respiratory diseases, the study noted. It recommended that the Union government formulate a plan to gradually decommission the mines and power plants in Neyveli.

-The study on the environmental impacts of operating the NLC was conducted jointly by Poovulagin Nanbargal, an environmental group based in Chennai, and Manthan Adhyayan Kendra, a research institute that analyses and monitors water and energy issues. https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/effluents-nlc-contaminate-air-soil-water-villages-around-neyveli-report-181462  (24 August 2023)

NGT takes suo motu cognisance of NLC‘water pollution’ NGT on Thursday (Aug. 10) took suo motu cognisance of the alleged ground and surface water pollution caused by NLC India Ltd (NLCIL), formerly known as Neyveli Lignite Corporation. The case was registered based on the report published by TNIE titled ‘Huge Pollution risk in 8 km around NLCIL’ on August 9. Several villages surrounding NLC have reported severe ground and surface water contamination. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2023/aug/11/ngt-takes-suo-motu-cognisance-of-nlcil-water-pollution-2604097.html  (11 August 2023)

JJM/ RURAL WATER SUPPLY

Haryana CAG report on pollution in drinking water The CAG noted that during 2016-21, 2,901 cases of water-borne diseases and 14 deaths were reported, as per information furnished by Health Department. In four out of eight selected districts (Fatehabad, Karnal, Kurukshetra and Panchkula), 1,382 cases of water-borne diseases and 12 death cases against these cases were noticed during 2016-21. There was no facility of physical and chemical testing at Kalka, Assandh, Indri and Hansi Sub-Divisional Water Testing laboratories. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/frogs-algae-coliform-in-drinking-water-supply-in-haryana-cag-538457  (26 Aug. 2023)

MONSOON 2023

IMD High Rainfall districts for 24 hrs ending at 0830 hrs on Aug 28, 2023: 50-100 mm: Lohit, Lower Dibang Valley, Papum Pare, Upper Siang, Uooer Subansiri (Arunachal), Baksa, Karimganj, Udalgiri (Assam), E Garo Hills, E Khasi Hills, SW Khasi Hills (Meghalaya), Jalpaiguri (WB) [12]

150-200 mm: Barpets, Nalbari (Assam), E Jaintia Hills (Meghalaya) [3]

High Rainfall districts for 24 hrs ending at 0830 hrs on Aug 27, 2023: 50-100 mm: Papum Pare (Arunachal), Baksa, Barpeta, Goalpara, Lakhimpur (Assam), E Garo Hills, E Jaintia Hills, W Garo Hill, W Khasi Hills (Meghalaya), Dhalai, Gomati, S Tripura, Unakoti (Tripura), Arariya, Paschim Champaran (Bihar) [15]

100-150 mm: Upper Subansiri (Arunachal) [1]

150-200 mm: SW Khasi Hills (Meghalaya) [1]

200-250 mm: E Khasi Hills (Meghalaya) [1]

Aug 26, 2023: 50-100 mm: Udalgiri (Assam), S Garo Hills, SW Garo Hills (Meghalaya), Mokokchung (Nagaland), Serchhip (Mizoram), Mursidabad (WB), Paschim Champaran, Purbi Champaran, Purnia, Saran, Seohar, Sitamarhi, Siwan, Vaishali (Bihar), Balarampur (E UP), N Goa (Goa), Sindhudurg (Konkan) [17]

Aug 25, 2023: 50-100 mm: Lower Dibang Valley (Arunachal Pradesh), E Garo Hills (Meghalaya), Thoubal (Manipur), E Sikkim, W Sikkim (Sikkim), Arariya, Madhepura, Purnia, Supaul (Bihar), Ayodhya Bahraich, Barabanki, Gonda, Gorakhpur (E UP), Kathua (J&K) [15]

100-150 mm: Upper Siang (Arunachal Pradesh), S Garo Hills (Meghalaya), S Sikkim (Sikkim), Darjeeling (WB) [4]

Aug 24, 2023: 50-100 mm: N & Middle Andaman (UT), Upper Subansiri (Arunachal Pradesh), Kokrajhar (Assam), SW Khasi Hills (Meghaya), Haora (WB), Lohardaga (Jharkhand), Chitrakoot, Farrukhabad, Hardoi (E UP), Amroha, Badaun, Firozabad, Hathras, Kasganj, Mainpuri, Muzafarnagar, Sambhal (W UP), Mandi, Sirmaur (HP) [19]

100-150 mm: Etah (W UP) [1]

Aug 23, 2023: 50-100 mm: Dhemaji, Udalgiri (Assam), E Garo Hills (Meghalaya), Jalpaiguri, Malda (WB), Kishanganj (Bihar), Ayodhya, Bahraich, Barabanki, Basti, Fatehpur, Hardoi, Kannauj, Kanpur, Kheri, Sitapur (E UP), Badaun, Barreili, Bijnor, Firozabad, Hathras, Kasganj, Lalitpur, Muradabad, Muzafarnagar, Rampur, Shahjahanpur (W UP), Bageshwar, Udahmsinghnagar (UKD), Ambala, Nuh (Haryana), Chandigarh (UT), Hamirpur, Kangra, Una (HP), Kathua (J&K), Bharatpur, Dausa, Dholpur, Karauli (E Raj), Sheopur, Shivpuri (W MP), Karaikal (Puducherry) [43]

100-150 mm: Baksa, Barpeta, Nalbari (Assam), Etah, Sambhal (W UP), Mandi, Solan (HP) [6]

150-200 mm: Bilaspur (HP) [1]

Aug 22, 2023: 50-100 mm: Lower Dibang Valley, Papum-Pare, Upper Siang (Arunachal Pradesh), Dhemaji, Jorhat, Lakhimpur, Sibsagar (Assam), Mamit (Mizoram), Madhepura, Purnia (Bihar), Ballia (E UP), Udham Singh Nagar (UKD), Pathankot (Punjab) [13]

100-150 mm: Kathua, Riasi (J&K) [2]

Source: IMD’s daily district wise rainfall page.

Report It’s clear that El Niño is now emerging as a major economic as well as political risk in India, ahead of national elections scheduled in April-May 2024. https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/why-el-nino-is-now-indias-no-1-economic-and-political-risk-8912237/  (28 Aug. 2023)

How abnormal is the rainfall in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand this year? https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/how-abnormal-is-the-rainfall-in-himachal-pradesh-and-uttarakhand-this-year-101692903261504.html  (25 Aug. 2023)

देहरादून  मौसम विज्ञान केंद्र के अनुसार 1 अगस्त से लेकर 25 अगस्त तक ऋषिकेश में 1901 मिलीमीटर बारिश हुई। देहरादून में मौसम केंद्र के निदेशक बिक्रम सिंह ने बताया कि अगस्त महीने की दो तारीखों- 10 और 13 को 400 मिलीमीटर से अधिक बरसात हुई। यह उत्तराखंड के किसी भी अन्य जगह से अधिक है। इसके बाद दूसरे नंबर पर बागेश्वर जिले का सामा रहा, जहां 1273 मिमी बारिश रिकॉर्ड हुई। वहीं 1227 मिमी बारिश के साथ ही टिहरी गढ़वाल में नरेंद्र नगर तीसरे स्थान पर रहा।

वहीं बात अगर चेरापूंजी और मौसिनराम की करें तो यहां इस महीने में अभी तक क्रमश: 1876 और 1464 मिमी बारिश दर्ज हुई। दोनों ही जगहें ऋषिकेश से पीछे ही रहीं। गौरतलब है कि मेघालय में इस मॉनसून सत्र में कम बारिश हुई है। यहां बारिश में 12 प्रतिशत की गिरावट दर्ज की गई। हालांकि यहां बात एक महीने की हो रही है। वैसे सभी सीजन में मिलाकर मेघालय के दोनों जगहों पर सबसे अधिक बारिश होती है। https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/uttarakhand/haridwar-rishikesh/rishikesh-wettest-place-in-august-surpassed-meghalayas-mawsynram-and-cherrapunji-with-1901-mm-till-date/articleshow/103089846.cms  (26 Aug. 2023)

FLOOD 2023

SANDRP Blog No dispute about role of Pong and Bhakra dams in Punjab Aug 2023 floods There is no dispute that the Punjab floods this month has happened due to sudden, massive and untimely release of waters from Bhakra and Pong dams. This article shows that there was sufficient information and reason for BBMB to start water releases from Aug 9 if not earlier, which could have reduced the flood disaster proportions significantly. It is good that Himachal Pradesh has held BBMB guilty of violations by these dams among others, but a lot more needs to be done. Plz Read, Share. https://sandrp.in/2023/08/21/no-dispute-about-role-of-pong-and-bhakra-dams-in-punjab-aug-2023-floods/  (21 Aug. 2023)

BBMB DAMS FLOOD Himachal govt to seek damages from erring power producers Sources admitted that holding these hydropower projects, which have huge reservoirs, accountable for violation of the Dam Safety Act and showing sheer callousness towards the safety of people living downstream could invite strong legal action from the government. “We have sought legal opinion to seek damages from the power projects that had caused damage to property worth crores of rupees by releasing water, besides violating the Dam Safety Act,” said a senior government official.

Pong Dam: -Information not given: Information about inflow, outflow and gate operation between July 7 and 12 sought but compliance still awaited.

-Gaps: The early warning system not up to the mark. No inundation mapping and dam break analysis.

Pandoh Dam: -Data not provided: -The state government had requested the dam authorities to provide the inflow, outflow and gate operation data between July 7 and 12 but no compliance so far. This indifference invites action in line with the provisions of the Dam Safety Act for not sharing information.

Gaps: -The early warning system not up to the mark. Inundation mapping not updated. Danger level only partially marked up to Pandoh.

-CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has criticised the BBMB for “its highly irresponsible behaviour”, which has unleashed misery in the lives of people living downstream of the Pong Dam. Notices could be issued to all such hydroelectric projects in the next few days even if it leads to a protracted legal battle. He said, “The state government is of the firm opinion that these power producers cannot be allowed to go scot-free. They should be made to pay damages and foot the bill of the rescue operations conducted by the IAF and the NDRF, which the state government had to do.”

-The failure on the part of a majority of the dams to provide inflow, outflow and gate operation data to the Directorate of Energy, even after the flooding of several villages in Himachal and Punjab, reflects their indifference towards safety norms. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/monsoon-fury-himachal-pradesh-to-seek-damages-from-erring-power-producers-537192  (22 August 2023)

Dams that overflow These instances of high water levels at the Pong dam include 1,405 feet on September 21, 1978, 1404.23 feet on September 25, 1988 (coinciding with the fatal floods in Punjab), and 1403.20 feet on October 6, 1977. Except these three instances, this year’s levels remain distinct for their occurrence in August, a deviation from historical norms. Historically, in the August month, the maximum level went up to 1394.65 feet on August 29, 1992, 1391 feet on August 24, 1979, 1391.98 feet on August 25, 1994.

– Bhakra dam water level data has its own stories to tell. During August this year, the water level at the dam reached 1677 feet on August 14, just three feet below the designated limit of 1680 feet. Notably, this marked a deviation from historical trends, where previous years rarely saw levels close to this limit during August. Instances of such proximity occurred on August 31, 1982 (1680.28 feet) and August 20, 2019 (1680.82 feet). The highest surge in the Bhakra Dam’s water level was recorded in 1988, when heavy rains in the last week of the rainy season led to a level of 1687.55 feet, surpassing the danger level by 7.55 feet on September 13. This resulted in devastating floods, with massive water releases causing significant damage. The second highest level was recorded at 1687.36 feet on September 9, 1975. The water level reached 1686.01 feet on September 21, 1983, 1685.96 feet on September 4, 1978, 1683.49 feet, 1682.67 feet and 1682.55 feet on September 7, 1995, September 29 1998 and September 6, 1994, respectively. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/punjab-water-woes-dams-give-sometimes-overflow-8911298/  (27 Aug. 2023)

BBMB advised to check silt flow in catchments, use inflow forecasting Roorkee’s National Institute of Hydrology (NIH) advocates checking the flow of silt in the catchments and using inflow forecasting to plan controlled discharge for limiting the damage downstream.

– The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) was blamed for the flooding of more than 150 villages in six districts last week, when it had discharged 1 lakh cusecs of water from the Pong dam and 80,000 cusecs from Bhakra on August 16 to bring these reservoirs to permissible levels. NIH’s surface water hydrology division head Anil Kumar Lohani said that: “Desilting the dams is a costly affair, so the BBMB needs a catchments treatment plan that includes planting trees in the zone to reduce soil erosion, which will solve siltation of the reservoirs.” Lohani said: “The projected amount of silt flowing into the dams is calculated at the design stage, but if it increases, the BBMB should make timely intervention to avoid lowering the reservoirs’ capacity. The dam controllers have protocols for alerting the downstream communities.” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/bbmb-advised-to-check-silt-flow-in-catchments-use-inflow-forecasting/articleshow/102925484.cms  (22 August 2023)

Managing dams Good to see this EDIT in THE TRIBUNE focused on Mismanagement at Bhakra and Pong reservoirs in HP leading to avoidable flood disaster in Punjab. It would have been good if the edit had gone into greater depth/ details and demanded independent investigation. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/editorials/managing-dams-538012  (25 August 2023)

Not clear if this GSI study is in public domain, where and when it was done. But it seems to ignore the bigger interventions that can accentuate the landslide situation along the rim of Bhakra reservoir. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/22-spots-along-rim-of-bhakra-reservoir-prone-to-landslides-gsi-537677  (24 Aug. 2023)

Fresh rain prediction has officials worried “On Monday (Aug. 21), the level in Bhakra has come down to 1,673 feet and is further receding, while at Pong Dam, the level has receded to 1,390 feet today,” an official said, who didn’t wish to be named. The release of excess water caused havoc in the districts of Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Tarn Taran, and Kapurthala, along with the bordering districts of Ferozepur and Fazilka, submerging vast tracts of land, snapping crucial road links. From Bhakra Dam, as per BBMB data, 58,400 cubic per second (cusecs) of water is being released downstream, while Pong is releasing 67,000 cusecs. The inflow into the two dams has reduced to – 44,400 cusecs and 24,600 cusecs, respectively. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/bhakra-pong-reduce-outflow-but-fresh-rain-prediction-has-officials-worried-101692646163626.html  (22 August 2023)

300 stranded in Kangra With BBMB authorities releasing about 1 lakh cusecs of water from the Pong Dam, most of the Mand areas in Indora sub-division are flooded. The Pong Dam has already reached the retaining capacity of 1,395 feet and with inflows remaining above 2 lakh cusecs the BBMB authorities have little option but to release water downstream. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/300-stranded-in-himachal-pradeshs-kangra-as-water-is-released-from-pong-dam-535282  (15 August 2023)

Pong dam water flows into village after village Dozens of villages were submerged and people left stranded after over 1 lakh cusec water was released from Pong Dam on August 14, as the reservoir had got filled to the top due to continuous rainfall that increased the level of Beas river.

-The administration started issuing alerts on August 13, advising people not to go near the Beas. But, when the water was released the next day, it flooded entire village after village in Indora and Fatehpur sub-divisions. Villagers were trapped inside their houses with water all around and nowhere to go. Many houses were damaged and hundreds of animals, mostly cows and buffaloes, washed away in the sudden flooding of the area. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/pong-dam-water-flows-into-village-after-village-in-kangra-boats-not-enough-rescue-now-airborne/articleshow/102787332.cms  (17 August 2023)

10 people stuck in Kol dam rescued According to officials, the stranded people included forest department employees and local residents. The forest team had gone to take stock of the trees and logs that had reached the reservoir due to floods in the feeding river and rivulets. The forest team had taken along local people to assist them.

-“They got stuck in the reservoir on the evening of August 20 after the motor boat malfunctioned. The boat was unable to move as the reservoir had too much of debris including logs and branches of forest that had come with flooded waters of the feeding river and rivulets,” said an official of the Mandi district administration.

-According to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), 341 people have died and 327 suffered injuries in rain related incidents including flash floods and landslides since June 24 in Himachal Pradesh. The state has seen 115 landslides and 60 flash floods since the onset of monsoon in the last week of June. The total monetary loss to Himachal has crossed over Rs 10,000 crore.  https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/10-people-stuck-in-himachal-pradeshs-kol-dam-reservoir-rescued-after-six-hours/articleshow/102888974.cms  (21 August 2023)

Centre Causing floods is a terrorist offence in proposed BNS Bill The Bill that seeks to replace the British-era Indian Penal Code defines terrorism as a separate offence for the first time as part of a general law. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 is a special law focused on terrorist activities. Section 111 (6) (a) of the Bill says that a “terrorist” refers to any person who “develops, manufactures, possesses, acquires, transports, supplies or uses weapons, explosives, or releases nuclear, radiological or other dangerous substance, or cause fire, floods or explosions.” Section 111 proposes a minimum five-year imprisonment and the death sentence as maximum punishment for a terrorist offence. Mr. Khan said the language, ingredients and interpretation of the new laws are almost similar to UAPA. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/causing-floods-is-a-terrorist-offence-in-proposed-law-to-replace-indian-penal-code/article67223509.ece  (23 August 2023)

West Bengal Ganga erodes its banks at alarming proportion Hundreds of families living in the vicinity of the Ganga in Ratua 1 block of Malda district are spending sleepless nights with an apprehension that they will be roofless anytime as the river has been eroding its banks at alarming proportion for the past three days. A section of residents of Mahanandatola, Srikantatola, Moniramtola, Bilaimari, other villages have already started shifting to safer places. Economically weaker residents are reeling in fear, thinking if the Ganga swallows their huts. https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/ganga-erodes-its-banks-at-alarming-proportion-hundreds-living-in-vicinity-fear-homelessness/cid/1957931 (10 Aug 2023)

Malda admin to survey islets Simultaneously, dry patches of land or islets, commonly known as char have come up close to the right bank of the river, close to Jharkhand. A number of erosion victims, who lost their land in erosion, have settled in these islets. It was a longstanding demand of the islet dwellers that they get all necessary services and benefits like any other resident of Bengal,” said Tarikul Islam, a representative of the Ganga Bhangan Action Pratirodh Committee (GBPAC). https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/malda-district-administration-to-survey-islets-that-have-come-up-on-ganga-river-near-jharkhand/cid/1943260  (8 June 2023)

Jalpaiguri in north Bengal is facing a flood-like situation after torrential rainfall increased the water level of the Teesta and Karala rivers, thereby leading to the inundation of homes and other properties in the town. According to the locals, the worst affected is the low-lying areas in Parash Mitra colony under ward number 25, where several persons have been displaced as their houses have been flooded by the overflowing river water. https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=1113807  (26 Aug. 2023)

HFL BREACH

Uttar Pradesh River Khoh at Nagina site in Bijnor district has breached the old HFL thrice in this monsoon season.

Uttarakhand River Fica at Fica barrage site has breached old HFL 235.30 m dated 04.07.2020 twice in this monsoon season. The river had set 235.55 m as HFL on 10.07.2023 and has attained new peak 235.8 m at 08:00 hour on 23.08.2023.

Assam River Suklai in Baksa district has beached old HFL 75.85 m dated 25.06. 2020 fourth time (3 times in June 2023) in this monsoon season.

URBAN FLOODS

Kochi Caught between Periyar, surging sea & tidalfloods Tidal floods have brought untold year-long misery to the residents of coastal areas and islands around Kochi. Coupled with sea-level rise and land subsidence, they are driving people out of their homes and making them climate refugees. The canal network has been blocked by waste or, as in Thevara-Perandoor, bisected by a railway line, severely compromising its capacity to carry rain water. As the intensity and frequency of floods increase, and their relationship with the expansion of urbanised and concretised areas is established, the attention is on the next steps that the authorities have to take. https://questionofcities.org/kochi-caught-between-the-periyar-surging-sea-and-tidal-floods/  (11 August 2023)

DISASTERS

Parliament Standing Committee report on Glacier Management in the Country- Monitoring of Glaciers/Lakes including Glacial Lake Outbursts leading to Flash-floods in the Himalayan Region, March 2023. https://loksabhadocs.nic.in/lsscommittee/Water%20Resources/17_Water_Resources_23.pdf

Report SC proposes full study of Himalayan region’s carrying capacity “So, we can appoint say three or four of these institutions which will nominate their representatives and we can ask them to carry out a complete and comprehensive study on carrying capacity within the Himalayan region,” in 3-4 months said the bench, comprising CJI, Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra. Next hearing on Aug 28 2023.

– When the petitioner’s counsel referred to some expert institutions which can conduct a comprehensive study on this issue, the bench said,”Let there be a comprehensive study involving these institutions and let them take three-four months and come up with some substantial carrying capacity tools and template for the entire Himalayan region.” Bhati said the petition has arrayed 16 respondents including 13 states.

– “Due to non-existent carrying/bearing capacity studies, grave geological hazards in the form of landslides, land subsidence, land cracking and sinking issues such as that in Joshimath are being witnessed and serious ecological and environmental depredation are taking place in the hills,” the plea has said. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/supreme-court-proposes-full-study-of-himalayan-regions-carrying-capacity-4316464  (21 August 2023)

EDIT Respect the mountains Good to see this EDIT asking for a different development model of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, talks about govt violating the env norms, rebuilding sustainably, criticising UKD CM who tried to declare everything normal post Joshimath, criticised restarting of building of the Helang Marwari bypass without any additional safety measures, asking for truthful carrying capacity assessment and reimagining tourism industry. It very carefully avoids any reference to hydropower projects, which is strange and disturbing though. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/toi-editorials/respect-the-mountains-himachal-and-uttarakhand-need-to-reimagine-the-road-ahead-not-repeat-what-got-washed-away/  (23 August 2023)

Opinion Human blunders ravaging Himalayas Mallika Bhanot & CP Rajendran Greed outstripping need along with manipulative political, bureaucratic and real estate lobbies is destroying the Himalayan forests and rivers and lives of local inhabitants.

In the persistent debate of environment versus development of the hills, there is a very simple solution to all the chronic and acute problems that the hills face — regulation. https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/himalayan-blunders-that-are-ravaging-the-himalayas/article67242063.ece  (28 Aug. 2023)  

‘Ordinary people suffer for mistakes of powerful’ -C P Rajendran, an expert on seismo-tectonics, says that in vulnerable areas, the intensity of any calamity is proportional to the expansion of construction activities. https://www.newsclick.in/ordinary-people-hilly-states-suffer-mistakes-powerful  (23 August 2023)

Recipe for Disaster Manshi Asher. “But what the government is actually doing is loosening the regulatory framework. For instance, by saying that the consent of the gram sabha is not required for a project. Or that there’s going to be easier environment clearance,” commented Asher. -The entire governance structure has to change, Asher commented: it has to be decentralised, has to empower the community more, and has to become more democratic. https://science.thewire.in/environment/recipe-disaster-destruction-himalayan-states/   (23 Aug. 2023)

The lows of our high ways in the hills. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/comment/the-lows-of-our-high-ways-in-the-hills-538614  (27 Aug. 2023)

-Buildings in Himalayas need traditional architecture of hills, Copying designs from plains will not work. https://www.outlookindia.com/national/buildings-in-himalayas-need-traditional-archietecture-of-hills-copying-designs-from-plains-will-not-work-weekender_story-313598  (26 Aug. 2023)

Mizoram 17 killed as under-construction railway bridge collapses in Mizoram The bridge sagging incident was due to the collapse of a gantry which was being launched on the under-construction bridge over Kurung river, the Railways said. The Railways has constituted a high-level committee to probe the incident involving the under-construction bridge, one of the 130 bridges in the Bhairavi-Sairang New Railway Line project. A Railways spokesperson said the gantry which collapsed was designed by STUP Consultant and proof checked by IIT Guwahati. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/17-killed-as-under-construction-railway-bridge-collapses-in-mizoram-537591  (23 August 2023) 

LANDSLIDES

SANDRP Blog Aug 2023 Landslide Renders Jakhan in Yamuna Valley Inhabitable The Jakhan village has joined the unending list of villages in Uttarakhand getting affected by natural and man induced disasters in recent years requiring rehabilitation. The Jakhan villagers never thought that one day they would have to abandon their ancestral homes.

It is worth mentioning that the Lohari village submerged by Vyasi HEP has not been rehabilitated and some of the project affected families have been living in worn out school building there for more than a year. The under construction Lakhwar dam in the area would add into the list of villages requiring rehabilitation. https://sandrp.in/2023/08/28/uttarakhand-aug-2023-landslide-renders-jakhan-in-yamuna-valley-inhabitable/  (28 Aug. 2023)

-भूतत्व एवं खनिकर्म निदेशालय की सहायक भूवैज्ञानिक कामिनी बिष्ट ने जिलाधिकारी के निर्देश पर बीती 18 अगस्त को गांव पहुंच कर बारीकी से भूगर्भीय निरीक्षण किया था। रिपोर्ट में कहा गया है कि भूस्खलन से ग्राम जाखन में भूधंसाव एवं दरारें पड़ गई हैं। गांव में स्थित भवन 10-25 मीटर दूरी तक खिसक गए हैं। जिस वजह से भवनों में दरारें आ गई हैं। https://www.amarujala.com/dehradun/dehradun-landslide-affected-buildings-of-vikasnagar-jakhan-village-moved-up-to-10-25-meters-2023-08-23  (23 Aug 2023)

In latest news from Dehradun, with the relentless rain spell still triggering disasters across Uttarakhand, Lelta village in Kalsi block in Dehradun district experienced land subsidence. Land subsidence happened in this village just a few days after it occurred in Jakhan, Lakhwar and Ramkholi villages in the same block.  As a result, deep fissures have emerged in more than ten houses in Lelta village. Along with this, fissures keep widening in roads and agricultural fields. The panic-stricken villagers said that the houses are caving in because the village is situated on the unstable hill slope.  https://www.pioneeredge.in/lelta-village-in-kalsi-block-reports-land-subsidence-in-10-houses/  (28 July 2023)

Uttarakhand A sinking feeling The Geological Survey of India says 72% of Uttarakhand – nearly 39,000 sq.km area – is landslide prone. Isro’s ‘Landslide Atlas of India’ also says Uttarakhand had the second highest number of landslides – 11,219 to Mizoram’s 12,385 – between 1988 and 2022. When it comes to districts, Rudraprayag and Tehri in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal region are the most landslide-prone in India. Tehri alone has 96 of the 333 landslide prone ‘danger zones’ identified in the state. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/a-sinking-feeling-across-uttarakhand/articleshow/102866469.cms  (20 August 2023)

-Residents of Joshimath, where subsidence had wreaked havoc earlier this year, have complained7 to the local authorities that they can hear the sound of gushing water underground and are spending their days in fear of another disaster. https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/sound-of-gushing-water-underground-unnerves-joshimath-residents-fear-another-disaster/cid/1961379 (25 Aug. 2023)

According to authorities, two ladies and a four-month-old infant were crushed to death after being hit by a large landslip in Chamba, Tehri district, on Monday (Aug. 21). According to Tehri Senior Superintendent of Police Navneet Singh Bhullar, their remains were discovered in a vehicle trapped beneath the landslip material. https://news.abplive.com/news/india/people-feared-trapped-under-debris-after-landslide-strikes-uttarakhand-s-chamba-rescue-ops-underway-1624477  (21 Aug. 2023)

चंबा जिले का काफी घना प्रमुख बाजार है। ऐसे में यहां पर भूस्खलन की घटना चिंतित करने वाली है। चंबा बाजार का भूगर्भीय सर्वे कराया जायेगा। इसके लिये विशेषज्ञों की टीम को बुलाया जा रहा है। हैं। चंबा में भूमिगत सुरंग के कारण भी कुछ मकानों में पूर्व में दरारें आई थी, ऐसे में उक्त स्थानों का सर्वे भी कराया जायेगा। https://www.jagran.com/uttarakhand/tehri-garhwal-tehri-after-jakhan-village-now-chambas-geological-survey-will-be-done-23508599.html  (22 Aug. 2023)

The approach road to the Chamba tunnel on the Rishikesh-Gangotri national highway has developed cracks due to land subsidence. The locals state that travelling on this stretch of the national highway has become risky due to subsidence and concrete measures should be taken to repair the damage without delay to prevent serious damage.  https://www.pioneeredge.in/subsidence-causes-cracks-on-approach-road-to-chamba-tunnel-on-gangotri-nh/  (28 Aug. 2023)

-Land cave-ins have been occurring at this place for a long time but on Saturday (Aug. 26) night a 100 metre stretch of the highway was affected. The residents of the area claimed that such incidents have increased since the rise in the water level of the Tehri Dam reservoir. On Sunday (Aug. 27), the water level of the reservoir reached around 822.14 metres. Due to the increase in the water level, about 100 meters of National Highway No. 94 is on the verge of collapsing into the reservoir.

-Former chairperson of the municiapl body Shurveer Rangad said that landslides and cave-ins have been increasing for the last 5 years in an area of ​about 7km from Nagun to Badethi, for which THDC India has started work in the affected area. Stating that the future of Chinyalisaur is in danger due to sinking of land at various places, Rangad said that if immediate action is not taken in this regard, the people of the affected area will protest against THDC. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/uttarakhands-rishikesh-gangotri-highway-closed-for-traffic-as-land-caves-4334121  (28 Aug. 2023)

राष्ट्रीय राजमार्ग 94 एक बार फिर बाधित हो गया है. बगरधार के पास लैंडस्लाइड के कारण हाईवे बाधित हुआ है. जिसके कारण ऋषिकेश-चंबा के बीच कई वाहन फंस गये हैं.  https://www.etvbharat.com/hindi/uttarakhand/state/tehri-garhwal/national-highway-94-blocked-again-due-to-landslide-near-narendranagar-bagardhar/uttarakhand20230827214105711711020  (27 Aug. 2023)

मनसा देवी पहाड़ी के भूस्खलन जोन में किए गए जियोलॉजिकल सर्वे में विशेषज्ञों ने असमर्थता जताई है। इसके उचित समाधान के लिए उन्होंने अब तक किए गए जांच को नाकाफी बताया है। जिलाधिकारी को प्रेषित पत्र में विशेषज्ञों ने बताया है कि इस पहाड़ के ट्रीटमेंट से पूर्व उच्च स्तरीय जांच की आवश्यकता है। इसमें क्षेत्र की विस्तृत स्थलाकृतिक, भूवैज्ञानिक, भू-तकनीकी और भूभौतिकीय जांच के बाद उचित समाधान मिल पाएगा। https://www.amarujala.com/dehradun/mansa-devi-experts-told-need-for-high-level-investigation-for-mansa-devi-mountain-uttarakhand-news-in-hindi-2023-08-26  (26 Aug. 2023)

Groundwater oozes out of floors in Rishikesh Groundwater has begun to ooze out of the floors of some houses in Ganganagar area of Rishikesh due to incessant rains, causing concern among residents and authorities. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/panic-grips-residents-as-groundwater-oozes-out-of-floors-in-rishikesh-2425246-2023-08-23  (23 August 2023)

Himachal Pradesh No bylaws applicable in Anni Anni in Kullu district, where 8 multi-storeyed buildings collapsed like a pack of cards on Thursday (Aug. 24), is a panchayat area and, therefore, falls outside the purview of the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act that bars the construction of buildings beyond four floors.

As the building restrictions weren’t applicable, Anni—comprising of four panchayats of Anni, Kungash, Batala and Bakhnao—expanded haphazardly over the years.  https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/no-bylaws-applicable-in-anni-where-8-buildings-fell-538313  (26 August 2023)

Dev Petley on Anni landslide: There are two most likely explanations for the causes of the Anni landslide. The first is that the slope had been cut and oversteepened to create benches for the buildings at the foot of the slope, and indeed those higher up. The second is that water was being poorly managed on the slope – natural pathways blocked and/or water being released from buildings in an uncontrolled manner. Very often, failures such as this are a combination of these factors, with the effects accumulating over several years. https://eos.org/thelandslideblog/the-24-august-2023-landslide-at-anni-in-himachal-pradesh-india  (24 Aug. 2023)

Shimla on shaky ground Experts say the belief that reinforced cement concrete (RCC) structures can offer resilience and strength is proving to be a fallacy as recent incidents have exposed the vulnerability of these constructions, particularly those built along water bodies, springs or on blocked culverts.

-The experts say these incidents underscore the need for a paradigm shift in land use and urban planning. They warn that relying solely on traditional approaches while drafting master plans, also known as development plans, is no longer tenable. A geological-based approach is required instead.

-Structural experts agree that several sites are unsuitable for construction. “There is need to check the sewage disposal infrastructure, too. Shimla consumes 42 MLD (million litre a day) of water but only 15% of it reaches the tank. Where does the rest of it go?” says Rakesh Sharma, a retired engineer in chief of the state’s Jal Shakti department. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/troubling-trend-emerges-in-shimla-as-rcc-structures-along-water-bodies-prove-vulnerable-to-landslides-101692612676120.html  (21 August 2023)

-Shimla has witnessed several landslides in the past weeks with the toll in rain-related incidents in the city in the past 10 days rising to 27, which include 20 deaths in Summer Hill landslide, five in Fagli and two in Krishna Nagar.

-Himachal Pradesh saw three major spells of heavy rains this monsoon. The first on July 9 and 10 led to large-scale destruction in Mandi and Kullu districts. Shimla and Solan districts were hit during the second spell on August 14 and 15 and Shimla city suffered heavy damage in the third spell on Tuesday (Aug. 22) night. https://www.livemint.com/news/himachal-rain-fury-death-better-than-this-nightmare-helpless-landslide-victims-11693014549031.html  (26 Aug. 2023)

The Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMCH) had a rude awakening when on Wednesday (Aug. 3), water entered the ground floor of the 13-storeyed new OPD block. The water entered into the premises from the nullah the massive building has been constructed on. “The flow of water in the nullah increased considerably due to heavy rains that day, and the water gushed into the floor below the Trauma Centre,” said a hospital staff who saw the water streaming into the floor.

While no damage was done, the incident, however, brought to the fore the danger the OPD block would face in the event of enhanced water flow in the nullah any time in the future.  “This time it was just water. What would happen if there’s landslide of the kind that struck Summer Hill last week?” asked an IGMC employee.

The same day, water also entered the cancer hospital on the premises of the IGMC. “There was ankle-deep water on the ground floor that houses the OPDs,” said a cancer patient. As per the staff of the cancer hospital, huge amount of water flowed down from the Sanjauli-IGMC road, right above the cancer hospital. The drainage system on this road is in a shambles with broken drains and choked nullahs and culverts. “The drainage system on this road is indeed problematic. We will look see how this could be improved,” said Surender Chauhan, Mayor, Shimla Municipal Corporation. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/shimla-igmc-hospital-gets-a-wake-up-call-water-enters-new-opd-block-from-the-nullah-it-stands-on-538299  (26 Aug. 2023)

Is Shimla the next Joshimath? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JA0EvzdGO-o  (28 Aug. 2023)

बरोटीवाला में धंसा गांव सोमवार (Aug. 21) को सोलन के बरोटीवाला में सौड़ी पंचायत का माजरी गांव धंस गया है। गांव में आधा किलोमीटर तक लंबी दरार पड़ गई है। बायला पंचायत के कटल पकोटी गांव में भी दस घरों में दरारें आ गई हैं। सभी घरों को खाली करवा दिया है। दोनों क्षेत्रों में 17 परिवार बेघर हो गए हैं। कांगड़ा जिला की ग्राम पंचायत नियांगल में जमीन धंसने से पांच और मकान जमींदोज हो गए हैं।  https://www.amarujala.com/shimla/himachal-weather-village-sunken-in-barotiwala-five-houses-collapsed-in-kangra-orange-alert-for-two-days-2023-08-21  (21 August 2023)

Infrastructure Damage One wet spell after the other has kept the Himalayan state tied up in rescue operations over the past few weeks, and a new cloudburst-like event in Subathu on Wednesday (Aug 23) has just prolonged this tragedy even further.

According to sources, intense rain spells since Tuesday led to the death of at least 12 residents in various rain-related incidents. Of these, cloudburst-triggered landslides in Mandi and Shimla claimed seven lives, while the remaining died to electrocution, drowning and a precarious fall in different parts of the state, News18 reports. Some afflicted continue to be trapped in the debris, officials fear. https://weather.com/en-IN/india/monsoon/news/2023-08-24-himachal-rains-kill-12-trigger-landslides-floods-road-closures  (24 August 2023)

Baddi bridge suffers massive damage Balad bridge connecting Baddi with Haryana was badly damaged on Aug. 23. One of its piers collapsed and the bridge got bent in the middle after heavy rain. Huge cracks were visible on its surface following which even the pedestrian movement had been suspended across the bridge, said Baddi DSP Priyank Gupta. A portion of the bridge’s foundation had eroded in an earlier rainy spell, though it was repaired later. A lot of damage has been caused to the bridge this time.  https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/pier-collapses-baddi-bridge-suffers-massive-damage-after-heavy-rain-537839  (24 August 2023)

सीएम सुक्खू ने कहा कि विभाग अवैज्ञानिक और अवैध खनन गतिविधियों के संचयी प्रभाव के मूल्यांकन के लिए एक बहुक्षेत्रीय विशेषज्ञ समिति का गठन करके एक व्यापक वैज्ञानिक अध्ययन भी करेगा। इस अध्ययन के निष्कर्ष के आधार पर दूरी से संबंधित परिसीमाएं फिर से परिभाषित की जाएंगी। इससे नदियों के पास पर्यावरण को संरक्षित करने और राज्य में अन्य ऐसी किसी भी मानवजनित आपदा से बचने के लिए ऐसे कार्यों का विनियमन और प्रबंधन सुनिश्चित हो सके। https://www.amarujala.com/shimla/himachal-weather-rain-wreaks-havoc-in-himachal-many-people-including-a-child-died-houses-collapsed-2023-08-23  (23 August 2023)

हिमाचल प्रदेश में मानसून के दौरान सबसे ज्यादा तबाही का कारण अवैध डंपिंग, ड्रेनेज सिस्टम की विफलता और छतों का खुला छोड़ा पानी बना। भारी वर्षा के बाद अवैध डंपिंग ने भूस्खलन से भवनों और लोगों को अपनी चपेट में ले लिया जो तबाही के लिए जिम्मेदार बना। ड्रेनेज के बेहतर न होने से पानी रुकने के बाद उसने नालों और खड्डों का रूप ले लिया। ये खुलासा प्रदेश सरकार द्वारा गठित की गई तकनीकी समिति की जांच में सामने आया है। हालांकि, अभी समिति द्वारा नुकसान के कारणों और उपायों को लेकर सरकार को अपनी रिपोर्ट सौंपनी है।

-प्रदेश में हुए नुकसान में ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों की अपेक्षा सबसे अधिक नुकसान शहरी क्षेत्रों में हुआ है और ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों की अपेक्षा शहरों में 70 प्रतिशत अधिक नुकसान आंका जा रहा है। चौंकाने वाले तथ्य ये भी हैं कि जिन क्षेत्रों में बहुत अधिक वर्षा हुई है उनकी अपेक्षा कंक्रीट के जंगल और बेतरतीब बने मकानों, अवैध डंपिंग वाले स्थानों पर हुआ है।   https://www.jagran.com/himachal-pradesh/shimla-himachal-rain-landslide-disaster-reason-illegal-dumping-bad-drainage-system-and-concrete-jungle-23512493.html (25 Aug 2023)

-The case was initiated based on an article in The Tribune which revealed that hills were being cut with the help of heavy machines near Saurabh Van Vihar by a private party engaged in constructing a hotel or a resort. https://www.barandbench.com/news/ngt-suo-motu-cognisance-unscientificcutting-hills-trees-himachal-pradesh  (25 Aug. 2023)

Maharashtra In the aftermath of the Irshalwadi landslide that claimed more than 80 lives, Prakash Gajbhiye, director of Geological Survey of India (Pune), talks to Pratip Acharya about Maharashtra’s vulnerability towards landslides and the root cause behind such natural hazards in the state and its capital–Mumbai. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/landslides-change-slope-geometry-land-use-aggravates-8912119/  (28 Aug. 2023)

DROUGHT 2023

Report Monsoon worries Karnataka has already initiated an exercise for assessment of crop conditions as a precursor to declaring drought, even as pressure is mounting on the ruling alliance in Maharashtra to follow suit. Overall sowing of kharif crops, barring pulses, has been satisfactory and higher than last year, thanks to the monsoon’s good run from the last week of June through July. But the dry August — and not much of a revival being forecast for the next one week — raises concerns over the crop now in vegetative growth stage. The real worry, however, may not be with the kharif crop — which farmers may be able to salvage with one more shower or even the available moisture. Instead, it would be with the wheat, mustard, onion, potato and other crops to be planted in the upcoming rabi season. https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/monsoon-worries-current-dry-phase-possible-el-nino-effects-could-lead-to-broad-based-food-inflation-8909779/  (26 August 2023)

Kerala ‘Water level in rivers unusually low’ The CWC has revealed that the water level in all major rivers has dropped alarmingly with no significant rainfall and unusually high temperatures in August. Experts said if the situation continues, there is a possibility that the intake capacity of tanks in many water supply schemes will decrease. A gradual lowering of the river bed and water level will lead to the entry of saline water from the sea. Moreover, lack of water will hamper other river-related activities. The state’s rainfall deficit has crossed 47 per cent. https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2023/08/26/water-level-rivers-unusually-low-ultraviolet-radiation-rising-says-water-commission.html  (26 August 2023)

Rajasthan Sriganganagar reels under water crisis The members of farmers’ associations in Sriganganagar were protesting for an indefinite period at the collectorate office in district since Monday (Aug. 21). Protesters claim that farming has severely been hit in the district owing to the lack of water supply. “For the last four to five days, Punjab government has released no water into the Gang Canal of Rajasthan. Punjab government is diverting the water towards Pakistan from Harike headworks. There is shortage of irrigation and drinking water in the entire district,” said Amar Singh Bishnoi, a farmer and leader of a farmer association. A senior PHED official from the district claimed that so far only the urban areas had been affected. However, if such situation prevails for a few more days, it will have immense impact on drinking water supply of the entire district. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/sriganganagar-reels-under-water-crisis/articleshow/102962683.cms  (23 August 2023)

Maharashtra  In major dams, this year the 69.14 per cent live water storage much lower than 88.95 per cent storage last year in the same period,” said a report by the water resources department. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/aug/24/maha-stares-at-drought-2608250.html  (24 Aug. 2023)

ENERGY OPTIONS

Chandigarh Clouds over rooftop solar plant scheme The UT Administration’s ambitious plan to install rooftop solar plants across the city has hit a roadblock with the Chandigarh Renewable Energy Science and Technology Promotion Society (CREST) failing to select a firm for the project. Meanwhile, owners of 421 houses are still awaiting subsidy for installing solar plants way back in 2019. An official said the Centre had recently approved the subsidy, which would be disbursed by the end of this month. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/chandigarh/clouds-over-uts-rooftop-solar-plant-scheme-535888  (18 August 2023)

ENVIRONMENT GOVERNANCE

Allahabad HC Order of NGT Can be Challenged in Writ Petition U/Article 226 -The crux of the petitioners’ argument lay in the fact that they were not afforded an opportunity to be heard before the NGT’s decision, rendering the order in violation of the principles of natural justice. On the other hand, the respondents contended that the NGT’s order was appealable under Section 22 of the NGT Act, which made the writ petition unnecessary.

-The Court, after considering the arguments presented by both parties and reviewing relevant case laws, delivered its decision. It underlined the importance of the High Court’s jurisdiction under Article 226 and 227 of the Indian Constitution, asserting that this power of judicial review remained unimpeded by Section 22 of the NGT Act.

-The Court quoted the decision in the case of Madhya Pradesh High Court Advocates Bar Association vs. Union of India, which reinforced the view that the prerogative of writ jurisdiction is a fundamental aspect of the Constitution and cannot be ousted. https://lawtrend.in/order-of-ngt-can-be-challenged-in-writ-petition-u-article-226-allahabad-hc/  ; https://www.livelaw.in/high-court/allahabad-high-court/allahabad-high-court-ruling-writ-petition-maintainable-against-ngt-order-article-226-236093   (24-25 Aug. 2023)

Tamil Nadu CM launches Green Fellowship programme M.K. Stalin on Aug 21 2023 launched the Chief Minister’s Green Fellowship Programme (CMGFP) at the Secretariat and met the 40 Green Fellows selected for the programme. The scheme was announced in the Assembly as part of the 2021-22 Budget demand for the Department of Environment and Climate Change. The selection process started in March this year. Apart from 40 fellows, one programme lead and four research associates were selected by the Institute of Energy Studies at Anna University, the knowledge partner for the programme.

– Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary, Environment, Climate Change and Forests, said a schedule has been prepared for the first month, which will include orientation with the district authorities. “The Fellows will work with the District Green Committees and learn about their functions. They will also be introduced to the three missions of the State — Green Tamil Nadu Mission, Tamil Nadu Wetlands Mission, and Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission.” They will identify and compile key environmental and climate action projects in progress in their respective districts, apart from networking with other stakeholders such as NGOs, educational institutions, and agricultural welfare associations. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tn-chief-minister-stalin-launches-green-fellowship-programme/article67220453.ece  (22 August 2023)

CLIMATE CHANGE

Tamil Nadu Climate change, disaster risks to be included in town planning Act Under the new Act, the nomenclature Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act will also undergo change. It will be known as the Tamil Nadu Regional and Urban Planning and Development Act, of 2023.  Prepared by Ahmedabad-based CEPT Research & Development Foundation, (CRDF), the proposed Act, considering the future trajectory, will focus on new areas such as economic growth, climate change, disaster risks etc, official sources said. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2023/aug/22/climate-change-disaster-risks-to-be-included-in-town-planning-act-in-tamil-nadu-2607622.amp  (22 August 2023)

SOUTH ASIA

India-Nepal Climate crisis ignored in river talks The Bilateral negotiations disregard impact of the climate crisis in new hydropower deals. High-profile bilateral discussions between India and Nepal usually overlook climate change and other environmental concerns. In 2014, the countries jointly issued a 35-point press release on Narendra Modi’s first prime ministerial visit to Nepal that did not even mention climate change. During the next four visits Modi has made, the climate crisis has never come up.

– Most of Nepal’s hydropower is generated by private investors, and one such is the Super Dordi in Lamjung district. The Dordi River is in full spate because of heavy rains this month, but the scheme with an installed capacity of 54MW is only generating 10MW. Says Super Dordi’s Ganesh Karki: “If we had a transmission line, we could run at full capacity.” The reason for power outages this monsoon is not because there is not enough electricity, but because inadequate transmission lines means the power generated cannot be distributed to the load centres, leading to frequent tripping.   https://www.nepalitimes.com/here-now/india-nepal-ignore-climate-crisis-in-river-talks  (26 Aug. 2023)

Nepal Rolwaling Khola (22 MW), Chhujung Khola (63 MW), Dana Khola (49.95 MW) and Sanibheri Hydropower Project (44.52 MW). https://kathmandupost.com/national/2023/08/25/investment-board-approves-investment-of-rs36-37-billion-for-four-hydroprojects  (25 Aug. 2023)

Bangladesh Western approach can not prevent river erosion -To control erosion, the authorities so far have used Western methods that focus on construction of hard structures, such as groynes, spurs, concrete revetments, hardpoints, etc. Also, following the Western advice, the authorities adopted the Cordon approach to rivers and constructed embankments to cordon off floodplains from rivers. Unfortunately, neither the embankments nor the hard structures have proven to be effective in Bangladesh. In fact, they have proven to be a deadly combination instead.

-The experience of the Jamuna River provides a good example. The Cordon approach was applied to this river through the construction of the Brahmaputra Right Hand Embankment (BRHE) in the 1960s to cordon off the right-hand-side floodplains from the river. This project was financed largely by the World Bank. Also, numerous hard structures were built to prevent the right-side bank from erosion. Yet, the river eroded its right-side bank and moved westwards by more than 1.5 kilometres on average. The BRHE had to be continually retired and moved back, by more than nine times at some places. As a result, currently only 41 kilometres of the original 180-kilometre embankment remain standing. In many places, the embankment has virtually ceased to exist. The experience with other rivers has been in essence similar to that with the Jamuna River.

-The reason why the Western approaches have not succeeded is because rivers in Bangladesh are not the same as those commonly found in Western countries. There, rivers are generally timid, with low volumes of water, very little sediment, and no pronounced seasonal fluctuations. By contrast, the major river systems in Bangladesh have high volumes of water, contain enormous amount of sediment, and are characterised by extreme seasonality.

-Investigating into the problem, Peter Rogers, professor of environmental engineering at Harvard, concluded that the “physical force of Bengal rivers is so great that no amount of engineering works can withstand it.” He also observed that “the search for embankment protection from floods in the great delta is almost certain to lead to waste and disappointment.” Prof Rogers also reminded the Western consultants of the necessity for “awareness of being outsiders” (Eastern Waters Study, Pg 73-74). Unfortunately, Prof Rogers proved to be a minority, if not lone, voice among the Western consultants, and his views did not accord well with the material interests of water agencies in Bangladesh as well as Western lending agencies, who are always eager to push for big-budget construction projects. Accordingly, Prof Rogers was shunned.

-Hence, to mitigate the erosion problem, the first thing that Bangladesh needs to do is to shun the Cordon approach and return to the Open approach that is suitable for the country’s special physical conditions, and which the people of this country have been following from time immemorial. This also requires resuscitation of the smaller rivers, rivulets, canals, etc, that used to keep the major rivers connected with the floodplains. In addition to kata khal, Bangladesh also needs to revive the old practice of Ashtomashi bandh, i.e. temporary dams lasting for eight months of the year. These dams allowed river overflows to be preserved in the floodplains and flow back to the river during the dry season to stabilise the flow across the seasons and keep the riverbed ready for extra bed scouring, rather than bank erosion, needed to hold the summer flow.

-Unfortunately, the water authorities seem to be heading in the opposite direction. Thus, instead of abandoning the BRHE, which has met its natural death, the authorities, together with the World Bank, have chalked up a new project called the River Bank Improvement Programme (RBIP) to rebuild the BRHE in the form of a four-lane highway, costing about $1 billion. The past experience shows that this project will only aggravate river erosion and prove to be another huge wastage of Bangladesh’s resources. (Dr S Nazrul Islam) https://www.thedailystar.net/opinion/views/news/why-western-approaches-cant-prevent-river-erosion-bangladesh-3403271  (26 Aug. 2023)

Pakistan Floods return -Authorities in Pakistan have evacuated over 100,000 people after weeks of rainfall once again led to a dangerous flooding situation, in a grim reminder of last year’s catastrophe. The evacuation orders covered large parts of the eastern Punjab region along the Sutlej River where flooding has been recorded in the last three weeks, officials said on Wednesday (Aug. 23).

-Sutlej river swelled to “extremely high levels” on Saturday (Aug. 19), at one point expanding around 4km wider, more than the Indus river, data showed. The swelling of the river inundated several districts, prompting more rescue operations in recent days. Most of the evacuations were reported in the districts of Bahawalpur and Kasur in Punjab province.

-Small-scale evacuations had already begun in July after neighbouring India diverted water from dams into the Ravi River, which flows from India into Pakistan. Later rainfall also flooded the Sutlej river, prompting authorities to evacuate people living nearby. The national disaster management agency said water levels in the Ravi river are currently normal, but will rise further in the Sutlej river this week.

-This year, once again Pakistan has been struggling with flooding in low-lying areas due to heavy rainfall that has killed over 170 people since June. Pakistani authorities are still struggling to overcome the damage caused by massive floods last summer that affected 33 million people and killed 1,739. The floods caused $30bn in damage to the country’s economy. https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/news/pakistan-floods-2023-evacuation-punjab-b2397965.html  (24 Aug. 2023)

NASA Images on flooding along Satluj in Punjab Weeks of heavy monsoon rains flooded farmland and hundreds of villages along the Sutlej River in Pakistan and India in August 2023. The pair of images below highlights flooding along the Sutlej River, near Firozpur in the Punjab region. The image on the right shows water overtopping banks of the river on August 19. The image on the left shows the same region on June 16, before much of the flooding took place. Both images were acquired with the Operational Land Imager-2 (OLI-2) on Landsat 9.

The Sutlej River flows southwest from India into Pakistan. Although the state of Punjab in India received about average rainfall since June, according to India’s Meteorological Department, excess rain has fallen on Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh, to the north. According to ReliefWeb, over 200,000 people have been evacuated in Pakistan and several hundred villages have been inundated with floodwater since late June, the start of the monsoon season.

Water levels on the Sutlej at the Ganda Singh Wala village gauging station, 7 kilometers (4 miles) west of Firozpur, were “exceptionally high” on August 19, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department. Pakistan’s chief meteorologist covering floods said the river level was at its highest in 35 years. https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/151754/flooding-along-the-sutlej-river-in-punjab  (27 Aug. 2023)

MEKONG Despite Thailand’s energy surplus, the country continues to support environmentally damaging hydropower in Laos, revealing just how removed financers are from the impacts of their investments.  https://www.thethirdpole.net/en/energy/opinion-thai-investment-in-laos-hydropower-reveals-dire-disconnect-in-the-mekong/  (24 Aug. 2023)

THE REST OF THE WORLD

Africa The Swansong of hydropower? Is it a smart idea to plan for hundreds of new hydro dams across Africa? A new study from scientists in Italy, Austria, Ethiopia, and Belgium shows that this may not be the case. The study used a detailed energy model to investigate which combination of power sources would be most cost-effective for African countries to meet their rising demand until 2050—comparing hydropower to solar, wind, coal, natural gas, nuclear, and others. With unprecedented detail, the study individually considered every possible future hydropower plant in Africa—with its own storage size, river flow profile, and interplay with other hydropower dams.

– The study found that up to 67% of possible future hydropower plants in Africa may not be worth the investment. This is mainly because hydropower will soon largely become unable to compete economically with solar and (to a lesser extent) wind power, whose costs have dropped at unprecedented rates in the last decade. In addition, the effects of prolonged droughts on hydropower, likely to worsen due to climate change, would have to be mitigated through additional investments. This is another reason why solar power will emerge as the more attractive technology in the long term. The study suggests that beyond 2030, only a very limited number of hydropower plants would remain attractive investments across Africa. “Aside from cost-effectiveness, this is generally good news for the environment: it means that many rivers won’t have to be dammed and can keep their natural course,” concludes Sterl. https://www.eurasiareview.com/27082023-the-swansong-of-african-hydropower/  (27 Aug. 2023)

Report Growing number of countries consider making ecocide a crime Only a few states around the world have criminalised ecocide, including Vietnam, Ukraine and Russia. Ukraine’s public prosecutor is already investigating a possible case of ecocide against Russia for breaching the Nova Kakhovka dam. France became the first EU country to put ecocide into law in 2021, although the wording is not as strong as campaigners had hoped for. A test case involving carcinogenic chemicals is currently in the courts. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/aug/26/growing-number-of-countries-consider-making-ecocide-crime  (26 Aug. 2023)

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

Also see: DRP News Bulletin 21 Aug. 2023 & DRP News Bulletin 14 Aug. 2023  

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