(Feature Image: Ongoing ghat work along Yamuna at Qudsia ghat, ISBT Dellhi. SANDRP, June 2023)

A floodplain, according to the US Federal Emergency Management Agency, is “any land area susceptible to being inundated by floodwaters from any source”. According to the report “Human alterations of the global floodplains 1992–2019”, over 460,000 sqkms of floodplain area was lost to agriculture, while another 140,000 sqkms was redeveloped to new areas over the existing floodplain. Continent-wise, Asia lost the biggest area of floodplains — a little over 200,000 sqkms — among all the continents. It was followed by South America (92,000 sqkms) and Africa (73,000 sqkms).

But the importance of floodplains, an integral part of a river, is poorly understood in India, as is clear from the way regulatory systems deal with floodplain either as areas to be encroached or to be used as dumping grounds. There is no law to protect floodplain, nor do we have any credible impact assessments or even monitoring state of our floodplains and the services provided by them. The increasing push for river front developments is only one of the many indicators of this lack of understanding of floodplains. But this neglect and ignorance is already increasing the proportions of flood and drought disasters we are increasingly facing. The frequency, intensity and spread of such disasters are only going to increase and our loss of floodplains are likely to work as force multipliers.

Study Asia lost the biggest area of floodplains A group of researchers, for the first time, has “developed the first publicly available global dataset that quantifies human alterations in 15 million square kilometres of floodplains along 520 major river basins during the recent 27 years (1992-2019)”. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/climate-change/floodplain-loss-basins-of-irrawaddy-tapi-indus-cauvery-rivers-flowing-through-india-altered-most-due-to-human-activities-91688  (12 Sept. 2023)

Opinion Protecting floodplains is the need of the hour  India primarily relies on the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and the rules made in pursuance of the Act, to deal with flood management. But this law is meant to deal with multi-hazard risks and is not specifically focused on flood risk management. As per the Act, disasters cannot be predicted. This is not entirely correct, especially with respect to the frequency and intensity of floods.

Laws in India which are meant to protect the environment are not implemented. While there are central policy measures to protect floodplains, they are mostly non-binding on States. No State in India has been able to prevent encroachment on floodplains.

Climate change adaptation is a cross-sectoral issue. It involves laws relating to land use, preservation of water bodies, coastal regulations, and environmental impact assessment. Thus it is complex; a multitude of laws need to be integrated into a coherent framework. The purpose will not be served if, for instance, a law to tackle climate change is passed by Parliament while changes to land use and the preservation of water bodies are not made.

However, achieving this requires strong political will. Populist leaders tend to refrain from implementing “green” policies. This must change if we want to save lives and livelihoods and safeguard infrastructure. (Anwar Sadat)  https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/protecting-floodplains-is-the-need-of-the-hour/article67303030.ece   (14 Sept. 2023)

HYDRO POWER PROJECTS

SANDRP Blog More Himachal Hydro Projects damaged in flash floods in Aug 2023  In August 2023, two more hydro-electric power (HEP) projects have faced cloud burst induced flash flood destruction in Himachal Pradesh. The first one is Kuther HEP in Chamba district and the second one is Pittkari HEP in Mandi district. Both the Kuther and Patikari HEPs are so called Run of the Rivers (RoR) projects and have benefited from CDM funds. Neither the developers nor the state government has so far put any official report detailing the scale of impact on these hydro projects.  https://sandrp.in/2023/09/13/more-himachal-pradesh-hydro-projects-damaged-in-flashfloods-in-aug-2023/  (13 Sept. 2023)

Himachal Pradesh Govt has asked the developers of 23 HEPs to develop early warning systems for the areas around the projects. https://www.bhaskar.com/local/himachal/shimla/news/shimla-himachal-government-gave-notice-power-producing-companies-action-taken-water-released-from-dam-into-rivers-without-notice-loss-caused-down-stream-power-generation-early-warning-system-131803968.html   (13 Sept. 2023)

This report mentions that the state govt in 2014 had given instructions to all the hydro power companies of the state to install early warning system. Not even one of the five power projects including 192 Mw Align Duhangan, 86 Mw Malana-I, 100 Mw Malana-II, 100 Mw Sainj HEP and NHPC’s 520 MW project in Siund in Kullu district has installed an early warning system in nine years. https://www.amarujala.com/shimla/no-early-warning-system-in-five-power-projects-in-kullu-himachal-pradesh-2023-09-09  (14 Sept. 2023)

Arunachal Pradesh Locals protest against mega dam on Siang river  A peaceful rally was taken out at Dite-Dime in Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday by the All Adi Welfare Society (AAWS) Youth Wing (Apex), AAWS Youth Wing Upper Siang District Unit, AAWS YW Siang District Unit, in collaboration with other organizations, against the proposed mega dam on the Ane (Mother) Siang river in Siang and Upper Siang districts. Protesters shouted slogans against the construction of mega dams, stating that it would have a devastating impact on the ecology of the Siang river system and the state. They also passed resolutions demanding that the dam be scrapped. “No dam in Siang. No dam means no dam. We do not need temporary solutions in the name of permanent displacement. We do not need dams in the name of development,” said one of the leaders.

– The protest was attended by former CM Gegong Apang, former ministers Tapang Taloh and T. Tatak, former MLA Olom Panyang, dynamic public leader Oni Panyang, former Chief Engineer Anong Perme, AAWS president Dr. Takeng Taggu, secretary General Allek Perme, Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFF) President Gegong Jijong, General Secretary Dunggo Libang, spokesperson Tasik Pangkam, Chief Advisor Anong Jongkey, and AAWS Upper Siang District Unit General Secretary Zing Boko. The organizations called on the state government to abandon the dam project and work towards sustainable development that does not harm the environment or displace people.  https://nenow.in/north-east-news/arunachal-pradesh/arunachal-groups-protest-against-mega-dam-on-siang-river.html  (14 Sept. 2023)

People protest against survey for the Siang Dam: https://fb.watch/n3_zuNA7gO/

Hydel stations damaged in cloudburst  A sudden cloudburst in Lhallung village near here in Shi-Yomi district in the wee hours of Saturday (Sept. 16) reportedly triggered a devastating flood, causing significant damages in the area. At least two hydel stations have been severely affected, disrupting the electricity supply to Mechukha township and its adjoining areas.

The floodwater also ravaged agricultural fields, standing crops, houses, water supply, and livestock. However, no loss of human life was reported. The hydel stations located in Lhallung village serve as the lifeline of electricity supply to Mechukha and its adjoining areas. https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2023/09/17/hydel-stations-crops-houses-damaged-in-cloudburst/  (17 Sept. 2023)

West Bengal Locals resisting SHPs in Darjeeling The govt has proposed two hydro-electric projects–a 12 megawatt (MW) project on Chhota Rangit and a 6 MW one on Balawas. Locals in Bijanbari and Pullbazar fear the projects will endanger their way of life. To collectively resist the project, residents of Bijanbari, Pullbazar, and other towns and villages that would likely be affected, have formed the ‘Save Chhota Rangit Campaigning Committee’ which has 350 active members. Subba, a Sahitya Akademi Award winner Nepali language poet, is the president.

– Residents of Bijanbari and Pullbazar said they had first heard about the hydel projects in 2015. They had protested back then, and stopped the state government from going ahead with the construction of a powerhouse for the project in Chhota Rangit river. “Even then, a committee was formed to protect the river. All of us collectively resisted the project which led to the government suspending it. For years there was no word about it,” said Darnal.

– WBSEDCL attempted to do some work on the ground, twice in January 2023 and once in February 2023, said Darnal. These attempts were thwarted by members of the Save Chhota Rangit Campaigning Committee. https://www.indiaspend.com/earthcheckindia/why-locals-are-resisting-small-hydro-projects-in-darjeeling-876156  (14 Sept. 2023)

Meghalaya Cabinet scraps 2 hydropower projects CM Conrad K Sangma said his cabinet has scrapped two power projects as those were found to be financially unviable. Sangma said the two hydropower projects are Kynshi Stage I and Upper Khri Stage I & II. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/meghalaya/meghalaya-cabinet-scraps-2-hydropower-projects-2684085  (13 Sept. 2023)

Report State-owned REC Ltd has sanctioned a loan of Rs 6,075 crore to Greenko for constructing a 1440 MW Standalone Pumped Storage Project. https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/renewable/rec-sanctions-rs-6075-cr-for-greenkos-1440-mw-pumped-storage-project/103714941   (16 Sept. 2023)

MoEF Relevant decisions in FAC meeting held on Sept 11 2023:

1. Diversion of 160.4 ha. of forest land in Karlakatti, Chakrageri & Kagihal Village, Savadatti (Saundatti) Taluk, Belagavi Dist for Standalone Pumped Storage Component of Saundatti Integrated Renewable Energy Project (IREP) of Greenko Solar Energy Pvt Ltd, Bangaluru, Karnataka: APPROVED

2. POLICY AGENDA: Cumulative Impact Assessments Studies to assess the carrying capacities of the major river basins: The Committee noted that the Ministry, in the year 2011, requested all State Governments to get such studies done for river basins in their State within a period of two years and after the completion of the carrying capacity, the recommendation made in such study report would be made a pre-requisite for considering EC/FC cases of projects of any basin. As per details made available before the Committee, such studies have been completed in five states for the 13 river basins viz. Bichom, Lohit, Subansiri, Siang, Kemeng, Dibang river, Tawang, Teesta, Sutlej, Chenab, Beas, Ganga and Yamuna basins. Decision of the Advisory Committee: The Advisory Committee, after deliberations and discussion with the Regional Officers and official of the Forest Conservation Division, observed that as subject matter is dealt by the Impact Assessment Division of the Ministry, it will therefore be appropriate that expert views in the matter may be obtained from the IA Division of the Ministry and matter may again be placed before the Committee in its next meeting. https://forestsclearance.nic.in/writereaddata/FAC_Minutes/91118124912111MoMofACheldon11-9-23.pdf 

DAMS

Mekedatu Dam “The best solution to utilise the surplus water is to ensure the recharge of groundwater by rejuvenating lakes along the river basin. Also, building small check dams and barrages along the course of the river is better,” said Himamshu Thakkar, coordinator, South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers, and People. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/mekedatu-reservoir-can-ease-cauvery-tension-say-experts/articleshow/103676676.cms   (15 Sept. 2023)

MoJS International Conference on Dam Safety Organised The Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar will inaugurate the International Conference on the theme “Safe & Secure Dams Ensure Nation’s Prosperity” organised by the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti at Rajasthan International Centre (RIC) in Jaipur on 14th September, 2023. Reflecting on the lessons learnt from Macchu Dam, Mr. S.K. Sibal, Member (D&RE), CWC & Chairman NDSA, emphasised the formation of regulatory institutions like NDSA, NCDS, SDSO, and SCDS. Their primary objective is to maintain a uniform set of dam safety protocols. The conference will have participation from 15 countries. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1957179 (13 Sep 2023)

Himachal Pradesh Interestingly, PM had laid the foundation stone for the Renuka dam in Dec 2021, but 20 months later the work is still to start, CWC is asking for some tests and final clearances are also not in place. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/govt-turns-to-centre-for-design-funds-for-renuka-dam-project-543628  (13 Sept. 2023)

Telangana PRLIS set for inauguration despite being off full capacity  The Palamuru-Rangareddy lift irrigation scheme (PRLIS) on to be inaugurated on September 16 project involves building five reservoirs — Anjanagiri, Veerajaneya, Venkatadri, Kurumurthiraya, Udandapur and KP Lakshmidevipally — to store 67.52 thousand million cubic feet (tmc ft) of water. Some of the pumps are bigger than those used on the Kaleshwaram lift irrigation scheme (KLIS). The project envisages lifting 90 tmc ft of floodwater in 60 days from the foreshore of the Srisailam reservoir on the Krishna River.  https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/150923/prlis-set-for-inauguration-despite-being-off-full-capacity.html  (15 Sept. 2023)

CM KCR inaugurates lift irrigation project to fill Anjanagiri reservoir from Krishna River. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/hyderabad/telangana-cm-kcr-inaugurates-lift-irrigation-project-to-fill-anjanagiri-reservoir-with-water-from-krishna-river-8942988/ (16 Sep 2023)

INTERLINKING OF RIVERS

Amit Bhatnagar on violations in R&R of Ken Betwa Project: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/liATI2Ty0R0 

INTERSTATE WATER DISPUTES

Cauvery Water Dispute The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee on Tuesday (Sept. 12) “directed” Karnataka to continue releasing 5,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) of water to Tamil Nadu for another 15 days. The first 15-day spell of water release, as fixed by the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), came to an end on September 12.  https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cauvery-panel-directs-karnataka-to-continue-with-the-release-of-5000-cusecs-for-another-15-days/article67299967.ece  (12 Sept. 2023)

URBAN RIVERS

Pune River getting polluted faster than its rejuvenation The Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) 6 STPs are outdated. They will be upgraded. However, the tasks such as preparing their DPR, getting them approved by various departments are moving at a snail’s pace. The proposals in this regard have still not been tabled before the Standing Committee. While the river is getting polluted speedily, the measures to curb the pollution are still on paper. The industrial pollution in Mula river has increased. Domestic sewage is also being released into it without treatment.

The PMC set up 10 STPs in the city before 2008. One STP among them at the Naidu Hospital has been demolished. Currently, sewerage is being treated at 9 STPs. As per the CPCB criteria, the civic body is supposed to treat the sewage. Bringing down BOD from 30 ml to 10 ml is an important criterion. The 3 STPs in Baner, Mundhwa and Kharadi have the SBR technology needed to decrease the BOD content. However, the technology being used in the 6 STPs in Vitthalwadi, Erandwane, Bopodi, Bhairoba Nala, Tanajiwadi and Naidu Hospital is outdated.

The Central Government changed the criteria for treating the sewerage 2 years ago. Hence, technologically upgrading and expanding the STPs has become necessary. The government-owned Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology Limited (Mahapreit) has been appointed as a consultant for the purpose. Mahapreit has prepared the DPRs of the 6 STPs, which will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 425 crore. The PMC will get the funds from the Centre’s Amrit Scheme.

The civic body has sent the DPRs to the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP) for its approval. Later, the Standing Committee and the General Body will approve them. Then they will be sent to the final approval of the Central Government. The upgrade started a year ago. The Centre’s approval and the completion of the upgrade will take 2 years, said civic officials. This means the actual work of curbing the river pollution will begin only after 2 years.

The capacity to treat sewage will increase by 99 MLD after the upgradation of the six STPs. Currently, 477 MLD is treated. It will be increased to 576 MLD. A new STP of a capacity of 200 MLD will be built in place of the existing 130-MLD STP at Bhairoba Nala. The remaining STPs in Vitthalwadi, Erandwane, Bopodi and Tanajiwadi can be upgraded without demolishing them.  https://policenama.com/english/pune-news-river-is-getting-polluted-faster-than-its-rejuvenation-in-pune/  (25 Aug. 2023)

Chambal; Kota According to this report, Rajasthan CM decides not to inaugurate the Kota River Front project on Sept 11, fearing that the project is in violation of NGT and SC orders due to its impact on the Chambal river sanctuary. https://www.bhaskar.com/local/rajasthan/news/why-did-cm-postpone-kota-visit-at-230-pm-131827829.html  (13 Sept. 2023)

RIVERS

Tamil Nadu Hill station waste needs better plan  The legacy landfill in Kodaikanal, a hill town in the Dindigul district, caught fire about four months ago. Attempts were made to douse it but even months later, one could see smoke from the partially burnt waste, going up in narrow, steady streaks. The landfill, also called Prakasapuram landfill, in Seeradumkanal has remained a concern for many environment-conscious residents.

It violates the guidelines prescribed for hilly regions in the SWM Rules 2016 by the CPCB. A landslide in 2018 led to the collapse of the landfill’s retaining wall and the waste, a decomposing mix of organic and inorganic waste, fell down the vertical slope, into the forest and in a stream that takes water to Perumal Malai, a town downstream.  https://india.mongabay.com/2023/09/hill-station-waste-needs-better-plan-not-just-plastic-ban/  (13 Sept. 2023)

PoP idols can be sold, but not immersed: HC Upholding the right of artisans to conduct trade, the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court on Saturday, September 16, said that the sale of Ganesh idols made of plaster of Paris cannot be restricted, but their immersion in water bodies can be prevented. The verdict came after an artisan from Rajasthan moved to court alleging that he was prohibited by local authorities from selling Ganesh idols made of plaster of Paris. https://www.thenewsminute.com/tamil-nadu/madras-hc-says-ganesh-idols-made-of-plaster-of-paris-can-be-sold-but-not-immersed  (17 Sept. 2023)

Karnataka Unauthorised water sports in Cauvery stopped Authorities from the Cauvery Neeravari Nigama Limited (CNNL) swiftly intervened to halt an unauthorised adventure activity taking place in the Cauvery River yesterday morning. CNNL officials emphasised that water sports in this specific area posed considerable risks due to the presence of rapid and dangerous water flows. When the organisers persisted in their refusal to stop the activities, CNNL Executive Engineer Vasudev officially informed the Arakere Police Station and asked the Police to intervene. https://starofmysore.com/unauthorised-water-sports-in-cauvery-river-stopped/  (16 Dec. 2023)

Madhya Pradesh NGT has given a direction to stop using diesel operated motor boats on all water bodies whose water is used for drinking, irrigation. https://www.bhaskar.com/local/mp/bhopal/news/diesel-emissions-dangerous-ban-on-operation-of-cruise-motor-boats-in-water-bodies-including-bada-talab-narmada-131831030.html  (12 Sept. 2023)

The NGT observed that the water bodies of MP are “for the benefit of the people” and the state is “under the obligation to protect”, in its order passed on September 12. The move has put a spanner in the works for MP’s budding cruise ship tourism industry, a trend that has been quickly catching onto other states with large coastlines and inland rivers. The industry’s most ambitious upcoming project is the luxury cruise on the Narmada River, which will cover three states, including MP, Maharashtra and Gujarat, plying from Barwani to the Statue of Unity in Gujarat. https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/ngt-ban-cruise-boats-madhya-pradesh-8942398/  (17 Sept. 2023)

सामाजिक कार्यकर्ताओं ने तैयार किया नदी संरक्षण कानून का मसौदा नदियों से प्रेम करने वाले, उन्हें बचाने के लिए काम करने वाले कई पर्यावरण प्रेमी और विशेषज्ञ बड़वानी जिले में एकत्रित हुए हैं।

यहां नर्मदा बचाओ आंदोलन के द्वारा राष्ट्रीय नदी घाटी मंच का सम्मेलन आयोजित किया गया है। इस सम्मेलन में भाग लेने के लिए कावेरी, गोदावरी, तीस्ता, महानदी, तापी,कोसी, भागीरथी, गंगा, साबरमती, ब्रह्मपुत्र, पेरियार, कृष्णा, पार्वती,  कारम, वांग, पेंच, चम्बल आदि नदियों के बचाव और बेहतरी के लिए काम करने वाले जन संगठन और विशेषज्ञ बड़वानी पहुचे। https://www.deshgaon.com/voices/social-workers-working-for-rivers-gathered-in-barwani/  (16 Sept. 2023)

GANGA Report 13 नदियों के किनारे वानिकी कार्यक्रम का क्या हुआ हश्र?  नदियों की सेहत सुधारने के उद्देश्य से साल 2016 में केंद्र सरकार की तरफ से गंगा और उसकी सहायक नदियों के किनारे वानिकी का एक महत्वाकांक्षी कार्यक्रम शुरू हुआ। दो साल पहले यानी 2021 में इस कार्यक्रम की मियाद पूरी हो चुकी है और लक्ष्य हासिल हुआ है महज 22 प्रतिशत। इस कार्यक्रम के लिए प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी से भी सहमति ली गई थी। इसके सफल होने के बाद देश की अन्य 13 नदियों के किनारे इस कार्यक्रम की पुनरावृत्ति होनी थी। लेकिन यह परियोजना ही लक्ष्य से बहुत दूर रह गई और अन्य नदियों के किनारे वानिकी कार्यक्रम अंधेरे में चला गया।

वानिकी परियोजना के समय यह सवाल उठा था। तत्कालीन सचिव शशि शेखर बताते हैं कि ज्यादातर एग्रीकल्चर और प्राइवेट लैंड किनारों पर हैं। इसके लिए किसानों के साथ सहमति बनाने की बात तय की गई थी। मेहता कहते हैं कि यह सरकार का काम है कि वह अन्य मामलों की तरह गंगा के संरक्षण के लिए भी जमीन अधिग्रहण करे। साथ ही सामूहिक स्तर पर संरक्षण की पहल की जाए। अदालतों ने कई बार फ्लड प्लेन मामलों में अतिक्रमण के खिलाफ कार्रवाई करने का आदेश दिया है। हालांकि, सरकारों ने कभी मन से यह काम नहीं किया। https://www.downtoearth.org.in/hindistory/wildlife-biodiversity/forest/What-is-the-fate-of-the-forestry-program-along-the-banks-of-13-rivers-including-Ganga-91466  (16 Sept. 2023)

YAMUNA Delhi Who drowned the city  But the concretisation of the floodplains – temple, metro station, CWG Village – has left less and less ground for flood waters to settle. Read: Big city, small farmers, and a dying river. “Nature will chart its course no matter what we do.

Earlier the water spread out during rains and floods, and now because there’s less space [in the floodplains], it was forced to rise to flow, and in the process destroyed us,” added Kamal of Bela Estate – those who are paying the price for the 2023 floods. “Saaf karni thi Yamuna, lekin humein hi saaf kar diya [They were supposed to clean the Yamuna but instead cleaned us out]!” https://ruralindiaonline.org/en/articles/who-drowned-delhi/  (06 Sept. 2023)

GOI has set up a committee to study flood management along Yamuna river between Hathnikund and Okhla barrage. THe com met on Sept 4 and will submit report in 6 months. It will also look into possible drainage congestion in Delhi. The 14 member panel chaired by CWC Chair will include members from CWPRS, NRSC, Delhi, Haryana and UP. The Panel will also look into the utility of ITO barrage and innovative measures like underground storage like. in Tokyo. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/centre-forms-panel-to-study-yamuna-flood-management-101694544501629.html   (13 Sept. 2023)

Govt starts topographical survey of drainage basins. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/process-begins-to-hire-experts-for-delhi-s-drainage-basins-101694540577701.html  (12 Sept. 2023)

RIVER BIODIVERSITY

Study Plastic contaminant detected in hilsas from Ganga, Hooghly Scientists have detected a plastic contaminant called bisphenol A (BPA) in hilsas in the Ganga’s lower stretches and the Hooghly’s estuary zone, signalling a potential health risk to humans, particularly children who eat this popular fish. The study, the first to measure BPA concentrations in hilsas in the Ganga, has estimated that children who consume the standard recommended daily fish intake may receive 159 to 775 times the acceptable daily threshold of this contaminant. But the scientists – from the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Barrackpore — also asserted that this was a preliminary study and there was “no evidence whatsoever” of any human harm yet. https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/scientists-detect-plastic-contaminant-bisphenol-a-in-hilsa-from-ganga-hooghly-but-no-proof-of-harm-yet/cid/1966864  (17 Sept. 2023)

Kerala Challenges from invasive alien species Kerala’s ecology, economy and biodiversity face significant challenges from some of the world’s most damaging and widespread invasive plant and animal species present in the State.

Five of the 10 widespread alien species around the globe are present in the State, viz. water hyacinth (known as African payal in local parlance), Konkini or Arippoo (Lantana camara), communist pacha (Chromolaena odorata), avanakku (Ricinus communis ) and ipil ipil (Leucaena leucocephala), according to experts. Invasive species with adverse impacts globally, such as water hyacinth, oriental fruit fly, Giant African Snail (Achatina fulica), and fish species common carp, are posing a threat to native species in the State. The negative impacts of the cassava mealy bug and dengue virus are also felt in the State as they cause widespread agricultural loss and health issues. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/kerala-faces-challenges-from-invasive-alien-species/article67318413.ece  (17 Sept. 2023)

FISH, FISHERIES, FISHERFOLKS

Coimbatore Dead fish in lake spark panic among residents Environmentalists were concerned after a large number of dead fish were found floating near the banks of Ukkadam Valankulam water body in Coimbatore. The Ukkadam Valankulam water body is among the eight water bodies being developed in the city under the beautification works carried out by the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC). Apart from beautifying it at Rs 65.93 crore, the civic body in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) had also launched boating services in the water body. The local fishermen community has been opposing the boat rides in both Valankulam and Periyakulam water bodies citing aquatic life loss, but the civic body went forward with their plans.

Several activists also urged the CCMC to take samples of water from the lake and send them to the laboratory for testing the pollution and other chemical levels in the water of the lake and take necessary action to address the issue as this has happened for a second time in the past few months. Speaking to TNIE, a CCMC official said that a STP with a capacity to treat 1 MLD of sewage water has already been established and is fully operational at the Valankulam Lake. They added that the STP is running without any issues and there are no possibilities of any chemical or other toxic substances to be mixed in the water body.  https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2023/sep/10/dead-fish-floating-on-coimbatore-lake-spark-panic-among-residents-2613352.html   (10 Sept. 2023)

Maharashtra  CRP: BMC starts giving compensation  In a relief to fisherfolks affected due to the construction of the Mumbai Coastal Road Project (south), the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recently disbursed ₹15.4 crore as compensation for 170 fishermen from the Worli-Koliwada and Lotus jetty area. Nitesh Patil, president of the Worli Koliwada Nakhava Matsya Vyavsay Sahakari Society (WKNMSS), said, “The BMC has finally started disbursing compensation. Fisherfolks are paid compensation with an 8% interest. We are happy that the disbursement process has begun.”

An official from BMC said that due to drilling, piling, noise, vibrations, etc., it was learnt that fisherfolks suffered huge losses as fish stopped breeding in that area. “Hence, the compensation strategy was decided, and the compensation from October 2018 to October 2022 is paid till now. Further compensation will also be paid till the work of the coastal road is completed,” the official added.  https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/coastal-road-project-south-bmc-starts-giving-compensation-pays-15-4-crore-to-170-fishermen-101694717978980.html  (15 Sept. 2023)

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has informed the Bombay High Court that it will not prevent fishermen from using the Lotus jetty during construction of the Coastal Road project. The BMC said the land was never intended for parking fishing vessels indefinitely and rejected the fishermen’s plea to stop the work until an alternative site was provided. However, the fishermen have been granted the liberty to apply for compensation and alternate parking space for their trawlers. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/dont-intend-to-prevent-fishermen-from-using-lotus-jetty-bmc-to-hc-101694373115813.html  (11 Sept. 2023)

SAND MINING

Documentary News9 documentary, supposedly on how sand mining is leading to raging rivers in cities. Also quotes SANDRP Coordinator HT, Ravi Chopra, Vikrant Tongand, former WR Secy among others. https://www.news9plus.com/shortvideo/raging-rivers  (14 Sep 2023)

Goa Video report on impact of illegal sand mining on rivers and people in Goa. Also talks of alternatives to sand and quotes SANDRP figures on sand mining violence.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_szagBqdaeY  (12 Sept. 2023)

Haryana Another way of corruption and violation in sand mining: Though no crushers exist on ground, to regularise the illegally mined sand, miners show dispatch of 2174 truckloads of minerals in 38 days from such non-existent crushers. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/criminal-nexus-sale-of-over-1-lakh-mt-minerals-to-12-plants-in-yamunanagar-only-on-paper-542573  (09 Sept. 2023)

Himachal Pradesh Punjab Kesari video report shows river bed mining going in Bald and Sarsa river despite a ban across Himachal Pradesh. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uU4wUoPgcU  (13 Sept. 2023) बद्दी के हांडाकुंडी में हथियारों के दम पर Mining https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdIgHxXGcaY  (06 Sept. 2023)

Jharkhand In spite of NGT orders of No sand mining during monsoon (June 10 to Oct 15), sand mining is going on rivers flowing through Dhanbad even during day. https://www.bhaskar.com/local/jharkhand/dhanbad/news/150-boats-of-smugglers-in-the-river-taking-out-sand-in-sharp-edge-131810881.html  (10 Sept. 2023)

Punjab एनजीटी ने 31 अगस्त, 2023 ने अवैध रेत खनन के मामले में पंजाब के पर्यावरण सचिव सहित अन्य लोगों को नोटिस जारी करने का आदेश दिया है। मामला पंजाब के होशियारपुर का है, जहां बस्सी हस्त खां गांव में बिल्ला ईंट उद्योग के मालिक यशपाल गुप्ता द्वारा अवैध रूप से रेट का खनन किया जा रहा था। इस मामले में एनजीटी के आदेश पर गठित संयुक्त समिति ने कहा है कि यशपाल गुप्ता अवैध रूप से रेत का खनन कर रहे थे। उनपर खनन विभाग द्वारा 1,02,81,077 रुपये का जुर्माना लगाया गया था, लेकिन इसे ईंट भट्ठे के मालिक द्वारा जमा नहीं किया गया है।

इस मामले में पंजाब के पर्यावरण सचिव के साथ-साथ राज्य प्रदूषण नियंत्रण बोर्ड, होशियारपुर के जिला मजिस्ट्रेट, और बिल्ला ईंट उद्योग के मालिक को नोटिस जारी किया गया है। इन सभी पक्षों को अगली सुनवाई या उससे पहले अपना जवाब दाखिल करने का आदेश दिया गया है। इस मामले में अगली सुनवाई 5 दिसंबर, 2023 को होगी। https://www.downtoearth.org.in/hindistory/pollution/water-pollution/environment-in-court-04-sep-2023-91542  (04 Sept. 2023)

Uttar Pradesh प्रयागराज में रेत खनन के मामले में पेश रिपोर्ट पर कोर्ट ने जताई नाराजगी एनजीटी ने 01 सितंबर, 2023 को रेत खनन के मामले में संयुक्त समिति द्वारा प्रस्तुत रिपोर्ट पर नाराजगी जताई है। मामले में कोर्ट ने उत्तर प्रदेश में प्रयागराज जिले के शंकरगढ़ ब्लॉक और आसपास के क्षेत्रों जैसे परवेजाबाद, लालापुर, बांकीपुर, जनवा, धारा में अवैध रेत खनन के 500 मामलों और 100 से अधिक वाशिंग प्लांटों की जांच करने का आदेश दिया था। ऐसे में अपने जवाब में, उत्तर प्रदेश राज्य प्रदूषण नियंत्रण बोर्ड की ओर से पेश वकील ने कहा है कि अब संयुक्त समिति द्वारा नए कदम उठाए जाएंगे और चार सप्ताह के भीतर अदालत द्वारा दिए निर्देशों और टिप्पणियों को ध्यान में रखते हुए एक नई रिपोर्ट प्रस्तुत की जाएगी।  https://www.downtoearth.org.in/hindistory/pollution/water-pollution/environment-in-court-04-sep-2023-91542  (04 Sept. 2023)

Chhattisgarh  पहली बार रेत खदानों के लिए निकला 5 साल का टेंडर  रेत खदानों की निविदा में सिंडिकेट को फायदा पहुंचाने के लिए पहली बार पांच साल के लिए ठेका दिया गया है। इससे पहले सिर्फ 2 साल के लिए ही निविदा दी जाती थी। सिर्फ बीते साल निविदा को दो साल का एक्सटेंशन दिया गया था। इसके लिए छत्तीसगढ़ गौण खनिज साधारण रेत नियम में संशोधन कर दिया गया। इसके तहत ठेका 5 साल और पर्यावरण विभाग की स्वीकृति 6 माह की जगह 1 साल किया गया है। एनओसी की समय सीमा खत्म होने के बाद इसे दोबारा रिन्यूअल कराना होगा। चौंकाने वाली बात यह है कि अभी तक पूर्व में जिन 6 रेत खदानों की निविदा हुई थी, उनमें से सिर्फ दो को ही पर्यावरण एनओसी मिली है। बाकी बिना एनओसी के खनन कर रहे हैं। https://www.patrika.com/raipur-news/for-the-first-time-a-5-year-tender-was-issued-for-sand-mines-8479353/  (10 Sept. 2023)

Tamil Nadu 2 illegal sand miners sentenced to life imprisonment The Principal District Judge of Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu sentenced two illegal sand miners to life imprisonment in the case linked to the murder of the Village Administrative Officer (VAO) of Murappanaadu on Friday, September 15.  Y Lourdu Francis (56) was killed on April 25 this year after he acted against Ramasubramanian (33) and Marimuthu (35), who were involved in illegal sand quarrying.  The shocking incident happened in broad daylight in the VAO office, located just 100 metres away from the police station. According to the reports, the judge also imposed a fine of Rs 3,000 each on the convicted persons, Ramasubramanian, who hailed in Kaliyaavoor near Murappanaadu, and his accomplice Marimuthu.  https://www.thenewsminute.com/tamil-nadu/thoothukudi-vao-murder-two-illegal-sand-miners-sentenced-to-life-imprisonment  (16 Sep 2023)

Interestingly, Directorate of Enforcement has launched a probe into sand business of Govt of TN. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/ed-probes-money-laundering-in-sand-mining-business/article67299855.ece  (12 Sept. 2023)

The ED has seized fake sale receipts, counterfeit QR code and incriminating documents in the sale of sand from the depots managed by the Water Resources Department (WRD). Besides freezing ₹12.82 crore, the central agency seized ₹2.33 crore and 1,024.6 grams of gold worth ₹56.86 lakh. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/ed-seizes-fake-sale-receipts-qr-codes-used-at-sand-depots/article67314884.ece  (16 Sept. 2023)

The ED which has searched sand mining sites and government officials’ homes, announced Friday (Sept. 15) that unaccounted cash worth Rs 2.33 crore and gold worth Rs 56.86 lakh were seized in the operations. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chennai/ed-seizes-rs-2-crore-unaccounted-cash-in-tamil-nadu-sand-mining-case-8941696/  (15 Sept. 2023)

The WRD has postponed the resumption of quarrying operations at its Kilikoodu reach and the sale of sand at its deport at Kondayampettai in Thiruvanaikoil. Since the searches carried out by the Enforcement Directorate officials at the sand quarries and the premises of sand contractors, quarrying operations at various reaches including Kilikoodu reach on the Kollidam River were halted. No trucks and lorries were allowed to transport sand. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/wrd-defers-resumption-of-quarrying-operations/article67307985.ece  (14 Sept. 2023)

Odisha Prospect of fine recovery from mining companies bleak Even as the state government has assured the Supreme Court to recover penalty to the tune of Rs 2,622 crore from defaulting mining companies for extracting excess minerals, it will be well nigh impossible to accomplish as the miners have no assets worth seizure.

Sources in the mining industry said the defaulters are in no position to pay the penalty after losing their mines which were auctioned after expiry of the lease period before March, 2020. After auction of the mines and transfer of all assets to the new leaseholders, the defaulting firms have no tangible assets that can be attached by the state government.

A report submitted by the central empowered committee (CEC) in January 2018 to the apex court, had pegged the total compensation to be paid by illegal miners towards violation of environmental clearance at Rs 17,417.99 crore and further compensation for violation of forest clearance at Rs 1,756.39 crore making a total of Rs 19,174.38 crores from 131 mining lease holders. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2023/sep/14/odisha-prospect-of-finerecovery-from-mining-companiesbleak-2614779.html  (14 Sept. 2023)

WETLANDS, LAKES, WATER BODIES

Tamil Nadu Ensure tank is kept free of encroachment, pollution: HC  Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has directed the authorities to ensure that Pudukulam, a ‘kanmoi’ at R.S. Mangalam in Ramanathapuram district, is kept free from encroachment and pollution. The court was hearing a petition filed by G. Thirumurugan of Ramanathapuram district. The petitioner sought a direction to the authorities to remove garbage that had accumulated on the tank bund. He also sought a direction to the authorities to restore the waterbody to its original state and maintain it so as ensure good water storage.  https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/ensure-tank-is-kept-free-of-encroachment-pollution-hc/article67303558.ece  (13 Sept. 2023)

Ramakkal lake polluted & emits foul  smell Pollution level has risen in Ramakkal Lake with a foul smell causing distress to Hale Dharmapuri residents, who have urged the municipality to undertake renovation and improve filtration units. The Ramakkal Lake, spanning 259 acres in area and having a capacity of 33.5 mcft, irrigates over 111 hectares of land. However, over the past few months, the pollution level has increased.

R Sivaraja, a resident of Hale Dharmapuri, told TNIE, “Ramakkal Lake is the most prosperous lake in the district. But the water was extremely polluted with sewage water draining into the lake. The issue was resolved by setting up a filtration unit. But in the last eight months, the filter beds have not been functioning, resulting in increased pollution levels. So we urged the municipality to undertake renovation and protect the lake.”

K Rajkumar, another resident said, “The lake is emitting a foul smell, while one part of the reason is the pollution. The other part is due to the visitors dumping food waste. Because of its location, many roadside vendors have set up shops near the lake and people buy food here and consume it in the park. They later dumped the waste in the water. Moreover, the park near the lake has become a hotbed for anti-social elements who consume liquor and dump plastic cups and bags in the lake.” https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2023/sep/14/ramakkal-lake-in-tn-polluted–emits-foul-smell-residents-demand-rejuvenation-2614615.html  (14 Sept. 2023)

WATER OPTIONS

How villagers in drought prone Bundelkhand revived this river using MGNREGA funds In Bundelkhand a rivulet called Odi has water throughout the year. This stream is completely rainfed and only 20 kilometers long. But we saw it was still flowing in March. What could be the reason? What made this stream different from most of the other streams in the region? And what role did MGNREGS play in its revival?.

Odi starts at a place called Madawara, in Lalitpur district of Uttar Pradesh. Before it empties its water at the reservoir of the Jamni dam. But in this journey, Odi also satiates the water requirements of eight villages. Work on reviving the stream began in 2018. It was completely funded by money from MGNREGA. The villagers along with an NGO drew up a three-stepped plan.  The first step was to remove the silt that was choking the check dams. The villagers then deepened the streambed and finally planted nearly 25,000 saplings along the side of the banks of the stream.  The roots of the trees would allow easy percolation of water into the soil helping the stream to retain water throughout the year. This work that nearly lasted for a year, gave employment to 558 families and created nearly 71,000 man-days of work.

Approximately Rs one crore was spent to revive this stream. Odi’s transformation into a perennial stream also increased the fortunes of all the eight villages along its banks. The total arable land around these eight villages is about 6,000 acres. But before the waterworks, the villagers could grow only one crop, once the rains came. But after the rejuvenation, these villages could grow more than two crops a year. An additional 700 acres of wasteland was also made arable. All this led to a 69% increase in the average annual incomes of all the families in the area. The average incomes increased from Rs 40,200 to Rs 68,000 per year. The revival of Odi is testimony to the fact that water scarcity and drought need not be a curse for a water deficit region like Bundelkhand. Numerous streams and rivulets flow through the region which if restored properly could lead this water deficient region to a water surplus one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc2ySdzYdtI  (30 March 2023)

Bihar Farmers in Sitamarhi construct an embankment on one of the Adhwara rivers that will help them irrigate land.

बाढ़ प्रभावित क्षेत्रों के लिए ‘इकोसन टॉयलेट: एक इको कथा फायदेमंद शौचालय में दो विशेष रूप से डिजाइन किए गए इकोसन टॉयलेट पैन होते हैं जो दो कंक्रीट चैंबर के ऊपर रखे जाते हैं। इनके बीच एक दीवार होती है। टॉयलेट और उसके चैंबर को काफी ऊंचाई पर बनाया जाता है ताकि अत्यधिक बाढ़ के दौरान भी फायदेमंद शौचालय काम करते रहें। यही इसका लिटमस टेस्ट है। शौचालय और उसके कमरों को किसी ऊंची जगह पर बनाया जाता है। हर पैन के केंद्र में 10 इंच डायमीटर की जगह होती है, जो नीचे के चैंबर की ओर जाती है। यहां मल एकत्र किया जाता है। इस खुली जगह से दूर ढलान पर आगे और पीछे दो बेसिन हैं जिनकी अपनी जल निकासी है। ये यूरिन और वाश वाटर को अलग-अलग इकट्ठा करते हैं। शौच करने के बाद व्यक्ति को मल पर कुछ राख या चूरा छिड़कना होता है और फिर वह मल के छेद का ढक्कन बंद कर देता है।

कीड़ों के हमले को रोकने के लिए, वाश वाटर या यूरिन की एक बूंद भी मल चैंबर के अंदर नहीं जानी चाहिए। परिवार पहले पाँच से छह महीनों के लिए इकोसैन शौचालय के एक चैंबर का इस्तेमाल करता है। और एक बार जब वह भर जाता है, तो वह दूसरे चैंबर का इस्तेमाल करने लग जाता है। उधर, पहले चैंबर में मल स्वाभाविक रूप से समय के साथ मानव निर्मित खाद में बदल जाता है। फिर इसे निकाला जाता है और खेतों में डाला जाता है। इससे परिवार द्वारा उर्वरक और कीटनाशकों पर किए जाने वाले खर्च में भी कमी आती है। यूरीन को भी इस्तेमाल में लाया जाता है। इसे एक अलग कंटेनर में इकट्ठा किया जाता है। इसे पानी में मिलाकर, खेतों में छिड़का जाता है। https://www.gaonconnection.com/desh/flood-resistant-eco-toilets-rural-bihar-52668  (16 Sept. 2023)

URBAN WATER

Bengaluru ‘Evict encroachers along SWDs, or face action’ Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Wednesday (Sept. 13) directed the officials to evict encroachers along the stormwater drains, else face action. The decision was taken by BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath in a meeting where he also directed the officials to identify fresh encroachments in 10 days. The executive engineers of the BBMP lake department have been asked to prepare a list of encroachments in a week after carrying out a survey and clear the encroachments. “Once the survey is complete and encroachments at the lakes are identified, the BBMP officials will have to evict encroachers and reclaim the lakes,” Nath said. Out of the 198 flood-prone areas in the city, Nath said that the civic body took measures to avoid flooding at 124 such places. He said that similar steps are being taken at the remaining 74 places. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/encroachers-bengaluru-stormwater-drains-action-bbmp-chief-commissioner-8939689/  (14 Sept. 2023)

Initiative for a climate-resilient & inclusive city Citizens, civil society practitioners and academia have come together to launch ‘Ellara Bengaluru’, a community-driven coalition that will create initiatives to build a climate-resilient and inclusive Bengaluru city. The coalition will work on enabling people across all wards to be fully equipped to tackle various economic and livelihood challenges caused by growing climate adversities. The initiative has been backed and supported by Mahila Housing Trust. Ellara Bengaluru sets its inaugural footprint in the heart of the city: Shantinagar ward 166.

– The coalition brings together close to 20 organizations that are working in the same geography or on similar issues. This includes Janaagraha, Biome Environmental Trust, Hasiru Dala,Selco Foundation, Socratus, Bengaluru Moving, INDE, Indian Institute of Human Settlements, LabourNet, WRI India and Sensing Local, among others.  https://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/ellara-bengaluru-collaborative-initiative-climate-resilient-and-inclusive-city  (09 Sept. 2023)

In most parts of Bangalore, the groundwater table has dipped this year following deficit monsoon so far. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/after-2-years-of-good-show-groundwater-levels-dip-in-bengaluru-2690276  (18 Sept. 2023)

Gurugram  ‘Leachate’ from Bandhwari flows again into Aravalis  Black viscous liquid — suspected to be leachate from the Bandhwari landfill —was again spotted flowing into the Aravalis around a kilometre away from the waste mountain, residents of nearby villages and activists alleged on Monday. Officials of the forest and wildlife department said they have sent teams to the site to investigate. Environmentalists said they were certain it was leachate (viscous discharge from waste) and that the waste concessionaire managing the Bandhwari landfill had done this in the past.

Spread over 33 acres, waste from Gurgaon and Faridabad has been piling up at the Bandhwari landfill for years. Another waste mound has come up next to the mountain, TOI had reported last week, despite instructions from the NGT to clear the site of garbage. Asked about the latest allegations, an MCG official said they have issued two notices to the waste concessionaire EcoGreen on leachate management. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/leachate-from-bandhwari-flows-again-into-aravalis-forest-dept-sends-teams-for-probe/articleshow/103592004.cms  (12 Sept. 2023)

Despite repeated assurances by municipal officials that they were taking enough steps to tackle the toxic leachate from the Bandhwari landfill located in the foothills of the Aravallis, residents of nearby Bandhwari village, and environmentalists in Gurugram said a one kilometre long stream of toxic leachate from the dump yard was slowly making its way towards the village and is now almost at its boundaries.

Villagers on Monday (Sept. 11) said the foul smelling leachate has started polluting aquifers, leaving them with no clean source for drinking water. They said the leachate is profusely leaking from the Bandhwari garbage dump, owing to the mismanagement of the landfill by the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) and its concessionaire, Ecogreen. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/gurugram-news/activists-say-leachate-leaking-from-bandhwari-landfill-in-gurugram-101694458044686.html  (12 Sept. 2023)

बरसात से गुरुग्राम-फरीदाबाद रोड पर गांव बंधवाड़ी स्थित सॉलिड वेस्ट प्लांट से लीचेड वॉटर निकलकर अरावली पर्वत श्रृंखला में पहुंच गया है। इससे करीब पौने एकड़ में काले पानी की नदी बन गई है। पर्यावरणविदों ने इस पानी को वातावरण, भूमि, भूजल और जीव जंतुओं के लिए खतरनाक बताया है। https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/punjab-and-haryana/gurgaon/gurugram-bandhwari-landfill-leachate-spill-in-aravallis-back-water-in-river/articleshow/103590621.cms   (12 Sept. 2023)

WATER POLLUTION

Report Improper fly ash disposal hits local communities  As per the March CEA report, compiled by collecting data from 175 thermal power stations, 142.07 million tonnes (MT) of fly ash was generated by the combustion of 401.15 MT of coal. However, only 78.14% (111.01 MT) of the fly ash generated was utilised by power plants under Central government norms. This is the lowest percentage utilisation rate of fly ash recorded in the past three half-yearly CEA studies. The total quantity of fly ash lying unutilised, including legacy ash in operational dykes, non-operational dykes, ash ponds and so on—in these power plants is a massive 1,677.30 MT.

Often, local communities living near thermal power plants have come face to face with authorities over damages caused to their livelihood by improper fly ash disposal. Incidents of fly ash slurry flooding human habitations and agricultural fields have been reported from various parts of the country from time to time. The floods occurred due to the breach of dykes of fly ash ponds within thermal power plants. Incidentally, there’s no mechanism to construct and operate robust dykes that withstand breaching. https://www.newsclick.in/improper-fly-ash-disposal-thermal-power-plants-hits-local-communities  (12 Sept. 2023)

Rajasthan A village waiting for justice for over 3 decades Bichhri village in Udaipur district is facing water scarcity and contamination for over 35 years following pollution caused by fertiliser and acid manufacturing factories. The contamination has not only impacted drinking water availability but has also significantly affected the village’s agricultural yields and livestock productivity, the residents claim. The polluting factories completely stopped operations after a 1996 Supreme Court order, but the implementation of the order has not been effective claim the residents, who are still waiting for promised compensation and clean water.  https://india.mongabay.com/2023/09/a-village-contaminated-by-industrial-waste-has-been-waiting-for-justice-for-over-three-decades/  (15 Sept. 2023)

Punjab Villagers protest filling of sewage pond for highway Residents of Bakhunangal village in the district put up a strong opposition against filling a sewage pond at the village for the ongoing construction of the Jammu-Katra Highway here on Saturday. Villagers have been holding a dharna by the pond seeking a new pond in place of the previous one, which has been covered by highway project authorities. They said mostly Dalit families were affected after the plugging of the sewage pond. They also took up the issue with Local Bodies Minister and Kartaprur MLA Balkar Singh who reached the site to review the ongoing construction work on the highway. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jalandhar/villagers-protest-filling-of-sewage-pond-for-highway-545107  (17 Sept. 2023)

JJM/ RURAL WATER SUPPLY

Uttar Pradesh In Mahoba district in Bundelkhan, the Jal Jeevan mission has provided lines, but no taps or water. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/the-missing-link-in-the-jal-jeevan-scheme-water/article67311157.ece  (16 Sept. 2023)

MONSOON 2023

SANDRP Blog High Rainfall days in India’s districts in August 2023 An analysis of the daily district wise rainfall data from India Meteorological Department (IMD) for the month of Aug 2023, shows that there were 500 (667 in Aug 2022 and 431 in Aug 2021) instances when district rainfall of a day in a dist was above 50 mm. Such high rainfall instances included 424 (553 in Aug 2022 and 371 in Aug 2021) instances when rainfall was 50-100 mm, 67 (98 in Aug 2022 and 48 in Aug 2021) instances when it was 100-150 mm, 5 (13 in Aug 2022 & 11 in Aug 2021) times it was 150-200 mm and 4 (3 in Aug 2022 and 1 in Aug 2021) above 200 mm.

Interestingly, in June & July 2023 there were 451 and 855 instances when rainfall was above 50 mm, while in June 2022 and July 2022 there were 462 and 809 instances when rainfall in a district was above 50 mm. The July 2023 and June 2023 rainfall over India was 13.1% above normal and 10.1% below normal respectively, while the July 2022 and June 2022 rainfall all over India was 16.8% above normal & 8% below normal respectively.  https://sandrp.in/2023/09/16/high-rainfall-days-in-indias-districts-in-august-2023/ (16 Sep 2023)

IMD High Rainfall districts for 24 hrs ending at 0830 hrs on

Sep 18, 2023: 50-100 mm: N & Middle Andaman (UT), Bilaspur (HP), Udhampur (J&K), Banswara, Dungarpur, Udaipur (E Raj), Jhabua (W MP), Dahod, Mehsana, Sabarkantha (Guj) [10]

100-150 mm: S Andman (UT), Pratapgarh (E Raj), Aravalli, Gandhinagar, Kheda, Mahisagar, Panchmahal (Guj) [7]

Sep 17, 2023: 50-100 mm: N & Middle Andaman (UT), Rampur (W UP), Dungarpur, Sirohi (E Raj), Dewas, Khandwa, Mandsaur, Nimuch, Ujjain (W MP) Aravalli, Narmada, Vadodara (Guj), Nandurbar (Mah) [13]

100-150 mm: Pratapgarh (E Raj), Barwani, Khargone (W MP), Chhotaudepur, Mahisagar (Guj) [5]

150-200 mm: Banswara (E Raj), Dhar, Indore, Ratlam (W MP), Dahod, Panchmahal (Guj) [6]

200-250 mm: Jhabua (W MP) [1]

250-300 mm: Alirajpur (W MP) [1]

Sep 16, 2023: 50-100 mm: Sangrur (Punjab), Jhalawar (E Raj), Alirajpur, Bhopal, Burhanpur, Dhar, Jhabua, Mandsaur, Raisen, Shajapur (W MP), Chhindwara (E MP), Dakshin Kannada (Karnataka) [12]

100-150 mm: Agar-Malwa, Dewas, Khandwa, Khargone, Narmadapuram, Ratlam, Sehore, Ujjain (W MP), Narshimapura (E MP) [9]

150-200 mm: Indore (W MP) [1]

200-250 mm: Betul, Harda (W MP) [1]

Sep 15, 2023: 50-100 mm: Nicobar (UT), Balangir, Bargarh, Nuaparha (Odisha), Bijnor (W UP), Samba (J&K), Anuppur, Mandla, Narsimhapura (E MP), Suburban Mumbai, Gondiya (Mah), Baloda Bazar, Bemetara, Bilaspur, Janjgir Champa, Kabirdham, Mungeli, Raigarh, Raipur, Rajnandgao (CG), Mahe (Puducherry), Kasargod (Kerala) [22]

100-150 mm: Balaghat, Seoni (E MP) [2]

Sep 14, 2023: 50-100 mm: N & Middle Andaman (UT), Uttar Dinajpur (WB), Balangir, Bauda, Bhadrak. Ganjam, Jajapur, Jharsuguda, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Kendraparha, Koraput, Nabrangpur, Rayagarha, Subarnapur (Odisha), Riasi (J&K), Niwari (E MP), Bijapur, Durg, Gariaband, Mungeli, Raipur (CG) []

100-150 mm: Jagatsinghpur (Odisha) []

Sep 13, 2023: 50-100 mm: Dimapur (Nagaland), Aizwal (Mizoram), Kandhmal, Malkangiri (Odisha), Kondagaon (CG) [5]

100-150 mm: Samba (J&K) [1]

Sep 12, 2023: 50-100 mm: Kolasib, Saiha (Mizoram), N Tripura (Tripura), Malda (WB), Koraput (Odisha), Jammu, Riasi, Samba (J&K) [8]

100-150 mm: Bahraich, Barabanki (E UP) [2]

Sep 11, 2023: 50-100 mm: S Andaman (UT), Sibsagar (Assam), Wokha (Nagaland), Bahraich, Farrukhabad, Fatehpur, Hardoi, Kanpur, Lucknow, Sitapur (E UP), Badaun, Bijnor, Hathras, Shahjahanpur (W UP), Almora, Champawat, Nainital, Pithoragarh, Udham Singh Nagar (UKD), Guntur, Krishna, Palnadu (AP) [22]

100-150 mm: Barabanki, Kannauj (E UP), Kasganj, Rampur, Sambal (W UP) [5]

150-200 mm: N & Middle Andaman (UT), Moradabad (W UP) [2]

Source: IMD’s daily district wise rainfall page

Bengaluru Over 100 years rain decoded -Multiple data stories in Citizen Matters have pointed out that rainfall in the city has increased over the years. This holds true with our latest analysis as well. Average annual rainfall has increased from 900 mm in the 1900s to around 1,200 mm at present. The annual rainfall since 2020 has been over 1,200mm. However, in 2022, the city received 1,957mm of rainfall; the highest in 122 years. https://bengaluru.citizenmatters.in/bengaluru-rains-rainfall-data-imd-lpa-monsson-summer-winter-flooding-bbmp-126851  (12 Sept. 2023)

There have been at least 26 El Nino events since 1900 in Bengaluru. It appears that El Nino years do not lead to substantial decrease or increase in the total annual rainfall in Bengaluru. Although the La Nina years appear to result in excess rainfall, overall there is no pattern. Interestingly, El Nino and La Nina do not seem to even have an impact seasonally on rainfall in the city. https://bengaluru.citizenmatters.in/bengaluru-rains-el-nino-la-nina-imd-rainfall-patterns-126854  (18 Sept. 2023)

FLOOD 2023

SANDRP Blog Unaccountable Sardar Sarovar operators again bring avoidable floods in downstream Gujarat  The fact is that the SSP authorities got away with unaccountable reservoir operations in Sept 2020 among other occasions and so did the numerous other dam operators across India. This gives another reason why the SSP authorities may not have bothered to take advance action warranted both on the basis of past experience, actionable information and rule curve requirements. They were pretty sure that no one is going to touch them or held accountable. All this also shows how inadequate is the Dam Safety Act the paraphernalia of institutions created around it both at state level and central level. It also shows that how CWC authorities have once again failed in their task and they are also going to not having to answer any questions. https://sandrp.in/2023/09/17/unaccountable-sardar-sarovar-operators-again-bring-avoidable-floods-in-downstream-gujarat/  (17 Sept. 2023)

लगभग 48 से 72 घंटों की निष्क्रियता की यह अवधि, जब सीडब्ल्यूसी और सरदार सरोवर नर्मदा निगम लिमिटेड (एसएसएनएनएल), — जो एसएसपी का प्रबंधन और संचालन करती है — के पास एसएसपी से नीचे नदी में पानी पानी छोड़ने की शुरुआत करने के लिए पर्याप्त कार्रवाई योग्य जानकारी उपलब्ध थी, के कारण ही एसएसपी अधिकारियों को 17 सितंबर को सुबह 05:00 बजे तक बांध से 52,706 क्यूमेक्स (18.76 लाख क्यूसेक) तक पानी छोड़ना पड़ा और उसके बाद कई घंटों तक बांध का जलस्तर उतना ही बनाये रखना पड़ा। इतनी बड़ी मात्रा में छोड़ा गया पानी, निश्चित रूप से बांध के नीचे नर्मदा नदी की वहन क्षमता से कई गुना अधिक था, जिससे हजारों लोग और परिवार प्रभावित हुए। इसी तरह, इससे बांध के ऊपरी क्षेत्रों में बड़े पैमाने पर बैकवाटर प्रभाव से अनेकों गांवों को बाढ़ की मार झेलनी पड़ी।  https://shorturl.at/ctDM1

10 gates of Sardar Sarovar Narmada dam are opened with effect from 12.00 noon today for release of 1.45 lakh cusecs of water initially. More gates are likely to be opened every hour after this due to the expected increase in inflow at the dam.  The low-lying areas aligned to river Narmada in districts of Bharuch, Narmada, and Vadodara districts are alerted.

– At 10 a.m. today, the level of water at the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Dam was recorded at 135.65 meters. The increase of 23 cm in the surface was recorded in just 2 hours. The maximum surface level in the dam is 138.68 m. An increase in water inflow was recorded by 3,64,629 cusecs in 2 hours. The dam has over 5.31 lakh cusecs inflow as of 10 am.

– The gross storage in the dam is 90%  at present. Sardar Sarovar Narmada dam is considered lifeline of Gujarat, as a large area of the State is served by it for needs of drinking water and also irrigation.

Stats at 11 am:

Designed storage capacity – 9460 MCM,

Highest level possible – 138.68 m,

Current level – 135.82 m,

Storage at present – 8565.20 MCM,

Storage in percentage – 90.54%,

Inflow in cusecs – 5,79,066 https://deshgujarat.com/2023/09/16/1-45-lakh-cusecs-water-release-from-sardar-sarovar-narmada-dam-downstream-areas-alerted/

In parts of SSP submergence zone in upstream MP, water levels have crossed 142 m, bringing some areas under submergence that were never under submergence. No warning or notices were given, no facilities for the affected people. https://www.bhaskar.com/local/mp/barwani/news/many-villages-of-barwani-are-in-danger-of-drowning-131856821.html  (18 Sept. 2023)

The release of massive amounts of water from SSP, which touched its full reservoir level of 138.68 metres on Sunday morning, in the Narmada river due to heavy rains in the catchment areas in neighbouring Madhya Pradesh caused massive flooding in low-lying areas in Narmada district. Around 1,500 people were shifted to safer places from 28 affected villages, including those located near the world’s tallest monument the Statue of Unity in Narmada district, officials said. As the Narmada river is in spate after the heavy discharge of water from the dam, parts of Vadodara and Bharuch districts near the river banks were flooded, they said, adding that the situation is being monitored closely to ensure the safety of the affected people. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/gujarat/heavy-rain-batters-gujarat-release-of-water-from-narmada-dam-causes-flooding-hundreds-shifted-2690121  (17 Sept. 2023)   

Madhya Pradesh Several temples situated near Ram Ghat in Ujjain district have submerged as the Shipra River is overflowing following the continuous rainfall in the district for the last two days. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/sep/17/temples-submerge-as-shipra-river-overflows-in-madhya-pradeshs-ujjain-2615740.html  (17 Sept. 2023)

HFL BREACH

Uttar Pradesh River Kali at Atrauli site in Aligarh district has set a new highest flood level (HFL) 176.14 meter on 14.09.2023 after breaching old HFL 176.95 meter dated 24.08.2023. Before this, 176.91 meter has been HFL for the site set on 28.09.2019.

River Kalyani at Ramsanehi ghat in Barabanki district has crossed old HFL 101.7 meter dated 21.09.2021 at 16:00 hour on 14.09.2023. Previous HFL for the site has been 100.27 meter dated 30.09.2019.

URBAN FLOODS

Bengaluru JP Nagar Ph 7 layout to be raised to avoid floods The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) Commissioner G Kumar Naik has instructed officials to increase the ground level of the JP Nagar 7th Phase, near Alahalli Lake in order to prevent flooding. Naik was out on a surprise inspection of the infrastructure work at this layout and four other BDA Layouts in J.P. Nagar 8th and 9th Phase, Anjanapura Township and Anjanapura Further Extension.

An official release said that 71 sites of various dimensions had been formed adjacent to Alahalli Lake. “The Layout has been formed 5 feet below the level of the main road. This makes it a water stagnation point, which would flood fully during the rains,” it said. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2023/sep/18/jp-nagar-ph-7layout-in-karnataka-to-be-raised-to-avoid-floods-2615901.html  (18 Sept. 2023)

DISASTERS

Global warming behind increasing lightning strikes Experts suggest that global warming is behind the increase in lightning strikes, as hotter temperatures combined with rain lead to more intense thunderstorms and lightning. The residents of Lucknow, India experienced a harrowing night of lightning and thunder, with the weatherman reporting lightning for 11.5 hours intermittently. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology is studying lightning characteristics to help reduce losses due to lightning strikes. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/global-warming-behind-increasing-lightning-strikes-say-experts-101694520082205.html  (12 Sept. 2023)

LANDSLIDES

Himachal Pradesh Four-lane highways to hell -In response to the recent landslides, the NHAI has argued that it is relatively inexperienced in building roads in the mountains. In August this year, its regional head said that the Parwanoo-Solan stretch had been a “learning experience for the authority”. The former deputy mayor of Shimla Municipal Corporation, Tikender Singh Panwar, rubbished this reasoning. “This cannot be an alibi, it’s sheer stupidity,” Panwar said. He argued that projects to build roads in the Himalayas were hardly new. He reasoned that if the NHAI considered itself inexperienced, it should not have taken up the work, and that other road-building organisations in the state, such as the Border Roads Organisation and the Himachal PWD “would have done a far better job”.

-While the Parwanoo-Solan four-lane project’s original cost in 2015 was Rs 934 crore, by 2022 repeated landslides led to an escalation of costs by 65%, to Rs 1,541 crore. In February this year, the NHAI released a tender for about Rs 122 crore for “slope protection work” at 32 vulnerable locations on the route. Beyond what the NHAI has had to spend are the hidden costs borne by locals. https://scroll.in/article/1055781/himachals-four-lane-highways-to-hell   (13 Sept. 2023)

The NH 5 reopened for traffic on Sunday (Sept. 17), 10 days after it was blocked due to a massive landslide at Negulsari in Kinnaur district. It was opened for pedestrians in the morning and later one-way traffic was restored, officials said.  https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/nh-5-in-himachal-pradesh-reopens-10-days-after-being-blocked-due-to-landslide-101694946939938.html  (17 Sept. 2023)

In the aftermath of the floods, the typical blame game has begun with the state machinery offering feeble reasons for the breakdown. Are development and urbanization the devils, is the defensive response from government agencies.

“No, implementation is the devil,” says Harjit Singh, former general manager National Project Construction Corporation, and project head, Koteshwar Dam, under the Tehri Hydropower Complex, Uttarakhand. “Monsoon mayhem is an agonizing headline. What we’ve been witnessing over the past few years is not a natural disaster but an outright man-made tragedy. The cause is clearly evident. Utter disregard for land and its topography when giving the green signal to residential or industrial projects, and the unjustifiable expansion of highways using excessive explosives which cracks and weakens the slopes,” he elaborates, even as he fumes over the rot of unaccountability that runs deep, eventually affecting implementation and the final outcome. https://www.rt.com/india/582832-nicholas-roerich-india-himalayas-kullu/  (13 Sept. 2023)

Experts to be roped in for undertaking in-depth study of landslides In the ongoing monsoon season, 111 people died in 165 landslides between June 24 and September 11, according to state emergency operation centre data. There are 17,120 landslide-prone sites in the state and 675 of these are near critical infrastructure and habitations, the data showed. Expressing concern over the landslides, the officials on Sept. 12 said the study would examine the reason behind land subsidence at nearly 200 places where there is no construction.

Meanwhile, a committee constituted last month to study the causes of landslides in Shimla city said in its report that water saturation in soil, construction on drains and loose strata led to the collapse of buildings, according to officials. Principal Scientific Officer, Himachal Pradesh Council for Science Technology and Environment (HIMCOSTE), S S Randhawa had told PTI last month that over-burdening of the hills due to construction coupled with saturation of soil and seepage seemed to be responsible for the landslides in Shimla city. Randhawa, who is also the coordinator of the committee set up to study the causes of landslides, said there was virtually no summer season and the rainy season followed the winter snow, which aggravated the situation as there was no break for moisture in the soil to dry. https://www.newsdrum.in/national/experts-to-be-roped-in-for-undertaking-in-depth-study-of-landslides-in-himachal-pradesh  (12 Sept. 2023)

An expert committee constituted by the NHAI, which visited various critical sites like Chakki Mod, observed this while terming the rain-triggered calamity as an exceptional situation. CSP Ojha from the IIT-Roorkee, Dr Dharmender Gill from the IIT-Mandi, NHAI’s former Member (Projects) RK Pandey and slope stabilisation expert Minimol examined various critical stretches like Chakki Mod, Jabli, Sanwara and Do Sarka on the Parwanoo-Dharampur highway.  https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/monsoon-fury-road-to-recovery-experts-blame-excess-rain-for-landslides-will-suggest-slope-stabilisation-measures-542963  (10 Sept. 2023)

The govt would engage experts of four premier institutions to carry out studies to find the reasons behind devastating landslides in the state. The experts would also suggest measures to reduce the possibility of such disasters in future.

Principal secretary (revenue) Onkar Chand Sharma said that the government is in process to engage services of experts from Indian Institute of Technology-Roorkee, IIT-Mandi, National Institute of Technology-Hamirpur and Central University of Himachal Pradesh-Dharamshala to carry out detailed studies to find out reasons behind the landslides. He said teams of experts will conduct several studies such as geophysical survey and soil testing to understand the phenomenon.  https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/himachal-pradesh-government-engages-experts-to-study-and-prevent-devastating-landslides-excess-rainfall-a-major-factor-101693853674567.html  (05 Sept. 2023)

News agency PTI reported the Chief Secretary as saying that these institutions shall submit their reports to the state government in the next two-three months. The reports would also underline some key vulnerable geographical areas within the state for detailed investigations considering geological, geotechnical and geophysical parameters of these areas for proper scientific management of landslides. https://news.abplive.com/education/iit-mandi-nit-mandi-other-institutes-to-study-himachal-pradesh-landslides-and-present-report-in-2-3-months-hp-chief-secretary-1630165  (17 Sept. 2023)

For years, experts raised red flagsWith landslides and slope instability resulting in the destruction of dozens of buildings across Himachal Pradesh in the ongoing monsoon season, the issues of slope stability and tardy enforcement of regulations highlighted by many architects and engineering experts over the past few years have once again come into focus.

At least two detailed studies in the last six years have brought into focus the issue of safety with regard to construction activities in Shimla, the state of Himachal Pradesh as a whole and even other hill stations such as Mussourie and Srinagar.

In a 2018 paper titled, ‘Review of building regulations for safety against hazards in Indian hill towns’ authored by Ashwani Kumar, Department of Architecture and Planning, Malaviya National Institute of Technology, construction activity on high and unstable slopes in the hill stations has been particularly highlighted.

Another paper presented in 2017 titled ‘Problems and prospects of building regulations in Shimla, India – A step towards achieving sustainable development’ by Ashwini Kumar of Department of Architecture and Planning, Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur, and Pushplata of Department of Architecture and Planning, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee focuses on the haphazard construction in Shimla. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/environmental-degradation-of-hills-8907176/  (25 Aug. 2023)

Himachal Pradesh Gadakari on Aug. 01 on Beas floods & landslides along NH: –Union minister said that he never imagines the scale of loss caused by the recent rain in Himachal Pradesh. He said that NHAI would try to channel the entire starch of river basins by digging river bottoms and building concrete walls on both sides of rivers. He said that river flood waters washed away the foot walls of roads and sleet and rock and other river debris causing rising the water level on its banks and flood waters sometimes cross over the roads and entering in the villages situated along the river banks.

He said that IIT Mandi and IIT Roorkee and some competent NHAI engineers would visit Himachal Pradesh to suggest to the government how to minimize the loss caused to infrastructure and suggest a durable solution to build long-lasting highways along the geological fragile regions of Himachal Pradesh.

He said that a team would visit Himachal on August 3 to find out the reason for the heavy damage caused to the road and give input on how to resolve the road construction problem so that it did not damage the way recent rainfall has damaged the state. He said that a study would be conducted to ensure the free flow of river water and the bottom of the river would be made smooth so that water could flow in a uniform manner.

He said that the union’s government would also conduct a study on how could flood protection could be ensured in the state and rocks, stones, concrete, and sleet laying on the River banks should be removed from the drive so that it didn’t cause damage to the road, river banks and infrastructure. He said that a team from Switzerland would visit India and suggestions would be taken to resolve the issue of frequent landslides along NH and four lanes for the state of Himachal Pradesh to minimize future loss.

He said that the government had recently built the Kiratpur-Manali Four lane after spending around Rs 9000 Crore which was affected by a flash flood and landslide in recent fury. He said that it would need Rs 3000 to 4000 Crore to rebuild the four lanes. He said that the union government would award the contract of Rs 250cr Bijli Mahadev ropeway by August 15 and Rs 400 Cr would be released to the state for building damaged bridges and central relief fund.

He said that the government has released Rs 250 Crore to maintain all affected NH immediately and Rs 130 Cr was also released to the state for Climatic Relief Fund.  He said that Rs 80 Crore would be released immediately. https://www.himachalheadlines.com/news/iit-roorkee-iit-mandi-and-nhai-to-submit-a-report-on-himachals-landslide-affected-ecological-fragile-areas-gadkari/  (01 Aug. 2023)

Shyam Saran: After the Kedarnath-Badrinath tragedy, one of the several activists working to safeguard the Himalayas had this to say, “It was a tragedy that had so many lessons for us to learn. But it seems that we have learnt nothing and we keep on repeating our old mistakes, respecting neither the fragile nature of the Himalayan ecosystem nor the floodplains requirement of the rivers. We don’t even realise that inappropriate developmental activities in the Himalayas are going to make us suffer history again.” Will we ever learn?  https://m.tribuneindia.com/news/comment/no-let-up-in-himalayan-plunder-539560  (30 Aug. 2023)

Siddharth Pandey: As the State rapidly strides towards modernity, it seems to have lost touch with the very elements that made it unique. https://frontline.thehindu.com/environment/development-projects-in-himachal-pradesh-have-ignored-the-states-geography-and-built-hertiage/article67295602.ece/amp/  (12 Sept. 2023)

There is a pattern of natural disasters in the Himalayas, which leaves the local population caught in a cycle of construction and destruction. https://www.outlookindia.com/national/himalayas-how-pattern-of-natural-disasters-leaves-locals-in-cycle-of-construction-and-destruction-magazine-316515

Citing seepage in Atal Tunnel, MLA questions quality of work  The 9.02-km-long tunnel built at a cost of Rs. 3200 crore by piercing the Pir Panjal hills at a height of 10,000 feet above sea level witnessed leakage from the Seri Nullah that delayed the construction of the tunnel by around 4 years. The tunnel was inaugurated by PM Modi on October 2, 2020. Seri Nullah flows right above the Atal Tunnel, which still remains a headache for the BRO. It entrusted the responsibility of rectifying the seepage to the NHPC last year, but no concrete solution could be worked out so far. Many residents have also questioned the quality of tunnel construction. Some people have, on social media, also expressed apprehension that the tunnel might give way due to continuing seepage, resulting in a major catastrophe. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/citing-seepage-in-atal-tunnel-mla-questions-quality-of-work-544157  (14 Sept. 2023)

Changes post opening of Atal Tunnel are triggering an ecological rethink. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/features/anxious-for-lahaul-changes-post-opening-of-atal-tunnel-are-triggering-an-ecological-rethink-545176  (17 Sept. 2023)

Jammu & Kashmir  4 killed as truck plunges into gorge  Four people were killed when their truck plunged into a deep gorge after being hit by a landslide along the Jammu-Srinagar NH early on Tuesday (Sept. 12), police said. Due to the landslide that hit the highway near Sherbibi in Ramban district at around 5 am, vehicular movement was suspended, they said. Six cattle, which were being transported in the truck for domestic use, also perished, they said. The landslide blocked the highway, and efforts are on to make it traffic-worthy, officials said.  https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/j-k/4-killed-as-truck-plunges-into-gorge-after-being-hit-by-landslide-on-jammu-srinagar-highway-543647  (12 Sept. 2023)

Uttarakhand Cracks have been discovered at the main entrance of the Badrinath temple, known as ‘Singh Dwar’, raising concerns. Initially feared to be caused by subsidence, it was later found that the cracks resulted from rain and environmental factors. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has sent a team to investigate the matter and has initiated repairs by replacing iron clamps with copper clamps. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/badrinath-temple-main-gate-singh-dwar-develops-cracks/articleshow/103654369.cms  (14 Sept. 2023)

DROUGHT 2023

Karnataka State hindered by drought manual Receiving the lowest rainfall in 123 years, Karnataka has declared 195 of its 236 taluks drought-hit. This year, rainfall deficit stands at around 40%. A cabinet sub-committee headed by Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda had earlier found that 161 taluks were severely affected, 34 moderately hit. Due to flaws in the 2016 Manual for Drought Management updated in 2020, issued by GOI.

The new manual does not allow moderate drought, only severe category. The drought has to be meteorological drought, it cannot be just agricultural or hydrological drought. The monsoon deficit has to be over 60%, there is no notion of distribution of monsoon. Karnataka being India’s second most drought prone state after Rajasthan, this is a problem. https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/editorial/karnataka-hindered-by-drought-manual-2690268  (18 Sept. 2023) 

Telangana  Ryots worried as Nagarjuna Sagar hits dead storage level  This year, for the first time in four years, the water level in the reservoir fell below 540 feet during the first week of September. In 2022, heavy rains upstream from Nagarjuna Sagar led to a phased opening of the crest gates from August 11 to November 21, releasing approximately 1,200 tmcft of water downstream. Currently, the water level in Nagarjuna Sagar stands at 524.80 feet, well below the Full Reservoir Level (FRL) of 590 feet.  Typically, water is released in the first or second week of August, but this water was not released for crops until August 31. This has resulted in crop withering in some areas and crop damage from viruses in others, according to farmers.

V Narsimhareddy Reddy, a farmer from Vemulapalli mandal, mentioned that for the past three years, authorities released water into the right and left canals on and off the system. Due to the continuous release of water without adequate planning during last year’s Kharif, not only was water wasted, but the reservoir is approaching dead storage levels this year. He said that if there had been water in the canals and ponds, underground water levels would have risen, and bore wells would still have water. However, the lack of water has led to a decrease in underground water levels. Julakanti Ranga Reddy, a member of the CPM, expressed concern that the paddy crops are currently in the budding stage and if water is not provided now, farmers will face severe consequences. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2023/sep/11/ryots-worried-as-nagarjuna-sagar-hits-dead-storage-level-2613633.html  (11 Sept. 2023)

ENVIRONMENT GOVERNANCE

Kerala NGT asks MoEF to initiate action against members of SEIAA  The NGT has asked the MoEF&CC to initiate action against the members of the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) – Kerala for issuing environment clearance to a multi-crore realty project in Kozhikode district in violation of norms under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) notification of 2006. The Southern Bench of the tribunal comprising Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana, and expert member Satyagopal Korlapati has set aside the environment clearance granted on March 12, 2020 by the SEIAA to the Landmark Trade Centre project of Calicut Landmark Builders & Developers (India) Pvt Ltd at Pantheerankavu village.

The tribunal stated that the SEIAA had decided to issue the environmental clearance after considering the project as an expansion project and without any appraisal by the State Environmental Appraisal Committee. About 90% of the project was completed on the date of issue of environmental clearance, defeating the requirement of prior environmental clearance. The Bench has directed the SEIAA to stop the project with immediate effect. The project proponent has been told to submit an application within two months, which shall be examined by the SEIAA or the ministry, as the case may be, on merits and as per rules in force.

The SPCB has been told to impose environmental compensation on the builder within three months after assessing the damage that might have been caused to the environment due to the construction. The environment compensation shall be utilised for restoration of wetlands and removal of water hyacinths from major waterways and waterbodies in the State, according to the order issued by the tribunal on September 11.

The Bench has asked the Secretary of the ministry to initiate action after due inquiry against all members of SEIAA, who were party to the decision for the gross violations of norms. If these members are still part of the authority, all the proposals for prior environmental clearance may be referred to a new set of members pending enquiry, it said.

In its response, the project proponent had stated before the tribunal that the Supreme Court had held that environmental clearance is not required for a township project, if the threshold limit is not met as in the Noida Park case. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/ngt-asks-centre-to-initiate-action-against-members-of-seiaa-kerala/article67302848.ece  (13 Sept. 2023)

CLIMATE CHANGE

Jammu & Kashmir  Unprecedented Sept Heatwave While it’s true that there have been historical maximum temperature records set in the past, including some dating back a century, the crucial distinction lies in their frequency and recurrence. In the past, these extreme temperature events were exceedingly rare, occurring once in several decades. However, today, we are witnessing a troubling shift. Heatwaves have become far more frequent, and their occurrence has surged. It’s no longer something that surprises us once in a while; rather, it’s a monthly occurrence. Previously, temperature records used to compete with those established 50 or even 100 years ago. Now, they are competing with records set just last year, a clear indicator of the growing trend.  https://kashmirobserver.net/2023/09/13/what-kashmirs-unprecedented-september-heatwave-means/  (13 Sept. 2023)

SOUTH ASIA

India-Pakistan Neutral expert to take up Pak-India dispute on two hydropower projects on 20th The Neutral Expert is set to take up the legal battle between Pakistan and India over the designs of 330-MW Kishenganga and 850-MW Ratle hydropower projects on Sep 20-21 in The Hague. Earlier, Neutral Expert court proceedings were held on Feb 27-28, 2023 to finalize the rules of procedures on how to advance the legal fight on the designs of both the projects.

– Pakistan has raised three objections to the Kishenganga project’s design, saying that the project pond is 7.5 million cubic meters, which is excessive and should be one million cubic meters. Pakistan also wants India to raise intake by up to 1-4 meters and raise the spillways up to nine meters high.

– On the Ratle Hydropower plant, Islamabad raised four objections. Pakistan wants India to maintain the freeboard at one meter whereas India wants to keep it at two meters. In addition, India wants to keep the pond of 24 million cubic meters, but Pakistan wants it to be restricted to eight million cubic meters. Pakistan also wants the intake of the project to be raised by up to 8.8 meters and its spillways should be raised by up to 20 meters. https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1110980-neutral-expert-to-take-up-pak-india-dispute-on-two-hydropower-projects-on-20th   (18 Sept. 2023)

Pakistan Climate justice eludes the displaced from Karachi’s Orangi Nala  After the heavy floods in 2020, the decision to remove illegal settlements along one of Karachi’s streams, Orangi Nala, to make way for water was a double blow to the residents. Three years later, they await justice. With climate-related catastrophes increasing in Pakistan and lakhs of people losing their livelihoods and homes, the Orangi Nala story becomes important.

Climate adaptation in Karachi, and other cities across Pakistan, has to mean climate justice. Karachi urgently needs a comprehensive urban plan with climate adaptation strategies to replace disorganised policies by multiple government agencies and chaotic under-funded programmes such as nala cleaning.  https://questionofcities.org/climate-justice-eludes-the-displaced-from-karachis-orangi-nala/  (25 Aug. 2023)

CHINA

Decoding the 1931 Yangtze River Flood Disaster The 1931 Yangtze River flood affected 25 million people and took 2 million lives. Recent research links the disaster to both tropical and extratropical factors, with inadequate flood control measures exacerbating its impact. This cataclysmic event submerged a staggering 180,000 km2.

– Despite its immense societal impact, the origins of this monumental flood have remained largely unexplored, a challenge compounded by the scarcity of historical records and pre-1950s meteorological data in China. Recent access to crucial historical datasets has, however, unlocked the ability to investigate the 1931 Yangtze River flood. https://scitechdaily.com/decoding-the-1931-yangtze-river-flood-disaster-a-catastrophe-that-claimed-over-2-million-lives/  (10 Sept. 2023)

THE REST OF THE WORLD

SANDRP Blog Floods worsened by Dams collapse lead to deaths of thousands in Libya Collapse of two dams upstream of the coastal Derna city in NE of Libya, the North African Mediterranean country in the night of Sept 10, 2023, leads to deaths of 5200 and over 10000 missing. This is the worst ever flood disaster of Northern Africa in last 130 years of recorded history. The storm had a climate change footprint, but the city of Darna suffered this fate largely due to dam collapses. This underlines the threat that the dams pose in changing climate. https://sandrp.in/2023/09/13/floods-worsened-by-dams-collapse-lead-to-deaths-of-thousands-in-libya/  (13 Sept. 2023)

LIBYA DAM FLOODS: Authorities in eastern Libya said at least 2,000 people were killed and thousands more were missing after a massive flood ripped through the city of Derna following a heavy storm and rain. Ahmed Mismari, the spokesperson for the Libyan National Army (LNA) that controls eastern Libya, said in a televised news conference that the disaster came after dams above Derna had collapsed, “sweeping whole neighbourhoods with their residents into the sea”. Mismari put the number of missing at 5,000-6,000.

– After pummelling Greece last week, Storm Daniel swept in over the Mediterranean on Sunday (Sept 10 2023), swamping roads and destroying buildings in Derna, and hitting other settlements along the coast, including Libya’s second biggest city of Benghazi. https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/over-2-000-feared-dead-thousands-missing-after-severe-floods-in-libya-4381585  (12 Sept. 2023)

Two dams collapsed under the pressure of flooding in one region (Derna), sweeping entire neighborhoods into the sea. Three bridges collapsed. The head of Libya’s Emergency and Ambulance authority, Osama Aly, said that after the dam collapse “all of the water headed to an area near Derna, which is a mountainous coastal area.” Homes in valleys were washed away by strong muddy currents carrying vehicles and debris. Phone lines in the city are also down, with workers unable to enter Derna due to the heavy destruction. https://edition.cnn.com/2023/09/11/africa/libya-flooding-storm-daniel-climate-intl/index.html  (13 Sept. 2023)

The flash floods were caused by Storm Daniel, a powerful, slow-moving storm system that dumped a record-breaking amount of rain on central Greece last week, killing 15 people, before moving southward to Libya, where torrential rains hit Benghazi and other towns and cities this week. Winds climbed to 70 to 80 kilometres an hour, causing electricity towers to topple.

The daily rainfall in some Libyan cities reached an unprecedented 414 millimetres, with some experts estimating that 1,000 millimetres may have fallen in other areas. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-10000-dead-or-missing-in-libya-flooding-as-entire-neighbourhoods-swept/  (12 Sept. 2023)

The scale of the catastrophe in Derna, a city of around 100,000 people, is massive. Yet its underlying causes are not unique. The disaster occurred at the confluence of sociopolitical instability wrought by civil war, a historic storm (likely exacerbated by climate change) and neglected infrastructure: the destroyed dams, first constructed in the 1970s, had reportedly not been maintained since 2002. Similar conditions are replicated in many other places worldwide. In the aftermath of Derna’s dam collapses, experts are calling for renewed attention to the international problem of aging, ill-maintained dams. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/dams-worldwide-are-at-risk-of-catastrophic-failure/   (15 Sept. 2023)

GERD Ethiopia said on Sunday (Sep 10 2023) it had completed the fourth and final phase of filling a reservoir for its planned massive hydroelectric power plant on the Blue Nile, a project that Egypt and Sudan have long opposed. Construction of the $4 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) began in 2011.  https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/ethiopia-says-it-has-completed-filling-disputed-dam-projects-reservoir-2023-09-10/  (10 Sept. 2023)

The Egyptian foreign ministry condemns the move, calling Ethiopia’s filling of the dam ‘illegal’.

– At full capacity, the huge hydroelectric dam – 1.8 kilometres (1.1 miles) long and 145 metres (476 feet) high – could generate more than 5,000 MW. That would double Ethiopia’s production of electricity, to which only half the country’s population of 120 million currently has access.

– Negotiations between the three governments, which resumed in Cairo on August 27 2023 after nearly two and a half years of stalemate, aim to reach an agreement that “takes into account the interests and concerns of the three countries”, Egyptian Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Hani Sewilam said at the time. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/10/filling-of-grand-renaissance-dam-on-the-nile-complete-ethiopia-says  (10 Sept. 2023)

Report Eight countries witness devastating floods in Sept 2023. https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/climate-change-affects-floods-8941878/  (17 Sept. 2023)

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

Also see: DRP News Bulletin 11 Sept. 2023 & DRP News Bulletin 04 Sept. 2023  

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