(Feature Image: Najafgarh drain loaded with polluted water joining River Yamuna downstream Wazirabad barrage in National Capital in June 2023: SANDRP)

Sept 24 is celebrated as the World Rivers day since 2005, the tradition started by river advocate Mark Angelo, who used to celebrate BC (British Columbia in Canada) Rivers day since 1980. There is some good news for rivers across the world in terms of decommissioning of dams, improving environment flows, movements to clean rivers, improve fish migration, protection of flood plains, room for the river, decommissioning of channelisation projects, among others.

Unfortunately, there is no such good news for rivers in India. Our governments continue to push more dams, hydro projects, river front development projects, river linking projects, indiscriminate sand mining, encroachments on riverine lands and floodplains, destructive river navigation projects, inattention to the communities dependent on rivers and non-functional sewage and effluent treatment plans. It shows the long way we have to go before our rivers start experiencing better days.

World’s Rivers Day History The first World Rivers Day was observed in 2005, following the launch that year of the Water for Life Decade by the United Nations. The proposal for such a celebration was initiated by renowned Canadian river advocate Mark Angelo.

World Rivers Day is based on BC Rivers Day, founded and led by Angelo in his native country since 1980 where “BC” refers to the Canadian province of British Columbia and the festival is the largest river appreciation event in the North American nation. However, it is to be noted that September 24 is not the fixed date for World Rivers Day celebrations because the Canadian event takes place on fourth Sunday of September every year therefore, its global counterpart, the world’s largest river festival, too, is observed on fourth Sunday in the ninth month of every year.  https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/festivals/world-rivers-day-2023-date-history-significance-and-celebration-101695471598265.html  (23 Sept. 2023)

Opinion Indian rivers’ 3 big challenges and how to tackle them  Nitin Bassi and Suparana Katyaini The 19th World Rivers Day this year aptly focuses on raising stakeholders’ awareness about the benefits and services provided by rivers, their degradation, and the need to make them healthy again. The timing is perfect considering the latest United Nations (UN) assessment, which highlights that 2.4 billion people live in water-stressed countries and thus the need to sustainably manage their limited water sources.

We highlight three major challenges to managing river water in India, how they are dealt with, and the scope for improvement. First, the governance of inter-state rivers. Most of the rivers in India are shared by two or more states. Though as per the Seventh Schedule of Article 246 of the Indian Constitution, states have full control over water resources within their jurisdiction, their rights are subject to any law enforced by Parliament regarding the regulation and development of inter-state rivers.

Given that the water stress in river basins is resulting in a deadlock between riparian states over water sharing, the Central government will continue to play an important role here. However, the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act of 1956 is dated and needs revision. An amendment was introduced and passed by the Lok Sabha in 2019 but it’s yet to be taken up for discussion in the Rajya Sabha. Importantly, the amendment seeks to replace the multiple tribunals set up by the Centre for inter-state water dispute adjudication with a single tribunal and set strict timelines for decisions. The passing of this amendment needs to be prioritised.

Managing the existing misuse of river water is the second challenge. Of late, several initiatives have been undertaken in India for judicious and efficient use of river water for various purposes including the adoption of the piped water distribution network and micro-irrigation systems for agriculture in canal command areas. As per CEEW analysis, even under conservative estimates, about 20 per cent of currently used irrigation water could be saved by 2050 if water-saving practices such as micro-irrigation systems are adopted.

The third big challenge is river pollution. While contaminants from non-point sources such as runoff from agricultural areas are an issue, untreated wastewater from urban areas carrying a mix of sewage and industrial effluents that end up in the river during non-monsoon months is a major concern. As per our estimates, by 2050 about 35,178 million cubic metres of domestic wastewater will be generated from urban areas in India.  https://theprint.in/opinion/dated-law-misuse-of-water-pollution-indian-rivers-3-big-challenges-and-how-to-tackle-them/1775391/  (24 Sept. 2023)

Study Treated, untreated sewage greatest threat to river biodiversity Treated sewage released by water companies into rivers and raw effluent that is dumped in rivers via storm overflows is the primary driver of increased nutrients, algae and sewage fungus in rivers, according to the study published in the journals Global Change Biology and Ecological Solutions and Evidence. 

Sewage discharge radically alters plant, animal and microbe communities and increases the abundance of harmful species. While runoff from farmland has negative impacts on river water quality, the research from the University of Oxford which was released on World Rivers Day reveals that sewage discharge into rivers has a greater impact on water quality and the animals and plants that live in rivers.

No river in England passes tests for chemical or biological pollution, and government targets to improve the water quality in rivers will not be met. There is a need for more regulation of water companies and improvements at their treatment plans to protect rivers, say the authors of the study. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/sep/21/treated-untreated-sewage-greatest-threat-river-biodiversity-study  (21 Sept. 2023)

Pune The Pune River Revival Group has organised a three-day event starting from Sunday to mark World River Day, which is celebrated on September 24 every year. The theme of this year’s celebration is ‘right of rivers’, through which a call will be given to designate rivers as a national treasure. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/3-day-event-to-mark-world-river-day-begins-today-8953379/  (24 Sept. 2023)

Hyderabad Walking around the Musi river on Sunday (Sept. 24) morning, a bunch of young and old eco-enthusiasts celebrated World Rivers Day. Creating awareness about the value of these water bodies, Forum for Better Hyderabad (FBH) has put together this visit where participants also crossed through the recently constructed Manchirevula Bridge at Narsingi. https://telanganatoday.com/hyderabad-world-rivers-day-celebrated-with-a-walk-around-musi  (24 Sept. 2023)

Itanagar In commemoration of the World Rivers Day, NGOs Youth Mission for Clean River and Abralow Memorial Multipurpose Society, in collaboration with the NSS unit of Lekhi-based Bini Yanga Government Women College, carried out a cleaning drive at the Chandranagar stretch of the Yagamso river on Sunday (Sept. 24). The initiative was supported by the Itanagar Smart City Development Corporation Limited. The volunteers demonstrated their commitment to environmental preservation by tirelessly collecting over 150 bags of garbage from the Yagamso river. The event was aimed at raising awareness about the significance of rivers and the urgent need to protect them. https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2023/09/25/ngos-nss-unit-carry-out-yagamso-river-cleaning/  (25 Sept. 2023)

HYDRO POWER PROJECTS

Himachal Pradesh Will review Dam Safety Act: CM To prevent further floods in downstream areas due to the opening of sluice gates, CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday (Sept 23 2023) announced in the Assembly that the government will review the Dam Safety Act and make required amendments. While the act has a safety plan for the upper area catchment, there is no such plan for lower areas beyond the dam, he said. The CM said 173 hydro projects are producing electricity for the HP state, and of these, only 23 projects come under the purview of Dam Safety Act 2021 (DSA).

– Sukhu said this time, after the release of water from Pong Dam by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), the state had to face heavy flood like situation in Fatehpur and Indora assembly constituencies of Kangra district. He said similarly, release of water from Pandoh Dam had also flooded the downstream areas. He said that the government has sent notices to 21 dam managements for non-compliance of the Dam Safety Act. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/will-review-dam-safety-act-cm/articleshow/103900082.cms  (24 Sept. 2023)

The state is getting a royalty of Rs 1,800 crore annually from the tapping of 11,000 MW power even though the state has a hydropower potential of 25,000 MW, he added. While raising the query, BJP MLA Vipin Parmar pointed out that though power generation is taking place in 173 hydel projects but only 23 dams come under the ambit of Dam safety Act.  https://www.news18.com/india/monsoon-mayhem-himachal-govt-decides-to-review-dam-safety-act-2021-to-prevent-damage-8588974.html  (23 Sept. 2023)

Uttarakhand Hydel plant muck being dumped in Ganga tributary Aggrieved by dumping of muck directly into river Alaknanda — a major tributary of Ganga river — in the ongoing 444 MW Vishnugad-Pipalkoti project of THDC, residents of Chhoti Kashi (Haat gram sabha) have sought action against the hydel power company and Chamoli district administration and shot videos alleging “flouting of norms”. “On the night of September 16, truckloads of muck that was probably excavated from the tunnel was directly dumped into the Alaknanda.It seems the company does not have any dumping yard, and they are violating rules with the help of administration. After taking out several trucks of muck from the tunnel site, they then dumped into the Alaknanda and polluted the Ganga,” Narendra Pokhriyal, a resident of Haat gram sabha, said in the video that he claimed to have shot on Sunday (Sept. 17). https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/hydel-plant-muck-being-dumped-in-ganga-tributary/articleshow/103771896.cms  (19 Sept. 2023)

विष्णुगढ़ पीपलकोटी जल विद्युत परियोजना की टनल का मलबा HCC कंपनी के ट्रक सीधे मलबा नदी में 24×7 फेंका जा रहा.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0U91-Jn8kY  (24 Sept. 2023)

Joshimath sinking: ‘No reason to keep reports by experts secret’ : HC The high court has raised questions over the state government’s decision not to make reports prepared by eight central scientific and technical institutions on the Joshimath subsidence, public. Commenting on the matter, a division bench of Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Alok Kumar Verma said in a court order, which was issued on Wednesday (Sept. 20), and made available on Thursday (Sept. 21), “We see no reason that the state should keep the reports prepared by the experts secret and not disclose the same to the public at large.” The court went on to add, “In fact, circulation of the said reports would provide vital information to the public, and the public would have confidence in them that the state is serious about dealing with the situation.” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/joshimath-sinking-no-reason-to-keep-reports-by-experts-secret-says-hc/articleshow/103851241.cms  (22 Sept. 2023)

After High Court intervention, Uttarakhand govt has uploaded 8 reports by experts on Joshimath disaster. https://usdma.uk.gov.in/IEC/josimath-reports-1395.aspx

CWC has attributed the cracks in Joshimath to constructions over springs. This could be a way to let the hydro projects and highways escape responsibility? The report needs independent scrutiny, but is not yet in public domain. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/joshimath-cracks-likely-due-to-constructions-in-spring-zone-says-report-101695408118541.html  (23 Sept. 2023)

Interesting that NDMA report says Joshimath should be declared as no new construction zone as it has exceeded its carrying capacity long back. But clearly neither state govt seems to be listening nor NDMA doing anything to make state govt listen. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/declare-joshimath-a-no-new-construction-zone-central-institutes/articleshow/103914607.cms  (25 Sept. 2023)

Arunachal Pradesh L Subansiri HEP diversion tunnesl reopens after massive landslide A massive landslide has been reported at the Lower Subansiri Hydro Electric Power project of the National Hydro Electric Power Corporation (NHPC). According to sources, the landslide occurred at hills on the right side of the dam. It is to be noted that on completion of construction of the main dam, the diversion tunnels were closed. But as a result of the massive landslide, the main diversion tunnel was reopened once again. There is a fear psychosis that in the future, landslides may occur again at the stretch of the hill where the tunnel is situated leading to gradual subsidence of the land. https://www.pratidintime.com/latest-assam-news-breaking-news-assam/diversion-tunnel-at-nhpcs-lower-subansiri-reopens-after-massive-landslide (22 Sep 2023)

Former MLA questions ‘Special Ex Gratia Relief’’ notification In a recent development, Techi Hemu, a former MLA, has raised concerns over a notification issued by the Department of Power pertaining to a special ex gratia relief package related to the Right of Way for a 132 KV transmission line passing through a reserved forest in Pakke Kessang district. Speaking at the Press Club on Tuesday (Sept. 19), Hemu has strongly criticized the notification, asserting that it not only disregards the rights of local villagers but also denies them their rightful compensation for tribal land.

He called upon the state government to retract the notification and invalidate the no objection certificate issued by the district Deputy Commissioner regarding the forest area clearance for the 132 KV transmission line. “Despite the transmission line passing through a reserved forest, the land has historically been inhabited by villagers, predating India’s independence. As such, the indigenous tribal rights of these villagers should not be denied by either the state or central government,” he asserted.  http://www.easternsentinel.in/news/state/former-mla-questions-special-ex-gratia-relief-notification-by-power-department.html  (19 Sept. 2023)

Northeast SHP Ignore Environmental Risks, Local Voices Hydro projects under 25 MW enjoy a free hand because they are believed to have the least negative impact on the environment among the various methods of harnessing water energy. But the adverse socio-economic, cultural and ecological impacts of such projects are often ignored. https://www.indiaspend.com/earthcheckindia/small-hydro-projects-in-the-northeast-ignore-environmental-risks-local-voices-876235  (16 Sept. 2023)

Report CIL, NHPC may convert old mines to pump storage A person aware of the development said the coal ministry under its plan to set up PSPs at “de-coaled areas”, where all the coal has been mined, has directed Coal India to partner with NHPC and other related agencies. Coal India is currently in the process of appointing a consultant for the project.  Another person said some of the closed mines may be auctioned out on an ‘as is where is’ basis for setting up of PSPs, from which they developer-cum-operator would be able to sell power. NHPC said “there is no proposal to form joint ventures with Coal India to develop PSP projects over de-coaled mines”. Queries mailed to Coal India remained unanswered. https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/coal-india-and-nhpc-join-forces-to-convert-abandoned-mines-into-pump-storage-projects-boosting-energy-transition-11695059193255.html  (18 Sept. 2023)

DAMS

Report SC junks plea against sudden release of water from dams The SC bench of Justices Surya Kant and Deepankar Datta has on Sept 18 2023 junked a general plea about sudden release of water from dams, saying only subject experts can decide about this. It said the petition is premature! The bench told the petitioner to make a details submission to the concerned authorities first. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/delhi/sc-junks-plea-against-sudden-release-of-water-from-dams-says-only-subject-experts-can-deal-with-it-2691113  (18 Sept. 2023)

MoJS International Conference on Dam Safety Organised by Ministry of Jal Shakti Concludes at RIC, Jaipur. Union Minister For Jal Shakti Suggests Key Actionable Points Including Setting Up Of A Joint Action Force To Take Forward Emergency Action Plans For Dams. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1957990  (16 Sept. 2023)

INTERLINKING OF RIVERS

Study River interlinking alters land-atmosphere feedback; changes monsoon Massive proposed river interlinking projects are likely to offset observed increasing droughts and floods in India, the most populated country in the world. These projects involve water transfer from so called surplus to deficit river basins through reservoirs and canals without an in-depth understanding of the hydro-meteorological consequences. This paper uses causal delineation techniques, a coupled regional climate model, and multiple reanalysis datasets, and show that land-atmosphere feedbacks generate causal pathways between river basins in India.

The paper finds that increased irrigation from the transferred water reduces mean rainfall in September by up to 12% in already water-stressed regions of India. It observes more drying in La Niña years compared to El Niño years. Reduced September precipitation can dry rivers post-monsoon, augmenting water stress across the country and rendering interlinking dysfunctional. The findings highlight the need for model-guided impact assessment studies of large-scale hydrological projects across the globe.  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-41668-x.epdf  (22 Sept. 2023)

INTERSTATE WATER DISPUTES

Cauvery Water Dispute Karnataka Cabinet decides to comply with court order to release water to Tamil Nadu The government has also simultaneously decided to start the process to go ahead with its Mekedatu project that the state’s neighbour is opposing. Notwithstanding protests, the Cabinet decided late on Friday (Sep 22 2023) evening to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu as required until September 26 while simultaneously starting the process to go ahead with its Mekedatu project that the state’s neighbour is opposing. “We have to comply (with the order to release water) until September 26. After that, we will decide our strategy,” Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, the water resources minister, told reporters after the Cabinet meeting. The Cabinet decision came even as farmers’ protests intensified in Mandya, the hotbed of the Cauvery basin.

“In the meantime, the Mekedatu project came up before the Supreme Court. The court asked (Tamil Nadu) what the problem is if Karnataka wants to construct a dam on its side as long as it releases 177 tmcft of water as required,” Shivakumar said. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/cabinet-decides-to-comply-with-court-order-to-release-water-to-tamil-nadu-dks-firm-on-commitment-to-protect-farmers-2697776 (22 Sep 2023)

Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Ltd said on Sep 21 2023 that it has not received any direction from its higher authorities or from the State Govt to release water to Tamil Nadu in view of the Supreme Court upholding the order of CWMA and CWRC. “We can provide water for drinking purpose in towns and cities in Cauvery basin districts and in Bengaluru if there is no release to Tamil Nadu. In the past 10 days, we released 10,000 cusecs and 5,000 cusecs at two intervals. But further release will lead to a water crisis in the coming days,” a senior CNNL officer said. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2023/sep/22/further-release-will-lead-to-drinking-water-crisis-cnnl-2617145.html  (22 Sept. 2023)

The CWMA has asked Karnataka to continue releasing 5,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for another 15 days, a senior Jal Shakti Ministry official said on Sep 18. The direction came after an emergency meeting was held on Monday in which both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu gave their representations. In the meeting, Karnataka said it could release 3,000 cusecs while Tamil Nadu demanded 12,500 cusecs of water, the official said, adding that an agreement was reached to release 5,000 cusecs of water for the next 15 days, after which the matter would be reviewed again. Taking note of the severity of drought in the Cauvery Basin in Karnataka, which has been increasing and putting at greater risk even drinking water needs and minimum needs of irrigation, the state made submissions that it is not in a position to release water unless the inflows into reservoirs improves. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/cauvery-water-dispute-karnataka-ordered-to-release-5000-cusecs-of-water-to-tamil-nadu-for-15-days-2691064  (18 Sept. 2023)

With the pace and output of the southwest monsoon this year casting a shadow over the catchment areas of the Cauvery river in Karnataka and Kerala, the elusive distress-sharing formula is back in focus. Recent submissions by Tamil Nadu and Karnataka as well as the deposition of the CWMA before the Supreme Court of India only reinforce the need for an early formulation that is acceptable to all. https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-cauvery-water-management-authority-should-act/article67323712.ece  (20 Sept. 2023)

A Ravindra: The origin of the dispute goes back to two agreements signed between Madras and Mysore, one in 1892 and another in 1924. https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/as-tempers-rage-outside-quiet-flows-the-cauvery-2690257   (18 Sept. 2023)

Krishna Water Disputes The Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal (KWDT-II) chaired by Justice Brijesh Kumar has turned down the interlocutory application filed by Andhra Pradesh seeking stay on G.O.246 of Aug 18, 2022 issued by Telangana for utilising 90 tmc ft water for Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme from out of 75% dependable flows from Srisailam reservoir. However, the Tribunal has given liberty to Andhra Pradesh to move appropriate forums such as the Krishna River Management Board or the Supreme Court.

The application was filed on Dec 8 2022 by A.P. and extensive hearing had taken up on the issue to hear both the States. Hearing in the matter concluded on July 14. According to information from New Delhi, the authorities of Irrigation Department of Telangana stated that while pronouncing the order on September 20, Justice Brijesh Kumar observed that the KWDT-II does not have the jurisdiction to hear the interlocutory application. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/palamuru-rangareddy-lift-irrigation-scheme-kwdt-ii-turns-down-andhras-plea-to-stay-telangana-go-allocating-water/article67325605.ece  (20 Sept. 2023)

IRRIGATION

Punjab Govt invites canal water protesters for formal talks On day four of the ongoing indefinite dharna for canal water launched by Nehri Paani Prapti Sangharsh Committee (NPPSC) outside the party (AAP) office of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann at Dhuri (Sangrur), the protesters got an invite from the Punjab government on Saturday (Sept. 23) for formal talks on the matter at hand in Chandigarh on September 25.

The dharna is against non-completion of a canal water project, the work on which got started initially but has been gathering dust for a long time now. Aggrieved over groundwater depletion year after year, farmers of villages of Dhuri, Malerkotla, Amargarh and Mehal Kalan are seeking the canal water for irrigation and drinking water purposes. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/ludhiana-govt-invites-canal-water-protesters-for-formal-talks-8953480/  (24 Sept. 2023)

URBAN RIVERS

Gomti; Lucknow Tales of history flow along Gomti banks The Gomti river in Lucknow holds the cultural history of the city, with many significant buildings and gardens designed along its banks. The river has connections to Iraq’s Euphrates river and was once used as a waterway for transportation.

It also served as a source of water supply for the city, with the construction of waterworks in 1894. However, over the years, the river’s course has changed, and many lakes and ponds have been lost due to rapid urban development. It is important to value and preserve these waterscapes for the city’s future. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/tales-of-history-flow-along-the-gomti-banks/articleshow/103773271.cms  (19 Sept. 2023)

Kshipra; Ujjain Crores go down the drain From 2004 to 2022, the Madhya Pradesh government spent Rs 648 crore on various works to enhance the flow and rid the Kshipra of pollution. In 2004, the big drains of Ujjain were connected to pipelines and pumping stations to take the polluted water to a sewage treatment plant. A total of Rs 6 crore was spent, but the pumps often malfunctioned and led to the entry of polluted water into the river. All this when Ujjain Municipal Corporation was spending Rs 1 crore on electricity bills annually!

Later, a separate pipeline was put to release the dirty water far away, at a cost of Rs 4 crore. However, the high inflow of polluted water from the Khan, especially during the rainy season, made it impossible to pump and take the entire volume of water to faraway places. A stop dam was built on the Khan at Raghau Piplia in 2016, but the dirty water continued to overflow and enter the Kshipra. The same year, an underground pipeline was also laid from Raghau Piplia to Kaliadeh for Rs 80 crore.

The work on the Narmada-Kshipra Link Project, which provides irrigation water to Ujjain and Shajapur districts, began on November 29, 2012. It was completed in 14 months, with the Narmada water reaching the Kshipra near Indore city for the first time on February 25, 2014. However, the project has not brought any substantial change to water flow in the Kshipra and its quality. Notwithstanding, the govt will spend Rs 625 crore on another set of constructions. https://101reporters.com/article/environment/Crores_go_down_the_drain_yet_villages_near_Ujjain_suffer_from_Kshipra_pollution  (21 Sept. 2023)

Pune Time to save rivers The riverfront project may or may not beautify the area along the rivers, but the rivers themselves will become nullahs carrying untreated sewage. It is time then we started thinking outside the box. The conventional, energy-intense and expensive systems should make way for more sustainable decentralized systems. One example of this decentralisation is ward-level STPs. We also need to change our mindset about wastewater. If we can create a monetary model to price used water, we could end up saving more. It would require a decision on the objective for used water — for gardening, agriculture, cleaning purposes etc. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/time-to-save-punes-water-is-now/articleshow/98903518.cms  (22 March 2023)

Sabarmati; Ahmedabad A river is more than a usable resource The redeveloped, concretised, and glitzy Sabarmati riverfront in Ahmedabad is a far cry from the meandering river which flows into the Arabian Sea. A natural river has been transformed into a tank of stagnant water – for commercial and recreational purposes. The downstream of the riverfront has been reduced to a channel carrying sewage and industrial effluents. The second phase of the Sabarmati riverfront project is scheduled to be completed by 2027 but without an honest river-centric evaluation of the first phase. Environmentalists and activists fighting to save the Sabarmati face a huge challenge ahead to save what is left of the river. (Darshan Desai) https://questionofcities.org/the-sabarmati-story-a-river-is-more-than-a-usable-resource/  (04 Nov. 2022)

RIVERS

Jammu & Kashmir Jhelum water level drops to 70 year low  The persisting dry weather across the valley has brought down the water level in Jhelum to a 70-year low in the month of September, said officials. According to officials, the valley has been witnessing dry weather for more than a month, which has complicated the problems of water scarcity and irrigation for the farmers. Officials said the water level at both these points is also the lowest recorded in the recent past and that the lowest water level recorded in Jhelum in the month of September so far has been 0 feet in the years 2019 and 2021. They said the valley has not received sufficient rainfall for the last two months due to which the water body has almost dried up. The residents who are living along banks and in houseboats also said they have witnessed this phenomenon for the first time.  https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/water-level-of-jhelum-river-of-jammu-and-kashmir-drops-to-70-year-low-to-less-rainfall-4401985  (18 Sept. 2023)

NARMADA नर्मदा नदी में मिल रहे नाले और मलजल की वजह से हो रहे प्रदूषण को लेकर एनजीटी ने सख्ती दिखाई है। बुधवार (Sept. 20) को भोपाल स्थित सेंट्रल बेंच में सुनवाई के दौरान 11 जिलों के कलेक्टर और 14 नगरीय निकायों के अधिकारियों को जिम्मेदार मानते हुए इन्हें नोटिस भेजकर जवाब मांगा है। साथ ही इस मामले में पीसीबी से पूछा है कि अब तक जिम्मेदारियों के खिलाफ क्या कार्रवाई की गई। इसके साथ ही एनजीटी के समक्ष 30 दिनों में 10 बिंदुओं पर रिपोर्ट प्रस्तुत करने को कहा है। बता दें कि गुजरात में रहने वाले कीर्ति सचदेव भट्ट ने वहां के हाइकोर्ट में नर्मदा प्रदूषण को लेकर याचिका लगाई थी। इसमें उन्होंने कहा है कि नर्मदा नदी का जो पानी गुजरात में बहकर जाता है, इस पर सौराष्ट्र समेत आसपास की बड़ी आबादी निर्भर है, लेकिन गुजरात पहुंचते तक यह पानी इतना प्रदूषित हो जाता है कि इसे पीने में उपयोग नहीं किया जा सकता। https://www.naidunia.com/madhya-pradesh/bhopal-mp-news-ngt-strict-on-pollution-in-narmada-river-notice-sent-to-11-collectors-and-14-urban-bodies-8225649  (21 Sept. 2023)

GANGA Study Tropical storms to intensify by 20% by 2050 Fewer yet more intense tropical storms are predicted for Asian rivers, including India’s Ganga, according to a new modelling study. By the 2050s, tropical storms in the Ganga could intensify by nearly 20 per cent, the study led by Newcastle University, UK, projected after performing storm modelling studies on high-resolution data under a high emissions scenario.

The storms are, however, projected to become less frequent by over 50 per cent by the same time across both the low-lying delta river basins of Ganga and Mekong, the study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters said. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/sep/13/tropical-storms-in-river-ganga-to-intensify-by-20-per-cent-by-2050-research-2614469.html  (13 Sept. 2023)

गंगा के निचले इलाकों में पड़ सकती है सूखे की मार बनारस हिंदू विश्वविद्यालय (बीएचयू) के शोधकर्ताओं द्वारा किए एक नए अध्ययन से पता चला है कि निकट भविष्य में गंगा बेसिन के निचले इलाकों में खेती पर सूखे की मार पड़ सकती है। शोधकर्ताओं ने इसके लिए औसत बारिश में आने वाली कमी को जिम्मेवार माना है। शोध से यह भी पता चला है कि निकट भविष्य में इस क्षेत्र में होने वाली औसत मासिक वर्षा में सात से 11 मिलीमीटर प्रतिदिन की उल्लेखनीय कमी आ सकती है।

इसी तरह निकट भविष्य में देश के पूर्वी घाट में मौजूद नदी घाटियों में होने वाली दैनिक वर्षा में 20 फीसदी तक की कमी आ सकती है। हालांकि दूर भविष्य में यहां होने वाली दैनिक वर्षा में 15 फीसदी तक की वृद्धि होने का अंदेशा है। महानदी, ब्राह्मणी, सुवर्णरेखा और सिंधु बेसिन के निचले क्षेत्रों में भी कुछ ऐसे ही हालात सामने आ सकते हैं। शोध के मुताबिक बढ़ते तापमान और घटती बारिश से न केवल पैदावार पर असर पड़ेगा साथ ही इसकी वजह से गन्ने की मिठास भी प्रभावित होगी। गन्ना गंगा नदी घाटी में बोई जाने वाली एक प्रमुख फसल है। https://www.downtoearth.org.in/hindistory/natural-disasters/drought/due-to-changes-in-rainfall-patterns-the-lower-areas-of-ganga-may-be-hit-by-drought-by-2040-91860 (20 Sep 2023)

West Bengal Govt needs Waste water treatment & reuse policy to save rivers A recent report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) estimates that urban areas in West Bengal generate 5,457 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage, but the installed treatment capacity is only 16%, resulting in untreated wastewater being discharged into rivers and other water bodies. Nitin Bassi, Programme Lead at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) suggested that adopting a comprehensive state-level wastewater treatment and reuse policy can help plug this gap and improve river health. He added that the state-level policy should define both discharge and reuse-specific treated wastewater quality standards, following the guidelines of the National Framework on Safe Reuse of Treated Water.  https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/west-bengal-needs-waste-water-treatment-and-reuse-policy-to-save-rivers-experts/articleshow/99950807.cms  (03 May 2023)  

Uttar Pradesh शाहजहांपुर में अतिक्रमण और प्रदूषण ने जिले की नदियों का जीवन संकट में डाल दिया है। शहर के दो किनारों से बहने वालीं गर्रा और खन्नौत नदी का पानी स्नान करने योग्य भी नहीं है। वहीं इन नदियों के मुहाने तक लोगों ने अतिक्रमण कर मकान-दुकान बना लिए हैं। पुवायां क्षेत्र में बहने वाली गोमती नदी पर इतना कब्जा हो चुका है कि इसकी धार ही अवरुद्ध हो गई है। जिले में गर्रा, खन्नौत, गंगा, रामगंगा, बहगुल और गोमती नदियां करीब 251 किलोमीटर का सफर तय करती हैं। गर्रा और खन्नौत शहर से गुजरने वाली नदियां हैं। शहरी क्षेत्र में ये दोनों नदियां बेहद प्रदूषित हैं। हालांकि लंबे समय तक खन्नौत के बंका घाट में कूड़ा डंप किया जाता रहा। नदी में गिरने वाले नाले और औद्योगिक कचरे में मौजूद हैवी मेटल, कांच, हानिकारक केमिकल, प्लॉस्टिक ने पानी जहरीला कर दिया है। यहां पर नहाना भी खतरे से खाली नहीं है। नदियों का पानी पीने की कल्पना भी नहीं की जा सकती। https://www.amarujala.com/uttar-pradesh/shahjahanpur/life-giving-rivers-dying-due-to-encroachment-and-pollution-shahjahanpur-news-c-4-bly1009-253360-2023-09-24  (24 Sept. 2023)

Bihar एनजीटी ने बिहार के 38 और झारखंड के चार जिलाधिकारियों को गंगा में प्रदूषण के मुद्दे पर आठ सप्ताह में रिपोर्ट सौंपने का निर्देश दिया है। पीठ ने कहा कि पांच सितंबर को पारित एक आदेश में अधिकरण ने गंगा नदी (पुनरुद्धार, संरक्षण एवं प्रबंधन) प्राधिकरण आदेश 2016 और विशेष रूप से जिला गंगा संरक्षण समितियों की भूमिका का विवरण रेखांकित किया है। एनजीटी ने सोमवार (Sept. 18)  को पारित एक आदेश में कहा कि बिहार में नदी से संबंधित प्रमुख मुद्दों में भूजल प्रदूषण, अपशिष्ट जल छोड़ा जाना, अवैध रेत एवं पत्थर खनन, डूब क्षेत्र पर अतिक्रमण, जलीय प्राणियों के लिए खतरा, नदी के मूल मार्ग में परिवर्तन और प्रदूषण शामिल हैं। https://bansalnews.com/ganga-is-still-so-dirty-who-is-responsible-ngt-seeks-report-on-pollution-of-river-ganga-in-bihar-and-jharkhand-sur/  (20 Sept. 2023)

दो साल में 10 गुना गंदी हुई गंगा, बक्सर से लेकर कहलगांव का पानी तो नहाने लायक भी नहीं https://www.abplive.com/news/india/sewage-overload-ganga-river-ganga-10-times-dirtier-in-two-years-abpp-2417611  (27 May 2023)

Jharkhand सुवर्णरेखा के नदी तल पर अवैध रूप से बन रही ऊंची इमारतें एनजीटी ने 20 सितंबर, 2023 को सुवर्णरेखा नदी तट पर पर्यावरण नियमों के उल्लंघन के मामले में आरोपों की जांच के लिए संयुक्त समिति के गठन के निर्देश दिए हैं। मामला सुवर्णरेखा नदी तट पर अवैध रूप से बनती ऊंची इमारतों के निर्माण से जुड़ा है। साथ ही कोर्ट ने यह भी नोट किया है कि लोगों ने निजी रूप से संरक्षित क्षेत्र होने के बावजूद, दलमा रेंज की तलहटी में निर्माण गतिविधियां शुरू की हैं। मामले में एनजीटी ने समिति को साइट का दौरा करने के साथ पर्यावरण नियमों के उल्लंघन के संबंध में वास्तविक स्थिति की जांच करने को कहा है। इस सम्बन्ध में समिति को आठ सप्ताह के भीतर एनजीटी में रिपोर्ट प्रस्तुत करने का भी निर्देश दिया है।  https://www.downtoearth.org.in/hindistory/development/urbanisation/environment-in-court-21-sept-2023-91889  (21 Sept. 2023)

YAMUNA Delhi  बढ़ती बाढ़ की संभावनाएं और अतिक्रमण से घटती आद्रभूमियाँ  साउथ एशिया नेटवर्क ऑन डैम्स, रिवर एंड पीपल (SANDRP) के समन्वयक, हिमांशु ठक्कर के अनुसार, हथिनीकुंड बैराज से छोड़ा गया पानी शहर में आई बाढ़ की सीमा को स्पष्ट नहीं करता है, जिसका कारण वह नदी में क्रमिक रुकावटों जैसे बाढ़ के मैदानों का कंक्रीटीकरण, और शहर के भीतर जल निकायों के विनाश को मानते हैं। “साल 2010 में हथिनीकुंड बैराज से छोड़ा गया पानी 7 लाख क्यूसेक से अधिक हो गया, लेकिन जल स्तर कभी भी 207.49 मीटर से अधिक नहीं हुआ, जो 1978 में एक रिकॉर्ड स्तर था। तीन साल बाद, 8 लाख क्यूसेक से अधिक पानी नदी में छोड़ा गया, और फिर भी हमने बाढ़ का यह स्तर नहीं देखा। अब मात्र तीन लाख डिस्चार्ज से बाढ़ का रिकार्ड टूट गया है। इसका मतलब केवल यह हो सकता है कि दिल्ली के भीतर के कारक ही इसका कारण हैं,” उन्होंने कहा। https://hindi.mongabay.com/2023/09/22/behind-delhis-floods-is-a-history-of-encroachment-and-diminishing-wetlands/  (22 Sept. 2023)

At the North Zone Council meeting on Sept 26, Delhi hopes to raise issues related to illegal sand mining in Yamuna in Haryana affecting Delhi and making it flood prone, the water pollution of Yamuna due to Haryana, among other issues. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/up-haryana-still-polluting-yamuna-delhi-to-flag/articleshow/103900099.cms  (24 Sept. 2023)

Sources said that after the flooding, the union ministry of housing and urban affairs sought information from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) about the illegal colonies on the floodplain that were inundated when the Yamuna water level broke an all-time record and flowed at 208.66 metres at the Old Railway Bridge. A DDA official said the authority gave the ministry the information about the colonies and the villages affected by the flooding and people displaced from the area.

“The ministry will take the final call if the provisions in the draft Master Plan related to regulated development of some parts of the floodplain require to be changed in view of the floods. As far as the DDA is concerned, the provision of regulated development proposed in the draft is capable of restricting further encroachment of the river floodplain and further unauthorised construction,” an official, requesting anonymity, said. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/why-flooding-in-delhi-has-forced-ddas-master-plan-rethink/articleshow/102921922.cms  (22 Aug. 2023)

Military veterans demand statutory body for river cleaning The group, known as “Atulya Ganga,” presented the results of a survey evaluating the river’s health here, pointing out that the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) primarily focuses on the Ganga and lacks sufficient efforts to clean other tributaries, including the Yamuna. Colonel (retd) Mike Keshwar said the Yamuna requires its own agency due to the significant cleaning task, as the Ganga’s cleanup itself is massive..

The group also aims to create a ‘Yamuna Health Dashboard’ using satellite data, remote sensing, Internet of Things and artificial intelligence. This will make a 24×7 “Water Quality Index of Rivers” available in the public domain which will be an effective tool to report the pollution levels, pinpoint the sources of contamination and drive accountability, said Lt Gen (retd) Alok Kler, CEO, Atulya Ganga.

A study conducted by the National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee, had in 2019 recommended that 23 cubic metre per second (cumec) water (437 million gallons a day) be released in the river from the Hathnikund Barrage in Haryana’s Yamuna Nagar district in the lean season for sustaining downstream ecosystems. At present, only 10 cumecs (190 MGD) is released from the barrage. A gap of 13 cumecs (247 MGD) remains.

According to the ministry, the water sharing agreement of 1994 among the riparian states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi is due for revision only in 2025. https://www.republicworld.com/india-news/general-news/military-veterans-demand-statutory-body-for-yamuna-river-cleaning-articleshow.html  (01 Aug. 2023)

From species native to Jammu and Kashmir in the north to the kinds grown in Lakshadweep island in the Arabian Sea, and from the varieties belonging to the Western Ghats to those found in the highest reaches of Arunachal Pradesh, over 6,000 types of plants from across the length and breadth of India are coming together in one place as part of an ambitious bamboo biodiversity project on Yamuna floodplains. The initiative is part of the “Meri Maati, Mera Desh” programme undertaken by the Department of Forests and Wildlife at Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena’s directions.

Under this, plants of more than 53 species have been planted at ‘Bharat Kunj’ Bambusetum spread across 12,000 square metres of land at Baansera on the floodplains. Saxena will inaugurate a musical fountain at the location on Friday (Sept. 22). https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/how-a-project-showcasing-indias-bamboo-biodiversity-is-shaping-up-on-yamuna-floodplains-8950736/  (22 Sept. 2023)

The DDA has started post-flood restoration work along the Yamuna floodplains, including the Asita East biodiversity park and Vasudev Ghat. The parks were heavily damaged during the recent Delhi floods, with silt deposits of around 1.5 feet. The DDA is removing the silt and procuring 5,000 new plants for Asita. Vasudev Ghat is also being cleared of silt and developed as a tourist destination. The restoration efforts aim to conserve flora, create habitats for fauna, and ensure environmental sustainability. Experts suggest identifying and developing wetlands and grasslands as catchment areas for the Yamuna River. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/dda-starts-reviving-yamuna-floodplains-in-delhi-101695491739176.html  (23 Sept. 2023)

The fourth edition of ‘Nadi Utsav’, a festival that highlights key issues concerning rivers, will begin on Friday on the banks of the Yamuna. In a first, this year’s event will also showcase documentary films, specifically around the theme of riverine cultures. The three-day festival is being organised under the National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM) project of Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) and the Janapada Sampada division after three years due to the pandemic. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/real-to-reel-on-yamuna-bank-issues-linked-to-rivers/articleshow/103856559.cms  (22 Sept. 2023)

FISH, FISHERIES, FISHERFOLKS

Jharkhand Over 8,000 fish found dead in Ranchi dam More than 8,000 fish were found dead in a dam in Ranchi, following which the fisheries department ordered a probe into the incident, an official said on Sunday (Sept. 17). Fish, weighing 500 gm to 1 kg, were found dead in four cages laid for fish rearing in Getalsud dam, district fishery officer Arup Kumar Chaudhary told PTI. He said there are around 300 fish cages in the Maheshpur area, adjacent to the incident site and about one and half tonne of fish are being reared there but all of them are safe. Jharkhand agriculture minister Badal Patralekh directed the department secretary to carry out a probe into the matter on Sunday and submit a report at the earliest.  https://www.telegraphindia.com/jharkhand/over-8000-fish-found-dead-in-ranchi-dam-fisheries-department-orders-probe/cid/1967012  (18 Sept. 2023)

SAND MINING

Report Flood damage highlights ‘uncontrolled’ sand mining in northern India The states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh suffered severe damage from floods this monsoon, which has highlighted the effects of illegal sand mining in their river basins. https://www.thethirdpole.net/en/livelihoods/flood-damage-highlights-uncontrolled-sand-mining-northern-india/  (22 Sept. 2023)

Himachal Pradesh Yamuna riverbed mining rules tweaked despite guidelines  Months before monsoon rains caused mayhem in several parts of Himachal, the state govt had sought modifications in granting forest clearance to mine minor minerals like boulders, stones and sand in a stretch of the Yamuna river flowing through Sirmaur, a southern district. The state govt referred the request of a license-holding mining company which sought to expand the mining capacity in the particular stretch of the river and reduce the prohibition period for mining during monsoon months, minutes of the forest advisory committee’s (FAC) August 21 meeting show. The FAC declined govt’s request to expand the capacity in view of recent changes in the weather pattern and the flood situation in the state but, at the same time, agreed to reduce the ban on mining during monsoon months from “beginning of June to end of October each year” to months of “June to September each year.” https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/yamuna-riverbed-mining-rules-tweaked-in-himachal-district-despite-guidelines-101695121325327.html  (19 Sept. 2023)

Punjab Illegal mining: Specify number of FIRs filed in Ropar: HC  Digging deep into the issue of illegal mining in Ropar district, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Senior Superintendent of Police concerned to specify the number and details of the FIRs registered under the Mines and Minerals (Regulation of Development) Act. In all, the high court has raised 17 queries for the police, the tehsildar and the district mining officer.

The direction by Justice NS Shekhawat came just about a fortnight after the Punjab Police was rapped for apparently being hand in glove with the persons carrying out illegal mining in the area. Justice Shekhawat has already made it clear that illegal mining was rampant in the district. The Mining Department has failed to perform its statutory duties and there was no effective supervision.

The district mining officer, present in person before the court, was directed to file his personal affidavit, mentioning the number of check posts set up in the area and the designations of the officers heading the same. He was also asked to specify the effective steps taken by him to check the illegal mining in his district. Justice Shekhawat also fixed the case for further hearing in October first week with a directive for Tehsildar Sandeep Kumar, District Mining Officer Harishant Kumar, and SSP Soni to remain personally present in the court.  https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/illegal-mining-specify-number-of-firs-filed-in-ropar-high-court-to-punjab-police-545319  (18 Sept. 2023)

Haryana The NGT has formed a joint committee to address if sand mining on agricultural land be permitted, and the impact of the practice on soil fertility and the environment. The NGT was hearing a matter in which the applicants had asked that sand mining on fertile agricultural land in two villages in Haryana’s Yamunanagar be stopped. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/ngt-joint-committee-assess-impact-of-sand-mining-agricultural-land-8912917/  (28 Aug. 2023)

बाढ़ के कारण पैदा हुई समस्या से किसानों को निजात मिलती दिखाई नहीं दे रही है। अभी तक खेतों और गांवों में पानी भरा होने के कारण लोग परेशान थे। अब कुछ स्थानों से पानी तो निकल गया है लेकिन खेतों में चार से पांच फीट जमा रेत ने चिंता में डाल दिया है। यदि फिरोजपुर जिले की ही बात करें तो यहां 50 हजार एकड़ जमीन में लगी धान की फसल प्रभावित हुई है। 10 हजार से अधिक एकड़ में चार से पांच फीट रेत चढ़ गई है। जिसके चलते धान की फसल होना तो दूर गेहूं की फसल पर संकट के बादल मंडरा रहे हैं। https://www.bhaskar.com/local/punjab/firozpur/news/50-thousand-acres-of-crop-destroyed-more-than-10-thousand-acres-covered-with-sand-up-to-5-feet-131784366.html (4 Sep 2023)

देश में पहली बार यमुना नदी से सटे छह जिलों के लिए हरियाणा सरकार नई पॉलिसी बनाने जा रही है। इसके तहत यमुना में आई बाढ़ या ज्यादा बारिश से यमुनानगर, करनाल, पानीपत, सोनीपत, पलवल व फरीदाबाद के खेतों में जमा हुई रेत-गाद की नीलामी की जाएगी। इससे मिलने वाली 10 लाख तक की धनराशि में से एक तिहाई हिस्सा किसान का होगा और दो-तिहाई हिस्सा सरकार के खाते में जाएगा। इस पॉलिसी से किसान और सरकार को फायदा होगा, क्योंकि यमुना से सटे एरिया में जमीन का कटाव होता है, जिससे फसलों का नुकसान होता है। हरियाणा में 1324 सड़कों के करीब 2105 किलोमीटर एरिया में नुकसान हुआ है। इसमें 338 करोड़ रु. के नुकसान की संभावना है। 14 पुलों को नुकसान पहुंचा है, जिनको ठीक करने में 8 करोड़ खर्च होंगे। https://www.bhaskar.com/local/chandigarh/news/for-the-first-time-the-government-will-sell-the-sand-deposited-in-the-fields-of-6-districts-adjacent-to-yamuna-131660748.html (Aug 2023)

राेहताश शर्मा जिले में यमुना नदी से खनन के लिए प्रदेश सरकार ने 3 जगह टेंडर दिया है। यहां पर खनन से पहले ही विरोध हो गया है। जड़ौली व कुंडा कलां एरिया में माइनिंग करने पर आसपास के गांवों के सरपंच और लोग विरोध जता रहे हैं। उनका कहना है कि यहां से खनन किया तो तटबंध टूट जाएंगे और क्षेत्र में तबाही होगी, पहले कई बार ऐसा हो चुका है। इसलिए यहां पर खनन का टेंडर न दिया जाए।

घरौंडा क्षेत्र के पीर जड़ौली और लालूपुरा में खनन के लिए टेंडर दिया हुआ था, अब वह टेंडर बंद हो चुका है। इसलिए प्रदेश सरकार यमुना नदी से रेत निकालने के तीन टेंडर लगाए थे, तीनों अलग-अलग कंपनियों को मिले हैं। इसमें जड़ौली, शेरगढ़ टापू और नबियाबाद शामिल हैं, इन तीनों साइटों पर करीब 12 गांवों की जमीन लगती है, ज्यादातर इन गांवों की जमीन यमुना के तटबंध के अंदर ही आती है। जड़ौली व कुंडा कलां एरिया में खनन का टेंडर दिया है। यहां पर प्रशासन हियरिंग रहा है।

इस खनन एरिया में जड़ौली, नबीपुर, खराजपुर, महमदपुर, नलीखुर्द, नली, कुंडाकला, नसीरपुर आदि गांव लगते हैं। जड़ौली गांव के सरपंच पंकज ने बताया कि यमुना नदी का बांध 1978 से लेकर अब तक छह बार टूट चुका है, जब भी बांध टूट है, भारी तबाही हुई है। सरपंच ने बताया कि आसपास के 15 गांवों के सरपंच इसका विरोध कर रहे हैं, जल्द ही सभी सरपंच खनन के विरोध में रेज्युलेशन डालकर जिला प्रशासन को देंगे।  https://www.bhaskar.com/local/haryana/karnal/news/people-said-river-embankments-will-break-due-to-mining-there-will-be-devastation-again-131291669.html  (June 2023)

प्रशासन ने बेशक अवैध माइनिंग रोकने के लिए टास्क फोर्स का गठन कर रखा है, लेकिन यमुना से रोजाना हजारों टन रेत चोरी हो रहा है। जबकि जिले में किसी के पास टेंडर नहीं हैं। इसके बावजूद रेत माफिया को कोई भी रोकने वाला नहीं है। इंद्री एरिया से लेकर घरौंडा एरिया तक कई रेत माफिया काम कर रहे हैं। मुंडोगढ़ी में हरियाणा और यूपी दोनों साइड खनन हो रहा है ।  https://www.bhaskar.com/local/haryana/karnal/news/there-is-no-license-in-the-district-yet-thousands-of-tonnes-of-sand-are-being-extracted-from-the-yamuna-130955902.html (Apr 2023)

मुंडोगढ़ी में यमुना के अंदर से 15 से 20 एकड़ में रेत उठाया जा रहा है। वहां पर मौजूद किसानों ने बताया कि जनवरी से यहां से रेत चोरी किया जा रहा है। एक बड़ा ठेकेदार रेत माफिया से जुड़ा है, उसके साथ माइनिंग के अधिकारी भी मिले हुए हैं। माइनिंग अधिकारी कमलेश का तबादला हो गया, इसके बाद ज्यादा चोरी बढ़ गई है। सदरपुर गांव में रेत चोरी हो रहा है। इसके अलावा नगला फार्म, पुरानी खान, ढाकवाला, चंद्राव और राणा माजरा में भी रेत की चोरी हो रही है।

यमुना नदी ने सोनीपत जिले के 22 किलोमीटर के दायरे में 1700 एकड़ जमीन में कटाव शुरू कर दिया है। किसानों के खेत में रखे उपकरण, इंजन, खेत में बने कोठड़े सब यमुना के बहाव में बह गए है। यदि एक लाख क्यूसेक पानी और छोड़ा गया तो मनौली टौकी गांव में पानी घुस जाएगा। प्रशासन भी यमुना को लेकर अलर्ट है।  https://www.bhaskar.com/news/latest-ganaur-news-022514-2338385.html  (Aug. 2018)

Uttar Pradesh Three policemen, including the SHO of Kairana police station, were on Friday suspended for alleged negligence in discharge of duty in connection with illegal sand mining in the Yamuna river, officials said. Those suspended are Station House Officer (SHO) Vipin Kumar Maurya and two constables Mukesh Kumar and Ajay Kumar, they said.

The three police personnel were suspended for alleged negligence of duty in connection with illegal sand mining in the Yamuna river in Baseda and Mandawar villages under the Kairana police station area in Shamli district, the officials said. Superintendent of Police Abhishek told reporters that illegal mining was detected in the river during checking of illegal sand mining. He added that the three policemen have been placed under suspension and a departmental inquiry has been initiated against them.  https://theprint.in/india/illegal-sand-mining-in-yamuna-river-3-up-policemen-suspended-for-negligence-of-duty/1773807/  (22 Sept. 2023)

यमुना नदी का तेज बहाव शामली जनपद के लक्ष्मीपुरा गांव की ओर बढ़ रहा है। जिसके कारण करीब 40 फीट लंबी तटबंध की ठोकर यमुना नदी में बह गई। सैकड़ों की संख्या में पेड़ व कई सौ बीघा धान की फसल जलमग्न हो गई। ग्रामीणों ने अपने नलकूपों से मोटर, पाइप, बिजली के खंभे और ट्रांसफॉर्मर्स सहित अन्य सामान को सुरक्षित बाहर निकाल लिया। ग्रामीणों ने आरोप लगाया कि नियम विरुद्ध रेत खनन के कारण यमुना में गहरे कुंड बन गए। जिसके कारण करोड़ों की फसल भी बर्बाद हो गई और गांव में बाढ़ का खतरा बढ़ गया है। हजारों की संख्या में ग्रामीण यमुना तट पर निगरानी कर रहे हैं। उधर, बागपत में यमुना का तटबंध रातभर टूटा रहा। लेकिन अधिकारी ठीक नहीं करा सके। प्रशासन ने फेल होने पर एनएचएआई को भी बुलाया। फिर भी पानी नहीं रोक सके।  https://www.amarujala.com/uttar-pradesh/shamli/up-embankment-was-washed-away-by-strong-current-of-yamuna-villagers-created-ruckus-water-reached-villages-2023-07-14  (14 July 2023)

Delhi यमुना नदी में रेत खनन रोकने के सारे प्रयास विफल साबित हो रहे हैं. एनजीटी, सरकार, पुलिस को ठेंगा दिखाते हुए खनन माफिया रात में नदी का सीना चीरकर रेत खनन कर रहे हैं. वज़ीराबाद थाना इलाके के जगतपुर यमुना किनारे सटे इलाके में रेत माफिया अपने लाभ के लिए प्राकृतिक संसाधन का दोहन कर रहे हैं. लेकिन नाक के नीचे धड़ल्ले से चल रहे इस खेल को पुलिस-प्रशासन रोक नहीं पा रहा है. जिसे लेकर अब स्थानीय लोगों का गुस्सा फूट पड़ा है. आक्रोशित लोगों ने अवैध रेत खनन को रोकने के लिए विरोध प्रदर्शन किया.  https://www.etvbharat.com/hindi/delhi/state/north-delhi/illegal-sand-mining-is-going-on-in-yamuna-in-delhi/dl20230919102050224224362  (19 Sept. 2023)

Bihar Bridge collapses over Barnar river, finger at sand mining A bridge over the Barnar river in Jamui district collapsed late on Friday (Sept. 22) night, depriving vast areas of road connectivity and once again putting a question mark on the quality of infrastructure in the state. The bridge that got damaged was constructed in 2009. At least eight of its pillars gave way as the water level and flow increased in the river.

Several people blamed illegal sand mining close to the bridge and lack of proper maintenance for the mishap. “The bridge was like a lifeline for the area. It had withstood heavier rains and water flow in the river since its construction. But of late, illegal mining sand close to the structure. Another reason is lack of proper inspection and repairs by the government,” Dharmendra Chaudhary, a resident told reporters. Another resident Mukesh Shastri said that the “people in the area had opposed sand mining close to the pillars of the bridge several time. In turn, they were implicated in false cases”. https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/bihar-bridge-collapses-over-barnar-river-finger-at-sand-mining/cid/1968506  (24 Sept. 2023)

Gujarat Bridge collapses in Surendranagar district; four injured  At least four persons were injured after a portion of an old bridge on the Bhogavo river in Surendranagar district collapsed on Sunday (Sept. 24) evening, an official said. The incident occurred when a 40-ton dumper was trying to cross the bridge on a panchayat road near Wadhwan city, even though the entry of heavy vehicles was banned, the official said. “A dumper and two motorcycles were on the bridge when its first slab collapsed, leaving four persons with minor injuries,” said Surendranagar Collector KC Sampat.

The heavy vehicle and motorcycles fell into the Bhogavo river, he said. The collector said the bridge was nearly four decades old and it was under the care of the state Road and Buildings Department. A warning board was put up and the bridge was barricaded to prevent the movement of heavy vehicles, he said. “Despite the barricades, a 40-ton dumper tried to cross the bridge, leading to the collapse of its first slab,” the collector said.  https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/sep/24/part-of-old-bridge-on-bhogavo-river-collapses-in-gujarats-surendranagar-district-four-injured-2617878.html  (24 Sept. 2023)

Another newly-built bridge collapses The govt on Wednesday (June 14) suspended three engineers hours after a slab of a newly constructed bridge collapsed on Mindola river in Tapi district of south Gujarat. Sources said that the construction of the bridge had been completed recently and its inauguration was awaited. The bridge connected Mayapur village in Valod taluka to Degama village in Vyara taluka of Tapi district. A portion of the bridge collapsed on Wednesday (June 14) morning.

-“In the preliminary report, it was found that there was a serious defect in the quality of the materials used in thHome construction of the high level bridge,” the statement stated. The press note also said that the govt decided to blacklist the construction firm, Akshay Construction, Surat for “not maintaining proper quality of concrete in the construction” and has been ordered to recover money from the firm as part of “punitive action.” Sources in Surat said that the construction firm, Akshay Construction, has built several other bridges in south Gujarat including one in Kosamba. Incidentally, the contractor of this bridge is also building the signature bridge project in Dwarka.

-Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi said in a statement that cases of bridge collapses have been reported in Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, Vadodara, Mehsana, among other districts. Recently, the govt booked four directors of a construction firm, Ajay Engineering Infrastructure Private Limited, allegedly for using poor quality materials in construction of a flyover in Hatkeshwar in Khokhara police station area in Ahmedabad. The flyover built just five years ago is reported to have become hazardous for the public and is likely to be demolished. Earlier in 2021, a portion of an under construction Mumatpura flyover in Ahmedabad had collapsed. This bridge was recently inaugurated for the public. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/another-newly-built-bridge-collapses-in-gujarat-govt-suspends-3-engineers-1227939.html  (15 June 2023)

Tamil Nadu Another sand storm Once again, the issue of illegal sand mining is kicking up dust in Tamil Nadu. This time, it is not just issues relating to sand excavation over and above the permitted quantity but an alleged scam in the sale at State government-owned stockyards, causing a huge revenue loss to the exchequer. S. Vijay Kumar gives the low-down. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/yet-another-sand-storm/article67339336.ece  (24 Sept. 2023)

ED raid brings mining to screeching halt, affects govt projects Numerous lorry owners, who had registered for online sand procurement, have been witnessing delays in their operations. The WRD is operating 15 quarries in Chennai and Tiruchy regions, all temporarily closed. S Yuvaraj, president of Tamil Nadu State Sand Lorry Owner’s Federation, said, “Thousands of lorries have been waiting outside sand quarries for the past five days. This has led to the abrupt halt of construction work, including government projects.” While the government introduced an online system for sand sale, contractors responsible for distribution have vacated the yards following the raid. Yuvaraj suggested that if the government takes control and initiates online booking at these yards, it could help restart the mining activity.  https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2023/sep/19/ed-raid-brings-sand-mining-ops-to-screeching-halt-affects-government-projects-in-tamil-nadu-2616195.html  (19 Sept. 2023)

Engineer-in-Chief calls for report on alleged irregularities A week after Tamil Nadu government’s sand mining business came to a grinding halt following the searches conducted by the Enforcement Directorate last Tuesday to investigate allegations of money laundering, the Water Resources Department has started accepting online bookings for the sale of sand.

According to A. Muthiah, Engineer-in-Chief and Chief Engineer General, Water Resources Department, the process of online bookings had started, and the sale of sand would commence in a day or two. Transactions would be through online mode and lorry operators without access to the internet or digital banking could seek assistance from e-seva centres to make the bookings. He said sand mining and sales had been stopped since ED officials had taken away CCTV recording devices and hard discs of computers from the stockyards. “Since it is essential to have CCTV and the computerised system functioning, we had to put the sand sale on hold,” he said. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/engineer-in-chief-calls-for-report-on-alleged-irregularities-in-sand-mining-business/article67327403.ece  (20 Sept. 2023)

Two check dams damaged to build illegal road to stone quarry Two small check dams at watershed points in Sanangkupam village, near Ambur town, in Tirupattur were damaged on Saturday (Sept. 23), after a group of people allegedly laid a road illegally to provide easy access to a private stone quarry at the foot of a hillock near the village.

Residents said Sanangkupam was a farming village with at least 2,000 hectares under paddy and groundnut cultivation. Water from the damaged check dams were their major source of irrigation. The excess rainwater from the check dams fills up a few lakes and ponds in the areas before flowing into the Palar. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/two-check-dams-damaged-to-build-of-illegal-road-to-stone-quarry-at-village-near-ambur/article67338290.ece  (23 Sept. 2023)

‘Remedial measures in 6 months for Thadagam ravaged by sand mining’ The district administration is in the process of finalising an expert committee and it will take at least six months to prepare a remedial plan for Thadagam Valley whose ecology has been severely damaged by red sand mining for brick kilns, Collector Kranthi Kumar Pati stated in a report submitted to the NGT (Southern Zone).

He added that the formation of an expert committee for the purpose of re-assessment of environmental compensation would be completed in a month. “The decision to reopen brick kilns shall be considered only after the preparation of a comprehensive plan as per the guidelines of the central pollution control board,” the collector said in the report that was submitted to NGT on September 19. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2023/sep/22/remedial-measures-in-6-months-for-thadagam-ravaged-by-sand-mining-2617133.html  (22 Sept. 2023)

Environmentalists and petitioners against illegal brick kilns in Thadagam Valley alleged that brick kiln owners/operators have started levelling mining pits in the Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) and appealed to the district administration to step in. S Ganesh, one of petitioners, said, “After destroying the surface of the entire valley, the brick kiln operators are now trying to hide the operations by levelling pits. The high court had directed the district administration to carry out leveling works in three months.

 Following this, it formed a six-member joint committee headed by the district collector. However, brick kiln operators have been doing the work without supervision.” “Justices hearing the case in the high court have said they would be visiting the field soon. Brick kiln operators are now levelling the sites to hide the facts. We will inform the court about the violation,” he said. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2023/aug/12/illegal-thadagam-quarry-pits-covered-in-a-hurry-2604406.html  (12 Aug. 2023)

Karnataka NGT seeks detailed report on illegal sand mining in Udupi In a significant turn in a case against illegal sand mining in Udupi, the NGT has directed the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) to submit a full report on the issue to enable calculation of the compensation for the damage caused to the environment. Hearing a petition by Majunath Poojari, a bench of Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and expert member Satyagopal Korlapati took note of the SEIAA Karnataka’s admission of not being able to assess the extent of the problem.

“They are not able to assess the extent and implications of sand mining, hence, the SEIAA-Karnataka is directed to file a detailed report of illegal sand mining and the impact on the environment after obtaining Bathymetric study report from the Director, Mines and Geology Department and arrive at the compensation based on the same,” the bench said. Following the NGT scrutiny, the Mines and Geology Department suspended the licence for mining in five villages of Kundapura taluk, Udupi district. The SEIAA submitted before the tribunal that the environment clearance issued to two sand mining projects have been withdrawn for the failure of the companies to submit half-yearly compliance reports. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/ngt-seeks-detailed-report-on-illegal-sand-mining-in-udupi-2640236  (08 Aug. 2023)

Rajasthan Mining endangers wildlife, villagers’ income in Jawai hills In an incessant struggle for survival, the cave-dwelling leopards in the Jawai hills of Rajasthan now face fresh threats due to recent mining activities in their vicinity. Mining permits have been alarmingly issued in close proximity to their natural habitat, and operations have already commenced. Consequently, this otherwise elusive animal is now compelled to pass near men and heavy machinery like JCBs, raising concerns about an increased incidence of human-animal conflicts in the area. At the mining site, earth-moving machines can be observed uprooting trees and leveling the ground in the vicinity of the leopard hills.

A section of the local residents has approached the district administration, demanding the cancellation of the mining permits. This move deals a severe blow to conservation efforts and wildlife tourism, which stakeholders have been nurturing for years. Villagers also fear that once the mines become operational, the leopards will abandon the area, posing a threat to their livelihoods.

The Beda area boasts of 20-25 hotels and 100 gypsies that rely entirely on leopard tourism. There is a natural leopard cave in the area, and due to the opening of the mines, leopards are now in grave danger. The safari and hotel businesses are also likely to be adversely affected, potentially leading to their closure. This situation could result in unemployment for local residents and those dependent on wildlife tourism. A villager, who preferred not to be named, said, “These permits have been issued against established procedures. Government records still classify the concerned area as agricultural land yet mining permits have been issued for it. A memorandum has been submitted to the district administration to address this issue.”  https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/mining-endangers-wildlife-villagers-income-in-jawai-hills/articleshow/103771097.cms  (19 Sept. 2023)

Report ‘Unsustainable’ sand mining harms marine environments  New data from the newly launched platform Marine Sand Watch suggest that the dredging industry is extracting about 6 billion tons of sand from the marine environment annually. Experts say the extraction of sand can have numerous impacts on the marine environment, such as harming biodiversity, polluting water and making coastlines more vulnerable to sea level rise. While the sand mining industry is currently operating at unsustainable levels, experts say there are solutions to mitigate its damage. https://news.mongabay.com/2023/09/totally-unsustainable-sand-mining-harms-marine-environments-new-data-suggest/  (19 Sept. 2023)

Sand mining is close to being an environmental crisis. Here’s why – and what can be done about it https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/09/global-sand-mining-demand-impacting-environment/  (21 Sept. 2023)  

WETLANDS, LAKES, WATER BODIES

Punjab Flooding threatens wildlife in Harike wetlands Heavy silt deposits in the Harike Wetland zone caused by flooding in the Beas and Sutlej rivers have left experts worried about Punjab’s novel project to conserve gharial, an endangered Indian variety of crocodiles, as a section of the reptile population has reportedly swept into adjacent Pakistan waters. https://www.hindustantimes.com/environment/flooding-in-punjab-threatens-endangered-gharial-migratory-birds-in-harike-wetlands-101693581713939.html  (01 Sept. 2023) 

WATER OPTIONS

Karnataka Man measuring rainfall for 47 years This farmer of Dakshina Kannada district has followed in his father’s footsteps and has weather data for about 17,500 days, a treasure for climate researchers. In the Western Ghats, the Kannada word kumbhadrona is used to describe torrential rains during monsoons. It often rains here non-stop for days together, forcing people to stop all activities. Artistes go on a hiatus, farmers take a break and schools declare holidays during heavy rainfall.

“We no longer have that kind of rainfall,” said PGSN Prasad, a 65-year-old farmer from Balila village in Sullia taluk of Dakshina Kannada district. This isn’t just an anecdote. He has solid rainfall data of over 47 years to back his statement.  “Whether it rains or not, I have continued to record the weather data for almost five decades,” said Prasad.  The statistics include maximum and minimum temperatures of the day, rainfall (if any) in millimetres, and subjective experience of the day – whether it was hot, windy, cold, etc. He also records the occurrence of cyclones, comets and other meteorological events.  https://www.villagesquare.in/meet-the-karnataka-man-collecting-rainfall-data-for-47-years/  (22 Sept. 2023)

Man conserving Bengaluru’s lakes A neighbourhood located in North Eastern Bengaluru, Krishnarajapuram, also called as K R Puram, houses several lakes, some of which are as old as a century. However, due to rapid urbanisation in the last two decades, several of the lakes are on the brink of sinking into oblivion. Born in 1974, Balaji Raghotham grew up in K R Puram and learnt swimming in some of these lakes. In 1992, he started plantation activities around the lakes. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/balaji-raghotham-emotional-connect-bengaluru-lakes-conserve-8953048/  (24 Sept. 2023)

Odisha Interesting story of Anand Malligavad, who has revived dozens of lakes in Bangalore as per this report and has been invited by govt of UP and Odisha to revive their lakes. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/lake-man-relies-on-ancient-methods-to-ease-water-crisis/articleshow/103916870.cms  (25 Sept. 2023)

Himachal Pradesh Rainwater finds its natural course With its simple solution of ‘deepen and widen the drain before rain’, the town in Himachal Pradesh shows how to overcome waterlogging problem. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/in-una-rainwater-finds-its-natural-course-locals-an-end-to-their-woes-8953463/  (24 Sept. 2023)

Report Does phosphorus shortage solution lie in sewage? The problem with the fertilisation of land is as old as agriculture itself. When early humans first began to engage in settled agriculture, they quickly realised that while crops require nutrients for their growth, repeated cycles of cultivation and harvest depleted these nutrients, reducing yield over time. Early agricultural societies began to notice that certain areas produced better crops and that soils could be replenished. This observation led to practices to restore essential nutrients in the soil necessary for plant and crop growth. Indigenous communities around the world developed methods of fertilisation, for example, using fish remnants and bird droppings (guano) as fertilisers.  https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/phosphorus-shortage-fertilisers-pollution-sewage-recovery/article67322261.ece  (20 Sept. 2023)

URBAN WATER

Bengaluru Drought likely to force 110 villages to wait longer for Cauvery water The city’s 110 villages will have to continue their long wait for Cauvery water, thanks to the ongoing drought situation gripping the state. The Cauvery Stage V project, which aims to bring an additional 775 MLD water to the city, has been delayed by over a year after the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) hit multiple roadblocks. With the board expecting to complete the project by January 2024, sources admitted that poor monsoon is playing spoilsport and is likely to push water supply to the area beyond the next monsoon season. Although senior BWSSB officials said they would wait and watch how the rain situation would play out, board sources told DH that serving water to the 110 villages is getting increasingly difficult as scheduled in January 2024, especially if the drought situation continues.  https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/drought-likely-to-force-110-villages-to-wait-longer-for-cauvery-water-2697909  (23 Sept. 2023)

Thoothukudi Public seize tankers tapping groundwater from sealed borewells Residents took over tanker lorries that were allegedly tapping groundwater from unauthorised sealed borewells at Kamaraj Nagar and Imayam in Servaikaranmadam village panchayat. “The tanker lorries are tapping water for commercial purposes from borewells sealed by the court and interventions from the collector a few years ago. Landowners who drilled the borewells broke the seals and were supplying water until the collector sealed it again in 2022,” they charged. Borewell water suppliers started tapping groundwater as the water demand for industries intensified due to a shortage.  https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2023/sep/22/public-seize-tankers-tapping-ground-water-from-sealed-borewells-in-tamil-nadu-2617075.html  (22 Sept. 2023)

Telangana Will stick to GO 111 till experts submit report: Govt to HC  Additional Advocate General (AAG) J Ramachandra Rao, appearing on behalf of the State government, on Friday assured the Telangana High Court that it will adhere to GO 111 until the committee of experts, specially constituted as per GO 69, submits its report. The AAG was presenting his arguments during the hearing of a clutch of petitions and PILs contesting the State government’s decision to revoke GO 111. Some of the petitions, filed following violations of GO 111, have been pending since 2007. On Friday (Sept. 22) , the bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice NV Shravan Kumar duly noted the oral undertaking of the AAG and directed the government to refrain from taking any further actions that would contravene GO 111.

During the course of arguments, the AAG recalled that GO 111 was issued in 1996 with the aim of prohibiting polluting industries, major hotels, residential colonies, and other establishments within a 10-km radius of the Full Tank Level (FTL) of Osmansagar and Himayatsagar reservoirs. This directive covered 84 villages, encompassing approximately 1.32 lakh acres. The primary objective was to safeguard the catchment area of these two reservoirs, which were the primary source of drinking water for Hyderabad city at the time, the AAG said. He pointed out that with the availability of alternative sources for Hyderabad city’s drinking water, the reliance on these reservoirs fell below 1.25%.  https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2023/sep/23/will-stick-to-go-111-till-experts-submit-report-telangana-to-hc-2617528.html  (23 Sept. 2023)

The People’s Scientific Committee on Sunday released a report against the decision of the state government to repeal GO 111, which used to protected the Himayatsagar and the Osmansagar. They said GO 69, which replaced GO111, opened around 1.32 lakh acres in 84 villages for construction activity in the buffer zone. The report gave 15 suggestions including repealing GO 69 to conserve the reservoirs as well as recognising Osmansagar and Himayatsagar as ‘living beings’ with rights and responsibilities through a legislative act or a government resolution.

The committee suggested that the government compensate farmers in the GO 111 area for crop loss due to pollution, ensure per capita state investment on social services for all residents in the GO 111 area by allocating specific budget, issue a GO freezing the current land in the GO 111 area, remove air and water polluting and solid waste sources, desilt the twin reservoirs, inspect dams of the twin reservoirs and strengthen them to avoid any leakage.  https://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/environment/250923/environmental-experts-call-on-ts-govt-to-implement-go-111.html  (25 Sept. 2023)

Mumbai MU unveils sewage treatment project using earthworms The University of Mumbai has inaugurated an earthworm-based sewage treatment project at its Vidyanagari complex in Kalina. The project aims to treat 1,200 liters of sewage per hour and boasts impressive removal efficiency for organic matter. The treated wastewater is recycled for university irrigation purposes. Plans are underway to replicate similar projects in other university complexes. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/mu-unveils-sewage-treatment-project-using-earthworms-101695583013691.html  (25 Sept. 2023)

Pimpri-Chinchwad Groundwater survey in PCMC to address water scarcity To address the pressing concerns related to scarcity and quality of water in Pimpri-Chinchwad, researchers from the Advanced Center for Water Resources Development and Management (ACWADAM), a city-based not-for-profit organisation, will start a survey from Monday to revive the groundwater resources in Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) areas.

The voluntary three-day survey will be conducted with the help of housing societies and private organisations. A similar survey was carried out by ACWADAM in Pune city four years ago. The Pimpri-Chinchwad survey will also cover industries, according to officials.  https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/pune-news/groundwater-survey-in-pcmc-to-address-water-scarcity-101695495998165.html  (24 Sept. 2023)

Kolkata Water distribution system This video was made in collaboration with Veditum for JolJyanto Kolkata for the urban water chapter of the city. It is aimed at mapping the urban water commons and understanding a city’s water systems, through regular fieldwork and by literally, following the water.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7pe5rv7RWM (15 Sep 2023)

AGRICULTURE

Haryana Excavating farmlands for highways Farmers, lured by quick returns in Haryana, have sold the soil from the ancestral lands to contractors for road construction. Topsoil excavation affects the land’s fertility and impacts farmers’ livelihoods. The central government has written letters to states to use fly ash in the construction of highways and to use soil from ponds and other sources. https://india.mongabay.com/2023/09/excavating-farmlands-for-highways/  (21 Sept. 2023)

MONSOON 2023

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

Sep 25, 2023: 50-100 mm: SW Garo Hills (Meghalaya), Narmada (Guj), Vellore (TN) [3]

100-150 mm: S Andaman (UT), Kochbihar (WB) [2]

Sep 24, 2023: 50-100 mm: N & Middle Andaman (UT), S Sikkim (Sikkim), Dakshin Dinajpur, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kochbihar (WB), Bhagalpur, Jahanabad, Khagaria, Madhepura, Munger (Bihar), Tiruvannamalai (TN) [12]

100-150 mm: Malda (WB) Ararya, Katihar, Kishanganj, Purnia, Sharasa, Supaul (Bihar) [7]

150-200 mm: Uttar Dinajpur (WB) [1]

Sep 23, 2023: 50-100 mm: Nicobar (UT), Tirap, Upper Subansiri (Arunachal P), Darjeeling (WB), Sahebganj (Jharkhand), Drabhanga, Khagaria, Kisanganj, Lakhisarai, Muzzafarpur (Bihar), Nagpur (Mah), Balod Bazar, Durg, Janjgir Champa, Korba (CG) [15]

100-150 mm: Zunheboto (Nagaland), Begusarai, Vaishali (Bihar) [3]

150-200 mm: Samastipur (Bihar) [1]

Sep 22, 2023: 50-100 mm: E Siang, Papum-Pare, Upper Siang (Arunachal Pradesh), Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Chirang, Goalpara, Kokrajhar (Assam), E Garo Hills, S Garo Hills (Meghalaya), Dakshin Dinajpur, Howrah (WB), Deoghar, Dumka, Hazaribagh, Lohardaga, Sahebganj, Simdega (Jharkhand), Bhagalpur, Jamui, Katihar, Khagaria, Lakhisarai (Bihar), Burhanpur, Sehore (W MP), Dangs (Guj), Chhatrapati Sbhambhajinagar (Mah), Baloda Bazar, Janjgir-Champa, Raigarh (CG), Hanumakonda, J Bhupalpally, Kumaram Bheem, Mulugu (Tel) [34]

100-150 mm: SW Khasi Hills (Meghalaya), Godda (Jharkhand), Banka, Munger (Bihar) [4]

Sep 21, 2023: 50-100 mm: Baksa, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Dhubri, Kokrajhar, Goalpara, Nalbari (Assam), E Garo Hills (Meghalaya), Bishnupur (Manipur), Kolasib (Mizoram), Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kochbihar (WB), Kalahandi, Nuaparha (Odisha), Nainital (UKD), Baloda Bazar, Bilaspur, Raipur (CG) [19]

100-150 mm: Chirang (Assam), Imphal W (Manipur), Mungeli (CG) [3]

Sep 20, 2023: 50-100 mm: Tirap (ArunachalP), Dibrugarh, Tinsukhia (Assam), Dimapur (Nagaland), Imphal W (Manipur), Kalahandi, Koraput (Odisha), Kutch, Morbi (Guj) [9]

Sep 19, 2023: 50-100 mm: Aizwal, Kolasib (Mizoram), Dhalai, N Tripura, Unakoti (Tripura), Kangra (HP), Banaskantha, Mehsana, Patan, Sabarkantha (Guj) [10]

100-150 mm: Wokha (Nagaland), Junagarh (Guj) [2]

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]

Source: IMD’s daily district wise rainfall page

Study Monsoon rain on downward trend in Karnataka Monsoon rain has been on a downward trend in Karnataka during the last six decades, a new study that analysed the pattern in the state over 120 years has found, while also noting the rise of extreme rainfall events (EREs) during this period. The study by researchers at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research’s Fourth Paradigm Institute (CSIR-4PI) in Bengaluru could offer insights in tackling regional climate change and aid forecasting models for the state. Krushna Chandra Goud, Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-4PI, said the findings presented a case for greater understanding of regional climate change, indicated as a major contributor to these variabilities.

– The researchers studied the India Meteorological Department’s daily rainfall data between June and September, for a total analysis period, from 1901 to 2020; this was further divided into two periods — 1901 to 1959 and 1960 to 2020. While data from the 120-year timeline revealed an increase of 1.15 mm/year in precipitation, analysis of the two halves of the period threw up a significant variability. A precipitation increase – +1.59 mm/year – was observed in the 1901-1959 period. The latter half, between 1960 and 2020, clocked only +0.67 mm/year.

– The paper by Gouda, Nikhilasuma P, and Mahendra Benke — both from CSIR-4PI — and Geeta Agnihotri from the Meteorological Centre, IMD Bengaluru, has been selected for publication in the journal Natural Hazards Research. Extreme heavy rainfall (more than 64.5 mm/day) events were tracked across the decades. A decrease in the number of EREs was noted during the first half of the analysis period; the second half recorded a positive trend. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/monsoon-rain-on-downward-trend-in-k-taka-study-2697797   (23 Sept. 2023)

Monsoon Withdrawal Withdrawal of monsoon from Rajasthan is expected from September 25; 373 districts in country have reported normal rainfall while 96 districts have reported excess rainfall.  https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/monsoon-withdrawal-start-soon-country-reports-normal-rainfall-imd-8953816/  (24 Sept. 2023)

The monsoon deficit in Kerala which was hovering around the 50% mark during the end of August, has now come down to 38% aided by a late surge, with hardly five days left before the formal ending of the season. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/keralas-rainfall-deficit-dips-ahead-of-southwest-monsoons-withdrawal/article67341552.ece  (25 Sept. 2023)

Current weather conditions across the country reveal the absence of telltale signs indicating an imminent retreat. In an interview with Reuters, IMD DG Mrutyunjay Mohapatra stated: “We can see new circulations and low-pressure areas over many parts of the country, so there are no symptoms of monsoon withdrawal at this stage. It’s going to be delayed.”

So far this September, India has collectively recorded 7% higher rainfall than the long-term average. While most states in Central and Southern India have experienced average to above-average rainfall, some regions in Northwest and Northeast India continue to grapple with drier-than-usual conditions.  https://weather.com/en-IN/india/monsoon/news/2023-09-20-monsoon-withdrawal-delayed-season-to-end-on-a-high-imd-chief  (20 Sept. 2023)

The monsoon is largely erratic this year. The Biporjoy cyclone had delayed the formal entry of the monsoon in June and further weakened it. However, the monsoon intensified in July and caused surplus rain. August turned out to be the driest month since 1901. Overall India has a deficit monsoon of around 10% after the end of three months. Experts say the El Nino phenomenon has impacted the monsoon.

The reactivation of the monsoon has come as a great respite as it is going to rescue a major part of the country from the prevailing drought-like conditions. The reactivation in the middle of September is causing heavy rain in eastern India. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/sep/21/monsoon-revival-likely-to-cut-down-impact-of-drought-across-country-2616828.html  (21 Sept. 2023)

Monsoon is expected to last much beyond the normal withdrawal date of September 25, as per the IMD. Last year, monsoon had retreated by September 29. But this year, IMD is expecting the rainy season to last till the first week of October. The last time monsoon left by the normal date was only in 2012. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/monsoon-likely-to-retreat-by-first-week-of-october-in-chandigarh-101695245734882.html  (21 Sept. 2023)

The monsoon will begin withdrawing from west Rajasthan around September 25, roughly 8 days later than when it usually begins receding, officials said on Friday (Sept. 2022), adding that a recent surge in rains has cut a 10% deficiency in precipitation at the end of August to 6% on Friday (Sept. 22). But that gap is unlikely to change much and rains are now expected to reduce over northwest and adjoining west central India over the next 5 days, the India Meteorological Department said, describing the conditions as “favourable for withdrawal of southwest monsoon from parts of West Rajasthan from around September 25”. The normal date for monsoon withdrawal to begin is September 17 and completely withdraw by October 15. The monsoon season officially ends on September 30.  https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/monsoon-withdrawal-likely-from-sept-25-imd-101695408750197.html  (23 Sept. 2023)

अमूमन देश में दक्षिण-पश्चिम मॉनसून की हवाएं 17 सितंबर तक उत्तर-पश्चिमी भारत से वापस जाना शुरू कर देती हैं, लेकिन चालू सीजन में अभी वापसी की कोई संभावना नहीं दिख रही है और बारिश अक्टूबर तक बढ़ सकती है। यह लगातार 13वां ऐसा साल है, जब मॉनसून की वापसी देरी से हो रही है। हालांकि 21 सितंबर को मौसम विज्ञान विभाग (आईएमडी) ने संकेत दिया कि मॉनसून की वापसी पूर्वानुमान अवधि (21 से 27 सितंबर) के अंत तक मॉनसून की वापसी शुरू हो सकती है।   https://www.downtoearth.org.in/hindistory/weather/monsoon/monsoon-2023-withdrawal-may-be-delayed-91912  (22 Sept. 2023)

मध्य प्रदेश के किसानों पर सूखे और बारिश की मार एक साथ पड़ी है। पहले अगस्त में सूखे ने किसानों की सोयाबीन फसल को भारी नुकसान पहुंचाया, अब सितंबर में हुई भारी बारिश ने गन्ने की फसल को मुश्किल में डाल दिया है। https://www.downtoearth.org.in/hindistory/agriculture/farming/madhya-pradesh-crops-ruined-due-to-drought-in-august-and-rain-in-september-91882  (21 Sept. 2023)

FLOOD 2023

SANDRP Blog SSP Dam Flood: Why was River Bed Power House stopped since Sept 6? Another intriguing aspect of this man-made disaster has come to light. Shockingly, there was no power generation at the 1200 MW River Bed Power House (RBPH) of the SSP from Sept 6 to Sept 16. This not only means loss of power generation of about 270 million units (MU), worth over Rs 80 Crores even at low price of Rs 3 per unit), but also it would have meant release of 1200 cumecs or, 42000 cusecs and over ten days, this would have meant reduction of about 12000 cumecs or 4.2 lakh cusecs from peak discharge for 24 hours, and this itself would have hugely reduced the flood disaster. https://sandrp.in/2023/09/20/avoidable-flood-disaster-from-unaccountable-sardar-sarovar-operation-why-was-river-bed-power-house-stopped-since-sept-6/  (20 Sept. 2023)

सरदार सरोवर परियोजना (एसएसपी) बांध के अनियोजित संचालन से 16 सितंबर, 2023 की रात से शुरू होकर गुजरात और मध्य प्रदेश में आई बाढ़, कई जिलों के लाखों लोगों के लिए अकल्पनीय आपदा बनकर सामने आई है। इस बांध निर्मित बाढ़ से हुए नुकसान की अभी भी पूरी जानकारी उपलब्ध नहीं है। इस बीच इस टाली जा सकने योग्य आपदा का एक और दिलचस्प पहलू सामने आया है। चौंकाने वाली बात यह है कि 6 सितंबर से 16 सितंबर 2023 तक एसएसपी के 1200 मेगावाट रिवर बेड पावर हाउस (आरबीपीएच) में कोई बिजली उत्पादन नहीं हुई। https://shorturl.at/qxAOZ   (20 Sept. 2023)

Narmada floods: Why no output at 1200 MW dam power house for 10 days? asks SANDRP. https://www.counterview.net/2023/09/narmada-floods-why-no-output-at-1200-mw.html  (21 Sept. 2023)

Top advocacy group, SANDRP, has accused the Sardar Sarovar dam operators for once again acting in an “unaccountable” manner, bringing “avoidable floods in downstream Gujarat.” https://www.counterview.net/2023/09/avoidable-narmada-floods-cause-long.html  (17 Sept. 2023)

-The Gujarat govt so far has not been able to come out with any explanation for this man-made disaster created by them. The only rather lame excuse that both the Narmada minister and Chief Minister has come out is that there were heavy rains in the catchment, releases from upstream dams and inflow of over 22 lakh cusecs and they actually managed to reduce the outflow to 18.61 lakh cusecs. https://sabrangindia.in/narmada-floods-why-no-output-at-1200-mw-dam-power-house-for-10-days-asks-sandrp/  (21 Sept. 2023)

Excellent, detailed BBC (Gujarati) report about the Sardar Sarovar dam made disaster in Gujarat and upstream MP.  The statements from NCA experts corroborate here what SANDRP has been saying. Please Read, Share. https://www.bbc.com/gujarati/articles/c3glg92843eo  (23 Sept. 2023)

“There is hard data that there was rain upstream starting the 14th [of September] itself,” said Himanshu Thakkar, the founder and coordinator of the SANDRP. “They have models which tell you inflow based on rainfall.” https://scroll.in/article/1056412/ahead-of-modis-birthday-gujarat-dam-delayed-water-release-despite-heavy-rain-and-official-alerts  (23 Sept. 2023)

Himanshu Thakkar, an environmental activist and water expert, told Down To Earth: These floods could have been significantly lower and much less disastrous both for Sardar SSP upstream and downstream areas if SSP authorities had taken action earlier based on information available. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/natural-disasters/swollen-narmada-displaces-thousands-in-gujarat-was-this-an-avoidable-disaster–91807  (18 Sept. 2023)

Former Gujarat minister in the previous BJP government Jay Narayan Vyas Friday (Sept. 22) said the recent flooding by the Narmada river that inundated towns and villages downstream was due to “criminal negligence” of officials of Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited (SSNNL), a government arm that operates and manages the Sardar Sarovar Dam. “The primary objective of the dam was flood management and protection. You (SSNNL) could not even properly manage the water flow (in and out of dam). It is criminal negligence on part of SSNNL that they did not release water despite heavy inflows into the dam from September 13,” Vyas, who later joined Congress, told reporters. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/floods-in-narmada-criminal-negligence-of-ssnnl-officials-ex-bjp-minister-vyas-8951848/lite/  (22 Sept. 2023)

Surat-based Brackish Water Research Centre (BWRC) has sent a scathing letter to Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, outlining allegations of gross negligence on the part of the SSNNL.  Perhaps the most concerning revelation in the BWRC’s letter is the claim that the SSNNL remained inactive for a period of approximately 48 to 72 hours before taking any action. During this crucial window, around 18.76 lakh cusecs (706 cumex) of water were simultaneously released, exacerbating the flooding situation in Bharuch district. https://theblunttimes.in/narmada-floods-were-man-made-bwrc/36288/  (20 Sept. 2023)

Ignoring heavy rain warnings and farmers’ needs, the BJP government refused to release water from the Sardar Sarovar dam till Sunday (Sept. 17), eventually leading to ‘large-scale’ damage, the Congress said. The AAP too criticised the government’s actions. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/man-made-disaster-gujarat-bjp-govt-narmada-waters-modi-flood-congress-8945144/  (19 Sept. 2023)

Totally lame excuse of Gujarat CM about release of huge amount of water from SSP, at what he admits at very short notice. They had enough time and information to release water from Sept 14, but they did not. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/gujarat-dams-on-high-alert-imd-heavy-predictions-gujarat-weather-update-8945909/  (19 Sept. 2023)

The flood situation in the industrial twin towns of Bharuch and Ankleshwar as well as parts of central Gujarat remained grim with a large number of residential societies in knee-deep waters and vast swathes of farmland inundated. The sudden heavy discharge from the Sardar Sarovar Dam on Sunday sent Narmada waters dangerously rising and the levels continued to be above the danger mark. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/guj-flood-situation-grim-12-5k-shifted-in-8-districts/articleshow/103769446.cms  (19 Sept. 2023)

According to this report, the avoidable flood created by the Sardar Sarovar Dam in downstream Gujarat impacts in Bharuch district alone: -Cities like Bharuch, Ankleshwar severly affected.  In 4 Talukas (Jhagadia, Hansot), in 216 villages, 59164 pucca houses and 44911 kutch houses affected. Crops in 1.34 lakh Ha destroyed. 5.94 people have been affected one way or the other. There are huge impacts on business, industries, people’s houses, and lives in general. https://watchgujarat.com/bharuch-narmada-river-water-run-into-city-drone-video-historic-situation  (18 Sept. 2023)

Train traffic on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route resumed slowly around Monday noon nearly 12 hours after it was halted when the Narmada river was flowing above the danger mark between Bharuch and Ankleshwar stations in Gujarat, Western Railway said. https://travel.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/railways/mumbai-ahmedabad-train-traffic-resumes-after-12-hrs-as-narmada-water-level-drops-in-gujarat-railways/103755791   (18 Sept. 2023)

At least one-and-a-half dozen trains, including Mumbai-Ahmedabad Tejas Express and Shatabdi Express, have been cancelled due to the flood, a Western Railway release said. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/sep/18/passengers-on-mumbai-ahmedabadroute-stranded-as-narmada-crosses-danger-mark-in-gujarat-2616017.html  (18 Sept. 2023)

As per DD News Gujarati, the NDRF rescued four people stranded due to the overflowing Panam river near Uchwan in Devgarh Bariya taluka of Dahod district following heavy rains.  https://news.abplive.com/news/india/gujarat-flood-heavy-rains-narmada-dam-water-discharge-trigger-flooding-9-600-people-shifted-to-safety-ahmedabad-1630264  (17 Sept. 2023)

On September 17, due to heavy rains in the past two days, more than four lakh cusecs of water were received, prompting the opening of 15 gates of the Ukai Dam over the Tapi River. PG Vasava, the executive engineer of Ukai Dam, stated that 1 lakh 98 thousand cusec water is being released, and several villages along the Tapi River were put on alert. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/city/ahmedabad/gujarat-ukai-and-sardar-sarovar-dams-opened-to-release-water-villages-on-alert/videoshow/103746655.cms  (18 Sept. 2023)

On September 17, 2017, when PM Modi inaugurated the SSP in Narmada district’s Kevadia, the water level in the reservoir was 129.58 m, just one metre short of the all-time high it has ever reached. It was seven weeks before the Gujarat elections. Official records show the high level that day was achieved mainly because BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh released an unusual amount of water from upstream dams over five days until the inauguration. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/madhya-pradesh-govt-released-surge-of-water-for-narmada-dam-inauguration-then-shut-tap-5092578/  (10 March 20218)

उत्तराखंड  बद्रीनाथ धाम में मकान अलकनंदा नदी में समाया लोगों का आरोप है कि निर्माण कार्य कर रही कंपनियों ने सुरक्षा दीवार का काम नहीं किया, जिससे मकान नदी में समा गया। लोगों ने कहा कि अगर समय रहते बद्रीनाथ मास्टर प्लान का निर्माण कार्य कर रही संस्था अलकनंदा नदी के किनारे दीवार खड़ा करा देती तो घटना नहीं होती। https://www.navjivanindia.com/news/uttarakhand-a-house-in-badrinath-dham-submerged-in-alaknanda-river-many-houses-and-dharamshalas-also-in-danger (20 Sep 2023) 

Uttar Pradesh Four villages near Katri remain cut off due to flooding in Kanpur Dehat. Floodwater from the swollen Ganga river has submerged Unnao’s Shuklagunj. Authorities are working to rescue trapped families and more water is expected to reach Kanpur in the coming days. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/four-villages-in-kanpur-dehat-cut-off-by-flooded-ganga-40-families-trapped-rescue-efforts-underway-101692386683944.html  (19 Aug. 2023)

Bihar A hut near the banks of the Ganga River got washed away due to soil erosion in Naugachhia of Bhagalpur district. Visuals showed that the hut came under the grip of the flow of the River and got torpedoed within seconds, creating panic among the locals. However, no injuries were reported. Meanwhile, the locals told media that the erosion began to take place a day earlier in a range of around 40-50 metres.  https://www.indiatvnews.com/bihar/news-bihar-hut-near-banks-ganga-river-washes-away-bhagalpur-district-naugachhia-video-latest-updates-monsoon-rains-weather-2023-08-25-888799  (25 Aug. 2023)

West Bengal Horrifying scenes of Ganga river erosion in Murshidabad, West Bengal, have been captured on camera, highlighting a persistent issue in the region. In Shamsherganj, a two-story house was engulfed by the relentless Ganges, intensifying the crisis. Soil erosion along the Ganga in Malda and Murshidabad has plagued the area for years, with vast areas being claimed by the river. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/toi-original/horrifying-scene-caught-on-cam-ganga-erosion-engulfs-two-storey-house-in-murshidabads-shamsherganj/videoshow/103736239.cms  (17 Sept. 2023)

HFL BREACH

SANDRP Blog 18 high flood levels breached in Western India in Sept. 2023 Several of Narmada basin districts in Madhya Pradesh have witnessed heavy to very heavy rainfall spells between September 14 to 16, 2023 resulting in severe flood situation along the river in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, leading to breaching of Highest Flood Level (HFL) at 13 sites in Narmada Basin alone. Similarly, there have been at least 5 more HFL breaches during the same period in western India. https://sandrp.in/2023/09/22/18-high-flood-levels-breached-in-western-india-in-sept-2023/  (22 Sept. 2023)

URBAN FLOODS

Nagpur Waist-Deep Water Inside Homes Heavy rains lashed Nagpur city from Friday (Sept. 22) midnight, inundating low-lying areas and triggering measures to shift people from these pockets to safer places. According to the weather department, Nagpur airport reported 106 mm of rainfall till 5.30 am. “There has been incessant rainfall due to which the Ambazari lake is overflowing. The low-lying area around it is affected more due to this. Other parts of the city too are affected,” said his office on X. https://www.ndtv.com/nagpur-news/waist-deep-water-inside-nagpur-homes-as-heavy-rain-batters-city-4416085  (23 Sept. 2023)

In the aftermath of Saturday’s rain fury, many parts of the city took up the work of cleaning up the overflowing sewage as well as mud on roads, highly contaminated water in basements, waterlogging in open spaces etc. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/nagpur-residents-fight-sewage-mud-on-roads-water-in-basements/articleshow/103917582.cms  (25 Sept. 2023)

Shopkeeper had written to NMC about dilapidated condition of bridge. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nq16ZCPKm4Y  (26 Sept. 2023)

CLOUD BURSTS

An excerpt from ‘Things to Leave Behind’, by Namita Gokhale. https://scroll.in/article/1056064/in-fiction-the-great-cloudburst-and-landslide-of-september-18-1880-in-nainital  (18 Sept. 2023)

DISASTERS

Himachal Pradesh Manshi Asher: Indigenous communities in the two ecologically fragile Himalayan States are routinely excluded from this narrative that fuels reckless growth. https://frontline.thehindu.com/environment/disasters-in-himachal-pradesh-and-uttarakhand-point-to-flawed-development-model-himalayan-states-indigenous-communities-excluded/article67306462.ece  (21 Sept. 2023)  

Causes of the flood disaster and the rebuilding efforts, and how to prevent recurrence. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hr1tYsMYtWQ  (24 Sept. 2023)

As Himachal recovers from one of its worst disasters in a century, with lingering challenges following devastating rainfall and landslides that claimed over 400 lives, Parveen K Dogra presents a first-hand account from 29 flood-hit locations in Mandi, Kullu, and Shimla districts. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/shimla/a-himalayan-disaster-himachal-aftermath-kullu-mandi-shimla-8944612/  (18 Sept. 2023)

Kulbhushan Upmanyu says Himachal Pradesh needs another mass movement to convince the authorities that development in Himalayan regions should be based on ‘Himalaya Niti’.  https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/himachal-man-sunderlal-bahuguna-mission-chipko-movement-8948221/  (21 Sept. 2023)

LANDSLIDES

Himachal Pradesh Plea to sue NHAI for rain disaster  The office-bearers of different civil organisations said here today that the state government should file damage suits against the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and hydel power projects in Himachal because they are responsible for this rain disaster in Himachal. They said the unscientific cutting of hills in Himachal by the NHAI to construct four lane projects had destabilised the hills. “The current road widening work being done by the NHAI appears to lack long-term geological understanding and on-the-spot decisions were taken arbitrarily by contractors and other unskilled workers. Recently, Thalaut-Shala Nal, Aut-Banala, Pandoh-Mandi stretches on the Kiratpur-Manali fourlane and Chakki region of the Parwanoo-Solan fourlane roads faced massive land sliding. Such incidents are becoming common where road-widening work is going on across Himachal,” they said.  https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/plea-to-sue-nhai-for-rain-disaster-545300  (18 Sept. 2023)

Several hotels and dhabas located on the Parwanoo-Dharampur stretch of the National Highway (NH)-5 have been damaged in the rain fury following seepage of water from the road. At least six buildings, including a hotel, a dhabha and houses, lying below the road on the valley side were damaged at Sanwara following torrential rain in August. An eating joint at Dharampur has also suffered huge damage after the highway above it sank by more than two feet after heavy rain. The eatery owners have demanded compensation from the NHAI as they blame water seepage as the key cause of damage caused to their buildings.

Meanwhile, NHAI officials, who examined such spots, said the damage was caused due to torrential rain. “The NHAI does not pay compensation for buildings damaged outside the right of way (RoW) which is the area of the road acquired for construction. The damage caused to a hotel and a dhabha at Sanwara fall outside the RoW,” said Anand Dahiya, Project Director, NHAI. He added that though compensation was paid to the buildings damaged during the construction period outside the RoW but no such norm existed in the NHAI manual. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/hotels-dhabas-damaged-in-rain-owners-await-compensation-544855  (16 Sept. 2023)

Uttarakhand Disasters kill 100 in 3 months, most in landslides  Uttarakhand had 1100 landslides (245 in 2022 and 354 in 2021) and 48 deaths (39 in 2022, 48 in 2021, 25 each in 2018, 2019 and 2020) due to landslides so far in 2023, both highest in last 8 years. Totally about 100 people have died and 12 are missing due to natural disasters this year. 44 have died due to flash floods/ cloud bursts. Rudraprayag is the worst affected district. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/uttarakhand-disasters-kill-100-in-3-months-most-in-landslides/articleshow/103768992.cms  (19 Sept. 2023)

Nearly 100 people have been killed and over a dozen remain missing in incidents of natural disasters during the three months of the monsoon season in Uttarakhand. As per data provided by the State Emergency Operation Centre, landslides are behind most of these deaths. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/landslides-biggest-killer-in-uttarakhand-highest-no-of-casualties-this-year/articleshow/103771839.cms  (19 Sept. 2023)  

In the video, the two-storey house was seen sliding down a slope and collapsing to the ground with a loud thud. There are no casualties as the house, with around a dozen rooms, was vacated ahead of the accident. The surrounding houses in Nainital’s Mallital area are also being evacuated now.

The number of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall days per decade in India’s Himalayan states of Himachal Pradesh and neighbouring Uttarakhand increased to 118 between 2011 and 2020 from 74 in the preceding decade, data from the weather office showed. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/video-2-storey-house-collapses-due-to-landslide-in-uttarakhand-4417885  (23 Sept. 2023)

Subsidence in Nainital is creating risk for 10k houses, 250 being evacuated. https://www.bhaskar.com/national/news/sinking-hamlet-after-joshimath-a-shattered-vision-of-development-looms-over-nainital-131891755.html  (25 Sept. 2023)

DROUGHT 2023

Maharashtra Alarming farmer suicides amidst looming drought concerns Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra assembly, Vijay Wadettiwar, raised a pressing concern today as he disclosed that 1,555 farmers had tragically taken their lives by July 31 this year in Maharashtra. This tragic development has unfolded against the backdrop of an impending drought crisis, leaving Wadettiwar to question whether the government fully comprehends the gravity of the situation. Wadettiwar noted that over the past six weeks, 13 districts in the state have experienced rainfall levels below the seasonal average. He further pointed out that numerous reports have linked the escalating farmer suicides in the state to drought-like conditions and the perceived apathy of the Eknath Shinde government.  https://www.aslibharat.com/en/maharashtra-witnesses-alarming-farmer-suicides-amidst-looming-drought-concerns/  (21 Sept. 2023)

Jammu & Kashmir Water booster pump sales soar in Baramulla as drinking water crisis worsens As the drinking water crisis continues to grip north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, residents are turning to water booster pumps to overcome their water woes. The demand for these pumps has surged dramatically in the past two months, exacerbating the ongoing tap water crisis.

Local shopkeepers have reported an unprecedented increase in the sales of booster pumps, with one shopkeeper stating that he has sold over 30 such pumps in the last two months, marking an all-time high for the year. “We have witnessed an abrupt rise in the sale of booster pumps, especially in the last two months,” said a shopkeeper in the main chowk of Baramulla town.

Several other businesses dealing with booster pumps have also experienced brisk sales during this period. In Sopore town, of Baramulla district, a shopkeeper revealed that his stock of booster pumps has been exhausted multiple times in the current month alone, necessitating additional replenishments to meet the overwhelming demand. “The tap water crisis has loomed large in the current month, especially in rural areas, forcing people to purchase these motors. We have seen an unprecedented surge in motor pump sales for the first time,” said Ghulam Hassan, a trader from Sopore.

Over the last two months, Baramulla district has grappled with a severe drinking water crisis, leading to widespread protests by frustrated residents. Despite these demonstrations, there has been no relief for the common people. Officials from the Meteorological Department highlighted that September has been one of the driest months this year, with temperatures reaching the second-highest levels for September since 1934. These adverse weather conditions have contributed to the dire situation. https://www.greaterkashmir.com/kashmir/water-booster-pump-sales-soar-in-baramulla-as-drinking-water-crisis-worsens  (20 Sept. 2023)

ENVIRONMENT GOVERNANCE

Opinion An ecological crisis legislated K N Ninan One of the significant changes made to the FCA in 1980 relates to the definition of forests. In a ruling given in 1996, the Supreme Court adopted the dictionary meaning of forests to include all forest lands under the jurisdiction of the Forest or other government departments and other entities over which FCA 1980 was applicable and where prior permission was needed from the Central Government to divert forests to non-forest uses. This amendment has now made it easier to divert forest lands not under the jurisdiction of the forest departments or listed as forests in government records for nonforest uses without seeking the central government’s permission. Consequently, about 27.6 per cent of the 7.14 lakh sq km of forests identified by the Forest Survey of India will lose their protection status.

Other changes include allowing the diversion of forests for strategic and defence needs such as building roads and other infrastructure projects in border areas. While one cannot question the need to build infrastructure for the defence and security needs of the country, one has concerns about whether this will open the floodgates to divert forests in the Eastern Himalayas biodiversity hotspot and ecologically fragile areas. We are witness to the havoc and trail of destruction in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand due to the construction of roads and hydroelectric projects, ignoring their adverse environmental and social impacts, and despite these areas being in high seismic zones. https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/an-ecological-crisis-legislated-2685348   (14 Sept. 2023)

Badri Chatterjee The NGT has played a pivotal role in protecting the Indian environment. Here are some of its landmark judgements. https://www.hindustantimes.com/environment/the-importance-of-the-national-green-tribunal-in-times-of-climate-crisis-101695384905590.html  (22 Sept. 2023)

Uttar Pradesh 40% of posts vacant, NGT issues a notice to UPPCB The NGT has served a notice to the UPPCB over 40% of its sanctioned posts lying vacant. The NGT notice came after petitioner Varun Gulati said an RTI reply revealed that 293 of its 732 sanctioned posts are vacant, arguing that the UPPCB fails to ensure industries comply with environmental laws due to this staff shortage. The next date of hearing is on December 14. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/40-of-posts-vacant-ngt-issues-a-notice-to-uppcb/articleshow/103899142.cms  (24 Sept. 2023)

SOUTH ASIA

India-China Asia’s biggest hydropower crunch in decades China’s hydroelectricity generation during the eight months ended August declined at the sharpest rate since 1989, falling 15.9%, an analysis of National Bureau of Statistics data showed. In India, hydropower generation fell 6.2% during the eight months ended August in the sharpest decline since 2016. Its share of power output plunged to 9.2%, the lowest in at least 19 years. https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/renewable/china-india-lead-asias-biggest-hydropower-crunch-in-decades/103851010  (22 Sept. 2023)

India-Nepal Pancheshwar Development Authority has proposed the meeting of the team of experts for September 29 and 30. The fourth meeting of the team of experts held in late July had instructed India’s state-owned Water and Power Consultancy Services (WAPCOS) Ltd to revise the DPR in line with the understanding reached in the fourth and earlier meetings. WAPCOS recently submitted a draft DPR to both sides.

– As per the WAPCOS DPR draft, India enjoys 65 percent benefit in irrigation and 82 percent benefit in flood control. India has a larger land mass to irrigate from the water of Mahakali while the dam to be erected to develop the hydroelectric project will help to regulate the flow of water minimising the flood risks for India as a downstream country.  https://kathmandupost.com/national/2023/09/16/will-nepal-and-india-conclude-pancheshwar-project-report-this-time  (16 Sept. 2023)

Nepal Construction of Arun III hydro project’s powerhouse halts Construction work on the under construction powerhouse of 900 megawatts Arun III hydropower project in Sankhuwasabha has come to a halt. The local people have stopped the construction for around three weeks demanding compensation for the land to be acquired along the Chhyangkuti-Diding Pukhuwa approach road of the Arun III project site. As a result of a protest by local people, the work of the powerhouse of the project and the entrance route has come to a standstill. https://english.khabarhub.com/2023/20/319120/  (20 Sept. 2023)

IWT India, Pakistan attend meeting in Vienna India attended a two-day meeting convened by a neutral expert in Vienna that was part of proceedings aimed at resolution of a dispute between New Delhi and Islamabad on the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir. Senior Advocate Harish Salve was present in the capacity of India’s lead counsel in the matter, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday. “A delegation from India, led by Secretary, Department of Water Resources, attended a meeting of the neutral expert proceedings in the Kishenganga and Ratle matter at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in Vienna on September 20 and 21,” it said. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indus-water-dispute-india-pakistan-attend-meeting-in-vienna/articleshow/103846454.cms  (22 Sept. 2023)

The Indus Waters Treaty completes 63 years of its existence today. The concerns that were not foreseen in 1960 call for bilateral cooperation beyond the treaty by Lt Gen PK Grover (retd) Former Information Commissioner, Punjab  https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/comment/shadow-of-climate-change-over-indus-waters-treaty-545642  (19 Sept. 2023)

India-Bangladesh 3,950 MT Hilsa exported ahead of Durga Puja The West Bengal govt’s tough stance on the signing of the 2011 Teesta water-sharing agreement was seen as the cause of Bangladesh banning the fish export in 2012. Bangladesh, however, had cited the “low availability” of the fish as the reason behind the ban. Recently, the exporters in the neighbouring country had written to the Deputy High Commission of Bangladesh demanding that 60 days be given for the export of the fish in permissible quantity.

Syed Anwar Maqsood, secretary, Fish Importers’ Association, said, “Though permission was given to export 2,900 MT Hilsa in September last year, only 1,300 MT could be shipped due to the lack of time. We had requested to give at least 60 days instead of the usual 20-30 days since such a large quantity cannot be exported in such a short span. If they are permitting 5,000 MT that we used to export in an entire season before the ban, then Bangladesh should actually lift the ban.”

“We will request Bangladesh to lift the ban. Just about 5,000 MT of Hilsa was exported to India every year (until 2012 when the Hilsha export was banned) contrary to the popular belief that all Hilsa is exported to India,” added Maqsood. The Hilsa catch is a major source of income for thousands of fishermen along the coastal areas and rivers on both sides of the border. The silvery, sleek fish known for its distinctive taste and aroma is found in the Bay of Bengal and adjoining rivers. The price of 1 kg of fish in the local market varies from Rs 1,400-1,600. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/bangladesh-okays-3950-mt-hilsa-export-ahead-of-durga-puja-first-shipment-today-8949271/  (21 Sept. 2023)

Bangladesh Documentary on Bangladesh Rivers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cm67vWkXctc  (24 Sept. 2023)

THE REST OF THE WORLD

Study Elwha river: Dam removal impacts on coastal eco-system A key finding of the study “Nearshore subtidal community response during and after sediment disturbance associated with dam removal” is the profound effect of sediment deposition on nearshore communities. Where sediment deposits persisted, mostly near (within two kilometers of) the river mouth, sites exhibited wholesale changes in their biological community composition, resulting in a shift that so far has not reverted to its pre-dam removal state. Following the sediment influx, these sites saw colonization by new species that were largely absent prior to the dam removal. Sediment deposition created habitat for ecologically important species such as sand lance—a forage fish—and shellfish such as geoducks and cockles.

The implications of this study may extend beyond the Elwha River project. As dam removals become more common and similar sediment perturbation events are anticipated, the study provides a crucial foundation for predicting and managing the response of marine ecosystems to these changes. https://www.usgs.gov/centers/pcmsc/news/elwha-river-new-study-examines-effects-dam-removals-coastal-ecosystems  (07 Sept. 2023)

GRED Ethiopia, Egypt, Sudan resume Nile dam talks Ethiopia said Saturday that it has begun a second round of negotiations with Egypt and Sudan over a controversial mega-dam built by Addis Ababa on the Nile, the source of long-running tensions between the three nations. Ethiopia this month announced the completion of the fourth and final filling of the Grand Renaissance Dam, prompting immediate condemnation from Cairo, which denounced the move as illegal.

Egypt and Sudan fear the massive $4.2-billion dam will severely reduce the share of Nile water they receive and have repeatedly asked Addis Ababa to stop filling it until an agreement is reached. For years at loggerheads over the issue, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed agreed in July to finalise a deal within four months, resuming talks in August.  https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2023/sep/23/ethiopia-egypt-sudan-resume-nile-dam-talks-2617634.html  (23 Sept. 2023)

USA Water level in Mississippi Plummets for second consecutive year Exceptional drought in parts of the United States has led to the water level in Mississippi river plummeting for second year in a row, according to a CNN report. The level has gone so low that people can access unique rock formations on foot. The authorities are increasing the size of levee in Louisiana to prevent saltwater from mixing into drinking water in New Orleans, the outlet further said. The drought comes at a time when critical harvest season approaches and farmers across the US Midwest concerned about the falling water level in the barrages. An area of 400 miles is at low water threshold, as per National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and US Geological Survey (USGS).  https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/water-level-in-mississippi-river-plummets-for-second-consecutive-year-4414199  (22 Sept. 2023)

UK Bee-killing pesticides banned in EU found at unsafe levels in rivers Bee-killing pesticides have been found at dangerous levels in English rivers, as the government considers allowing the use of one that is banned in the EU. Environmental groups and farmers are waiting to hear whether a toxic neonicotinoid, thiamethoxam, will be approved by the government for English sugar beet farms for a fourth consecutive year. Wildlife campaigners say it is “unacceptable” that ministers have “ignored the science” and allowed the use of these dangerous chemicals.  https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/sep/22/bee-killing-pesticides-unsafe-levels-english-rivers-neonicotinoids  (22 Sept. 2023)

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

Also see: DRP News Bulletin 18 Sept. 2023 & DRP News Bulletin 11 Sept. 2023  

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