(Feature Image:- Fish catch from a Ramganga stream in Pauri in June 2022. Bhim Singh Rawat/SANDRP)
It is rather rare when we hear the sane voice of a scientist like Rajeev Raghavan neglect of riverine fish conservation in India, from government, research bodies to down to grassroots level. Rajeev Raghavan, incidentally is among the 2% top scientists of the world by the Stanford University, USA. The over emphasis on fish in food, on marine fish, on exotic fish that has such a huge adverse impact on our biodiversity and lack of effort towards conservation of riverine fish are some of the key issues Raghavan emphasizes in this interview. He says most of the fish in the IUCN red list are riverine fish and yet there is so little understanding or effort to conserve such fish or their habitat.
If we see the discussions in the minutes of the meetings of the MoEF’s Expert Appraisal Committee on River Valley Projects in spite of there being permanent presence of a representative of Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, we see non-existence of any concerns about the impact of the project in riverine fisheries or those who are dependent on them for livelihoods. In fact, we see the shocking spectacle of CIFRI scientists working as consultants to the hydropower companies, working to justify such projects on the highly biodiverse rivers including those of North East India.
Interview Excerpts from TNIE interview with fisheries scientist Rajeev Raghavan, one of the foremost aquatic conservation biologists in Kerala:- Had curriculum improved by the time you got back? Sadly not. For the past 20 years, the curriculum in India has been about exotic fishes. If asked to name ten native fish species, students would be stumped. They would know a few that end up on their plate. Other than that, nothing. That’s because the idea of fish here is all about food, and production. From the ministry to the grassroots level, there’s no focus on fish conservation like the kind we see for wildlife or birds. This is a big challenge.
What are the other challenges? Kerala has many rivers, but our focus has always been on marine aquatic life. The truth is that it is freshwater fishes that are more endangered. There are fishes in the Chalakudy river and Thekkady reservoir that are found only there. The lack of awareness breeds indifference. My time working on the Red List has brought to my notice that all priority species are freshwater ones. About 60-65 per cent of freshwater fishes in the Western Ghats are not found anywhere else.
Today, the focus seems to be on subterranean fishes…I’d say yes. But let me elaborate on why – unlike river and marine fishes, subterranean fishes are living in people-dominated areas. Groundwater extraction poses a big threat to these fishes that have enjoyed conditions with little or no human interference. So they stand at the risk of faster extermination than others. Hence, the priority. That said, my research focuses on fishes in both subterranean and freshwater ecosystems. https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2023/oct/26/if-asked-to-name-ten-native-fish-species-students-would-be-stumped-professorrajeev-raghavan-2626958.html (26 Oct. 2023)
HYDRO POWER PROJECTS
SANDRP Blog Massive Landslide AGAIN damages Lower Subansiri HEP in Oct 2023 On Oct 27 2023, there was Massive landslide once again at the Lower Subansiri Hydropower project, blocking the only open Diversion tunnel, leading to hurriedly diverting the water through incomplete spillway gates. This is clearly in violation of the directions of CEA, the regulator, that the water should not flow through spillway gates till all the spillway gates are installed and tested, which has clearly NOT happened. We hope, learning from massive dam disasters recently, CEA, CWC, National Dam Safety Committee and NDMA and also state governments will not allow such cutting of corners, affecting dam safety.
It also led to completely drying up of the Subansiri River in the downstream. This has huge impact on the aquatic biodiversity and also livelihoods. Hope NHPC will be made to compensate the affected people and penalised for not following earlier CEA directions due to NHPC’s negligence. Plz Read, Share: https://sandrp.in/2023/10/28/massive-landslide-again-damages-lower-subansiri-hydro-project-in-oct-2023/ (28 Oct. 2023)
Subansiri: a significant landslide at a hydroelectric dam in India by Dave Petley. https://eos.org/thelandslideblog/subansiri-1 (30 Oct. 2023)
NHPC consultant AN Mohammed, speaking to this daily, explained that the landslide had earlier blocked the four diversion tunnels, which are not currently in use as construction is almost complete. These diversion tunnels, used to redirect the river’s water during construction, are located on the left bank in Assam. Even though the NHPC had stated that the river’s flow would return to normal, the flow remained reduced even after 7:30 pm. Experts suggest that the river may be without water from the main channel for 36-48 hours until the dam water fills the spillway. https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2023/10/28/landslide-hits-subansiri-lower-hep-river-flow-drastically-reduced/ (28 Oct. 2023) According to reports, the landslide led to closure of the No 1 diversion tunnel on the left bank of the hydro electric power project. Reports claimed that a total of eight diversion tunnels have been closed so far. https://nenow.in/north-east-news/assam/assam-landslide-at-subansiri-dam-leads-to-shutting-down-of-diversion-tunnel.html (27 Oct. 2023)
The Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parichad (AJYCP) protested on Friday (Oct. 27) at the entrance of the Subansiri Lower HEP plant’s dam site at Gerukamukh for the lack of response by the state government and other stakeholders following the sudden drying of the water in the Subansiri river since Friday (Oct. 27) morning. The effigy of the NHPC was also burned. The protesters demanded the scrapping of the SLHEP dam for the safety and security of lives and ecosystems in the downstream areas of the hydroelectric plant.
Speaking to the media, the AJYCP’s President Borgohain said that the NHPC was going to complete the hydroelectric project by repeatedly disregarding all the required assessments of downstream impact and the height of the dam with the protection of the government. He referred to the postponement of the commissioning of the SLHEP dam by the NHPC several times in the past for the repeated landslides. Furthermore, he appealed to all the public and organisations to come forward in protest of what had been going on in the river since Friday (Oct. 27) morning. https://assamtribune.com/assam/ajycp-stages-protest-at-entrance-of-slhep-over-sudden-drying-of-subansiri-1501752 (28 Oct. 2023)
Meanwhile, locals described the drying up of river as a ‘bad sign’ and expressed concerns that this dam could be reason for lot of destruction in Assam. “This river has been a very strong one. It is a lifeline for people like us who live by the river. Never in my life I could imagine Subanshiri river drying up. This is such a bad sign. We are raising alarm for deaf ears. Someday this dam will be the reason of a lot of devastation in Assam , it will be too late to realise,” said Binoy Kalita, a local. https://www.news18.com/india/assam-protests-erupt-over-murder-of-subansiri-river-in-north-lakhimpur-8638555.html (29 Oct. 2023)
Interestingly this is the second landslide at the same location. A similar landslide impacted the project in March. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/landslide-damages-part-of-subansiri-hydroelectric-project-101698432509768.html (28 Oct. 2023)
Sikkim Lessons to learn from Teesta flood crisis Himanshu Thakkar of SANDRP, states, “The Teesta V dam, which is further downstream, was also seriously damaged, but not washed away, partly because it’s a concrete dam.” Thakkar adds, “However, even the gates of this dam, where the floods reached about an hour after Teesta III was washed away, could not be fully opened, showing how pathetic our disaster communication and preparedness is.” This is inexcusable. https://sundayguardianlive.com/investigation/sikkim-lessons-to-learn-from-the-teesta-flood-crisis (21 Oct. 2023)
Approximately 80 eighty per cent of the Chungthang town sustained severe damage; the Indian Army’s forward base stationed there also suffered serious damage to property and loss of explosives and ammunition. Such was the velocity of the water, that it took only 1 hour and 40 minutes for the floodwater to reach from Chungthang to the valley settlements of Singtam, (a distance of 92 km and a drop in gradient of 378 m); 36 minutes from Singtam to Kirney, near Melli, West Bengal (a distance of 25.4 km and a gradient of 120 m); and 30 minutes from Melli to Teesta Bazar, West Bengal (a distance of 4.2 km and a gradient of 10 m). https://frontline.thehindu.com/environment/analysing-the-reasons-behind-the-recent-floods-in-sikkim/article67453490.ece (25 Oct. 2023)
Important issues raised here about lack of social and environment safeguard policies & transparency of development finance institutions including banks, insurance companies and others in India. https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/teesta-disaster-and-the-need-for-accountability-in-development-finance-2747296 (30 Oct. 2023)
Opinion Mitigating tragedies in Himalayan region Safi Ahsan Rizvi, Advisor (Mitigation), NDMA on GLOF disaster: -In mountains, hazards often occur in a cascading fashion — heavy rainfall triggers a landslide, which may in turn cause a glacial lake outburst and more landslides downstream, and create conditions for flash floods. Predicting this chain of events is difficult. Institutional awareness of these risks is increasing, but the challenge is to evolve a system to mitigate risks from such hazards, and provide early warnings.
In September, the NDMA had led a multi-agency preparatory mission to the high-altitude South Lhonak and Shako Cho glacial lakes and installed solar-powered automated cameras and monitoring equipment, which transmitted weather data 250 times a day. While the equipment at South Lhonak ceased transmission 4 days later and could not be revived, equipment at Shako Cho continues to transmit data. The expedition was successful in identifying locations to install sensors for an end-to-end early warning system during the next mission and in identifying possible mitigation measures for both lakes such as small check dams.
While the exact combination of causes of the event is yet to be ascertained, monitoring equipment had reported higher-than-normal temperatures of zero to 5°C in the four days that data was received — exceptionally warm for Himalayan glaciers. Scientists are gravitating towards the view that the key trigger in the process chain of the disaster was the collapse of a huge mass of rock/moraine from the north-western bank of the lake. Assessed to be more than a quarter million cubic metres in volume, it displaced a significant volume of melt water, widening the river mouth at the eastern end, resulting in flash floods. https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/mitigating-tragedies-in-the-himalayan-region/article67453790.ece (25 Oct. 2023)
Photographic record of the impact of GLOF on parts of Teesta valley between Teesta Bazar and NHPC’s Teesta Low Dam Project (TLDP)III – 22 Oct 2023 by Save The Hills https://savethehills.blogspot.com/2023/10/photographic-record-of-glof-impact-on.html (24 Oct. 2023)
NGT asks the respondents (Sikkim Govt, NHPC and Sikkim Urja Ltd) to file responses on Sikkim GLOF disaster in 6 weeks. https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2023/10/26/ngt-seeks-report-from-authorities-on-chungthang-dam-breach/ (26 Oct. 2023)
The affected people in Chungthang have filed a police complaint against the Sikkim Urja Ltd, which was operating the Teesta 3 project. https://northeastlivetv.com/around-ne/sikkim/people-of-north-sikkim-file-fir-against-state-owned-sikkim-urja-pvt-ltd/ (24 Oct. 2023)
Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC), Sikkim’s apex tribal body, is demanding a comprehensive Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the controversial Teesta Dam project. https://www.indiatodayne.in/sikkim/story/sikkims-apex-tribal-body-calls-for-cbi-inquiry-into-teesta-dam-project-disaster-demands-accountability-698993-2023-10-23 (24 Oct. 2023)
The project was insured with a sum assured of Rs 12,000 crore, but reinsurers said the payout will be restricted to Rs 500 crore due to GLOF conditions. “We will go by the rules and the insurance contract that Sikkim Urja has signed with reinsurers. The contract clearly says in case the project is damaged by (GLOF), the claims will be limited to Rs 500 crore. The company has paid their premium accordingly,” said an official of a reinsurance company. https://indianexpress.com/article/business/banking-and-finance/sikkim-project-destroyed-flood-receive-insurance-claim-9005364/ (30 Oct. 2023)
Himachal Pradesh Protect state’s rights or lose projects: CM to SJVNL The CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday (Oct. 24) said that if the SJVNL (Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited) didn’t protect the state’s rights, the state government will have to take over the projects allotted to it. Sukhu said: “Himachal Pradesh won’t allow anyone to misuse its resources. We took a strict stance and issued a notice to the SJVNL over its starting the 210-megawatt phase-1 of the Luhri project, 382-MW Sunni project, and 66-MW Dhaulasidh project without signing the implementation agreement. The executing agencies didn’t deposit the Lada (local area development) fund for these projects and made no provision for paying the GST (goods and services tax) and royalty.” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/protect-himachals-rights-or-lose-projects-cm-sukhu-tells-sjvnl/articleshow/104685609.cms (25 Oct. 2023)
Power generation falls by 70% The drop in power generation is due to a sharp reduction in water flow in rivers. During the peak time, there’s around 405 cumecs of water in the Sutlej. At present, the water flow in the river is 134 cumecs. As a result. power generation has also reduced said a SJVN official. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/power-generation-in-state-falls-by-70-557190 (28 Oct. 2023)
Report Centre asks states not to impose tax/duty on power generation Centre has written to the states that states have no legal or constitutional power to levy any duty or tax on generation of electricity. This seems to be mainly aimed at some states like J&K, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh levying cess on hydropower generation. This conflict between states and centre is likely to go on as states are unlikely to accept this direction from the centre. https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/power/centre-asks-states-not-to-impose-tax/duty-on-power-generation/104811482 (30 Oct. 2023)
DAMS
SANDRP Blog Medigadda dam of Kaleshwaram project in Telangana damaged in Oct 2023 A portion of the Lakshmi (Medigadda) barrage on Godavari river on Telangana-Maharashtra border, part of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) in Telangana’s Jayashankar Bhupalpally district[i] caved in on Oct 21 2023, Saturday night with a loud sound. The incident led to the temporary closure of the bridge of the barrage across the Godavari River that links Telangana’s Mahadevpur mandal with Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district. The KLIP is the world’s largest Lift Irrigation Project, possibly the costliest, with expenses already above Rs 1 lakh crore. The Union Govt, recognising this as a major dam failure under para 8 of Schedule II of Dam Safety Act 2021, has promptly sent a team of six experts to assess the damage. https://sandrp.in/2023/10/24/medigadda-barrage-of-kaleshwaram-project-in-telangana-damaged-in-oct-2023/ (24 Oct. 2023)
A possible design fault that did not factor in the shifting of sand from under the foundations of the Lakshmi barrage at Medigadda on the Godavari river is believed to be the primary cause for the subsidence of one of the seven blocks of the barrage, making the structure useless with respect to the storage of water. For all practical purposes, Medigadda Barrage for the next few years would be a structure without a Barrage use as it can no longer hold any water – let alone the 16 thousand million cubic feet (tmc ft) it is supposed to store. “What we are seeing is a barrage which can no longer serve the purpose it was designed and built for,” authoritative sources said. This was also corroborated by the irrigation department which said until the actual problem is identified – which could take a while – and rectification is done, if at all that is possible, the barrage will no longer be able to store any water.
– “The barrage is built in blocks, and only one of the seven blocks is affected. In a worst-case scenario, the block may have to be rebuilt from the ground up. The rest of the structure is safe,” the sources maintained. This raises even more uncomfortable questions about the design and approvals by the irrigation department of the construction process. It could have been the flood last year when 28.7 lakh cusecs (cubic feet per second) of water from the Pranahita and Godavari buffeted the barrage which was designed to withstand 28.25 lakh cusecs of flow. It was this flood and the backwash from it that also submerged the Lakshmi pump house near the same barrage, raising questions about the project’s safety. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/241023/lakshmi-barrage-at-medigadda-out-of-service-for-foreseeable-future.html (24 Oct. 2023)
‘Disturbance of piers not uncommon for barrages built on river bed’. Officials say it happened to Farakka, Dowlaiswaram in their early years. Special Chief Secretary (Irrigation) Rajat Kumar said here on Friday after holding a meeting on the damage caused to the barrage on October 21 evening. “The exact cause for the damage will be known only after a detailed investigation taken up after constructing a coffer dam to prevent water flowing to the damaged block of the barrage,” he disclosed. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/disturbance-of-piers-not-uncommon-for-barrages-built-on-river-bed/article67467484.ece (28 Oct. 2023)
The recent incident of sinking and drift of 6 out of 11 piers in the Block-7 of Medigadda (Laxmi) Barrage of the prestigious Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) has forced the authorities of Irrigation department to plan for a detailed investigation of the foundation of all the 8 Blocks with a total of 85 gates as a “measure/purpose of safety”. A decision has been taken to conduct a detailed investigation of not just the disturbed piers and the Block but the entire barrage that withstood the highest-ever recorded flood of 28.7 lakh cusecs on the intervening night of July14-15 in 2022, against the designed discharge capacity of 28.25 lakh cusecs. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/sinking-of-medigadda-piers-forces-irrigation-department-to-examine-entire-barrage-foundation/article67469885.ece (28 Oct. 2023)
National Dam Safety Authority was provided complete information on as many as 15 safety aspects pertaining to the Medigadda Barrage on Sunday (Oct. 29). It had sought information in detail on 20 items related to the construction of the project as listed by it latest by October 29. The State Dam Safety Authority has already furnished the required information on three items. Detailed information was provided in respect of 15 more aspects in the day. Information on two more safety related issues would be furnished shortly, according to irrigation officials. https://telanganatoday.com/ndsa-given-information-sought-on-medigadda-barrage (30 Oct. 2023)
Uttarakhand Jamrani dam included in PMKSY The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by the PM Narendra Modi, has approved inclusion of Jamrani Dam Multipurpose Project under PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana-Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (PMKSY-AIBP) of Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. The CCEA has approved central support of Rs.1,557.18 crore to Uttarakhand for completion of the project with estimated cost of Rs.2,584.10 crore by March, 2028.
– The project envisages construction of a dam near Jamrani village across river Gola, a tributary of river Ram Ganga, in Nainital district of Uttarakhand. The dam would feed the existing Gola barrage, through its 40.5 km length of canal system and 244 km long canal system, which was completed in 1981. The project envisages additional irrigation of 57,065 ha (9,458 ha in Uttarakhand and 47,607 ha in Uttar Pradesh) in Nainital & Udham Singh Nagar districts of Uttarakhand, and Rampur & Bareilly districts in Uttar Pradesh. Apart from construction of two new feeder canals, 207 km of existing canals are to be renovated and 278 km pucca field channels are also to be taken up under the project. In addition, the project also envisages hydro power generation of 14 MW, as well as provision of 42.70 million cubic metre (MCM) of drinking water to Haldwani and nearby areas benefitting more than 10.65 lakh population. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1970777 (25 Oct. 2023)
जल विशेषज्ञ हिमांशु ठक्कर कहते हैं कि वर्षों से लंबित योजना का मौजूदा परिस्थितियों में इसकी व्यावहारिकता और खतरों का आकलन नहीं किया गया है। पुराने जल विज्ञान के आधार पर परियोजना आगे बढ़ाई जा रही है जबकि पिछले कुछ सालों में नदी की हाइड्रोलॉजी बिलकुल बदल चुकी है। बांधों से जितना फायदे का दावा किया जाता है, वह कभी उतना मिलता नहीं है। भारत में सिंचाई का सबसे बड़ा स्रोत भूजल है। हिमांशु कहते हैं, बड़े बांध सिंचाई का स्रोत नहीं हैं। सिंचाई के लिए इतनी बड़ी परियोजना, निर्माण और खतरा मोल लेने से बेहतर है कि हम लगातार नीचे गिरते भूजल स्तर को बेहतर बनाने के लिए कार्य करें जो हमारे जीवन का आधार हैं। भूजल स्तर सुधार के हम पेयजल समस्या भी दूर कर सकते हैं”।
हिमांशु कहते हैं कि बड़ी विकास परियोजनाएं दरअसल आर्थिक रफ्तार बढ़ाने के लिए पॉलिटिकल इकॉनमी के तहत लिए गए फैसले हैं। “बडे बांधों में बड़ा पैसा चलता है। सीमेंट, स्टील, कंसलटेंसी कंपनियां समेत अन्य कारोबार बढ़ता है। सरदार सरोवर, कालेश्वरम, पोलावरम समेत कई परियोजनाएं हैं, जिन्हें लागत और फायदे के लिहाज से ये सफल परियोजनाएं नहीं हैं”। वह बताते हैं, “उत्तराखंड में बांधों के चलते वर्ष 2012, 2013, 2014 और 2021 में आपदाओं के समय नुकसान कई गुना बढ़ा है लेकिन हम कोई सबक लेने को तैयार नहीं हैं। जमरानी परियोजना का जलवायु परिवर्तन के लिहाज से कोई आकलन नहीं हुआ है। आपदा की संभावना शीलता के लिहाज से इसका आकलन करने की जरूरत है।” https://www.downtoearth.org.in/hindistory/river/dam/questions-related-to-the-jamrani-project-being-built-on-the-gaula-river-92532 (30 Oct. 2023)
Madhya Pradesh Dam reports contradictory, bid to mislead NGT: Petitioners The petitioners in the Bhopal encroachment case have accused the joint committee of making false claims in their report to the NGT. They alleged that the committee misled the tribunal by stating that notices were served to all 129 encroachers, when in fact, no notices were served to those who encroached upon government land. The petitioners have called for appropriate punishment for the committee members for contempt of court and demanded a probe to determine which report is accurate. They also highlighted discrepancies between the two reports presented by the committees regarding water quality and encroachments.
The petitioners who seek removal of encroachments from the vicinity of Kerwa and Kaliasot dams in Bhopal on Friday (Oct. 27) alleged that the joint committee had made a false claim in its report before the NGT that notices have been served on all 129 encroachers — 96 at Kaliasot dam site and 33 at Kerwa. Members of the committee, who tried to mislead the tribunal despite being under oath, should be handed appropriate punishment for contempt of court, the petitioners said at a press conference. They also said that the two joint committees have presented “drastically opposite reports” before the NGT on the points decided by the tribunal regarding the two reservoirs, and a probe is needed to ascertain which one is correct. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/dam-reports-contradictory-bid-to-mislead-ngt-petitioners/articleshow/104741388.cms (27 Oct. 2023)
INTERLINKING OF RIVERS
Report River interlinking could worsen drought Much of the criticism arising from river interlinking has been rooted in its terrestrial effects. Environmentalists have argued that river interlinking could change groundwater levels, introduce alien invasive species and reduce sediment deposits downstream, among other ecological concerns. Now, new research from the IIT, Bombay, considers what the possible impacts of moving vast amounts of water could be on atmospheric feedback loops that regulate evapotranspiration and precipitation. “This research introduces a new dimension to the challenges of river interlinking,” said Jagdish Krishnaswamy, an ecohydrologist and dean of the School of Environment and Sustainability at the IIHS.
According to Krishnaswamy, this paper’s findings coupled with a 2018 paper on the effects of river interlinking on downstream sedimentation “give enough reason to seriously question the benefits of interlinking.” The 2018 paper by scientists at the University of Colorado found that river interlinking could decrease silt deposition in the Ganga and Brahmaputra deltas by 30 percent, making the area more vulnerable to sea level rise and coastal erosion. It also found that discharge from 24 out of 29 rivers assessed would decrease, which “may damage wetlands and contribute to the deterioration of freshwater and estuarine ecosystems.”
Despite being conceived decades ago, progress in implementing river interlinking has been slow, with many disputes along the way. In the plan to link the Godavari river with the Kaveri, states have raised concerns about the availability of water in the former to divert to the latter and called for reassessments of the water basin capacity. This linkage, which involves three components across the states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Chhattisgarh, is still stuck because there is no consensus yet on the water sharing agreement between states. https://india.mongabay.com/2023/10/as-ken-betwa-project-barrels-ahead-new-research-finds-river-interlinking-could-worsen-drought/ (23 Oct. 2023)
INTERSTATE WATER DISPUTES
Cauvery Water Dispute The politicisation of water resources has made it a recurring dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Shifting the focus from water sharing to water conservation will help both sides arrive at an acceptable water-sharing formula
To move forward, stakeholders must recognise the urgent need for a new narrative that prioritises the sustainable use of water resources, minimises ecological harm, and embraces the challenges posed by climate change. Legal requirements advocating for water conservation and demand management, as a prerequisite for water sharing rights, is the only lasting solution to the age-old conflict. Consequently, Cauvery River remains a lifeline for both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu in the future. (Roopa Patavardhan). https://thewire.in/environment/the-real-solution-to-cauvery-river-dispute-lies-in-effective-water-conservation-strategy (20 Oct. 203)
The issue of water access remains a pressing concern in rural Karnataka, especially as tensions over the Cauvery water dispute with Tamil Nadu intensify. In a recent press conference, Kurubur Shantakumar, president of the Federation of Karnataka Farmers’ Association, voiced grievances about the insufficient power supply for irrigation and the release of water to Tamil Nadu from the Cauvery basin. It’s worth considering the extent to which Karnataka’s irrigation and drinking water demands are met by the Cauvery basin. Any serious study of the state’s water struggle must account for this: How much is the KRS dam and its water release emblematic of the state’s broader water concerns? The answers might surprise many of us. https://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/beneath-surface-journey-kolars-water-management (23 Oct. 2023)
Godavari-Krishna Water Disputes Govt notice on fresh allocation of Krishna water triggers row The Andhra government pointed out that the gazette notification talked about diversion of Godavari waters to Krishna basin and allocating proportionate share of water to Telangana. “This has to be dealt with by the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal and not the Krishna tribunal,” it argued. The tribunal, while accepting its request, asked the state government to file its response by November 20, after serving a copy of the same to Telangana by November 15. The case was posted for hearing on November 22 and 23 for any further orders or direction. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/govt-notice-on-fresh-allocation-of-krishna-water-triggers-row-101698604738226.html (30 Oct. 2023)
URBAN RIVERS
Tawi; Jammu Army of little heroes: Children rally to rescue River Tawi, combat pollution in Sakh Visarjan on Mahanavami. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekrARFrqX0Q (24 Oct. 2023)
Lucknow DC for plan to revive Gomti, Kukrail stream With an objective of reviving Gomti river and Kukrail stream, divisional commissioner Roshan Jacob on Friday (Oct. 27) directed officials of Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) to carry out a detailed survey of all drains that were discharging polluted water into rivers. Jacob said bio-dredging needs to be done in all such drains. LMC officials said at present water from 33 drains is falling into Gomti. To treat them, a 50 MLD sewage treatment plan has been proposed that should be ready in 18 months from the time construction work starts. At present, the proposal is at the tender approval stage. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/dc-for-plan-to-revive-gomti-kukrail-stream/articleshow/104769728.cms (28 Oct. 2023)
RIVERS
SATLUJ Himachal Pradesh Will test crops for metals: pharma firm to NGT Pharma company Morepen Laboratories has agreed to conduct laboratory tests on crops grown in the Masulkhana area of Himachal Pradesh to determine the presence of nickel and zinc in the soil. This comes after a joint committee of the NGT found that the concentration of these metals in the soil was higher than the accepted values specified by the World Health Organisation. The committee also recommended a number of remedial measures to address the company’s environmental violations, which Morepen claims it has taken. The company denies using surface water supply connections meant for nearby villages.
The compliance report has been submitted to the NGT in an ongoing case in which the petitioner has accused Morepen of violating environmental norms in discharge of effluents at its Masulkhana unit near Kasauli. According to the petitioner, a local resident, discharge of hazardous waste effluents into a nullah and nearby agricultural land in Masulkhana village by the pharma company is causing environmental degradation and putting health of village residents at risk. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/will-test-crops-for-metals-hp-pharma-firm-to-ngt/articleshow/104769319.cms (28 Oct. 2023)
Punjab NGT seeks fresh compliance status on flood zone Terming the government statement pertaining to mapping of the Satluj floodplains to be vague, the NGT has issued a notice to the chief secretary to file a fresh compliance status by January 8, 2024, which is the next date of hearing. It observed that a perusal of the report and affidavit do not clearly disclose whether the tribunal’s directions regarding mapping of the river floodplain zone have been complied with.
The NGT bench, comprising chairperson Prakash Shrivastava, judicial member Sudhir Agarwal and expert member A Senthil Vel, in its order on October 16 had observed that the statement in the previous affidavit of the Punjab water resources principal secretary that ‘the floodplains have already been defined by construction of permanent raised embankments as per design discharge along the three main rivers’, appears to be a vague statement. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/file-fresh-compliance-status-on-satluj-flood-zone-ngt-directs-pb-chief-secy/articleshow/104811199.cms (30 Oct. 2023)
In April this year, the NGT had issued an order in response to an application that drew attention to widespread encroachments and requested measures to demarcate the floodplain zone of the Satluj to protect its ecological balance. The NGT directed the chief secretary of Punjab to undertake the mapping and demarcation of floodplain zones, along with the removal of encroachments. Punjab was allotted a two-month timeframe to submit a compliance report to the tribunal. The government was asked to monitor the preparation of maps and zoning of floodplains and mining activity under the supervision of the concerned authorities. NGT had also sought action against identified polluters, law violators and officers responsible for the failure for vigorous monitoring.
In an affidavit submitted before the tribunal, Anurag Verma, who assumed the charge of chief secretary on July 1, stated that the case was earlier assigned to the department of science, technology and environment and he was not satisfied with the draft reply submitted by the department. He informed the tribunal that a committee of two officers — special chief secretary (revenue) cum financial commissioner revenue and principal secretary water resources – was constituted on July 13 to ensure compliance with the order and to submit compliance status. The committee has been directed to submit its report within 30 days. The chief secretary has urged NGT to provide two months more for submitting the compliance report. The case is listed for hearing on July 17. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/punjab-seeks-2-more-months-for-demarcation-of-floodplain-zones/articleshow/101793515.cms (16 July 2023)
The direction came on a petition seeking demarcation of the floodplains of Sutlej river within a stipulated time frame and complete protection of riverbed/floodplains by ordering demolition of illegal encroachments. The petitioner, Karnvir Thamman, a social activist from Banur, also sought directions to the respondents to pay compensation for damage caused to the riverbed/floodplains due to the illegal encroachments in the 47-km stretch in the two districts. has directed the Punjab chief secretary to file a compliance status report on mapping the floodplain zones of Sutlej river in Ferozepur and Tarn Taran districts. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/ngt-directs-punjab-chief-secretary-to-file-report-on-demarcation-of-sutlej-floodplains-protection-against-encroachment-in-ferozepur-tarn-taran-districts-101682623121025.html (28 April 2023)
GANGA Uttarakhand Alaknanada pollution: NGT issues notice to MoJS The NGT was hearing a petition which claimed that while executing the master plan of Badrinath in Uttarakhand, muck was being discharged into the river resulting in pollution of the water body. A bench of NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava said the tribunal in its earlier order on May 29 this year had directed the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) to submit its response and action taken report within two months. The bench also comprising judicial member Justice Sudhir Agarwal and expert member A Senthil Vel, in a recent order, noted that there was no response from the union ministry. Let fresh notice be sent to the Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti for compliance with the direction contained in the order dated May 29, the tribunal said. The matter has been listed on January 4 for further proceedings. https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/river-alaknanada-pollution-ngt-issues-notice-to-jal-shakti-ministrynew-11580311.html (22 Oct. 2023)
West Bengal About Kushkarni River, in Birbhum dist of W Bengal, and attempts to revive it by Kushkarni Nodi Samaj. https://countercurrents.org/2023/10/will-river-kushkarni-wake-up-again/ (25 Oct. 2023)
YAMUNA ‘Yamuna cleaning far from decent’, NGT seeks report The NGT has expressed dissatisfaction with the efforts to clean the Yamuna River and has asked Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh to submit a new report on the number of drains discharging wastewater into the river. The tribunal has also directed the Central Pollution Control Board to verify the information provided by the states. The tribunal has requested detailed reports on sewage treatment plants, including their capacity and the quality of treated wastewater. Additionally, the tribunal has asked for information on the utilization of treated wastewater for various purposes. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/yamuna-cleaning-far-from-decent-ngt-seeks-report/articleshow/104639292.cms (23 Oct. 2023)
Delhi NGT directs setting up a committee for Yamuna floodplain in Delhi. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/yamuna-floodplain-gets-ngt-push/articleshow/104619443.cms (22 Oct. 2023)
Threat from sewage included in cleanup action plan Recognising the link between sewage and stormwater drains as a key threat, the high-level committee on Yamuna has added it in its action plan to clean the polluted river. In its recent meeting held on October 10, the committee learned there are no specific marked locations where there is a connection between stormwater drains and the sewer system.
MCD, however, had informed the committee that there are 309 drains that needed plugging or closing. The civic body said it has already disconnected 183 of these drains and prepared an action plan for another 13. However, 52 drains under other departments and five more under MCD are not traceable while in the case of 56 other drains, it is not feasible to disconnect or plug them, it added.
The panel noted that enhancement of sewage treatment capacity has been delayed. Now, the average sewage generation is 792 MGD. While the current treatment capacity is 667 MGD, only 550 MGD is treated. This leaves 242 MGD of sewage untreated, which causes pollution in the river. As per the minutes of the meeting, the timelines have been revised. By December 2023, the installed capacity, which was to go up to 814 MGD earlier, will now reach 719 MGD. By June 2024, it will reach 814 MGD, against the earlier estimate of 964.5 MGD. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/threat-from-sewage-included-in-yamuna-cleanup-action-plan/articleshow/104773007.cms (28 Oct. 2023)
Asia’s largest STP unveiled Touted to be one of the biggest STPs in Asia, the STP constructed in Okhla is aimed at pumping out 564 MLD of water into the Yamuna river daily. Water inflow into the plant will begin by November 15 but it will take at least a few weeks for it to stabilize. The treatment of sludge and biogas generation could begin by March 2024. According to reports, the plant will remove 41,200 kg of organic pollutant load daily and 61,600 kg of solid load per day on the Yamuna. It will cater to around 40 lakh residents of areas.
A report by PTI stated that currently Delhi generates 792 MGD of sewage, and 35 plants across the city can treat up to 667 MGD of sewage by utilizing around 70 percent of their capacity. Around 242 MGD of sewage directly enters the river. As per the report, only 10 out of the 35 operational plants in the national capital can treat 150 million gallons of wastewater every day. https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/environment/delhi-unveils-asias-largest-sewage-plant-to-clean-yamuna-river-11590961.html (24 Oct. 2023)
Yatra to highlight pollution Ahead of Chhath pooja, several social-religious organisations led by Yamuna Sansad will embark on a Yamuna Yatra from Delhi to Mathura to draw attention towards heavy pollution in the river. Under the Yatra, to be flagged off from Chhath Ghat near ITO in New Delhi on October 28, thousands of people will march following the course of Yamuna towards Mathura, Yamuna Sansad convener Ravi Shankar Tiwari said at a press conference. Covering more than 185 Km, the nine-day march will conclude in Mathura on November 5. https://www.dailypioneer.com/2023/state-editions/yamuna-yatra-planned-ahead-of-chhath-to-highlight-river-pollution.html (27 Oct. 2023)
Noida NGT notice to DM on unauthorised farmhouse The NGT has directed the Gautam Budh Nagar district magistrate (DM) to take remedial measures to address the grievances of the owners of unauthorised farmhouses in several villages in the Yamuna floodplains, who had filed a petition seeking compensation for damage caused to their property due to the floods in July.
The plea said that the administration neither followed proper flood control regulations nor increased the height of the boundary between the river and the villages, due to which water from the Yamuna entered their farmhouses. When the floodwaters receded, the administration made no effort to remove the sludge and sewage left behind, which resulted in pollution and health hazards, the plea said. NGT, which posted the case on January 9, 2024, served a notice to the Gautam Budh Nagar administration on October 17, asking the DM to take action.
Floods in the Yamuna and its tributary, the Hindon, in July had submerged 17 villages (1,600 hectares of land) and displaced more than 3,000 people. Reportedly, there are hundreds of farmhouses on the floodplains of the Yamuna. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/noida-news/ngtnotice-to-noida-dm-on-plea-by-owners-of-illegal-farmhouses-101698085593939.html (24 Oct. 2023)
Mathura NGT seeks action-taken report from CS NGT has directed the chief secretary to file an action-taken report within six weeks in a matter regarding discharge of untreated sewage in the Yamuna at Mathura-Vrindavan. The tribunal was hearing a petition, which claims that there are 36 drains in Mathura-Vrindavan, of which six are untapped, and those are discharging sewage into the Yamuna, rendering the water quality of the river “unfit to sustain any life”.
The tribunal said no action-taken report was filed on behalf of the chief secretary and some of its other directions were also not fully complied with. “In the background of the aforesaid fact, we direct the chief secretary, UP to file the action-taken report in pursuance of the directions of the order dated April 11, 2023 within six weeks,” the tribunal said. The matter has been posted to November 30 for further proceedings. https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/yamuna-pollution-in-mathura-vrindavan-ngt-seeks-action-taken-report-from-up-chief-secretary-11498151.html (08 Oct. 2023)
FISH, FISHERIES, FISHERFOLKS
Assam Hilsa fishing on Brahmaputra banks in Dhubri The annual Hilsa fishing season on the Brahmaputra in Dhubri is not just a seasonal event; it is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the local community, their harmonious coexistence with nature, and their commitment to preserving traditions that have been part of their identity for generations.
As this year’s season unfolds, it brings hope, sustenance and a deep appreciation for the rich bounty of the Brahmaputra. https://assamtribune.com/assam/hilsa-fishing-on-brahmaputra-banks-in-dhubri-a-seasonal-blessing-for-over-300-families-1501890 (29 Oct. 2023)
SAND MINING
Report India’s riverine crisis The rate of sand mining in our rivers has also seen a quantum leap, with most of these illegal sand mining operations being run by local politicians who see this as a low-risk, high-profit venture. Rashme Sehgal https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/indias-riverine-crisis-2743890 (27 Oct. 2023)
Telangana HC directs TS Govt to respond on sand mining in Scheduled Areas The High Court on Monday (Oct. 09) asked the govt for its stand on a petition which requested that GO 3 of the industries and commerce (mines-I) department, 08.01.2015, and other two others issued in connection with sand mining policy be declared ultra vires. The plea said they were against the Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas (Pesa) Act.
The division bench headed by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe heard the petition filed by Bhukya Deva Naik from Kothagudem district. The petitioner said that under the Pesa Act, sand mining leases in scheduled areas shall be allotted to the individuals or societies belonging to the Scheduled Tribes communities. The three GOs did not mentioned this. He said the government had earned more than Rs. 5,000 crore by selling sand extracted from the scheduled area but none of if had been allotted to the gram panchayats and villages in the scheduled areas. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/101023/hc-directs-ts-govt-to-respond-on-sand-mining-in-scheduled-areas.html (10 Oct. 2023)
Goa NIO completes study of 4 rivers The National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Dona Paula, has completed geological, geophysical and biological study of four rivers of the state and a report has been submitted to the government. According to sources, the rivers whose geological, geophysical and biological study has been completed are Mandovi, Zuari, Chapora and Tiracol. Last year, the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) had identified 13 regions- eight along River Mandovi and five along the River Zuari estuary, covering a total area of 67.45 hectares, as feasible sand mining sites.
While recommending sand extraction only by traditional (manual) method, the NIO in its report had recorded approximately 11.17 lakh cubic metres of sand volume along these zones. The NIO in its report had classified all the 13 regions into 20 zones, 10 each along Mandovi and Zuari rivers. In 2019, the government had entrusted NIO with the task of undertaking a study of all the rivers in the State to identify its level of contamination, sources of pollution and recommend measures to revive the water bodies. https://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/NIO-completes-study-of-4-rivers-for-sand-mining/211600 (05 Oct. 2023)
Tamil Nadu With police, politicians in cahoots illegal mining gets money & murder Alarming report revealing how common citizens, govt officials have been murdered during past one decade by sand mafias for opposing & exposing illegal sand mining in Tamirabharani, Nambiyar rivers in Thoothukudi & Tirunelveli districts. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/with-police-politicians-in-cahoots-illegal-sand-mining-gets-money-and-murder/article66784710.ece (27 April 2023)
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has roped in experts from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Indian Institute of Technology- Kanpur (IIT-K) to assist in its ongoing investigation into allegations of excessive sand mining in Tamil Nadu, official sources said on Sunday (Oct. 29). https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/ed-ropes-in-isro-iit-kanpur-to-probe-illegal-sand-mining/article67473481.ece (30 Oct. 2023)
बिहार दो गुटों के बीच सैकड़ों राउंड फायरिंग बिहार मेंअवैध बालू खनन को लेकर एक बार फिर से दो गुटों में कई राउंड गोलीबारी हुई है. दो गुटों की वर्चस्व की इस लड़ाई में हुई इस फायरिंग से पूरा इलाका थर्रा उठा. गोलीबारी की इस घटना में जहां एक शख्स की मौत हो गई है, वहीं चार अन्य लोगों के जख्मी होने की भी सूचना मिल रही है. चारों घायलों को आरा शहर के एक निजी अस्पताल में भर्ती कराया गया है. जहां उनका इलाज चल रहा है. यह गोलीबारी की घटना भोजपुर जिला के चांदी थाना क्षेत्र के खनगांव गांव के घाट पर हुई है.
बालूघाट पर हुई फायरिंग की यह घटना बक्सर के एक बाहुबली और भोजपुर के एक कुख्यात के गैंग के बीच होने की जानकारी मिल रही है. इस घटना की जानकारी मिलने के बाद कई थाना की पुलिस घटनास्थल पर पहुंच मामले को शांत कराने में जुटी है. भोजपुर पुलिस भी घटनास्थल पर कैंप किए हुए है. मालूम हो कि घटनास्थल सोन नदी के किनारे पर है जहां बालूघाटों के शुरू होने के बाद से आपसी वर्चस्व में तनाव की भी खबरें हैं. घटना के बारे में अभी पुलिस का पक्ष नहीं मिल सका है. वहीं घटना की जानकारी मिलने के बाद मृतक के परिजन में कोहराम मचा हुआ है. https://www.prabhatkhabar.com/state/bihar/firing-between-two-groups-over-illegal-sand-mining-in-bhojpur-bihar-axs (20 Oct. 2023)
Uttar Pradesh प्रतापगढ़ के बलीपुर में डीएसपी जियाउल हक हत्याकांड आज भी राजा भैया के गले की फांस बना हुआ है। सीबीआई ने पहले कहा कोई रोल नहीं। सीबीआई की विशेष अदालत ने कहा कि जांच टीम ने जरूरी तथ्य इग्नोर किए। इसके बाद सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने भी यही माना कि जांच ढंग से नहीं हुई। दोबारा जांच करके रिपोर्ट दीजिए। जियाउल हक की पत्नी कहती हैं, सीबीआई ने अस्थान गांव हिंसा और बालू खनन से जुड़ा सवाल ही नहीं पूछा। इसी चीज को लेकर हमारे पति पर दबाव पड़ रहा था। कुल मिलाकर केस जितना सीधा दिखता है, उतना है नहीं। https://www.bhaskar.com/local/uttar-pradesh/pratapgarh/news/dsp-ziaul-haq-murder-casecourt-not-satisfied-with-cbi-investigation-report-132056763.html (27 Oct. 2023)
Jammu & Kashmir Sand mound collapse claims life of a 42-year-old A 40-year-old man lost his life, while another sustained injury after a sand mound collapsed on them in Shanoo village in Langate area of north Kashmir’s Handwara town on Monday (Oct. 23). This unfortunate incident marks the second fatality in two years and has left three other individuals seriously injured. Locals mentioned, “This isn’t the first time such an incident has taken place in the area. They have reported four separate incidents since illegal sand excavation activities commenced, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and the severe injury of three others, one of whom is now bedridden.”
Eyewitnesses from the local area reported that the incident occurred while they were engaged in sand excavation from the hills of Shanoo. Both individuals were swiftly taken to a nearby hospital, where Abdul Hamid Shikeh (42) was pronounced dead by doctors. The injured individual, Shabir Ahmad Shiekh (40), is now undergoing advanced treatment at GMC Baramulla. The locals have accused the Geology and Mining Department, along with other relevant authorities, of complicity with the sand mafia, claiming that repeated raids have failed to completely curb these illicit operations. These unregulated activities not only risk lives but also harm the fragile ecological balance. http://risingkashmir.com/sand-mound-collapse-claims-life-of-a-42-year-old-leaves-another-in-critical-in-langate-village (23 Oct. 2023)
Uttarakhand Illegal mining in Ganga: Police seize many vehicles Haridwar police seized several vehicles, including trucks and JCBs, in the past week in a crackdown on illegal mining in Ganga. However, locals expressed concerns that these actions may not be enough to break the mining mafia’s network. A few days ago, locals met officials and demanded stern action against mafias. Social activist Ramesh Joshi said that stone crushers are behind the illegal mining, but the administration is not taking action. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/illegal-mining-in-ganga-police-seize-many-vehicles/articleshow/104811377.cms (30 Oct. 2023)
Punjab ₹1.27cr fine imposed on illegal sand miners The Mohali administration has imposed a penalty of ₹1.27 crore on illegal sand miners since January this year. Besides, 84 vehicles have been impounded and 27 FIRs have been registered against the accused, said additional deputy commissioner (G) Viraj S Tidke on Wednesday (Oct. 25). Reviewing pending recoveries from previous years during a meeting, the ADC also ordered attachment of the accused’s properties to send a strong message to illegal sand miners. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/127-crore-fine-imposed-on-illegal-sand-miners-in-mohali-101698267595387.html (26 Oct. 2023)
Haryana 2 teenage boys are feared to have drowned while taking a bath in the Yamuna near Tamsabad village of Panipat district, police said on Thursday (Oct. 12) while the bodies of two more boys were fished out. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/panipat-2-teenage-boys-feared-drowned-in-yamuna-river-101697142486589.html (13 Oct. 2023)
WETLANDS, LAKES, WATER BODIES
Maharashtra CIDCO can’t ‘certify’ wetlands, Centre asserts NatConnect director B N Kumar specifically drew the MOEFCC’s attention to the fact that CIDCO has been denying the existence of any wetlands in Navi Mumbai and leasing them out for projects such as Navi Mumbai special economic zone (NMSEZ), JNPA and even a golf course. Rajasekhar Ratti, Scientist D, Wetlands Division responded: “For your kind information, CIDCO is not an organisation to identify wetlands”. He, therefore, asked Kumar to contact State Wetlands Authority, Maharashtra for clarification on the wetlands in Maharashtra.
This piece of information assumes significance in view of CIDCO turning down a proposal from the state mangrove cell to conserve the wetlands of Belpada, Bhendkhal and Panje in Uran and NRI Seawoods and TS Chanakya in Nerul, NatConnect pointed out. The CIDCO’s stand in response to the mangrove cell was that these water bodies are developable land parcels.
In another development, CIDCO has allotted the NRI Seawoods and TSC wetlands for a golf course. The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Development Authority (MCZMA) has even granted a CRZ clearance on CIDCO certificate that the water bodies are not wetlands. This, despite the fact that the Bombay High Court has struck down the golf course project and the CIDCO special leave petition is pending in the Supreme Court.
As regards conserving the 286-hectare Panje wetland, Vanashakti and Shri Ekvira Aai Pratishtan have filed separate petitions in HC where the hearing is pending. The CM has already referred NatConnect’s complaint against the burial of Bhendkhal wetland to the environment department. https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/navi-mumbai-cidco-cant-certify-wetlands-centre-asserts (29 Oct. 2023)
Tamil Nadu Conservationists demand halting of Ooty station development As many as 14 conservation groups and citizens’ collectives in the Nilgiris have come together to demand the Southern Railways to stop destroying a wetland adjoining the Ooty lake, as the railways looks to renovate and develop Udhagamandalam Railway Station. “It is a known fact that the road below the railway bridge leading to the boat house and situated right next to the railway station already gets heavily flooded during rains… If the planned development is not stopped and the marsh is allowed to be concretized, the resultant flooding will fallout to the main arterial roads of Ooty town,” they said in a letter addressed to the district Collector, Conservator of Forests (Nilgiris), District Forest Officer and the Salem Division of Southern Railways.
Conservationists point to the already-abandoned construction of the staff training centre at the railway station, which was let go due to the wetland soil being unable to hold the weight of the construction, rendering any construction pointless in the long-run. G. Janardhanan, President of the Ooty Public Awareness Association, said that instead of pushing ahead with plans to destroy what is left of the marsh, the railways must focus on restoring it to its prior state. He said that the area itself was unsuitable for construction due to the nature of the soil. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/conservationists-demand-halting-of-ooty-station-development-that-is-destroying-wetland/article67461251.ece (26 Oct. 2023)
Kerala Conolly canal harmful to Kottooli wetland ecosystem A research study by a husband-wife duo, both professors, one at the IIM, Kozhikode and the other at the NIT, Calicut, has revealed that rapid urbanisation in Kozhikode city has led to the extensive destruction of the Kottooli wetlands, a proposed Ramsar site, a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention of 1971.
Deepak Dayanithy, a professor in strategic management at IIM-K, and Anjana Bhagyanathan, a professor in landscape architecture at NIT-C, have published their study in the journal Area of the Royal Geographical Society. They pointed out that contrary to popular belief, the Conolly Canal was not beneficial to the ecosystem of the Kottooli wetlands. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/kozhikode/conolly-canal-harmful-to-kottooli-wetland-ecosystem-finds-study/article67466856.ece (27 Oct. 2023)
Uttar Pradesh Jewar airport has fuelled a fight for Dhanauri wetlands NGT has given the state govt just four weeks for an update on notifying Dhanauri as a wetland. The Noida International Airport at Jewar has given environmentalists, bird-watchers, and conservationists fresh impetus, reinvigorating a decade–long fight to get the government to legally protect 112 hectares of wetlands. Earlier this month, 77-year-old birdwatcher Anand Arya approached the NGT demanding that airport construction be halted until the Uttar Pradesh government declares Dhanauri a Ramsar wetland site.
Even the environment clearance given to Jewar Airport in 2020 identified Dhanauri as a wetland of conservation importance and suggested that it be notified. But any action remains trapped in bureaucratic back and forth between the state wetlands department, forest department, and the airport developer, Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA). Resistance from villagers who own paddy fields in the wetlands and want adequate compensation has further muddied the water. https://theprint.in/ground-reports/jewar-airport-has-fuelled-a-fight-for-dhanauri-wetlands-up-now-has-to-balance-3-priorities/1816393/ (24 Oct. 2023)
Report Nisar will aid understand forests & wetlands better: JPL The Nasa-Isro Synthetic Aperture Radar (Nisar) satellite, set to launch in early 2024, will offer researchers an unprecedented opportunity to delve into Earth’s forests and wetlands, the Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) of Nasa said on Saturday (Oct. 28). Upon its launch, Nisar will embark on a mission that involves scanning nearly the entirety of Earth’s land and ice surfaces every 12 days. JPL further said Nisar will provide vital data on the motion of the land, aiding researchers in understanding the dynamics of geological events such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, subsidence, and uplift. Additionally, it will monitor the movement and melting of glaciers and sea ice, providing invaluable information for climate and environmental studies. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/nisar-will-aid-understand-forests-wetlands-better-jpl/articleshow/104781034.cms (28 Oct. 2023)
WATER OPTIONS
Bengaluru Start-ups turn wastewater into a resource Experts and start-ups alike are working on new dynamics of water management and distribution in a mission to save groundwater and leave enough for lakes and water bodies to be recharged. https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/opinion/how-bengaluru-start-ups-turn-wastewater-into-a-resource-11611381.html (27 Oct. 2023)
Study Increasing adoption of RWH technologies in rural India The present study aimed at exploring: The Critical Success Factors (CSFs) needed to promote the adoption of Rainwater Harvesting technologies in rural India; AND Interrelationships between the CSFs and the strategies that can be useful to promote the use of Rainwater Harvesting technologies in rural India. https://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/increasing-adoption-rainwater-harvesting-technologies-rural-india (24 Oct. 2023)
GROUNDWATER
UN India heading towards GW depletion tipping point According to a new UN-University Institute for Env and Human Security report “Interconnected Disaster Risk report 2023”, NW India is going to face groundwater scarcity in 2025 and parts of Gangetic plains have already gone past the groundwater depletion tipping point. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/un-report-warns-india-heading-towards-groundwater-depletion-tipping-point-2741859 (26 Oct. 2023) Environmental tipping points are critical thresholds in the Earth’s systems, beyond which abrupt and often irreversible changes occur, leading to profound and sometimes catastrophic shifts in ecosystems, climate patterns and the overall environment. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/un-predicts-groundwater-in-india-will-reduce-to-low-by-2025-101698290828085.html (26 Oct. 2023)
According to the report, 78% of wells in Punjab are considered overexploited, and the north-western region as a whole is predicted to experience critically low groundwater availability by 2025. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-heading-towards-groundwater-depletion-tipping-point-warns-un-report-9001338/ (27 Oct. 2023)
Study Excessive pumping limits the benefits of a strengthening summer monsoon for groundwater recovery in India Swarup Dangar; Vimal Mishra Using in situ groundwater observations and model simulations, we show that during 2002–2022, about 95% of groundwater loss (∼498 km3) from India occurred from north India (∼472 km3), a global groundwater depletion hotspot. Well observations show a more robust coupling with climate through rainfall variability. Groundwater loss is driven by excessive pumping from nonrenewable groundwater storage and will continue to dominate in the near future despite projected increases in rainfall (∼4%–6%). The highest projected groundwater recovery (258.9 ± 171.6 km3) in the near period (2021–2040) is only about half of the total groundwater loss. Therefore, increased rainfall may not help recover the lost groundwater. https://www.cell.com/one-earth/pdf/S2590-3322(23)00102-1.pdf (30 March 2023)
Groundwater depletion could triple by midcentury In India, crop irrigation is already the primary driver of declining groundwater levels, and a new study published in Science Advances reports that rates of groundwater depletion could triple by midcentury. In short, “climate warming will lead to increased irrigation demands, which can lead to more groundwater pumping,” explained Vimal Mishra, a civil engineer at the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar who was not involved in the new study. https://eos.org/articles/rates-of-groundwater-depletion-in-india-could-triple-by-midcentury (24 Oct. 2023)
URBAN WATER
Book Review “Shades of Blue: Connecting the Drops in India’s Cities” by Harini Nagendra and Seema Mundoli: With folk tales, myths, sociological and scientific data, two writers push for the urgent need to save various waterscapes across the country. https://www.thehindu.com/books/books-reviews/water-resources-india-environment-conservation/article67442249.ece (27 Oct. 2023)
A series of flooding disasters in India this year is a wake-up call for people to rethink their relationship with water, and the key to doing so lies in looking at the country’s ancient history and religions. That’s the theme of a new book by two Bengaluru-based ecologists, Harini Nagendra and Seema Mundoli.https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-10-30/new-book-explores-why-india-s-lakes-and-rivers-keep-flooding (30 Oct. 2023)
Report Poor governance burdens Indian cities A survey reveals India’s urban governance is ill-prepared for the challenges of urbanisation, with issues such as missing master plans, poor policy implementation and transparency deficits. To address these issues, the report suggests vital reforms such as constitutional amendments, city recognition, power decentralisation, streamlined administration and enhanced local government financial autonomy. Empowered city governments would be a key force in driving local action for global challenges such as climate change, public health including water and sanitation, affordable housing and gender equity, says the report. https://india.mongabay.com/2023/10/poor-governance-burdens-indian-cities-finds-survey/ (26 Oct. 2023)
Bengaluru Palike allocates Rs 35 crore to maintain 174 lakes The BBMP has earmarked Rs 35 crore for the maintenance of 174 lakes and 15 STPs in 2023-24. It appears that the Bruhat BBMP has not made judicious use of its resources as some of the lakes identified for maintenance this fiscal year are either undergoing rejuvenation work or were recently. Amid several lakes needing funds for restoration and rejuvenation, money has been allocated to maintain lakes in good condition.
Technically, the civic body is not supposed to take up maintenance work at a lake that was developed recently as they come under the defect liability period (DLP). Some of these lakes are: Ulsoor (Rs 90 lakh), Kaggadasapura (Rs 13.35 lakh), Mallathahalli (Rs 28 lakh), Srigagandadhkaval (Rs 17 lakh), Begur (Rs 45 lakh), Yelahanka and Chikkabettahalli (Rs 47 lakh). Just last year, the state government had funded the development of these lakes.https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/palike-allocates-rs-35-crore-to-maintain-174-lakes-2747333 (30 Oct. 2023)
Hyderabad Groundwater contaminated A recent study ’Pharmaceuticals and Agro-Chemicals in Groundwater of Hyderabad, has revealed alarming levels of organic micropollutants in the form of pharmaceutical and agrochemical compounds in the groundwater in Hyderabad. The scientists also found the presence of urinary metabolites in the groundwater, suggesting that domestic wastewater and sewage infiltration had played a significant role in contaminating the aquifers. The researchers hint at discharges into the environment from pharmaceutical and agrochemical companies for the groundwater contamination crisis. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/291023/hyderabads-ground-water-contaminated-with-pharmaceutical-and-agrochem.html (29 Oct. 2023)
Nasik BJP workers stage stir against water release to Jayakwadi Some people are protesting Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory’s (MWRRA) decision to release water from dams in Nashik and Ahmednagar districts to Jayakwadi dam. They are saying the step would only create huge problems for the citizens in Nashik and Ahmednagar districts. As the MWRRA framework works under an equitable water distribution system, it is possible that dams in Nashik and Ahmednagar will have to release about 11 TMC of water. MWRRA has not taken a decision yet. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nashik/bjp-workers-stage-stir-against-water-release-to-jayakwadi/articleshow/104791971.cms (29 Oct. 2023)
Navi Mumbai Water woes despite full dam “The entire issue surrounding inadequate water in Navi Mumbai is purely due to the administration’s mismanagement. When NMMC owned Morbe has overflown, how are the taxpayers not receiving uninterrupted water supply? questioned BJP leader Ganesh Naik. Resident’s ire reached its peak last week when women carrying earthen pots barged into the City Engineer’s office questioning the water scarcity in areas like Sarsole and Nerul west. The area largely consists of CIDCO-built buildings that don’t have storage water tanks. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/water-woes-in-navi-mumbai-despite-full-dam-nmmc-staggers-timings-101698237654644.html (25 Oct. 2023)
Prayagraj CM Yogi Adityanath will gift development projects worth Rs 4,000 crore to Prayagraj during his visit here on Monday (Oct. 30). These projects to be announced by the chief minister are related to development of infrastructure, beautification and tourism of Prayagraj. The projects to be inaugurated will be of 74 different government departments. The total worth of projects to be inaugurated will be Rs 3,500 crore which includes 290 projects worth Rs 2,900 crore of Jal Nigam and five projects worth Rs 446 crore of Bridge Corporation. https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/uttar-pradesh-cm-yogi-adityanath-to-gift-projects-worth-4000-crore-to-prayagraj (30 Oct. 2023)
Delhi Ganga Canal to be shut for 20 days Western UP and NCR region may face water shortage as the upper Ganga canal – which is the major source of water to these regions – will be shut down for 20 days from October 25 night. Irrigation department will carry out maintenance, repair and restoration work across the canal. Officials said though the canal mainly caters to irrigation needs of the region, efforts were underway to decipher nature and extent of impact on drinking water supply as well. The irrigation department will start blocking the water supply to the canal at the Bhimgoda barrage in Uttarakhand. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/west-up-ncr-stare-at-water-crisis-as-ganga-canal-to-be-shut-for-20-days/articleshow/104658099.cms (23 Oct. 2023)
WATER POLLUTION
Maharashtra CPCB orders 45 of 105 sugar units shut In a major setback to sugar barons in the state, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has ordered closure of 45 cooperative sugar factories in Maharashtra for blatant violation of the Environmental Protection Act. Maharashtra has a total of 190 sugar units, of which 105 are in operation. The sugarcane crushing season will begin from November 1.
This is for the first time that such a large number of sugar units have been served with closure notices. In a letter to Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), CPCB’s Kamlesh Singh stated that it had issued closure directions to the non-complying sugar industries under section 5 of the Environmental Protection Act, on account of non-installation/non-connectivity of Online Continuous Emission/Effluent Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) or for non-compliance with the notified standards/other shortcomings observed during inspections conducted by CPCB. The official said no doubt the CPCB has ordered the closure of the sugar units, but it will be difficult to close the units since all the factory owners are very powerful and politically connected. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/cpcb-orders-45-of-105-maharashtra-sugar-units-shut/articleshow/104683673.cms (25 Oct. 2023)
Andhra Pradesh A village fights coal dust in their lungs For more than six months, the residents of Palavasa-Nakkavanipalem in Visakhapatnam, which is less than a kilometre from the Hinduja power plant, have been requesting the company to relocate them somewhere safer. Parents of the children who have been affected believe the pollution from the nearby ash pond is a major cause for their deteriorating health.
They allege that despite repeated requests, the management has not taken action to prevent the careless disposal of coal waste in the ash pond located barely 350 metres from their houses. The village residents approached the SPCB which issued a show cause notice to the Hinduja plant in April this year. However, as not much was done, they finally approached the High Court which now has now converted their writ petition into a PIL.
Before the HNPCL started operations, residents of Palavalasa were dependent on farming, dairying, and cattle breeding. Because of groundwater pollution, there is no cultivation and natural vegetation has been destroyed, they alleged. Groundwater samples collected from two locations in the village also indicate pollution. However officials of the Hinduja plant contend that the groundwater is getting contaminated because of proximity to sea.
Babu Rao, member of Scientist for People, told TNM that the amount of ash in Indian coal is higher. “The mechanism to keep the ash in a slurry state needs water, where will the sprinklers get water from? “Ash ponds are set up at a higher ground everywhere, to avoid mixing up with the groundwater but, since HNCPL is located in the coastal region, the water table is higher in the area. This allows seepage of chemicals. “Why did the pollution control board officials approve the setting up of the ash pond near residential colonies,” asks Babu Rao.
An APPCB official told TNM that there is no rule that the ash pond cannot be set up near residential colonies. He however said several thermal plants operate violating several rules and guidelines and Hinduja is not an exception. Senior researcher Shripad Dharmadhikary from Manthan Adhyayan Kendra said it doesn’t matter whether the ash pond has been constructed as per rules. “What matters is whether those who live there are facing difficulties because of pollution from the ash pond and who is responsible,” said Shripad. https://www.thenewsminute.com/andhra-pradesh/we-cant-breathe-a-village-in-visakhapatnam-fights-coal-dust-in-their-lungs (28 Oct. 2023)
MONSOON 2023
Maharashtra Cloud seeding experiment results in 18% more rainfall Thara Prabhakaran, the project director of Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement Experiment, said, “As per radar observations, there was a relative enhancement of rainfall by 18% in the ‘seed’ category clouds.” The experiment, carried out between 2017-19, evaluated 276 clouds using advanced equipment such as automatic rain gauges, radars, radiometers, and aircraft.
Additionally, scientists also conducted glaciogenic seeding in cold clouds containing both ice and water. However, the study found that glaciogenic seeding did not significantly affect rainfall at the seeding location. Nevertheless, an increase in rainfall was observed in the downwind area of the seeded region, supported by synoptic weather conditions. The study was part of a project initiated by the Ministry of Earth Sciences and highlights the potential of cloud seeding as a method to alleviate water stress in certain regions. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/cloud-seeding-experiment-over-maharashtras-solapur-results-in-18-more-rainfall/articleshow/104715863.cms (26 Oct. 2023)
Report Monsoon patterns are changing every year, and weather forecasters are worried The intensification and increased frequency of extreme weather events have rendered past data and experiences insufficient for accurate forecasts, says Group Captain SN Mishra, visiting professor, Climate Change and Mitigation, TERI School of Advanced Studies. “The new normal is a challenge for forecasters.” The intra-seasonal variability of this year’s monsoon, which although difficult to predict, has brought about an unprecedented variation. “No one anticipated the typical four months’ worth of rainfall to be condensed into just two months,” Mishra says.
Long-term forecasting remains a challenge, particularly for a complex system like the southwest monsoon, as it involves the interplay of various planetary-scale systems, the full impact of which is not yet completely understood, he says. The real challenge, Mishra says, lies in effectively delivering and interpreting short- to medium-term forecasts to end-users, government authorities, and farmers. https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/environment/uneven-monsoon-sparks-climate-change-concerns-11615911.html (28 Oct. 2023)
HFL BREACH
SANDRP Blog Rivers Crossing HFL In SW Monsoon 2023 in India There are at least 70 sites in 10 river basins where flood levels have exceeded previous HFL during the SW monsoon 2023. 33, or nearly half of these incidents have taken place in Ganga basin including 21 on Yamuna sub basin and 12 on Ganga rivers during this period.
The rivers in Narmada basin have recorded HFL breach incidents at least at 18 sites. These 2 river basins have cumulatively seen 51 of all HFL breach incidents in this monsoon season. Similarly, there have been 5 HFL breach incidents in Brahmaputra basin, 4 in Godavari, 3 each in Krishna & Tapi basins, 2 in Indus basin and 1 each in Luni & Mahi River basins in this period. https://sandrp.in/2023/10/25/rivers-crossing-high-flood-levels-in-sw-monsoon-2023-in-india/ (25 Oct. 2023)
URBAN FLOODS
Nagpur Flood-hit residents vow to boycott polls over govt apathy Scarred and deluged by the midnight floods of September 23 and with government aid still a trickle a month after the mayhem, flood-hit residents in Nagpur unanimously decided to boycott all future elections and bar entry of politicians in their localities. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/as-dam-of-patience-breaks-flood-hit-nagpur-residents-vow-to-boycott-polls-over-govt-apathy/articleshow/104759669.cms (27 Oct. 2023)
Interview On President Xi Jinping’s intervention, China, in 2015, launched the Sponge Cities project to develop storage ponds and wetlands and create permeable road infrastructure to soak stormwater into the ground. But two years ago, when Zhengzhou and cities across north China, including Beijing this year, saw some of the worst floods, critics questioned the project’s efficacy in dealing with such a high volume of rain. Chinese landscape architect and Peking University professor Kongjian Yu, who pioneered the sponge cities concept and won the 2023 Cornelia Hahn Oberlander International Landscape Architecture Prize this month, told Shivani Singh that it is wrong to judge a project that is still in the nascent stage, and needs to cover not just entire cities but regions, nations and perhaps the planet. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/the-easiest-way-to-control-urban-flooding-is-to-give-water-more-space-101698584571847.html (30 Oct. 2023)
LANDSLIDES
Himachal Pradesh Traffic on Tibet road halts after landslide at Nathpa Traffic movement on the Hindustan-Tibet NH-5 came to a halt after a massive landslide near Nathpa in Kinnaur district late last (Oct. 27) night. Earlier, three massive landslides had taken place in the district in a month and traffic movement remained suspended on the national highway for several days. In Friday’s (Oct. 27) landslide, debris in a large quantity along with big boulders and heaps of stones fell and covered a 200-metre stretch of the national highway, thereby disrupting vehicular movement. Long queues of vehicles were seen on both sides of the highway, as commuters remained stranded for hours. As per officials, as it was a massive landslide, it may take a few days before the highway was restored to traffic.
Frequent landslides in the district has become a cause for concern and a major challenge for the PWD. The department attributes landslides to excessive rainfall and the fragile strata in the area. Satish Joshi, Junior Engineer, PWD, National Highways wing, at Negulsari, Kinnaur, said, “A massive landslide was expected in the area as stones were falling onto the highway from the hills regularly for a long time. Due to excessive rain during the monsoon this year, landslides occur frequently in the area. We will start treating the hills to prevent or reduce the risk of landslides after conducting a study.” https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/traffic-on-tibet-road-halts-after-landslide-at-nathpa-557472 (29 Oct. 2023)
Landslides a worsening crisis From July to August 2023, the Indian Himalayas, particularly the state of Himachal Pradesh in the northern part of the country, experienced an unprecedented number of cloudbursts which triggered thousands of devastating landslides. https://theconversation.com/himalayan-communities-are-under-siege-from-landslides-and-climate-change-is-worsening-the-crisis-215202 (24 Oct. 2023) As the heavy rain intensifies, it will be hugely important for the Himalayas to implement new user-friendly and reliable construction guidelines that factor in how the climate is changing. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/climate-change/himalayan-communities-are-under-siege-from-landslides-and-climate-change-is-worsening-the-crisis-92461 (25 Oct. 2023)
उत्तराखंड जलवायु आपदाओं की कीमत चुका रहे बच्चे, घर और स्कूल लौटने का इंतजार https://indiaspendhindi.com/climate-change/uttarakhand-children-paying-the-price-of-climate-disasters-waiting-to-return-home-and-school-880141 (30 Oct. 2023)
DROUGHT
Andhra Pradesh Ryots in a fix as groundwater depletes Not just depletion of water levels in reservoirs and lack of rains, but also the fast depleting groundwater levels are worrying the farmers in the State. In absence of rains and irrigation water, farmers are depending on groundwater for Rabi, but the sinking groundwater table is now worrying them. Experts point out that with large deficit rainfall recorded in the month of October, the groundwater levels will deplete further, which is a cause of concern.
Central Water Commission (CWC) reports indicated that water-levels in reservoirs not just in Andhra Pradesh but across South India are not encouraging. As per the statistics available from the Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Information Management System (APWRIMS), 23 out of 26 districts in the State have recorded depletion in groundwater level. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2023/oct/27/ryots-in-a-fix-as-groundwater-depletes-in-andhra-pradesh-2627466.html (27 Oct. 2023)
Karnataka The drought situation in Karnataka has taken its toll on the seasonal favourite avarekai too, leaving farmers doubting if even 5% yield can be harvested this year. Avarekai, usually hits the market around the winter season and the demand peaks during the festival of Sankranti in January. As the southwest monsoon was deficient, the rain-dependent crop has withered away in the growing regions around Bengaluru. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/drought-takes-its-toll-on-the-yield-of-bengalurus-favourite-bean/article67454384.ece (29 Oct. 2023)
THERMAL POWER
पश्चिम बंगाल कोयला खदान के पास रहने वालों का अभी तक पुनर्वास नहीं हरीशपुर में जुलाई 2020 में जमीन धंसने लगी थी। निवासियों का आरोप है कि ऐसा ओपन-कास्ट खनन के चलते हुआ है, जो आवश्यक अनुमति के बिना रिहायशी इलाके के करीब की गई। जमीन धंसने की घटनाओं के तीन साल बाद भी प्रभावित लोगों के लिए पुनर्वास के कोई प्रयास नहीं किए गए हैं। 2009 में, भारत सरकार ने क्षेत्र से 180,000 से ज्यादा लोगों को स्थानांतरित करने के लिए एक बड़े मास्टर प्लान को मंजूरी दी। लेकिन इस पर कोई काम नहीं हुआ है। https://hindi.mongabay.com/2023/10/27/promised-rehabilitation-eludes-residents-living-near-one-of-indias-earliest-coal-mines/ (27 Oct. 2023)
ENVIRONMENT GOVERNANCE
New Forest Bill: ‘Speaks Conservation, Acts Destruction’ Prakriti Srivastava, a former forest service officer, who has approached the Supreme Court with numerous concerned experts, speaks out against the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Bill. https://www.newsclick.in/new-forest-bill-speaks-conservation-acts-destruction (29 Oct. 2023)
SOUTH ASIA
India-Pakistan Climate-Proofing the IWT The Indus Water Treaty (IWT) should be amended to reflect growing climate change concerns. Amendments should focus on building and strengthening data collection streams. The IWT relies on historical data to predict water supplies; the assumption is that the supply will remain consistent. However, this no longer holds true due to climate change. While some data-sharing mechanisms do exist, the IWT should emphasize building mechanisms to quantify and collect data regarding climate change, while also strengthening existing data collection and sharing streams.
– Currently, there is minimal dialogue or data sharing between the two countries on the IWT. India and Pakistan should compile an annual detailed report on the evaluation of the river basin’s hydrological reactions to changing climate. The data could examine how climate change, land use change, and human activities reduce flow magnitudes in numerical terms. https://thediplomat.com/2023/10/climate-proofing-the-india-pakistan-indus-water-treaty/ (24 Oct. 2023)
East & West Punjab set to meet at Lahore on Nov 2 In a unique initiative “Vichrae Panj Paaniyan Da Mael” (Separated waters of five rivers meet) being taken by peace activists from both countries, the waters collected from five rivers – Sutlej, Beas in Charda Punjab (East Punjab on Indian side); and Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi in Lehnda Punjab (West Punjab on Pakistan side) – will be taken to Lahore on November 2 for an emotional reunion.
The initiative is being hosted by “Jeevay Sanjha Punjab” and “Ravi Bachao Tehreek” – the two organisations working for peace and protecting rivers of Punjab. “The purpose of this initiative is to bring together the people of Charda and Lehnda Punjab to reconnect with each other to build a common future despite national boundaries and to increase awareness and respect for the waters of the rivers of Punjab – the lifeline of our homeland. We will also promote the need to protect these rivers from pollution and overuse,” said Tarunjit Singh Butalia, an activist from “Jeevay Sanjha Punjab”. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/separated-waters-5-rivers-east-west-punjab-lahore-nov-2-8998335/ (25 Oct. 2023)
India-Bangladesh Shared festivity in bordering river Boundaries were blurred in a river of faith and festivity on Tuesday (Oct. 24) as the symbolic undercurrents of the Kushiyara, the river that separates south Assam’s Karimganj from Sylhet in Bangladesh, eased amid a joint chorus of Vijaya Dasami invocations to goddess Durga from either bank. Scores of idols were simultaneously immersed at Kalibari Ghat on the Karimganj side of the river and Jakiganj in Sylhet division under the vigil of BSF and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).
“The people of Bangladesh and this part of India have a common culture and language, and this comes across during the annual Durga immersions in the Kushiyara. We wish there is more cooperation between the countries,” said North Karimganj MLA Kamalaksha Dey Purkayastha. Nearly 270 Durga idols were immersed at Sadhar Ghat point of the Barak river in Silchar. Immersions will continue over the next two days. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/shared-festivity-in-river-dividing-india-bangladesh/articleshow/104681618.cms (25 Oct. 2023)
THE REST OF THE WORLD
USA Hydropower Market Report Some key findings of The 2023 edition of the U.S. Hydropower Market Report. This is the fourth complete edition of this report. (The first three were published in 2015, 2018, and 2021.)
– U.S. conventional hydropower capacity increased 2.1 gigawatts (GW) from 2010 to 2022 due to a combination of upgrades to existing plants (1.6 GW), new projects (0.7 GW, 95% from existing non powered dams), and retirements (-0.2 GW). Hydropower generation (262 terrawatt-hours, 4.2% lower than average in previous decade) represented 6.2% of total U.S. electricity generation and 28.7% of electricity from renewables in 2022.
– PSH capacity increased 1.4 GW over the past decade with 97% of this increase due to upgrades to the existing fleet.
The United States currently has 43 PSH plants with an estimated energy storage capacity of 553 gigawatt-hours. These plants accounted for 96% of utility-scale energy storage capacity in 2022. However, no new PSH projects are under construction in USA.
– Worldwide, other renewables have grown much faster than hydropower in recent years. https://www.energy.gov/eere/water/hydropower-market-reports
Rio Grande: A river in crisis The Rio Grande is affected by nearly the same hydroclimate conditions as the Colorado River, which flows mainly through the southwest US but ends in Mexico. However, drought and water shortages in the Colorado River basin receive much more public attention than the same problems on the Rio Grande.
US media outlets cover the Rio Grande almost exclusively when it figures in stories about immigration and river crossings, such as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s 2023 decision to install floating barriers in the river at widely used crossing points.
The compact that governs use of Colorado River water has widely recognized flaws: The agreement is 100 years old, allocates more rights to water than the river holds, and completely excludes Native American tribes. However, negotiations over the Colorado between compact states and the US and Mexico are much more focused than decision-making about Rio Grande water, which has to compete with many other bilateral issues. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/climate-change/the-rio-grande-isn-t-just-a-border-it-s-a-river-in-crisis-92482 (26 Oct. 2023)
Brazil People queuing for water along drying Amazon
Across Amazonas state, which has a territory the size of three Californias, 59 out of its 62 municipalities are under state of emergency, impacting 633,000 people. In the capital Manaus, Negro River — a major tributary of the Amazon — has reached its lowest level since official measurements began 121 years ago. https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/along-the-worlds-most-voluminous-river-people-queuing-for-water/article67459460.ece (26 Oct. 2023)
Severe drought and record river lows in Brazil’s Amazon region have exposed ancient rock carvings of human faces. https://weather.com/science/environment/video/amazon-drought-exposes-ancient-carvings (26 Oct. 2023)
Compiled by SANDRP (ht.sandrp@gmail.com)
Also see: DRP News Bulletin 23 Oct. 2023 & DRP News Bulletin 16 Oct. 2023
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