(Feature Image: Cover photo of the National Compilation of Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report by CGWB)
There are at least two headline numbers of Government of India’s Dynamic Groundwater Resource Assessment Report 2023 released by Union Minister on Dec 2 2023, that seem counter intuitive and misleading. These are exactly the issues we also raised about the 2022 report too. Firstly, the PIB Press Release that accompanied the report release says India’s annual groundwater recharge in 2023 has increased by 11.48 BCM compared to the same in 2022.
Secondly, it says the groundwater situation has improved in at least 226 of the 6553 assessment Units across the country. Both seem counter intuitive and possibly misleading in the face of increasing groundwater use, depleting levels, worsening quality of groundwater and our increasing over dependence on groundwater.
The PIB PR also does not clarify as to where the recharge is increasing and where there is improvement in groundwater situation. The increase in recharge, for example, could be not of any use if it is happening in water logged or salinized areas or if it is happening where groundwater quality is so bad that it is not useful. In absence of clarity on these issues, the statements in the PIB PR can be a way to pat one’s own back and which can also lead to complacency and to ignore the dire situation.
CGWB report released by Union Minister The Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat released the Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report for the entire country for 2023 on Dec 2 2023. The assessment was carried out jointly by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and States/UTs. As per the report, the total annual ground water recharge for the entire country is 449.08 billion cubic meters (BCM), marking an increase of 11.48 BCM compared to 2022 and annual ground water extraction for the country is 241.34 BCM, which means groundwater exploitation is 59.23 %. Out of the total 6553 assessment units in India, 4793 are safe, 736 units are Over-exploited. There is improvement in 226 units. (https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1981600 Dec 2 2023)
Delhi Groundwater most ‘exploited’ at VIP enclaves: Report The New Delhi revenue district, including parts of Chanakyapuri, Vasant Vihar and the Delhi Cantonment area, remains the most exploited in terms of groundwater extraction in the city, extracting far more than it recharges. Delhi, however, has recorded a fall in groundwater extraction in this assessment year compared to last year, according to the Dynamic Groundwater Resources of India 2023 report of the CGWB released on Dec 1 2023. The total groundwater extraction in the city has fallen from 0.36 bcm (billion cubic metres) last year to 0.34 bcm this year, with 9 out of 11 revenue districts recording a fall compared to 2022. Only North and Northeast Delhi saw an increase.
– But the city’s annual groundwater recharge has also fallen — from 0.41 bcm last year to 0.38 bcm this year — which means the extractable groundwater resource that is a portion of this recharge, has also decreased. With groundwater recharge falling, the stage of extraction (a percentage of groundwater extracted against the recharge) was 99.13% this year, up from 98.16% last year. The New Delhi district has the highest stage of extraction — 137.79% — which means it extracts 3,612.52 hectare metre of water, when the extractable groundwater from what is recharged annually is only 2,621.74 hectare metre, the report shows. While New Delhi’s annual extraction this year has fallen from 3,713 hectare metre last year, the district’s stage of extraction had been the highest in the city last year as well. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/groundwater-most-exploited-at-delhis-vip-enclaves-shows-report-9050811/ (02 Dec. 2023)
HYDRO POWER PROJECTS
Report Damned by our dams as safety issues swirl There had been 42 dam failures in India till September this year, according to a presentation by S.K. Sibal, chairman of the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA). The failure of the Machchu dam in Gujarat in 1979 was the worst, in which 2,000 people perished. Not just older dams, most failures have actually involved “newly built dams, chiefly in the first 10 years,” according to NDSA’s Sibal.
According to the South Asia Network of Dams, Rivers and People (SANDRP), an informal network of organizations and individuals working on issues related to the water sector, the Bharudpura dam on Karam river, a tributary of the Narmada in Madhya Pradesh, faced a disaster after the dam was filled with water for the first time in August 2022—erosion of the dam wall was reported. And there have been multiple dam failures and dam- induced floods in Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The Hirakud-induced floods in Mahanadi basin have affected several villages in Odisha and Chhattisgarh. There have also been several instances of unscientific operation of dams.
In response to a query from members of parliament during a meeting of the parliamentary standing committee on water resources, the Jal Shakti ministry said in March this year: “… There is no mechanism to assess the viable lifespan and performance of dams.” The ministry also said no information/recommendation from the dam owners has been submitted for decommissioning of any of their dams. In fact, Sibal of CWC laid the entire onus of ensuring safety of India’s dams on the state governments, public sector undertakings and private agencies.
The parliamentary standing committee has noted that some of the dams were over 300 years old and despite the Jal Shakti ministry acknowledging that the lifespan of a dam is 100 years, none of the older dams had been decommissioned till date. The panel gave a three-month deadline to the ministry to apprise it of steps taken to nudge state governments to decommission dams that have outlived their life spans and may pose severe threat to life and infrastructure.
In any case, decommissioning of dams is a time-consuming and laborious process. And nature has its own way of evening out things. “The government has never decommissioned a dam in India but nature has. The GLOF event at the Chungthang dam over the Teesta has effectively meant that this dam has been decommissioned,” said Himanshu Thakkar, coordinator of SANDRP. https://www.livemint.com/news/damned-by-our-dams-as-safety-issues-swirl-11701605096020.html (03 Dec. 2023)
Erratic rains pulled down hydropower generation by 8% in H1FY24 NHPC’s operational, under construction hydro projects affected by floods in Himachal and Sikkim: -“This is mainly due to lower water availability and then intense rain and flood in some parts of Himachal Pradesh in August, 2023, which has impacted the generation in the region, especially the outage of all units of Parbati III power station, which is now fully operational,” said a senior official from NHPC Ltd, India’s largest hydropower generating company.
In a recent analyst call held after the company declared its Q2 results, RP Goyal, director (finance), NHPC, gave an update on the hydel projects affected by the flash floods which occurred in north Sikkim in the intervening night of October 3 and 4.
“Our power stations in the Teesta basin were unfortunately hit by unprecedented flash floods in north Sikkim. Our 510 MW Teesta V power station and 500 MW Teesta VI hydropower project, which is under construction, have suffered damages. Teesta Low Dam (TLDP) III and TLDP IV power stations have also been affected, leading to forced outages. TLDP IV has been made operational, and TLDP III is likely to be restored very shortly,” he said. However, restoration of the under-construction Teesta V power station is likely to take a year. https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/budget/moody-monsoons-erratic-rains-pulled-down-hydropower-generation-by-8-in-h1fy24-nhpc-11814781.html (27 Nov. 2023)
India Hydro generation falls India’s hydropower generation dropped 30% in Oct 2023 compared to that in Oct 2022 by 5 BU due to lower rainfall. Solar power generation went up by 1.3 BU and wind power by 0.3 BU. Total power generation went up by 24 BU. https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/power/opinion-india-turns-to-coal-as-hydro-generation-falls/105641336 (01 Dec. 2023)
Sikkim Hydel power’s 11,400 cr claim key in climate risk management A decision on Sikkim Urja’s Rs 11,400 crore claim for the destroyed 1,200MW Teesta III hydropower project, which is the largest in the category and one that reinsurers are reluctant to cover, is expected soon. Reinsurers have capped their liability at Rs 500 crore for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF). While reinsurers are willing to offer bigger coverage limits, the associated premiums are significantly higher and can impact project cost estimates. If insurers cap their liability at Rs 500 crore, lenders may hesitate to finance projects located in river basins exposed to GLOF risks. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/sikkim-hydel-powers-11400-crore-claim-key-in-climate-risk-management/articleshow/105543432.cms (28 Nov. 2023)
Save the Hills photoblog shows the destruction of Sikkim GLOF at NHPC facilities at Teesta V and VI projects. https://savethehills.blogspot.com/2023/12/photographic-record-of-04oct2023-on.html (01 Dec. 2023)
The original bridge over Zeema Chu was washed away by a GLOF on Oct 3, 2023, cutting off Lachen from the rest of the state. https://nenow.in/north-east-news/sikkim/sikkim-army-bro-build-bailey-bridge-over-zeema-chu-reconnecting-lachen.html (28 Nov. 2023)
Jammu & Kashmir CBI conducting searches over ‘graft’ in contract for Rs 2,200-cr Kiru HEP The CBI is conducting searches at six locations in four cities in connection with the alleged graft flagged by former governor Satya Pal Malik in awarding the contract for the Rs 2,200-crore civil work for the Kiru Hydro Power Project in Kishtwar in 2019, officials said on December 2. The searches are spread across three locations, including the premises of Kanwaljeet Singh Duggal of Mainstream IT Solutions Private Limited and D P Singh, they said.
Three premises of the company and Duggal in Delhi and one each in Shimla, Noida and Chandigarh are being covered during the operation, the officials said. This is the fourth round of searches in the case in which the CBI had already carried out similar operations on April 21 and July 6 last year and May 17 this year, they said.
Malik, who was the governor of J&K from August 23, 2018 to October 30, 2019, had alleged that he was offered a Rs 300-crore bribe for clearing two files, including the one pertaining to the project. “The case was registered on allegations of malpractices in award of the contract worth approximately Rs 2,200 crore of civil works of Kiru Hydro Electric Power Project (HEP) to a private company in the year 2019,” the CBI had said earlier.
The agency has booked the former chairman of the Chenab Valley Power Projects (Private) Limited, Navin Kumar Chaudhary, former officials M S Babu, M K Mittal and Arun Kumar Mishra and Patel Engineering Limited. Chaudhary is a 1994-batch Jammu and Kashmir-cadre (now AGMUT cadre) IAS officer. “Though a decision was taken in 47th board meeting of CVPPPL (Chenab Valley Power Projects (P) Ltd) for re-tender through e-tendering with reverse auction after cancellation of ongoing tendering process, same was not implemented (as per decision taken in 48th board meeting) and tender was finally awarded to Patel Engineering Limited,” the FIR has alleged. https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/cbi-conducting-searches-over-graft-in-contract-for-rs-2200-crore-kiru-hydro-power-project-in-jk-11844231.html (02 Dec. 2023)
Uttarakhand Water leak from Maneri Bhali 2 HEP tunnel spooks villages Over 1 cumec of water is leaking from 16 km long tunnel of Maneri Bhali 2 HEP of UJVNL just 16 km from Silkyara, since Nov 2021. In 2008 there was such a leakage. This time, UJVNL knows about it, but has not been able to fix so far. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/35km-from-silkyara-water-leak-from-tunnel-spooks-villages/articleshow/105685910.cms (03 Dec. 2023)
Rs 1,658-cr reconstruction plan for Joshimath cleared A high-level committee, under the chairmanship of Home Minister Amit Shah, on Thursday (Nov. 30) approved the recovery and reconstruction (R&R) plan of Rs 1,658.17 crore for Joshimath town. Under this R&R plan, Rs 1,079.96 crore of central assistance will be provided from the recovery and reconstruction window of the National Disaster Response Fund. The state govt will provide Rs 126.41 crore from its state disaster response fund towards relief assistance and Rs 451.80 crore from its state budget, including land acquisition cost for resettlement of Rs 91.82 crore. The recovery plan for Joshimath would be implemented in three years, following the best practices, BBB (build, back & better) principles and sustainability initiatives. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/1-658-crore-reconstruction-plan-for-joshimath-cleared-567585 (01 Dec. 2023)
Arunachal Pradesh Govt plans India plans to set up 13 hydroelectric projects, aiming to add 13,000 Mw to the national grid. Union Power Minister R.K. Singh, following his visit to the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, said that these projects would entail an investment of Rs 1.4 lakh crore and are expected to substantially raise the per capita income in the region. https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/renewable/govt-plans-13-hydel-projects-worth-rs-1-4-lakh-crore-in-arunachal-for-13000-mw-boost/105557375 (28 Nov. 2023)
-Informing the media that India’s hydro power capacity is increasing, the Minister said that besides Subansiri which is a large project, the Arunachal Pradesh govt has entered into MoUs with central public sector undertakings for 13 projects, which will amount to a hydroelectric capacity of 13,000 MW in Arunachal. “These projects will bring in investment of around Rs. 1.4 lakh crore in the state, resulting in quadrupling of per capita income. And the nation will get clean power.” Similarly, five hydel projects are under construction in Jammu & Kashmir; hence, our hydro potential in J&K too is moving ahead and a lot of investment is coming in, added Shri Singh. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1980282 (28 Nov. 2023)
Jharkhand Hydel project at Lugu Buru Pahad won’t be allowed: CM amid protests CM has announced that no hydel power project proposed by DVC will be built in Lugu Hills near Bokaro as this place is a cultural heritage for the tribals. https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/dvc-hydel-project-at-lugu-buru-pahad-won-t-be-allowed-soren-amid-protests-123112700799_1.html (27 Nov. 2023)
Maharashtra Tata Power to start work on two pumped hydro projects by mid-2024 Tata Power, which recently signed an agreement with the Maharashtra government for development of two pumped hydro storage projects with combined capacity of 2,800 MW in the state, is targeting to start work on both the plants by mid of 2024. In August this year, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed for the development of a 1,800 MW of pumped hydro storage plant (PSP) at Shirawata in Pune district and a 1,000 MW PSP at Bhivpuri in Raigad district. The proposed capital investment for the projects is Rs 13,000 crore. https://indianexpress.com/article/business/tata-power-to-start-work-on-two-pumped-hydro-projects-in-maharashtra-by-mid-2024-9046472/ (29 Nov. 2023)
Madhya Pradesh CM laid foundation stone for Greenko’s 11500 Cr, 1440 MW Pump storage in Neemuch district, now being expanded to 1920 MW. https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/power/mp-cm-shivraj-chouhan-lays-foundation-stone-for-indias-largest-pumped-storage-project-at-neemuch/104173817 (05 Oct. 2023)
DAMS
Gujarat Govt has asked for inspection of about 30 dams that are 107 to 155 years old to check if they are able to store water safely, if any special work is necessary. Gujarat Dam Safety Org has submitted the report to Guj Govt.
Rajasthan NGT prohibits Bisalpur Dam project activities The NGT has prohibited Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project Corporation Limited (ERCPCL) from proceeding with desilting, dredging, mineral extraction and disposal at the Bisalpur Dam in Tonk district without obtaining environmental clearance. In an order on Nov 24 2023, the central zonal bench of the tribunal in Bhopal also directed the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board to take necessary preventive, prohibitory, punitive and remedial measures in case of violations of environmental laws. The order by a bench of judicial member Justice Sudhir Agarwal and expert member Afroz Ahmad came on a petition file by Jodhpur-resident Dinesh Bothra challenging the tender for the contract of sand mining at the Bisalpur Dam for 20 years. https://www.millenniumpost.in/nation/ngt-prohibits-bisalpur-dam-project-activities-541942 (26 Nov 2023)
Mullaperiyar dam Demarcate land covered by 1886 lease: SC The Supreme Court on Nov 28 directed the Survey of India to examine whether a mega car park project envisaged by Kerala near the Mullaperiyar dam area enters the property covered by the Periyar Lake Lease Agreement of October 1886. The Oct 29, 1886 lease indenture was for a period of 999 years and signed between the Maharaja of Travancore & the Secretary of State for India for the Periyar irrigation works. The court gave the Survey of India three months to complete the exercise. The order came after both Tamil Nadu and Kerala had agreed to the survey by the Survey of India. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/mullaperiyar-dam-case-demarcate-land-covered-by-1886-lease-check-if-mega-car-parking-is-in-the-lease-area-says-sc/article67582317.ece (28 Nov. 2023)
INTERSTATE WATER DISPUTES
SANDRP Blog Lessons for Other River Basins from the Cauvery Dispute Guest Article by Prof Bhakti Devi Numerous articles have cropped up explaining the reason behind the Cauvery water inter-state dispute.
A remarkable thing to note in these explanations is that every one of the articles focuses on the volumetric allocation of water. Even the documents relating to legal agreements between the two states on how the water of the Cauvery River will be shared focus on the volumetric distribution. Which, on the surface, appears completely logical but seems illogical when you understand the science of how a river gets its water which is the elephant in the room. https://sandrp.in/2023/11/29/lessons-for-other-river-basins-from-the-cauvery-dispute/ (29 Nov. 2023)
URBAN RIVERS
Panchkula Young, old line up to save Ghaggar Residents from various parts of Panchkula formed a human chain at the Ghaggar bridge on Wednesday (Nov. 29) to create awareness among people not to throw garbage into the river. Residents said their motive is to fight river pollution and demand action from the administration. The residents said they are concerned about religious items being thrown into the Ghaggar, a practice that also causes traffic jams. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/save-ghaggar-young-and-old-residents-form-human-chain-to-fight-river-pollution/articleshow/105608433.cms (30 Nov. 2023)
RIVERS
SANDRP Blog Preserve the Ecological Integrity of Rivers – statement on Pune RFD by IRW 2023 Every year IRF organizes the India Rivers Week (IRW) to raise awareness regarding these issues. This year IRW, organized in Pune, brought together more than 100 practitioners, including representatives from academia and civil society movements, to discuss River Front Development (RFD) unfolding in different parts of the country. https://sandrp.in/2023/11/27/preserve-the-ecological-integrity-of-rivers-statement-on-pune-river-front-development-by-india-river-week-2023/ (27 Nov. 2023)
The India Rivers Forum, a network of organisations and individuals who work towards conservation and safeguarding the country’s rivers and organised the India Rivers Week, is calling for a suspension of the RFD project and a proper review with the participation of everybody. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/environment-body-calls-for-a-rethink-on-river-front-development-9044988/ (28 Nov. 2023) Statement adopted unanimously by the participants of India Rivers Week 2023 on behalf of India Rivers Forum. https://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/preserve-ecological-integrity-rivers (28 Nov. 2023)
The serene beauty of the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary along the banks of Mula-Mutha is under threat as hundreds of trucks and tractors, claiming ownership of the area, continue to dump debris and garbage within its boundaries. This act of flagrant disregard for the sanctuary’s sanctity has irked environmentalists and locals alike. While lack of coordination between the forest department and the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is believed to have led to the degradation of the sanctuary, someone encroaching upon it on Mahar ‘Vatan’ ownership claims has made the scenario seemingly complicated. https://punemirror.com/pune/cover-story/pune-ravaging-a-bird-sanctuary/cid1701628618.htm (04 Dec. 2023)
Tamil Nadu A clean river, less pollution say children of north Chennai As rain-heavy clouds gathered over the Kosasthalaiyar in Ennore on Sunday, November 26, 2023, local residents huddled into a convention centre across the North Chennai Thermal Power Station to watch a play titled Oru Ooril Oru Aaru, or ‘There once was a river’, enacted by 10 children of the Arunodhaya Children Sangam, a Chennai-based project that works towards children’s empowerment. Supported by the The Other Media’s British Academy-sponsored Good City project, theatre professionals and young residents of north Chennai have used stories of pre-industrialised Ennore from the oral history of the region’s elders to portray the changes that the development of a city brought to this locality. The play touched upon not just the damage to fisherfolks’ livelihoods, but also to their land, sea, drinking water, and health. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/a-clean-river-less-pollution-and-equality-are-their-goals-say-children-of-north-chennai-through-interactive-play/article67577572.ece (27 Nov. 2023)
Madhya Pradesh Tradition of leaving infants in flowing river Every year villagers in Betul, who strongly adhere to their customs, put their babies in cradles and let them float in the Purna River at the Purna Mai temple. This ceremony holds significance for childless couples who believe in its traditional practice. It is a ritual where couples without children visit the Purna Mai temple with hopes and wishes. After their prayers are answered and they become parents, they follow this unique tradition by placing their newborns in cradles and gently releasing them into the flowing stream of the Purna River.
This practice is part of a 15-day fair held on the banks of the Purna River in Bhainsdehi, starting with Kartik Purnima. According to the villagers, this age-old tradition has been practiced for many years without any mishaps. During Kartik Purnima and the two subsequent days, an additional 500 children participate in the ritual, being released into the Purna River, yet remarkably, no accidents have been reported to date. Devotees from not only Madhya Pradesh but also from Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh gather to participate in this ceremony. The belief is that Mother Purna Mai has the power to fulfill the wishes of those who take part in this unique tradition. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/in-this-madhya-pradesh-village-infants-left-in-flowing-river-as-part-of-tradition-heres-why-4618588 (29 Nov. 2023)
GANGA Uttarakhand Silkyara tunnel a contentious project Kavita Upadhayay’s excellent report on Silkaya Tunnel Disaster and Char Dham Highway. -Himanshu Thakkar, coordinator of SANDRP, said that a thorough EIA would have ensured proper geological studies, muck disposal plans, and the construction of the escape passage. However, the EIA was not done. https://thewire.in/environment/silkyara-tunnel-collapse-char-dham (1 Dec. 2023)
The government ignored a big threat, according to Himanshu Thakkar, the coordinator of the SANDRP. The Main Himalayan Thrust, where the Indian plate pushes under the Eurasian plate, runs through Uttarakhand and is close to the tunnel site. Obviously, this has “seismic and shear zone implications”, Thakkar wrote last month.
“In the case of the Char Dham Highway project, even environmental impact assessment was avoided by breaking the 900-kilometre long highway into some 53 smaller projects,” he wrote.
“In case of the Silkyara-Barkot tunnel, it is not even clear if the geological alignment assessments included the existence of the Main Central Thrust close to the tunnel site, with seismic and shear zone implications,” he states. https://www.newsclick.in/uttarakhand-tunnel-collapsed-20-times-5-years-report (01 Dec. 2023)
We should ensure that not just the successful rescue effort but the systemic failure that led to the disaster also stays in our collective consciousness. Excellent and timely piece by Manshi Asher on tunneling across Himalayas. https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/a-tunnel-vision-that-hurts-the-himalayas-101701265850299.html (29 Nov. 2023)
Geologist and Adjunct Professor at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, CP Rajendran said the aspect of tectonic fault lines were not taken into consideration before construction started at the Silkyara-Barkot tunnel in Uttarkashi. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/uttarkashi-tunnel-collapse-tectonic-fault-lines-not-considered-before-construction-geologist-cp-rajendran-2468231-2023-11-27 (27 Nov. 2023)
Key points of this TOI EDIT on Silkyara Chardham Tunnel Disaster: Review the Chardham Highway both from Environment impacts and risk assessment perspectives. Ignoring this will defeat the purpose. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/toi-editorials/silkyaras-2-lessons-first-when-agencies-work-together-even-tough-jobs-can-be-tackled-second-revisit-project-risk-assessment/ (29 Nov. 2023)
In the second edit in as many days in TOI, the demand is rightly for National Review of workers safety as current laws clearly do not work. But it should have also asked for a more robust compliance mechanism, today there is none. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/toi-editorials/tunnels-tales-silkyara-should-lead-to-a-national-review-of-worker-safety-across-sectors-current-laws-dont-work/ (30 Nov. 2023)
Good to see the Hindustan Times edit calls for rethink of the mega projects ongoing and planned in the Himalayas. https://www.hindustantimes.com/editorials/happy-ending-and-a-call-for-caution-101701267200295.html (29 Nov. 2023)
Construction to restart as soon as the debris is cleared: NHIDCL No one can foresee such incidents, NHIDCL director of administration and finance Anshu Manish Khalkho told The Hindu, stressing that NHIDCL has no reason to either stop the project or keep it on hold. “We have taken a break to clear the machinery that was called to the spot for the rescue operations. Even the workers need some break and we will soon take the construction work forward,” he said, adding that the clearing of the debris is likely to take three to four months.
Asked whether NHIDCL would undertake any geological survey or safety audit before restarting the work, Mr. Khalko claimed that the construction and geological survey would go on “simultaneously”. There have been at least 21 previous collapse incidents since the project began, he acknowledged, but claimed that no one had ever been hurt in any of these incidents, maintaining that such a situation is common at tunnel construction sites.
Mr. Khalkho also disputed the claims that a team of rat-hole miners, now being celebrated across the country for completing the last leg of the Silkyara rescue operation, had dug through 18 metres of debris in 26 hours. Their digging speed is only one metre per six hours, he said. “I dont want to take away the credit which is being given to them, but they cleared the muck that came in the way when we pushed the pipe through the auger [drilling machine],” he said. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/silkyara-tunnel-construction-to-restart-as-soon-as-the-debris-is-cleared-nhidcl/article67591660.ece (30 Nov. 2023)
Anshu Manish Khalkho, said on Nov 30 2023, “Around 19-20 minor to medium-level collapses occurred during the construction of the tunnel.” The collapses, also referred to as ‘cavities’, occurred on both the Silkyara side and the Barkot end of the tunnel, Khalkho said, adding that “more collapses occurred on the Barkot side than the Silkyara side”. He further said that an area of 160 to 260 meters (also called chainage) inside the mouth of the tunnel from Silkyara end was identified as a ‘red zone’ or a ‘shear zone’ having brittle rocks. “Additional protective measures will be taken to reinforce the area,” said Khalkho.
– Another official connected with the tunnel construction, preferring to remain anonymous, said that “the tunnel had faced numerous cavity collapses due to the challenging geology of the region and significant rock deformation”. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/silkyara-tunnel-collapsed-20-times-in-past-5-years/articleshow/105637134.cms (01 Dec. 2023)
Navayuga Engineering Company Ltd will bear expenses incurred in the 17-day rescue operation. Anshu Manish Khalkho, told TOI, “We’re going to bill the expenses incurred in the rescue to Navayuga Engineering Ltd.” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/co-constructing-tunnel-will-bear-cost-of-rescue-operation/articleshow/105637544.cms (1 Dec 2023)
Union road transport and highways secretary, Anurag Jain told TOI, “We will review the SOP for safety requirements that need to be followed during construction and operation to avoid any mishap. We will also be reviewing theprovisions of contract management for tunnels to include risk matrix taking into consideration the geological conditions.” Officials said there will also be renewed focus on geological mapping of the Himalayan regions, considering that several infrastructure projects are under construction and have been planned across this region. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/after-ordeal-govt-to-review-sop-on-tunnels/articleshow/105690770.cms (03 Dec. 2023)
This report has some details on man power and machinery involved in the rescue operations. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/dehradun-news/around-1-000-personnel-involved-in-uttarkashi-tunnel-rescue-ops-officials-101701606698918.html (03 Dec. 2023)
“This is a war, and the enemy is Himalayan geology,” NDMA member Syed Ata Hasnain told reporters earlier this week. The recognition that the Himalayan geology fragile enough to foil the most concerted rescue efforts is proof of the extreme caution that should have been taken when the Char Dham Pariyojana was on the drawing board, experts say. https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/no-more-eyewash-in-due-processes-of-environmentally-sensitive-projects-123112600655_1.html (26 Nov. 2023)
Three months earlier, 20 workers and engineers lost their lives on the Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Expressway in Maharashtra’s Thane district. A gantry crane used to construct a viaduct that was part of the expressway’s third phase collapsed and fell on the workers and the engineers present at the site. The first phase of the expressway was inaugurated by Modi in December 2022. An FIR was registered against the sub-contractors of Navayuga Engineering Company Limited and VSL Pvt Ltd.
– Navayuga, a Hyderabad-based multi-crore company, found itself in the crosshairs of the Jagan Mohan Reddy government in Andhra Pradesh when power changed hands from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) to Reddy’s YSR Congress Party in 2019. The Jagan regime seemed to view Navayuga as ‘pro-TDP’ and close to its arch rival, Chandrababu Naidu. Income Tax Raid on Oct 26 2018.
– In mid-2020, Navayuga had also been granted the government’s ambitious Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail link project. https://thewire.in/business/who-was-building-the-uttarakhand-tunnel-that-collapsed (28 Nov. 2023)
A worker, who did not wish to be named, said he was asked to take rest for two days, after which he will be briefed by the contractor. An official said the work will remain halted till a safety audit is done. https://www.ptinews.com/news/north/day-after-massive-rescue-operation-silkyara-tunnel-wears-deserted-look/697757.html (29 Nov. 2023)
Rat-hole mining may be illegal but the talent and experience of rat-hole miners were used in the rescue operation to save the 41 workers trapped in the Silkyara tunnel, a NDMA member said on Tuesday (Nov. 27). NDMA member Lt. Gen. (retd) Syed Ata Hasnain said that rat-hole miners did a phenomenal job by digging 10 metres in less than 24 hours. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rat-hole-miners-talent-experience-come-in-handy-in-rescue-of-41-trapped-workers-at-silkyara/article67584203.ece (28 Nov. 2023)
The job eventually fell to 12 so-called “rat-hole miners” or “rat miners” such as Qureshi, who were tasked with chipping away at 12 metres of debris — at the end of it lay freedom for all those men and relief for all their families. People from Bundelkhand in Uttar Pradesh, where many of the 12 men hail from, said several of them earlier worked in granite and stone mines in the region. Many also worked in mines in Ahmedabad, Gujarat and Maharashtra. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ratmining-gets-job-done-101701197972304.html (29 Nov. 2023)
On Tuesday (Nov. 29), they were heroes. But down the decades, in India and in most other mineral-rich parts of the world, they were held up as examples of what goes wrong when economic desperation forces people to seek livelihoods risking their lives. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/toi-editorials/heroes-in-silkyara-at-risk-in-mines-around-the-world/ (29 Nov. 2023)
Vaqeel Hasan, who owns Delhi-based Rockwell Enterprises, said: “In our team, there are both Hindus and Muslims, and people from both religions worked hard to save these 41 lives. None of them could have done this alone, and this is the message I want to give to everyone… We should all live in harmony and not spread the poison of hate. We all want to give our 100 per cent for the country… Please convey my message to everyone.” https://indianexpress.com/article/india/uttarakhand-tunnel-rescue-hindus-muslims-together-saved-41-trapped-workers-9047959/ (30 Nov. 2023)
When the heroes of the hour are asked what they want, their wishes are both simple and profound: a pucca house for an elderly mother, village roads, love and human dignity that crosses religious and caste lines, life insurance and fair wages for all workers, and an assurance that such a collapse is not allowed to happen again. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/never-got-so-much-praise-for-doing-our-jobs-say-muslim-and-dalit-rat-hole-miners-who-rescued-trapped-silkyara-workers/article67587279.ece (31 Nov. 2023)
The lack of ventilation and safety measures brought controversy to the method, which was banned by an environmental court in 2014. But the practice has continued to exist in the largely unorganised mining sector. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/29/how-rat-miners-rescued-workers-from-indian-tunnel-after-17-days (29 Nov. 2023)
The recent collapse of the Silkyara-Barkot tunnel, in the under-construction stretch of the pilgrimage route expansion along the Char Dhams has once again placed the unwelcome spotlight on safety concerns and matters of procedure — rather, their complete absence — in the execution of such projects in the mountains. https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/uttarakhand-tunnel-rescue-dev-bhoomi-9045504/ (29 Oct. 2023)
इस साल ही कम से कम तीन बड़ी आपदायें हिमालयी क्षेत्र के तीन अलग-अलग राज्यों में हुईं जिनमें साल की शुरुआत में उत्तराखंड के जोशीमठ में भू-धंसाव, फिर हिमाचल में बाढ़ से भारी तबाही और उसके बाद सिक्किम में बाढ़ से क्षति शामिल है. चौथी और ताज़ा घटना इस सुरंग के धंसने के रूप में है और इसमें भी पर्यावरण मानकों और स्टैंडर्ड कार्यपद्धति के उल्लंघन को लेकर कई सवाल हैं. https://hindi.newslaundry.com/2023/11/29/uttarakhand-uttarkashi-silkyara-tunnel-rescue-successful-but-accountability-missing-amid-increasing-disasters-in-the-cracked-himalayas (29 Nov. 2023)
Report India’s holy river desecrated By the time the Ganga reaches the floodplains, several tributaries, or streams that feed into others, replenish the river. But that water is only as good as the land that funnels rain into it, often called a catchment, said Himanshu Thakkar, coordinator of South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People, an influential network of environmentalists. “If the catchment is forested, the water quality and quantity are both high,” he said.
– “I would argue that the tributaries are more important than the mainstream of the Ganga,” said Thakkar, the water resources expert. According to a 2019 report, rivers in the Ganga basin—such as Betwa, Chambal, lower Yamuna, Damodar and Ganga Sagar—have recorded more than 50% decline in annual and seasonal flow between 1975 and 2005 alone.
– Vallabhacharya Pandey, a Gandhian philosopher who has lived in Varanasi all his life, remembers learning to swim in the Ganga in his childhood. “However, these days in summer months, we just walk across to cross the river,” he said. There is very little water flow, but that has not stopped the Modi government from dredging up the river to accomodate for large cargo—a plan that Thakkar, the water policy expert, said is “not economically viable.”
– I have never been a believer. I would never have even identified as Hindu. But, traveling the length of the Ganga made me think I could worship a natural life-affirming force. The river has, after all, nurtured the land, nourished its people, and fueled its biodiversity for millennia. Even if I don’t think it’s a God, that makes it no less divine. Over the course of my journey, I’ve realized that enough is enough. We’ve taken enough life from the river that gives it. Maybe it’s time to ask ourselves, Hindus and nonbelievers alike: If rivers are the cost of human growth, what do we humans stand to lose in the process? https://atmos.earth/indias-ganges-river-desecrated/ (27 Nov. 2023)
West Bengal Governance Issues Plague Namami Gange Himanshu Thakkar of SANDRP, told NewsClick that governance issues plague River Ganga management. The government’s focus on finance, infrastructure, and technology is inconsistent and often worsens the river’s condition.
Thakkar pointed out that various projects, such as the navigational route in the Ganges and the tent city in Varanasi, were detrimental to the river’s well-being. River link projects, inconsistent measures, and non-functional STPs contribute to the failure to achieve the project’s objectives.
To address governance issues, Thakkar suggested transparency, accountability, and participatory management. “Information about STPs should be publicly available, and STP management committees should include 50% external government nominees. We need more nature-friendly STPs, and water treated should be recycled, and there should be decentralised STPs along with environmental impact assessments, democratic decision-making processes, and annual reports for every Ganga tributary,” he said. https://www.newsclick.in/bengal-governance-issues-plague-namami-gange-polluted-water-flows-through-river (01 Dec. 2023)
Uttar Pradesh गंगा की सफाई तब होगी, जब गंगा बचेगी: बीडी त्रिपाठी-बनारस हिंदू विश्व विद्यालय के महामना मालवीय गंगा शोध संस्थान के अध्यक्ष बीडी त्रिपाठी ने 1977 में जब गंगा नदी के संदर्भ में प्रदूषण शब्द का पहली बार इस्तेमाल किया था तब देश में हंगामा मच गया था। संसद में सवाल उठे थे। आम लोगों के जन्म-मरण से जुड़ी गंगा के लिए प्रदूषित शब्द कोई मानने को तैयार नहीं था। लगभग पांच दशक से गंगा नदी की स्वच्छता को अपना एकमात्र लक्ष्य रखने वाले त्रिपाठी का अब कहना है कि गंगा की सफाई तब होगी, जब गंगा बचेगी। गंगा नदी के प्रवाह में इतनी कमी आ गई है कि उसके संदर्भ में प्रदूषण बेमानी है।
-अपने दशकों के शोध के आधार पर मैं आपको बता सकता हूं कि प्रदूषण अब एक गौण मुद्दा है। अब मुख्य चुनौती पवित्र नदी को बचाने की है। महज घाटों की सफाई या भव्य योजनाओं की घोषणा करने से कुछ हासिल नहीं होगा। एक बार पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री स्वर्गीय राजीव गांधी ने मुझसे पूछा था कि गंगा को लेकर स्वच्छता अभियान असफल क्यों हो जाते हैं। तब मैंने उनसे कहा था कि केंद्र और राज्य सरकारों के बीच किसी प्रकार का समन्वय नहीं होना एक बड़ा कारण है। दूसरा कारण है किसी के ऊपर गंगा की तयशुदा जिम्मेदारी नहीं है, इससे गंगा के प्रवाह में कमी, गाद तेजी से जमा हो रही है और तीसरा, गंगा में दोनों ओर से अतिक्रमण हो रहा है। ऐसे में नदी तेजी से सिकुड़ रही है और उथली होती जा रही है।
-अप्रैल में तो वाराणसी के घाट के पास रेत के टीले दिखाई पड़ने लगते हैं। वाराणसी के घाट पर रेत के टीले देख मुझे यकीन हो गया है कि गंगा न केवल प्रदूषित है, बल्कि यह एक आपदा के कगार पर खड़ी है। अकेले वाराणसी में ही नहीं जिन पांच राज्यों से होकर यह बहती है, अगले 20 वर्षों में अधिकांश क्षेत्रों में नदी सूखने लगेगी। गंगा साफ नहीं हो सकती यह मुद्दा तो पीछे रह गया है। अब एक मात्र लक्ष्य नदी को बचाने का होना चाहिए क्योंकि इसका अस्तित्व ही खतरे में है। अगर हमने ऐसा नहीं किया तो आने वाले वर्षों में गंगा अपने आप “साफ” हो जाएगी। यही नहीं कुछ-कुछ 2013 की केदारनाथ व हाल में ही जोशीमठ में आई आपदा जैसा हाल होगा। https://www.downtoearth.org.in/hindistory/river/ganga/If-Ganga-dries-up-the-lives-of-45-crore-people-will-be-in-danger-92796 (28 Nov. 2023)
Bihar SC directs govt to remove encroachments near the Ganga The Supreme Court has ordered the Bihar government to clear unauthorised constructions from the floodplains of river Ganga, especially in and around Patna. The order came on an affidavit filed by Bihar identifying 213 unauthorised constructions near the river. The State said it was taking measures to remove the encroachments. A Bench of Justices Aniruddha Bose and Augustine George Masih directed the State government to file an affidavit informing it about the removal of identified illegal structures.
The top court was hearing a plea filed by Patna resident Ashok Kumar Sinha against the June 30, 2020, order of the NGT dismissing his plea against illegal constructions and permanent encroachments on the eco-fragile floodplains. The plea contended that the tribunal passed the order without examining the detailed particulars of the violators encroaching upon the Ganga floodplains in Patna submitted by the appellant.
The plea stated that the tribunal failed to note the fact that a clean Ganga was vital and essential to meet the drinking and domestic water needs of the 5.5 lakh population of the city as the groundwater in the district was contaminated with Arsenic. “A massive 520 acres of ecologically sensitive Ganga floodplain, stretching from Nauzer Ghat to Nurpur Ghat, in Patna, have been usurped. This stretch is prone to recurrent floods every year. A multi-storey building, belonging to the Takhat Shri Harmandir Sahib, has further come up since 2017 and parts, thereof, are still under construction,” the plea said. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sc-directs-bihar-to-remove-encroachments-near-ganga-river/article67598460.ece (02 Dec. 2023) https://www.livelaw.in/amp/top-stories/ensure-no-further-constructions-adjacent-to-ganga-river-supreme-court-directs-bihar-govt-243485 (01 Dec. 2023)
YAMUNA Uttar Pradesh 35km elevated road to be built along Yamuna The Noida authority has decided to build a 35km elevated road along river Yamuna, above the embankment road, with an aim to boost connectivity between twin industrial cities of Noida and Greater Noida. The authority officials on Wednesday (Nov. 29) discussed the project details with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and Uttar Pradesh irrigation department in a meeting held in Delhi to expedite work on this project.
Earlier, the authority explored the idea of building an elevated above Noida-Greater Noida Expressway but the authority shelved that idea and decided to construct the 35km elevated road along the Yamuna instead. The NHAI and the irrigation department teams have already conducted an inspection of the site to decide the alignment of the new elevated road. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/noida-news/noida-to-build-35km-elevated-road-along-the-yamuna-to-greater-noida-101701282521583.html (30 Nov. 2023)
FISH, FISHERIES, FISHERFOLKS
Tamil Nadu Impact of fishing technologies on wellbeing of fisherwomen The paper titled ‘Both visible and invisible: women, risk-taking and the expansion of fisheries technologies in South India’ published in Gender, Technology and Development argues that it is important to understand the constraints that determine women’s ability to access the opportunities created through new fish capture technologies and of how these differing gender constraints and contexts can make the impact of policy decisions uneven. The ring seine ban has had a devastating impact on women auctioneers who have invested large sums of money, yet are invisible when it comes to accessing compensation or industry funding intended for men involved in the fish catching sector. Even if men too have not been compensated, they can return to small-scale fishing or migrate for work. These options are not available to women. https://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/impact-fishing-technologies-wellbeing-fisherwomen-tamil-nadu (19 Nov. 2023)
Gujarat Green Humour by Rohan Chakravarty on ‘ghol’, the new State fish.
SAND MINING
Punjab Beldar killed for stopping illegal mining from canal A beldar of the Punjab irrigation department was killed for stopping illegal mining of sand from a canal at village Kotla Bajja Singh falling under the jurisdiction of Rangar Nangal Police Station of Batala Police district, officials said. The victim, along with his colleagues, was guarding the canal at night when they spotted some persons mining the sand illegally from the canal at around 1:40 am on Nov. 22. On seeing the illegal activity, they stopped them, police said.
Police said the accused attacked the victim when he tried to take the tractor to the irrigation department. “When Darshan Singh sat on the tractor, he was attacked by the driver, identified as Joginder Singh, with fists and a stick. This left him critically injured. Darshan’s colleagues took him to the hospital, but he was declared dead, the police said. SHO Sukhwinder Singh said the victim was injured in the attack and subsequently died at a local hospital. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/punjabbeldar-killed-for-stopping-illegal-mining-from-canal-101700767463756.html (24 Nov. 2023)
Madhya Pradesh About riverbed sand mining death and violence. https://epaper.subahsavere.news/clip/8527 (02 Dec. 2023)
Uttar Pradesh 2 get life term for killing activist who moved HC on sand mining A father-son duo were handed the life term on Thursday (Nov. 30) for the murder of a social activist who had taken up the cudgels against illegal sand mining on the banks of the Yamuna in 2013. The fast-track court convicted Sonu Chauhan (35) and his father Rajpal Chauhan (62) for the murder of Pale Ram (then 52) in Raipur Khadar area in July 2013. Rajpal’s two other sons – Kuldeep and Jitendra – were acquitted for lack of evidence. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/father-son-duo-sentenced-to-life-term-for-killing-activist-in-noida-sand-mining-case/articleshow/105690807.cms (03 Dec. 2023)
Himachal Pradesh Mining mafia relays illegal roads to Neugal riverbed The mining mafia has restored illegal roads leading to the Neugal riverbed near Government Degree College, Thural. These illegal roads constructed in the forestland were dismantled by the forest and police departments last month following protests by different groups fighting to protect environment in Thural.
A complete ban has been imposed on all types of mining activities in the Neugal river following directions of the NGT and the HP High Court. However, mining on the riverbed is still is rampant. The state government has stayed allotment of mining lease on the directions of the NGT, but large-scale illegal mining and quarrying are going on unabated in the Thural area. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/mining-mafia-relays-illegal-roads-to-neugal-riverbed-in-thural-area-566544 (28 Nov. 2023)
Jammu & Kashmir NGT issues notice to DC Pulwama, SEIAA The National Green Tribunal (NGT) taking cognisance of illegal riverbed mining in Romshi nallah in Pulwama has issued notices to District Magistrate (Deputy Commissioner) Pulwama and J&K State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA). The double bench of NGT headed by Justice Prakash Srivastava (Chairperson) and A Senthil Veil (expert member) while acting on the petition of social activist Raja Muzaffar Bhat on Tuesday directed the District Magistrate Pulwama and SEIAA to file their detailed reports before the next date of hearing. The case is now again listed before the NGT on February 5, 2024.
On the orders of NGT the illegal riverbed mining in Doodh Ganga has been stopped since June 1 this year and already Geology and Mining Department Budgam has already paid Rs 1 crore as a penalty as well last year. The case is still pending in NGT and very recently Govt gave sanction for Rs 32 crores on NGT orders to be used for restoration of Doodh Ganga. https://www.greaterkashmir.com/kashmir/illegal-mining-in-romshi-nallah-pulwama-ngt-issues-notice-to-dc-pulwama-seiaa/ (30 Nov. 2023)
Haryana New portal to help dept curb mining menace The Mines and Geology Department has found a way to curb illegal mining with the help of a newly developed portal — Haryana Mines and Geology Information System (HMGIS). The new portal, HMGIS, was launched about two months ago in the state, but it is expected to become functional on December 1. It has replaced the old e-ravaana portal.
The weighing bridge of every stone crusher, screening plant, mining quarry and mineral dealer licence, obtained by any person to undertake mining-related work, is mandatory to be connected with the new portal, which will not issue transit pass until the vehicle is weighed standing on the weighing bridge. Om Dutt Sharma, Mining Officer, Yamunanagar, said there were about 450 stone crushers and screening plants and 10 mining quarries in the district. He said the work of uploading information related to those units was being done on the new portal. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/new-portal-to-help-dept-curb-mining-menace-566885 (29 Nov. 2023)
NGT imposes Rs 10,000 cost for not following directions The NGT has imposed a cost of Rs 10,000 on Haryana for not filing a report on illegal mining in the Rithoj village of Gurugram district despite earlier directions. The green body was hearing a petition that claimed unscientific illegal mining in the village had resulted in the depletion of water table, green cover and damage to water bodies. A bench of NGT noted that the tribunal had earlier formed a panel that in its report had acknowledged the adverse effects of illegal mining. The bench said the authorities concerned took no action despite acknowledging the existence of illegal mining.
Following this, the tribunal sought a further action taken report. It said the tribunal, in its order dated January 5, had warned the panel of “stern action” for submitting a “casual report”. Considering another report the following month, the tribunal noted that the administration did not take any action despite the illegal mining continuing. In its order dated February 8, the tribunal had said the conduct showed paralysis of the administration on the subject, in breach of the ”public trust doctrine”, the bench added.
The NGT had also directed the Haryana chief secretary to personally look into the matter and take remedial measures, besides filing an action taken report within a month. The matter was listed on August 22 when the tribunal, after considering the report, found that the action taken to control the illegal mining was not disclosed in “quantified terms”. The tribunal had again sought a report from the state authorities within three months, the bench said. “We grant a further three weeks as prayed by counsel for the state to file the report, subject to a deposit of cost of Rs 10,000, which is to be deposited by the state in the ring-fenced account within one week,” the tribunal added. The matter has been posted to February 9 for further proceedings. https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/city-business/gurugram-illegal-mining-ngt-imposes-rs-10000-cost-on-haryana-for-not-following-directions-11843591.html (02 Dec. 2023)
Rajasthan 1 buried alive during illegal mining in Aravallis One person was killed and three were grievously injured when a hillock in the Aravallis collapsed during illegal mining at Deeg in Rajasthan. The four victims were buried under the debris, along with dumpers and other machines. Though they were pulled out, one died and the others are struggling for life. The incident took place at the Nangal crusher zone bordering Haryana near Ferozepur Jhirka. While the Rajasthan Police has launched an investigation, the local mining authorities and police conducted special drives in the area to ensure no such activity was being carried out.
According to mining officer RS Mangal, the illegal mining activity was being carried at around 2 am in the hills bordering Haryana. “Mubarik was supposed to transport the stone and was getting it filled when the hillock collapsed. Three others were buried and injured, and had to be pulled out. We are investigating the matter,” he said. A senior official revealed that notorious gangs of Dalsher and Hannan carried out illegal mining in the area and had intensified the operations during the elections. They would get cheap labour and transporters from the neighbouring Nuh district and paid off families to remain silent. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/criminal-nexus-1-buried-alive-during-illegal-mining-in-aravallis-566286 (27 Nov. 2023)
Tamil Nadu HC stays ED summons to DCs A bench of Justices SS Sundar and Sunder Mohan opined today that prima facie, ED had no jurisdiction to issue the summons to any of the State’s district collectors. “Prima facie the impugned summons are not within the jurisdiction of the respondent (ED) and they are just an attempt to investigate the possibility of identifying any proceeds of crime as a result of any activity that is not so far registered by the State authorities,” the Court said. However, the bench clarified that it has not imposed any stay on ED’s ongoing investigation in the case.
-The Court also remarked that the ED’s actions so far appeared to be part of a “fishing expedition.” “The respondent (ED) has launched a fishing expedition to identify possible proceeds of crime from information that might be furnished before the respondent about illegal mining,” the Court said. The Court recorded the said objection and said it will hear the matter on merits next month.
-The Court also dismissed the objections raised by ED on whether the Tamil Nadu government had the locus standi to file a petition to challenge the ED’s issuance of summons. The bench replied that the State had every right to approach the Court if it felt that the Central government was trying to preserve power in its own hand or if the Centre was acting in breach of the country’s federal structure. https://www.barandbench.com/news/madras-high-court-stays-ed-summons-district-collectors-mining-case-fishing-expedition (28 Nov. 2023)
The court stayed the summons for three weeks, but did not stay the ED investigation as requested by the DMK. The collectors and the state government ought to respond to ED’s queries in three weeks. Though, this is an interim order this is being seen as a big political win for the opposition and the issue is bound to turn into a long drawn legal battle with the ED likely to legally challenge. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/probe-agency-summons-to-5-tamil-nadu-officers-stayed-by-madras-high-court-4612959 (28 Nov. 2023)
The ED alleged in an affidavit in the Madras High Court on Monday (Nov. 27) that proceeds from illegal mining in Tamil Nadu over the last couple of years amounted to more than Rs 4,730 crore. The ED also pointed out the sharp contrast between this and the state’s officially recorded revenue from sand mining of Rs 36 crore. The ED also alleged in the affidavit that officials of the Water Resources Department told ED officers that they were asked by WRD minister Duraimurugan to skip or delay appearing before the agency. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chennai/tamil-nadu-minister-asked-officials-evade-ed-sand-mining-probe-agency-hc-affidavit-9045022/ (28 Nov. 2023)
Odisha Criminal proceeding should be initiated against former Cuttack Collector: HC Former Cuttack Collector and current Higher Education Director, Bhabani Shankar Chayani found himself in a soup after the Orissa High Court termed his affidavit on sand mining at Kathajodi riverbed as false on Saturday (Dec. 02). Hearing a plea, the HC observed criminal proceedings should be initiated against Chayani.
As per reports, a PIL was filed in the Orissa High court alleging illegal sand mining and transportation from Kathajodi riverbed. The petitioner alleged that the administration had turned a blind eye to the interests of the people of Cuttack. Following the PIL, the High Court had sought an affidavit from the district administration. Replying to the Court, the administration had said that nothing of that sort was happening and fine was collected whatever illegal mining had happened. However, the HC was irked by the administration’s false affidavit and said the irresponsible behaviour of the then Cuttack district collector was not acceptable.
“Since such a false affidavit has been filed by such a responsible officer without visualizing the ground reality, this Court takes a very serious view of the matter,” the Court said. “It is observed that the quarrying operation is being done in a mechanized way day in and day out violating the clause-C, sub clause-IV of the guidelines issued by the Department of Revenue and Disaster Management on April 26, 2019, which deals with quarrying/mining operation,” the High Court stated. https://odishatv.in/news/odisha/false-affidavit-on-kathajodi-sand-mining-criminal-proceeding-initiated-former-cuttack-collector-221593 (02 Dec. 2023)
Karnataka Save Sharavathi River from illegal sand mining Activists in the Western Ghats have urged CM Siddaramaiah to ensure that officials in Hosanagar and Sagar taluks of Shivamogga district protect Sharavathi river from illegal sand mining. In a letter to the CM, activist Girish Achar from Shivamogga noted that 58,000 acres of forests of the ghats have been lost in the backwaters of the dam built across the Sharavathi river. “Miscreants have destroyed forests and built motorable roads to illegally mine and transport sand from the river. Despite repeated requests, officials have not taken the necessary steps,” the letter said. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/save-sharavathi-river-from-illegal-sand-mining-activists-urge-karnataka-cm-siddaramaiah-2793638 (02 Dec. 2023)
WETLANDS, LAKES, WATER BODIES
Maharashtra Ensure no damage to Futala lake: HC Nagpur bench of Bombay high court on Nov 30 2023 directed the Mahametro and Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) to ensure that the construction activities undertaken by them do not result in causing any damage to Futala lake. While disposing of the PIL (No 4/2023) by Swachh Association through president Anusuya Chhabrani, a division bench comprising justices Atul Chandurkar and Vrushali Joshi held that the historic lake constructed by the Bhonsales in 1799, is not wetland, but a man-made water body.
– “The Mahametro and NMC should ensure that the water body where the floating banquet hall, floating restaurant as well as the artificial banyan tree are proposed, is kept clean and is properly maintained by taking all necessary precautions / steps. Though the present proceedings are being disposed of with a hope that the respondents would abide by our expectations, it is made clear that it would be open for any public-spirited citizen to bring to the court’s notice any acts that could result in causing damage to the water body in future,” the bench added. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/no-damage-to-futala-lake-bombay-hc-instructs-mahametro-nmc-nagpur/articleshow/105641647.cms (01 Dec. 2023)
Report How mothers built a forest in world’s largest delta -As the annual COP-28 summit kicks off in Dubai, on a remote, cyclone-battered island in the Sunderbans, a schoolteacher has rallied climate crisis’s most vulnerable community —mothers — to secure a mangrove forest and, consequently, their lives. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sunderbans-mothers-built-forest-world-largest-delta-9041477/ (26 Nov. 2023)
GROUNDWATER
Report NGT asks Centre, states, UTs to respond to issue of depleting groundwater levels -The case was initiated based on an article published in Hindustan Times titled ‘UN predicts groundwater level in India will reduce to ‘low’ by 2025.’ Recognizing the seriousness of the issue, the NGT has sought the response of the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the MoEFCC, as well as the water resources departments in 19 states and 2 union territories.
-The CGWB, in response, submitted a report stating that the government has implemented measures encompassing all the recommended actions outlined in the UN University report to enhance the groundwater situation in the country. However, the NGT noted that the CGWB’s Annual Report of 2022 portrayed a significantly different picture compared to the one presented before the Tribunal.
-The NGT recorded that the CGWB’s report showed over-extraction in several areas, particularly in Rajasthan and Gujarat, where prevailing arid climatic conditions resulted in low groundwater recharge. The matter is listed for further hearing on February 9, 2024. https://www.barandbench.com/news/ngt-centre-states-uts-respond-depleting-groundwater-levels-in-india (28 Nov. 2023)
Opinion Shallow aquifers- Essential but neglected resource Eklavya Prasad To ensure that shallow aquifers remain a reliable resource, it’s crucial for the outcomes and insights from the SAM initiative to influence a dominant mindset to be more receptive to shallow aquifers. SAM will also assist in incorporating the existing local knowledge about shallow aquifers into a decentralized strategy to preserve this vital resource. Last but not least, the SAM initiative can be expanded to guarantee water availability in water- scarce areas. Taking all these measures will certainly ensure that shallow aquifers are no longer overlooked. https://egov.eletsonline.com/2023/11/shallow-aquifers-an-essential-but-neglected-resource/ (23 Nov. 2023)
URBAN WATER
Book Review ‘Shades of Blue’: Water and the city, flow and flaws By taking us on a journey of specific cities, the authors shed light on a range of situations. The work traces a history of interventions, such as the work of Arthur Cotton in the Krishna-Godavari delta in the 19th century and the historic Bhakra and Nangal dams in newly Independent India. While steering clear of early labeling, it warns of how long-term consequences need careful thought. This is all the more so at a time of global warming. Much more study of natural flows of water, both above and below ground, should precede projects, not follow in their wake. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/book-reviews/seema-mundoli-and-harini-nagendras-shades-of-blue-water-and-the-city-flow-and-flaws-566126 (26 Nov. 2023)
Pune 11 NGO’s Issue Legal Notice To PMC, PCMC, PMRDA Eleven Pune city based NGO’s have decided to issue a legal notice to the Pune Municipal Corporation, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation and Pune Metropolitan Regional Development Authority over contempt of court as the authorities failed to constitute a committee to resolve the water issues faced by the residents living in the jurisdiction. The PIL 126/2023 regarding water problems faced by the residents of urban areas of Pune District was last heard by the Division Bench Headed by The Acting Chief Justice S V Gangapurwala and Justice Sandeep Marne at Bombay High Court on 10.04.2023. The Bench had gone into the details of the PIL and took note of the grave situation of water scarcity stated in the PIL in context to the urban areas of Pune District.
In a similar PIL during 2016-17 the Bombay High Court had directed the PMC to form a special committee to attend to the complaints of the residents regarding the water scarcity problem. Adv. Satya Muley points PMC had formed such a committee in the past, but the committee met only for 4 times during 2017 and 2018, and very surprisingly was dissolved stating the reason that there was no water scarcity problem. He also pointed out that had such a committee been functional, today the grave situation of water scarcity would not have arisen in urban areas of Pune District. Earlier during the hearing of November 29, 2022, and December 15, 2022, the Bombay High court had expressed serious concerns about the issue and also had warned for imposing fine on the respondents for their slow response. https://www.mypunepulse.com/water-crisis-in-pune-11-pune-ngos-issue-legal-notice-to-pmc-pcmc-pmrda/ (23 Nov. 2023)
Pimpri-Chinchwad Operate STPs or face supply disconnection: PCMC The environment department of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has warned 41 large housing societies of water supply disconnection unless they operationalise their sewage treatment plants and reuse the treated water. “The sewage treatment plants in 41 large housing societies have been shut for a long time. We have issued notices to them to restart the plants with immediate effect. Else, we will disconnect their water supply after December 11,” said PCMC joint city engineer Sanjay Kulkarni, who heads the environment department. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/sewage-treatment-plants-water-supply-disconnection-pcmc-housing-societies-9050200/ (01 Dec. 2023)
Bhopal Battling water woes in land of tragedy Even as activists speak up, the Supreme Court issues directives, and families suffer, the government moves ever so slowly to clear the toxic waste from the Union Carbide factory that is impacting groundwater. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/39-years-after-the-bhopal-gas-tragedy-water-contamination-worries-survivors/article67598837.ece (03 Dec. 2023)
Ghaziabad NGT takes a stern view of solid waste dumping The NGT during its latest hearing said the report submitted on November 22 and “a third member was also included by the joint committee on its own without any direction or permission of the tribunal and the said third member — city health officer, Nagar Nigam Ghaziabad — has also signed the joint report.” The counsel appearing for the municipal corporation said the city health officer was included in the joint committee as he had done inspection on the instructions of the district magistrate, Ghaziabad.
“The report also mentions that the inspection of the site was done on November 11, 2023, by the three-member committee. The Tribunal fails to understand under which authority the third member was included in the committee when only two member joint committee was appointed by the tribunal… Hence, we issue notice to district magistrate, Ghaziabad, to explain his conduct of violating to the order of the tribunal and acting contrary to it by including the third member in the committee though the committee of only two members was formed. Let the reply be filed within four weeks,” the tribunal said in its order on November 24. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/noida-news/ngt-takes-a-stern-view-of-solid-waste-dumping-in-ghaziabad-101701282761465.html (30 Nov. 2023)
WATER POLLUTION
Maharashtra SC stays NGT order directing govt to pay ₹12,000 cr for improper SWM Supreme Court on Tuesday (Nov. 28) stayed an order of the NGT that directed the State of Maharashtra to pay ₹12,000 crore as environmental compensation for improper waste management. Appearing for the government, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi contested the fine amount and informed the Court that a review was pending before the NGT.
“There are so many zeroes that I cannot even count in the fine. There is a review pending before the NGT,” he said. Accordingly, a Bench of CJI DY Chandrachud as well as Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra issued notice on the plea and stayed the NGT order. On September 10, 2022, the NGT had ordered the Maharashtra government to pay ₹12,000 crore as environmental compensation for improper management of solid and liquid waste. https://www.barandbench.com/news/supreme-court-stays-ngt-order-maharashtra-12000-crore-improper-waste-management (28 Nov. 2023)
HFL BREACH
Andhra Pradesh River Kalangi part of east flowing rivers basin between Palar and Kanyakumar at Pallamala site in Chittoor district has crossed old HFL 100.05 m dated 12.11.2021 and continues to be in extreme flood situation.
River Kalingi at Sullurpet site in Nellore district has crossed old HFL 6.65 m dated 16.11.2015 at 14:00 hour on 04.12.2023 and is flowing in extreme flood situation.
DISASTERS
Himachal Pradesh Call for course correction Expert committee set up by the State government in its recently released report has drawn their attention to two critical issues, which need immediate attention and course correction. The first is the adverse impact of ‘construction overburden’ or accumulation of old debris on the fragile hill slopes, which is a result of unplanned and unregulated construction activities over the years. The second is the unplanned open drainage system, which causes soil erosion and decreases the binding force of trees.
-Over the years, rapid infrastructure development has taken place in Shimla, but unfortunately it is mostly unplanned, which has caused environmental degradation, including soil erosion, deforestation, and water and air pollution, said Manshi Asher, an environmentalist with the Himdhara Environment Research and Action Collective, an advocacy and research group working on issues of environmental justice and forest rights in the Himalayan region. “After the trail of destruction following the rains, the government’s response and media reports emphasised only one aspect: the structural engineering of the buildings. But it is only through detailed geo-hydrological assessments for each slope that land use planning will be possible,” she said. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/monsoon-mayhem-in-shimla-rings-alarm-bells-triggers-calls-for-course-correction/article67581117.ece (28 Nov. 2023)
DROUGHT
Karnataka Govt to pay crop loss compensation of up to ₹2,000 per farmer The govt has declared 223 out of the total 236 taluks in the state as drought hit. “As the Centre has delayed releasing drought relief, the state government has decided to give crop loss compensation of up to ₹2,000 per farmer, as a first instalment, as immediate relief, to eligible farmers. The process will begin probably in four to five days,” Siddaramaiah said. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/bengaluru-news/karnataka-govt-to-pay-crop-loss-compensation-of-up-to-rs-2-000-per-farmer-101701362348200.html (30 Nov. 2023)
Maharashtra Farmers thirst for a trickle of hope amid water crisis Currently, numerous individuals across villages in the state are squarely dependent on external sources of water, such as tankers, to quench their drinking water needs. https://www.business-standard.com/economy/news/maharashtra-farmers-on-the-edge-as-drinking-water-shortages-disrupt-life-123112700839_1.html (27 Nov. 2023)
ENVIRONMENT GOVERNANCE
Report NGT notice to state govts on functioning of pollution boards -NGT has asked state governments to provide details on the functioning of their pollution control boards. This comes after a report highlighted that 51% of posts in state pollution boards are vacant, with Delhi having 68% of posts at the Delhi Pollution Control Committee currently vacant. The NGT has deemed the high vacancies unacceptable and has requested a detailed report on the status and efforts of each state board. The tribunal will hear the matter on February 2, 2024.
-Referring to the data, NGT said such high vacancies are unacceptable. “The above data clearly reveals that out of 11,969 sanctioned posts, only 5,877 are filled and in many States such as, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, etc., the working strength in the SPCBs/PCCs is even less than half of the sanctioned strength,” it said, also referring to data on the status of environmental labs in each state or Union territory. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/ngt-notice-to-state-govts-on-functioning-of-pollution-boards-101701023709540.html (27 Nov. 2023)
-It directed them to file reports regarding the state PCBs and PCCs concerned showing the sanctioned strength and working strength of staff, the ratio of administrative, ministerial and technical staff and their regulating and monitoring facilities. “In respect of laboratories, the report will disclose the sanctioned strength and present working strength of staff, the infrastructure which is available in the labs and further needs for equipment and infrastructure in those labs and the provisions made in laboratories for enforcement and monitoring of hotspots in critically polluted areas,” the tribunal said. The report should also include the availability of the budget and its sources and expenditures in the last two years (2020-2021 and 2021-2022), it added. https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/states-uts-asked-to-report-on-staff-strength-in-pollution-control-bodies-123112800742_1.html (28 Nov. 2023)
Delhi HC: Ridge not personal fiefdom of forest dept Noting that the Ridge belongs to the people of Delhi and the forest department cannot deal with it in a cursory manner or consider it their personal fiefdom, the Delhi high court on Wednesday rebuked the department for constructing a 6-8-metre-wide trail in the Central Ridge area without obtaining permission from the Ridge Management Board (RMB).
The court, while considering a plea concerning the well-being of the city’s Ridge area, also pulled up the department for their proposal to host an event involving a walkathon, a cyclathon, and a half marathon inside the notified Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary and said that being its custodian, the department was only required to supervise the conservation of the things existing there. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/delhi-hc-ridge-not-personal-fiefdom-of-forest-department-101701281862508.html (29 Nov. 2023)
THE REST OF THE WORLD
USA Michigan wins $120 million judgment against dam owner U.S. District Court Judge Paul Maloney, a Federal judge, on Nov 27 2023 rules that owner of Edinville and Stanford dams that collapsed in 2020 is liable for nearly $120 million in damages. Lee Mueller, the owner, did not contest the finding but had filed for bankruptcy in 2020. The failure of the two dams caused $200 million in damage in May 2020. The $120 million indamages approved by Maloney were based on “natural resource” damage to Michigan’s fisheries and freshwater mussels, not the damage to homes and businesses or for the repair of the dams.
– Maloney ruled earlier that Mueller’s actions led to “one of the worst environmental disasters that the state of Michigan has ever experienced.” Evidence showed that Mueller knew the Edenville Dam embankment might fail as early as 2010, a full decade before it did so in catastrophic fashion. https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/michigan-wins-120-million-judgment-against-dam-owner (27 Nov. 2023)
Brazil Parched rivers, withered crops show dire impact of Amazon drought The historic drought in the Brazilian Amazon has imperiled the livelihoods of small farmers and fishermen and slowed shipments of grains and goods.
Everyone in this part of Brazil who depends on the Amazon and its tributaries to make a living — from family farmers like Lira to owners of riverside restaurants and leaders of multinational firms — is reeling from the worst drought in the region’s history. It’s another stressor on the already fragile health of the Amazon rainforest, a crucial bulwark against climate change. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2023-11-30/amazon-rainforest-suffers-historic-drought-as-rivers-lakes-evaporate (30 Nov. 2023)
Egypt How The Nile Has Changed Course
The map shows how the course of the Nile river in Egypt has changed over the past 5,000 years. Additionally, it also shows settlements and Pyramid sites. https://brilliantmaps.com/nile/ (03 March 2023)
SANDRP
Also see: DRP 27 Nov. 2023 & DRP 20 Nov. 2023
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