(Feature Image:- Justice G.R. Swaminathan of the Madras HC speaking at a seminar organised jointly by Madurai Bar Association and Wildlife Trust of India in Madurai on Sunday (Dec. 17). Photo Credit: G. MOORTHY/The Hindu)

The statement of Justice R Swaminathan of Madras High Court is so true: When it comes to violations in big ticket environment projects, the Supreme Court closes its eyes, including the current CJI DY Chandrachud. As he mentioned the SC has such a poor track record whether it is Narmada or Tehri project or the Kundakulam Nuclear Power project or even the Navi Mumbai Airport project. The list can be much longer.

It is indeed high time that there is a comprehensive review of track record of higher judiciary (including the Supreme Court, High Courts and even the National Green Tribunal) in judging violations in environmental governance of big projects. Even on eminently justiciable matters like adequacy of rehabilitation of the displaced, the adequacy of environment and social impact assessments, adequacy of public consultation process, adequacy of environmental appraisal, monitoring or compliances, not only the track record of the governments pathetic, but the track record of higher judiciary is also nothing to write about. Unfortunately, there is no pressure on the judiciary to amend this.

Thanks, Justice Swaminathan for speaking up on this very important and ignored issue. We wish there are more such public statements, including by judges, lawyers, other public personalities, academics, media and civil society so that there is public debate on this issue. One would have liked to include political leaders in this list, but their track record is even worse!

SC closes its eyes to big ticket projects: Justice Swaminathan  Salutes to Justice Swaminathan for speaking his mind so clearly!  https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/supreme-court-closes-its-eyes-to-big-ticket-projects-says-justice-swaminathan/article67647886.ece  (18 Dec. 2023)

HYDRO POWER PROJECTS

Maharashtra Kolhapur villagers oppose Adani hydropower project  Residents of nearly 110 villages in Kolhapur have opposed the pumped hydropower project coming up at Anjiwade village, in Kudal tehsil of Sindhudrug district. The project will utilise the water from the Patgaon dam located at a height in the Bhudargad tehsil, through tunnels or pipes. The water discharged after power generation will be collected in the lower reservoir and pumped back to Bhudargad.

– The state government had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Adani Green Energy Limited in June 2022 for the Patgaon project. The company will spend nearly Rs 7,000 crore to set up the power generation plant of 2,100 MW capacity. Villagers from Bhudargad and nearby areas have formed the Patgaon Dharan Pani Bachao Kruti Samiti, the forum of the local activists and politicians, to stop the project. They met the Bhudargad tehsildar on Dec 18 2023 and Kolhapur resident district collector Sanjay Teli on Dec 19. On Dec 20, the villagers will hold a protest at Gargoti to raise their objections. Also, the villagers plan to pass resolutions against the project in their respective gram panchayat meetings and to convey their objection to the state government. The major apprehension is that most people do not know the details of the project. “The survey at the Patgaon dam has been started by the company, and civil works have started at Anjiwade. There was no public hearing on the project before the permission was granted,” said Samrat More, the convenor of the forum.

– “This year, due to low rainfall and limited availability of water, the water resources department imposed a ban on pumping water from the dam and its canals for irrigation in December itself. We want priority of water utilisation set,” said More. The activists told Teli that the company has acquired 140 hectares in Sindhudurg district for the project.  https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolhapur/https/example-com/kolhapur-villagers-oppose-adani-hydropower-project/articleshow/106140260.cms   (20 Dec. 2023)

Work on hydropower project is on, say protesters after site visit A delegation of Patgaon Dharan Pani Bachav Samiti members visited the backwaters of the Patgaon dam on Thursday and found that preliminary works have already been initiated by the Adani Green Energy Limited.This disproved the claims of the water resources and revenue department officials, who had said that no work of the pumped hydropower project at Patgaon dam, in Bhudargad tehsil, had started. Prakash Abitkar, Shiv Sena MLA of Bhudargad, and villagers from 115 villages are opposing the project that will draw water from Patgaon dam, the only water source for the hilly tehsil. The company is going to set up the 2100 MW project costing around Rs 8,000 crore. The lower reservoir of the project is coming up at Anjiwade village in Kudal tehsil of Sindhudurg district.  https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolhapur/work-on-hydropower-project-is-on-say-protesters-after-site-visit/articleshow/106197901.cms   (22 Dec. 2023)

Arunachal Pradesh  Mechukha without electricity since 16 Sep  Mechukha in Shi-Yomi district has been without electricity since 16 September, following extensive damages caused to two hydel stations and the intake point in Lhallung village by a heavy flashflood triggered by a cloudburst. The lack of power supply is causing numerous problems for the residents. Mechukha, being a tourist destination and also the oldest subdivision in Shi-Yomi district, depends largely on tourists’ inflow. Sources in Mechukha informed that the delay in restoring electricity is causing frustration, with people demanding prompt restoration of power supply.

It is learnt that the executing department is also having a hard time in restoring the hydel stations. “We hope that restoration of civil works intake will be completed by the second week of January. Unless the water flow comes, we will not be able to locate the exact damage in the machines,” said Shi-Yomi Hydropower Department Executive Engineer Kento Nyodu. He informed that “remanufacturing of machines takes time, and after completing it, we will have to test to ensure that the machine is in good condition.”  https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2023/12/22/mechukha-without-electricity-since-16-sep/  (22 Dec. 2023)

Sikkim Dave Petley on how the GLOF disaster played out and the work of Save the Hills Blog and Praful Rao.  https://eos.org/thelandslideblog/4-october-2023-glof   (22 Dec. 2023)

Himachal Pradesh Centre refuses to hike hydel royalty  In a reply to a question asked by state Congress chief and Mandi MP Pratibha Singh in the ongoing winter session of the Lok Sabha, the power ministry has stated that the Himachal government’s proposal has not been accepted as the Hydro Power Policy, 2008, allows maximum free power royalty of 12% to the home states concerned from hydroelectric projects. The Himachal government had proposed a hike in power royalty from present 12% to 30% from the central hydro projects.

The reply further stated, “The power ministry has received a proposal from the Himachal government to increase the royalty in terms of free power from 12% to 30% from Nathpa Jhakri (1500 MW) and Rampur (400 MW) hydroelectric projects of Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL). However, it was not accepted.” The state government had in May this year announced to raise free power royalty for private projects as well. The government had proposed to increase the free power royalty for private projects to 15% for the first 12 years, 20% for the next 18 years and 30% for the next 10 years from 12%, 18% and 30%, respectively.  https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/centre-refuses-to-hike-hydel-royalty/articleshow/106060930.cms  (17 Dec. 2023)

Jammu & Kashmir Public hearing of Uri-I stage-II 240 Mw expansion held  Pollution Control Committee (PCC) Baramulla on Dec 21 2023 held a public hearing in Boniyar Uri on the environmental and social impact of expansion of Uri I Stage-II Hydroelectric Power Project regarding extension of 240 MW spanning in an area of 102 ha (underground), being developed by NHPC LTD.  https://www.greaterkashmir.com/governance/public-hearing-on-environmental-impact-of-uri-i-stage-ii-240-mw-expansion-held/   (21 Dec. 2023)

These details indicate that the energy deficit in UT of J&K has been reduced from 17.8% during the year 2018-19 to 1.5% during the year 2023-24 (up to November, 2023). This information has been given by the Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shri R. K. Singh, in a written reply to a question, in Rajya Sabha on December 19, 2023. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1988259   (19 Dec. 2023)

Report Concerns on hydropower construction in hills  Janardan Prasad, director general of the Geological Survey of India (GSI), revealed that the Geological Survey of India has mobilized additional expert teams to expedite the evaluation process for Pumped Storage Hydro Power Projects (PSPs). This move comes in response to escalating environmental concerns surrounding the construction of hydropower projects in the Himalayan region In a workshop organized by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM) in Hyderabad. Secretary of Union Mines Ministry VL Kantha Rao highlighted the ministry’s commitment to constructing numerous PSPs to achieve an additional 47 GW of renewable energy by 2032. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/experts-address-safety-concerns-at-workshop-on-major-hydropower-construction-in-hilly-regions/articleshow/106182180.cms  (21 Dec. 2023)

Union Miners Secretary GL Kantha Rao has suggested that the geological and geotechnical information collected by the GSI (Geological Survey of India) and the National Institute for Rock Mechanics over the past 172 years should be used for hydropower projects.  https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/renewable/mines-secretary-urges-integration-of-gsi-data-for-advancing-indias-hydro-power-projects/106213347  (22 Dec. 2023)  

Centre NHPC’s Merger put on hold The govt has put on hold the proposed merger of THDC and NEEPCO with NHPC. THDC and NEEPCO are currently under NTPC. The govt is in the process of formulating a new hydro policy.  https://www.livemint.com/industry/energy/hydropower-mega-merger-of-nhpc-two-others-put-on-hold-11702925845381.html   (19 Dec. 2023)

MoEF Decisions from minutes of EAC on River Valley Project held on Nov 24 2023:

1. Yadaballi Pumped Storage Project (1200 MW) by NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OF ANDHRA PRADESH LTD at ANNAMAYYA,ANDHRA PRADESH: For TOR: DECISION: The EAC observed that the proposed project site is very close to another proposed PSP namely Veeraballi Off stream Closed Loop Pumped Storage Project, with a few project components of these two projects are overlapping. The Member

Secretary EAC informed that the Ministry has granted Terms of Reference for conducting EIA Study for Veeraballi Off

stream Closed Loop Pumped Storage Project in favour of M/s Astha Green Energy Ventures India Pvt Ltd. The EAC

was of the view that Project Proponent has not mentioned this fact anywhere in the proposal submitted to the Ministry.

It was also noted that the Ministry has received a representation mentioning the same fact about the instant proposal. The committee took a serious note on suppression of the factual information. The committee expressed its displeasure on the performance of the EIA consultant and recommended the Ministry to seek clarification from the project proponent and the consultant followed by necessary action. The project was withdrawn.

2. Rayavaram Hydro-Electric Pumped Storage Project (1500 MW) by NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OF ANDHRA PRADESH LTD (NREDCAP) located at ANNAMAYYA,ANDHRA PRADESH: For TOR: Approved.

3. 675 MW Tainsar Pumped Storage Project by JINDAL RENEWABLE POWER Pvt Ltd at DEOGARH, ODISHA For TOR: Approved.

4. Phata Byung Hydro Electric Project (76 MW) in an area of 23.323 Ha, at Village Sitapur, Tehsil Okhimath, Dist Rudraprayag (Uttarakhand) by Lanco Mandakini Hydro Energy Pvt Ltd – TOR: Deferred. More info sought. https://parivesh.nic.in/utildoc/32508716_1702893778315.pdf 

Agenda of EAC meeting for River Valley Projects held on Dec 19-20 2023:

1. Greenko UP01 Closed Loop Pumped Storage Project (3660 MW) in 699.42 ha at Village Gurar, Tehsil Robertsganj, Dist Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh by Greenko Energies Pvt Ltd – Environmental Clearance

2. Closed Loop Pumped Storage Project (1200 MW) in an area of 204.76 ha at Village Dand Kesra, Tehsil Lakhanpur, Dist Surguja, Chhattisgarh by Sterlite Grid 36 Limited – Terms of References

3. Gandhwani Closed Loop Pumped Storage Project (1200 MW) in 145 ha at Village Gandhwani, Taluk Oudgi, Dist Surajpur, Chhattisgarh by Gandhwani Energy Pvt Ltd–Terms of References

4. Kandhaura Closed Loop Pumped Storage Project (1680 MW) in 756.89 ha at Village Sashnai, Markuri & Cherue, Taluka Obra and Robertsganj, Dist Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh by JSW Energy PSP Six Ltd – Terms of References

5. Gandikota Pumped Storage Project (1000 MW) in 270.11 Ha in Village Kondapuram, Tehsil Muddanur, Dist Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh by New and Renewable Energy Development Corp of AP Ltd. – Environmental Clearance

6. Gadikota Pumped Storage Project (1200 MW) in 147.7 ha at Village Godikota, Dist Annamayya, Andhra Pradesh by New and Renewable Energy Development Corp of AP Ltd. – Terms of

Reference

7. Lower Orr Dam project under Ken-Betwa Link Project Phase II (90000 CCA) in 2723.7 Ha at District Shivpuri & Ashok Nagar, Madhya Pradesh by National Water Development Agency – Terms of Reference

8. Oju Hydro-Electric Project (2220 MW) in 750.06 Ha in Reddi, Tehsil Limeking Circle, District Upper Subansiri, Arunachal Pradesh by Oju Subansiri Hydro Power Corp Pvt. Ltd. – Amendment in Terms of Reference

9. Pane Closed Loop Pumped Storage Project (1500 MW) in 290.87 ha at Villages Khanu, Pane and Vagheri, Taluka Mahad and Velhe, Dist Raigad and Pune, Mah by JSW Energy PSP Seven Limited – Terms of Reference  https://parivesh.nic.in/utildoc/30251952_1702037144230.pdf   

DAMS

Kaleshwaram Project Repair Work Starts at Medigadda Barrage Site  Preliminary restoration works began at the site on Thursday, Dec 21 2023 for construction of coffer dam at the damaged Medigadda Dam in Telangana. The state government was tight-lipped over who – the government or the contractor L&T – was executing the works and who would pay for it. According to villagers of Ambatipalli, the closest habitation to the barrage, earth-filling was taken up in the last two days. Tippers were seen carrying loads of earth and gravel with which the filling was done. He refused to divulge if L&T had agreed to cover the cost under the defect liability clause. “All I can say is that the state government with the help of L&T has begun investigations,” he said.   https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/221223/work-begins-at-medigadda-barrage-site.html   (22 Dec. 2023)

Sagging of Medigadda identified in 2022, L&T ignored concerns  The project engineers dashed a letter to contractor L&T in April 2022. At that time the Defect Liability Period (DLP) of two years was valid. Similarly, the KLIP engineers mentioned pending and deficient works such as CC Blocks, Launching Apron, and Raft foundation. However, there was no clarity as to why the project authorities issued a work completed certificate to the contractor when such important works were left unattended. The I&CAD wrote letters to L&T in May 2020, February 2021 and April 2022.  https://www.newstap.in/telangana/sagging-of-medigadda-identified-in-2022-lt-ignored-concerns-govt-might-drop-3-tmc-from-kaleshwaram-1510603   (20 Dec. 2023)

 Even as L&T Construction — under pressure from the Telangana government to own up to ‘faulty construction’ of the Medigadda barrage and pony up for repairs and reconstruction of the damaged section of the barrage — continues to kick the ball around and not give an assurance of doing so, questions are being asked of the state government for ‘going easy’ on those who designed the project.

– The Congress government has been bearing down, albeit gently, on L&T to agree to take up repairs/reconstruction at its own cost. If L&T agrees to this, sources said, it would be tantamount to the company agreeing that it did a shoddy job of construction, something L&T, for good reason, is not willing to accept. While a via media solution appears still some way off, questions are also being raised on just how much work needs to be done before repairs can begin.  https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/201223/medigadda-dilemma-before-govt-catch-the-designer-or-get-repair-done.html   (20 Dec. 2023)

Telangana Irrigation minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Monday (Dec. 18) pointedly told L&T representatives that they cannot shirk their responsibility on the sinking of Medigadda pillars and directed the irrigation department to fix responsibility on both designers and executing agency.  https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/https/example-com/uttam-kumar-reddy-hauls-up-lt-over-sinking-of-medigadda-pillars/articleshow/106107430.cms   (19 Dec. 2023)

According to official sources, the L&T is also said to have informed the minister that the government had put pressure on them to complete the project at a rapid speed and hence they cannot be held responsible for the damages.  https://www.thehansindia.com/telangana/medigadda-sinking-of-piers-govt-to-probe-role-of-kcr-govt-lt-845231   (19 Dec. 2023)

When the Minister asked them (L&T officials) about the remedial action and what prevented them from taking up repair works, the L&T team apparently quoted a big figure that had to be spent for soil testing alone and there was no clarity on who would pay for it. The L&T team agreed that their engineers were involved to some extent in the design part but the final design was given by the government. The Minister asked the officials how the design was not cleared by a third party, which is the general practice. In such projects, there is always a third-party check and both the planners and the executioners should have insisted on it.  https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/uttam-wants-designers-and-executing-agency-to-take-responsibility-for-medigadda-barrage-fiasco/article67651438.ece   (18 Dec. 2023)

The State government is contemplating legal action against contract agencies of Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme if they fail to honour the agreements and to take up repair works. Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy gave indications in this regard during a review meeting with L&T officials on Medigadda barrage here on Dec 18 2023.

– Uttam Kumar Reddy warned L&T Group director SV Desai, stating that the company had carried out inferior quality work at the Medigadda barrage which led to sinking of the piers and subsequently caused cracks on the pillars. Referring to a letter written by the agency to Irrigation officials where the former expressed inability to carry out the repair works, the Minister strongly warned that the company could not escape from its responsibilities citing excuses.

– The officials were also instructed to organise a meeting with the contract agencies of Annaram and Sundilla barrages. https://telanganatoday.com/uttam-kumar-reddy-warns-legal-action-on-failure-to-repair-kaleshwaram-project   (18 Dec. 2023)

Maharashtra Revived Gargai Dam project will decimate western ghats ecology: BNHS  The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) wrote a letter to Bhupender Yadav, Union minister of environment, forest and climate change, on July 21 vehemently opposing the Gargai dam project, stating, among other things, that if the structure were constructed, it would restrict the movement of wildlife in the Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary in Palghar district and the northern western ghats. Wildlife experts also feel that it is crucial to leave this vital wildlife corridor untouched.

The letter, a copy of which is in mid-day’s possession, states that Modak Sagar and Tansa dams have been built over the Vaitarna and Tansa rivers, which flow through the sanctuary and restrict the free movement of wildlife. Gargai dam will further restrict the movement of wildlife in the sanctuary as well as in the northern western ghats, it reads.  https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/revived-gargai-dam-project-will-decimate-western-ghats-ecology-bhns-23325453  (18 Dec. 2023)

Maharashtra Irrigation Scam CS’s ‘vague’ affidavit on Vidarbha irrigation backlog irks HC After the Nagpur bench of Bombay high court slammed the chief secretary for filing a “vague affidavit” on incomplete irrigation projects in Vidarbha, the Maharashtra government on Thursday agreed to file a detailed one in this regard. On instructions of chief secretary Manoj Saunik, who was present in the courtroom, additional government pleader Deepak Thakare assured that the detailed affidavit dealing on the region’s irrigation backlog would be placed on record in any case by January 29.   https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/chief-secretarys-vague-affidavit-on-vidarbha-irrigation-backlog-irks-hc-nagpur/articleshow/106196561.cms   (22 Dec., 2023)

Sardar Sarovar Dam This Gujarati report says the Kutch Kisan Sabha have threatened agitation if the govt does not expedite the work on Narmada Kutch Canal network as promised for so many years. કચ્છમાં નર્મદા નહેરના કામોમાં ગતિ લાવવા અનેક રજૂઆત કરવા છતાં આ દિશામાં નક્કર પગલા ભરાતા નથી તેવા આક્ષેપો ભુજમાં યોજાયેલી જિલ્લા કિસાન સંઘની બેઠકમાં ઉઠ્યા હતા. સરકાર દ્વારા આ મુદ્દે યોગ્ય નહીં કરાય તો આંદોલન છેડવાની ફરજ પડશે તેવી ચીમકી ઉચ્ચારાઇ હતી. જિલ્લા પ્રમુખ શિવજી બરાડિયાના અધ્યક્ષ સ્થાને યોજાયેલી બેઠકમાં ખેડુતોએ જણાવ્યું હતું કે, દુબઈ સબ બ્રાન્ચ કેનાલનો પ્રશ્ન ઉકેલાતો નથી તેમજ વધારાના પાણી માટે હાઈકંટુર કેનાલની વહીવટી મંજૂરીમાં વિલંબ થઇ રહ્યો છે.અબડાસા, લખપત, વાંઢીયા કેનાલના કામમાં કોઇ ગતિ જણાતી નથી. આ બાબતે સરકાર ત્વરિત પગલા નહીં ભરે તો જલદ આંદોલન છેડવું પડશે.  https://www.divyabhaskar.co.in/local/gujarat/kutch/news/if-there-is-no-speed-in-the-work-of-narmada-canal-in-kutch-the-farmers-will-start-agitation-soon-132330771.html   (23 Dec. 23023)

INTERLINKING OF RIVERS

Report Doubts about India’s river linking plans  New science casts doubt on its efficacy, and concerns over major ecological impacts of River Linking Plan. Himanshu Thakkar, coordinator of the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People (SANDRP), a network of activists working in the water sector, was a member of the Ministry of Water Resources’ expert committee on river interlinking from 2009 to 2011. He told The Third Pole that while most of the committee members were government appointees who agreed with the project, independent experts like him, water management pioneer Rajendra Singh and watershed conservationist Vijay Paranjape often dissented.

– One of the major issues for Thakkar was the use of secret hydrological data. “When I asked for the data as a member of the expert committee, I was told that the Ken is part of the Ganges basin, an international basin, and [since] hydrology figures of international basins are a state secret, these cannot be made available [even to the committee members],” he said. “The hydrology data pertaining to the Ken basin and the Betwa basin is neither in the public domain nor has it ever undergone any independent public scrutiny. In fact, the rainfall data of districts the Ken and the Betwa pass through, in the previous four years (2023, 2022, 2021, 2020), is not appreciably different. So why has the Ken basin been categorised as having surplus water?”

– A deeper problem, according to Thakkar, may be that the river basins classified as having a water surplus are only regarded as such because they are less developed. He pointed out that districts in the upper Ken basin are largely devoid of water-intensive agriculture, and with few dams built for storage. In contrast, the lower Betwa runs through agricultural districts where water-intensive crops are grown, with a fair number of dams. The surplus, he said, is only an illusion created by the different levels of water utilisation in different geographies. “Now dams are sought to be built in the upper Betwa region, which will create a shortfall in the existing lower Betwa basin dams,” said Thakkar. “That shortfall is proposed to be rectified by water from the Ken basin.”  https://www.thethirdpole.net/en/nature/new-research-raises-fresh-doubts-about-indias-river-linking-plans/   19 Dec. 2023)

URBAN RIVERS

Musi; Hyderabad A bend in the river  Recently, CM A. Revanth Reddy asked for “plans to construct bridges, commercial shopping complexes, amusement parks, hawker zones, and path-ways along the Musi River in a PPP mode.” This dovetails with the plan of the earlier govt to build 14 bridges. There was also a skyway plan that envisaged road connectivity on the river. The length of the river from Manchirevula to Nagole (on the eastern part of Hyderabad) is approximately 41 km. The skyway on the river from Outer Ring Road (ORR) east to ORR west would have a built-up area of 1,26,07,61 square metres — equivalent to about 20 Uppal cricket stadiums.

According to the competition document for design of the bridges, the planned bridges will have a length of 200 metres and a width of up to 25 metres with a central median, carriageway, footpath and a cycling track. The Moosarambagh bridge will have four pillars, while the Attapur one will have five, Ibrahimbagh three and Chaderghat six, according to sources in the civic body.

The recent Delhi flood in the Yamuna river was partially blamed on the number of bridges that India’s capital city has. More the number of bridges, more the pillars. “Every river has a certain cross-section. Because of the pillars, that cross-section declines. The flood passage capacity (the amount of water carried by the river) decreases. River cross-section is a dynamic situation. There has to be an assessment of cross-section of the river. How much cross-section is available? What is the gradient? The cross-section changes due to encroachment and dumping,” says Himanshu Thakkar, coordinator, SANDRP. “This impacts both the upstream and the downstream area. The flood water spreads on a wider basin in the upstream area. Due to lower carrying capacity, the potential speed of water increases and impact will be more in the downstream area,” says Thakkar, an engineer.   https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/a-bend-in-the-river/article67665009.ece   (22 Dec. 2023)

Sabarmati; Ahmadabad AMC’s dirty secret on river pollution Every day, an appalling 613 million litres of untreated sewage a day (MLD) – nearly 40% of the city’s total waste – bypasses AMC’s treatment plants and finds its way directly into the Sabarmati.

– The Gujarat high court had taken notice of this issue in August 2021, when it found that the 180 MLD-capacity Pirana STP was not treating sewage water as per standards. It had ordered strict measures to curb pollution in the Sabarmati. A senior AMC official revealed, “The volume of sewage generated in the city exceeds the daily water supply, owing to private borewells. For instance, in the western part of the city, 645 MLD of sewage water is pumped every day. The five treatment plants at Vasna and Vadaj have a capacity to treat 509 MLD, but can treat only 408 MLD.” Consequently, 237 MLD of untreated sewage water is repeatedly released into the Sabarmati.

– In eastern Ahmadabad, 1,048 MLD of sewage water is generated every day. The treatment plants at Pirana and other places, which have a capacity to treat 743 MLD, can only treat 672 MLD. The total sewage generated is 1,693 MLD, while only 1,080 MLD is treated. The remaining 613 MLD is dumped into the river. It is only over the two years that AMC has begun augmenting the sewage treatment capacity using a World Bank loan.  https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/ahmedabad-municipal-corporations-dirty-secret-on-river-pollution/articleshow/106195417.cms   (22 Dec. 2023)

Gomti; Lucknow A force in the river Venkatesh Dutta  The Ganga Task Force (GTF) was stationed along the banks of the Ganga with the objective of preventing pollution from both industries and citizens. The GTF is a specialized unit of the Territorial Army established under the public participation component of the Namami Gange program. The GTF conducts routine patrols of the ghats to monitor activities such as the disposal of idols, flowers and other materials into the Ganga. Boat patrols are conducted to observe and safeguard biodiversity, ensuring that fishing activities in the Ganga adhere to approved practices. This proactive approach helps protect the flora, fauna, and aquatic species in the Ganga.

– Recently, in October 2023, the 51st Executive Committee of the Namami Gange project approved the deployment of one company of the Territorial Army of the GTF for the rejuvenation of the Gomti, a tributary of the Ganga. The Gomti is the first tributary of the Ganga to have its own Ecological Task Force. In the Gomti river  basin, the task force is well equipped to execute river restoration and ecology-related projects.  https://www.civilsocietyonline.com/column/living-rivers/a-force-for-the-river/  

RIVERS

CAUVERY Karnataka Residents oppose tree removal plan in name of protecting riverbanks  Trees on the banks of rivers and streams such as Kote Abbi, Hatteholey stream and Cauvery are among those that have been marked by the Cauvery Neeravari Nigama for removal for building a retaining wall to counter landslides. On the banks of Kote Abbi and Hattiholey streams alone, nearly 100 trees have been identified for elimination under a Rs 130 crore project. The Cauvery Neeravari Nigama has conducted the survey and submitted the request to the forest department for permission. However, the department is yet to give the green signal.

The move has drawn the ire of local residents, who question the scientific basis behind removing such massive and magnificent trees for preventing landslides. “The scientific way of handling the issue would be to permit the removal of excess silt deposit. This will facilitate the waterway,” said Nanda Beliappa, a grower in the area who has filed a PIL in the High Court demanding scientific management of water at Harangi Reservoir. He pointed out that the streams have excess silt deposits, as is easily visible to the naked eye during the current drought-like situation. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2023/dec/17/kodagu-residents-up-in-arms-over-plans-to-chop-trees-to-protect-soil-2642405.html  (17 Dec. 2023)

SUTLEJ Himachal Pradesh Polluting distilleries  Throwing caution to the wind, distilleries in the region have been releasing untreated toxic effluents into water bodies, imperilling the health of the local population and aquatic life. Though residents and environment activists have been protesting against the hazardous practice and the state pollution control boards as well as courts and the NGT have pulled up the erring units, frequent reports of the pungent, frothy industrial discharge causing contamination raise disconcerting questions.

The latest report pertains to a Kasauli-based private distillery, which has been accused of dumping noxious waste into the Kasauli khud, a natural water source, for the second time this year. Resultantly, fearing the spread of diseases, the system to draw water for the villagers’ needs has been suspended. In January, many surrounding villages had borne the brunt of the indiscriminate waste disposal and the plant was closed for 10 days. Repeated non-compliance with pollution norms reflects poorly on the management of the plants as well as the law enforcement authorities.  https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/editorials/polluting-distilleries-572884   (18 Dec. 2023)

GANGA Uttarakhand This report shows that the rapid EIA done post construction start for the Silkyara tunnel rejected the option of escape tunnel citing time and cost overruns.  https://indianexpress.com/article/india/citing-cost-time-overrun-uttarkashi-project-said-no-to-separate-rescue-tunnel-9075234/   (20 Dec. 2023)

The preliminary probe report on the recent Silkyara tunnel collapse in Uttarkashi has found multiple reasons for the accident, including wrong alignment of the project with it being along the ‘shear zone’ and the contractor carrying out ‘re-profiling’ work without taking adequate safeguards despite knowing vulnerabilities of the stretch going by past records of cavities (collapses). The report has also mentioned how the contractor had not got approval of the methodology for carrying out the work by the authority engineer appointed by NHIDCL.

TOI has learned that the report submitted to the road transport ministry on Friday by an experts’ panel has pointed to inadequate deployment of sensors and instruments, which capture ground behaviour during the re-profiling work, so that necessary precautions could have been taken. The collapse also highlighted the lack of proper supervision on the part of the officials of the NHIDCL, a company under the road transport ministry, and its authority engineer.  https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/probe-finds-multiple-reasons-for-tunnel-collapse-at-silkyara/articleshow/106239742.cms   (24 Dec. 2023)

सूत्रों ने बताया कि रिपोर्ट में यह भी बताया गया है कि सुरंग की खुदाई के दौरान पहले ही दो बार कैविटीज मिली थीं। इसका मतलब था कि ठेकेदार को काम करते समय अधिक सावधानी बरतनी चाहिए थी। रिपोर्ट में बताया गया है कि अंतिम हादसे से पहले सुरंग बनाने के दौरान 21 कैविटीज मिली थीं। ऐसे में एनएचआईडीसीएल को काम की कड़ी निगरानी सुनिश्चित करनी चाहिए थी।  https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/uttarakhand/dehradun/uttarkashi-silkyara-tunnel-collapsed-probe-finds-multiple-reasons-for-incident/articleshow/106243584.cms   (24 Dec. 2023)

Priyadarshini Patel writes on tunneling in Himalayas.  https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/that-tunnel-again-and-those-questions/   (22 Dec. 2023)

YAMUNA Delhi DPCC to begin collecting real-time data The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) will soon begin installing online continuous monitoring systems (OCMS) at 10 locations across the Yamuna, allowing real-time data collection of the quality of the river water, according to documents seen by HT. At present, water samples are collected manually from 7 locations once a month. Officials said that to collect real-time water quality data from the remaining points, a mobile water testing lab will also be procured and the plan was approved during the latest DPCC board meeting in October.

A senior DPCC official said the proposal initially was to install OCMS at 53 locations across the river, including at outfall drains, but this was updated to cover only 10 points owing to the high financial costs involved. Bhim Singh Rawat, a Yamuna activist, and member of the SANDRP said such technology has existed but now needs to be proactively installed and worked with. “The National Mission for Clean Ganga had launched a ‘PRAYAG’ portal – a Platform for Real-time Analysis of Yamuna, Ganga and their Tributaries but we are yet to see states either install online systems or make such data public. This is an important step, to fix the Yamuna” he said.  https://epaper.hindustantimes.com/Home/ShareArticle?OrgId=1812bc699c94   (18 Dec. 2023)

Hindon pollution: NGT orders criminal cases against officials  Welcome move by NGT. Hope the HC or SC do not overturn this. Unhappy about the discharge of sewage into the Hindon despite its orders passed over several years so that the river can be revived, the NGT has directed the member secretary of the UP Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) to initiate criminal prosecution against officials responsible for it under sections of the Water Act.

Cases will be registered against officers in charge of municipal corporations and municipal bodies in Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli, Meerut, Baghpat and Ghaziabad. The chief executive officers of Noida and Greater Noida authorities are also liable to face action. The bench, comprising justices Sudhir Agarwal, Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member A Senthil Vel, issued directives on Saturday (Dec. 16) on the petition filed by environmentalist Abhisht Gupta.

It also directed the UPPCB and the local authorities to take immediate action for the closure of all industrial and other establishments, which are discharging untreated effluents into Hindon. The tribunal will soon assess and finalise the environmental fines to be imposed on the polluting units. On December 14, UP’s under-secretary of environment, forest and climate change submitted a 485-page report on the Hindon rejuvenation to the NGT. The report states 55 drains in seven districts flow into the river, carrying 944 MLD of sewage. Of this, 713 MLD are treated by 12 STPs but 231 MLD of untreated sewage still gets discharged into the river.  https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ghaziabad/hindon-pollution-ngt-orders-criminal-cases-against-officials/articleshow/106138640.cms  (20 Dec. 2023)

RIVERS BIODIVERSITY

Karnataka ESZ notified for Sharavathi Valley LTM Sanctuary  The Centre has issued final notification for the eco sensitive zone (ESZ) of the Sharavathi Valley Lion Tailed Macaque (LTM) Sanctuary, providing a 5.25 km buffer zone around the core area of the sanctuary, in the heart of the Western Ghats.

The MoEF&CC has told the state government to develop a zonal master plan (ZMP) for 679.15 sq km (spread across Shivamogga and Uttara Kannada districts, includes 416 sq km of forest and 262.16 sq km of non-forest areas. An extent of 2.6 km of ESZ shares the common boundary with the Mookambika wildlife sanctuary. Sharavathi valley sanctuary, formed in 1978, was extended in 2019 to include the Aghanashini LTM conservation reserve. The 930 sq km sanctuary is considered as a key habitat for protecting the endangered LTMs (Macaca silenus), considered as endemic to Western Ghats. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/karnataka-eco-sensitive-zone-notified-for-sharavathi-valley-lion-tailed-macaque-sanctuary-2821509   (22 Dec. 2023)

Arunachal Pradesh Missing for 42 years, flying squirrel resurfaces The failure of zoologists to locate the arboreal mammal during several expeditions thereafter generated two theories — that it could have been mistaken for the very similar red giant flying squirrel (Petaurista petaurista) sharing the same ecosystem or worse, become history. Ten of these expeditions were by teams from Aaranyak, an Assam-based biodiversity conservation group, for a total of 79 days in 2021. A team from the group finally sighted the Namdapha flying squirrel in April 2022.

The team led by Firoz Ahmed included Sourav Gupta, a field researcher, and Sourav Mardi, a volunteer who visited various potential sites close to a river at night. “We sighted a small reddish and grizzled furry mammal high up on a tree. After months of scrutiny of the photographic evidence we gathered, experts are pretty much sure that the animal is the Namdapha flying squirrel,” Dr. Ahmed said. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/missing-for-42-years-flying-squirrel-resurfaces-in-arunachal/article67661778.ece   (22 Dec. 2023)

FISH, FISHERIES, FISHERFOLKS

Assam  Large Number of Fishermen Stage Protests  A large number of the people dependent on fishing for their livelihood took to protest against the local administration in the Biswanath district of Assam. The protesters mentioned that they would refrain from voting in the upcoming general elections if their demands were not fulfilled. They were demanding removal ban on fishing in Brahmaputra river.  https://www.sentinelassam.com/north-east-india-news/assam-news/assam-large-number-of-fishermen-stage-protests-682023   (20 Nov. 2023)   

Telangana  Don’t flush that pet fish or turtle down the toilet: CCMB scientist  The much loved pet could become an invasive species and destroy an entire eco-system, said scientists at CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB). Mr. Gopi Krishnan took the example of the aquarium cleaning, catfish like ‘armoured sailfin’, which is just about two inches in size but can grow up to two feet in length when let out into a pond. Catfish species from South America are very popular among aquaculture hobbyists in the country as they do not need high maintenance and also help keep the tank clean by feeding on algal growth. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/do-not-flush-that-pet-fish-or-turtle-down-the-toilet/article67662806.ece    (22 Dec. 2023)

SAND MINING

Chhattisgarh  EC mandatory for mining minor minerals: NGT order  -Earlier, mines got clearances at the district and state level by the District-level Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (DEIAA) and SEIAA, respectively. The ongoing clearances sanctioned by DEIAA have been halted, although a considerable number of mines were operational based on clearances obtained from DEIAA. The NGT Central Zone Bench issued an order stating that re-appraisal by SEIAA is necessary for all environmental clearances granted by DEIAA for minor mineral mines.

-After the imposition of the Code of Conduct, departments have not paid attention into this matter. Presently, the Environmental Conservation Board has written to all seven regional offices, following which these offices instructed collectors and district mineral officers to shut down all such mines. 

-The NGT Central Zone Bench issued an order on December 6 and directed that all concerned SEIAAs re-appraise the environmental clearances issued by the DEIAA between January 15, 2016 and September 13, 2018, inclusive of both dates.

-All fresh ECs in this regard shall be granted solely by SEIAAs based on such appraisals. It is a mandatory provision that only those mining leases that have received Environmental Clearance upon re-appraisal by SEIAA may continue. Cases where the EC has not been granted by the SEIAA should not be permitted to continue.

-In light of the above facts, the Tribunal has directed the chief secretaries and member secretaries of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh to strictly comply with the orders issued by the MoEF&CC, the order passed by the Supreme Court of India in both letter and spirit. A compliance report by all three states/state pollution control boards must be filed within 30 days.  https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/raipur/ec-mandatory-for-mining-minor-minerals-ngt-order/articleshow/105917997.cms  (12 Dec. 2023)

Karnataka 3D drone surveys to combat illegal mining, plug leakages  The initiative, already launched in 10 districts through the Karnataka State Remote Sensing Applications Centre (KSRAC), is part of a pilot program. The mines department has set a deadline of January-end 2024 for the remaining 21 districts to implement drone surveys. With over 2,000 illegal quarries reported in Karnataka, the introduction of drone surveys aims to assess the extent of quarrying activities, from extracting jelly stones to building blocks and granite. Officials believe the new drone system, capable of capturing 3D images of mining areas, will revolutionize the monitoring process.

Officials stated the drone surveys will be conducted every three to six months for each mine, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of quarrying activities over time. According to Atheeq, proper tracking through these surveys could potentially bring additional revenue of at least Rs 2,000 crore to the government over the next three to four years. Mines director R Girish said the government is exploring alternative mechanisms to monitor sand mining, as this activity cannot be effectively gauged through drone surveys alone. 

The drone surveys not only record the traditional length and breadth of the mining lease area but also provide details on the depth of quarrying. This innovation is expected to render traditional check-posts and weighing bridges obsolete, as the technology will automatically generate bills for royalties and taxes. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/3d-drone-surveys-combat-illegal-mining/articleshow/106107387.cms  (19 Dec. 2023)

Andhra Pradesh  Socio-political landscape of sand mining 

A detailed report by Veditum India. https://veditum.org/2023/11/22/status-report-sand-mining-andhra-pradesh-isw/    (11 Dec. 2023)

Haryana Illegal mining of riverbed sand on in Mahendragarh  Illegal mining of riverbed sand is being carried out at Deroli Ahir village in the district. This came to the fore when a team of the Mining and Geology Department inspected the area and found that illegal mining had been carried out there. The inspection was conducted following a complaint by Deroli Ahir Sarpanch Lakhi Ram Yadav. Local residents are said to be involved in the illegal activity.

“Illegal sand mining by a group of villagers in the dried-up Dohan river area has been going on for the past several months. They use tractor-trailers to transport sand for selling it in nearby areas at cheaper rates,” Yadav told The Tribune. He said there were a number of trees in the riverbed, but those had also been sold by the perpetrators. “We asked them to stop the illegal activity, but to no avail. They threatened and misbehaved with us. That forced us to approach the district authorities,” he added.  https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/illegal-mining-of-riverbed-sand-on-in-mahendragarh-571079   (12 Dec. 2023)

Only vehicles with GPS to ferry minor minerals  NGT has ruled that all vehicles carrying minor minerals for supplying to stone crushers/screening plants in Faridabad, Gurugram, and Nuh districts are required to be equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS), latest by February 28. In its order dated December 11, it added, “The route of the vehicle from source to destination be tracked through the system using checkpoints, radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags and Global Positioning System tracking. The requisite facilities be provided, systems be installed and control room/monitoring station be set up for this purpose accordingly.” The directions came during a hearing on illegal mining in the Aravalli region of Haryana. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/only-vehicles-with-gps-to-ferry-minor-minerals-national-green-tribunal-574804   (24 Dec. 2023)

2 cops injured after attack by mining mafia in Nuh  Two policemen, who had gone to check a mining complaint, were injured when they were attacked by eight members of a mining mafia at Punhana in Nuh district. The mafia members were illegally digging sand using JCBs and two tractors. The injured policemen have been identified as Lakhmichand and Mahesh. They have been admitted to a hospital. The policemen reached the mining site in the Aravalli hills of Hathangaon village after a call was made at the anti-mining helpline. On reaching the spot, they found JCB machines digging the area. As the policemen tried to stop them, they were attacked by the mining mafia.

Surprisingly, the accused managed to flee along with one JCB machine. The police have impounded one JCB machine and two tractors. After a period of inactivity, the mining mafia has again become operational in the Aravallis, bordering Nuh and Rajasthan, over the past few months. Earlier also, they had attacked policemen and officials. This is the third such incident this year in the Aravallis.  https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/criminal-nexus-2-cops-injured-after-attack-by-mining-mafia-in-nuh-572877  (18 Dec. 2023)

No police official was armed during raid: Mittal Commission  This report is about the report of the commission of inquiry about killing of Nuh DSP on July 9 2022 by illegal sand miners. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/no-police-official-was-armed-during-raid-mittal-commission-573638   (20 Dec. 2023)

Punjab Illegal mining turns Ropar bridge wobbly, may collapse  Due to illegal mining a bridge in Ropar district of Punjab is on the brink of collapse. A safety audit of the bridge has advised that the bridge be closed immediately. A majority of the 13 piers of the 30 yr old bridge over Swan river are affected due to mining. Pier no 7 has been dislocated. The river bed level has gone down by 4-8 meters.

– Earlier 14 piers of Agampur bridge over Sutlej River connecting Anandpur Saheb and Doaba were found to be exposed due to mining. The PWD department has estimated Rs 44 cr expense to repair the bridge. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/illegal-mining-turns-ropar-bridge-wobbly-may-collapse-573864    (21 Dec. 2023)

Jammu & Kashmir Curb illegal mining Mountains, rivers and streams have a stable hydraulic regime and any disturbance in these can have devastating effects on the environment. Experts state that any mining of minor minerals boulder, gravel and sand has to be done in consideration of the entire regime of the river and its regenerative capacity of minor minerals.  https://www.greaterkashmir.com/editorial-page-2/curb-illegal-mining-in-jk/   (25 Dec. 2023)

Report The unsustainable harvest of coastal sands  Despite the extensive consequences of sand extraction, global political attention toward regulating the practice is unexpectedly minimal. Current legislation primarily falls under national jurisdiction, with some regional conventions indirectly addressing the issue. The evident lack of a robust global framework to inform national policies highlights an important gap in standards for coastal sand mining. Addressing this omission requires decisive global action, which could encompass the establishment of a Global Sand Mining Council to oversee worldwide activities and ensure environmentally sustainable practices. International treaties could standardize regulations and promote best practices, and a global monitoring system could track extraction rates and ecological impacts. Financial measures, both incentives and penalties, could drive compliance with international standards and sustainable practices.

Unfortunately, much coastal sand mining is conducted illegally (although it is difficult to determine the exact amount) and is linked to poverty and adverse social conditions. Factors such as financial gains, rising local and regional demand, lack of effective control systems (monitoring mechanisms, permit and licensing systems, reporting platforms, feedback and grievance mechanisms, and comprehensive regulatory frameworks), and the role of sand mafias exacerbate the problem. Illegal sand mining could be curtailed through stringent regulations and penalties, improved surveillance, incentives for industries to minimize sand use, and better enforcement of restricted areas. However, implementing such regulations is challenging, particularly in developing nations grappling with other pressing issues or where resources are scarce and corruption is rampant. There is an urgent need to reevaluate the use of sand because the current trajectory foreshadows severe consequences if left unchecked.  https://www.science.org/stoken/author-tokens/ST-1595/full  (07 Dec. 2023)

WETLANDS, LAKES, WATER BODIES

Maharashtra MCZMA nod to Tirupati Balaji temple on wetlands  The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) has cleared the construction of the Tirupati Balaji temple on a 10-acre plot in Ulwe, Navi Mumbai which partly falls under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ). The decision was taken after the authority took the coastal zone management plan (CZMP) into consideration, but greens are still protesting.

The MCZMA, at a meeting on November 2, the minutes of which have been uploaded on its website, has conditionally approved the amended construction proposal presented by the Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanams (TTD). The MCZMA has set conditions such as no construction will be allowed over mangroves or in a specified 50-metre buffer zone around wetlands without the Bombay high court’s permission. The local development authority, Cidco, will also have to ensure that construction is confined to non-CRZ area. A no-objection certificate has to be obtained from the mangrove cell for any activity within the 50-metre buffer zone, said MCZMA.  https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/navi-mumbai/nod-for-temple-on-wetlands-with-riders-greens-upset/articleshow/106141929.cms  (20 Dec. 2023)

Jammu & Kashmir Wular Lake Is in Crisis  over the last few years, the lake has turned into a waste dump, and has been gulping sewage, industrial and horticulture waste, replete with fertilizer and pesticide. Shrouded by encroachments, paddy fields, and willow plantations, the lake and surrounding marshes are mere shadows of their former selves.

-In 2020, the Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA) began dredging in the lake in hopes of reviving it. It is a process involving underwater excavation of sediments and debris from the bottom of the lakes and other water bodies. But they managed to raise water levels in an area less than 2 sq miles, out of 17 sq miles, in the last three years. Moreover operations have been confined to the eastern part of the vast lake.

-Multiple studies have established the negative impact of dredging on aquatic life. Several fishers that this reporter spoke to are already reporting further decrease in catch. Environmentalists also allege that ill-managed dredging is hindering movement of waterbirds. From over a hundred thousand birds that usually graced the wetlands, only a few hundred were spotted last season, they said.  https://pulitzercenter.org/stories/kashmirs-wular-lake-crisis  (19 Dec. 2023)

Himachal Pradesh  Dharamsala lake losing water again, threatens fish survival   A few months ago, the Jal Shakti Department had used bentonite to plug the leakage at the floor of the lake. The lake lost its water retention capacity after the Public Works Department removed silt from its bed to increase its depth in 2011.

Locals consider Dal Lake sacred and there is a small Shiva temple also on its banks. However, persisted silting from the adjoining mountains had reduced the depth of water in the lake. About half of the lake area has been filled with silt and converted into grass land. As per revenue records, the area of lake was about 1.22 hectares or 12,200 sq mt.

However, due to silting it has been reduced to half. The depth of the lake, which was about 10 feet, has also been reduced. A massive operation with the help of locals was launched in 2011 by the local administration for resurrecting the lake. The silt taken out was used to create a parking near the temple area. Since then, the lake has dried rapidly. According to geologists, unscientific digging is likely to have created aqueducts at the base of the lake, leading to draining of water.  https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/dharamsala-lake-losing-water-again-threatens-fish-survival-572902  (17 Dec. 2023)

WATER OPTIONS

Report  Local initiatives may be key to climate change adaptation  Evidence of adaptation measures from India suggests that people have used various measures locally, from construction of smaller check dams using locally sourced raw materials to protection of forests from the timber mafia, and more. A collective approach has helped make sense of climate change adaptation.

– In 2011, the UNDP-UNEP published a guide for mainstreaming climate adaptation into development planning. The framework necessitates the understanding of the connections between climate change and national developmental priorities, and includes governmental, institutional and political contexts and needs. It says that such efforts have to be based on country- or region- and local-specific evidence, including impact, vulnerability and adaptation assessments, socio-economic analysis, and demonstration projects. This becomes important for states like Jharkhand with a high degree of climate variability, vulnerability, and with varying and diverse forest and soil types.

– In 2015, the National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) was established to meet the costs of adaptation to climate change for those states and Union territories particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. However, this fund too has seen drastic cuts. In 2017-18, while there was a total allocation of Rs 115.36 crore, the funding came down to Rs 34 crore in 2022-23. In 2023-24, the NAFCC, along with funds for the Climate Change Action Plan and some others, was discontinued.

– Around 40-45 workers, many of whom belonged to the villages, worked on the dam project for months. The 40-feet check dam constructed in Hesatu village of the Donki Panchayat has become a source of irrigation for several nearby villages. “Check dam was created which still has water, and almost 200 acres of land is being irrigated without any motor or any other irrigation system; the river has been diverted to take it towards the fields,” Herenj said. “There is a policy gap in the understanding of the government about what climate action would mean,” Herenj points out. “Climate action does not just mean planting trees, but also involves supporting communities in local initiatives.”   https://www.indiaspend.com/climate-change/why-local-initiatives-may-be-key-to-climate-change-adaptation-886557   (22 Dec. 2023)

Tamil Nadu  Reviving a tank, reclaiming a land, surviving a flood  Over the past week, heavy showers inundated most parts of southern Tamil Nadu, but there was a small region in Virudhunagar, around 110 panchayats or so, that was shielded to a large extent from the floods. It was because, for the past year, the people of these villages had managed to restore tanks and bunds in the area. “The farmers here worked together to revive the tanks primarily for agriculture. But tanks also serve as flood mitigators, which is what saved these villages. Each village’s catchment area stores water used to irrigate about 4,000 hectares,” says R Seenivasan, team leader of Pradan, a non-profit that works toward rural development. Pradan worked with the villages to restore the water bodies. Looking at the bunds and tanks at Ezhuvani village in Virudhunagar brimming with water, it’s hard to imagine that just a year ago it was an expanse of thorny wilderness, a wasteland, piled with garbage and untamed vegetation. Working together over the past year, they have revived more than 130 tanks and bunds to their original condition.  https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/reviving-a-tank-reclaiming-a-land-surviving-a-flood/articleshow/106163424.cms   (23 Dec. 2023)

Karnataka 2 coastal towns reviving millennia-old water bodies Moodbidri and Karkala, two small towns located 32 and 60 kilometres respectively from Mangaluru in coastal Karnataka, are reviving water bodies built thousands of years ago. Thirteen of Moodbidri’s 18 ancient and historic water bodies, are on the revival path.

This is thanks largely to a committed group of citizens who are sparing no effort in reclaiming their natural heritage. Presently, the town draws water from the Puchchmogaru dam built on the already slimming Phalguni river. “In the last two years, we have seen that the water levels in hundreds of dug wells around the revived water bodies have risen.” PK Thomas, who is leading efforts to revive Moodbidri’s water bodies, said.  https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/water/these-2-coastal-karnataka-towns-are-reviving-their-millennia-old-water-bodies-here-s-how-93529   (22 Dec. 2023)

Rajasthan Baba Mayaram writes about how the tanks in western Rajasthan districts like Barmer, Jodhpur and Nagaur were built hundreds of years ago and how they are being maintained and how important role they serve.  https://www.spsmedia.in/land-forest-and-water/nagaur-pond-in-the-desert/   (22 Dec. 2023)

Andhra Pradesh Michaung spares crops raised without chemicals  While standing crops on thousands of acres bore the brunt of Cyclone Michaung, crops cultivated using natural farming techniques withstood the strong winds and heavy rains. This has prompted scientists to explore the resilience of natural farming practices in the face of such extreme climatic conditions.

Speaking to TNIE, Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS) executive vice-chairman T Vijay Kumar explained that fields of farmers who followed the seed-to-seed (S2S) farming technique, including the Navadhanya concept under PMDS (pre-monsoon dry sowing), were almost 100 per cent safe following the cyclone. He added that 80% of the crops cultivated in partial adherence to the natural farming protocol are secure.

In chemical farming, weak and underdeveloped roots result in crop lodging during heavy winds with speed of more than 100 kmph and rainfall.” Farmers credit the government, RySS, and Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) officials for guiding them in their transition from chemical to natural farming. Over the past seven years, APCNF has worked with farmers to enable their shift from conventional chemical farming to natural farming.  https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2023/dec/17/andhra-pradesh-as-a-sign-of-rewardsof-natural-farming-michaung-spares-crops-raised-without-chemicals-2642329.html  (17 Dec. 2023)

Puducherry Mandatory for govt offices to use treated water  Keen on saving 17 MLD of treated sewage water from draining into the sea, the Puducherry government has made it mandatory for all government offices in Puducherry to use treated water for toilet flushing and watering gardens, among other non-potable purposes. The PWD has laid pipelines from its STP in Dubrayapet for use of the ultra-filtered water for gardening in Bharathi Park and the Government Botanical Garden, located in the Boulevard.

The notification for reuse of Secondary Treated Effluent Water (STEW) for government offices will be formally released by Lt. Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan and CM N. Rangasamy on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. According to PWD Secretary D. Manikandan, “The decision has been taken to ensure that no drinking quality water is used for non-potable purposes. Owing to over-exploitation of groundwater, the water level has depleted to a great extent in Puducherry. To overcome the shortage of water for different purposes and to avoid over extraction, the Government has decided to reuse water up to a certain quantity, after proper treatment, for non-potable purposes.”

All government offices have been directed to utilise the ultra filtered water from Dubrayapet STP to the maximum extent possible and to recommend all stakeholders under their control for efficient use of treated sewage so as to conserve water. The executive engineer of the public health division of PWD has been appointed as the nodal officer for this purpose, an official said. The PWD is also coming up with a waste water management policy, aimed not only at treatment of water but also its utilisation. As part of the policy, the PWD would be closing all open drains and shifting to underground drainage in the city.  https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/puducherry/puducherry-makes-it-mandatory-for-government-offices-to-use-treated-sewage-water-for-bathrooms-gardening/article67653335.ece   (19 Dec. 2023)

Kerala Women Make Water Hyacinths into Income Ideas  The workstation of Kottappuram Integrated Development Society (KIDS) in the Thrissur district of Kerala is a mess of plastic wires at a glance. On a closer look, it becomes evident that the women here are dealing with dried water hyacinths and palm leaves. These women from the town bordering Ernakulam district have been earning a livelihood by making home decor items from eco-friendly raw materials.

Launched in 1987, Kottappuram Integrated Development Society (KIDS) has been creating products from palm leaves and screw pines by weaving and using looms. The traditional knowledge of processing innovative products reached its helm when the women workers explored the hidden potential of water hyacinths in 2005. They were the first in India to introduce a loom system for creating products from dried hyacinth stems.  https://www.newsclick.in/kerala-these-women-make-environmentally-destructive-water-hyacinths-income-ideas  ; https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=1150285   (18 Dec. 2023)

GROUNDWATER

Report Interesting to see this headline saying that depleting groundwater is responsible for garlic price surge to Rs 400 per kg, particularly in garlic producing states like Maharashtra and Karnataka. Though the story says deficit rainfall is a major cause.  https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/depleting-groundwater-behind-surge-in-garlic-prices-101702984909714.html   (19 Dec. 2023)

URBAN WATER

Hyderabad HC panel on Durgam Cheruvu seeks report in 6 weeks   The Telangana high court on Friday (Dec. 22) constituted an experts committee headed by Atul Narayan Vaidya, director of Nagpur-based National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), to study the reasons behind the deterioration of Durgam Cheruvu and also to suggest effective ways to restore the lake to its pristine glory. A bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice J Anil Kumar, which took up a TOI news report (dated Dec 12, 2023) highlighting the plight of the lake with encroachments on one side and water contamination on the other as a PIL, made its clear that it was not taking HMDA officials into the committee saying “they sold off their conscience”. The bench asked the expert committee to furnish its report to the court within six weeks. The case will be next heard on Feb 6 2024.

– No official from SPCB was named because SPCB had become a source of litigation than a preventer of pollution, the bench said. It alsi said that the lake’s plight was primarily due to connivance of officials with wrong-doers and any attempt to influence the experts committee or scuttle the process will be met with serious consequences. “We have decided not to depend on the government officials for the purpose of studying the lake condition because we know they will cause more obstructions in the way. We know the case of the fence eating the crop and the lake eating officials. Any interference from them will be viewed very seriously,” the bench warned. The bench directed the state government to support the committee financially in all forms, including transport and other expenses. It also directed the government to provide police protection to the committee.  https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/court-appoints-panel-on-durgam-cheruvu-seeks-report-in-6-weeks/articleshow/106223831.cms   (23 Dec. 2023)

A mineral water plant, New BMW Water & Beverages, selling bottled water, was found misusing Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mark. BIS officials have seized stock of the firm.  https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/bis-officials-raid-bottled-water-unit-hyderabad-a-mineral-water-plant/articleshow/106168126.cms   (21 Dec. 2023)

Bengaluru Re-imagining lakes as living beings  Seshadri KS ATREE Irrespective of who is responsible, they seem to follow a template for managing wetlands. They start with draining the lake, dredging, and desilting it; in the process, they make it deeper and of uniform depth, like a soup bowl. The dredged muck is piled along the bund to make it raised and later converted into a walking/jogging track, adorned with lights and benches. All of this is picturesque, and people also lap it up.

The soup bowl design is bad for two key reasons: One, the natural shallow foreshore is gone. Birds such as the sandpipers that need shallow, squelchy mud are gone. All the migrant birds we call ‘Waders’ are disappearing from these rejuvenated wetlands simply because the habitat is gone. Two, the wetland is made deeper, and water is retained throughout the year. This alters hydrology and increases sedimentation time. As a result, the sewage that is bringing in organic matter settles down at the bottom. https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/re-imagining-bengaluru-lakes-as-living-beings-2808279   (13 Dec. 2023)

BWSSB survey to identify properties lacking RWH The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has started a new survey of all the properties in the city to identify those that have failed to install a Rain Water Harvesting (RWH) system in their premises. Given that the state is witnessing severe drought and water security for the city is a cause of concern, the experts in the domain have pointed out the importance of catching rainwater.

Sources in BWSSB said that the survey is also being taken up since the officials were not convinced about the number of RWH systems in the city. According to data from the BWSSB, there are close to 10.6 lakh water connections in the city and only about 1.8 lakh of them have installed a RWH system. Close to another 43,000 of the households have been paying a penalty to the BWSSB. That brings the total number of households that have to mandatorily install the RWH system to only close to 2.3 lakh. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/bwssb-survey-to-identify-properties-lacking-rainwater-harvesting-system-2816437  (19 Dec. 2023)

Initiatives fail to take off due to lack of preparedness  A month after Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) opened registrations for ‘Kere Mihtra’ and ‘Hasiru Mithra’ initiatives to protect lakes and parks, respectively, the civic agency has yet to operationalise them due to a lack of preparedness and poor response from the public. According to BBMP officials, the civic agency was supposed to develop two apps – one for lakes and another one for parks- where volunteers coordinate with the BBMP in monitoring activities in lakes and parks. Just over 600 volunteers registered for lakes and parks each till the deadline of October 30.  https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/lake-park-monitoring-initiatives-bengaluru-bbmp-9067239/  (13 Dec. 2023)  BBMP had invited citizens to register as Kere Mitras between October 19 and 30. Though the civic body had a plan to allot at least 10 volunteers per developed lake, only about 600 people have registered; this could reduce the number of Kere Mitras assigned to each waterbody. An official from the lake department said citizens who have registered as Kere Mitras will be tagged soon to the lakes. He also confirmed they haven’t received as many registrations as expected. The civic agency, meanwhile, has announced that nodal officers will look after the maintenance of 140 lakes in its jurisdiction.  https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/https/example-com/app-on-lakes-soon/articleshow/106138784.cms  (20 Dec. 2023)

Dehradun City environmentalists object to rampant infra development   Environmentalists, members of social organisations, and Dehradun civil society on Saturday (Dec. 23) raised objections to rampant infrastructural development in the state capital. Himanshu Arora from Citizens for Green Doon said, “The city, once known for its salubrious climate, is now choking. Parade ground used to be a natural spring but it was concretised. Now, a water harvesting system will be developed in reverse damage control. Trees across the city were chopped and wall paintings depict trees and birds.” “Construction goes up to three storey in plain areas, but in hills and seismically fragile areas, we have up to 10 storey buildings. The infra work here has lost all common sense. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/city-environmentalists-object-to-rampant-infra-development/articleshow/106243735.cms  (24 Dec. 2023)

Gurugram ‘No change at Bandhwari’: NGT summons civic body chiefs  The bench said “substantially, there is no improvement or change in the situation” and it was granting MCG and MCF commissioners an “opportunity” to appear before the tribunal personally on Wednesday and explain why that was so. It added: “We are satisfied that there is gross neglect on the part of the authorities concerned and they are consistently and continuously committing an offence by violating provisions of Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016… We also intend to give an opportunity to municipal commissioners of Gurgaon and Faridabad, hence we direct that let this matter be put up tomorrow i.e. 20.12.2023…”

The tribunal was hearing two petitions by resident Poonam Yadav and environmentalist Vivek Kamboj, who alleged that fresh waste was being dumped at Bandhwari continuously in violation of NGT’s September 2022 order. In the same ruling, the tribunal had also imposed environmental compensation of Rs 100 crore on the Haryana government for damage to the Aravalis near the landfill. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/https/example-com/no-change-at-bandhwari-ngt-warns-of-action/articleshow/106138619.cms   (20 Dec. 2023)

WATER POLLUTION

Report Thermal power plants are still not disposing of fly ash properly  Despite the MoEFCC 2021 notification mandating 100 per cent utilisation of fly ash by coal-fired thermal power plants, several cases have been registered with the NGT alleging its improper disposal. Despite subsequent directions and oversight committee interventions in this matter, compliance remains elusive. The recurring non-compliance of orders is a matter of concern and does not set a very strong precedent.

These cases show how it is imperative to bridge the gap between legal mandates and their execution. This shows that there are a myriad of challenges that the NGT needs to overcome to have greater efficiency. NGT was established as a stride forward in environmental jurisprudence. Steps need to be taken to ensure that it stands true to its purpose by having a strong compliance system, among others.  https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/environment/thermal-power-plants-are-still-not-disposing-of-fly-ash-properly-ngt-cases-show-93479   (20 Dec. 2023)

Puducherry  NGT panel to submit report in 15 days  A three-member committee appointed by the principal Bench of the NGT on Wednesday (Dec. 20) inspected the Kuruchikuppam drain and beach to analyse the cause behind the recent phenomenon of the sea turning red in Puducherry. Taking suo motu cognisance of a news report published in The Hindu about a reddish tinge observed on the northern side of the Promenade Beach on October 17, the Bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member A. Senthil Vel ordered the panel to ascertain the cause of the colour change and take remedial action to prevent such an incident in the future. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/puducherry/sea-turning-red-in-puducherry-ngt-panel-inspects-beach-to-submit-report-in-15-days/article67657521.ece   (20 Dec. 2023)

WATER

Report NITI to release Water Management Index  NITI Aayog has decided that data for some of the key performance indicators (KPIs) will be collected at district level for release of a combined report of Composite Water Management Index 6.0 (CWMI), Parliament was informed on Monday. Following consultations with relevant ministries and departments, the scope of CWMI was expanded to include district-level data collection for selected KPIs, aiming to enhance data granularity. The decision was made to release a combined report encompassing editions up to CWMI 6.0.  https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/business/2023/12/04/dcm38-rsq-water-index-niti.html   (04 Dec. 2023)

Maharashtra Water crisis looms as stocks in dams down to 65%   According to information on the website of the water resources department, in all six regions — Nagpur, Amravati, Aurangabad, Nashik, Pune and Konkan — water stock has reduced significantly. The situation in Marathwada appears bad as stock there has reduced from 84% to 36%, and in minor irrigation projects, the stock is 24% as against 68% last year. In Nagpur region, over a dozen dams had a stock of 100% which is now down to 50%, and in Amravati the situation is similar. In Sirasmarg irrigation project in Beed district, water stock last year stood at 100%, while on Thursday  (Dec. 21) it had no water stock. The huge number of water tankers deployed reflects the gravity of the situation, officials said. Last year on December 20, there were no tankers, while on Thursday (Dec. 21), it was found 440 tankers have been deployed for 416 villages and 997 hamlets.  https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/water-crisis-looms-as-stocks-in-maharashtras-dams-down-to-65/articleshow/106198829.cms   (22 Dec. 2023)

MONSOON 2023

Turbulence in South This EDIT in THE HINDU on Dec 20 2023 rightly says that Met dept is unable to provide precise location or timing of heavy rains like what Southern TN experienced and that better coordination is required between different agencies. https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/turbulence-in-south-on-the-heavy-rain-in-southern-tamil-nadu-weather-forecasting-and-preparedness/article67654609.ece   (20 Dec. 2023)

Tamil Nadu has been affected by high-intensity rain for the second time this month. The intense rain in early December due to Cyclone Michaung was concentrated in the northern part of the state, and the current spell, caused by a general cyclonic circulation, is in the southern part. Analysis, however, shows that it is only the second spell that is officially extreme. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/number-theory-tamil-nadu-is-in-its-most-extreme-rain-spell-ever-101703012959755.html   (20 Dec. 2023)

Some exceptional rainfall figures, not commonly occurring during a 24-hour time span, were reported by nearly 40 meteorological stations across Thoothukudi (Tuticorin), Thirunelvali and Kanyakumari districts. For example, in Kalyanapattinam, the 24-hour rainfall recorded on December 18 was 950 mm, which is close to the annual rainfall of Lucknow and Ambala (960 mm each) and more than the annual rainfall of Allahabad (918 mm). In two days, this station received a total rainfall of 1160 mm, which was greater than the annual rainfall of Chandigarh (1, 070 mm) and Bengaluru (1,000 mm).

Some of the wettest places on December 18 were Nalumukku (470mm), Oothu (500), Manjolai (550mm) in Tirunelveli district, Tiruchendur (690mm), Old taluk office Srivaikuntam (630mm), Kakkachi (360mm) and Kulasekarapattinam in Thoothukudi district. The annual rainfall of India’s southernmost district, Kanyakumari, is 760mm, whereas the district has already recorded 1050.7mm during October 1 – December 20. https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/why-tamil-nadu-has-witnessed-heavy-rainfall-in-december-9077911/  (22 Dec. 2023)

FLOOD 2023

Tamil Nadu  Thoothukudi thermal plant inundated, power generation halts  Following incessant rain in southern districts, Thoothukudi’s 1,050-MW coal-based thermal plant has been inundated bringing power generation to a halt. The plant, operational for four decades, is grappling with ageing machinery. A few years ago, unit 2 had ceased generation due to technical errors and has been waiting for spare parts for 18 months. Now, with all five units inundated, the task of obtaining spare parts has become much more herculean.  https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2023/dec/19/thoothukudi-thermal-plant-inundated-power-generation-halts-2642933.html  (19 Dec. 2023)

Thoothukudi, Entire Village Washed Away  Floods in Thoothukudi – which received 950 mm, nearly a metre, of rainfall between Sunday and Money – literally washed away villages, killing six persons and leaving tens of thousands marooned on rooftops, surviving on air-dropped food packets and awaiting rescue. Report about one village – the devastated Sri Parangusanallur in the Srivaikuntam taluk that had remained cut-off till late Wednesday to the nearby Thamirabarani River that overflowed past midnight Sunday. Though floodwaters surrounding the village had receded, the road to Sri Parangusanallur had caved in, meaning no car or motor vehicle could reach the people.

– The crisis also underscores the weather department’s apparent inability to accurately forecast such mind-boggling rainfall. Visiting the flood-affected districts on Thursday, Mr Stalin said, “Only on December 17 (did) the Met Department) alert ‘extremely heavy rainfall’ for the 17th and 18th.”  https://www.ndtv.com/south/ndtv-ground-report-in-flood-hit-thoothukudi-entire-village-washed-away-4721968   (22 Dec. 2023)

Study Drivers of wide spread floods in Indian river basins  Nanditha J. S.  & Vimal Mishra Widespread floods affecting multiple subbasins in a river basin have implications for infrastructure, agriculture, environment, and groundwater recharge. However, the crucial linkage between widespread floods and their drivers remains unexplored for Indian sub-continental river basins. Here, we examine the occurrence and drivers of widespread flooding in seven Indian sub-continental river basins during the observed climate (1959-2020). The peninsular river basins have a high probability of widespread flooding, compared to the transboundary basins of Ganga and Brahmaputra. Favorable antecedent baseflow and soil moisture conditions, uniform precipitation distribution, and precipitation seasonality determine the probability of widespread floods in Indian river basins. The widespread floods are associated with large atmospheric circulations that cause precipitation in a large part of a river basin. Our findings highlight the prominent drivers and mechanisms of widespread floods with implications for flood mitigation in India.  https://journals.ametsoc.org/configurable/content/journals$002fhydr$002faop$002fJHM-D-23-0168.1$002fJHM-D-23-0168.1.xml  (13 Dec. 2023)

The team analysed the occurrence of widespread floods in seven major river basins in the Indian subcontinent, such as Ganga, Brahmaputra, Godavari, Krishna, Mahanadi, Narmada and Cauvery in 1959-2020. With 40 events in the period, the Mahanadi and Narmada river basins had the highest frequency of widespread floods, the analysis showed. Krishna and Godavari basins witnessed more than 20 widespread floods, while Ganga, Brahmaputra and Cauvery basins saw less than 15 events in the period. The team also found strong seasonal trends in widespread flood probability in the subcontinental river basins. For example, during the summer monsoon season, all seven river basins, except Cauvery, experienced widespread flooding in August.  https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/natural-disasters/peninsular-river-basins-in-india-more-likely-to-face-widespread-flooding-than-transboundary-rivers-study-93504  (21 Dec. 2023)

HFL BREACH

SANDRP Blog Rivers Crossing Highest Flood Levels in Dec 2023 During ongoing North East monsoon season at least six rivers have breached highest flood levels (HFLs) at their respective flood monitoring sites in December 2023.

All of these HFL breach incidents have taken place in two states of Andhra Pradesh (3) and Tamil Nadu (3). While most of the Old HFLs were attained in recent past years, the Thambraparani river at Murappanadu and Vaippar river at Irrukkankudi site have crossed old HFLs after 31 and 25 years respectively. Interestingly, all of these rivers are part of East Flowing Rivers (EFR) between Pennar and Kanyakumari basin.  https://sandrp.in/2023/12/22/rivers-crossing-highest-flood-levels-in-dec-2023/   (22 Dec. 2023)

URBAN FLOODS

Chennai: CPCL Oil Leak Disaster ‘Black’ Pelicans & Painted Storks raise concern as migration season peaking  The oil spill is taking a heavy toll on the already degraded environmental ecosystem, including mangrove cover and wetlands, in Ennore. Now, the sightings of ‘black’ oil-drenched Pelicans and Painted Storks raises concern of bird mortality as the annual migration season is peaking.

The local fishermen said around 60 pelicans had died during the initial few days of oil spill, the stronger individuals, who survived despite coming in contact with the toxic oil, stand testimony to how badly the birdlife was affected. The southern bench NGT, which heard the case on Monday (Dec. 18), asked for a biodiversity loss report from the forest department by December 21.  https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2023/dec/19/oil-spill-black-pelicans-painted-storks-raise-concern-as-migration-season-peaking-2642956.html   (19 Dec. 2023)

CPCL to pay ₹7.5 crore compensation for oil spill in Ennore  The Tamil Nadu government has fixed a total of ₹8.68 crore as relief fund for families and boats that were affected by the oil spill from industries, in Ennore during Cyclone Michaung. Of the total ₹8.68 crore relief fund, the CPCL will pay ₹7.53 crore to the Tamil Nadu Disaster Management Authority and the remaining ₹1.15 crore will be borne by the Authority. The Fisheries Department further said that a relief amount of ₹78.7 lakh for the boats (₹10,000 each) and ₹287.6 lakh for the affected families (₹12,500 each) was also fixed. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/cpcl-to-pay-75-crore-compensation-for-oil-spill-in-ennore/article67662836.ece   (21 Dec. 2023)

The TNPCB counsel categorically told the southern bench of NGT that CPCL was at fault for the oil spill and added that the board has already issued a show cause notice.  H Shankar, director (technical), CPCL, pointed out that the chemical analysis of samples collected by TNPCB shows phenolic compounds and grease, substances not used by CPCL.  However, government officials told TNIE there is conclusive evidence suggesting CPCL was the source of the oil spill.  https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2023/dec/19/cpcl-claims-impunity-says-it-is-being-unfairly-accused-by-tngovernment-2642801.html  (19 Dec. 2023)

Fishermen of eight villages near Ennore staged a protest on Saturday (Dec, 23) morning demanding inclusion of two villages — Chinnakuppam and Periyakuppam — for relief. These villages had been affected in the recent oil spill in the Ennore-Manali area when oil had run into waterbodies, including the Kosasthalaiyar and the Ennore Creek.  R. Kumaran of the Ennore Meenava Grama Makkal Panchayat said that those two villages had also suffered losses. “Their nets, boats and engines have been damaged due to the oil slick. They have also lost their livelihoods due to this calamity,” he said.    https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/fishermen-of-8-villages-stage-protest-seeking-inclusion-of-two-more-villages-affected-by-oil-spill-for-relief/article67669333.ece   (23 Dec. 2023)

WRD starts survey for channel to link Adyar, Palar rivers  The official emphasised the need to identify locations to divert surplus water from Chembarambakkam Lake. Sharing the ambitious plan, another official said, “We intend to construct a canal from Athanur, the origin of the Adyar River, to Palar in Chengalpattu. This canal will connect various water bodies in the district, potentially reducing the risk of floods by 40%.”

The proposed canal would facilitate the diversion of floodwater from Palar to the sea through Vayalur, the official explained. WRD officials are actively conducting surveys and a detailed project report will be submitted to the state government at the earliest. The project aims to bring relief to flood-prone areas in south Chennai and enhance water management in the region.  https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2023/dec/23/chennai-wrd-starts-survey-for-channel-to-link-adyar-palar-rivers-2644156.html   (23 Dec. 2023)

GCC should focus on completing the missing links in the storm-water drain network and also on the left over 3,000 meters in about 30 locations, including those in the arterial roads, maintained by the Highways Department and under construction by the Corporation.   https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/only-a-detailed-study-will-reveal-reasons-for-flooding-corporation/article67648023.ece  (17 Dec. 2023)

ENVIRONMENT GOVERNANCE

Kerala Civil court can’t grant injection on matters taken by NGT: HC  The High Court has made it clear that as per Section 14 of the NGT Act, Tribunals and not Civil Courts have jurisdiction to deal with civil cases on ‘substantial questions relating to environment’. It held that as per Section 29 of the NGT Act, Civil Courts are barred from granting injunctions for actions taken or to be taken by the Tribunal in civil cases on ‘substantial questions relating to environment’.

In this case, the maintainability of the suit was challenged stating that the National Green Tribunal has the jurisdiction to govern ‘substantial questions relating to environment’ and not a Civil Court. Justice V.G. Arun observed thus: “…the relief of injunction is sought based on the allegation that the revision petitioners are flowing out chemical waste and contaminating the environment (padasekharam) in violation of the licence conditions and the statutory provisions. Undoubtedly, the jurisdiction over such a case is vested with the Tribunal under Section 14 of the NGT Act. As per Section 29, no civil court can grant injunction in respect of any action taken or to be taken by the Tribunal in respect of the settlement of dispute relating to any claim for granting any relief or compensation or restitution of property damaged or environment damaged which may be adjudicated by the Tribunal.” https://www.livelaw.in/high-court/kerala-high-court/kerala-high-court-section-14-29-ngt-civil-court-cannot-grant-injunction-action-tribunal-bar-jurisdiction-civil-court-244900  (19 Dec. 2023)

Report NGT imposes fines of over Rs 79K cr for different violations in 2022-23  The government on Thursday informed the Rajya Sabha that the NGT has imposed total fines of Rs 79,098 crore on states and UTs for non-compliance of municipal solid waste management (SWM) rules and other environmental violations in 2022-23. Data shared by the environment ministry in the upper house shows that Tamil Nadu faced the highest fine of Rs 15,419 crore, followed by Maharashtra (Rs 12,000 crore), Madhya Pradesh (Rs 9,688 crore), Uttar Pradesh (Rs 5,000 crore), Bihar (Rs 4,000 crore), Telangana (Rs 3,800 crore), West Bengal (Rs 3,500 crore), Karnataka (Rs 3,400 crore), Delhi (Rs 3,132 crore) and Rajasthan (Rs 3,000 crore).   https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ngt-imposes-fines-of-over-rs-79000-crore-on-states-and-uts-for-different-violations-in-2022-23/articleshow/106188635.cms  (21 Dec. 2023)

Chhattisgarh Tree felling for coal mines in Hasdeo forest begins Representatives of Chhattisgarh Bachao Aandolan (CBA) staged protest in Bilaspur against the move of government in Hasdeo. Alok Shukla of CBA said, “Young friends of Hasdeo Aranya Bachao Sangharsh Samiti including Ramlal Kariyam, a sarpanch of Ghatbarra village Jainandan Porte and Thakur Ram were picked by the police. We strongly condemn the action and demand for immediately put on hold the deforestation drive going on. The catchment of Hasdeo river and Minimta Bango Dam irrigates four lakh hectares of land and WII had written in its report that coal mining in Hasdeo will threaten the existence of river and dam. The human-elephant conflict in the state will increase so much that it can never be controlled again.

Sanjay Parate of Chhattisgarh Kisan Sabha has strongly condemned the arrests of the agitators and villagers. He said, “Chhattisgarh assembly had unanimously passed a non-official resolution on July 24 last year that Hasdeo Aranya should be kept mining free. The entire area falls in the fifth schedule and no gram sabha has given permission for mining and coal mining is violation of the Forest Rights Act, PESA Act and Land Acquisition Act.”   https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/raipur/tree-felling-for-coal-mines-in-hasdeo-forest-begins-in-chhattisgarh-locals-environmentalists-protest/articleshow/106190263.cms   (21 Dec. 2023)

Telangana 200 projects in await green nod as panel lies defunct  With the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) not in place for the past six months, more than 200 projects are in a limbo as they do not have the mandatory green nod to begin work.  https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/200-projects-in-t-await-green-nod-as-panel-lies-defunct/articleshow/106107448.cms   (19 Dec. 2023)

Maharashtra Nandurbar tribal farmers walking to Mumbai  The march, with more than 15,000 farmers, started from Nandurbar on December 7. They are expected to reach Mumbai by December 23. Kishor Damale, Ramsing Gavit and others leading the march said they want to draw the attention of the state to the issues faced by farmers and tribals. “Our demands are basic — the land allotment under the Forest Rights Act, compensation of Rs 30,000 per acre to all the farmers who have suffered during the current drought, doing away with the Forests (Conservation) Amendment bill, 2023, etc,” said the leaders. The protesters also want the immediate payment of dues to the farmers who have suffered losses due to the erratic weather conditions as announced in the year 2018, strict action against the people who, by forging documents, got reservations and other issues.  https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nashik/nandurbar-tribal-farmers-march-to-mumbai-reach-niphad-nashik/articleshow/106056397.cms  (17 Dec. 2023)

Kerala Battles Sugathakumari fought & won  What can governments and political parties do for poet Sugathakumari, someone whose voice was so clear and uncompromising, that they seldom dared to face her and address the issues she raised, writes an environmentalist.  https://www.thenewsminute.com/kerala/an-environmentalist-recalls-the-battles-sugathakumari-fought-won-and-sometimes-lost   (23 Dec. 2023)

CLIMATE CHANGE

Karnataka  Displaced by the sea Failed by the state  Many residents of coastal Karnataka have fled their homes to escape rising waters. Yet the government refuses to allow them to use newly formed patches of land.  https://scroll.in/article/1060817/displaced-by-the-sea-failed-by-the-state  (20 Nov. 2023)

Study Link between ocean weather and global climate  The study revealed that ocean weather systems are both energized and weakened when interacting with climate scales, and in a pattern that mirrors the global atmospheric circulation. The researchers also found that an atmospheric band near the equator called the “intertropical convergence zone,” which produces 30% of global precipitation, causes an intense amount of energy transfer, and produces ocean turbulence. https://phys.org/news/2023-12-scientists-uncover-link-ocean-weather.html  (20 Dec. 2023)

ASIA

Russia Mystery pollutant turns Iskitimka river beetroot-red  The incident has turned the Iskitimka river, which is situated in southern Russia and flows through an industrial city, into a focal point for environmental concerns, prompting urgent investigations by officials in the Siberian Kemerovo area.

The video comes in the wake of a disturbing trend in which several other rivers in Russia have reportedly experienced unexplained discolouration in recent times.  https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/trending-globally/mystery-pollutant-turns-russias-iskitimka-river-beetroot-red-9080128/   (24 Dec. 2023)

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

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

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