(Feature Image: Polluted Hindon river flowing through Ghaziabad in March 2024. Bhim Singh Rawat/SANDRP)
On March 21, 2024, a case related to the Grean Indian Bustard, a critically endangered bird – numbering less than 150 individuals – has led the Supreme Court of India to expand citizens’ constitutional right to life and equality to include the right to be free from the adverse impact of climate change. The PIL filed by M.K. Ranjitsinh asked to protect the GIB from extinction. In 2021, in this PIL, the Supreme Court had passed directions restricting and regulating power lines and renewable energy projects in an area of 99,000 sq km in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
The Supreme Court’s latest order modified directions passed in the earlier judgment. Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud – writing for the 3-judge bench including Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Mishra – has expanded the contours of environmental jurisprudence: from the oft-repeated polluter pay principle–precautionary principle–public trust doctrine to the larger arena of climate justice, environmental inequity and gender justice. However, in the process, the protection the SC gave through earlier order has been withdrawn.
Ritwick Dutta rightly concludes in his article on this subject: “In his seminal work Development as Freedom (1996), Professor Amartya Sen states that freedom should be the primary element of development: “the only acceptable evaluation of human progress is primarily and ultimately enhancement of freedom”. In his words, the main purpose of development is to spread freedom and its ‘thousand charms’ to the unfree citizens.
“In his subsequent work The Idea of Justice (2009), Sen argues that a theory of justice must include ways of ‘reducing injustice and advancing justice’. Justice Chandrachud, in a way, amalgamates the two ideas and recognises that citizens will remain unfree unless they are ‘free from the adverse impact of climate change’ and climate specific legislation, litigations focused on climate change and a shift from coal to cleaner energy are crucial, not only from the environmental perspective, but also in furthering human rights and reducing inequality.
“One can hope that the judgment will help shape law, policy and action in way that ensures that not only are citizens free from the adverse impact of climate change, but even the last remaining GIB can fly free without being entangled in power lines.”
One hopes that the directions to push renewable energy projects in the name of addressing climate change is not used to push all kinds of such projects including dams and hydropower projects, which have huge and irreversible impacts on environment, rivers, biodiversity and society. Can climate change solutions be at the cost of nature, which is the biggest adaptation resource for coping against impacts of climate change? What is the credible process through which this will be decided? While the SC judgement is welcome in expanding citizens’ constitutional right to life and equality to include the right to be free from the adverse impact of climate change, it should not be an instrument to push unjustifiable, nature destroying non solutions in the name of addressing climate change. The SC will need to address these further issues sooner rather than later.
How a Critically Endangered Bird Helped Further the Cause of Climate Justice in India: The Supreme Court’s latest ruling on the protection and conservation of the Great Indian Bustard has implications beyond the facts of the case. https://thewire.in/environment/how-a-critically-endangered-bird-helped-further-the-cause-of-climate-justice-in-india Apr 12 2024
Climate change impacts constitutional guarantee of right to equality: SC Climate change impacts the constitutional guarantee of the right to equality, the Supreme court has said while constituting a committee to find a balance between conservation of critically-endangered Great Indian Bustard and renewable energy infrastructure in the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat. The top court recalled an earlier order of April 2021 that required undergrounding of overhead transmission lines across an area of over 80,000 sq km in the two states.
A bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra said a blanket direction for undergrounding high voltage and low voltage power lines needs recalibration. “Climate change may impact the constitutional guarantee of the right to equality. Without a clean environment which is stable and unimpacted by the vagaries of climate change, the right to life is not fully realised. The right to health (which is a part of the right to life under Article 21) is impacted due to factors such as air pollution, shifts in vector-borne diseases, rising temperatures, droughts, shortages in food supplies due to crop failure, storms, and flooding,” the bench said. https://theprint.in/india/climate-change-impacts-constitutional-guarantee-of-right-to-equality-sc/2032024/ (08 April 2024)
HYDRO POWER PROJECTS
Report चुनाव 2024: बाँध योजनाएं बढ़ता जोखिम, बढ़ता विरोध साउथ एशिया नेटवर्क ऑन डैम्स, रिवर्स एंड पीपल के हिमांशु ठक्कर कहते हैं “चमोली आपदा, हिमाचल की बाढ़ या फिर सिक्किम में हिमनद झील का टूटना तो प्राकृतिक था लेकिन उनके आपदा में बदलने की वजह मानवीय थी। चमोली में हाइड्रो पावर प्रोजेक्ट के टूटने से इतनी बड़ी संख्या में मौतें हुईं। हिमाचल में बारिश की वजह से बाढ़ शुरू हुई लेकिन बांधों से छोड़े गए पानी की वजह से ये बाढ़ कई गुना अधिक बड़ी हो गई। सिक्किम में भी बांध टूटने से डाउनस्ट्रीम में ज्यादा नुकसान हुआ”।
– ठक्कर कहते हैं “हाइड्रो पावर या अन्य विकास योजनाओं पर काम करने की प्रक्रिया लोकतांत्रिक होनी चाहिए। इसमें स्थानीय लोगों को सही जानकारी देना और फैसले में उनका शामिल होना जरूरी है। बड़े बांधों से संभावित खतरे, आपदा की आशंका, पर्यावरण और समाज पर पड़ने वाले असर को जोड़कर इसके लाभ का विश्लेषण (cost benefit analysis) करना चाहिए। इसके बाद अगर लोग अपनी सहमति जताते हैं तो ही ऐसी विकास योजनाएं बनाई जाएं”। https://indiaspendhindi.com/cover-story/election-2024-increasing-risk-increasing-opposition-yet-dam-projects-are-expanding-rapidly-903274 (09 April 2024)
Arunachal Pradesh Saving Our Land Video about how Idu Mishmis have been opposing Dibang, Etalin and other dams on Dibang river. They are now setting up a Community Conservation Area to protect the biodiversity.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHyJ6i3ST_U (10 April 2024)
Sikkim Destructive development Mayalmit Lepcha has watched with dread as successive governments have sanctioned dams in the state despite its fragile geography. https://scroll.in/article/1066047/view-from-the-margins-a-lepcha-activist-describes-the-destructive-development-in-sikkim (2 April 2024)
Ladakh पहाड़ों, नदियों के विनाश के खिलाफ व भविष्य के लिए खड़े होते लोग https://www.spsmedia.in/land-forest-and-water/ladakh-people-standing-against-destruction-mountains-rivers-future/ (Apr 2024)
DAMS
SANDRP Blog Dam Removal as a River Restoration Tool Parineeta Dandekar of SANDRP presented a paper on Dam Decommissioning at the World Fisheries Congress at Seattle, USA last month. Here she talks about the sessions at WFC on this theme. Please Read, Share.
https://sandrp.in/2024/04/12/dam-removal-as-a-river-restoration-tool-world-fisheries-congress-2024/ (12 April 2024)
Kaleshwaram Project Justice Ghose judicial probe into KLIP from April 24 The Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose-led judicial commission will commence its probe into alleged irregularities in the implementation of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) on April 24. Justice Ghose is expected to visit the project and interact with the officials and official agencies involved in the implementation of the three barrages – Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla ahead of finalising the probe schedule. https://telanganatoday.com/justice-ghose-judicial-probe-into-klip-from-april-24 (14 April 2024)
NDSA suspects deviations in Medigadda construction Why did the piers of Medigadda barrage sink? Were there any changes and deviations in the barrage designs? What was the role of officers in these deviations? These are some of the issues which are being probed by the NDSA (National Das Safety Authority). Top irrigation officials said that the NDSA had sent a questionnaire to the engineers who were part of the official team to oversee the Kaleshwaram project works during the construction period.
– It required at least three weeks for curing of the pier structures. But the works above the piers were completed without proper curing. Officials said that the NDSA was seeking minute details pertaining to the construction activity from the day one to the completion of the barrage with documentary evidence from the authority. https://www.thehansindia.com/news/cities/hyderabad/ndsa-suspects-deviations-in-medigadda-construction-871759 (11 April 2024)
4 gates to be lifted further at Medigadda to let off flood flow The main task before the Irrigation Department is to ensure safety and functionality of rest of the barrage infrastructure that is still intact, according to officials. As part of this initiative, four of the gates in the impacted stretch were being lifted further, making adequate space for free flood flow once the monsoon sets in. This exercise has to be completed in advance, taking adequate precautions. By raising the gates, water storage at an undesired level can be avoided, even in the event of heavy flooding.
– The project officials are planning to raise another four gates in the second phase as part of the move before taking up any work on damaged Block No. 7, which must be structurally replaced by dismantling the piers that opened up cracks. The NDSA is of the opinion that the barrage should not be filled with water in its present condition, as it would likely result in more structural issues. The project officials took stock of the barrage condition by conducting an end-to-end inspection on Apr 10. https://telanganatoday.com/four-gates-to-be-lifted-further-at-medigadda-to-let-off-flood-flow (11 April 2024)
Irrigation dept ENC orders repairs barrages Anil Kumar, Engineer-in-Chief (General) of the Irrigation department has instructed the contracting firms to make temporary repairs to Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages so that water could be stored in the monsoons. During a meeting held by ENC along with the top brass of the irrigation department and representatives of the irrigation contracting companies in Hyderabad on Wednesday, Anil Kumar told them that based on the report of the Dam Safety Authority, permanent repairs will be done at the barrages of KLIS.
– Representatives of the contracting firms sought to know from the irrigation department what kind of work needed to be taken up, construction costs, and who was going to give the designs for the works. They brought to the notice of the state government that bills amounting to more than Rs 600 crore were yet to be paid by the latter, for the earlier works done at the three barrages.
– The irrigation officials asked them to erect sheet piles on the eighth block of the Medigadda barrage, do grouting work, and ascertain how deep the pits underneath the raft are. The steps to be taken to prevent submergence of the pump houses were discussed during the meeting. https://www.siasat.com/telangana-irrigation-dept-enc-orders-repairs-to-kaleshwaram-barrages-3007239/ (11 April 2024)
Hoping for Magic before the Monsoon With just around two months to go before the scheduled onset of the monsoon season, the state irrigation department has called for a meeting on Wednesday with representatives of the companies that built the Kaleshwaram project barrages, it is learnt. Officials fear that once the monsoon rains begin in June, the inflows into Godavari and Pranahita will make things very difficult at the barrages unless protection measures are taken up immediately.
– This is expected to be a greater challenge than just discussions as the contracting companies — L&T which built Medigadda, Afcons which built Annaram, and Navayuga which built the Sundilla barrage —having informed the irrigation department that there was nothing much they could do unless the department steps up, provides revised and new designs for flood protection measures and construction parameters before any work can be taken up. The challenge is even greater at Medigadda, a part of which has already sunk. There is also the issue of who will pay for the repairs. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/kaleshwaramhoping-for-magic-before-the-monsoon-889011 (09 April 2024)
Tamil Nadu 90 years on, Mettur dam to be desilted In a bid to make use of the low water level, the Water Resources Department has decided to kick start desilting works of the Mettur dam by the end of May. The reservoir has not been desilted since its construction in 1934. As of Thursday, the water level in Mettur stands at 57 feet against its full capacity of 120 feet. Official sources suggest that with funds from the state government, the department can hasten the process. However, approval from the Election Commission of India is pending due to the prevailing model code of conduct. Last year, WAPCOS had prepared feasibility report for this and it estimated desilting cost of Mettur at Rs 3000 Cr. It is estimated that upon desilting, the reservoir could potentially store an additional 30 tmcft of water within the next six years. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2024/Apr/12/90-years-on-mettur-dam-to-be-desilted (12 April 2024)
Maharashtra Critical dam water levels Out of 138 major dams in Maharashtra, 17 are completely dry; 23 have less than 10% water storage; 20 have more than 50% water storage; while the rest have 20 to 40% water storage. This suggests that the state may face severe water scarcity this year.
The Koyna dam for instance, has only 47.52% usable water storage as against 50.92% during the corresponding period last year. This could lead to limitations on power generation as the demand for water increases during the monsoon. Consequently, there may be discussions about diverting water from electricity generation to other purposes, potentially leading to load regulation, particularly in rural areas. Koyna generates 1,920-megawatt of hydraulic power. If the water level goes down, it affects power generation. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/pune-news/water-crisis-looms-as-dams-across-maha-in-critical-condition-101713119190912.html (15 April 2024)
‘Jalsamruddha Nashik’ initiative to clear Gangapur dam silt Various social organisations, including entrepreneurs and builders, have embarked on the ‘Jalsamruddha Nashik’ initiative. This concerted effort aims to remove five thousand cubic meters of silt daily from April 15 to June 15, significantly enhancing the dam’s storage capacity by approximately 100 crore litres. The extracted silt will be distributed free of charge to farmers for use in their fields, fostering agricultural productivity.
The scheme of the state government to remove silt from dams will extend beyond Gangapur dam to other reservoirs, rivers, and water bodies in the district. Previous efforts by Nashik city organisations to clear silt from Gangapur and other reservoirs, rivers, and streams have laid the groundwork for this collaborative endeavor. With the support of CSR funds and coordination among the Jain Association of India, Soil and Water Conservation Department, and Water Resources Department, the initiative seeks to mitigate water scarcity challenges by enhancing water storage through silt removal from reservoirs. https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/nashik-jalsamruddha-nashik-initiative-to-clear-silt-from-gangapur-dam (14 April 2024)
Water supply to breweries might be curtailed in Marathwada region Water supply to breweries in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district might be curtailed if necessary, an official said. The Jayakwadi dam’s Nath Sagar reservoir supplies water to residential and industrial areas of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and neighbouring Jalna district. Twelve companies are involved in making liquor and beer in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. In the 2023-24 financial year, these companies manufactured 761.53 lakh bulk litres of liquor and 3,778.28 bulk litres of beer, an excise official said.
They generated a revenue of Rs 5,455.70 crore for the state government, which was Rs 347.14 crore more than the previous year (2022-2023) year, the official said. https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/water-supply-to-breweries-might-be-curtailed-in-marathwada-region-124041000176_1.html (10 April 2024)
INTERLINKING OF RIVERS
Ken Betwa Linking Will the project benefit the Bundelkhand region? While highlighting new risks due to the Ken Betwa project and unresolved wildlife clearance issue, it also does not mention the unresolved issues related to Forest Clearance. Nor that the project will facilitate export of water from Bundelkhand. Nor about the project’s questionable hydrology assumptions, the hydrology figures are not in public domain, nor peer reviewed by independent experts. https://groundreport.in/environment/will-the-ken-betwa-project-benefit-the-bundelkhand-region-4481149 (14 April 2024)
INTERSTATE WATER DISPUTES
Krishna Water Dispute Telangana officials seek water release from reservoir in Karnataka It is learnt that the Telangana Irrigation department has prepared proposals to request the Karnataka government to release water from the Narayanpur reservoir, when necessary for taking care of drinking water needs of Telangana in summer. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2024/Apr/11/telangana-officials-seek-water-release-from-reservoir-in-karnataka (11 April 2024)
URBAN RIVERS
Ramnadi; Pune एनजीटी ने पुणे नगर निगम को रामनदी में किसी भी प्रकार के एंजाइम का प्रयोग करने पर पाबन्दी लगाई है। यह फैसला पुणे के नदी प्रेमियों और नागरिकों के लिए एक बड़ी सफलता है। यह पता नहीं है कि एंजाइम डालने से नदी के पानी पर या प्रभाव पड़ता है। इसलिए ऐसे प्रयोगों से बचने के लिए एनजीटी ने यह फैसला लिया है। https://www.lokmat.com/pune/dont-put-enzyme-in-ram-river-ngt-gave-order-to-pune-municipal-corporation-a-a532-c727/ (09 April 2024)
The Principle Bench of NGT has given a Suo motu final order by to Pune Municipal Corporation for use of drenzyme to retard Water hyacinth. Instead of stopping pollution PMC was trying to make a short cut by pouring drenzyme which would have been catastrophic. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/governance/daily-court-digest-major-environment-orders-april-9-2024-95507 (10 April 2024)
Pavana NGT directs PCMC to submit action plan The river, which supplies about 80% of Pimpri-Chinchwad’s drinking water across four main areas, is facing a severe pollution crisis, with pollution levels breaching critical thresholds. The recent degradation has led to the river’s classification as ‘priority 1’, indicating its critical pollution status as per guidelines set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The principal bench of the NGT took proactive steps by registering a case on its own accord earlier.
PCMC acknowledged its efforts to strengthen sewage infrastructure and install a new interceptor line to address the issue. However, NGT demanded a more comprehensive report from PCMC, encompassing pollution sources, proposed remedial actions, and measures to address non-functional STPs. The case has now been transferred to the western zonal bench of NGT, with the next hearing scheduled for May 21, 2024. https://www.mypunepulse.com/pollution-crisis-in-pavana-river-prompts-urgent-action-ngt-directs-pcmc-to-submit-plan-of-action/ (11 April 2024)
RIVERS
Report Highlights from the 27th International Day of Action for Rivers The International Day of Action for Rivers originated in Curitiba, Brazil in 1997, when representatives from dam-affected communities around the world gathered to raise their voices against dams and in support of river protections. From a small event of 50 groups in 1999, Day of Action for Rivers has grown into a global movement with over 110 events by 400+ groups taking place in more than 40 countries this year. https://www.internationalrivers.org/news/water-for-all-highlights-of-the-27th-international-day-of-action-for-rivers/ (08 April 2024)
Vikalp Sangam Walking along the Indus In the mountain springs, northeast of Mount Kailash in Western Tibet, China, rises a river, Sengge Khababs (lion-mouthed) serving as source stream for the magnificent river Indus that has been nourishing civilisations since 2nd millennium BC. To raise awareness on some of these issues but crucially to help the young generation in Ladakh to reconnect with the river and her ecosystem, the Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust along with Kalpavriksh, Pune organised a walk along the Indus River from Upshi to Phey village from the 11th to 15th July. Over the course of these 5 days, 30 students from Ladakh along with other river enthusiasts participated in the walk and covered about 90 Kms. All through the walk, students interacted with the villagers living along the banks of the river, learning and sharing about peoples’ relationship with the river and raising awareness about its ecological and cultural importance through films, documentaries, public discussions among others. In the process, participants learned about the biodiversity around the river including birds, plants, fishes among others. (Shrishtee Bajpai) https://vikalpsangam.org/article/walking-along-the-indus/ (09 April 2024)
CAUVERY Study Cropping decisions under water stress: Evidence from Delta Region Abstract: Cropping decisions under resource constraints such as water stress have a significant influence on the livelihoods of farm households. Using survey data from 152 farm households in three villages of the paddy producing zone in the Cauvery Delta Region, we examine the factors that determine selection of paddy varieties and cotton. Our findings show that the marketability of specific paddy varieties, given inadequate public procurement, and groundwater use, driven by reduced surface water flows, influence crop choice. Farmers have modified their sowing practices and cropping patterns as a response to water stress and market signals. We conclude that to develop effective interventions to improve farm-based livelihoods, it is important to look not just at climatic drivers of crop choice and farm level adjustments but the multiple stressors at different scales. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/wwp2.12177 (03 April 2024)
NARMADA ग्रीन ट्रिब्यूनल और सुप्रीम कोर्ट की रोक के बावजूद नर्मदा में चलाने के लिए क्रूज आ गए हैं। क्रूज के माध्यम से नर्मदा में पर्यटन के नुकसान पर राजेन्द्र जोशीजी का यह आलेख आँखे खोल देने वाला है।
Report Villagers use Saraswati riverbed for cow dung, cremation, crop The sites in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan along the river’s paleochannels may be the biggest archaeological evidence that can establish the Saraswati story but the alarming rate at which the river bed is being lost doesn’t bode well for the band of excavators looking to co-relate the late Harappan period with Vedic period. And at the heart of this encroachment lies an important question — what is more important, history or livelihood? https://theprint.in/the-fineprint/villagers-use-saraswati-riverbed-for-cow-dung-cremation-crop-where-do-we-keep-cattle/2035667/ (11 April 2024)
GANGA Cruising on troubled waters This article by Venkatesh Dutta should have mentioned about the adverse impacts of using Ganga as waterway currently, including adverse social, environmental, cultural and biodiversity issues and how the govt is pushing this waterway without any informed or participatory decision making. https://www.civilsocietyonline.com/column/living-rivers/cruising-on-troubled-waters/
Bihar अप्रैल में ही सूख गई 40 नदियां बिहार की 40 नदियां गर्मी की आमद के साथ ही सूख गई है। राज्य के कई जिलों में पानी का स्तर 50 फीट पहुंच गया है। बेतहाशा भूजल दोहन के चलते भूजल स्तर गिरता जा रहा है। https://www.livehindustan.com/bihar/story-40-rivers-of-bihar-dried-up-in-april-itself-water-below-50-feet-in-many-districts-drinking-water-crisis-deepens-9702665.html (6 Apr 2024)
YAMUNA Delhi HC orders DDA to remove encroachments from floodplains High Court orders DDA to remove encroachments from Yamuna floodplains at a number of places by removing debris and also file report on biodiversity parks. HC has also asked DDA to appoint officers for floodplains upkeep. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhi-hc-orders-dda-to-remove-encroachments-from-yamuna-floodplains/articleshow/109228754.cms (12 April 2024)
Delhi High Court has asked Delhi Govt to bring management and operation of all 22 drains of Delhi under one unified authority/ command by Apr 30. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/assign-upkeep-of-all-drains-to-1-dept-hc/articleshow/109207116.cms (11 April 2024)
300 acres on floodplain reclaimed in 1.5 yrs Delhi Development Authority, held responsible for floodplain destruction in Delhi, claims that over the last two years it has reclaimed 300 acres of floodplain in Delhi, removing some dairies and cricket grounds. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/300-acres-on-floodplain-reclaimed-in-1-5-yrs/articleshow/109176048.cms (10 April 2024) NGT asks DDA to remove encroachments from Floodplains at Majnu ka tila. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/free-up-floodplain-at-majnu-ka-tilla-ngt/articleshow/109096638.cms (07 April 2024)
TERI to study microplastics, froth in river The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) in a first-of-its-kind detailed study will analyse the presence of microplastics in the Yamuna and groundwater in Delhi and assess the source and cause behind the frothing in the river in certain seasons. After completing the study, TERI will provide remedies. Scientists at TERI said that the study, proposed by Delhi govt in Dec 2021, will take a year. The aim would be to identify and prioritise groundwater sources (aquifers) and to map resources based on microplastic concentration. Scientists at TERI said the study would be done as two projects: the first on the froth in the Yamuna, the second on the microplastic in the river and groundwater. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/teri-to-study-microplastics-froth-in-yamuna/articleshow/109279020.cms (13 April 2024)
Mathura River cleaning big poll issue As the political landscape heats up in Mathura district, the issue of cleaning Yamuna has again become a big poll pitch. With the river bearing the brunt of pollution from industrial waste and untreated sewage, candidates are under pressure to present comprehensive plans for its restoration, while locals say that they want action on the ground, instead of mere lip service. The issue of Yamuna’s cleanliness is a much-talked about one in the temple town, although on ground, the river remains as dirty as ever, if not more. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/agra/who-will-clean-polluted-yamuna-in-mathura-river-cleaning-big-poll-issue/articleshow/109267448.cms (13 April 2024)
RIVERS BIODIVERSITY
Kanpur 8-ft crocodile released in Ganga An 8-feet-long crocodile, that had strayed into a residential area under Nawabganj police station in Kanpur, was caught by locals and released into river Ganga on Friday (April 12) night.The crocodile had come out of a nullah near a temple. People contacted forest department as well as local elected representatives, but received no response from either. While police urged people not harm the reptile, they targeted the forest department and elected representatives for not taking any measure despite back-to-back sightings at ghats . https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kanpur/8-ft-crocodile-strays-into-kanpur-residential-area-released-in-ganga/articleshow/109281353.cms (14 April 2024)
FISH, FISHERIES, FISHERFOLKS
Madhya Pradesh The world’s largest floating solar plant under installation in Omkareshwar reservoir has been badly damaged by wind on April 9 2024 even before commissioning.
Narmada Hydroelectric Development Corporation (NHDC) has started evaluation of the damage, but is confident the plant will be back to producing power soon. Part of the plant went operational last week, and this is the section that took a hit. The floating plant, built on the backwaters of Omkareshwar Dam, was ready for launch but it was slammed around by 50kmph winds in a summer storm that hit on Tuesday (April 09). Fortunately, no employees were injured.
The plant is joint venture of National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and Madhya Pradesh govt. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/indore/storm-damages-worlds-biggest-floating-solar-plant/articleshow/109231119.cms (13 April 2024)
West Bengal India’s Only Boat Museum Sauntering into India’s only ‘boat museum’, you will be struck by several things at once. No entry fee, no guide, no photography allowed, and a display of models of miniature boats that once plied along the rivers of Bengal. Located in Kankurgachhi, a busy neighbourhood on the eastern fringe of Kolkata, is the Institute of Cultural Research with four one-roomed galleries on the ground floor, of which the Boat Museum is one.
– The Boat Museum displays 46 scaled models of various kinds of indigenous boats. Even without a guide, you will soon realise that each boat is unique and was made for a particular purpose, though what the purpose was, is only left to imagination unless you happen to meet the person, Swarup Bhattacharyya (the then Curator at Maulana Azad Museum, MAKAIAS, Kolkata), who had researched it all and guided the Rajbangshi craftspeople from Dakshin Dinajpur district of the state in constructing these models. https://www.outlooktraveller.com/experiences/places-of-interest/indias-only-boat-museum-in-kolkata-west-bengal (10 April 2024)
SAND MINING
Haryana Attack on Ambala SDM: No arrest On April 6, a case was registered against unidentified assailants after the IAS officer’s car was hit while patrolling to inspect the area for any unlawful mining activities on March 28. The SDM’s private vehicle was attacked twice, when the assailants, suspected to be connected to the mining mafia, tried to chase him out of the area.
While they had fled the spot, the FIR stated that it was only after the intervention of local police that the driver of the car, which hit the SDM’s vehicle, came to apologise for the incident. “His mobile phone was checked and there was evidence to suggest that the location of the officials was shared,” it added. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/attack-on-ambala-sdm-s-car-no-arrest-in-case-so-far-101712602349391.html (09 April 2024)
Punjab 3 months on, repair work of Nangal bridge yet to start Repair work of damaged bridge on Swan River in Nangal is yet to start and is unlikely to finish till after the monsoon.
All 8 piers of the bridge were found damaged by an agency assigned to check its safety in Dec 2023 and had advised immediate closure of the bridge. No work has started on it, even the assessment of damage or repair is yet to be done. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/three-months-on-repair-work-of-nangal-bridge-yet-to-start-609540 (11 April 2024)
Chhattisgarh 15 killed as bus falls into mine pit The accident took place around 8:30 pm on April 09 near Khapri village under Kumhari police station limits when the victims, employees of a distillery company, were returning home after work, Durg Superintendent of Police Jitendra Shukla said. As per preliminary information, the bus with more than 30 people onboard skidded off the road and plunged into the 40-foot-deep ‘murum’ mine, he said. Murum, a type of soil, is mostly used for construction. (The location of accident seems about 2 km away from Kharun river.) https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/4-killed-more-than-20-injured-as-bus-falls-into-mine-pit-in-chhattisgarh-cops-5408231 (09 April 2024)
WETLANDS, LAKES, WATER BODIES
Assam HC halts denotification of Deepor Beel WS The Gauhati High Court intervened to stall a decision made by the Assam cabinet last month to denotify Deepor Beel, a vital wildlife sanctuary and Ramsar site situated on the outskirts of Guwahati, near the Brahmaputra river. A division bench of the High Court deemed the cabinet’s decision regarding Deepor Beel as unjust and improper at this stage. Consequently, the state government has been directed to refrain from issuing any notification for denotifying the wildlife sanctuary. Furthermore, the High Court instructed authorities to suspend development and construction activities in and around Deepor Beel until the demarcation notification of the Ramsar wetland site is issued. Further hearing on May 27. https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/India/gauhati-high-court-halts-denotification-of-deepor-beel-wildlife-sanctuary/ar-BB1la92M (07 April 2024)
GROUNDWATER
Karnataka Walls will not stop sea sand erosion, green cover will: Experts Walls do not help in controlling soil erosion along the coasts, in fact they make matters only worse, noted experts and forest department officials. Hence to control erosion and improve the coastline in Karnataka, natural green barriers- tree plantation, creation of mangroves and strengthening estuaries will be taken up. “We have found that creating walls is no solution for controlling soil erosion. Natural solutions are needed with this, we made a presentation before the NITI Ayog in July 2023 and they were convinced. We also made a presentation before the World Bank seeking funds and they have agreed to fund with 70% of the project cost which is Rs 840 crore. The final detailed project report is being prepared to be submitted to the World Bank before starting the works on ground as a plan for the next five years of the project,” said a senior forest department official working on the K- Shore project.
Of the 320 km coastline of Karnataka, the forest department along with the Ministry of environment, forests and climate change (MoEFCC) and the Port Authority of India (PAI) have identified 240 kms where the plantation works can be taken up. The fishermen and village panchayats also seem to be keen on the project as it will help them revive the native fish and improve the environment.
Earlier in 2022 and 2023 when the state government had started to build walls in Karwar, Udupi, Mangaluru and other surrounding areas, the officials from neighbouring states like Kerala had complained that this was leading to heavy sea erosion and high tide in the beach areas of their states effecting fishermen. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2024/Apr/08/walls-will-not-stop-sea-sand-erosion-in-karnataka-green-cover-will-experts (08 April 2024)
URBAN LAKES, WETLANDS
SANDRP Blog Controversial Road Project Threatens Bhopal’s Bhoj Wetlands, Forest & Wildlife The Bhoj wetlands in Bhopal city is one of the oldest man-made waterbodies in Asia. The waterbody is a fountainhead of environmental services and a designated Ramsar wetlands site. Despite this, the wetlands eco-system has been facing gradual degradation on account of growing encroachments, pollution and extravagant tourist projects.
Amid this, a new road project cutting through the catchment area of Bhoj wetlands and forest land around Bhopal city has raised alarm bells among concerned citizens who term its unnecessary and suggest better options as win-win solution. https://sandrp.in/2024/04/15/controversial-road-project-threatens-bhopals-bhoj-wetlands-forest-wildlife/ (15 April 2024)
Delhi Coming up on ‘grave’ of pond, a cultural complex On a plot in Budhela village in west Delhi’s Vikaspuri that was walled by a govt department, a cultural complex is coming up. The irony is that while it is listed as govt land, it is actually a pond, enumerated as one of the city’s 1,040 wetlands by the Wetland Authority of Delhi and meant to be notified as such by the state govt. The disappearance of this last surviving of the four ponds in the village underscores the challenges confronting the wetland conservation.
A petition on this was recently accepted by Delhi High Court and on March 28, the court sought the responses of the various Delhi govt departments on the matter. According to petitioner Paras Tyagi, co-founder of Centre for Youth, Culture, Law and Environment, an NGO dealing with public policy, the land originally belonged to Delhi Development Authority. “In 2002, DDA allocated 4,300 square metres of this land to the Sahitya Kala Parishad, which is part of Delhi govt and looks after art and culture,” said Tyagi. “The Parishad asked DTTDC, another Delhi govt undertaking, to construct a cultural complex on the plot and a private contractor has just started the work.” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/coming-up-on-grave-of-pond-a-cultural-complex/articleshow/109258349.cms (13 April 2024)
Kolkata The Lost Lakes, the City Found Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy envisaged Salt Lake to accommodate the growing population of Calcutta, especially after the influx of hundreds of thousands of refugees post-Partition. It was meant for people from middle and low-income groups. Today, however, the upscale satellite town is far removed from that dream. The expanding network of the East-West Metro weaving its way through colossal mansions, shopping malls, multiplexes and a giant sports stadium are in sharp contrast to the interconnected bheris tended by the fishermen of yesterday. https://www.telegraphindia.com/culture/the-lost-lakes-the-city-found-a-recount-of-stories-of-salt-lakes-birth-62-years-ago/cid/2013212 (14 April 2024)
60 demolition notices pending, authority cites lack of squads About 60 demolition orders issued by the East Kolkata Wetlands Management Authority have been pending for two years, sources in the state government said. These include orders against filling of water bodies, new construction (no permanent structure is allowed in the wetlands) and an attempt to build a bridge on a canal. Most of these violations have been reported from mouzas close to EM Bypass — from places such as Dhapa, Jagadipota and Mukundapur.
Officials of the East Kolkata Wetlands Management Authority said they do not have any squad to execute the demolition orders. The authority has informed the district authorities in South and North 24-Parganas, and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) about the violations. An official in the state environment department said the KMC and the district authorities often did not respond to demolition orders. The wetlands authority, too, did not pursue the matter to ensure demolition, the official said. The last time any demolition of a walled structure took place inside the wetlands, which act as the city’s kidneys by recycling sewage naturally, was in July 2022, the official said. https://www.telegraphindia.com/my-kolkata/news/wetland-structures-untouched-60-demolition-notices-pending-authority-cites-lack-of-squads/cid/2010534 (02 April 2024)
Bengaluru NGO booked for ‘damaging work’ Malligavad Foundation (MF), an environmental NGO founded by lake conservationist Anand Malligavad, who is known to restore lakes in and around Bengaluru, has been slapped with an FIR lodged against it by the chief officer (CO) of Chandrapur town municipal council for allegedly damaging Heelalige Lake, near Bommasandra, southeast Bengaluru. The foundation has been accused of causing “injury to works of irrigation or wrongfully diverting water” under Section 430 of Karnataka Lake Conservation and Development Authority Act, 2014. The foundation has been charged with trespass under Section 447 of the Act.
-Denying the allegations, Malligavad said he has all the necessary documents to show he hasn’t carried out any work illegally. He shared with TOI a document dated March 2, 2023, addressed to Karnataka Lake Conservation and Development Authority under the letterhead of the same council that filed the FIR against him, requesting that his foundation’s detailed project report be approved for “developing the lake in the interest of the public”. He claimed that a nexus of politicians, builders and local businessmen was trying to discredit his life’s work for capitalist gains. As per other documents that have been accessed by TOI, the office of the deputy commissioner of Bengaluru Urban had even responded on the same day giving permission to the DPR submitted by the foundation to carry on work at Heelalige Lake under a CSR project. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/ngo-booked-for-damaging-work-that-depleted-groundwater-level/articleshow/108986135.cms (03 April 2024)
Mumbai ‘Protect wetlands’, Greens appeal to new Civic Chief With an aim to safeguard Navi Mumbai’s flora and fauna, the environmentalists from satellite city have urged the municipal commissioner Dr Kailas Shinde to ensure that no further damage is done to the city’s green zone and save the same from land sharks. Shinde, who moved from City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) to Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) as the civic body’s commissioner recently, declared on his first day of assuming charge at that he is familiar with the issues faced by the city as he was the Joint MD at CIDCO till the other day. Calling the NMMC chief, NatConnect Foundation director B N Kumar reminded the former of the NMMC’s promise to protect the flamingo destinations, namely the wetlands, amid CIDCO’s vehement opposition for it. https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/navi-mumbai-save-flamingo-protect-wetlands-greens-appeal-to-new-civic-chief-dr-kailas-shinde (25 March 2024)
URBAN WATER
Bengaluru Builder in soup for lapses in STP The SPCB has issued a notice to apartments of Bhavani Enterprises Apartment based on a complaint lodged by one of its residents for not treating sewage properly. The complaint, received on Integrated Public Grievance Redressal System (IGPRS) by Dhananjaya P, one of the residents of the Sobha Arena Apartment, alleged there was foul smell and worms in the STP water at the building. The KSPCB issued a notice to the authorised signatory of Bhavani Enterprises, Sarjapur-Marathalli Outer Ring Road, stating that the DEO had inspected the apartment complex on December 7, 2023, and found that the STP was established below ground level and not provided with a proper exhaust system to prevent the stink. https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/others/builder-in-soup-for-lapses-in-sewage-treatment-plant/articleshow/109293979.cms (15 April 2024)
Hyderabad 2 to 7 mtr drop in water level Officials also underlined how the over dependence on groundwater among apartment complexes, gated communities, group housings, and commercial units began from January this year due to lack of adequate piped water network leading to a further dip in water table. Officials, however, maintain that the city will not face a severe water crisis like Bengaluru, as the water board’s piped water and tanker supply are compensating for the groundwater. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/greater-hyd-records-2-to-7-mtr-drop-in-water-level/articleshow/109115485.cms (08 April 2024)
Pune Borewells begin to dry up The city is headed towards a harsh summer as borewells in various housing societies have started to dry up as early as March, in a telltale sign of growing groundwater stress. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/citizens-stare-at-water-crisis-as-borewells-begin-to-dry-up/articleshow/108741933.cms (24 March 2024)
Shimla Construction in defiance of its mountain ecology Land-use changes and deforestation – a 2018 study showed a 20 percent decrease between 1980 and 2017 – have exacerbated Shimla’s fragility and instability, contributing to landslides and flash floods. Yet, Shimla’s expansion continues unabated, much of it commercial. The way forward is a deeper engagement with the human-nature dialogue in all its complexities, on the ground amongst common and marginalised peoples. (Manshi Asher) https://questionofcities.org/what-shimlas-construction-in-defiance-of-its-mountain-ecology-means/ (05 April 2024)
Noida One borewell is illegal but this housing project has 60 A showcause notice was issued to Ace Group after a govt team found 60 borewells at one of its project sites off Yamuna Expressway. At least 10 of the borewells at the site of YXP township in Sector 22D were found fitted with motors, which augmented their capacity to draw water. The inspection was carried out by the groundwater wing of the district administration on Wednesday (March 20) after a video circulated on social media purportedly showed dirty water being drained out of the project site. While examining the area, the team found that much of the land had been dug up, causing water to come out. Officials also found that 60 borewells were scattered across the site. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/one-borewell-is-illegal-but-this-housing-project-has-60/articleshow/108718992.cms (23 March 2024)
Gurugram Drain to prevent leachate spill from landfill site MCG told the tribunal it is taking the necessary steps to construct a high-density polyethylene lining drain around the landfill. This drain, along with an embankment, is expected to prevent the spread of leachate and limit its percolation into the surrounding environment. NGT also told HSPCB and MCG to file a fresh action-taken report at least three days before the next hearing, which is on May 17. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/soon-a-drain-to-prevent-leachate-spill-from-landfill-site-to-aravalis/articleshow/109175985.cms (10 April 2024)
WATER POLLUTION
Gujarat HC pulls up govt for FIR against sanitation worker The High Court Friday (April 05) castigated the state government for lodging an FIR against a contractual sanitation worker for “wilfully” entering a tank despite a prohibition on manual scavenging. The court noted that such a responsibility cannot be put on the worker who is only resorting to such work to feed his family.
In Nov 2023, a sanitation worker had died and another suffered serious injuries while cleaning a sewage tank on the Bhavnagar campus of Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI). The court had earlier directed the state government to conduct an inquiry into the incident and submit a report of the same along with actions taken and actions proposed to be taken. Meanwhile, the PIL is also dealing with non-payment of compensation to the kin of those who died during manual scavenging between 1993 and 2014. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/gujarat-high-court-govt-fir-sanitation-worker-septic-tank-9253625/ (05 April 2024)
MONSOON 2024
Skymet Monsoon likely to be ‘normal’ this year Private Forecasting agency Skymet has predicted normal monsoon rains, though there could be below normal rains in East and NE India in the first half of monsoon. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/normal-monsoon-in-india-this-year-predicts-skymet-101712688009167.html (10 April 2024) More details of Skymet monsoon forecast in this Dainik Bhskar report of Apr 10 2024: https://www.bhaskar.com/national/news/imd-weather-rainfall-alert-photos-update-mp-cg-maharashtra-delhi-sikkim-132848069.html (10 April 2024)
FLOOD 2024
Karnataka Ghataprabha overflows due to dam discharge Floods amidst Summer scarcity in North Karnataka: The Ghataprabha river in Belagavi district is facing floods leading to water logged streets due to overflow of Raja Lakhamgouda dam, also known as Hidkal dam in Hukkeri Taluka. The dam is supposed to provide drinking water to Bagalkot and Belgaum dists. https://newskarnataka.com/karnataka/flooding-in-karnataka-as-ghataprabha-river-overflows-due-to-dam-discharge/08042024 (08 April 2024)
DROUGHT
Maharashtra Drought-proofing scheme provide water to just 487 people for a year It is a colossal failure. A decade of work and an expenditure of nearly Rs 10,000 crore later, the Jalyukta Shivar touted by the government as a silver bullet for the state’s drought-related problems has come a cropper. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/water/after-10-years-rs-9-630-crore-scheme-for-drought-proofing-maharashtra-can-provide-water-to-just-487-people-for-a-year-95456 (08 April 2024)
Tamil Nadu Water shortage looms over Delta, west districts As per the officials, by the end of April, they might be forced to cut down the 2,000 cusecs that are now being released from Mettur, leading to drinking water scarcity in Namakkal, Salem Tiruchy and delta regions. The storage was 34% two-and-half weeks ago and it has dipped by 6% since then. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2024/Apr/08/water-shortage-looms-over-delta-west-districts-in-tamil-nadu (08 April 2024)
Kerala Farmers want villages to be declared drought-hit The farmers say that the last time they experienced such a prolonged dry spell was two decades ago in 2004. River Kabani had dried up then, exposing the bed of rocks and sand. It had severely affected hundreds of farmers in Mullankolly and Pulppalli panchayats.
-A team from the Department of Agriculture headed by Principal Agriculture Officer Ajith Kumar visited the farms and also submitted a report to the district administration as well as the state principal agriculture officer on April 6. According to the report, 200 hectares of farmland in Mullankolly panchayat and 25 hectares in Pulppalli panchayat have been affected by drought. The report also recommended that the government declare the two panchayats as drought-hit to facilitate drought-mitigation efforts and to pool in more financial support. https://www.onmanorama.com/content/mm/en/kerala/top-news/2024/04/09/wayanad-wilts-harsh-summer-farmers-wants-villages-declared-drought-hit.html (09 April 2024)
Karnataka 2 elephants succumb to thirst The water crisis in and around Bengaluru has now claimed the lives of two elephants. The two individuals, both males, reportedly wandered over 50 kilometres (km) in search of water till finally succumbing to thirst in Ramanagara district, barely 35 km from the metropolitan area of Bengaluru, according to reports. The elephants reportedly died due to suspected dehydration and heatstroke. This points to the dangers of water scarcity and scorching heat on wildlife, especially during dry periods, according to the forest officials. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/water/bengaluru-water-crisis-two-elephants-succumb-to-thirst-after-roaming-over-50-km-in-ramanagara-near-karnataka-capital-95477 (09 April 2024)
EDIT Protect animals from drought Conservation experts point out that such animal deaths are an indication that long-term measures are necessary to stave off an impending natural disaster. Humans play a big role in bringing on drought and exacerbating heat conditions by the indiscriminate use of land and water, change of forest land use, deforestation and destruction of catchment areas. It is time to stop and place checks on the exploitation of natural resources and degradation of animal habitats. https://www.newindianexpress.com/editorials/2024/Apr/14/government-must-protect-animals-from-drought (14 April 2024)
THERMAL POWER
Madhya Pradesh About destruction that is being caused by Ash Dam in Singrauli. Adversely affecting health of large number of people.
https://www.bhaskar.com/local/mp/khandwa/beed/news/dust-flying-from-the-rakhad-dam-asthma-and-respiratory-patients-in-every-house-132872892.html (14 April 2024)
ENVIRONMENT GOVERNANCE
EDIT Urgent steps needed to save towns from turning into trash hills Two clocks are ticking at an unprecedented pace, and both, if not addressed promptly, will prove to be extremely perilous. The first is the climate clock, which indicates that the world is just over five years from crossing the 1.5 degrees Celsius mark of temperature rise since the industrial period began. The second is the waste clock. On July 28, 2023, it was reported that the total waste generated worldwide had exceeded the global waste management capacity. Simply put, this means that the current developmental trajectory is not sustainable. Currently, the world generates 2.3 billion tonnes of waste annually, of which 38% is uncontrolled, meaning it is disposed of in the ecosystem without treatment. India alone generates around 62 million tonnes of waste per year. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/urgent-steps-needed-to-save-towns-from-turning-into-trash-hills-609242 (April 2024)
CLIMATE CHANGE
Study Carbon in top soil, could help in climate change mitigation A new research has estimated more than 2,300 billion tonnes of inorganic carbon in minerals in the top two metres of soil worldwide, a finding that scientists say “underscores the urgency of incorporating inorganic carbon into climate change mitigation strategies.” Inorganic carbon is found in ores and minerals, as opposed to organic carbon, which can be found in nature through plants and animals. Researchers said that international initiatives aimed at increasing organic carbon content in soil – soil organic carbon (SOC) – should also consider the critical role of soil inorganic carbon (SIC) in achieving sustainable soil management and climate change mitigation. SIC also plays a dual role in storing carbon and supporting ecosystem functions that depend on it, said the researchers, led by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).
– They said their SIC estimates of more than 2,300 billion tonnes are more than five times the carbon found in all of the world’s vegetation put together, and that this could be key to understanding how carbon moves around the world. “But here’s the thing: This huge carbon pool is vulnerable to changes in the environment, especially soil acidification. Acids dissolve calcium carbonate and remove it either as carbon dioxide gas or directly into the water,” said Huang Yuanyuan, professor, the Institute of Geographic Sciences, CAS, and co-lead author of the study published in the journal ‘Science’. “Many regions in countries like China and India are experiencing soil acidification due to industrial activities and intense farming. Without remedial actions and better soil practices, the world is likely to face a disturbance of SIC in the next thirty years,” she said. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/over-2300-billion-tonnes-of-carbon-estimated-in-top-soil-could-help-in-climate-change-mitigation-study/articleshow/109254930.cms (12 April 2024)
Gujarat Climate-smart model village for biogas production The Zakariyapura village in Borsad taluka, Anand district has created a sustainable biogas network that not only helps women financially but also reduces their burden of household work. 368 biogas plants have been set up here with the help of NDDB. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/energy/zakariyapura-india-s-climate-smart-model-village-for-biogas-production-utilisation-95335 (02 April 2024)
EUROPE
Russia Rare protest after unprecedented floods Hundreds of residents in southwestern Russia’s Ural region staged a rare protest Monday, demanding compensation for the flooding of their homes after a dam gave way because of rising floodwaters. The protest took place in the city of Orsk, located in the Orenburg region near the border with Kazakhstan. A criminal investigation has been launched to determine whether violations in the construction of the dam embankment may have led to the structure leaking and to the dam’s subsequent collapse Friday under the weight of the excess water. After the floods in Orsk, Russia’s Emergency Ministry warned rising waters were nearing dangerous levels in Orenburg, a city of 550,000 about 400 kilometers (about 248.55 miles) from Orsk. https://www.voanews.com/a/russians-stage-rare-protest-after-unprecedented-floods-engulf-ural-region-/7562252.html (08 April 2024)
The governor of Russia’s Kurgan region on Sunday (April 14) urged people to evacuate flooded areas immediately, saying rain was exacerbating the already tough situation there and the coming night would be difficult. The water level in the Tobol river has risen by 25 cm over the past two hours to 5.32 m (17.45 feet), governor Vadim Shumkov wrote on the Telegram messaging app. The TASS news agency cited Russia’s emergencies ministry as saying more than 14,000 houses across Russia have been flooded. In Kazakhstan, also hit by floods, more than 1,000 houses in the city of Petropavlovsk have been flooded, the authorities said on Sunday, with more than 4,500 people evacuated. Overall, more than 107,000 people have been evacuated in the country since the beginning of the floods. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/russias-kurgan-governor-calls-on-residents-to-evacuate-flooded-areas-as-waters-rise/articleshow/109287975.cms (14 April 2024)
Italy Enel workers to strike after deadly Italy power plant accident The death of three workers and four missing workers at fire and explosion at an ITALY hydropower project have stoked concerns already expressed by trade unions about workplace safety in Italy after a series of fatal accidents in factories and building sites. Enel workers plan to strike for eight hours over the issue on Thursday, while workers in other sectors nationwide will stage a previously planned four-hour stoppage. “Unfortunately the conditions for recovery are not good,” said Bologna mayor Matteo Lepore, who was at the scene. “They are very difficult – the depth of this blast is very deep, they are talking of 70 metres (230 feet) … The fire is now out. Divers are also helping,” he added.
– The power plant had been undergoing efficiency works, which Enel Green Power entrusted in late 2022 to three primary companies, Siemens Energy, ABB and Voith. One of the missing persons is from Voith Hydro, a German company. ABB employees were also present at the site at the time of accident. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/few-hopes-finding-survivors-italy-hydro-plant-search-continues-2024-04-10/ (10 April 2024)
At least 3 dead and 4 missing in an explosion at a HEP plant An explosion Tuesday (Apr 9 2024) at a decades-old hydroelectric plant in northern Italy killed at least three workers and injured five others, a regional fire chief said. At least four other people were missing. Three of the injured were in serious condition in hospital. The explosion at power company Enel’s Bergi plant south of Bologna during maintenance work collapsed part of the nine-story underground structure, provoked a fire and caused flooding at depths of up to 60 m. The artificial Suviana Lake was formed by the construction of a dam from 1928-32 and located in a regional park at an altitude of 500 meters (1,640 feet) some 70 kilometers (40 miles) southwest of Bologna. https://www.hydroreview.com/dams-and-civil-structures/dam-safety/at-least-3-dead-and-4-missing-in-an-explosion-at-a-hydroelectric-plant-in-italy/ (10 April 2024)
THE REST OF THE WORLD
USA Water pouring out of rural Utah dam through 60-foot crack, putting nearby town at risk Workers hurriedly tried to shore up a rural Utah dam after a 60-foot (18-meter) crack sent water pouring into a creek and endangering the 1,800 residents of a downstream town. State and local leaders don’t think the Panguitch Lake Dam is in imminent danger of breaking open but have told residents to be prepared to evacuate if conditions worsen.
Emergency management officials passed out a list of evacuation procedures to worried residents at a Wednesday evening town meeting meant to mitigate panic. Lowering the reservoir to below the affected area will take several days, he said. About 2 feet (61 centimeters) of water remained above the crack as of Wednesday evening, and workers had covered nearly 45 feet (nearly 14-meters) of the crack with boulders. An ice sheet on the reservoir had pushed up against the dam, causing the top to crack and tilt downstream, with water gushing through the opening, Taylor explained. His staff was able to relieve some of the pressure against the dam by making large cuts across the ice sheet. The ice has now pulled away, and the top of the dam has tilted back, he said. https://www.orovillemr.com/2024/04/10/water-pouring-out-of-rural-utah-dam-through-60-foot-crack-putting-nearby-town-at-risk/ (10 April 2024)
Compiled by SANDRP (ht.sandrp@gmail.com)
Also see: DRP News Bulletin 08 April 2024 & DRP News Bulletin 01 April 2024
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