(Mechanized mining in Yamuna river in Vikas Nagar. Image credit: Nishant Panwar, 12 May 2024)

The river sand mining stories this week makes fascinating reading. We have stories from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab. The stories from first five states are related to judiciary. One story from Punjab is about collapse of a bridge due to illegal mining and another about how illegal sand mining is part of electoral narrative. The story from Madhya Pradesh is possibly most interesting and most indicative of the direction in which we need to go. In MP at a public hearing for sand mining project, the women of the villages, including sarpanch, have decided to save the river rather than allow unsustainable mining.

The stories from five states about judicial actions includes the one from Andhra Pradesh where the Supreme Court of India has warned the govt about contempt action. The apex court has set up committees of govt officials in Krishna and Guntur districts to stop illegal mechanized sand mining. The story from Rajasthan is about Supreme Court stopping sand mining in 1 km radius around Sariska Tiger Reserve. The stories from next two states is about the NGT action. Lastly, the story from Goa is about High Court action.

But we find almost similar media stories week after week, year after year. Is it not high time the judiciary decides to be a bit more effective in achieving sustainable sand mining and stopping the perpetual menace of illegal sand mining?

Andhra Pradesh SC warned contempt against govt The MoEF has affirmed allegations of illegal sand mining in two districts and told the Supreme Court that the activity continues despite a year-old ban imposed by the NGT. In a report given to the top court last week, the ministry said it conducted physical inspection of six and five sites in the erstwhile Krishna and Guntur districts respectively and found non-compliance of the NGT’s order. Taking note of the ministry’s disclosure as well as government’s status report, which, too, accepted the presence of the illegal activity in the two districts, the SC constituted two separate committees for each district for ensuring compliance of the NGT order. The committees shall be headed by the district collectors.

On 16 May, a SC bench led by Justice Abhay S. Oka ordered that the committees, comprising officials from various departments, including the police, shall be responsible for stopping the illegal activity by making regular visits to the sites. “We make it clear that the district collectors and all officials forming part of the committees shall discharge their duties as officers of this court and they must remember that it is their duty to prevent illegal mechanised mining,” it said. https://theprint.in/judiciary/mechanised-mining-prohibited-by-ngt-continues-at-places-why-sc-warned-contempt-against-ap-govt/2093381/  (20 May 2024)

Telangana NGT imposes ’25cr fine on Irrigation, Mining Depts The NGT, Southern Zone, on Tuesday (May 21) confirmed that illegal sand mining was going on in the Manair river in the name of de-siltation, and instructed state Chief Secretary to stop immediately all sand mining activities across the river in the erstwhile Karimnagar district. Besides the order to stop sand mining, the NGT also imposed a penalty of Rs. 25 crore each on the irrigation and mining departments and ordered the money to be deposited with the Godavari River Management Board, within 3 months.

The order was delivered on a petition filed by a group of nature lovers including Surender Reddy, Satish Kumar, Srinivas and Venkat Reddy who had formed a committee, ‘Save Manair’, and started a movement against the sand mafia. They filed five petitions with the NGT and approached the High Court and the Supreme Court, stating that the sand mining operations were going on without environment clearance. The sand mafia exploited natural resource and caused umpteen problems to the farm sector of the region, the group pointed out in the petitions. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/ngt-says-sand-mining-in-manair-illegal-imposes-25cr-penalty-on-irrigation-mining-departments-895038  (21 May 2024)

Efforts of ‘Save Manair’ samithi pay off NGT issued these orders following a petition by techie G Suresh Reddy, 47, retired librarian A Karunakar Reddy, 65, and Madaka village secretary N Sadashiva Reddy, 45, who formed the ‘Manair Parirakshana Samithi’ to fight againt illegal sand mining in Manair river and even ran a successful campaign to save the river. Their movement, which included villagers and public representatives as members, raised awareness among people to prevent further damage to the river even as illegal sand mining went unchecked. The samithi alleged that the govt was indirectly supporting the sand mafia. As part of their campaign, samithi members distributed pamphlets to residents of Madaka, Pothkapalli, Indurthi, Kanagarthi and Gumpula villages, highlighting the importance of protecting the river.

The activists educated the villagers about the potential impact on the groundwater table and irrigation facilities in the villages. They also highlighted how if illegal mining continued, sowing operations would suffer. The samithi also enlisted the support of farmers, environmentalists and youth in its fight against the sand mafia. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/efforts-of-save-manair-samithi-pay-off-as-ngt-terms-sand-mining-illegal/articleshow/110345920.cms  (23 May 2024)

Uttar Pradesh NGT forms joint committee panel to check illegal mining in Shamli The NGT has constituted a joint committee to look into the complaints of illegal mining at Yamuna Khadar area of Kairana region in Shamli district. The joint panel will be tasked with visiting the site, conducting a probe and submitting an action report to the tribunal within two months. The committee includes the member secretary of the CPCB, a representative of the UPPCB, regional officer of the ministry of environment, forest and climate change and Shamli district magistrate.

In Mandawar village of Kairana, there is a sand mining lease for five years. Local resident Farukh Chauhan filed a complaint with the NGT through his lawyer, alleging that the leaseholder has illegally mined 20.3 hectares beyond the allotted land, including within the flow of the Yamuna river. The complaint also stated that illegal excavation has created deep pits in the Yamuna river due to the use of JCB machines. Moreover, mining activities are purportedly being conducted at night, despite a complete ban on night-time mining in UP as per the guidelines. The complaint also highlights environmental damage caused by such activities. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/ngt-forms-joint-committee-panel-to-check-illegal-mining-in-shamli/articleshow/110216378.cms  (17 May 2024)

Rajasthan SC closes 68 mines within 1 km of Sariska tiger habitat Supreme Court on Wednesday (May 15) ordered immediate closure of 68 mines operating within one-kilometre periphery of Sariska critical tiger habitat (CTH) and critiqued Rajasthan govt for interpreting SC’s orders to assume that the one km no-go zone applied only to national parks and sanctuaries. Amicus Curiae K Parameswar told a bench of Justices B R Gavai, S V N Bhatti and Sandeep Mehta that it was concerning to note that around 110 mines are operating within one km of the CTH. Additional solicitor general Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for Rajasthan, said only 68 of the 110 mines are active and others have closed down. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/supreme-court-closes-68-mines-within-1-km-of-sariska-tiger-habitat/articleshow/110157288.cms  (16 May 2024)

Goa Illegal sand mining on in Ragada, say locals The high court of Bombay at Goa had directed the state authorities to take steps to stop unauthorised sand mining in Ragada last month, but the illegal activity has not ceased. Ragada, a tributary of the Mhadei, rises in the hilly terrain of the Western Ghats in Karnataka and enters Goa through the Tambdi Surla forest. Mining of sand, gravel and pebbles is currently taking place at Tambdi Surla, Sacorda and Dharbandora, according to local residents. Labourers from outside the state have been employed for this activity, they said. A division bench of the high court had directed the chief secretary to investigate and take necessary action against those involved.

Baby Gaonkar, a Keri resident, told TOI that mining for sand, gravel and pebbles is in progress inside Ragado and Jamboli rivulets, and poses serious threat to the flood plains. Such activity shows that the accused and the authorities alike have scant regard for the environment and ecology of the area, he said. Jamboli is one of the important nallas that joins the Ragada in Tambdi Surla. In Satpal and Panashiwada hamlets of Sacorda, sand mining activities are in progress. This has led to the degradation of Ragada and Jamboli and their courses have totally dried up. Gaonkar said that soon serious implications will be evident as illegal sand mining has changed the course of the river. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/even-after-hc-rap-illegal-sand-mining-on-in-ragada-say-locals/articleshow/110290028.cms  (21 May 2024)

Madhya Pradesh पंचायत ने तय कर दिया कि हम अपनी नदियां बचाएंगे  नरसिंहपुर जिले के सांईखेड़ा ब्लॉक के गांव ने एक बड़ी लकीर खींच दी है। इस गांव में प्रदेश के प्रदूषण नियंत्रण बोर्ड की लोकसुनवाई हुई और यहां की सरपंच ने अपने उपसरपंच और पंचों की के साथ मिलकर ये ऐलान कर दिया कि वे अपनी नदियों और प्राकृतिक संपदा को बचाएंगे। इस लोक सुनवाई में एक साथ निर्णय पारित करते हुए इस पंचायत ने कहा कि नदियों और प्रकृति का अंधाधुंध दोहन पाप है वह अपने ग्राम पंचायत क्षेत्र से रेत निकालने नहीं देंगे, इस निर्णय को सुनकर प्रदूषण नियंत्रण बोर्ड के अधिकारी भी चौंक गए। विकासखंड साईंखेड़ा के ग्राम मेहरागांव में मध्यप्रदेश स्टेट माइनिंग कॉरपोरेशन लिमिटेड रेत खदान मेहरागांव में 22 मई को भारत सरकार के पर्यावरण एवं वन जलवायु परिवर्तन मंत्रालय नई दिल्ली के द्वारा गठित राज्य स्तरीय विशेषज्ञ मूल्यांकन समिति भोपाल से पर्यावरणीय स्वीकृति के लिए लोक सुनवाई का आयोजन मध्यप्रदेश प्रदूषण नियंत्रण बोर्ड जबलपुर के क्षेत्रीय कार्यालय के द्वारा किया गया था। https://www.deshgaon.com/voices/this-women-led-panchayat-decided-that-we-will-save-our-rivers-by-stopping-sand-mining/   (24 May 2024)

Notice to govt over PESA violation in mining – Principal bench of High Court at Jabalpur, on Tuesday (May 07), issued notices to chief secretary, principal secretary mining, principal secretary rural development, MD mining, collector Mandla and Jabalpur, and others over illegal sand mining and alleged violation of Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act(PESA Act) in Mandla district. The court has given four-week time to the respondents to reply. The double bench of MP chief justice Ravi Malimath and Justice Vishal Mishra was hearing the petition of Mandla Janpad vice president Sandeep Singore over PESA act violation with reference to illegal sand mining.

-Advocate Rameshwar Thakur who appeared for petitioner, said, “ We informed the court that a contract has been given for three years for mining from 26 notified sand mines. A mining company even issued a contract for mining in this district. But the contract is null and void as six districts like Mandla, Dindori, Shahdol, Dhar, Jhabua, Barwani, have been declared scheduled areas so permission from the village panchayat is needed.” The reality is that vehicles without number plates carrying 50 tons of illegally mined sand were found on the road, he added. https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/hc-notice-to-govt-over-alleged-illegal-sand-mining  (08 May 2024)

Punjab 30-km detour as illegal mining damages bridge  Residents of at least 200 villages in Ropar have to take a detour of 30 km after a bridge on the Swan river, connecting Nangal with Garhshankar, was closed after being “damaged due to indiscriminate sand mining”. It has been three months since the bridge was closed, leaving no choice with people living in these villages and Nangal town in Ropar but to cross over to Himachal Pradesh and pay an entry fee, while travelling an extra 30 km, to reach Garhshankar in Hoshiarpur district.

Several pleas have been filed with the authorities by the PWD, apprising them that mining, way beyond the permissible limit, was threatening the pillars of the bridge and craters, more than 30 metres deep, were formed on the river bank, officials said. However, no action was taken. A PWD official said they had written to the Deputy Commissioner several times over the past 10 years that out of 13 piers, two — P5 and P7 — were badly affected. The foundation of the bridge was also exposed due to mining and subsequent corrosion of the bank. Finally, the foundation suffered damage towards the Garshankar site. The PWD then closed the bridge for heavy vehicles, allowing only two-wheelers, the official said.

The sites, including Algran and Nangran, are official mines allotted for mining by the Punjab government. The bridge has been damaged in Algran. According to residents, despite the damage to the bridge to the tune of crores of rupees (according to an estimate), the government fails to repair it and control the illegal mining. Amandeep Sharma, Sarpanch of Bhallan village near Algran, said, “The mining takes place in the night. Only two days ago, I made a video of illegal sand quarrying and sent it to the authorities. But no action was taken. There is a nexus between government officials and the mining mafia.” Sharma added that the heavy machinery deployed for the mining stops in the morning but resumes in the night.

Villages along the Swan have been seeing this activity for over two decades. “We have been witnessing machines, tippers and trolleys crossing our villages since 2007, and that was the beginning of our suffering. We are paying the price for living by the river. Floodwater enters our villages as the river embankments have weakened due to mining. Strange people are seen in our villages. I can say the mining mafia have gangsters with them. Our girls cannot go out of the house in the evening. The groundwater level has gone down from 20 feet to 100 feet. Water seepage is damaging our properties. Besides, houses sink in now and then,” the Sarpanch said narrating villagers’ woes.

Pawan Sharma, a resident, said, “The physical effects are to be seen by everyone, but psychological effects are visible. The very sight of huge machines quarrying sand and strange people involved in the business taking our sand away had its own psychological effects. We do not know who is filling their pockets, but the sand mining business has stolen the peace of our minds. Just try to understand the impact on our mental well-being and see how our children are growing up in this environment. Police often visit the village after complaints of sand mining. I can tell you for sure that our children do not have a normal childhood. It feels like a war zone.”

Recalling how he was once shot at, the Sarpanch said, “I along with a group of people from the village had taken upon ourselves the duty to stop illegal mining in the night. When we reached the river area, goons of the mining mafia opened fire at us. It was dark and we escaped. The case is still pending with police.” Another resident Amit Kumar, a shopkeeper, said, “We live in fear as we do not know when an untoward incident takes place.” https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/ropar-to-hoshiarpur-via-hp-30-km-detour-illegal-mining-damages-bridge-9261295/  (10 April 2024)

In Anandpur Sahib, illegal mining forms part of electoral narrative  Illegal sand mining is an important issue for electorates in the Anandpur Sahib Lok Sabha constituency — also known as goldmine for sand mafia in Punjab. At least seven out of the nine Assembly segments in the constituency have sand and mines in these segments are allotted to contractors. However, illegal sand mining is rampant even during the AAP regime and forms a part of the electoral narrative. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/anandpur-sahib-illegal-mining-electoral-narrative-9331993/  (16 May 2024)

HYDRO POWER PROJECTS

Himachal Pradesh Lambadug HEP disaster: Fears grip villagers Kangra deputy commissioner Hemraj Bairwa, who on Saturday (May 18) inspected the area affected by the hydroelectric project leak, has given the necessary instructions to the project management. “They were instructed to get the penstock repaired before the rainy season so that there is no damage during the rainy season and the management was also instructed to take effective steps to compensate for the loss of land and crops,” he said.

Harpal Singh, consultant, KU Hydro private limited, said since the incident happened on May 10, we have given a compensation of ₹4.5 crore to those whose property was damaged. “Now, we have held three rounds of meetings with the locals regarding the compensation of agricultural land and crops but they are asking to give ₹17 crore which is ₹50 lakh per family to total 34 families, which appears illogical,” he said, adding that the local tehsildar assessed the loss of land and crop for next five years as ₹1.45 crore with standard revenue formulae. “The villagers are not letting our teams to reach the spot to fix the leak and divert water permanently and we are writing to the local administration to assist us in the matter, so that we can carry out the immediate protection work to avoid any such incident from happening again,” he said.

According to Himdhara Environment Research and Action Collective, nearly 50 families seem to have been impacted due to the damages to either homes, fields and shops. The NGO in its report called for a complete moratorium on further hydropower development and new projects of the capacity 25 MW and above. They have also demanded a 360-degree safety audit of all existing operational hydropower and mega projects in the state. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/fears-grip-kangra-village-after-hydroelectric-project-leak-101716246906664.html  (21 May 2024)

सतलुज कैचमेंट में एक साल में बनीं 52 नई झीलें  पिछले एक साल में सतलुज कैचमेंट में 52 नई झीलें बन गईं। सैटेलाइट से की गई मॉनिटरिंग में इसका खुलासा हुआ है। 2022 में जहां 414 झीलें थीं, वहीं 2023 में इनकी संख्या 466 पहुंच गई है। राज्य जलवायु परिवर्तन केंद्र शिमला ने अध्ययन करने के बाद इसकी रिपोर्ट इसी माह जारी की है। ये झीलें जलवायु परिवर्तन से लगातार पिघल रहे ग्लेशियरों के कारण बनी हैं। https://www.amarujala.com/shimla/himachal-52-new-lakes-built-in-sutlej-catchment-in-one-year-2024-05-22  (22 May 2024)

SC stays directive to refund water cess On May 17 2024 a SC bench headed by CJI sent notices in the petition filed by Govt of HP against the HC order against the state govt. move to levy water cess from the HEPs. The SC also. stayed. the HC order for refunding the cess collected from the HEPs so far. https://www.barandbench.com/news/supreme-court-stays-directive-refund-water-cess-levied-power-companies-himachal-pradesh  (22 May 2024)

Uttarakhand Tehri dam plans to halt power generation in June; scarcity of water may occur in UP, Delhi https://www.news9live.com/india/uttarakhand-tehri-dam-plans-to-hold-power-generation-in-june-scarcity-of-water-may-occur-in-up-delhi-2539850  (17 May 2024)

NHPC Valuation may take a hit on ongoing execution delays Continued execution delays in NHPC’s two key hydro projects—Parbati II and Subansiri (Lower)—are impeding earnings growth and leading to lower valuations. According to Bloomberg, NHPC’s forward price-to-earnings ratios for FY25 and FY26 are projected at 20.77 and 18.23, respectively. This is lower than the current price-to-earnings ratio of 25.56.

– Kotak Institutional Equities highlights that despite commencing construction at Subansiri (Lower) long back, several execution delays have occurred. Additionally, commissioning timelines for hydro projects beyond Subansiri and Parbati II have been revised, prompting Kotak to lower its earnings estimates for NHPC Ltd. by 17% for FY25 and 7% for FY26.

– The commissioning of Parbati II, an 800-megawatt hydro project, has been delayed to Q4 FY25, while Subansiri Lower, a 2,000-megawatt project, has been pushed to FY27 from FY26. The original commission timelines for Parbati II and Subansiri Lower were 2009-10 and 2009-11, respectively.

–  NHPC Under-Construction Project Timeline Delays

Project – Original Time line – TL in 0323 – TL in 0324

Parbati II             2009-10    2024-25 2024-25

Subansiri Lower   2009-11    2023-24 2026-27

Pakar Dul      2020-21    2025-26 2026-27

Teesta St. VI      2023-24     2026-27 2027-28

Kiru                      2023-24     2025-26 2026-27

Ratle              2025-26     2026-27 2026-27

Rangit-IV      2023-24     2024-25 2025-26

Kwar              2026-27     2026-27 2027-28

– Projects under construction (10.4 GW) have a total cost of Rs 1.02 lakh crore. This includes Rs 21,247.5 crore for the Subansiri project, Rs 12,160 crore for the Parbati II project and Rs 31,876.4 crore for NHPC’s Dibang project. The incurred costs for all these three major projects are at 98%, 92% and 7%, respectively. https://www.ndtvprofit.com/business/nhpcs-valuation-may-take-a-hit-on-ongoing-execution-delays   (23 May 2024)

More Bad news for NHPC: Losses at the damaged Teesta V project in Sikkim revised up from earlier 788 Cr to 1005 cr now. Expects to commission 3 units of Subansiri Lower by March 2025 and rest by May 2026. https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/power/nhpc-expects-to-complete-all-4-units-of-parbati-ii-hydro-electric-project-by-dec-2024/110347878  (23 May 2024)

Study Characteristics and changes of glacial lakes and outburst floods Abstract: -In this Review, we synthesize global changes in glacial lakes and GLOFs. More than 110,000 glacial lakes currently exist, covering a total area of ~15,000 km2, having increased in area by ~22% dec–1 from 1990 to 2020. More than 10 million people are exposed to the impacts of GLOFs, commonly associated with dam failure or wave overtopping associated with mass movements. Although data limitations are substantial, more than 3,000 GLOFs have been recorded from 850 to 2022, particularly in Alaska (24%), High Mountain Asia (HMA; 18%) and Iceland (19%), the majority (64.8%) being from ice-dammed lakes. Recorded GLOFs have increased in most glaciated mountain regions of the world, with ongoing deglaciation and lake expansion expected to increase GLOF frequency further.

-In HMA, GLOF hazards are projected to triple by 2100, but changes in other regions will likely be lower given topographic constraints on lake evolution. Future research should prioritize acquiring field data on lake and dam properties, producing globally coordinated multi-temporal lake mapping, and robust and efficient modelling of GLOFs for comprehensive hazard assessment and response planning. https://www.nature.com/articles/s43017-024-00554-w.epdf 

MoEF Relevant decision of FAC meeting held on Apr 30 2024 Diversion of 0.1668 ha of forest land for construction of 12.90 MW Chirchind-II HEP, within the jurisdiction of Bharmour/Chamba Forest Division, District Chamba in Himachal Pradesh: (This  is an extension of the earlier diverted land of 3.9392Ha forest land for  9.90 MW Chirchind-II SHEP, the proposal was sent on 07.02.2024. The Government of Himachal Pradesh vide their letter No.FFE-B-F002/30/2023 dated 23.09.2023 submitted representation regarding illegal muck dumping and deviation from Approved Layout Plan, increase in Project Capacity to 12.9 MW (Approved for 9.9 MW) thereby violation of FCA, 1980 by Shivalik Energy Pvt. Ltd for Chirchind –II SHEP in Bharmour Forest Division of Chamba Forest Circle. Further, it was informed that the User Agency had indulged in certain activities that are in violation of the provisions of FCA, 1980 and stipulations imposed in Stage-II approval.) Approved https://parivesh.nic.in/publicdocument/MOM_APPROVAL_DOCUMENT/Mom_FC_MoM_FAC_837717_2024.pdf

DAMS

Kaleshwaram Project  Focus only on flood protection now With the monsoon season looming, a supervisory committee of senior irrigation department officials has made it clear that the companies that built the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages must complete urgent protection works at the structures to save them from further damage, as suggested by NDSA report. The committee met on May 25 2024. The committee is headed by engineer-in-chief (ENC) (general) Anil Kumar, and comprises being ENC (O&M) Nagender Rao, chief engineer (Central Designs Organisation), and CE Ramagundam circle, Sudhakar Reddy. The meeting is learnt to have decided that further repair and restoration works should be taken up only after the completion of a thorough study of the structures and the condition of the ground below them.

– To ensure that the companies, L&T which built Medigadda barrage, Afcons-Vijeta that built Annaram, and Navayuga which built the Sundilla barrages, are following the instructions, Anil Kumar is expected to begin a field visit on Monday starting with an inspection at Medigadda. Meanwhile, sources said in response to requests from the companies that any work should be seen as a new work and should be paid for as a separate contract, the department made it clear that it first expects the works, as suggested by the NDSA are taken up and completed.  https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/focus-only-on-flood-protection-for-now-at-klis-barrages-895738  (25 May 2024)

Pumping operations at Medigadda barrage likely to resume Even as interim works taken up on the Medigadda barrage gained momentum, pumping operations are likely to be resumed to lift water from Godavari well before the completion of these works. Medigada barrage, an integral component of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, in its present condition may not allow lifting of water at the designed capacity of two tmc a day. But at least partial restoration of the pumping operation from Medigadda will be made possible by the end of June, according to officials. https://telanganatoday.com/pumping-operations-at-medigadda-barrage-likely-to-resume  (26 May 2024)

Expert panel to assist judicial commission The govt will soon constitute an expert committee to assist the PC Ghose Judicial Commission, which is probing irregularities in the execution of Kaleshwaram project. The Irrigation officials proposed five names for the expert committee — CB Kameshwar Rao, Prof. Emeritus, JNTU (civil-structural expert), K Satyanarayana, retired chief engineer, DSRP expert (mechanical expert), N Ramana Murthy, Professor, NIT, Warangal (geotechnical expert), T Shasidhar, Professor, IIT, Hyderabad (Hydrology & planning expert) and K Srikanth, retired chief engineer, Irrigation department (Convener and field expert). The committee will inspect three barrages — Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla and submit its report after which the Judicial Commission will proceed further with its investigation. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2024/May/25/expert-panel-to-assist-judicial-commission-on-kaleshwaram  (25 May 2024)

Annaram barrage in shape to store water either The govt which had planned to use the Annaram and Sundilla barrages of the Kaleshwaram scheme to pump water into the upstream Sripada Yellampalli reservoir is expected to face some challenges as both barrages were found to be not fit to store water by the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA). The NDSA had made it clear that storing water at any of these barrages could prove dangerous for the structures.

– While storing water at Medigadda is out of the question, considering how a portion of its developed serious cracks and sank into the river bed, the government had asked irrigation department officials to explore the possibilities of bringing into use Annaram and Sundilla for storing enough water to pump to the Yellampalli reservoir. According to sources, storing of water at Annaram has been discouraged due to the deep scouring holes immediately on the downstream side of the barrage. In a letter just three months ago to the irrigation department, Afcons-Vijeta-PES JV which built the Annaram barrage, said the scouring meant “possibility of damage of the secant piles, especially unreinforced piles” which could result in “formation of gaps between the piles and the raft (foundation)” foundation. It said such gaps can be “very dangerous” as they cause “leakage and piping action.”  https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/annaram-barrage-in-no-shape-to-store-water-either-895741  (25 May 2024)

Less expensive options being explored One of the priorities for the department is to ensure protection for Block 7 of the barrage with two of its piers suffering serious damage, a huge void forming underneath it, and the washed away flood protection measures downstream of the block. Meanwhile, the government is learnt to be keen on using the other two barrages at Annaram, and Sundilla, both upstream of Medigadda to pump water into the Yellampalli reservoir, which is further upstream of the Sundilla barrage. Senior irrigation department officials are learnt to have discussed the issue in some detail with department engineers from the Annaram and Sundilla barrages on Friday (May 24). https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/less-expensive-protection-options-at-medigadda-being-explored-895588   (24 May 2024)

Is KLIP turning into a white elephant?  The Kaleshwaram Irrigation Project Corporation Limited and the Telangana government require over Rs 1.41 lakh crore—ranging between Rs 712 crore and Rs 14,462 crore every year—over the next 14 years for debt servicing. The absence of a comprehensive fund flow plan from a potential source to an item of expense for a project of this magnitude, which will have a long-term impact on the finances of the state, is manifest of opacity in planning and execution. https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/is-kaleshwaram-irrigation-project-in-telangana-turning-into-a-white-elephant-2543461-2024-05-24  (24 May 2024)

Govt, L&T lock in tussle over Medigadda repairs The issue of who should take up the repair works of the damaged portion of the Medigadda barrage remains unresolved. The government maintains that since the L&T, which was the main agency to take up the works, had not submitted the completion certificate and government had not issued discharge notice to the company and hence it should take up the repair works. But the L&T argues that the project was handed over to the government and has been commissioned. The project started supplying water for irrigation from 2018 & hence they were no longer responsible for operations & management of the project.

Meanwhile, the govt on Tuesday constituted a 5-member committee headed by Engineer in Chief (General) Irrigation to implement the interim measures and further investigation which needs to be taken up before the onset of the monsoon at the Medigadda and also at Annaram and Sundilla barrages. https://www.thehansindia.com/telangana/govt-lt-lock-in-tussle-over-medigadda-repairs-879961  (22 May 2024)

One central agency reaches Medigadda The Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Pune, one of the three central organisations tasked with further studies pertaining to structural issues in the barrages of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, deputed a team of its experts to the State on Wednesday (May 22).

– In view of the urgency involved in the task assigned by the State government, the team reached Medigadda and started its investigation at the barrage. It is expected to reach Annaram barrage on Wednesday night for its preliminary exercise on Thursday. The CWPRS will be working on the stability analysis of barrages, foundation investigations and reservoir competency along with the health diagnosis of dams. Specialized in hydraulic studies, the CWPRS will work on these key aspects to assess the life of the structures.

– The CWPRS is expected to complete the preliminary investigations in a couple of days. It would return to its headquarters to analyse the findings. Full-scale investigations would be carried on all the three barrages of Kaleshwaram project with the use of specialized equipment meant for the purpose, officials said. https://telanganatoday.com/kaleshwaram-probe-one-central-agency-reaches-medigadda  (22 May 2024)

More design problems tumble out It is learnt that one of the findings in the geological studies done so far was the presence of a void of around 1,000 cubic metres under the foundation of the damaged Block 7 of the barrage. This gaping hole under the foundation is to be filled through grouting using a mixture of cement and sand.

– It was the shifting of the material from under the foundation, coupled with the washing away of the flood dissipation blocks downstream that resulted in the sinking of a portion of Block 7, resulting in serious damage to some of its piers. The flood dissipation blocks could have prevented the piping out of sand and other material. It is learnt that IIT Roorkee, which studied the situation earlier this year, found that the secant pile design provided by the irrigation department was not in tune with the material on the river bed and that the design was not adequate to prevent scouring of material from under the foundation.

– “The river bed in that section is heterogenous, and not just sand. The design considered only sand, and this was one of the reasons why the scouring occurred,” sources said. The secant pile design too was the same on the upstream and downstream sides and this should not have been the case, it is learnt. This contributed to the scouring too as the piles driven into the river bed to hold the foundation in place did not act like a box as they were supposed to. These should have been designed differently on the two sides of the barrage and these details are only now coming out, the sources said. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/more-design-problems-tumble-out-of-medigadda-cupboard-895019  (21 May 2024)

Medigadda Barrage repairs to be delayed further The ongoing investigations into the Medigadda barrage, irrespective of their findings and the end results, will not be final. The Telangana govt, which discussed the issue during the Cabinet meeting on May 20, is firm on conducting further investigations in all the three barrages of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project for taking up rehabilitation works on a permanent basis, which in turn could mean that the repairs could take longer than expected.

– Three central organisations, the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), Central Water and Power Research Station (WPRS) and the Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI) are in consideration for further investigations, according to Irrigation officials. Issues such as suspected construction deficiencies, design discrepancies, maintenance neglect and settlement of the barrage raft have been under the scrutiny of the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) team. There is more to be investigated to take up permanent repairs.

– Even the interim works recommended by the NDSA would take four months to complete in normal course. The Irrigation Department has embarked upon temporary works expecting that the implementing agencies would get at least three weeks to complete the key components of the works recommended. However, their plans were upset with heavy rains received in the catchment area spread over both Telangana and Maharashtra. The Medigadda barrage started receiving inflows from Monday morning. The initial inflows were in the range of 3000 cusecs to 3500 cusecs and were expected to increase. https://telanganatoday.com/medigadda-barrage-repairs-to-be-delayed-further  (20 May 2024)

Mullaperiyar Dam Kerala moves Centre for new dam, plans to demolish old one  Kerala govt has moved Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEF&CC) seeking the terms of reference for the environment impact assessment study for its plan for a new Mullaperiyar dam on its ‘territory’ and plans to demolish the ‘existing dam’. The expert appraisal committee (river valley and hydroelectric projects) of the ministry has listed the proposal in its meeting scheduled on May 28. Kerala govt submitted the proposal in Jan 2024 and upon examination, the ministry referred it to the expert appraisal committee on May 14. In its proposal, Kerala govt said “It is a new proposal to construct a new dam which falls downstream (366 m) of the existing Mullaperiyar dam. The existing dam is very old (128 years old) and for the safety of downstream men, materials and flora-fauna, the proponent is going for new dam construction. The existing and new proposed dams are falling in the Periyar Tiger Reserve sensitive area”. The present arrangement of water diversion to Tamil Nadu would continue to function uninterruptedly during the construction of the new dam and after its commissioning, the pre-feasibility report said.

In a separate note on inter-state issues related to the new dam, the chief engineer on May 7 clarified that Supreme Court had granted permission for conducting an environment impact assessment study and the site for the new dam is not in the leased area. “Since the issue has been accepted by the apex body, it is of the view that mutual consent/amicable solution passed in this regard shall not be insisted upon while applying for environmental clearance.” In 2014, Supreme Court ordered that there should be agreement between both states for the construction of a new dam. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/kerala-moves-centre-for-new-mullaperiyar-dam/articleshow/110347555.cms (23 May 2024)

CM M.K. Stalin has written to Union Minister, MoEF&CC Bhupender Yadav, conveying the Tamil Nadu govt’s objection to the Centre considering Kerala’s proposal to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for constructing a new dam at Mullaperiyar, which he said was in violation of the Supreme Court’s orders. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/new-dam-at-mullaperiyar-stalin-objects-to-centre-considering-keralas-proposal-for-eia/article68211963.ece  (25 May 2024)

Rajasthan SC vetos NGT’s stay on desilting of Bisalpur dam Supreme Court on May 24 2024 stayed a NGT order that had halted the desilting and dredging of Bisalpur dam in Tonk district. The stay order brings much-needed relief to the state govt and Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project Corp Ltd. Bisalpur dam is a reservoir of drinking water for three districts—Ajmer, Jaipur, and Tonk. The desilting aimed at restoring the storage capacity of the dam, which has been reduced to 1029.9 million cubic metrrs (MCum) from its initial capacity of 1095.8 MCum in 2004.

– The successful bidder had challenged the NGT order through a civil appeal before the apex court on Dec 5, 2023. ERCPL had also challenged the NGT order and filed a civil appeal on Dec 8, 2023. Harish Salve appeared for the bidder while Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Rajasthan’s Additional Advocate General (AAG) Shiv Mangal Sharma represented the state govt and ERCPL respectively. It was argued on behalf of the state govt that the objective for desilting and dredging in Bisalpur Dam was not for sand mining but reclamation and restoration of the dam’s storage capacity.

– A PIL filed before NGT on Jan 10, 2023 had sought the quashing of the ‘request for proposal’ dated Nov 21, 2022, issued by ERCPL for ‘Reclamation of Storage Capacity by Desilting of Bisalpur Dam in Tonk’. NGT had, on Nov 24, 2023, restrained ERCPL from permitting dredging and desilting without taking environmental clearance. The state govt and ERCPCL argued on behalf of the successful bidder in the apex court and pointed out that the requirement for environmental clearance is exempted as per the notification and guidelines issued by the ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) from time to time. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/supreme-court-stays-ngt-order-on-desilting-of-bisalpur-dam/articleshow/110408678.cms   (25 May 2024)

Gujarat Machchhu Dams releases washed away harvest from salt pans  Maliya, which is part of the Little Rann of Kutch, employs nearly 1,600 salt pan workers. Smaller, traditional cultivators work on 10-acre farms, while the commercial-sized farms range from 500 to 9,000 acres.

– Manakh was among the many salt cultivators from Gulabadi, Ankodiya and Haripar areas of Maliya taluka in Morbi who allegedly suffered losses after the irrigation department released waters from Machchhu III and Machchhu II flooding their pans on April 26 and May 12. Machchhu-II dam has 38 gates. Among them, 18 are in the old spillway and 20 are in the new spillway. Five of the 20 in new spillway needed to be replaced and for. that dam was being emptied.

– The water was meant to fill up 12 check dams downstream, besides village ponds, by channeling water in the irrigation canal of Machchhu III. However, a bund downstream of the river, appears to have blocked the water, causing it to overflow, AHRM president Harinesh Pandya told The Indian Express, estimating that around 120 farmers have been affected. “The authorities released more water than the carrying capacity of the riverbed… The bund was later removed by the authorities by JCB machines and hence, more flooding could be avoided. But the administration should have known about this bund before releasing water in such huge quantities,” he said.

– While environmentalists say the situation could have been avoided, had the authorities properly planned the water storage in the two dams and its release, various salt pan workers’ associations have written to the Morbi district collector demanding a survey of the damages and compensation. Environmentalist Rohit Prajapati says, “They (irrigation department) got feedback in December (about repairing the dam). They could have regulated the water in Machchhu dams from December onwards. They absolutely failed there. For salt pan workers, it was a flash flood… It was illogical to fill the dam (Machchhu II) up to 53 metre when it was to be repaired. That water should have been put to use; instead, it was wasted,” he said. The dam was filled up with Narmada waters earlier. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/machchhu-dam-release-flooded-fields-complain-salt-pan-gujarat-farmers-9350594/  (25 May 2024)

Chhattisgarh Gondali reservoir in Durg Bhilai area is being emptied for the first time 68 years after being constructed in 1957. A temple from the submerged area can be seen. The submergence area had 70 ponds and about 200 wells, some of the wells can also be seen. https://www.bhaskar.com/local/chhattisgarh/balod/news/gondli-dam-dried-for-the-first-time-250-year-old-sheetla-temple-remained-submerged-in-water-for-68-years-133055516.html  (21 May 2024)

Dehradun Protesters continue to save Khalanga RF Hundreds of locals and environmental activists gathered in Khalanga Reserve Forest on Sunday (May 19) to protest the proposed felling of nearly 2,000 Sal trees. The protest to save the trees started earlier this month. A water treatment plant, part of a larger gravity dam project on the Song River, is expected to be built at this site. “In recent days, there have been reports that the project has been moved to an alternate site. But nothing has been done officially, and we cannot stop the fight until written directives are issued,” said Himanshu Arora from Citizens for Green Doon. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/protesters-continue-fight-to-save-khalanga-reserve-forest/articleshow/110258243.cms  (20 May 2024)

INTERLINKING OF RIVERS

Ken-Betwa Linking The diversion Taking from the Ken, giving to the Betwa—that’s the plan for a river-linking project straight out of a technocratic dream. But for the humans and animals of Bundelkhand, the equation is wildly unbalanced… the Ken is a kind of quiet backbone, an ephemeral ribbon that carved one of India’s most stunning landscapes and provides a base for one of the country’s wildest ecosystems. Its short length gives life to several villages, courses through a vibrant tiger reserve, and slides down a series of cliffs and gorges that shelter vultures and gharials with little habitat anywhere else on Earth… Those dams will serve well-developed but drought-ridden areas around Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh, at the cost of taking water from the relatively impoverished region of Bundelkhand, home to 18 million people, also parched.

– The National Water Development Agency also says the Ken has a water “surplus,” while the Betwa has a “deficit.” The water-flow data that supposedly validates this claim is decades old, though even current data wouldn’t suffice, because the concept makes little sense. “These terms are not suitable for natural systems,” said Padmini Pani, a river systems expert and professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University. “We cannot say there is surplus. Surplus means that the natural landscape requires that excess water.”

– If the Ken-Betwa link is built, its dam will stand at 74 metres in the middle of the reserve. Water will pool until it drowns the area’s craggy outcroppings, flooding around 50 vulture nests at Dhundua and several hundred more along the river. “That kind of habitat you won’t find anywhere else in Panna Tiger Reserve,” said Orus Ilyas, a conservation biologist at Aligarh Muslim University who has studied the link’s potential impact on biodiversity. “It will be a scattered, fragmented population.”

– The link’s reservoir is likely to entomb the park’s core tiger habitat. According to Ilyas and Murthy, the deer will scatter as soon as the lumber trucks roll in. The tigers will follow until it becomes clear that the reserve’s outskirts don’t have enough space to support them. “They’re all going to lose their places moving this way and that, disturbing settled tigers in other areas,” Murthy said.

Animals living in the reserve have enough space to spend their days away from camera-toting tourists, but if the Ken-Betwa link is built, the silence that surrounded me might become permanent. The park may well turn into another lifeless landscape, emptied of the tigers, gharials, deer, and people who live there. Beyond it, Bundelkhand will shrivel up gradually, until there is nothing left to squeeze out of the ground.  (By Colin Deileda) https://fiftytwo.in/story/the-diversion/  (4 March 2024)

INTERSTATE WATER DISPUTES

Cauvery Water Disputes CWMA ratifies panel’s move on environmental flows The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) on Tuesday (May 21) endorsed the decision of the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) to ask Karnataka to ensure environmental flows, as stipulated by the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT), for the remainder of this month.

The decision was taken at the Authority’s last meeting for the current water year, 2023-24 (June-May). The CWRC held its deliberations four days ago, as a result of which approximately 1.25 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft) would have to be realised at Biligundlu on the inter-State border. For the entire month, the stipulated quantity was 2.5 tmcft. As on Sunday (May 19), the quantity received this month was about 1.15 tmcft. The Tribunal had prescribed a quantity of 2.5 tmcft a month during February-May. In the last three months, Biligundlu recorded 2.04 tmcft, as against the cumulative figure of 7.5 tmcft.

When asked why the Authority did not ask Karnataka to meet the shortfall with regard to the environmental flows, S.K. Haldar, chairman of the Authority, who presided over the meeting, told The Hindu over the phone that the prescribed quantity was meant for a normal year. This year being a “distress year and historically, the overall flows [in the Cauvery river] being at the lowest level”, only the natural and residual flows, as available in the uncontrolled catchment of the river, could be considered, he said. The regenerated flow was also not there. Besides, given the current season (summer), evaporation and percolation losses would be much higher than the quantity that was required to be realised. Wastage could be even 90%, he added. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/cauvery-authority-ratifies-panels-move-on-environmental-flows/article68200960.ece  (21 May 2024)

TN objects to Kerala’s check dam plan on Silandhi river Kerala’s move to construct a check-dam across the Silandhi River — one of the tributaries of the Amaravathy River that remains a water resource for the Amaravathy dam — poses a serious risk to water security, said experts in the region. The Amaravathy dam, with a water holding capacity of 4 tmcft, is located in Tiruppur district, 25 km from Udumalpet. Constructed in 1958, it serves as a source of irrigation for 55,000 acre of farmland in Tiruppur and Karur districts.

Major tributaries of the Amaravathy River are Pambaru, Thenaru, Chinnaru and Silandhi. A decade ago, Kerala constructed a check-dam at Pambaru in Pattiseri in the Kandalur panchayat, and MDMK general secretary Vaiko had visited the Amaravathy dam and staged a demonstration. Now, in another set back to the dam, in Vattavada village panchayat under Devikulam taluk in Idukki district, Kerala has started constructing a check-dam across the Silandhi in Peruguda.

If this is completed, inflow to the Amaravathy River will dwindle and thousands of farmers will face difficulties, Velu Sivakumar, VCK’s Farmers’ Wing State Deputy Secretary, said, flaying Kerala’s stand that the check-dam was being built to address drinking water needs of the local population. He further said that a demonstration would be held on May 27 at the Amaravathy basin Executive Engineer’s office in Dharapuram against Kerala’s move. When contacted, PWD officials confirmed that the works to build the check-dam had begun, and that they were looking into whether this was being done in accordance with the final ruling of Cauvery Water Management Board.  https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/keralas-move-to-build-check-dam-across-silandhi-river-poses-risk-to-water-security-say-experts/article68189603.ece  (19 May 2024)

Silandhi check dam to hit water flow to Amaravathi dam A team of state Water Resources Department (WRD) officials visited Vattavada in Idukki district in Kerala, where a check dam is being built by the neighbouring state across Silandhi river, a tributary of Amaravathi river in Tamil Nadu. Based on their visit on May 17, the team on Sunday (May 19) submitted a report to senior WRD officials, who will forward the same to the state government on Monday.

The WRD officials confirmed that Kerala was building a check dam across the river. Kerala’s move has sparked opposition from the farmers in Tirupur who fear that the check dam would hinder the water flow to Amaravathi dam in Udumalpet, a key source of irrigation for more than 55,000 acres of farmland in Tirupur and Karur districts. According to the WRD officials, the check dam is 40 metres long and two metres high. Silandhi river is a tributary of Thenar, which merges with the Amaravathi river that originates in the western slopes of Munnar. Amaravathi travels about 222km and drains into the Cauvery river at Thirumukudal near Mayanur in Karur district.

The farmers said the check dam would hinder the water flow in Amaravathy, affecting irrigation. Velu Sivakumar, VCK farmers wing deputy secretary, said the Tamil Nadu government should intervene and prevent water shortage in Amaravathy. “Kerala says the check dam is for drinking water needs. But I visited the dam site and talked to the people in the locality. They said the dam was being built for the sake of drinking water companies there.” Velu Sivakumar and farmers are planning to hold a protest in front of the WRD office at Dharapuram on May 27. With the water shortage hitting the region often, agriculture would become uncertain if a key resource suffers poor inflow, the farmers said. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/kerala-check-dam-across-silandhi-river-to-impact-water-flow-to-amaravathi-dam/articleshow/110258058.cms  (20 May 2024)

Krishna Water Disputes Karnataka water share being diverted to RTPS: Ryots Allegations are being made that Karnataka water is being quietly diverted to Telangana. Krishna River water has been released from Narayanpur Dam to Raichur Thermal Power Station (RTPS) in Gurjapur on the border of Raichur-Yadagir districts. Chamarasa Malipatil, honorary president of the State Farmers’ Association alleged that 1.2 TMC water was being released from the night of May 12 till date to the barrage at Gurjapur to provide water to the RTPS. However, more water than the storage capacity of the barrage has been released and this water is flowing to Telangana from the Gurjapur barrage. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubballi/ryots-claim-krishna-water-released-to-telangana-on-pretext-of-diverting-it-to-raichur-thermal-power-station/articleshow/110259487.cms  (20 May 2024)

Punjab Party Shiromani Akali Dal has said that it will all inter state water agreements with other states if they come to power.  (Dainik Bhaskar 22 May 2024)

URBAN RIVERS

Phalguni; Bengaluru River pollution: NGT seeks response from SPCB Taking cognizance of release of untreated industrial effluents into the water bodies including Phalguni River, the green court mentioned that the situation indicates a violation of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the provisions of the EPA, 1986. “There is a substantial issue relating to compliance with the environmental norms and implementation of the provisions of scheduled enactment. Industrial units operating in Baikampady industrial area have been polluting the Thokur stream and the Phalguni River by discharging polluted untreated industrial wastewater. Thus, we implead SPCB, CPCB, and the Deputy Commissioner/District Magistrate,” noted the order copy by the tribunal.

NGT also underlined that encroachments on vital water bodies along national highways have compounded the issue, obstructing underground water channels and exacerbating topsoil erosion. Moreover, violation of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) has led to destruction of wetlands crucial for sustaining river ecosystems and urban water supply, aggravating water scarcity. “It indicates a violation of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, Coastal Regulation Zone and Environment Protection Act, 1986,” NGT said. https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/others/phalguni-pollution-ngt-seeks-response/articleshow/110281537.cms  (21 May 2024)     

RIVERS

Report Fascinating: How a photographer went all over India to photograph RIVERS, spent over a year, all his savings and more. (Dec 1 2023)

Saraswati still flowing under desert? Remote sensing techniques and geological studies have revealed paleochannels under the Thar Desert, which align with the Saraswati’s described path. These findings are supported by satellite imagery and isotope analyses of ancient waters still stored beneath the desert sands. The National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) of India has played a significant role in these discoveries, providing evidence of the river’s underground channels fed by its old tributaries during the monsoon season.

The Saraswati’s disappearance is attributed to the shifting courses of its tributaries, the Sutlej and Yamuna rivers. This gradual process was influenced by the region’s changing climate and topography, leading to the river’s vanishing act. The Thar Desert, now a vast arid region, was once home to a flourishing river that supported human settlements along its banks. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/is-the-lost-river-saraswati-still-flowing-under-thar-desert/articleshow/110280074.cms  (20 May 2024)

Vikalp Sangam Alternatie agenda for water There is a need to review large water-based infrastructure projects like the interlinking of rivers, inland watersways and large hydro-power projects as they are destructive of lives, livelihoods and rest of nature. Instead, what is needed is incentivising initiatives of more sustainable, climate friendly as well as cheaper options with the participation of all concerned people. Most of the initiatives churned out as climate adaptation ones are actually   maladaptation, shortsighted, or create other serious issues ecological problems. One glaring example is the river deepening, widening and straightening processes that are happening in Maharashtra.  https://vikalpsangam.org/article/water-and-elections-vikalp-sangam-sets-an-alternative-agenda-for-water/  (24 May 2024)

Meghalaya Soil dumping: Umiam river cries for help The uncontrolled dumping of soil into the Umiam river at a construction site near the Umiam bridge has led to severe pollution, turning the river’s once-crystal-clear water into a troubling shade of orange. This environmental degradation has been observed along the river stretch from Umiam to Dwar Ksuid downstream.

-The sudden change in the river’s colour and its now mud-laden waters have sparked outrage among local residents who rely on the river for their daily needs. Local residents and environmental advocates are calling for immediate intervention by authorities to halt the soil dumping and implement measures to restore the health of the Umiam river. https://theshillongtimes.com/2024/05/26/soil-dumping-umiam-river-cries-for-help/  (26 May 2024)

Karnataka Inscription on ancient check dam on Tungabhadra A stone inscription pertaining to the construction of Huligikatte, a check dam across River Tungabhadra, has been found near Hole Mudlapura in the taluk. The inscription is visible this year due to low water storage in the dam.  Officials of the Vijayanagar canal modernisation project, on discovering the inscription, informed the department of archaeology, museums and heritage.  Later, officials of the department visited the site and inspected the inscription.  It mentions that the Huligikatte check dam was constructed by Naganna Dandanayaka, the general of the Vijayanagar kings.  It says water from the canal flows to the pilgrim centre of Huligi. Department officials are undertaking more research on the inscription. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/inscription-on-ancient-check-dam-found-near-koppal-3039610  (27 May 2024)

GANGA Uttarakhand Swiss study predicts reduced snowfall in Bhagirathi basin by the end of century A glacio-hydrological study of Bhagirathi river basin in Uttarakhand has revealed that glacier melt-runoff will increase by the middle of the century under the impact of climate change, while there will be decrease in snowfall leading to reduced snowmelt runoff in a similar period. The study, conducted by Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), to develop a glacio-hydrological model and Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) plan for Bhagirathi basin, has indicated an increase in the number of flood waves by the end of the century. “This will have severe implications on critical hydraulic and other infrastructures, affecting life and livelihood of local communities,” the study said. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/swiss-study-predicts-reduced-snowfall-in-bhagirathi-basin-by-the-end-of-century/articleshow/110425898.cms  (25 May 2024)

SC stays big hotel project in forested area  Supreme Court has stayed a big hotel project in the Bhimtal-Mukteshwar region as a petition alleged it would lead to large scale felling of trees in the verdant Jilling Estate area. A bench of Justices A S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan admitted the appeal filed by Birendra Singh, who had challenged the go-ahead given by Uttarakhand HC, and revived a stay on any kind of tree felling and construction activities at the site in Jilling Estate. It asked the project proponent to file its response to the petition within six weeks and posted the matter for further hearing on Aug 12. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/sc-stays-big-hotel-project-in-forested-area-of-uttarakhand/articleshow/110281857.cms  (21 May 2024)

YAMUNA Delhi Citizens Appeal to Political Parties to Let River Flow The concerned citizens’ plea to the political parties is to urgently consider the long standing issue of non-existent environment flows, which have caused the Yamuna to run dry even before it flows into the national capital region. https://thewire.in/environment/no-votes-for-the-yamuna-delhis-citizens-appeal-to-political-parties-to-let-the-yamuna-flow  (24 May 2024)

NGT takes notice of The Hindu report on floods, floodplains The report had mentioned that while the Delhi government had claimed in submissions to the NGT that “100%” physical demarcation of a major stretch of the Yamuna’s floodplain in the city has been done, visits to the sites in question and interviews with officials by have confirmed that major gaps persist.

“The above news item indicates violation of the Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act, 1974 and the EPA, 1986. The news item raises substantial issue relating to compliance of the environmental norms and implementation of the provisions of scheduled enactment,” the principal bench of the NGT headed by chairperson Prakash Shrivastava, judicial member Arun Kumar Tyagi, and expert member A. Senthil Vel said in an order dated May 21.

The order said that the news item further alleges that nine years after NGT ordered the identification of encroachments on the floodplains, it has also not been completed and was not even initiated after the devastating 2023 floods. “The article states as per the latest satellite images, illegal permanent constructions have only increased since NGT’s landmark judgment in 2015,” the order said. capacity of floodplains and also constricts the area of flow of the river. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/ngt-takes-cognisance-of-the-hindu-report-on-delhi-floods-problems-with-yamuna-floodplains/article68207300.ece  (23 May 2024)

Noida बाढ़ क्षेत्र निर्माण: एनजीटी ने समिति को दिया जांच का निर्देश एनजीटी ने 21 मई, 2024 को एक संयुक्त समिति से इस बात की जांच करने को कहा है कि क्या नोएडा में यमुना के बाढ़ क्षेत्र पर किया निर्माण स्थाई है या नहीं। मामला उत्तर प्रदेश में गौतमबुद्ध नगर के नोएडा का है। इस संयुक्त समिति में केंद्रीय प्रदूषण नियंत्रण बोर्ड (सीपीसीबी), केंद्रीय लोक निर्माण विभाग (सीपीडब्ल्यूडी), नोएडा के सीईओ और गौतमबुद्ध नगर के जिला मजिस्ट्रेट के प्रतिनिधि शामिल होंगे। यह समिति 50 आवेदकों में से हर एक के निर्माण की प्रकृति और सीमा की जांच के लिए साइट का दौरा करेगी। https://www.downtoearth.org.in/hindistory/development/urbanisation/is-the-construction-done-on-yamuna-flood-area-in-noida-permanent-ngt-directs-committee-to-investigate-96288  (22 May 2024)

Agra Panoramic view of Yamuna in Agra, Taj also visible. Seems taken during July 2023 flood spell.  https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/railways-ministry-shares-pic-of-yamuna-bridge-with-taj-mahal-in-background-5703272  (20 May 2024)  

RIVERS BIODIVERSITY

IUCN Report Migratory freshwater fish populations ‘down by more than 80% since 1970’ “Migratory fish populations have crashed by more than 80% since 1970, new findings show… Populations are declining in all regions of the world, but it is happening fastest in South America and the Caribbean, where abundance of these species has dropped by 91% over the past 50 years… This region has the world’s largest freshwater migrations, but dams, mining and humans diverting water are destroying river ecosystems. In Europe, populations of migratory freshwater fishes have fallen by 75%, according to the latest update to the Living Planet Index.” https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/may/21/living-planet-index-migratory-freshwater-fish-populations-decline-dams-weirs-mining-water-abstraction-pollution-threat-aoe  (21 May 2024)

-River fragmentation by dams, weirs and other barriers is a key reason migratory fish populations have declined by 81% since 1970, according to a new report by the Living Planet Index – a rate of wildlife loss six times that of animals that live on land or in the sea. https://theconversation.com/the-surge-in-hydroelectric-dams-is-driving-massive-biodiversity-loss-230895  (24 May 2024)

Madhya Pradesh Endangered Mahseer struggles for survival The Reason Known for its majestic silver shine, Mahseer fish is fighting for its existence after being declared an endangered species. The Fisheries department has come up with some measures to save this State Fish so that future generations are able to see it. Like Mahseer, there are around sixteen other species of fishes which have reached to the brink of extinction in the state. Now to save it, the fisheries department has developed a hatchery for seed production of Mahseer in the Bargi area of Jabalpur. It was developed last year. The seeds of Mahseer will be released into the river from this hatchery so that its population can receive a boost. This fish is known for its silver scale body. https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/mp-endangered-mahseer-fish-struggles-for-survival-narmada-dam-deemed-the-reason  (22 May 2024)

Report Gangetic dolphins need new conservation plan  – A new study has assessed the distribution, numbers and habitat suitability of the Gangetic dolphin in the small rivers of the Ganga basin and proposed a basin-wide river conservation strategy for the species.

-Nachiket Kelkar, head of the Riverine Ecosystems and Livelihoods programme at the Wildlife Conservation Trust suggests that in addition to building social trust and equity, conservation programs should include robust scientific monitoring of dolphin populations, hydrology, threats, and the impacts of different interventions; engaging with river water use and management policy, such as how to re-operate dams to provide more water for rivers, mitigation measures for existing infrastructure development projects, or avoiding projects that will cause irreversible damage. https://india.mongabay.com/2024/05/endangered-gangetic-dolphins-found-in-most-tributaries-of-ganges-prompting-urgent-conservation/  (20 May 2024)

Report Insufficient data hinders otter conservation Ecologist Katrina Fernandez, director of Wild Otters Research and co-author of a 2016 TRAFFIC report that analysed illegal trade of otters, says that pelt trade is one of the key threats faced by the species. “The otters are relentlessly hunted for their body parts. In the 2000s, otter skins made up around 30 percent of the fur trade in India, of which China was the largest consumer,” she says. The TRAFFIC report stated that between 1980 and 2015, 2,949 illegal otter pelts were confiscated in India.

Another threat is the pressure of fishing on otter habitats and the resulting disturbance. Unsustainable fishing not only impacts the food resources for the otters, but also severely affects their habitat. “It is a common practice in several parts of Assam to empty small waterbodies such as forested pools in order to catch all the fish found there,” says Kalita. “This method of fishing not only depletes fish populations but also adversely impacts otter habitats.” The IUCN classifies the Asian small-clawed otter and the smooth-coated otter as vulnerable, and the Eurasian otter listed as near threatened.

“Otter conservation in India is incidental, as the prime focus has been on charismatic species such as tiger, elephant, and rhino,” says Asghar Nawab, an expert on amphibious mammals at Wetlands International, a global non-profit dedicated to conservation and restoration of wetlands. “A low-profile species, otters have always been on the margins of the national conservation plans. In the northeast, the species is remarkably little researched even though the region is home to all three otter species found in India.” https://india.mongabay.com/2024/02/insufficient-data-hinders-otter-conservation-in-northeast-india/  (19 Feb. 2024)

Uttar Pradesh Poachers now shift to trade of dried calipee of turtles The Society for Conservation of Nature, working extensively for conservation of turtles in the region, has alerted the law enforcement agencies that the poachers instead of smuggling live turtles have now shifted to the illegal trade of dried calipee of the aquatic animals. Turtle calipee is a fatty gelatinous layer found immediately over the lower shell of a turtle and esteemed as a delicacy. Recently, a lot of seizures of calipee of turtles has taken place in Etawah and its surrounding areas.

Rajiv Chauhan, secretary-general, Society for Conservation of Nature, who has been working extensively on turtle conservation in the region said: “Earlier, poachers used to smuggle live turtles, but now they have gone clever and adopted a new method. Now, the poachers kill turtles, procure their calipees and send them to other cities and states through trains and even to foreign countries. The first seizure of calipee was reported in 2000 from Etawah, and now it has become a regular feature. From the data procured from the region, wildlife poachers killed approximately 30,000 turtles.” Chauhan said the turtle smugglers mostly become active when the level of water bodies goes low. “They then trap turtles from ponds and rivers, kill them and procure their calipee. The poachers mostly hunt soft shell turtles including Nilssonia Gangetica Chitra Indica for procuring calipee,” he said. He further said that a recent trend of using women carriers by the turtle smugglers traders has also come to fore. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kanpur/poachers-now-shift-to-trade-of-dried-calipee-of-turtles/articleshow/110346401.cms  (23 May 2024)

Rusty-spotted cat caught on camera in Pilibhit TR The smallest member of the cat family, the rusty-spotted cat, was sighted in the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve of Uttar Pradesh earlier this year. The sighting of the kitten – a seemingly leucistic one – sent ripples of excitement among those who had spotted it and the officials of the protected area. The status of leucism in the cat, however, remains contentious after scientists working on wildcats for a long time said that the variation was nothing but a commonly found difference in coat colours. Leucism is the lack of melanin pigmentation in all or some parts of the skin of animals due to a series of defects in melanin-producing cells (melanocytes). https://scroll.in/article/1068169/rusty-spotted-cat-with-lighter-coat-caught-on-camera-in-pilibhit-tiger-reserve  (25 May 2024)

Himachal Pradesh Rare turtle sighted in Renuka wetland In a first, the forest staff of Renuka Wildlife Range have discovered an endangered Spotted Black Pond Turtle (Geoclemys hemiltonii) at the Ramsar wetland site of Shri Renuka Ji. Also known as Hamilton’s Terrapin, this species is endemic to stagnant freshwater ecosystems within the drainage basins of Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra. Distributed through India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan, spotted pond turtles are identified by their yellow or white spots on their black heads, legs and tails. . https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/rare-spotted-black-pond-turtle-sighted-in-hps-renuka-wetland/articleshow/110346566.cms  (23 May 2024)

Karnataka Elephant herd seen on banks of Shimsha River  A herd, of six elephants, is camping on the banks of Shimsha River, near Sri Hole Anjaneya Swamy temple in Maddur town of Mandya district, on Monday (May 27). Forest officials will take steps to drive them back to forests after sunset. Following rains over the last fortnight in the region, there is adequate water in the river and the elephants were playing in it. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/elephant-herd-seen-on-banks-of-shimsha-river-in-karnatakas-mandya-3039994  (27 May 2024)

New spider species discovered A group of naturalists from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka recently discovered a new species of spider in Kodagu. They named it Ligdus garvale after the village where it was found. Garvale, a village in the Somwarpet taluk of Kodagu district, is where the spider was discovered. This jumping spider is significant as it represents only the second documented occurrence of the Ligdus genus in 129 years, according to naturalists. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/new-species-of-spider-discovered-in-kodagu-district/article68211491.ece  (24 May 2024)

UN Urgent measures to halt environmental decline UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for taking urgent measures to halt environmental decline. In his message to the International Day for Biological Diversity on Wednesday (May 22), the top UN official highlighted the dire state of the planet’s ecosystems, emphasising that the world’s “complex web of biological diversity sustains all life on earth” but is “unravelling at alarming speed” due to human activities, Xinhua news agency reported.

-“We are contaminating land, oceans, and freshwater with toxic pollution, wrecking landscapes and ecosystems, and disrupting our precious climate with greenhouse gas emissions,” Guterres said, stressing the severe consequences of humanity’s footprint on nature. https://www.thestatesman.com/world/un-chief-calls-for-urgent-measures-to-halt-environmental-decline-1503302934.html  (23 May 2024)

7 ways to restore land, halt desertification & combat drought Here are seven ways to get involved in ecosystem restoration on World Environment Day as outlined in the practical guide We Are Generation Restoration. 1. Make agriculture sustainable 2. Save the soil 3. Protect the pollinators 4. Restore freshwater ecosystems 5. Renew coastal and marine areas 6. Bring nature back to cities, 7. Generate financing for restoration https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/seven-ways-restore-land-halt-desertification-and-combat-drought   (23 May 2024)

Opinion On biodiversity day, ‘becoming part of the plan’ The implementation of the Kunming-Montreal GBF will be guided and supported through a comprehensive package of decisions, which were also adopted at COP-15. This package includes: a monitoring framework for the GBF; an enhanced mechanism for planning, monitoring, reporting and reviewing the implementation steps; necessary financial resources for implementation; strategic frameworks for capacity development and technical and scientific cooperation, and, agreement on digital sequence information on genetic resources.

In brief, the biodiversity plan offers opportunities for cooperation and partnerships among diverse actors with a desire that everyone has a role to play, thereby becoming a part of the plan. The actors/stakeholders include: local and indigenous communities (who are the custodians of biodiversity), government and policy makers, and biological/genetic resources-related industrialists. In a broader sense, all of humanity which has direct and indirect stakes in biodiversity, which supports its life and livelihood, should be a part of the plan. (Prakash Nelliyat) https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/on-biodiversity-day-becoming-part-of-the-plan/article68203350.ece  (22 May 2024)

FISH, FISHERIES, FISHERFOLKS

Kerala Another mass fish kill in Periyar after suspected effluent release  A mass fish kill was reported in the Periyar river on May 20 night following suspected release of effluents from industries in the Eloor-Edayar industrial area in Ernakulam district of Kerala. Dead fish was found floating on a large-scale on May 21 morning from near the Pathalam bund and downstream. Fishermen involved in cage farming in areas such as Cheranalloor reported loss to the tune of lakhs of rupees. River stretches near the Pathalam bund turned black after shutters of the bund were opened on May 20 following heavy rain.

Purushan Eloor, spokesperson of the Periyar Malineekarana Virudha Samithi, said the fish kill was reported along the stretch from Pathalam to Panampukadu near Mulavukad. The release of effluents from the industrial units upstream and downstream of the Pathalam bund had resulted in such a massive fish kill. The illegal discharge of effluents was carried out amidst the heavy rain over the last two days. The year 2024 alone has seen eight fish kills in Periyar. The river turned black over 15 times over the last four months, he alleged.

Mr. Purushan blamed the SPCB for its alleged failure to check the illegal discharge of untreated effluents into the river, despite several such incidents in the past. Despite repeated pleas and submission of evidence related to the illegal drains used to discharge effluents into the river, no concrete action has been taken by authorities. This has emboldened violators to continue with such illegal activities, he said. Fishermen in Varapuzha and Kadamakudi staged a protest at the board’s office in Eloor demanding action against those responsible for the mass fish kill. Gratus, a resident of Cheranalloor who has been engaged in cage fish farming over the last four years, said he suffered losses to the tune of ₹15 lakh. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/another-mass-fish-kill-in-periyar-river-in-kerala-after-suspected-effluent-release/article68198802.ece  (21 May 2024) The incident, believed to be caused by industrial pollution from the Edayar Industrial Area, has caused immense loss to fish farmers and disrupted the local ecosystem. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/video/water/mass-fish-kill-incident-in-periyar-river-amid-industrial-pollution-96342   (25 May 2024)

Periyar fish kill puts livelihood at risk  The massive fish kill in the Periyar along the Eloor-Edayar industrial stretch here due to alleged polluting by factories has posed a huge economic as well as environment threat to the region where inland fishing is a major source of income.

With the effluents allegedly discharged from industrial units killing nearly the entire fish population in the region, including the cage farms set up in the river, the local fish farmers have lost their livelihood while uncertainty of several levels is staring at them. The farmers engaged in cage fish farming have suffered losses to the tune of several lakhs of rupees. The rotten fish washed ashore the river pose a health threat too. Fears over the damage caused to the riverine ecosystem add to the people’s woes.

Jolly V N, who runs Gravitas Fish Farm along with his partners, pegged his loses at around Rs 13 lakh. He had cultivated around 1,000 hatchlings each in 13 cages. He is worried about how he can revive his aquaculture facility.

The fish kill has also spoiled Jolly’s income from the Chinese nets he has erected. “We used to get an average of Rs 1,500 from the fish caught from the nets. Now, we cannot expect anything from it for the next six months,” he said.  Fisherfolk of Varappuzha, whose main source of income is inland fish farming, are also among the affected lot. With only less than two weeks to school reopening, the fish die-off has put a question mark on their daily income.  https://www.onmanorama.com/content/mm/en/kerala/top-news/2024/05/22/periyar-fish-kill-puts-livelihood-at-risk-poses-environmental-threat.html  (22 May 2024)

Irate farmers throw rotting fish into SPCB compound On Wednesday (May 22), a meeting of the presidents of all the affected panchayats, MLA, Chief Environmental Engineer and other officials was held at Eloor PCB. Even though the PCB has been claiming that the fish deaths happened due to the depletion of oxygen content in the river water following the opening of the Pathalam regulator cum bridge, the protesters and people’s representatives claimed otherwise.

It has also been decided to submit a recommendation to the state government seeking free rations for six months to the traditional inland fishermen who have been affected by the pollution. It has been decided to take immediate steps to remove the decaying fish from the river and dispose of it. The board chairman has assured that an investigation will be conducted against the officials who have been negligent in doing their duty and action will be taken as per the probe report. The PCB chairperson also assured that factories located along the Periyar river will be investigated and those found dumping effluents in the river will be dealt with seriously that would including invoking all the clauses in the rule books. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2024/May/22/irate-farmers-throw-rotting-fish-into-kerala-pollution-control-board-compound-to-highlight-their-plight  (22 May 2024)

Irrigation dept told to prepare protocol for opening shutter: Minister Three days after the massive fish kill that shook the cage fish farming community in more than five panchayats in the district, Industries Minister P Rajeeve said steps have been planned to prevent such incidents from happening in the future. “What happened in Periyar is serious. It happened when the shutter of Pathalam regulator was opened. The sub-collector has been directed to look into all aspects of the issue and submit a report. If necessary, a high-level committee will be formed to investigate further,” he said, adding that strict action will be taken if anyone is found to have committed a crime.

Regarding the opening of the Pathalam regulator, Rajeeve said the irrigation department has been asked to prepare a protocol for the same. “We have decided to form a three-member committee comprising the PCB, irrigation department and Eloor municipality. It has been suggested to give the charge of the Eloor Pollution Control Board to a high-level official,” he added. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2024/May/24/irrigation-department-told-to-prepare-protocol-for-opening-shutter   (24 May 2024)

Small-scale industries demand identification of real culprits  The Edayar Small Scale Industries Association (ESSIA) cited how garbage and silt had been getting accumulated near the regulator-cum-bridge in the Periyar after the 2018 floods. The natural flow of the river remains hit as the regulator shutter remains closed. Whenever the shutter is raised, black-coloured water can be seen flowing through it. No such waste was being generated in the Edayar industrial belt, it said. The association pointed out how organic waste from the market and hospitals in Aluva had been accumulating in the area. This could potentially become toxic in due course and reduce the oxygen level in the river. Chemical waste from big factories could also be a potential pollutant to resolve which the shutter should be kept raised during low tide as directed by the National Green Tribunal.

The association also proposed a public footpath and CCTV cameras along the Periyar bordering the industrial area for better monitoring and transparency. Industrial units discharging waste into the river through pipes with the permission of the Pollution Control Board should also dig an open pit at the end of those discharge pipes for easy monitoring by the public from the footpath. They requested the inclusion of an ESSIA representative in the committee constituted for regulating pollution. A scientific study should be done on pollution caused by large establishments and the height of their smokestacks should be further raised for reducing air pollution. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/fish-kill-in-periyar-small-scale-industries-in-edayar-demand-identification-of-real-culprits/article68211505.ece  (24 May 2024)

KUFOS analysis finds high toxin level in Periyar river -Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) has submitted a report to the government pointing out the high concentration of ammonia and hydrogen sulphide in Periyar. The report comes in the backdrop of mass fish death in Periyar at Pathalam on May 20, which triggered an outrage. The KUFOS report disputes the Pollution Control Board’s finding that the fish death was due to low level of dissolved oxygen in the river.

-The report says that though the dissolved oxygen level in the river was dangerously low on May 20, it has improved in the subsequent days. The university has sought permission from the government to conduct a detailed study on the fish diversity in Periyar and the impact of pollution on the native fish species. The varsity is planning to study the chemical deposits on the river bed over the years if the government grants permission. This will help understand whether the river bed is in a dead state.  https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/states/kerala/2024/May/26/kufos-analysis-finds-high-toxin-level-in-periyar-river  (26 May 2024)

After facing criticism from environmentalists, locals, and opposition parties, the Kerala government has decided to hold a high-level meeting and prepare an action plan to prevent the reoccurrence of the incident. An announcement in this regard was made by the Kerala Industries Minister P Rajeev on Sunday (May 26). https://theprint.in/india/kerala-government-to-prepare-action-plan-to-prevent-reoccurrence-of-mass-death-of-fish-in-periyar/2102693/  (26 May 2024)

Massive fish deaths in a Periyar river tributary were due to dangerous levels of ammonia, hydrogen sulphide and unidentified toxins in the water, said a report from the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos), which investigated the issue. According to the report, detailed chemical test results are required to know how and from where such a large quantity of chemicals reached the water in Periyar. The authorities have informed that the preliminary investigation report has been submitted and further investigation is required. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/massive-fish-deaths-in-periyar-river-tributary-due-to-ammonia-hydrogen-sulphide-unidentified-toxins-report/articleshow/110438670.cms  (26 May 2024)

The Varapuzha archdiocese has called on the government to estimate losses suffered by fishermen and fish farmers living along the segment of the Periyar that was hit by mass fish kill on Tuesday and Wednesday. Archbishop Joseph Kalathiparambil, who convened the meeting, said a submission would be made before CM Pinarayi Vijayan regarding the issue. The victims must be compensated, said the archdiocese as it expressed solidarity with the fish farmers. The money could be raised from the CM’s Distress Relief Fund and the fishermen’s welfare fund, it added. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/fish-kill-varapuzha-archdiocese-urges-govt-to-pay-compensation-to-fish-farmers/article68218331.ece  (26 May 2024)

Bengaluru Green court initiates suo moto case over incidents of fishkill  The principal bench of the NGT has taken a suo moto case on the appalling state of Bengaluru’s lakes yet again. The tribunal exercised its jurisdiction based on an article published in Bangalore Mirror on March 13. The report highlighted an analysis of fishkill incidents in Bengaluru’s lakes conducted by a city-based NGO. Based on the report, NGT has noted violations of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, Solid Waste Management Guidelines, 2016, and provisions of the Environment Protection Act, 1986.

The article published in BM highlighted that between 2017 and 2023, the city witnessed 61 fishkill incidents across multiple lakes. The detailed analysis of these incidents conducted by ActionAid Association, a city-based NGO, also showed that four lakes, namely Bhattarahalli, Munnekolala, Chelekere, and Iblur, with multiple fishkills in the given period, have exclusive STPs. The highest number of fishkills (6) was recorded at Kothanur lake, followed by five episodes at Haralur and three at Madiwala, Bhattarahalli, and Kundalahalli lakes. Moreover, in 2023 alone, 20 episodes of fishkills were observed in 15 water bodies, with multiple incidents reported from Kothanur, Kundalahalli, and Bhattarahalli lakes. Three of the 15 lakes (Kothanur, Bhattarahalli, and Iblur) also had a history of fishkill in 2022. The study also underlined that the number of these incidents is only increasing year after year. https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/others/green-court-initiates-suo-moto-case-over-incidents-of-fishkill/articleshow/110186054.cms  (17 May 2024)

WETLANDS, LAKES, WATER BODIES

Himachal Pradesh In its latest directive, the High Court has instructed the State Government to file a status report by July 1, 2024, as per Rule 4 of the Wetlands Rules, 2010. This report must detail compliance with various prohibitions and restrictions aimed at preventing ecological damage to Ramsar wetlands like Renuka, Pong, Chander Tal. HC was following up on a SC directive in wetlands matter in 2017. https://himbumail.com/bar-and-benches/high-court-directs-state  (22 May 2024)

IUCN Over 50% of world’s mangroves at risk due to climate change Climate change threatens one-third (33 per cent) of the mangrove ecosystems, according to the study done using the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Ecosystems — a global standard for measuring the health of ecosystems. Deforestation, development, pollution and dam construction pose a serious threat to mangroves, but the risk to these ecosystems is increasing due to sea-level rise and the increased frequency of severe storms due to climate change.

“IUCN’s Red List of Ecosystems is key to tracking progress towards the goal of halting and reversing biodiversity loss, in line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The first global assessment of mangrove ecosystems gives key guidance that highlights the urgent need for coordinated conservation of mangroves — crucial habitats for millions in vulnerable communities worldwide. The assessment’s findings will help us work together to restore the mangrove forests that we have lost and protect the ones we still have,” Grethel Aguilar, IUCN Director General, said.

The assessment finds that maintaining mangrove ecosystems across the globe will be key for mitigating the impacts of climate change, with healthy mangroves able to better cope with sea level rise and offering inland protection from the impacts of hurricanes, typhoons and cyclones. https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/over-50-of-world-s-mangroves-at-risk-of-due-to-climate-change-iucn-124052201236_1.html   (22 May 2024)

WATER OPTIONS

IWP Water reuse: Panacea for parched cities Coupled with demand management, “Reuse” or “Wastewater Treatment and Consumption” can greatly help communities become water secure in the long term. Boson White Water was Set up by two engineers- Vikas Bramhavar and Gowthamam Desingh. Boson has entered a very complex ecosystem to create a space for treated water, so that the water future is better for everyone.

– Boson requires a space of 14 X 22 ft to set the plant up for which they pay Rs 7,500 as rent to the RWA. It additionally pays Rs 8/kWh to the RWA for the energy consumption at the plant. It invests Rs 28 lakh for equipment, taking on all the risks of the operations and looking at a recovery period of 4 years. Boson recovers 50-75 percent potable water from the treated water released by STP, and releases the remaining back to STP. It purchases the treated water from RWA for sale to industries. RWA now generates a monthly income, either through the rental income paid by Boson or through selling of the treated water totalling to about Rs 15000 at Rs 60/ tanker i.e. Rs 0.5 paise per litre, and saves Rs 3,00,000 on disposal costs. https://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/water-reuse-panacea-parching-cities  (23 May 2024)

GROUNDWATER

NGT seeks response from Central govt, CPCB The NGT recently sought responses from the Union Agriculture and Environment Ministries and the CPCB regarding the presence of arsenic in food, particularly rice.

A Coram of Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, judicial member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member Dr A Senthil Vel initiated the case suo motu based on a Times Now news article titled ‘Arsenic in Food: Should you wash rice before cooking it?’. “The matter relates to the presence of arsenic in rice as warned by experts that can be poisonous for human body. As per the article, arsenic found naturally in soil and water is considered toxic and can be easily washed away by soaking and washing the rice properly,” the order dated May 16 recorded. The NGT sought responses from the CPCB as well as the Ministries and listed the matter for further hearing on September 2. https://www.barandbench.com/news/arsenic-in-rice-ngt-seeks-response-central-government-cpcb  (20 May 2024)

URBAN LAKES, WETLANDS

Mysuru Environmentalists interact with INTACH on saving Kukkarahalli lake City-based environmentalists have called for actionable plans to save Kukkarahalli lake which is a biodiversity hotspot in the heart of Mysuru. The Natural Heritage Division of INTACH is in the process of preparing a detailed report on the status of the lake besides identifying problems and providing solutions for them. The INTACH team, led by Manu Bhatnagar, met with environmentalists U.N. Ravikumar, Yadupathi Putty and others who urged the former to conduct a workshop so that detailed presentation could be made.

Kukkarahalli lake was constructed in 1864 for the purpose of supplying potable water to parts of Mysuru and the maximum water spread is 46.15 hectares. The lake is an important biodiversity hotspot and is recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA). Various studies have indicated that the lake harbours over 120 species of birds and was a breeding area for Spot-billed Pelican, Darter, Pained Stork to name a few apart from harboring plant diversity. The INTACH said that a workshop with the stakeholders would be conducted in Mysuru sometime in June before the submission of the final report.  https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/environmentalists-interact-with-intach-on-saving-kukkarahalli-lake/article68193368.ece   (19 May 2024)

Chennai  Not in a position to transfer Pallikaranai marsh: GCC Pallikarani marsh is the first wetland in Chennai, and one of the few wetlands in urban spaces in India, to get the Ramsar tag for its ecological significance. The award of the Ramsar tag is part of UNESCO’s Ramsar Convention — an intergovernmental treaty aimed to conserve wetlands.

The Greater Chennai Corporation has informed the NGT that it has appointed a consultant to demarcate the total land under its possession in the Pallikaranai marshland and prepare a master plan of land usage indicating solid waste management facilities and creation of an eco-park. The Corporation also informed the Forest Department that it was not in a position to return its share of the marsh and would continue to maintain it, promising that it would ensure better maintenance.

A survey submitted before the NGT in January 2024 revealed that of the total extent of 1,206.59 hectares (ha) of the Pallikaranai marshland, the Forest Department has 749 ha and the Corporation is in possession of 173.56 ha besides other public and private institutions. On January 22, the Bench directed the Corporation to furnish a report on the land reclaimed so far and hand over the land, as and when reclaimed, to the Forest Department. However, in a recent report filed by the Corporation before the NGT, the civic body made it clear that it would not be able to hand over the land.

According to the Corporation’s report, 445 acres of land is under its possession of which around 250 acres have been in use for solid waste management works for over three decades. At present, nearly 30.61 cubic metres of legacy waste is at Perungudi dumpyard and 79% of it has been biomined so far under the Swachh Bharat Mission at an estimated cost of ₹350.65 crore. Approximately 40 acres of land have been reclaimed so far and the said project is expected to be completed by September 2024, it said. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/not-in-a-position-to-transfer-pallikaranai-marsh-to-forest-department-corporation-tells-ngt/article68196605.ece  (20 May 2024)

Bengaluru NGT raps Palike for providing misleading info about lake The NGT has reprimanded the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for submitting an incorrect report about the Yele Mallappa Chetty lake in KR Puram. While the BBMP claimed to have removed debris, fenced the lake, and appointed marshals, the petitioner’s counsel presented photographs to the NGT, showing a different situation at the waterbody.

The NGT directed the BBMP to file an updated status report, warning that failure to do so would be considered dereliction of duty by BBMP officials and the Minor Irrigation Department, potentially leading to penalties for the officers in charge. The tribunal also ordered the SPCB to inspect the lake and file a report. These directives were issued on May 14. Local residents are disappointed with the BBMP’s handling of the lake. Although fencing work has begun, residents report an increase in debris dumping near the waterbody. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/ngt-raps-palike-for-providing-misleading-info-about-lake-3029370  (20 May 2024)

Varthur wetland project nears completion To treat high sewage content and produce maximum potable water, wetland construction has started in Varthur, and is scheduled to be completed by June this year. The process will include methods such as excavation, grading, planting native vegetation and managing water flow to enhance biodiversity conservation, water purification, for habitat restoration and as a means of sustainable water management.

Plans are under way for overall lake management and experienced lake volunteers from the Federation of Bengaluru Lakes will provide the government with a framework aimed at prioritizing factors essential for maintaining bio diversities such as ecology and forest preservation, Reddy added, and highlighted that the framework intends to underscore basic as well the additional requirements of the lake that the government must address to prevent another water crisis in the city. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2024/May/08/karnatakas-varthur-wetland-project-nears-completion  (08 May 2024)

URBAN WATER

Kochi Protests stall talk on water project A discussion regarding the proposed water supply network project in the city, between Kerala water authority (KWA) and the representatives of a multinational private company, was suspended on Monday after strong protest from different KWA employees’ unions. Earlier, the unions had formed a joint coordination committee, alleging that KWA is planning to privatize the entire water supply project in Kochi. The protesters alleged that the company is demanding 26% excess amount of the estimated price for carrying out the project when the normal rate of increase is up to 13%. A senior KWA official said the discussion was scheduled, as per the directive of State Level Empowered Committee to conduct negotiation talks with the company. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/protests-stall-talk-on-water-project/articleshow/110285107.cms  (21 May 2024)

Hyderabad GHMC selects five parks to recharge groundwater  Commissioner Ronald Rose has directed GHMC to undertake the Shallow Aquifer Management (SAM) model on a pilot basis. For the project, five municipal parks have been selected to recharge the groundwater in Hyderabad. It not only solves the issue of groundwater depletion but also resolves waterlogging problems due to rainfall. For the project, the following five parks have been selected: https://www.siasat.com/ghmc-selects-five-parks-to-recharge-groundwater-in-hyderabad-3030496/  (22 May 2024)

Shallow Aquifer Management pilot models Under SAM, as part of Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the GHMC has identified five municipal parks in the year. On a pilot basis, the National Institute of Urban Affairs, the nodal implementation agency, will oversee works at two parks in the LB Nagar zone: Kakatiya Park at Habsiguda and E-sector park at Sainikpuri.

The project’s concept is to drill shallow water injection borewells to a depth of 100-120 feet and pump out water in the shallow aquifers. This is done so that the layers underneath get recharged whenever there is rainfall, while collecting water from the surrounding watershed and channelling it through recharge pits. Thus, the underground layers are recharged, and water table rises. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/shallow-aquifer-management-pilot-models-at-habsiguda-and-sainikpuri/article68201060.ece  (22 May 2024)

Mumbai Elephanta faces water shortage The popular tourist destination Gharapuri island housing the Elephanta Caves in Uran taluka is facing a severe water crisis this summer. The leakage-hit Gharapuri dam has dried up. Water from seven wells in three different plateaus is inadequate to cater to the 1,100 population and tourists. The gram panchayat had in 2022 sent a Rs 35 crore proposal for repairing and increasing the capacity of the Gharapuri dam to the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran. The proposal needs state-level approval due to cost factors. Mora Bandar resident Sachin Lad said, “The Shet Bandar is facing the worst water crisis with their wells having little water. Overall, there is water scarcity in the tourist hotspot.”

Deputy sarpanch Baliram Thakur said, “We draw MIDC water supplied to the ships from the jetty area after they accept our request. Efforts are on to expedite the approval for the dam repairing and capacity increase proposal.” Gram sevak Pavitra Kadu said, “The water scarcity started a month ago. Hence one ferry is used for water transportation every alternate day against once in a week earlier to tide over the water crisis.” Raj Bandar has 120 houses with around 500 people, Shet Bandar has more than 60 houses with a population of around 300 and Mora Bandar has 45 houses with around 250 population. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/navi-mumbai/elephanta-island-faces-severe-water-shortage-as-leakage-hit-dam-dries-up/articleshow/110349241.cms  (23 May 2024)

इंदौर ड्रेनेज लाइन बिछाए बिना 58 करोड़ के फर्जी बिल इंदौर में ठेकेदारों और सरकारी कर्मचारियों का बड़ा घोटाला सामने आया है. यहां ड्रेनेज की लाइन बिछाए बिना इस काम के नाम पर नगर निगम में करीब 58 करोड़ रुपये के फर्जी बिल पेश किए गए. खबर है कि इसमें से 34 करोड़ रुपये के बिलों का भुगतान भी कर दिया गया. मामला सामने आते ही ठेकेदारों और सरकारी कर्मचारियों की कथित मिलीभगत वाले इस फर्जी बिल घोटाले की खबर पुलिस को दी गई है. वहीं, पुलिस ने मामले को गंभीरता से लेते हुए छानबीन शुरू कर दी है. https://mpcg.ndtv.in/madhya-pradesh-news/indore-drainage-scam-contractors-and-officials-accused-in-58-crore-fraud-5704920  (19 May 2024)

Noida Authority warns of action over groundwater wastage Taking note of the wastage of water by residents despite depleting groundwater levels in the city, the Noida authority has said that action could be initiated under Environment (Protection) Act against those indulging in activities like sprinkling water on roads and in by-lanes or washing private vehicles. The authority is also sensitising the general public and appealing to not indulge in activities that are leading to wastage of groundwater.

Environmental activists believe that despite the decreasing level of groundwater being reported in the city, residents of Noida are doing precious little in such an alarming situation. “So much water is being wasted for unnecessary use by locals. These include washing of stretches in front of their houses, washing of two-wheelers, four wheelers among other activities,” said environment activist Vikrant Tongad. “Several developmental projects are ongoing at present around Sector 150 and misuse of groundwater is rampant at several sites. Dewatering is being done even though groundwater levels are constantly decreasing. The authority has, for the first time, issued such a guideline officially where residents are being sensitised,” Tongad added. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/noida-news/noida-authority-warns-of-action-over-groundwater-wastage-101716058847513.html  (19 May 2024)

Gurugram MCG to impose ₹5,000 fine A fine of ₹5000 will be imposed on Gurugram residents if they are found washing their vehicles or courtyards with potable water between 5am and 9 am. The decision has been taken by the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG) to prevent wastage amid water scarcity in Gurgaon. For repeat violations, the water connection to the house will be removed and an additional fine of ₹5000 will be imposed, said officials. For restoring the water supply, the MCG will take a fee of ₹5,000 and reconnection charges of ₹1000. The decision has been taken after urban local bodies (ULB) gave directives to prevent wastage of water during peak supply hours in the city https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/gurugram-news/gurugram-water-crisis-municipal-body-to-impose-rs-5-000-fine-on-residents-if-101716539922478.html   (24 May 2024)

Interesting new development. Farmers at Jatoli (Pataudi) in Gurgaon, Haryana have stopped a project to take treated sewage water from the 450 MLD Jagoli STP to about 600 acres of land for irrigation have stopped the work of the project.

They said that the dirty water will spoil their land and their crop and the project has been taken up without consent of the farmers. The irrigation dept has given the contract even without informing the farmers through whose land the pipelines were being laid. (Dainik Bhaskar, 21 May 2024)

JJM/ RURAL WATER SUPPLY

Meghalaya Shoddy work leads to damage on dam  In another shocker for the PHE stable under the aegis of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), an embankment, which was completed close to two years ago, has broken in half, corroborating the substandard work that was undertaken. The collapse comes despite there being no water held by the embankment and no reports of any form of floods in the entire Garo Hills region for more than three years now. The matter of the dam being damaged, reportedly due to substandard work being done, was raised by the Chibinang unit of the GSU, who, after receiving complaints from the villagers, paid a visit to the site to witness first-hand the damage that had been done.

The project in question is the under construction JJM project at Romgre under Dadenggre. As per the data available on the dashboard for various projects in the state, the Romgre JJM water project is expected to benefit 249 households. The dashboard also states that out of the 249 households in the Romgre and Romgre Songgital, 219 households have been connected through functional household tap connections with only another 30 remaining to be connected. Going by the dashboard numbers, the per household cost of the project runs over Rs 20 lakh.

What is even more interesting is the fact that the overall cost of the project is a whooping Rs 50-plus crore of which the contractor has been allowed to withdraw over Rs 44 crores of the amount without doing any work to ensure the households were connected through functional household tap connections. What has also been alarming is the PHE department, which has been in charge of these projects, is hesitant to provide information, even under RTI on the tender process as well as the names of contractors. https://theshillongtimes.com/2024/05/24/romgre-jjm-project-shoddy-work-leads-to-damage-on-dam/  (24 May 2024)

धार  ज़िले में जल मिशन योजना के दावों की ऐसी पोल खुली है कि तस्वीरें देखकर किसी के भी रोंगटे खड़े हो सकते हैं. क्योंकि धार के नालछा विकासखंड में चायडीपुरा के लोगों को बूंद-बूंद पानी के लिए अपनी जान जोख़िम में डालकर 250 फीट गहरी खाई में उतरकर पीने का पानी लाना पड़ता है और पानी के लिए इनकी ज़िन्दगी हर दिन दांव पर लगती है. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_iAPbdBnC4  (19 May 2024)

WATER

Maharashtra More than 25 dams reach dead storage level More than 25 dams across the state have touched the dead storage level, as per irrigation department sources. This means the water level has receded below the height of dam gates. In irrigation parlance, such dams have 0.00% storage. The two such dams in Vidarbha are Kalisarar project in Gondia and Khadakpurna in Buldhana — both of which are large-sized irrigation projects. The remaining dams with 0.00% storage are primarily in Marathwada region. In Dharashiv district (formerly Osmanabad), 6 dams have 0.00% storage and four in Latur.

The average water level in all dams in the state stands at 23% of the total capacity as on Thursday (May 23). There is no thumb rule to fix the requisite basic minimum storage level, say experts. However, the water level in dams has depleted faster as compared to the same period previous year. Last year the reservoirs were 34% full on the same date. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/more-than-25-maharashtra-dams-reach-dead-storage-level-marathwada-worst-hit/articleshow/110376487.cms  (24 May 2024)

EDIT Dry dams portend looming distress The climate crisis is changing the monsoon pattern and leading to short bursts of heavy rain rather than extended rainfall across the season. https://www.hindustantimes.com/editorials/dry-dams-portend-looming-distress-101716301426988.html  (22 May 2024)

SUMMER 2024

Delhi Max power demand at all-time high of 7,717 MW Discom officials anticipate the city’s peak power demand to exceed 8,000 MW this summer, potentially reaching 8,200 MW. On Monday, the peak demand hit 7,572 MW, the highest ever for May, previously recorded at 7,438 MW in 2023. https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2024/May/22/max-power-demand-at-all-time-high-of-7717-mw-heatwave-to-persist-in-city  (22 May 2024)

MONSOON 2024

Kerala Rain wreaks havoc: At least 4 dead Torrential rains over the last few days have led at least four deaths across Kerala, with the India Meteorological Department  (IMD) sounding an orange alert across Ernakulam, Thrissur, Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad districts on Thursday (May 23). https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kerala-weather-rain-orange-alert-deaths-9346335/  (23 May 2024)

FLOOD 2024

Tamil Nadu Athikadavu scheme ponds overflow after decade Even as the commissioning of the Athikadavu-Avinashi water supply scheme is getting delayed due to non-availability of water in Lower Bhavani dam, continuous rain over the last few days has filled the ponds under the scheme, which were dry for around ten years. Apart from this, check dams in the waterways in Erode are also full, bringing cheer to farmers.

TK Periyasamy, secretary of Athikadavu – Avinashi project agitation committee, said, “People of Erode, Tiruppur and Coimbatore are waiting for the scheme for over 60 years. Under the Rs 1756.88 crore scheme, water will be available to 1,045 ponds in the three districts in the first phase. But due to lack of surplus water in the Lower Bhavani dam, the project has not been operational for a long time even though all the works have been completed and ponds under the project remained dry. The ground water level in the pond-related areas also dropped significantly.” https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2024/May/22/athikadavu-scheme-ponds-overflow-after-decade-of-drought-due-to-continuous-rain  (22 May 2024)

URBAN FLOODS

Bengaluru 22 posh villas in Yelahanka flooded; developers to be issued notices   Anitha Krishnan, a resident of Northwood Villas, one of the upscale gated communities in Yelahanka, woke up in the wee hours of Sunday to see the water level in her posh villa rise as it was raining heavily outside. Residents of 22 villas in Northwood community were unable to move out for more than 12 hours, the time the civic body took to drain out the flooded water from this community.

Apart from Northwood Villas, Ramanashree Gardenia Layout nearby was also flooded. A senior BBMP official said the Northwood Villas were inundated as the stormwater drain was blocked so as not to let water into Puttenahalli Lake, which comes under the Forest Department. The developer of the private layout has also demolished part of the drain and sewage is also let in the same drain, the official said. “The volume of flooding was so high that it took the team 12 hours to pump the water out,” he said. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/22-posh-villas-in-yelahanka-flooded-developers-to-be-issued-notices/article68196986.ece  (20 May 2024)

CLOUD BURSTS

Uttarakhand पौड़ी व उत्तरकाशी में फटा बादल पौड़ी और उत्तरकाशी में मूसलधार वर्षा से बुधवार (May 22) शाम आफत आ गई। दोनों जिलों में बादल फटने से कई एकड़ कृषि भूमि बह गई। पानी और मलबे की चपेट में आने से करीब दो दर्जन भवन व गोशाला क्षतिग्रस्त हो गए। इससे दो मवेशियों की मौत हो गई।

शाम करीब पांच बजे पौड़ी के बीरोंखाल प्रखंड स्थित बैजरो और आसपास क्षेत्र में मूसलधार वर्षा हो रही थी। इसी दौरान कुणजोली गांव के पास बादल फट गया। इससे बरसाती गदेरे उफान पर आ गए। यह देखकर ग्रामीण सुरक्षित स्थानों की ओर भागे। पानी के साथ बहकर आए मलबे की चपेट में आने से कुणजोली गांव में भगत सिंह का मकान क्षतिग्रस्त हो गया। कुछ दुकानों को भी नुकसान पहुंचा। रा.उ.नि. क्षेत्र बंगारस्यू के राजस्व ग्राम सुकई में अतिवृष्टि से 20 घरों में पानी घुस गया है और कुछ गौशाला में भी पानी का भरान हुआ है। जान-माल के क्षति की अभी तक कोई सूचना नहीं है। कुणजोली के समीप ही कोटद्वार-बैजरो मार्ग का करीब 30 मीटर हिस्सा बह गया और कई जगह मलबा आने से सड़क बंद हो गई। राइंका फरसाड़ी के खेल मैदान में भी मलबा भर गया। कुणजोली, फरसाड़ी, सुकई, जिवई, गुडियालखेत, सतघरिया आदि गांवों में कृषि भूमि को भी नुकसान पहुंचा है।

उधर, उत्तरकाशी में चिन्यालीसौड़ तहसील के सुदूरवर्ती गढ़वालगाड गांव में शाम साढ़े पांच बजे भारी वर्षा हुई। इस दौरान गांव के बौणी नामे तोक में बादल फटने से पहाड़ी से भारी मात्रा में मलबा और पत्थर गांव के मध्य पहुंच गए। इससे गांव में हड़कंप मच गया और ग्रामीण सुरक्षित स्थानों की ओर भागे। करीब छह बजे वर्षा बंद हुई तो एक गोशाला मलबे में दबी मिली। इसमें दबने से एक भैंस और एक बैल की मौत हो गई। पूर्व प्रधान सूरत सिंह के मकान का एक हिस्सा और चतर सिंह नेगी की परचून की दुकान भी मलबे में दब गई। इसके अलावा कई घरों में मलबा घुस गया। गांव का मुख्य रास्ता पूरी तरह ध्वस्त हो गया है। पेयजल योजना और खेतों को भी नुकसान पहुंचा है। तहसील से एक टीम घटनास्थल के लिए रवाना हो गई है। https://www.jagran.com/uttarakhand/pauri-garhwal-dozens-house-hit-by-debris-due-to-cloud-burst-in-uttarkashi-administration-engaged-in-relief-work-23723301.html  (22 May 2024)

स्टेट हाईवे पर संख्या 32 के किलोमीटर 110 पर 30 मीटर सड़क वॉशआउट हो गई है। इसके अलावा किलोमीटर 9 से 11 के बीच तीन से चार जगह पर मलबा सड़क पर आ गया है। https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/uttarakhand/nainital/pauri-garhwal-uttarakhand-cloud-burst-houses-cow-sheds-filled-with-water-rescue-operation-started/articleshow/110340063.cms  (22 May 2024)

पौड़ी गढ़वाल को सुखद और फरसाडी गाँव में इसका सबसे ज्यादा असर देखने को मिला है. यहां के कई घरों में पानी घुस गया है. स्टेट हाईवे 32 पर 30 मीटर सड़क पूरी तरह वॉशआउट हो गई है. जगह-जगह सड़कों पर मलबा आ गया है, जिसकी वजह से रास्ते बंद हो गए हैं. तीन से चार जगहों पर मलबा आने की वजह से सड़क मार्ग बंद हो गया है. https://www.abplive.com/states/up-uk/uttarakhand-cloud-burst-in-pauri-garhwal-debris-on-roads-rescue-work-intensified-2696594  (23 May 2024)

उत्तरकाशी जिले में बुधवार शाम को चिन्यालीसौड़ ब्लॉक के गढ़वालगाड़ गांव के बौणी तोक में बारिश के पानी के साथ आया मलबा कई घरों और दुकानों में घुस गया. बताया जा रहा है कि एक भैंस की भी मलबे में दबकर मौत हो गई. पहाड़ी से गिर रहे मलबे के कारण हर घर नल योजना के पानी के टैंक को भी नुकसान पहुंचा है. ग्रामीण खुद ही घरों से मलबा निकालने में लगे हुए हैं. https://www.etvbharat.com/hi/!state/debris-entered-many-houses-due-to-heavy-rain-in-uttarkashi-uts24052206975   (22 May 2024)

ENVIRONMENT GOVERNANCE

Karnataka Activists say it’s time to protect eco-democracy in India Climate change activists from across the country, including Karnataka, on Saturday (May 19) highlighted how the indiscriminate granting of clearances to large projects is impacting the environment and doing irreparable damage to the natural resources. They strongly advocated for the protection of environmental democracy. The group alleged that several new laws and amendments are weakening the forests, coastal zones, wildlife, biodiversity, minerals, and other resources, facilitating environmental destruction.

Rohit Prajapati, environmentalist and founding member of Paryavaran Suraksha Samiti said, “The country has reached a stage where we don’t have a dispute with the state or judiciary on the facts. Nobody denies that the data. National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders have been extending deadlines for restoration of severalwater bodies but nothing changes on the ground. Many rivers across the country are beyond rejuvenation.” https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2024/May/19/activists-say-its-time-to-protect-eco-democracy-in-india  (19 May 2024) The report shows how the Union government diluted environment legislations and clamped down on environmental activists, thereby repressing protests and representations against unsustainable development. https://www.thenewsminute.com/news/bjp-govt-policies-helped-plundering-of-natural-resources-like-never-before-says-report  (19 May 2024) ‘Corporate-friendly’ BJP diluting environmental laws: NGO https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/corporate-friendly-bjp-diluting-environmental-laws-ngo-625261  (27 May 2024)

Goa 4 mining companies gear up to start operations Two mining companies — Fomento and Rajaram Bandekar (Sirigao) Mines Pvt Ltd — have approached the State-level Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Goa, for obtaining environmental clearance (EC) to start mining activities at Advalpal-Tivim and Sirigao mineral blocks respectively. Another two mining companies — JSW that bagged the Surla-Sonshi block and Kai International that bagged the Tivim-Pirna mineral block — have approached the SEIAA to finalise the terms of reference (ToR) to conduct the environmental impact assessment (EIA) and to hold public hearings to start mining activities.

Both Fomento and Bandekar have to prepare their EIA reports and conduct public hearings to obtain ECs to start mining activities. With the SEIAA having started the procedure to issue ECs to mining companies, it is expected that the process to start mining will be accelerated. The Union environment ministry has constituted the three-member SEIAA under the chairmanship of Purushottam Pednekar. The chairman and the members of the authority will hold office for three years. To assist the authority, the central ministry had formed the nine-member State-Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SLEAC) under the chairmanship of Pascoal Barbosa Noronha. A senior officer said that one more mining company has applied for terms of reference and it has been examined by the SLEAC. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/four-mining-companies-gear-up-to-start-operations-in-goa/articleshow/110444829.cms  (27 March 2024)

CLIMATE CHANGE

How one of oldest professions is facing adverse effects The plight of India’s pastoralists amidst climate change calls for sustained efforts to restore degraded lands and support adaptive practices. https://www.hindustantimes.com/environment/how-one-of-the-oldest-professions-in-india-is-facing-adverse-effects-of-climate-change-101716667799532.html  (26 May 2024)

Traditional building the path to eco-harmony in Himalayas? Experts claim age-old techniques of vernacular architecture like the Dhajji Dewari and the Kath-Kuni methods are most suited to constructions in the mountains.  https://scroll.in/video/1068355/eco-india-is-traditional-building-the-path-to-eco-harmony-in-the-himalayas  (26 May 2024)

SOUTH ASIA

Nepal A good EIA should be done to mitigate the problem. Hydroelectricity wherever possible, not hydroelectricity in any way, good hydroelectricity should be our hydroelectricity. When that happens, development also happens, rivers also remain. If we do not do that, the river system of Nepal will be destroyed and in the end it will be the community or all of us who will suffer. Doing so across the country would keep water ecosystems alive. Villages and towns used to sparkle. There was also a river, there was also electricity. https://ekantipur.com/opinion/2024/05/22/air-pollution-over-climate-02-38.html   (22 May 2024)

Myanmar Junta, Chinese firm step up cooperation on Irrawaddy dam Myanmar’s military regime has formed a body to evaluate hydropower projects on the Irrawaddy River amid concerns that it plans to revive the controversial Myitsone Dam hydropower project near the river’s source in Kachin State, more than a decade after it was shelved amid a public outcry. The body, led by the regime’s Deputy Electricity Minister Aye Kyaw, was formed on April 24, according to the junta’s May 17 gazette. The junta-appointed Kachin State natural resources minister is the deputy chairman of the body.

Despite the latest joint effort by Beijing and the regime, rapid resumption of the Myitsone Dam project is still unlikely as the Kachin Independence Army and allied anti-regime forces are gaining the upper hand over junta troops in Kachin, seizing some 100 junta positions since launching an offensive in March. https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-chinese-firm-step-up-cooperation-on-irrawaddy-river-dam-planning.html  (23 May 2024)

THE REST OF THE WORLD

Inspection Panel Actions on WB Forcible Resettlement  Abstract: This essay by Lori Udall reviews the World Bank’s Inspection Panel’s work on cases involving involuntary resettlement. Since its Inception, the Panel has received 89 requests involving resettlement (over half of all cases) and has investigated 32. It traces Panel cases, lessons learned, and advisory reports on resettlement and livelihood restoration. Despite the growing evidence through the years of resettlement failures, the World Bank continues to violate its own safeguard policies and repeat the same omissions and mistakes in projects. The essay concludes with recommendations for empowering the Inspection Panel and for the Bank to move towards bottom-up community development that better addresses community needs. https://digitalcommons.wcl.american.edu/accountability-perspectives/24/  (2024)

Peru Historic ruling on the rights of river A river in Peru now officially has legal rights to “exist, flow, and be free from pollution”.  The Nauta provincial court in Peru’s Loreto region ruled that the Marañón River, which flows from the Andes Mountains to the Amazon River, possesses its own inherent rights. This is the first time the nation has recognized an ecosystem’s legal rights. It also includes a provision describing Indigenous organizations as responsible for serving as the river’s guardians and defenders.  Court stuns the world with historic ruling on the rights of river. The attorney representing Indigenous Kukama plaintiffs, Martiza Quispe Mamani, called the ruling a: ‘A transcendental milestone for the protection not only of the Marañón River but also of all rivers contaminated by extractive activities’.

– The Marañón is an especially significant river in the region because of its proximity to oil production zones, vulnerability to oil spills, and hydroelectric dam construction. The court’s ruling ordered the state oil company Petroperú to revisit its environmental management plan to help prevent oil leaks and spills that could affect the river. People living there depend upon the river for drinking water and crop irrigation. https://www.thecooldown.com/outdoors/maranon-river-peru-legal-rights-nature/  (26 May 2024)

USA Will ditching dams be the coastline’s renewal? More than a decade after the Elwha Dam’s removal, researchers are finally getting a more full picture of its impact on coastal ecosystems. When the dams were breached, the coastline near the river’s mouth was completely remodeled. The sediment-built stretches of sandy beaches and a series of swirling sandbars that peek above the water’s surface. These beaches and bars have allowed water to pool, forming a series of brackish lagoons. Plants and animals quickly colonized the new ecosystem. “It was like seeing a geologic event in a human time frame,” says Anne Shaffer, executive director and lead scientist of the Coastal Watershed Institute and affiliate professor at Western Washington University.

– Since around 2018, invertebrate populations have rebounded, and the species diversity continues to increase. The Elwha shoreline has clearly changed, but it is also undeniably healthier as a whole, says Shaffer, noting that restoration is a long process that takes decades. The removal has reversed the erosion of beaches near the river’s mouth, and the river’s undamming has transformed them into “a beautiful deltaic habitat,” she says. “It’s gorgeous.”

– Shaffer notes that the Elwha River offers an important lesson for future dam removal projects: conserving and restoring nearshore habitats should not be an afterthought. “The nearshore is a critical zone for fish like salmon and forage fish,” she says. “Include your nearshore [in restoration planning]; don’t overlook it. When you restore it, things come back quickly.” https://hakaimagazine.com/news/will-undamming-rivers-be-the-oceans-undoing-or-renewal/  (21 May 2024)

Alaskan rivers turning orange due to climate change Dozens of rivers and streams in Alaska are turning rusty orange, a likely consequence of thawing permafrost, a new study finds. The Arctic is the fastest-warming region in the globe, and as the frozen ground below the surface melts, minerals once locked away in that soil are now seeping into waterways. “It’s an unforeseen impact of climate change that we’re seeing in some of the most pristine rivers in our country,” said Brett Poulin, study author and assistant professor of environmental toxicology at University of California Davis.

The permafrost thaw is exposing minerals to oxygen in a process known as weathering, which increases the acidity of the water and dissolves metals like zinc, copper, cadmium and iron – the most apparent metal that gives the rivers a rusty color visible even from satellite images. The study highlights the potential degradation of drinking water and risk to fisheries in the Arctic. “When mixed with another river, it can actually make the metals even more potent [in its] impact to aquatic health,” Poulin said.

The phenomenon was first observed in 2018, when researchers noticed the milky orange appearance of the rivers across northern Alaska’s Brooks Range, a stark contrast to the crystal clear waters seen the year prior. Within the year, a tributary of the Akillik river in Kobuk Valley national park saw the complete loss of two local fish species: the dolly varden and the slimy sculpin. “Our data suggests that when the river turned orange, we saw a significant decrease in macroinvertebrates and biofilm on the bottom of the stream, which is essentially the base of the food web,” Poulin said of the rusting phenomenon. “It could be changing where fish are going to be able to live.”

The rusting is a seasonal phenomenon, occurring in the summer typically during July and August, when the soil is thawed the deepest. The researchers at the National Park Service, US Geological Survey and University of California Davis now want to better understand the long-term implications of the changing water chemistry in places with continuous permafrost, which includes Arctic regions such as Alaska, Canada, Russia and parts of Scandinavia. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/may/22/alaska-rivers-turning-orange  (22 May 2024)

O’Donnell first noticed a change in water in 2018, but researchers said satellite images recorded stained waters dating back to 2008. “The issue is slowly propagating from small headwaters into bigger rivers over time,” O’Donnell said. “When emergent issues or threats come about, we need to be able to understand them.”

The National Park Service previously pointed to Salmon River as a particular point of concern. The water there was “pristine” before 2019. That summer, the clear water turned orange-green. The discoloration stuck around and there remain orange stains on the river banks.

Alaska’s Arctic rivers are home to a variety of fish that are “critical for subsistence, sport, and commercial fisheries,” researchers wrote. Iron and other toxic metals in the water could threaten those fish.  Metals in the water could also impact rural drinking supplies. Researchers plan to study whether the rivers and streams can rebound if cold weather promotes permafrost recovery. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/why-alaska-rivers-are-turning-orange/  (22 May 2024)

But how, exactly, permafrost thaw is turning these rivers orange has been a mystery. Solving it is crucial for understanding what the sweeping ecological impact could be and to help communities adapt, such as the eight Alaska Native villages that depend on rivers in the western Brooks Range for fish and drinking water. Some researchers think acid from minerals is leaching iron out of bedrock that has been exposed to water for the first time in millennia. Others think bacteria are mobilizing iron from the soil in thawing wetlands.

Permafrost has become a bigger polluter than the mine, and not much can be done to clean up the problem. Lime is often dumped into tailings ponds at old mines to buffer acid, but you can’t “lime” an entire mountain stream, just as you can’t refreeze the ground around it. Perhaps the only real hope is that once all the permafrost has thawed and all the iron has rusted, these wild rivers will be able to flush out the contamination and restore themselves, although that would take decades at least. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-are-alaskas-rivers-turning-orange/  (01 Jan. 2024)

Mexico Water ‘Day Zero’ may come even for the wealthiest residents Water scarcity has long been an issue in Mexico City, with the brunt of the shortages happening in lower-income neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city center. But recently, residents in some of the city’s wealthier neighborhoods have also been running out of water as hot temperatures, low rainfall and poor infrastructure have converged to create a crisis across the sprawling metropolis.

– Some say the system could be unable to provide water by June 26, known as “Day Zero” in the metropolitan area of 22 million, although scientists say rainfall could avert that disaster. As of May 21, the Cutzamala system is at 28 percent of its capacity, according to the Basin Agency for the Valley of Mexico, a historic low. https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2024/05/25/mexico-city-water-day-zero/  (25 May 2024)

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

Also see: DRP News Bulletin 20 May 2024 & DRP News Bulletin 13 May 2024  

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