(Feature Image: River Yamuna at Panipat on June 05, 2024. Photo by Rakesh Gautam)
In the wake of water crisis in Delhi, the Supreme Court on June 3, 2024 has directed Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB) to convene urgent meeting on June 5, 2024 and submit status report in the court by June 6, 2024. The direction came following Delhi government claim that the state of Himachal Pradesh is ready to share surplus water with it and for that it required cooperation from Haryana government. The outcome would hopefully be known by the evening on June 5 2024.
Given the prevailing political equations among the basin states, there is uncertainty whether the board would be able to effectively resolve the issue. The UYRB suffers from some flaws in formation and functioning. The board is working in an opaque manner. Presently its website is inaccessible and meeting minutes are not in public domain. It is also reportedly crippled by shortage of staff as against originally sanctioned post of 58, it is currently functioning with just 5 officials.
In this Oct. 2020 guest blog for SANDRP, the celebrated Yamuna crusader Late Manoj Misra has explained the fundamental problems in formation of UYRB and unscientific allocation of river waters by it. Unfortunately, in addition to World Environment Day, today is first death anniversary of famous Yamuna Jiye Abhiyan convener and despite being located by the mighty Yamuna, Delhi is facing water crisis and the river is in highly deplorable state.
There is need for urgent review of UYRB agreement to facilitate scientific distribution of Yamuna waters. Otherwise, the objective of river revival and solution to Delhi water crisis cannot be achieved.
SC directs for urgent meeting of UYRB on June 5 Hearing a plea by the Delhi government highlighting water woes in the national capital, the Supreme Court on Monday (June 03) called for an emergency meeting of the UYRB to be held to deal with the issue. A bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and K V Viswanathan directed the meeting be held on June 5 and a status report be submitted to it by June 6.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that for every 100 litres of water that comes into Delhi, only 52.25 litres are lost due to industry, water mafia etc. and that the Delhi government will have to plug the leakages. The AAP government said Himachal Pradesh agreed to share its surplus water with Delhi but since the two states don’t share a physical boundary with Delhi, the water will have to be transported through the Wazirabad barrage. This would require the facilitation and cooperation of the Haryana government which it said is not being provided as of date. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/amid-delhi-water-crisis-supreme-court-directs-for-urgent-meeting-of-upper-yamuna-river-board-on-june-5-9369284/ (03 June 2024)
‘Convene UYRB meet,’ SC asks Centre “There shall be an emergent meeting of Upper Yamuna River Board on June 5, 2024, to address the issues agitated in this petition and all other connected issues in right earnest so that problems of scarcity of water for the citizens of Delhi should be properly addressed. Post this matter on Thursday (June 6) along with the minutes of the meeting and the suggested steps,” ordered a vacation bench of justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and KV Viswanathan.
“Why can’t there be a joint meeting of all the stakeholders? Let there be a high-level meeting today or tomorrow. As an emergency measure, convene a meeting as soon as possible,” the bench told the SG, who accepted the court’s suggestion but emphasised that the meeting ought to happen before the UYRB, which happens to be the statutory body to deal with such issues.
The petition clarified that the Delhi government does not intend to set a precedent that would require any state government in the future to provide the nation’s capital with an increased volume of water by pleading for the release of excess water. Citing a 1996 Supreme Court order (Delhi Water Supply & Sewage Disposal Undertaking Vs State of Haryana), which directed Haryana to ensure water supply through the Yamuna River during a similar crisis, the Delhi government argued that the present situation is much more severe and urgent. The plea urged the Court to intervene in the public interest to prevent a severe health crisis. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/convene-upper-yamuna-river-board-meet-sc-asks-centre-to-address-delhi-water-crisis-101717402197530.html (03 June 2024)
SANDRP Blog Becoming water smart holds key to water secure future The key question in the context of water scarcity is, what is the most optimal way of maximum harvesting, storage, recharge and utilisation of rains and local flows. The key component to achieve this objective is the catchment of any river or stream. Greater the capacity of the catchment to harvest, hold, store and recharge rainwater at or close to the source, nearer we will be to achieving this objective. https://sandrp.in/2024/05/28/becoming-water-smart-holds-the-key-to-our-water-secure-future/ (28 May 2024) The same article by SANDRP Coordinator in The Tribune on May 28 2024: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/comment/becoming-water-smart-holds-the-key-to-tackling-scarcity-625429 (“28 May 2024)
‘Let Yamuna Flow’: A River’s Appeals to Political Parties In the wake of Lok Sabha election 2024 in Delhi on May 25, the civil societies and concerned citizens on behalf of River Yamuna appealled to the political parties to address the critical issue of absence of environmental flows adversely impacting the river health in the national capital. https://sandrp.in/2024/05/20/let-yamuna-flow-a-rivers-appeals-to-political-parties/ (20 May 2024); https://thewire.in/environment/no-votes-for-the-yamuna-delhis-citizens-appeal-to-political-parties-to-let-the-yamuna-flow (24 May 2024)
मार्च में ही यमुना सूखने लगी है. इसमें जल ना के बराबर दिख रहा है. पानी की जगह सफेद रंग का झाग बड़ी मात्रा में नजर आ रहा है. https://www.etvbharat.com/hi/!state/decreasing-water-level-in-yamuna-increases-tension-need-for-quick-action-dls24031803213 (18 March 2024)
DAMS & HYDRO POWER PROJECTS IN YAMUNA BASIN
SANDRP Blog SC stays 4 NBWL cleared Dams in Kalesar WS Disappointingly the National Board of Wildlife (NBWL) had approved the dams ignoring the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) report warning about adverse impacts of these dams on the terrestrial as well as aquatic biodiversity in the protected area. As per the WII report, the Irrigation Department, Haryana had planned building of six dams costing about Rs. 125 cr. on streams feeding Pathrala river in the national park.
The WII report found that construction of six dams would require over 220 hectare of land and damage over 1.50 lakh trees. The report had recommended shifting of four dams outside Kalesar national park area. Even the Forest Department of Haryana had raised concerns over these dams as a threat to existing pattern of habitat use of various species in the sanctuary.
In addition to above reasons, the dams would affect the catchment of Yamuna further compromising the water sources and flows in the river. Off late the Haryana government has been planning and pushing various dams in the area. Absurdly, one of the reasons behind dams on Somb and Pathrala rivers which fed Yamuna in the district is to ‘revive’ lost Saraswati river while the Yamuna is already starved of essential flows. https://sandrp.in/2024/05/02/yamuna-manthan-0105-sc-stays-4-nbwl-cleared-dams-in-kalesar-wildlife-sanctuary/ (02 April 2024)
Himachal Pradesh Renuka dam “The commencement of construction for the diversion tunnels is expected in Aug 2024, but the main dam construction is anticipated to begin in Feb 2025,” Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led govt stated in the Himachal assembly during the budget session. Out of total 954.27 ha of private land required for the project, 947.4 ha has been acquired and 909 ha forest land will be transferred after stage II clearance under the Forest Conservation Act is granted. The compensatory afforestation plan has also been submitted to the MoEF and the forest clearance is expected before Mar 31.
State govt further stated that a panel of geological experts, which was formed on the suggestion of the Central Water Commission (CWC), the project design consultant, had recommended investigations for the design of the dam and diversion tunnels. “The investigations in the main dam area have been completed and will shortly begin in the spillway and downstream cofferdam area. Based on these investigations, the CWC will proceed to design the dam and diversion tunnels,” govt stated.
Under the project a 148m high rock-fill dam across the Giri river, a tributary of the Yamuna river, is envisaged at Dadahu in Sirmaur district. The dam will have a 24-km long reservoir and a hydro powerhouse of 40-MW capacity. Proposed to be built at an estimated cost of around Rs 7,000 crore, the project is to provide water to NCR of Delhi. So far the Centre has released Rs 1,702.7 crore for the project and the beneficiary states have contributed Rs 517.32 crore. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/construction-of-renuka-dam-delayed-hp-assembly-told/articleshow/108029673.cms (27 Feb. 2024)
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)
Rajasthan Does Bisalpur Dam need desilting? Environmentalist Himanshu Thakkar of SANDRP explained that the Bisalpur Dam is relatively new and did not require desilting so urgently and frequently. “There are bigger and older dams like the Bhakra Nangal and Hirakund Dam that have never been desilted. It is not economical to do so,” Thakkar said. He also pointed out that the dam has reportedly been filled to capacity only three to four times since becoming operational, making it less prone to impacts from silt formation.
“Silt deposition affects water availability only when the dam frequently fills to capacity and excess water floods the surrounding areas. In such cases, you can claim that desilting can help increase the dam’s capacity and make it more efficient,” he added.
Bhim Singh Rawat also of SANDRP, said that an environmental assessment is a scientific way of proceeding with the de-siltation process. It will ensure that excessive mining is not conducted and that the dam’s structure and aquatic life are not damaged. “How frequently a dam needs to be dredged and desilted depends on its location, geography, topography, and flooding areas,” he said. https://theprint.in/environment/why-has-desilting-of-rajasthans-bisalpur-dam-become-point-of-contention-between-govt-activists/2107925/ (29 May 2024)
SC allows desilting of Bisalpur dam On 26 November 2023, the NGT had prohibited ERCPL from proceeding with desilting, dredging of mineral extraction and disposal at the Bisalpur dam in Tonk district. It had held that desilting or dredging activities under the guise of mineral extraction via mining operations could not proceed without adherence to environmental laws.
In its application for interim relief, however, the company had highlighted that before NGT’s stay order, it had already dredged one lac metric ton of sand from the dam. If the dredged material is not disposed of before the onset of monsoons, it is bound to cause harm to the dam as well as the nearby areas. Furthermore, if the dredging is not carried out before the rains, it results in reduction of the live storage capacity of the dam, which ultimately leads to shortage of water supply. https://theprint.in/judiciary/rajasthan-facing-water-shortage-sc-allows-desilting-of-bisalpur-dam-despite-no-green-clearance/2105741/ (29 May 2024)
SC vetos NGT’s stay on desilting of Bisalpur dam 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 MoEF. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/supreme-court-stays-ngt-order-on-desilting-of-bisalpur-dam/articleshow/110408678.cms (25 May 2024)
Madhya Pradesh This Bhaskar report talks about a new plan to store monsoon Kshipra water in a 55 MCM reservoir and release it in the river post monsoon during the Kumbh Bathing celebrations, where since 2016, Narmada water is being used.
Insufficient details to give any view, but from the available information, it is doubtful if this Rs 667 Cr project will succeed in achieving the stated objectives. https://www.bhaskar.com/local/mp/bhopal/news/rain-water-will-be-collected-25-km-away-from-ujjain-133036394.html (18 May 2024)
INTERLINKING OF YAMUNA 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)
Project lack statutory clearances Himanshu Thakkar, coordinator of the SANDRP said, “Ken Betwa River link Project still does not have all the statutory clearances. Its Stage 2 Forest Clearance is on conditions that would change the basic parameters of the project, requiring fresh environmental impact assessment (EIA), environmental clearance (EC) and other clearances. Validity of its wildlife clearance has been questioned by the CEC and is yet to be considered by the Supreme Court.” He said that “Its EC remains challenged before the NGT. Should a project like this -requiring felling of 46 lakh trees- go ahead without even credible assessments or public consultation process that too in a climate change era? Should it be considered when better, more cost effective and much less destructive options are available?” he opined. https://www.thewildlifeindia.com/2024/06/Ken-Betwa-Project-Plan-to-Massacre-Millions-of-Trees-Give-Goosebumps.html (02 June 2024)
Bundelkhand: No immidiate solutions to real water problems Biased reporting by TOI with categorical, unsubstantiated statement, not even quoting anyone: “The river-linking project will benefit the Bundelkhand region of both MP and UP. Once implemented, the project will provide annual irrigation to 10.6 lakh ha land across Chhattarpur, Tikamgarh, Panna, Sagar, Damoh and Datia districts of MP and Banda, Mahoba, Jhansi and Lalitpur districts of UP.” Its possibly statements like that which are the biggest reasons for no real immediate solutions to Bundelkhand’s real water problems. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/lok-sabha-polls-ken-betwa-link-statehood-remain-hot-button-issues/articleshow/110187967.cms#google_vignette (17 May 2024)
‘Rampant corruption in Bundelkhand package’ Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh speaks out about the Ken Betwa Link viability and corruption in Bundelkhand package. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/elections/lok-sabha/uttar-pradesh/under-modi-govt-implementation-of-bundelkhand-package-plagued-by-rampant-corruption-congress/articleshow/110209687.cms (17 May 2024)
Six of the seven districts in the poll-bound Bundelkhand region of UP, spread over four parliamentary constituencies, come in the top 100 riskiest districts in the country in terms of their vulnerability to climate change and future hazards, and this is reflected on the ground in depressed agricultural activities, water scarcity and land degradation in all four Lok Sabha seats that will go to poll on May 20. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/in-bundelkhand-the-fields-are-thirsty-for-water-people-for-change/articleshow/110254816.cms (20 May 2024)
YAMUNA WATER SHARING DISPUTES
Haryana Uproar over MoU on Yamuna water sharing The Haryana govt’s latest pact with Rajasthan to share excess waters of Yamuna during monsoon came under sharp attack from the Congress in the assembly on Feb. 28. The principal Opposition party dubbed the agreement as “anti-farmer” and accused chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar of “surrendering” Haryana’s rights on water to Rajasthan. In the 2024-25 budget proposals, Khattar said an agreement has been signed between Haryana and Rajasthan with the support of the Union ministry of Jal Shakti on Feb 17, 2024, for “utilisation of the excess waters of the Yamuna during monsoon period.”
During this period, said Khattar, water flow exceeds 24,000 cusecs. “The excess waters available for a short period of time will be stored and a pipeline will be laid to carry the water for irrigation purposes to the water deficit districts of Bhiwani, Charkhi-Dadri and Hisar. In addition, pipeline will also be laid by Rajasthan, to carry water to Rajasthan. This will ensure that excess flood water is stored, and used for agriculture and drinking purposes and possibilities of floods will be reduced with this,” read the budget document. Dismissing the allegations, CM said as per the agreement, Haryana will share water if water flow exceeds 24,000 cusecs. He said Haryana will also get one fourth of the water out of the total excess water available. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/haryana-congress-confronts-khattar-govt-on-mou-with-rajasthan-on-yamuna-water-sharing-101709143642046.html (29 Feb. 2024)
Punjab Party Shiromani Akali Dal has said that it will cancel all inter-state water agreements with other states if they come to power. (Dainik Bhaskar 22 May 2024)
YAMUNA RIVERS
Hindon; Ghaziabad NGT: Why case against jr officer, not GMC chief over river pollution The NGT has sought a response from the UPPCB which initiated criminal proceedings against the general manager of GMC’s water department, and not the municipal commissioner, for not acting against industries polluting Hindon. The board initiated the proceedings after NGT in March 2023 ordered the prosecution of industries found releasing pollutants into the river. In Dec 2023, the tribunal also directed that criminal proceedings be initiated against municipal or urban local body officials of the seven districts —Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli, Meerut, Baghpat, Ghaziabad and Gautam Budh Nagar — through which the river passes.
Subsequently, cases were filed under Section 43 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, against the Nagar Palika Parishad executive officers of Sardhana (Meerut) and Loni, and the general manager of GMC’s water department. The NGT order states: “When the query was put to learned counsel for the UPPCB as to why the prosecution is launched against the Nagar Nigam Ghaziabad (GMC) through its general manager (water department) and not through the commissioner, municipal corporation, Ghaziabad, he sought time to examine the same. For this, no clear reason is reflected in the complaint.”
The order pointed out that UPPCB had initiated proceedings only against three industries —AWF Collection, Chaudhary Creations, and SK Collection of Muzaffarnagar — but did not name the 357 other manufacturing units in the region. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ghaziabad/ngt-case-against-junior-officer-over-hindon-pollution/articleshow/110021468.cms (11 May 2024)
Cancer Rivers This video report interviews Gangnauli villagers in Baghpat who have been suffering adverse health impacts including cancer due to groundwater pollution caused by severe pollution in Kali, Krishna and Hindon rivers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHuBLjb8fXE&t=198s (15 May 2024)
Sahibi; Delhi Govt to rename Najafgarh drain as Sahibi River Delhi’s Irrigation and flood control (I&FC) dept has initiated the process to rename the Najafgarh drain the Sahibi River in Delhi, officials said, after a proposal was submitted to the state names authority (SNA) under the urban development department, in a move to help authorities create awareness about the lost river. An application has been submitted on May 11 2024. The Sahibi River originates in Rajasthan and flows through Haryana before entering Delhi and merging with the Yamuna. In Delhi, the channeled course of the Sahibi River is presently called the Najafgarh drain.
In a report submitted to the NGT, which had asked the Delhi govt on Feb 7 “whether Najafgarh drain was at any point of time known as Sahibi River & whether the same could be renamed as Sahibi River for generating people’s support to its rejuvenation”, it said historical records dating to 1807 from the ”Environs of Delhi” showed the present Najafgarh drain as the “Sabee Nullah”.
Manu Bhatnagar of INTACH said that around the 1860s, the Sahibi nallah was chalked out by creating a canal downstream of Najafgarh lake, which is when it became popular as Najafgarh drain. “If you look at man-made canals, they are generally straight, but the Najafgarh drain meanders along the city. This is because it was built along the original channel of the Sahibi River, which eventually flows into the Yamuna,” he said. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/delhi-to-turn-back-clock-on-najafgarh-drain-rename-it-sahibi-river-101715710141610.html (15 May 2024)
Kshipra; Ujjain उज्जैन के स्थानीय प्रशासन द्वारा कान्ह नदी का पानी शिप्रा में रोकने के लिए कई जतन किए गए लेकिन वह हर बार फेल रहे। अब कान्ह नदी का पानी शिप्रा नदी में नहीं मिले इसके लिए उज्जैन शहर के बाहर दूषित कान्ह नदी के पानी को बैराज बनाकर 28.5 किमी अंडरग्राउंड टनल (डक्ट) में डाला जाएगा। पानी इस डक्ट से होता हुआ सीधा शहर के बाहर जाएगा। कान्ह के पानी को शुद्ध करने इंदौर, सांवेर, उज्जैन और देवास में सीवेज ट्रीटमेंट प्लांट भी बनाए जा रहे हैं।
अंडरग्राउंड क्लोज्ड आरसीसी डक्ट की लागत 480 करोड़ होगी। इसकी क्षमता 40 क्यूमेक्स होगी। 4.5 मी. ऊंची डक्ट जमीन से लगभग 13 मीटर अंदर होगी। इसे काम को 42 महीने में पूरा करने का टारगेट है। उज्जैन सीमा पर जमालपुरा गाँव में बैराज बनाकर कान्ह का पानी इस डक्ट में डायवर्ट कर दिया जाएगा। इसकी सफाई के लिए 4 एंट्री पॉइंट भी बनाए जाएँगे। शुरू में लगभग 7.5 किमी का कट एंड कवर संरचना होगी यानी गहराई से खुदाई करके मिट्टी से ढंका जाएगा। इसके बाद टनल शुरू हो जाएगी।
इंदौर और आसपास के क्षेत्र की 2052 तक की सीवेज की आवश्यकता को ध्यान में रखते हुए इस डक्ट का निर्माण किया गया है। अगर कभी कान्ह में पानी का दबाव अचानक बढ़ता है तो इसे नियंत्रित करने के लिए कान्ह में 33 करोड़ की लागत से 11 बैराज बनाए जाएँगे। 2016 में आयोजित हुए सिंहस्थ के पहले गोठरा डेम से कालियादेह पैलेस के बीच लगभग 17 किमी लंबी पाइप लाइन बिछाकर कान्ह के दूषित जल को शहर से बाहर करने का प्रयास हुआ था। इस स्ट्रक्चर में सफाई की व्यवस्था न होने से एक समय के बाद गाद जमना शुरू हो गई और बाद में पाइप लाइन 50 प्रतिशत से भी कम क्षमता पर आ गई। पाइप लाइन धंसने से दूषित जल जमीन में भी जाने लगा था। https://www.agniban.com/28-km-long-tunnel-will-prevent-water-of-kanh-river-from-mixing-in-shipra/ ; https://www.bhaskar.com/local/mp/bhopal/news/upon-reaching-ujjain-the-polluted-kanha-will-go-into-a-28-km-underground-tunnel-and-will-be-directly-out-of-the-city-133096245.html (31 May 2024)
Govt has spent Rs. 432 crore on Kshipra cleaning in past 10 years and now there are plans to spend Rs. 700 crore more for the purpose. The Narmada Kshipra link was supposed to work round the year but Narmada water reaches Kshipra only for 8 times in a year. (Dainik Bhaskar 30 May 2024)
क्षिप्रा के पानी को आचमन लायक बनाने के लिए 4 योजनाओं पर खर्च होंगे 2175 करोड़; इंदौर, उज्जैन, देवास में बनेंगे एसटीपी https://www.bhaskar.com/local/mp/bhopal/news/2175-crores-will-be-spent-on-4-schemes-to-make-kshipra-water-suitable-for-drinking-stps-will-be-built-in-indore-ujjain-dewas-133061028.html (24 May 2024) शिप्रा शुद्धिकरण के लिए नए सीरे से कवायद हो रही हैं। इसकी शुरुआत में डब्ल्यूआरडी को छोटे-छोटे स्टाप डेम व वाटर ट्रीटमेंट प्लांट प्रोजेक्ट तैयार करने का जिम्मा दिया है। कम क्षमता से चल रहे कान्ह डायवर्शन सिस्टम की सफाई करवाई जाएगी अैर टाटा कंपनी को ३० जून तक सीवरेज प्रोजेक्ट पूरा करने की डेड लाइन मिली है। इसके साथ ही इंदौर-उज्जैन का कम्प्रहेन्सीव प्लान तैयार होगा। https://www.patrika.com/ujjain-news/collector-visited-the-river-from-juni-ninaura-to-ramghat-8674880 (09 Jan. 2024)
YAMUNA FLOODPLAIN
Delhi HC refuses to stay demolition order of Shiva temple on floodplain – The Delhi High Court on May 29 dismissed a petition seeking a stay on an order for the demolition of a temple on the Yamuna river bed observing that “Lord Shiva does not need anyone’s protection”. The court observed that the temple is built in an unauthorised manner on the river bed. The high court denied a stay on an order for Pracheen Shiv Mandir’s demolition. The temple is situated at Geeta Colony near the flood plains.
The high court further said, “It goes without saying that Lord Shiva does not need our protection; rather, we, the people, seek his protection and blessings. There could be no iota of doubt that Lord Shiva would be happier if the Yamuna river bed and the flood plains areas are cleared of all encroachments and unauthorised construction”. https://www.indiatoday.in/law/story/court-refuses-to-stay-demolition-order-of-shiva-temple-built-on-yamuna-river-bed-2545527-2024-05-30 (30 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 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 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. 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)
NGT seeks new report on floodplain encroachment Expressing dissatisfaction with a Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) report, NGT has requested a new one regarding the matter of encroachment in the O-zone or Yamuna floodplain within four weeks. Earlier this year, the tribunal took suo moto cognizance of a TOI report titled “161 illegal colonies on O zone making river water toxic” and sought explanations from various departments, including DPCC. On March 25, NGT had sought explanation from the DPCC and others regarding the matter. The O-zone is one of approximately 15 zones designated by Delhi Development Authority (DDA), which includes areas along the Yamuna and the riverfront. It holds ecological significance, is prone to floods, and should be a no-construction zone, yet it is vastly encroached upon.
“No one is present on behalf of the respondents – Delhi Jal Board, district magistrate, north Delhi, district magistrate, north-west Delhi, and district magistrate north-east Delhi…Learned Counsel appearing for the DDA has submitted that since the officers are busy in forthcoming Parliamentary Elections, therefore, response could not be filed and has prayed for four weeks’ time to file the reply… Response on behalf of DPCC dated May, 2024 has been filed but there is no reply on merit in that response and only plea is that the high level committee … has been asked to deal with the issue,” stated the bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava in an order dated May 15. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/ngt-seeks-new-report-on-floodplain-encroachment/articleshow/110256181.cms (20 May 2024)
DDA removes illegal constructions on floodplains The DDA conducted a series of demolition drives near North Delhi’s Nigam Bodh Ghat from May 28 to 31 to clear the Yamuna floodplains of encroachment. A DDA official stated that the operation was conducted in the Vasudev Ghat area following the Delhi High Court’s ruling that the disputed land belonged to the DDA, rejecting the writ petitions against the action. The DDA stated that two pucca structures, two semi-pucca structures, and one religious structure (shrine) were removed in the drive. A similar action near the ISBT bridge on May 28 saw the removal of two semi-pucca structures, one religious structure, and one wrestling ground or akhara. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-development-authority-dda-removes-illegal-constructions-on-yamuna-floodplain-9366955/ (02 June 2024)
Residents along Yamuna flag host of issues For the most part, the river lies forgotten until it is pulled into the middle of a political tussle over its polluted state — especially during Chhath Puja rituals every year when a blanket of foam covers its surface. Those who live near the Yamuna or on its floodplains, however, said political parties, leaders and governments alike have made many promises to ‘clean’ the river — only to break them. As Delhi votes later this month in the Lok Sabha polls, the reporter visited colonies situated along the 22-km stretch of the river in the city, that were flooded last year, to speak to residents about what they want from those they vote for. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/only-the-poor-live-near-the-river-where-else-can-we-settle-lok-sabha-polls-weeks-away-residents-along-yamuna-flag-host-of-issues-9308438/ (05 May 2024) As the Yamuna River remains a political issue between BJP and AAP, residents along the river wished to opt for NOTA. https://www.thequint.com/elections/delhi-lok-sabha-yamuna-river-pollution-aap-bjp-politics-ground-report (15 May 2024)
Noida Farmhouses damaged during 2023 flood, 50 owners seek relief From Noida Sector 94, near the Delhi border at Kalindi Kunj, the 11-metre-long Pushta (bridge) road divides villages abutting the Yamuna into two parts. One side is residential, dotted by tall glass buildings. In contrast, the other side is a lush green area with farms, cowsheds, and nurseries on the river’s floodplain. This is where hundreds of farmhouses have been constructed, the structures now partially covered by trees growing near their boundary walls. Their multi-coloured roofs with solar panels and water tanks, however, are visible even from afar.
During the monsoon in 2023, between July 12 and 15, the river rose to an all-time high and flooded several areas in the national capital as well as Noida — including villages housing these farmhouses. The owners of 50 properties then filed a petition before the NGT last year seeking compensation for damages caused by the floods. The DM of Gautam Buddha Nagar has contested this.
Submitting a report to the NGT against the petitioners, DM Manish Kumar Verma said all 50 properties are farmhouses illegally constructed on the floodplain. In their plea, the petitioners claimed polluted water from the river mixed with sewage, hazardous chemical effluents and sludge entered their houses and caused loss to them. According to the petitioners, it was not a natural calamity but a man-made disaster resulting from the shrinkage of the river channel due to deposit of silt, faulty flood control regulations and not raising the bund between the villages and the river. They further said the authorities failed to remove the sludge and dry silt after the flood water receded, resulting in dust pollution and creating health hazards. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/noida-farmhouses-on-yamuna-floodplain-damaged-during-2023-flood-50-owners-seek-relief-district-magistrate-contests-claim-9368329/ (03 June 2024)
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)
Haryana Villagers demand developing bridge over Yamuna Residents of Tapu Majri village in Yamunanagar district on Apr 7 warned to boycott the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, demanding construction of a bridge over Yamuna river to access and connect the village with the district. Tapu Majri village of this district is on the Uttar Pradesh (UP) side of the Yamuna river but it falls in the jurisdiction of Yamunanagar district of Haryana. Yamuna river is considered and works as border Yamunanagar dist of Haryana & Saharanpur dist of UP. The villagers said that they would boycott upcoming Haryana state assembly elections after the Lok Sabha elections, if the govt failed to meet their demand. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/yamunanagar-villagers-warn-to-boycott-lok-sabha-elections-demands-developing-bridge-over-yamuna/articleshow/109111883.cms (7 April 2024)
YAMUNA POLLUTION
Delhi 22 online stns to check river health Delhi Pollution Control Committee has floated a tender for installation and commissioning of 22 monitoring stations in the Yamuna to collect real-time data on water quality. Currently, water samples are collected manually and analysed only once in a month. These monitoring stations are likely to become operational by the end of 2024. The board of DPCC, which met on Dec 14, had passed the proposal of installation of online monitoring stations. Though there was an initial plan of installing stations at 53 sites, the number was reduced later, said the board, according to the minutes of the meeting. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/22-online-stations-to-check-yamunas-health/articleshow/109991349.cms (10 May 2024) Bhim Singh Rawat, member of the SANDRP said the effectiveness of the DPCC’s plans can only be gauged when it is operational. “The idea is good, but now, we need to ensure it is operationalised soon and more importantly, that the data is made public promptly. A website or a section on DPCC website needs to be maintained where such data is updated in real time,” he said. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/dpcc-to-monitor-yamuna-pollution-in-real-time-101715278311466.html (10 May 2024)
Despite treatment, about 75% of the STPs being operated by the DJB are failing to get even close to treating the e-coliform or fecal coliform which represents the presence of raw sewage and excreta in the water. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/why-75-of-delhis-stps-arent-ready-to-tackle-yamuna-stink/articleshow/107806060.cms (19 Feb. 2024)
Agra SC directs Govt to remove silt, sludge from riverbed The Supreme Court, while hearing the Taj Trapezium Matter, has directed the concerned authorities of the State of Uttar Pradesh to immediately remove the silt, sludge and garbage in the bed of River Yamuna in Agra and said that it should be a continuous activity. An Intervention Application (IA) was filed in the main writ petition on behalf of the Agra Development Foundation seeking an order for the removal of silt, sludge and garbage up to a depth of 5-6 meters lying on the river bed of the River Yamuna in the city of Agra and an order for restoration of river bed to its natural state and regularization of proper de-silting/de-sludging in future.
The Court also directed the Union govt, the UP govt to file an affidavit in light of the above matter by the end of Jun, 2024. “No further time shall be granted. The applications will be considered on 11th Jul, 2024.” In the main petition, the Supreme Court on various occasions has been giving directions to protect the Taj Mahal and other nearby monuments, falling within the Taj Trapezium Zone. Accordingly, the IAs are now listed on July 11, 2024, and the main civil appeal is listed on Aug 22, 2024, for final disposal. https://www.verdictum.in/court-updates/supreme-court/mc-mehta-v-union-of-india-taj-trapezium-case-sc-directs-up-govt-immediately-remove-slit-sludge-garbage-bed-yamuna-river-agra-1532368 (25 April 2024)
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)
Haryana 2 drains in Sonipat impacting river, NGT told The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has informed NGT that it has identified two drains – drain numbers 6 and 8 in Sonipat with drain number 6 often overflowing into drain number 8 that runs parallel to it – which eventually reach the Yamuna in Delhi and impact the water quality of the Wazirabad pond. DJB report said treatment of water is hindered when pollution levels are high, and the situation has not improved despite letters having been sent to Haryana.
However, another report filed by HSPCB stated that a fresh survey of the drain number 6 has been conducted by the team of HSPCB and irrigation & water resource department. “It was found that still there are 21 number of point sources of untreated discharge exists in the drain number 6, out of which 17 number of point sources are related to Municipal Corporation Sonipat and 4 number of point sources are related to villages and to be tapped by panchayat raj department. Time-bound action plan for tapping of these point sources of untreated discharge has been submitted by the concerned authorities,” said the report by HSPCB official. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhi-jal-board-2-drains-in-sonipat-impacting-water-in-yamuna/articleshow/108278925.cms (07 May 2024)
People suffering from Panipat refinery pollution Residents of villages around the refinery also spoke of having to deal with severe water pollution. They explained that the water that their borewells had been expelling over the last five years was often dark in colour, malodorous, and at times, even frothy.
The Central Pollution Control Board team found that the groundwater quality could have deteriorated because the refinery was discharging untreated effluent outside the premises of the unit into a drain. This it noted, “may result in odour problem in the nearby areas besides deterioration of ground water quality”.
Though residents once used borewell water for drinking, the team noted that water samples from sources in the vicinity of the refinery did not adhere to the acceptable norms for drinking water – rather, “significant values of Chemical Oxygen Demand”, an indicator of groundwater contaminated with external sources. https://scroll.in/article/1067786/how-indias-weak-international-stand-on-plastic-pollution-harms-indians (15 May 2024)
NGT fines Amazon ₹6 lakh for violation of STP norms Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Dr A Senthil Vel reduced the amount of compensation from about ₹13 lakhs to ₹6 lakhs after reconsidering the number of days of the violation. The NGT recently upheld an order directing e-commerce giant Amazon to pay compensation for violating STP standards at its fulfilment centre in Bilaspur. https://www.barandbench.com/news/ngt-amazon-compensation-violation-sewage-treatment-plant-norms-bilaspur (01 June 2024)
YAMUNA RIVER BIODIVERSITY
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)
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 -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)
Insufficient data hinders otter conservation “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)
YAMUNA FISH, FISHERFOLKS
Delhi Fishermen battling a dying river & govt apathy Every year, the Delhi government issues fishing licences but now it wants the community to stop fishing due to rising toxicity and depleting aquatic life. But fisherfolk are not ready to give up the profession they’ve inherited from their fathers and grandfathers. They’re also fighting a larger battle—for identity, respect, and a cleaner Yamuna. “Most senior officers do not even know that Delhi has fishermen,” said Gungun Kumar (37) who lives in a fishing colony in Sonia Vihar. Every year, he goes to the Delhi Development Ministry’s office to renew his licence only to be met with disbelief and disdain.
According to government records, the fisherfolk in Delhi are ghosts. Their licences don’t recognise them as professional; those fishing for leisure get the same one. And so, they are not entitled to government benefits like their counterparts in other states such as Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. And what good is a fishing licence when the river is dying, said Kumar. It’s a question licence-issuing officials ask them derisively when they queue up with their documents.
Now, a few fisherfolk are using Facebook, YouTube and WhatsApp to tell the city that they exist. They want to reclaim their identity, keep their skill from dying out, and reach consumers directly. Most of the fisherfolk at the colony in Sonia Vihar have moved on to other professions. They are labourers, drivers, factory workers and small-time entrepreneurs. But they haven’t put down their nets or boats. Every summer before the monsoon, they make it a point to trawl the Yamuna for fresh catch.
Most of the fisherfolk can trace their roots to West Bengal and Bihar. Their parents or grandparents migrated to Delhi for better employment opportunities, and settled along the banks of Yamuna—Burari, Sonia Vihar, Okhla—and continued their family profession. Back then, the catch was good, and the fish rates in local markets were higher than what they got in their villages. https://theprint.in/ground-reports/delhis-fishermen-are-battling-a-dying-yamuna-and-govt-apathy-what-good-is-a-licence/2106310/ (29 May 2024)
Ujjain शिप्रा नदी में फिर मरी सैकड़ों मछलियां पाई गई हैं. सिप्रा के गऊ घाट और नरसिंह घाट की हालत बद से बदतर हो गई है. यहां श्रद्धालु बैठ भी नहीं सकते, स्नान तो दूर की बात. गऊ घाट के ऊपर मछलियों का ढेर लगा है. मोक्षदायिनी कही जाने वाली मां शिप्रा नदी में अब तक इंदौर, देवास व उज्जैन शहर के गंदे नाले मिलने की चर्चा जोरों पर रही है. लेकिन अब शिप्रा नदी में मछलियों के मरने की तस्वीरें लगातार सामने आने से हड़कंप है. https://www.etvbharat.com/hi/!state/ujjain-shipra-pollution-big-issue-large-number-fish-died-shipra-ghats-ujjain-loksabha-seat-election-mps24051003682 (10 May 2024) कान्ह नदी के प्रदूषित जल से शनिवार (March 23) को मोक्षदायिनी शिप्रा के रामघाट पर सैकड़ों मछलियां मर गई। जल से उठती दुर्गंध के कारण कई श्रद्धालु बिना स्नान किए ही लौट गए। शिप्रा की दुर्दशा देखकर भक्तों की धार्मिक भावना आहत हो रही है। https://www.naidunia.com/madhya-pradesh/ujjain-ujjain-news-fishes-died-at-ramghat-of-shipra-river-due-to-polluted-water-of-kanh-river-8293151 (24 Mar 2024)
MINING IN YAMUNA RIVERS
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)
Haryana Open portal in four months for filing complaints: NGT The NGT has directed the mining department to create a website within four months for citizens to file complaints about any illegal quarrying of stones and sand in the Aravalis of south Haryana. Apart from filing complaints, the portal will record and make all information related to complaints and action-taken easily available, the tribunal said. The tribunal was hearing a plea from the Aravalli Bachao Citizens Movement, which had requested that authorities put a stop to illegal stone and sand mining, carry out restoration efforts, take strict measures against erring officials and set up a standalone Aravali protection authority.
“The information regarding complaints received and action taken on the same should also be documented and uploaded on the website of the (mining) department. The concerned complainant should be informed and asked to approach this Tribunal in case of any grievance regarding environmental violations and lack/inadequacy of remedial action,” the NGT bench of judicial magistrate Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member Dr Afroz Ahmad said in its May 2 order, which was released on Saturday (May 19). NGT will take up the plea next on July 12. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/ngt-directs-haryana-to-create-portal-for-complaints-on-illegal-mining/articleshow/110256068.cms (20 May 2024)
Aravalis: 180 forest watchers soon to curb illegal activities The forest department is planning to recruit 180 forest watchers in Faridabad to curb constant encroachments in the Aravalis and monitor the eco-sensitive forest areas. The areas of focus will be Alipur Sikhargarh, Surajkund and Pali, which have been witnessing a surge in illegal construction, tree felling, and land grabbing. The department has sent a request for approval to the higher authorities in Chandigarh. The proposal outlines the need for additional manpower to safeguard the region’s natural resources and biodiversity. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/increased-checks-in-aravalis-180-forest-watchers-soon-to-curb-illegal-activities/articleshow/110255968.cms (20 May 2024)
YAMUNA WETLANDS, LAKES, WATER BODIES
Najafgarh Jheel 6 more weeks to set deadline for wetland notification The NGT has granted an extension of weeks to the Haryana govt for filing an affidavit specifying the timeline for declaring Najafgarh Jheel as a transboundary wetland during a hearing. The counsel for NCT of Delhi had earlier informed the tribunal about its decision to declare the water body as a wetland on Dec 22, 2023. However, the Haryana govt sought more time to file the affidavit in the case which dates to 2014, when INTACH, Delhi filed an application in the NGT demanding the lake be declared a wetland and adequate steps be taken to conserve it.
“The Haryana wetland authority has submitted that all the incumbent except member secretary of the authority have been reshuffled in March. The member secretary has been assigned parliamentary election duty in Sikkim since March 2024. Therefore, the meeting could not be convened, and the affidavit could not be filed. Having regard to the difficulty, which is expressed in the application for adjournment, the prayer is allowed and further six weeks are granted to the Haryana govt to file the affidavit,” stated chairperson Prakash Shrivastava and expert member A Senthil Vel in the order. The next hearing for the case is scheduled for July 30. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/6-more-weeks-for-hry-to-set-deadline-for-wetland-notification/articleshow/109673136.cms (29 Dec. 2024)
Delhi Wetlands going extinct The Delhi Wetland Authority, conceived in 2019 as per the Wetland Conservation Rules, has met only five times between 2019 to 2021. There is no record of a meeting, or a ruling passed by the authority since. What is even more alarming is that even after five years of existence, the Delhi Wetland Authority has not notified a single wetland in Delhi, despite there being over 490 wetlands listed on the Wetlands of India portal. https://theprint.in/ground-reports/delhi-wetlands-going-extinct-to-be-found-in-govt-files-only/2082226/ (13 May 2024)
Gurugram Sultanpur wetland is being deliberately dried up Drying up the water bodies, officials said, was essential. In Jan 2024, the wildlife department shut off water supply from the Gurgaon canal to Sultanpur, a designated Ramsar site. It was because they had spotted catfish last year. Catfish is an invasive species that consumes smaller fish rapidly.
Though the monthly supply of 10-15 cusecs of water was stopped, officials didn’t expect large parts of the wetland to dry up completely & rapidly. They suspect the lack of non-monsoon rainfall might be to blame this year. They believe they are in control and have a contingency plan. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/ecosystem-under-siege-why-sultanpur-wetland-is-being-deliberately-dried-up/articleshow/109705614.cms (30 Apr 2024)
Noida Dhanauri suffers from ‘water drought’ A major sarus crane habitat in the state, Dhanauri wetland has dried up since last month. As per a 2015 remote sensing exercise, the wetland is spread over 33 hectares. Over the last few years, foresters and green activists have pitched it to be classified as a Ramsar site — a wetland of international importance. The wetland dried up in April 2021 as well. Activists say the wetland could be suffering from ‘water drought’ — a prolonged, abnormally dry period — due to a twin effect of a drier climate and excessive extraction or diversion of water than what normally flows into the waterbody.
City-based birder Jaswinder Waraich said there was very little water left in the waterbody, barely enough to sustain a few waterfowl, in March. And by April 10, it had all dried up. “When it comes to the wetland, the forest department and Yamuna Expressway Authority (YEIDA) try to pass the buck. Currently, a small ditch has been dug and a motor is being used to extract groundwater to replenish the waterbody. But this cannot be a long-term solution,” Waraich said. Dhanauri gets its water from neighbouring farms and canals, and needs a more permanent water source, he added. A forest department official, meanwhile, claimed they have given directions for the restoration of water in Dhanauri and the work would be completed by Sunday (May 05). https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/dhanauri-wetland-suffers-from-water-drought-causing-drying-up-of-major-sarus-crane-habitat/articleshow/109827202.cms (04 May 2024)
YAMUNA URBAN WATER
Delhi ‘City doesn’t need an ornamental park, but a forest’: HC The Delhi High Court on Friday (May 03) asked the DDA to consider whether a 55-acre land identified by the authority can be developed as a ‘”dense forest”. The HC was hearing a petition related to permissions granted by tree officers concerned for felling trees without passing speaking orders. Justice Singh queried as to what is an urban forest and whether it has been defined anywhere, to which the court was told that an urban forest is one which is inside a city. The HC, thereafter, orally said, “Delhi does not need an ornamental park. It needs a forest”. “This is not acceptable, ” the judge said. Justice Singh said that the affidavit filed by the DDA “seems to suggest” that the court’s earlier order has been “totally misunderstood”. The matter is listed on May 17. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-ornamental-park-forest-high-court-9307202/ (04 May 2024)
SC committee for action against DDA for illegal construction in Ridge Supreme Court appointed Central Empowered Committee, in a report to SC, has recommended legal action against DDA for illegal construction felling of over 750 trees in south Delhi Ridge area in violation of SC orders and without any permission from centre. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/supreme-court-committee-recommends-action-against-dda-for-illegal-construction-in-ridge/articleshow/109896625.cms (07 May 2024)
Ghaziabad Fecal contamination found in 8 of 15 water samples Following complaints of diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain and fever by scores of residents last week, the UP health department has found fecal contamination in eight water samples out of 15 collected from Saya Gold Avenue society in Indirapuram. Officials from the Ghaziabad office of the health department said the samples were taken from underground and overhead tanks, adding a total of 762 persons had diarrhoea-like symptoms while 17 people were admitted in the hospital. Officials, meanwhile, said it was not clear how the water got contaminated. Water samples and stool samples are being collected for further testing. They will be sent to KGMU, Lucknow, to find out the exact cause of the incident. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/fecal-contamination-found-in-8-of-15-water-samples-collected-from-high-rise-in-ghaziabad-9312447/ (07 May 2024)
400 residents fall ill Around 400 residents of a high-rise society in Ghaziabad began falling ill over the past 7-10 days, complaining of diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain and fever. They informed their local councilor Friday (May 04), who told the Chief Medical Officer. The health department has now collected around 15 water samples from Saya Gold Avenue and neighbouring societies to ascertain if there is contamination in the water supply. According to residents, the situation worsened in the last three-four days when more people rapidly began falling ill. Residents suspected that it could be a case of water contamination. Residents claimed the society’s basement has had a persistent issue of waterlogging since they were handed over the flats. However, whenever they raised the issue with the builders, they got no response. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/400-residents-fall-ill-at-ghaziabad-high-rise-samples-collected-to-check-for-contamination-9308436/ (05 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 Recycled water for new sectors GMDA plans to transport recycled water to new sectors along Dwarka Expressway through a new pipeline. The pipeline will distribute treated wastewater (TWW) from the CETP in Manesar, which has a capacity of 55 MLD, to the existing recycle pipelines in sectors 81, 86, 87, 90, 91 and 92. It had earlier conducted a trial to supply recycled water to the green belts of these sectors.
An official from GMDA said that although HSVP had previously installed pipelines to supply treated wastewater in sectors 81 to 104 from Dhanwapur STP. However, encroachments delayed the land acquisition at various locations. Now they have installed a pipeline from CETP Manesar to Sector 91. Out of 55 MLD at CETP Manesar, 5 MLD is being used by the HSIIDC for horticulture, and approximately 4-5 MLD is being used by builders for construction work. “Around 15-20 MLD of recycled water will be reused in the green belt area for watering purposes in new sectors,” a senior GMDA official said. The project has cost GMDA Rs 2.2 crore. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/recycled-water-for-new-sectors-to-curb-potable-water-usage/articleshow/110239771.cms (19 March 2024)
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)
URBAN FLOODS
Ghaziabad MCC holds up ₹119 cr project to prevent flooding Officials said they already tendered out the works before imposition of the MCC and cleaning of 109 major drains, 335 medium and about 635 small drains is underway. Taking cue from last year’s waterlogging during the monsoon months, the municipal corporation of Ghaziabad has started cleaning and desilting drains about a month earlier than usual this year, but a major project to prevent flooding in city’s residential colonies has been put on hold due to prevalence of the model code of conduct (MCC), municipal officials said. Officials said they already tendered out the works before the imposition of the model code and currently, the cleaning of 109 major drains, 335 medium and about 635 small drains is underway. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/noida-news/ghaziabad-poll-code-holds-up-119-crore-project-to-prevent-urban-flooding-101715540453925.html (13 May 2024)
Report Cities stripping out concrete for earth & plants From Australia to Ontario, cities are taking up unnecessary stretches of concrete and asphalt, allowing nature to take hold in their place. The question is whether the authorities responsible for cities, and planning, realise this.
The idea of depaving, sometimes known as desealing, is a simple one – replace as much concrete, asphalt and other forms of hard landscaping as possible with plants and soil. It’s been around since at least 2008, when the Depave group in Portland was founded. Proponents say depaving allows water to soak into the ground, which reduces flooding in times of heavy rain – aiding the “sponginess” of cities. Native plants help wildlife cling on in urban spaces, and by planting trees you can increase shade, protecting residents from heatwaves. Injecting city streets with greenery may even improve people’s mental health, too. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240222-depaving-the-cities-replacing-concrete-with-earth-and-plants (23 Feb. 2024)
RELEVANT REPORTS
SANDRP Blog After 10 years of Namami Gange and Rs 40K Cr expenditure Ganga remains dirty The reports this week from Ganga basin rivers clearly show that after ten years of Namami Gange and NMCG (National Mission for Clean Ganga) efforts and expenditure of over Rs 40 000 Cr, there is no improvement in even river pollution, leave aside the state of river flows or state of the rivers in the Ganga basin.
In fact, there is nothing to show that even the new STPs are making any difference to the river even with respect to the limited objective of sewage treatment. As highlighted in the report below, until and unless the governance of STPs become more transparent, accountable and participatory, there is no hope for change, no matter how much money is spent, how much new STP capacity is added or what technology is used. Only a responsive, confidence inspiring governance can make a difference. But there is no interested in working in that direction from the government. https://sandrp.in/2024/05/20/drp-nb-200524-after-ten-years-of-namami-gange-and-rs-40-000-cr-expenditure-ganga-remains-dirty/ (20 May 2024)
PRC Kota declaration of RFD pojects in India From 1st June to 2nd June 2024, activists & concerned citizens gathered in Kota for a National Consultation on RFD in India titled, “Rivers at Risk: Riverfront Dev & Socio-Ecological Crisis” & after discussion released Kota Declaration on Riverfronts. https://prcindia.in/announcements/kota-declaration-on-riverfront/ (04 June 2024)
Vikalp Sangam Re-envisioning riverscapes & urban riverfronts For over a decade, experts in river ecology have been warning against prioritizing cosmetic beautification of rivers over their genuine restoration and revitalization. Himanshu Thakkar, an environmental activist working on water related issues with SANDRP, highlights the importance of considering a river’s “character, purpose, and cultural value,” stating that neglecting these factors could result in more problems than solutions. Over the years, with an increasing number of dams for hydropower generation and rising impacts of climate change, Indian rivers, especially in urban areas, are facing the dichotomy of water scarcity and flash flooding. The solution to both problems lie in ensuring that the ecological flow of rivers (linear, horizontal, and vertical) across all the seasons is maintained.
To truly restore rivers and enjoy their beauty, we need to create & sustain democratic participatory processes that include mapping hydrology and stakeholders (including non-human) of the rivers. Thereafter, we need to successfully implement Rights of Nature by recognizing rivers’ right to exist and regenerate. It is compelling that we prioritize bioregional governance and strategies for addressing the looming climate and biodiversity crises. By embracing the solutions offered by nature, we can pave the way for restoration & regeneration and secure our future. https://vikalpsangam.org/article/re-envisioning-riverscapes-and-urban-riverfronts-in-india-toward-ecological-and-social-harmony/ (2 May 2024)
Study Human actions changing rivers -Agriculture and urbanisation are likely speeding up the process of breakdown of plant litter in rivers and streams globally, according to a new study. This could contribute to increased greenhouse gas emissions and disrupt the food chain, the study published in Science warned.
Leaves that reach the rivers are decomposed by bacteria and fungi. They are, in turn, consumed by insects, which are then preyed upon by fish. Faster decomposition rates mean the carbon is released into the atmosphere even before the insects get a chance to absorb the carbon from the leaf.
“When human activities change the fundamental ways rivers work, it is concerning. Increases in decomposition rates may be problematic for the global carbon cycle and animals, like insects and fish, that live in streams,” Krista Capps, co-author of the study and associate professor atthe University of Georgia, said in a statement. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/climate-change/human-actions-are-changing-rivers-by-altering-decomposition-rates-increasing-greenhouse-gas-emissions-study-96445 (31 May 2024)
Surge in HEP dams is driving massive biodiversity loss -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 (25 May 2024)
Report Role of ‘river culture’ in rise & fall of Harappan civilisation’ The study suggested that the Yamuna River, which once met the Ghaggar-Hakra River near Suratgarh in Sri Ganganagar district of Rajasthan, shifted eastwards toward its current bed around 18,000 years ago, 12,000 years before the rise of the Harappan culture in the area. https://theprint.in/opinion/what-caused-the-rise-and-fall-of-harappan-civilisation-studies-debunk-role-of-river-culture/2071070/ (6 May 2024)
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)
India to be among top 4 contributors of microplastics in waterbodies China, India, the United States and Japan will account for 51 per cent of this volume, according to the 2024 Plastic Overshoot Day (POD) Report. India will release 391,879 tonnes of microplastics and will be the second leading polluter of the waterbodies after China (787,069 tonnes) in the world, the analysis by Swiss non-profit EA Earth Action showed.
In 2024, at least 291,071 T of chemical additives will be discharged into the waterbodies, according to the POD report. Of this, 40 per cent will come from four nations — China, India, the Russian Federation and Brazil, the scientists wrote. India will release 31,483 T of chemical additives from microplastics and will be the second leading polluter of waterways through this method after China (59,208 T), according to the authors. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/waste/in-2024-india-to-be-among-top-4-contributors-of-microplastics-released-into-waterbodies-95883 (30 April 2024)
American Rivers Flooding & river conservation In fact, while billions of taxpayer dollars have been spent building dams to stop floods from occurring, and more billions spent building levees to keep floods away from homes, and multi-billions more subsidizing people to rebuild in the aftermath, relatively little has been spent to protect floodplains from new development that will otherwise aggravate future disasters, and little has been invested to help people relocate away from deadly hazards whenever the flood victims are willing to go.
– The Natural Resources Defense Council recently found that every $1.70 our government spends helping people move away from flood hazards has been matched with $100 helping people stay in the danger zone by paying for relief, rebuilding, and subsidized insurance, all in order await the next flood. None of that covers the cost of the dams and levees that are too often ineffective or even hazardous with risks of over-topping and failure in the largest floods—not to mention the well-known damage that dams and levees often do to the nature of rivers. https://www.americanrivers.org/2024/05/flooding-and-river-conservation/ (07 May 2024)
Compiled by Bhim Singh Rawat (bhim.sandrp@gmail.com)
Also see: Yamuna Manthan 2 May 2024; Yamuna Manthan 3 April 2024
Follow us on: www.facebook.com/sandrp.in; https://twitter.com/Indian_Rivers
Carrying forward the legacy of Yamuna conservation work done by Late Manoj Mishra, Convenor of Yamuna Jiye Abhiyan, SANDRP is publishing a compilation of news reports and other relevant information on contemporary issues related to Yamuna River from Feb 2024. This is the fifth monthly report in the series, released on the first Wednesday of every month. The main purpose is to document and research the issues affecting the Yamuna river and riverine people so that all concerned may get updated information. All of you are requested to read, share and give suggestions to improve it.
SANDRP 