(Feature Image: BSF personnel patrol along the Teesta River on the border with Bangladesh near the Barun border post, 80km from Siliguri in July 2016. Image credit: AFP/ Source: Scroll In)

The news this week that India and Bangladesh have agreed for India to help Bangladesh conserve the Teesta River that flows from India to Bangladesh. We hope this development is taken to its logical conclusion soon in terms of implementation of the project as soon as possible. This has the potential to not only two nations working together on conservation and rejuvenation of the Teesta River, but also possibly other 53 shared rivers. However, it would have been better if the W Bengal government would have been briefed, taken into confidence and involved in the discussions. History tells us that the cooperation efforts do not succeed without the involvement of all the stakeholders.

The formation of Joint Technical Committee to initiate discussions for the renewal of the Ganges Water Sharing treaty 1996 that will expire in 2026. One hopes that all these happen with a benevolent disposition from India as this has the potential of creating a much stronger bond between the two countries. A good example is the 1996 Ganga treaty that was also signed with a benevolent disposition. This move can also help strengthen the relations across South Asia as both Nepal and Bhutan are hoping to export hydro-electricity to Bangladesh via India.

India to help Bangladesh conserve Teesta river Among the new India-Bangladesh initiatives agreed during Bangladesh PM’s visit to India was an announcement by Modi after the meeting that India will soon send a technical team to Bangladesh for management and conservation of the Teesta river inside Bangladesh. The announcement is significant as it comes amid efforts by China to convince Dhaka to allow it to develop the Teesta basin. Aware of India’s reservations about China’s role, Bangladesh has maintained it will consider “geopolitical issues” before going ahead with the project, which will apparently cost $ 1 billion. “As part of our development cooperation, we will also undertake conservation and management of Teesta River inside Bangladesh with Indian assistance within a mutually agreed timeframe,” said a joint statement. India’s technical team is expected to first examine if there’s any need for a reservoir to be built, something which the Chinese have reportedly suggested. For India, it’s important that Bangladesh remains mindful of Indian security concerns while pursuing economic projects with Beijing.

The leaders also welcomed formation of a Joint Technical Committee to initiate discussions for the renewal of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty of 1996. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/eye-on-china-india-to-help-bangladesh-conserve-teesta-river/articleshow/111196158.cms  (23 June 2024)

The Trinamool Congress on Sunday (June 23) protested against the move by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to start negotiations with Dhaka for the renewal of the 1996 agreement between India and Bangladesh for the sharing of water of the Ganges. The TMC, which is in power in West Bengal, alleged that the Centre did not consult the state government before going ahead to start the negotiations for the renewal of the agreement between India and Bangladesh. The party is likely to take up the matter in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, arguing that the Centre must consult the state governments before moving ahead and starting negotiations with Dhaka for the renewal of the treaty. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/west-bengal/after-stalling-teesta-deal-mamatas-party-now-opposes-ganges-treaty-renewal-with-bangladesh-2-3077590  (23 June 2024)

The Ganges Water Treaty, signed by India and Bangladesh in 1996, is a 30-year treaty due to expire in 2026, and may be renewed by mutual consent. Under the treaty, the upper riparian India and lower riparian Bangladesh agreed to share the water of this transboundary river at Farakka, a dam on Bhagirathi river around 10 kms from Bangladesh border. Several concerns have been raised over the treaty by states like West Bengal and Bihar, who have blamed the Farakka barrage for erosion, siltation, and floods. In February 2022, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee had written to PM Modi expressing concern over the continuous erosion along the Ganga in Malda, Murshidabad and Nadia districts. https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/west-bengal-not-consulted-over-ganga-water-treaty-with-bangladesh-trinamul-congress/cid/2029092  (30 June 2024)

HYDRO POWER PROJECTS

Uttarakhand HC directs state to consider NDMA recommendations The Uttarakhand High court has directed the state to consider the National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) recommendations before taking any further action on the Vishnugad-Tapovan hydropower project and has given four weeks to reach a resolution. This directive follows a previous order where the court instructed the NDMA to submit a status report to the state. The court was hearing a PIL filed in 2021, which raised environmental concerns regarding the hydropower project close to Joshimath town. The next hearing is scheduled for Aug 13. During Thursday’s proceedings, the bench of Chief Justice Ritu Bahri and Justice Alok Kumar Verma was informed by the NDMA that it had formulated conclusive recommendations, which have not been disclosed to the public.

– These recommendations have been forwarded to the state for a definitive determination on future measures related to the project. NTPC informed the court that it has spent Rs 6,300 crore on the project so far. Since work was halted, approximately Rs 470 crore have been spent on interest and other expenditures. The target for completing the hydropower project has now been revised to Jan 2029. Earlier, the court had suspended further construction of the project and referred the matter to the NDMA for the review. The foundation stone for the project was laid by the then Union power minister P M Saeed on Feb 14, 2005, and its construction started in 2006. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/hc-directs-state-to-consider-ndma-recommendations/articleshow/111178630.cms  (22 June 2024)

बेतरतीब निर्माण कार्यों से काली, धौली के अवरुद्ध होने का खतरा -भारत और नेपाल जिस तरह सड़क निर्माण का मलबा डाल रहे हैं, सीमा विभाजक काली नदी का बहाव कभी भी अवरुद्ध हो सकता है। यह आशंका यदि सच साबित हुई तो भारत का धारचूला, बलुवाकोट, जौलजीबी, झूलाघाट, टनकपुर और नेपाल के दार्चुला, जुलाघाट, समेत निचले इलाके की लाखों की आबादी को इसके परिणाम भुगतने होंगे। काली के दोनों किनारे विशालकाल बोल्डर और मलबे से पट गए हैं। नदी कई स्थानों पर बेहद संकरे मार्ग से बह रही है। ऐसे में एक छोटा भूस्खलन भी भरत-नेपाल की घाटियों के लिए खतरा बन सकता है।

-भारत में चारधाम परियोजना के तहत बनाये जा रहे टनकपुर-लिपूलेख मार्ग के निर्माण के लिए इन दिनों धारचूला से तवाघाट के बीच सड़क को चौड़ा किया जा रहा है। भारत के समानांतर नेपाल भी महाकाली कॉरीडोर परियोजना के तहत काली नदी के किनारे सड़क निर्माण कर रहा है। भारत की तरह नेपाल में भी डायनामाइट और जेसीबी मशीनों का इस्तेमाल किया जा रहा है। नेपाल की तरफ के बोल्डर और मलबा भी काली में समा रहा है।

-तवाघाट में दारमा घाटी से आने वाली धौली नदी, काली में मिल जाती है। काली की अपेक्षा धौली बेतरतीब सड़क निर्माण और बिजली परियोजनाओं से उत्पन्न संकट से अपेक्षाकृत ज्यादा जूझ रही है। काली नदी में नेपाल की सहमति के बिना बिजली परियोजनाएं स्थापित नहीं की जा सकती; इसलिए बिजली बनाने का सारा दबाव धौली पर है। तवाघाट-पांगू मार्ग पर छिरकिला में एनएचपीसी पहले ही 56 मीटर ऊंचा बांध बना चुका है। इस बांध से ऐलागाड़ में पावर हाउस तक पानी टनल के जरिए जाया गया है। यह टनल ऐसे इलाके में बनी है, जो भूस्खलनों के लिए कुख्यात है। टनल के ऊपर बसे खेला, पलपला, स्यांकुरी आदि गांव धंस रहे हैं। जलस्रोत सूख गए हैं। धौली और उसकी सहायक नदियों पर सेला उर्थिंग, बोलिंग में भी बांध प्रस्तावित हैं।

-छिरकिला में बांध बनने के बाद सदानीरा धौली अब साल में सिर्फ दो महीने ही बहती है। शेष दस महीने पूरा पानी टनल के जरिए बिजली बनाने के लिए ऐलागाड़ स्थित एनएचपीसी के पावरहाउस में भेज दिया जाता है। तवाघाट में दुकान चलाने वाले जीत सिंह धामी बताते हैं कि, बांध ओवरफ्लो हो जाने के कारण जुलाय और सितंबर में ही धौली में पानी छोड़ जाता है। पानी कम होेने के कारण तवाघाट का तापमान भी बढ़ गया है। https://www.downtoearth.org.in/hindistory/river/ganga/danger-of-the-kali-river-being-blocked-due-to-haphazard-construction-work-96731  (18 June 2024)

Report ‘Coal imports to increase in H1 on lower hydro power generation’ -Amid decreasing hydroelectricity production due to inadequate rainfall, India is poised to increase its coal consumption to meet the rising power demands, according to S&P Global Commodity Insights. This shortfall in hydroelectric power is also expected to maintain India’s dependence on coal imports.  https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/coal/indias-energy-crisis-coal-imports-to-rise-as-hydroelectric-power-wanes/111086863  (18 June 2024)  -Depleting hydroelectricity output amid irregular rainfall in the past fiscal has led to a lower water level available in the country’s primary reservoirs which could further reduce India’s hydropower generation during the summer, the agency said. https://www.financialexpress.com/business/industry-coal-imports-to-increase-in-h1-on-lower-hydro-power-generation-3528441/  (19 June 2024)

DAMS

Sardar Sarovar Project  सरदार सरोवर के जलस्तर में बदलाव से अधर में लटकी हजारों परिवारों की जिंदगियां मध्यप्रदेश शासन की इकाई नर्मदा घाटी विकास प्राधिकरण की वार्षिक रिपोर्ट में भी बैकवाटर लेवल में बदलाव का जिक्र है, जिससे डूब से प्रभावित गांवों व परिवारों की संख्या बदली है। इस बदलाव से मध्यप्रदेश में डूब प्रभावित गांवों की संख्या घटकर 176 और परिवारों की संख्या 21 हजार 808 हो गई है। इसके पहले डूब प्रभावित गांवों की संख्या 360 और परिवारों की संख्या 37,754 थी।

– 1984 में केंद्रीय जल आयोग ने नर्मदा के डूब क्षेत्र का आकलन व बैकवाटर लेवल का निर्धारण किया था, लेकिन 2007 में नर्मदा नियंत्रण प्राधिकरण (एनसीए) ने नई कमेटी बनाकर, जमीनी सर्वे किए बिना 2008 में बैकवाटर लेवल बदल दिया। जिससे धार, बड़वानी, खरगौन व अलिराजपुर जिलों के 193 गांव के 15,946 परिवार डूब से बाहर हो गए। ऐसे परिवारों को अब पुनर्वास मुआवजा का बकाया हिस्सा नहीं मिल पा रहा है। जैसा कि एकलवाड़ा के एक अन्य ग्रामीण देवी सिंह तोमर ने बताया, “2002 में उनके मकान का अधिग्रहण किया गया, 2004-05 में उन्हें प्लॉट आवंटित कर दिया गया, लेकिन 2008 में डूब क्षेत्र से बाहर कर दिये जाने के बाद मकान बनाने के लिए पैसे नहीं दिये जा रहे हैं और यह कहा जा रहा है कि आप डूब से बाहर हैं।”

– नर्मदा नियंत्रण प्राधिकरण के द्वारा 2008 में किये गये आकलन में 193 अलग–अलग गांवों में बैकवाटर लेवल में 1.93 मीटर से 6.68 मीटर तक बदलाव किया गया है। उदाहरण के लिए धार जिले की धार तहसील के लासन गांव का पुराना बैकवाटर लेवल 151.69 मीटर था, जिसे बाद में 6.68 मीटर कम कर 145.01 मीटर कर दिया गया। धार जिले के मनावर तहसील के एकलवाड़ा गांव में लेवल को 143.04 मीटर से कम करके 139.52 मीटर कर दिया गया। लेकिन, 16 सितंबर 2023 को यह उस सीमा से पार पहुंच गया।

– साउथ एशिया नेटवर्क ऑन डैम, रिवर्स एंड पिपुल (एसएनडीआरपी) के संयोजक व डैम प्रबंधन व नदियों के जानकार हिमांशु ठक्कर कहते हैं, “इस संबंध में किसी की जिम्मेवारी तय नहीं है और न ही कोई रेगुलेशन है। जब बाढ़ आने से पहले काफी मात्रा में बारिश हो चुकी थी तो उस अनुसार एक्शन लेना चाहिए था। अगर सही समय पर पानी छोड़ने का निर्णय लिया जाता तो डाउनस्ट्रीम को भी बाढ़ से बचाया जा सकता था। 2019 में भी इसी वजह से नर्मदा में बाढ़ आयी थी और फिर 2023 में भी। ऐसी आपदा से बचा जा सकता था।”

– ठक्कर ने मोंगाबे हिंदी से बातचीत में कहा, “जब बांध बनाया जाता है तो कहा जाता है कि इसके जरिये बाढ़ का प्रबंधन करेंगे, लेकिन यह सिद्धांत तभी व्यावहारिक रूप में सफल हो सकता है जब इस उद्देश्य को ध्यान में रखकर उसका प्रबंधन किया जाए।” 

– ठक्कर का मानना है कि डैम को पूरा तभी भर सकते हैं जब मानसून एकाध हफ्ता ही बाकी हो। वे कहते हैं कि सितंबर अंत को मानसून का अंत मान लिया जाता है, लेकिन बीते सालों में यह देखा गया है कि मानसून के पैटर्न में बदलाव आया है, अक्टूबर मध्य और यहां तक कि कई बार उसके बाद भी बारिश होती है। इसलिए बांधों के जल प्रबंधन में इस बदलाव को ध्यान में रखना होगा।

– वे बताते हैं कि हर डैम का एक रूल कर्व होता है जो यह तय करता है कि डैम में किस तारीख को कितना पानी भरा जाएगा, तीन से पांच साल में रूल कर्व का रिव्यू किया जाना चाहिए और इसके अनुसार डैम के इनफ्लो पैटर्न को बदलना चाहिए। वे इस बात पर भी जोर देते हैं कि हर साल रिवर बेसिन का इंटीग्रेटेड रूल कर्व भी होना चाहिए, क्योंकि डैम में गाद जमा हो रही है, बेसिन में नए डैम बन रहे हैं; लेकिन वर्तमान में रूल कर्व को किसी डैम द्वारा फॉलो नहीं किया जा रहा है और उस हिसाब से डैम का संचालन नहीं हो रहा है।

– बैकवाटर लेवल के निर्धारण के सवाल पर ठक्कर कहते हैं, “हमारे देश में इंडिपेंडेंट टेक्निकल एक्सपर्ट कम हैं और उनके तर्क को अदालतें भी नहीं मानती हैं और हमारे यहां के ज्यादातर एकेडमिक रिसर्च इंस्टीट्यूट या तो सीधे तौर पर सरकार से फंडेंड हैं या किसी तरह उनके प्रभाव के दायरे में हैं। मुझे लगता है कि इस वजह से बैकवाटर लेवल में बदलाव पर उठाये गये सवालों पर कुछ हो नहीं सका।” (By Rahul Singh) https://hindi.mongabay.com/2024/06/21/sardar-sarovar-water-level-variations-disrupt-thousands/  (21 June 2024)

Appeal for rehabilitation of SSP affected families In an appeal to the Narmada Control Authority on Wednesday (June 19), several concerned citizens, retired bureaucrats, environmentalists, activists, academics, and people’s organisations from across the country have called for the immediate and complete rehabilitation of all the families affected by the Sardar Sarovar project and asked for the reservoir level to be maintained at 122 metres. Further, the petition pointed out that the rehabilitation of a few thousand affected families still remains pending and “the delay in providing justice by state and central governments and responsible agencies is particularly unjust towards Dalits and Adivasis”. The signatories have also sent a copy of the letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde, Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav, Gujarat chief minister Bhupendrabhai Patel and union Jal Shakti minister C.R. Patil. Notably, social activist Medha Patkar is on an indefinite fast since June 15 demanding that all the people affected by the Sardar Sarovar project should be rehabilitated as per the Supreme Court order. https://thewire.in/environment/activists-former-bureaucrats-appeal-for-rehabilitation-of-families-affected-by-sardar-sarovar-project  (19 June 2024)

People’s organizations write to Narmada Control Authority -As the Narmada Satyagraha and indefinite fast by social activist Medha Patkar enters its fifth day, hundreds of concerned citizens, activists, academics, environmentalists, film makers, former bureaucrats, feminists, youth activists and people’s organizations from across India wrote to the Narmada Control Authority and other authorities, calling upon them to address the legitimate demands of the movement. They appealed for immediate and complete rehabilitation of all affected families and maintaining Sardar Sarovar reservoir level at 122 mts, until such time. https://countercurrents.org/2024/06/hundreds-of-concerned-citizens-and-peoples-organizations-across-india-write-to-narmada-control-authority/  (19 June 2024) 

Letter from a Member of Parliament to the Prime Minister about rehabilitation of Sardar Sarovar displaced and Medha Patkar’s ongoing fast.

Medha Patkar’s fast and solidarity movement must pave the way for speedy justice for all remaining adversely affected people of Narmada dams (Bharat Dogra) https://countercurrents.org/2024/06/medha-patkars-fast-and-solidarity-movement-must-pave-the-way-for-speedy-justice-for-all-remaining-adversely-affected-people-of-narmada-dams/  (22 June 2024)

कितना कठिनाइयों से भरा था नर्मदा का संघर्ष -समय-समय पर हम सरकार के सामने यह मुद्दा रखते थे कि आदिवासी भाइयों के एक गाँव का पुनर्वास एक ही जगह होना चाहिए। वैसा तो हो नहीं सका। इसलिए जो 5 पुनर्वास स्थल बसाए गए थे वहीं ज्यादा से ज्यादा लोगों को बसाया गया। बाकी लोगों के लिए ज़मीन नहीं है, सिर्फ काग़ज़ पर है। काग़ज़ पर जो जमीन है वह भी एक्स-पार्टें 108 दी गई है, किसी को गुजरात में दी गई और कहीं एक ही जमीन चार या पाँच व्यक्तियों को दे दी गई। लोक अदालत या टास्क फोर्स के सर्वे ने दुनिया के सामने यह साफ कर दिया कि कई हजार लोगों का पुनर्वास होना बाकी था। लोगों को बिना बताए ही गोपालपुर-जैसे गाँव में पुनर्वास स्थल खोल दिया गया। वहाँ की जमीन कानूनी प्रक्रिया के तहत खरीदे बगैर ही लोगों को दिखाई गई और उन्हें गुमराह किया गया। तब सरकार के सामने कई शिकायतें पेश करके आदिवासियों को ज़मीन दिलाने की प्रक्रिया आन्दोलन ने हाथ में ली। https://rajkamalprakashan.com/blog/post/megha-patkar-and-narmada-bachao-aandolan-read-an-book-excerpt  (21 June 2024)

Polavaram Project CM uncertain about completion due to extent of damage Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu during his first visit after taking over a CM recently said: changing the agencies at crucial hours of works pertaining to upper cofferdam, transferring officials of the project who were experienced and knowledgeable about the project created a gap in the work, which proved fatal during floods in 2019 and 2020. “The gap in the upper cofferdam was to be filled before the flood season. However, due to change in the contracting agencies, change in officials, no work was done. In the subsequent floods, Diaphragm Wall was badly damaged 35% at four different places. Even stability of the upper cofferdam is doubtful given the leakages observed,” he explained.

– The CM said experts are trying to figure out how to address the issue of Diaphram Wall. “There is a proposal for parallel D Walls for the damaged portion. But, there is no guarantee that the rest of the structure will be intact. Cost of such repair work is expected to be Rs 448 crore. It should be noted that the entire D Wall was constructed with nearly the same amount. In case, an entirely new wall is to be constructed parallel to the old D Wall which is damaged, it is estimated to cost Rs 990 crore,” he elaborated. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2024/Jun/17/andhra-cm-chandrababu-naidu-visits-polavaram-project-uncertain-when-it-will-be-completed-due-to-extent-of-damage  (17 June 2024)

Kerala ISRO to support flood risk analysis for dams Suresh Gopi, Kerala MP and Union minister of state for petroleum and natural gas & tourism, has sought Isro’s support to evaluate the flood risk associated with the Mullaperiyar and Idukki dams in Kerala, the space agency said June 19. At a meeting on June 18, Gopi stressed the urgent need to assess the worst-case flood scenario linked to these dams. Isro chairman S Somanath assured of support in providing space technology-based inputs, such as high-resolution terrain data, to researchers engaged in flood modelling. Somanath suggested developing a prototype solution integrating flood risk analysis with rescue and rehabilitation planning, along with satellite communication capabilities. He also emphasised the importance of capacity building on the role of space-based support for disaster management.

– During the meeting, Prof Jaison Paul Mulerikkal from Rajagiri School of Engineering & Technology, Kochi, highlighted the requirement for very high-resolution terrain data, as publicly available data is insufficient for their ongoing research on flood risk modelling in the Periyar river basin. Sunil Paul from Christ College of Engineering in Ernakulam briefed about the development of a remotely operated solution for bathymetric survey and siltation assessment in dams. Prakash Chauhan, director, Isro’s National Remote Sensing Centre and his team presented the spatial flood early warning system developed for the Godavari and Tapi rivers, which utilises high-resolution ALTM-based digital elevation data and reservoir sedimentation studies. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/isro-to-support-flood-risk-analysis-for-kerala-dams/articleshow/111123858.cms  (20 June 2024)

Karnataka Not a drop of water in ₹ 200 cr dam built last year A Rs 200-crore bridge-cum-dam built across the Nethravathi and declared ready a year ago – to serve twin city suburbs of Ullal and Bantwal, besides parts of Mangaluru city — doesn’t have a drop of water yet.The bridge-cum-saltwater-exclusion dam (SWED), launched in 2020, is awaiting a crucial survey to determine the actual area of submersion and the required compensation before water could be stored. The dam is constructed under Paschimavahini Scheme at Harekala. The four-metre-high dam will have 51 crest gates. The bridge provides easy access for people from Puttur, Bantwal, and other taluks to reach Harekala, Konaje, Mudipu, Thokkotu, Ullal, and Kerala. The project was launched by minister for minor irrigation, JC Madhu Swamy, in 2020. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangaluru/not-a-drop-of-water-in-rs-200-crore-karnataka-dam-built-last-year/articleshow/111213010.cms  (24 June 2024)

Himachal Pradesh Renukaji dam work to begin after February next year Among the reasons attributed for its delay are opposition from local residents as well as the environmentalists, red tape, besides a series of technical and feasibility reports which were submitted to the Central government for seeking various clearances.

The work is slated to gather pace as key works like design of dam and diversion tunnels are nearing finalisation. According to the reply, “The Central Water Commission (CWC) has been appointed design consultant and a panel of geological experts is undertaking investigations for the design of the dam and diversion tunnels. The investigation in the main dam area have been completed while investigation in the spillway and downstream cofferdam area is underway.” Based on the results of these investigations, the CWC will proceed to design the dam and diversion tunnels. The commencement of construction for the diversion tunnels is expected in August 2024, while the main dam construction is anticipated to begin in February 2025.

Conceived in 1976 as a storage project on the Giri river in Sirmaur district, it envisages construction of 148-m high rock-fill dam on the Giri river at Dadahu in Sirmaur district and a dam toe powerhouse. It has been declared a Project of National Importance and as such the cost shall be borne by the Central Government and other beneficiary states in the ratio of 90:10. Its estimated cost has been pegged at Rs 6,946.99 crore. As much as 947.4 hectares out of 954.27 hectares of private land has been acquired whereas 909 hectares of forestland will be transferred after the Forest Clearance Stage-II. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/envisaged-in-1976-work-on-renukaji-dam-to-begin-after-february-next-year-633233  (23 June 2024)

Jharkhand CM Champai Soren on Sunday (June 23) directed government officials to take steps to develop ‘Burudih dam’ into a national-level tourist destination. https://theprint.in/india/jharkhand-cm-directs-officials-to-develop-burudih-dam-as-tourist-destination/2144100/  (23 June 2024)

INTERLINKING OF RIVERS

Report The audacious scheme to reroute India’s water Himanshu Thakkar of SANDRP is deeply concerned about the river-linking project—most notably its lack of transparency. Thakkar was part of a Supreme Court–appointed committee on river linking but says he was not allowed to review the hydrological data behind the plan’s logic of defining certain watersheds as surplus basins and others as sites with water deficits. “[That data] is a state secret,” says Thakkar. “It has not been peer-reviewed in any credible way,” he adds. “We need to take democratic and informed decisions—that’s not happening.” Beyond potentially disrupting the distribution of rainfall across India, the initial link of the project is expected to submerge large areas of a critical tiger reserve and kill more than two million trees. Thakkar says the project will also hurt populations of gharial (a family of fish-eating crocodiles), vultures, and several other key species. The question, Thakkar says, is: “Do we need it?” https://hakaimagazine.com/news/the-audacious-scheme-to-reroute-indias-water/  (20 June 2024)

Godavari-Cuavery Linking Plan expected to move forward in July In July the National Water Development Agency will meet to review the proposals, and discuss the issue with officials from the Telangana government. The meeting in addition to taking stock of Telangana’s stand on the issue, is also expected to discuss the change of location for offtake of Godavari water from Icchampally to the Samakka Sagar reservoir. It is learnt that the state government had raised objections to Icchampally as the offtake point as drawing water from here would impact water storage at downstream reservoirs in the state. The NWDA at the meeting, is expected to discuss the possibility of using the Samakka Sagar reservoir as the alternate take off point. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/telangana/godavari-cuavery-link-plans-expected-to-move-forward-in-july-900434  (23 July 2024)

INTERSTATE WATER DISPUTES

Yamuna Water Disputes Himachal does U-turn; says ‘No surplus water left’ Reacting to this abrupt U-turn manoeuvred by Himachal Pradesh, the Supreme Court bench couldn’t hide its irritation and called out the ‘casual’ manner of operating at inter-state level of governance. “You do not understand the repercussion of your statement to cover up the earlier statement….made such a casual statement before the Court without understanding the ramifications,” a Vacation Bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Prasanna B Varal was quoted by Live Law.

-It further warned the concerned attorney of contempt in case the hill state is being wrongly reported to not have surplus water.

“The officer who has supplied that chart is saying that we have excess water of 137 cusecs and the additional AG was not properly apprised of the situation. Now, you are issuing a letter that 137 is already in the pipeline….If you have excess water and you are not supplying that excess water, you are in contempt,” the Bench added.

-Realising the gravity of the situation, Himachal Pradesh’s Advocate General — the top lawyer representing the state — offered an apology for the snappy flip flop on the issue. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/water/no-end-in-sight-for-delhi-s-water-shortage-as-himachal-does-u-turn-says-no-surplus-water-left–96683  (13 June 2024)

IRRIGATION

Madhya Pradesh Canal land ‘disappears’ in union agri minister’s area Land designated for a canal in the constituency of Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has inexplicably vanished. The government department responsible for the canal has sought help from the revenue department to locate the missing land.

-Historically, the canal, documented to be used for irrigation in Daulatpura and Madankheda, was established with the aim of providing irrigation water to farmers and to boost agricultural productivity. This canal, positioned near the Betwa river, played a vital role in the region’s agriculture. However, the canal has mysteriously disappeared, leaving the community and the authorities puzzled. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/canal-lands-disappearing-act-in-shivraj-chauhans-area-stumps-officials-5939600  (21 June 2024)

– जबलपुर के पनागर क्षेत्र में लगभग 20 किलोमीटर लंबी नहरों (Canal Project) का जाल 2006 में बनाया गया था, लेकिन इन नहरे में अभी तक पानी नहीं आया है. जो नहरें बनाई गई थीं, वे भी अब जर्जर हाल में पहुंच गई हैं. ठेकेदार और भ्रष्ट अधिकारियों की मिलीभगत से नहरों के मेंटेनेंस कार्य  भ्रष्टाचार की भेंट चढ़ गया है. वहीं अब भारतीय किसान संघ ने आंदोलन की चेतावनी तक दे डाली है.

-रानी अवंती बाई लोधी सागर परियोजना के दाएं तट और बाएं तट की नहरों के मेंटनेंस कार्य में गंभीर लापरवाही व भ्रष्टाचार करने का आरोप लगाते हुये भारतीय किसान संघ के अखिल भारतीय प्रचार प्रमुख राघवेंद्र सिंह पटेल ने कहा कि नहरों के मरम्मतीकरण के कार्य को न केवल धीमी गति से किया जा रहा है, बल्कि उसमें भारी भ्रष्टाचार भी किया जा रहा है. निर्माण कार्य करने वाले ठेकेदार ने मापदंड के अनुसार कुलावा भी नहीं बनाये हैं, ऐसे में कहां से किसान नहरों से पानी लेगा? ठेकेदार के साथ सांठगांठ कर रानी अवंती बाई सागर परियोजना के अधिकारी भ्रष्टाचार में लिप्त हैं. जिसका शिकायत पत्र शीघ्र मुख्यमंत्री डॉ मोहन यादव को जांच के लिए सबूत के साथ भेजा जाएगा. https://mpcg.ndtv.in/madhya-pradesh-news/big-scam-in-irrigation-scheme-corruption-in-canal-maintenance-due-to-collusion-of-contractor-and-officials-rani-avanti-bai-lodhi-sagar-project-5921154  (19 June 2024)

URBAN RIVERS

Mula-Mutha; Pune Pune Greens cry foul as PMC closes 2 water channels Environment activists recently raised objections to the closure of two water channels of the Mula-Mutha rivers flowing along Naik Bet and another small island, even as the civic body defended its decision. Activists said Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) had filled the two channels of the rivers near the islands with large rocks/boulders and laid down geotextiles to prevent percolation of water. This would reduce aquifer recharge and endanger the greenery on the two islands as well as on the nearby river banks. The concreting of the channels could lead to floods, because water would overflow. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/pmc-closes-two-water-channels-of-mula-mutha-river-greens-cry-foul/articleshow/110160875.cms (16 May 2024)

Tawi; Jammu CS reviews RFD, artificial lake project Earlier, ACS, Jal Shakti Department, Shaleen Kabra, presented a broad overview of the works being carried out by his department for development of the lake inside the Tawi river from 4th bridge up to Gujjar Nagar in first phase. He informed that the works included construction of 4 promenades and embankments for a length of 2.7 km on both sides of the river from Bhagwati Nagar Barrage to Bikram Bridge including central island as part of phase first of this project. He added that the project, being established with an estimated cost of Rs 191.15 crore, is expected to be completed by September this year with an aggregate progress of nearly 80% on all of its components. https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/cs-reviews-tawi-riverfront-artificial-lake-development-project/  (08 June 2024)

Sabarmati; Ahmedabad Riverfront to be extended in 5 phases The ambitious plan will be spearheaded by the state govt through the Gujarat Urban Development Company Ltd (GUDCL), the nodal agency. The project will involve Sabarmati Riverfront Development Corporation Limited (SRFDCL), which has already developed 11km of the riverfront in Phase 1 and is working on developing a 5.5-km stretch between Subhash Bridge and Indira Bridge in Phase 2.

“The current plan is to extend the riverfront all the way to Gandhinagar Thermal Power Station, covering 38.5 km. For seamless coordination between various urban local bodies, the state govt has entrusted the project to GUDCL. The SRFDCL’s role will continue beyond Phase 2 as it will provide vital technical expertise as the consulting agency,” said a senior urban development department official. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/riverfront-to-be-extended-in-5-phases/articleshow/111125009.cms  (20 June 2024)

Jamnagar Corporation disposing 3000 factories poisonous chemical wastewater into Rangmati river to bypass the disposal into Ranmal Pond. https://x.com/dilthi_gujarati/status/1805071782195646512

Kukrail; Lucknow River to be developed on lines of Sabarmati RFD The area is set to become a major eco-tourism hub, with plans in motion to establish the country’s first night safari at Kukrail and relocate the zoo there, enhancing the region’s ecological and tourist appeal, said a UP government spokesperson.

-Officials from various departments, including LMC, LDA, and irrigation department, are actively engaged in formulating an action plan to develop a riverfront in the area. The vision includes creating picturesque parks on both banks of Kukrail river, offering adventure activities alongside for visitors. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/lucknows-kukrail-riverfront-to-be-developed-on-lines-of-sabarmati-101718213043915.html  (13 June 2024) Over 1900 families have been displaced due to the Akbarnagar demolition drive in Lucknow. https://www.thequint.com/news/india/akbarnagar-demolition-lucknow-uttar-pradesh-displaced-families  (23 June 2024)

Ghaggar; Panchkula Plans are afoot to construct a new bridge over Ghaggar river to connect Sector 23 with Sectors 3 and 21 in Panchkula. The Panchkula Metropolitan Development Authority (PMDA) has invited tenders for the ₹25-crore project. The setting up of STPs for tertiary water supply in Mansa Devi Complex, Sectors 1 to 21, Phases 1 and 2 of Industrial Area and extension sectors of the city was also discussed. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/new-bridge-coming-up-over-ghaggar-river-in-panchkula-101719079103676.html  (23 June 2024)

Tunga; Shivamogga Karnataka gets first RFD project The 2.7 km stretch has been transformed into a promising tourist attraction on the lines of the Sabarmati riverfront in Ahmedabad. The stretch extends from the bypass bridge to Bekkina Kalamata. This is one of the flagship projects of the Shivamogga Smart City Ltd. (SSCL), which has developed the riverfront at a cost of Rs 103 crore. Sources in SSCL told TNIE that the project was taken up in 2019 by KMV Project Ltd., to develop infrastructure along with a pedestrian bridge and promenade on the northern banks of the Tunga. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2024/Jan/31/karnataka-gets-first-riverfront-project-on-tunga  (31 Jan. 2024)

RIVERS

Rajasthan Luni: The salty lifeline of desert Introductory article by Mohit Rao and Siddharth Agarwal on 500 km long walk along Luni river in Feb. and March 2024 by eight fellows as part of the Moving Upstream: Luni fellowship.

https://veditum.org/2024/06/22/moving-upstream-luni-intro/  (22 June 2024)

Karnataka Pause on project to axe 99,000 trees in Sandur Days after a row over felling of 99000 trees in Ballari’s Sandur, Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre on Saturday (June 22) ordered his department not to hand over the 992 acre forest to the Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL). The minister conducted a meeting to review the project where he was briefed about the complaints against the KIOCL. The minister issued directions to hold the transfer of the land “in view of the complaints over the KIOCL’s failure to comply” with the CEC directions over the violations in the Kudremukh National Park.

The KIOCL, a central public sector unit, was dragged to the Supreme Court with allegations that mining activities were continued in the Kudremukh National Park in the Western Ghats despite the orders passed by the court in 1996 and 2000. Particularly damning were the allegations of polluting Bhadra river with the open cast mining. The CEC looked into the matter and made several recommendations. The KIOCL has now been accused of not following the CEC directions. The project put on hold was proposed by KIOCL in 2018 sought 401.5761 hectare (992.31 acre) of Devadari forest in Swamimalai Block, Sandur. The entire mining activity clearing 99000 trees, of which 21,259 on 292 acres would be cleared in the first five years. Officials have estimated 300 species of medicinal plants in the forest and recorded leopards, sloth bear, antelope and other animals along with several species of birds in the area. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/dh-impact-karnataka-forest-minister-khandre-pauses-project-to-axe-99000-trees-in-ballaris-sandur-3076958  (22 June 2024)

Jammu & Kashmir Unregulated tourism puts strain on fragile ecosystem The tourism boom is putting immense pressure on natural resources, resulting in overproduction of sewage, litter, loss of animal habitats, deforestation and various form of pollution. Heaps of plastic waste are now common in popular tourist spots like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Yusmarg, and Doodhpathri. Pilgrims visiting the Amarnath cave shrine are littering the high-altitude mountains, where waste decomposition is slow due to freezing temperatures.

The cave is near the Kolahoi glacier, which feeds the Lidder and Sindh rivulets, tributaries of the Jhelum River, Kashmir’s lifeline. Rapid tourism growth has also led to numerous infrastructure projects, often at the expense of the environment and without adequate consultation with local communities. While these developments boost the economy, they risk damaging the very assets that make Kashmir unique. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/jammu-and-kashmir/unregulated-tourism-puts-strain-on-kashmirs-fragile-ecosystem-3077673  (23 June 2024)

Jharkhand Dhanbad villagers depend on ‘chua’ for potable water The villagers of Charakkala, Kurhawa, Dhongabera, Mohli, Kolharia and several other hamlets in the Jatakhunti panchayat of Paschmi Tundi block, located some 50 kilometres from the district headquarters of Dhanbad, have been digging pits known as “chua” along the Nagawa River to get water for drinking and cooking purposes since independence. No govt has taken up any household water supply scheme successfully in this region, so far. Currently, the groundwater level in the villages has also dropped significantly, particularly during the summer, making the four hand pumps useless. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/77-years-after-independence-these-dhanbad-villagers-still-forced-to-collect-potable-water-the-stone-age-way/articleshow/111046135.cms  (17 June 2024)

Odisha Villagers push industry employee into drain Tension prevailed at Deojhar village under Joda block of the district following the death of a cow, which died reportedly after drinking water from the drain allegedly polluted by the industry by releasing contaminated water. Soon, some villagers approached the authorities of the concerned industry and appealed them not to release the contaminated water to the drain saying that they are using the water from the drain. Besides, animals and birds of the area also are drinking water from the water body.

Later, a group of employees from the industry went to the spot to inspect the situation. However, one of the locals reportedly pushed an employee to the drain as a mark of protest and to teach him a lesion of how they are suffering due to water pollution. It is not the first time that the locals are protesting over water pollution due to release of contaminated water from the industry. In the past, a school of fish had died after the industry released such contaminated water. https://kalingatv.com/odisha/annoyed-villagers-push-industry-employee-to-drain-as-mark-of-protest-over-water-pollution-in-keonjhar-district-watch/  (23 June 2024)

GANGA Uttar Pradesh A Journey of Ganga from Hardwar to Varanasi The depletion of water level in various rivers and the increasing pollution is a grave threat to not only our food security, agrarian system but also to our civilization hence we must protect and respect our rivers, rivulets and various waterbodies. (Vidya Bhushan Rawat) https://countercurrents.org/2024/06/an-impending-cultural-and-agrarian-crisis-in-uttar-pradesh-a-journey-of-ganga-from-hardwar-to-varanasi/  (21 June 2024)

Bihar Built for ₹12cr, bridge collapses before inauguration A portion of an under-construction bridge on Bakra river collapsed in Araria today (June 18).  The bridge was constructed to ease the commute between Kursakanta and Sikti. Being built at ₹ 12 crore, the bridge collapsed before its inauguration. The collapsed portion washed away within seconds and the people started running toward safety.

-In March this year, one person was killed and several others were trapped after an under-construction bridge collapsed in Supaul.  According to reports, the bridge was being built at a cost of ₹ 984 crore over the river Kosi. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/watch-built-for-rs-12-crore-bridge-in-bihar-collapses-before-inauguration-5916632  (19 June 2024)

Under-construction bridge collapses in Motihari An under-construction small bridge collapsed in East Champaran district on Sunday (June 23) in third such incident in Bihar in less than a week, officials said. The 16-metre-long bridge was being built over a canal by the state’s Rural Works Department (RWD) to connect Amwa village to other areas of the block. It was being built at a cost of Rs 1.5 crore, they added. The state has been witnessing to several mishaps involving bridges, large and small, constructed over rivers and other water bodies. Though such incidents have not resulted in casualties, these have led to questions being raised on the quality of public works. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/Jun/23/under-construction-bridge-collapses-in-bihars-motihari-third-one-in-less-than-a-week  (23 June 2024)

Gandak canal bridge collapses in Siwan village  An over three-decade-old bridge, erected over a canal near Ramgarha village in Siwan’s Daraundha block, caved in around 5.30am on Saturday (June 22). The bridge was connecting the villages of Daraunda and Maharajganj blocks. “The bridge, constructed in 1991, stood on a pillar. The canal, which links the Gandak river, might have experienced a rush of water from the river. Under its force, the pillar collapsed, and the two decks of the bridge also fell,” Siwan district magistrate Mukul Kumar Gupta said. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/gandak-canal-bridge-collapses-in-siwan-village-none-injured/articleshow/111198091.cms  (23 June 2024)

RIVERS BIODIVERSITY

Assam Rare sight of elephants swimming across Brahmaputra The video, filmed at Nimati Ghat, one of the main river ports in Assam, shows the elephants wading through the deep river with only the top portion of their bodies visible.

This remarkable display has captivated many, challenging the common belief that elephants are not adept in water. https://www.indiatoday.in/trending-news/story/photographer-captures-rare-sight-of-elephants-swimming-across-brahmaputra-ias-officer-reacts-2556913-2024-06-23  (23 June 2024)

FISH, FISHERIES, FISHERFOLKS

Madhya Pradesh Omkareshwar Floating Solar Power Park: Fishermen Lose Their Livelihood. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exta1PPFCoY  (19 June 2024)

Report मीठे पानी के जलाशयों के बाद समुद्री जल में डेरा डालती तिलापिया मछली -तिलापिया मछली, जो पहले सिर्फ मछली पालन के लिए मीठे जलाशयों में पाई जाती थी, अब समुद्र में भी फैल रही है। इससे समुद्री जीवन और मछली पालन व्यवसाय को नुकसान हो सकता है। इस स्थिति को समझने और इसका समाधान खोजने के लिए जरूरी हो जाता है कि इनके लिए अध्ययन और प्रबंधन योजनाएं बनाई जाएं। https://hindi.mongabay.com/2024/06/17/tilapia-highly-adaptable-and-invasive-fish-found-growing-in-marine-waters/  (17 June 2024)

SAND MINING

Uttar Pradesh 8 killed after truck carrying sand overturns in Hardoi 8 members of the same family died while one was seriously injured after a truck carrying sand overturned in UHardoi, police said on Wednesday (June 12). The truck carrying white sand overturned on a family living in a roadside shanty and the entire family got buried under it. By the time the sand and truck were removed, and the people buried under it were taken out, eight people including four children had died.

-“The truck was en route to Hardoi after mining sand from the banks of Ganga. Due to excess sand, it overturned at the turn, due to which this accident took place. After getting information about the incident, the police reached the spot and somehow retrieved the people buried under the truck, but everyone except a girl had died”, MP Singh, DM Hardoi said. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/eight-buried-to-death-under-sand-after-truck-overturns-in-uttar-pradeshs-hardoi-2552062-2024-06-12  (12 June 2024)

Haryana In violation of norms miners indulging in mechanized instream mining in Yamuna river at Jathlana, Yamuna Nagar in late night hours. (Dainik Jagran 19 June 2026)

Gujarat Sand mafia attacks scribe A journalist and cameraman of the digital platform of a Gujarati daily were mercilessly beaten up by persons allegedly involved in illegal sand mining in the Mahi River. The victims were admitted to the hospital in wake of the incident. The incident took place on Jun 12 when the cameraman Pradeep Chaubey and reporter Jigen Vora had gone to Kotna on the banks of Mahi on receiving information about illegal sand mining. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vadodara/sand-mafia-attacks-journalist/articleshow/110952222.cms  (13 June 2024)

Jammu & Kashmir Bridge collapses in Sarbal Pahalgam The bridge collapsed on June 20 when a riverbed sand laden dumper was crossing it near the Amarnath Yatra base camp in Pahalgam; it has left two vehicles stranded. No injuries have been reported.

https://www.greaterkashmir.com/videos/bridge-collapses-in-sarbal-pahalgam-no-injuries-reported/  (20 June 2024)

WATER OPTIONS

Chhattisgarh Parastarai villagers combat water crisis with crop shift Villagers in Parastarai, a village located 15 km away from the Dhamtari district, have taken a significant step to address and tackle the water crisis they have been facing almost every year. In the past, cultivating paddy caused severe water shortages. To combat this, the village leader, along with the 250 farmers of the village, made a crucial decision to no longer plant paddy during the Rabi season. Instead, they opted to sow pulses and oilseeds, which require less water.

The villagers also ensured that anyone caught cultivating paddy would be penalized with an amount of Rs 27,000 per hectare. Additionally, the villagers prepared rainwater harvesting soak pits, and rooftop structures were built in the village. The village has 203 tube wells. Previously, the underground water level had reached about 200 feet, but now it is at about 70 feet.

Due to these measures, the villagers of Parastarai did not face water scarcity this summer season. Besides, the fertility of the land has increased due to crop rotation, providing direct benefits to the farmers. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/raipur/parastarai-villagers-combat-water-crisis-with-crop-shift/articleshow/110918581.cms  (17 June 2024)

IWP Sludge for food, food for thought -A considerable quantity of sludge is generated from STPs across the country, but the data on the utilisation of this sludge is yet to be available. At a few STPs, this sludge is being used for gardening inside the premises of the treatment plant. Some STPs claim to use the sludge for horticultural and forestry crops, but most STPs have no plans for utilisation, so the sludge is disposed of in an unsafe manner. However, safe treatment and use of sewage sludge will combat public health and environmental health risks and address food security issues as a substitute for chemical fertilisers, thereby mitigating climate change effects by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

-Countries like Australia, South Africa, the United Kingdom (UK), and the US use sludge as fertiliser or soil conditioner for land application. Some of the best management measures developed countries follow to ensure safety are stabilisation, dewatering, composting, pellet production, and heat drying of sludge for broader applications. The most commonly used stabilization methods are anaerobic digestion and lime stabilization. https://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/sludge-food-food-thought  (04 June 2024)

GROUNDWATER

SANDRP Blog Causes & consequences of increasing land subsidence Land subsidence is increasing in area and intensity across the world, including in India. Climate Change is not the only reason. Excessive groundwater exploitation is a major cause, among others. This article tries to capture various aspects of this issue, including possible solutions. https://sandrp.in/2024/06/19/causes-and-consequences-of-increasing-worldwide-land-subsidence/  (19 June 2024)

Punjab Power subsidy drains groundwater reserves Even as economists have often derided the successive Punjab Governments for continuing with the power subsidy, which has been bleeding the state’s treasury and draining the underground water, it has become a politically sensitive issue over the decades. The free power for agricultural pumpsets owes its origin to a game of political one-upmanship played between two former Punjab CMs in the run up to the 1997 Vidhan Sabha elections. Before Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, then CM, could announce the free power subsidy for farmers, Akali Dal stalwart late Parkash Singh Badal (then Leader of Opposition in the Assembly) outsmarted her by listing the scheme in his poll manifesto.

Farmers maintain that 10 days of accumulated water helps hydrate the fields and also ensures that when they transplant paddy, water retains a bit longer on the land. Contradicting the perception, Punjab Director of Agriculture Jaswant Singh, however, says that their department has been spreading awareness among farmers to adopt direct seeding of rice. Author-turned-food-and-trade-policy expert Devinder Sharma says that it is wrong to blame only the farmers for water wastage when every section of the society is doing so. Supporting the farmers, Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ugrahan) state president of Joginder Singh Ugrahan says the government should even check the wastage of water by companies manufacturing colas and liquor.

According to experts, every tubewell pumps out 30.24 lakh litres of water per week with an average eight hours of power supply. This means, 14 lakh tubewells (estimated count in Punjab) pump out 4,385 billion litres of water in a week. from maximum depth by using 17 BHP motors, followed closely by Patiala with 16 BHP motors. “Average power subsidy in Punjab is around Rs 10,000 per acre annually. However, in some parts of Sangrur, Barnala and Patiala where the water level is low, the subsidy touches Rs 15,000 to 20,000 per acre on an yearly basis,” says a senior PSPCL official. According to recent data prepared by the PSPCL, the districts with critical water table continue to have maximum tubewells. Ludhiana has the highest 1.17 lakh tubewells, followed by Gurdaspur (99,581), Amritsar (93,946), Sangrur (93,669) and Patiala (87,888). These districts have shown the steepest decline in water table. Farmers in Barnala and Sangrur have been extracting water.

Of the 150 assessed blocks in Punjab, the Central Ground Water Assessment Board, in a report, categorised 114 (76.47 per cent) as “overexploited”, three (1.96 per cent as “critical”, 13 (8.5 per cent) as “semi-critical” and 20 blocks (13.07 per cent) as “safe”. A few years ago, a report submitted to the NGT, by an expert committee, had suggested that if paddy transplantation is delayed by a week, the state can meet the demand for water of its 3 crore population for more than 3.5 years. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/why-power-subsidy-drains-groundwater-reserves-632059  (19 June 2024)

Himachal Pradesh Obtain IIT report on polluted groundwater: HC The HP High Court on June 17 directed a Deputy Advocate General of the state to obtain the report from the IIT-Mandi regarding groundwater pollution in the Baddi-Barotiwala industrial area of Solan by June 27. The high court passed the order while hearing a PIL highlighting pollution-related problems in in the industrial belt of Solan. Recently, a research team of the IIT-Mandi had found cancer-causing pollutants in the groundwater of the Baddi-Barotiwala industrial area. A study undertaken by the research team revealed significant health risks posed by contaminated groundwater due to geogenic uranium and industrial pollutants such as zinc, lead, cobalt, nickel and chromium. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/obtain-iit-report-on-polluted-groundwater-high-court-orders-state-631879  (18 June 2024)

Karnataka Govt mulls policy to boost GW recharge Minister for Minor Irrigation and Science and Technology N S Boseraju on Wednesday (June 19) said the state government is contemplating formulating a new policy aimed at enhancing groundwater recharge throughout the state. The announcement was made during the inauguration of the three-day National Conference on Sustainable Groundwater Management for Water Security, organized by the Karnataka Science and Technology Academy.  https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/karnataka-government-mulls-policy-to-boost-groundwater-recharge-3072558  (19 June 2024)

URBAN LAKES, WETLANDS

Bengaluru Alstom to rejuvenate Agrahara lake According to this report the Bidare Agrahara Lake have been successfully rejuvenated in Doddabanahalli Village, Bengaluru East. The project involved a number of components including desilting, desludging, increasing the water storage capacity of the lake to 18 Cr litres in the Dakshina Pinakini River. https://thecsruniverse.com/articles/alstom-partners-with-united-way-of-bengaluru-to-rejuvenate-bidare-agrahara-lake  (22 June 2024)

Mumbai NGT issues notices over flamingo deaths The NGT issued notices dated May 30 to the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), the state forest department and the wetland authority, seeking their responses on the deaths of around 12 flamingos near the DPS Lake in Nerul, Navi Mumbai, on April 25.

The bench, comprising NGT chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member Dr Afroz Ahmad, transferred the case to the Western Zonal Bench and scheduled the hearing for July 17. The order pertains to the rampant death of flamingos at DPS Lake due to CIDCO’s development plan.

The NGT order highlighted a point from The Indian Express report on April 28 that the death of the flamingos can be attributed to “light pollution”, which partially impairs the vision of the birds due to their fragile eyes. It states that the newly installed LED lights disorient and misguide the birds while flying, which then happen to crash with random objects and get injured. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/ngt-cidco-forest-dept-wetland-authority-flamingo-deaths-9384062/  (11 June 2024)

URBAN WATER

Mumbai City missing a lake’s worth of water per day Currently, the city receives 3,850 MLD (million litres per day) of water from seven lakes against the requirement of at least 4,500 MLD, which could possibly rise to 5,000 MLD in the next five years. To match the demand-supply ratio, the desalination project at Manori, which can add 200 MLD of water after three years, will help to some extent. The project’s 200 MLD capacity can be later expanded to 400 MLD. In addition, the BMC revised a plan to construct a Gargai dam in the Tansa sanctuary which can add 440 MLD of water to the city’s supply. But both projects are in limbo. https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mumbai-city-missing-a-lakes-worth-of-water-per-day-23354596  (18 June 2024)

“My life has always been intertwined with struggle for water” A day in the life of Pravin Borkar a water activist in Mumbai and co-convener of Pani Haq Samiti (PHS), who advocates for universal water access in the face of discriminatory policies. https://idronline.org/features/water-sanitation/an-activists-journey-to-help-ensure-the-right-to-water/  (14 June 2024)

Symbiosis between Mumbai & its shrinking forests -The Adivasis living in Mumbai’s Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) and Aarey Forest, given their deep relationship with the natural forest, struggle to make sense of the intruding city. Natural resources such as water are no longer theirs by right and only documents issued by the city legitimise their lives, but infrastructure projects of the city disregard the natural area. Their objects of existence have been curated in an exhibition, at one of Mumbai’s iconic galleries, with each exhibit narrating a story of their connection with the natural greens. (Jashvitha Dhagey) https://questionofcities.org/see-the-frayed-symbiosis-between-mumbai-and-its-forests/  (4 June 2024)

Bengaluru Only 1 out of 10 govt bldgs harvests rainwater in city Out of the about 2,500 central, state, and BBMP buildings on the radar of BWSSB in Bangalore, 264 — nearly 11% — have installed RWH systems, according to the latest billing software data of the water utility.  BWSSB chairman V Ram Prasath Manohar said there are a lot of govt buildings which haven’t implemented RWH. “We’ve sent notices to many buildings, including govt ones, and in case they aren’t going to abide by it soon, we’ll be penalizing them too,” he said.

– The overall adoption rate, though, remains low, with only 1,99,217 buildings complying since 2009. According to BWSSB estimates, there are about 50 lakh buildings in Bengaluru. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/low-rainwater-harvesting-compliance-in-bengaluru-govt-buildings/articleshow/111069938.cms  (18 June 2024)

Govt hints at hiking water tariff Deputy CM DK Shivakumar said on June 19 that the water tariff has not been increased for the past 10 years and it’s time for a review. Shivakumar said he has asked officials to review the financial position of BWSSB and come up with a report. “Let them give a report first. We will place it before the public before taking a call. The fifth phase of Cauvery project is going to be completed. In 10-15 days, I’ll ensure completion of BWSSB work in this regard. At least 70% of the water bill is incurred through power bills and labour charges. Every year, we suffer a big loss. Hence, there is no option. I am working out possibilities and discussing how to stabilize the company (BWSSB),” he added. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/karnataka-government-considers-hiking-water-tariff-in-bengaluru/articleshow/111122952.cms  (20 June 2024)

Kochi Over 300 residents fall sick after drinking contaminated water The outbreak of water-borne illnesses earlier this week at a high-rise apartment complex in Kakkanad, Kochi, affecting over 300 residents, has brought sharp focus on the critical issue of water safety. According to Manorama News, over 338 residents of DLF New Town Heights experienced symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, prompting them to seek medical attention. Among those affected, 25 were children under the age of five.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the crucial importance of clean, safe drinking water in our daily lives. While government intervention is vital, individuals can also take proactive steps to safeguard themselves and their families from contaminated water. https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/life-style/kochi-kerala-residents-water-contamination-waterborne-illnesses-health-9409609/  (24 June 2024)

Chennai What ₹30K cr airport project mean for environment? In the proposed Parandur project site, an area of 5,369 acres (2172.73 Hectares) has been earmarked for the development of the Chennai Greenfield Airport. The project site which encompasses more than 10 lakes and smaller water bodies, is rich in biodiversity. So, any construction activity here can have a long-lasting ecological impact. Moreover, more than 36,000 trees will be felled to make way for the project. https://citizenmatters.in/parandur-airport-environmental-impact-chennai/  (21 June 2024)

Pernam बढ़ती पानी की किल्लत, नए हवाई अड्डे को जिम्मेदार ठहराते लोग -पेरनेम क्षेत्र में पानी की कमी के कारण लोग हवाई अड्डे के विस्तार को लेकर चिंतित हैं। वे मानते हैं कि हवाई अड्डे के विस्तार से पानी की समस्या और बढ़ जाएगी और पठार के प्राकृतिक जल चैनलों को नुकसान पहुंचेगा।

कार्यकर्ता और स्थानीय निवासी का मानना है कि हवाई अड्डे के मौजूदा बुनियादी ढांचे में बड़ा बदलाव करना होगा ताकि पठार के प्राकृतिक जल चैनलों को बहाल किया जा सके। वे यह भी मांग कर रहे हैं कि पेरनेम के निवासियों को पानी के अधिकार की गारंटी दी जाए। https://hindi.mongabay.com/2024/06/18/residents-activists-claim-new-goa-airport-construction-has-impacted-water-availability/  (18 June 2024)

Badkot Residents protest against water crisis in Barkot Residents of Barkot in Uttarkashi, and members of various social organisations staged a protest march on Friday (June 21) against the water crisis in the town. Traders shut their shops and hotels in support. Protesters said there has been a water shortage in all seven wards of Barkot since May and concerned departments have not taken any action despite repeated appeals. This has forced the town’s around 40,000 residents to buy water from tankers, while many had to walk several kilometers to fetch water. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/residents-protest-against-water-crisis-in-barkot/articleshow/111179453.cms  (22 June 2024)

Shimla City facing water shortage -The capital city of Shimla is getting water supply every 3-4 days due to less availability of water and municipal authorities are struggling to restore daily supply. Shimla requires 43 MLD of water daily but is getting only around 30 MLD.

-An increase in influx of tourists in Shimla has also led to an increase in water consumption. Shimla has a total of 276 registered hotels and there is no record of unregistered ones. Apart from these, the Himachal capital has an estimated 963 Airbnbs and homestays.

-To meet the requirement of tourists, hotels buy water from private tankers and pay between Rs 2,000 and Rs 5,000 per tanker, depending on the location of the hotel. There is no record of how homestays and residences hosting guests in Airbnbs are managing water for their guests. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/shimla-facing-water-shortage-tourist-influx-adds-to-troubles/articleshow/111066980.cms  (18 June 2024)

Dehradun Green warriors force govt to nix road project Thousands of residents including senior citizens, activists and students gathered at Dilaram Chowk on Rajpur Road in the heart of Doon on Sunday (June 23) morning for a 2 km protest march against rampant tree felling occurring in the state capital for various infrastructure projects, the latest being the govt’s proposed move to widen the stretch leading to the CM’s residence on New Cantt Road. Around 240 trees, including a 250 year-old tree, were proposed to be axed for the project.

Momentum for the protest march was building up since past few days with online appeals and campaigns to stop the tree felling. Soon after conclusion of the protest march– which saw unprecedented attendance — CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the govt has decided not to go ahead with the road widening. Citizens’ groups meanwhile said they will keep the momentum going, asserting that Sunday’s march was not in opposition to a specific project but all environmentally-damaging projects including large undertakings like the Song River Dam project and the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, as well as smaller ones like Smart City initiatives. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/green-warriors-force-uttarakhand-government-to-nix-road-project/articleshow/111217378.cms  (24 June 2024)

Delhi Network of hauz, baoli & nullah that once fed the capital The decline of Delhi’s hydraulic system (hauz, baoli and nullah) started during the British colonial period. The British, unfamiliar with the city’s ancient water management techniques, opted for a more modern approach to water supply. The colonisers replaced the network with a piped water system. They heavily relied on the Yamuna River as the primary source of water. But with time, the Yamuna turned foul.

-While the piped water system provided a convenient and efficient means of water distribution, it also led to the neglect of Delhi’s old hydraulic system. The nullahs, baolis, and bundhs, which had sustained the city for centuries, were gradually abandoned and left to decay. Sure, those old water structures couldn’t have alleviated Delhi’s summer distress, but they could have helped recharge the groundwater, the levels of which have fallen precariously low. (Sushim Mukul) https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/delhi-temparature-summer-alert-hauz-baoli-nullah-once-fed-hydraulic-structures-ancient-medieval-history-2555143-2024-06-19  (19 June 2024)

Water shortage affects surgeries at Safdarjung Hospital According to officials, five surgeries that were scheduled had to be postponed due to water shortage in the hospital. Sources claimed that the new SIC has been grappling with a water crisis for the past month due to a significantly reduced flow of fresh water from NDMC. To meet daily requirements, the authorities have been relying on hired tankers. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhi-water-crisis-shortage-affects-surgeries-at-safdarjung-hospital/articleshow/111126360.cms  (20 June 2024)

Traversing through water crisis Amid relentless political bickering and chaotic discord, the pressing need for a comprehensive white paper on water management in Delhi looms large. Amidst the hara-kiri of competing interests and power struggles, the urgency of delineating a clear roadmap for addressing the city’s water woes becomes increasingly evident.

-Such a document would serve as a beacon of clarity, providing a lucid overview of Delhi’s water resources, the challenges faced, and a strategic framework for future water management initiatives. By transcending partisan divides and myopic agendas, a white paper on water in Delhi has the potential to unite stakeholders under a common vision for water security and sustainable development. (Anjal Prakash) https://www.thequint.com/opinion/traversing-through-delhi-water-crisis-towards-a-sustainable-future  (17 June 2024)

The urban water crisis of Delhi and other global south cities, is a crisis of equitable and just distribution, of the political economy of water and waste water management in our cities. It is not about the absolute scarcity of water. However, with the steep rise in population of Delhi in the last decade to nearly 30 million today, there is a need to review the current 1,000 million gallons per day water share of the capital. We need to remind ourselves that 45 litres per capita a day is all that a million plus residents of Sangam Vihar in Delhi are getting (and there are several other such settlements), while some of us are getting five to ten times this supply. This needs to be set right. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/water/delhi-water-crisis-how-to-address-water-shortage-in-our-dense-unplanned-settlements-96785  (20 June 2024)

JJM/ RURAL WATER SUPPLY

Rajasthan ED makes 3rd arrest in JJM ‘irregularities’ case Mahesh Mittal, proprietor of Shree Ganpati Tubewell Company, was taken into custody on Wednesday (June 19). He was produced before a court that sent him to ED custody till June 24. The central agency early this week had arrested Padamchand Jain, proprietor of Shree Shyam Tubewell Company. A man named Piyush Jain was the first to be arrested in this case by the federal agency in February.

-The agency’s investigation found Padamchand Jain and others were involved in giving bribes to public servants in order to obtain illegal protection, obtaining tenders, getting bills sanctioned and covering up irregularities in works executed by them in respect of various tenders received by them from the PHED.

-The suspects were also involved in the purchase of stolen goods from Haryana for using the same in their tenders/contracts and had also submitted “fake” work completion letters from IRCON to get PHED contracts, the agency claimed. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ed-third-arrest-rajasthan-jal-jeevan-mission-irregularities-case-9403551/ (20 June 2024)

Punjab Fazilka border villages to get surface water The Rs 185.72-crore project to provide surface water to 205 border villages in Fazilka district, which has reported the presence of uranium in the groundwater numerous times, is halfway through and is expected to come up by March 31 next year, district administration officials said. The 50 per cent of the project is funded by the Centre under the JJM and the rest by the Punjab government through the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). The project was planned in March 2022 for 205 villages but took off in March 2023.

As per the information from the Fazilka district administration, the Gang canal, which branches off the Sutlej river in the Harrike Pattan area of Ferozepur and flows down to Ganganagar district of Rajasthan, will be providing 15cubic per second (cusecs) water daily, which will be supplied to villages after treatment by the Punjab Water Works Department. The project provides for about 260 km long of pipeline, of which 118 km has been completed.

However, with the Rajasthan government complaining about the contaminated canal water coming from Punjab, carrying industrial discharge, in such condition how safe will be the canal water for consumption is a concern. The Public Health Department, however, says the water would be treated before supplying to the village, besides regular testing indicated that the Gang canal water is fit for drinking. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/ground-water-uranium-fazilka-villages-surface-water-independence-9404038/  (20 June 2024)

SUMMER 2024

Over 50% of NW India in grip of its hottest spell since 1951 In nearly a quarter of the country’s area (24%), this year is at least in the top five longest heat spells ever recorded. It is among the top 10 in 32% of the area, and among the top 20 in 40% of the country’s area. To be sure, this is the case when 37% of the country’s area has either never reached a 40°C reading in the May 16-June 17 period, or did not this year. If we exclude this area, then 40°C+ temperatures have been experienced on the maximum number of days this year in over 25% of India. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/over-50-of-nw-india-in-grip-of-its-hottest-spell-since-1951-101718735666863.html  (19 June 2024)

The number of warm nights with minimum temperature — equivalent to night-time temperature — has increased critically throughout India over the last decade due to rising climatic impacts, a global study released on June 21 showed. Jalpaiguri in the Dooars of northern West Bengal tops the list of most impacted cities, along with cities in Assam. The study covered around 300 Indian cities with populations of over 100,000. It found that, on average, the number of hot nights has increased around 32 per cent due to climatic impacts. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/climate-change/number-of-warm-nights-in-indian-cities-leapfrogged-32-during-last-decade-due-to-climate-change-global-report-96827  (22 June 2024)

MONSOON 2024

IMD June rainfall 20% below average as monsoon stalls -India received 64.5 mm of rainfall between June 1 and 18 which is 20 per cent less than the long period average (LPA) of 80.6 mm, it said. Since June 1, northwest India has recorded 10.2 mm of rainfall (70 per cent less than normal), central India 50.5 mm (31 per cent less than normal), the south peninsula 106.6 mm (16 per cent more than normal), and east and northeast India 146.7 mm (15 per cent less than normal) https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/june-rainfall-20-per-cent-below-average-as-monsoon-stalls-imd/articleshow/111099456.cms  (19 June 2024) By June 23, deficit has been reduced to 18%.

FLOOD 2024

Odisha CM initiates comprehensive flood management strategy CM Mohan Charan Majhi on June 22 directed the Water Resources department to constitute four technical committees for formulating a comprehensive policy for flood control and management, Mahanadi rejuvenation and water conservation. The directive came while he was reviewing preparedness for tackling possible floods during monsoon. Majhi informed the BJP has made four important commitments in its election manifesto. One of the promises is to frame a comprehensive flood control and management policy to manage recurring floods in flood-prone districts of Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Cuttack, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Balasore, Keonjhar & Khurda.

– All the existing projects will be expedited and new barrages and check dams constructed to manage the shifting course of the Baitarani river. The party has further promised to rejuvenate Mahanadi River which is slowing drying due to restrictions in the release of water from the upper catchment. The river rejuvenation work has been targeted to be completed by 2027.

– The CM further directed for a thorough review of the existing Rule curve for effective management of Hirakud dam and flood water release. Majhi asked the department to set up a technical committee to study the sedimentation of the Hirakud dam and desiltation by employing automated cleaning equipment along with unconventional methods to improve the water storage capacity. Another technical committee will also prepare a report on inland river water transport, he said. All the four technical committees will submit their reports to the government within 100 days, Majhi said. https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bhubaneswar/2024/Jun/23/odisha-cm-majhi-initiates-comprehensive-flood-management-strategy  (23 June 2024)

Sikkim Extreme rains hamper rescue operations Since last week, continuous heavy rains have triggered fresh landslides along NH-10, disrupting Sikkim’s connectivity with North Bengal and causing massive traffic jams due to fallen boulders. The ongoing rescue operation for over 2,000 tourists stranded by multiple landslides in North Sikkim was suspended on Sunday (June 16) due to adverse weather conditions. So far, at least 9 people have died due to landslides and deluge, along with damaged properties and disrupted power, food supplies, and mobile networks in several areas. Approximately 400 to 500 tourists remain stranded in Chungthang and around 1,500 in Lachung. https://weather.com/en-IN/india/monsoon/news/2024-06-17-heavy-rains-in-sikkim-hamper-rescue-operations-over-2000-tourists  (16 June 2024)  Engineers of the Indian Army have constructed a 150-foot suspension bridge in North Sikkim to reconnect the border villages, which were cut off due to continued heavy rains. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indian-army-bridge-north-sikkim-rain-monsoon-assam-flood-2557037-2024-06-24  (24 June 2024)

HFL BREACH

Assam River Krishnai at Krishnai site in Goalpara district has crossed its HFL 45.89 meter dated 18.06.2022 and continued to flow in extreme flood situation till June 21.

CLOUD BURSTS

Arunachal Pradesh Cloudburst in Itanagar triggers flood, landslide According to details, the cloudburst took place around 10.30 am on June 23, which led to landslides in various parts of Itanagar and its adjoining areas. Also, a flood-like situation was witnessed in several stretches of the NH-415, PTI quoted official of the Disaster Management Department as saying. Apart from this, several vehicles were stranded on the highway and many houses were damaged. Reports said that numerous houses and vehicles have been damaged due to the floodwaters. https://www.livemint.com/news/india/arunachal-pradesh-news-cloudburst-in-itanagar-triggers-flood-landslide-watch-11719134511442.html  (23 June 2024)

The district administration had earlier issued an order prohibiting earth-cutting. Despite the order, earth-cutting was carried out in many locations, contributing to manmade disasters.

Several other places, such as Abo Tani Colony and Niti Vihar area in Itanagar have been affected, informed Disaster Management Secretary Dani Salu. Salu clarified that “the rainfall does not come under the definition of cloudburst.” NH 415 between Itanagar and Naharlagun has been damaged by the rain. The Dree ground in Papu Nallah has also been badly affected by the heavy rainfall. Kongko village in Chimpu area, besides Banderdewa and Karsingsa, Press Colony in Papu Nallah, Sood village, Tarajulu village, Nirjuli, and Borum have been affected.

Kime Pakka, Tagin Colony, Modirijo, and Niti Vihar in Itanagar were badly affected. Out of the population of 3,000, 300 have been severely affected. Several houses in Niti Vihar, Kime Paka, Tagin Colony, and Modirijo were reportedly washed away. Around 70 houses were inundated in Tarajuli, Papu Nallah and Press Colony. Many locations were affected by landslides that washed away compound walls and CGI sheets. The hanging bridge leading to Puroik Colony in Papu Nallah has been completely washed away. https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2024/06/24/heavy-rainfall-causes-extensive-damages-in-icr/  (24 June 2024)

Sikkim Cloudburst triggers flash floods Incessant rains caused by a cloudburst in Mangan district – measuring over 220.1 mm – on Wednesday (June 12) night killed six people, the state’s government said. “In the landslides in Mangan District, Pakshep and Ambhithang have been badly affected with six casualties and some injuries reported….” Chief Secretary VB Pathak said. Damages have been reported from places near Mangan and not from Lachen, Lachung, or Chungthang. “In Dzongu’s Sankalang village, a newly laid bailey suspension bridge has been damaged by the rising river level. Connectivity to Dzongu will be restored through Dikchu town in the next few days”, the Chief Secretary said. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/6-dead-1-200-tourists-stranded-in-sikkim-after-cloudburst-triggers-flash-floods-5889906  (14 June 2024) 

Pune With 112.5 mm rainfall within an hour, the Chinchwad area on Sunday (June 23) evening experienced a cloudburst condition. The sudden intense rainfall left roads flooded and water entered some houses and residential areas. Officials said Chikhali area was the most affected due to the heavy rainfall. Lohegaon, Wadgaonsheri, and Shivajinagar areas have also recorded above 100 mm pre-monsoon rainfall this year. https://www.punenownews.com/pune-chinchwad-cloudburst-records-112-5-mm-rainfall-in-one-hour/  (24 June 2024)

As per the IMD data, the rainfall started in Chinchwad around 3.15 pm. However, it was a light rainfall in the beginning. From 4.15 pm onwards, the rainfall intensified, and by 4:45, the area received 114.5 mm rainfall. KS Hosalikar, head, climate research and services, IMD, Pune, said, “As per the terminology, today’s rainfall in Chinchwad can be classified as a cloud burst. The convective cloud caused such intense rainfall. The monsoon current is strengthening now, and an alert has also been issued.” https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/pune-news/chinchwad-records-112-5-mm-rainfall-in-one-hour-101719168522394.html  (24 June 2024)

LANDSLIDES

The 21 June 2024 landslide at Sorte in Switzerland Dave Petley On 21 June 2024, a large landslide struck Sorte, a small hamlet in the Misox Valley of Switzerland, triggered by extremely intense rainfall. At the time of writing it is believed that three people have lost their lives, but two of them remain missing. One person was rescued. It is hard to keep track of the landslides that are occurring across the world at the moment. The news today is reporting eight fatalities in a landslide in China, and two more in a different event in the same country, major mudflows in Kyrgyzstan, a big landslide on the flanks of Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia and significant landslides in Itanagar in India. https://eos.org/thelandslideblog/sorte-1  (24 June 2024)

ENERGY OPTIONS

Report Solar to generate 20% of global electricity Solar is going to generate 20% of global electricity on June 21, Summer Solstice, up from 16% last year according to energy think tank Ember. US and India will have 6.9 (5.6 in 2023) and 7.1% (5.8 in 2023) of share of electricity from Solar in June 2024, when global average is 8.2% (6.7% in June 2023). Across whole of 2023, global solar generation was 5.5%. In China, the share is 9.4%, up from 7% in June 2023. Solar power is the fastest growing source of electricity today. EU share is likely to be 20%, up from 17% in June 2023. Spain is likely to have 30% share in electricity generation from solar, highest in EU. https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/renewable/solar-to-generate-20-per-cent-of-global-electricity-today-on-summer-solstice-midday-peak/111145770  (21 June 2024)

ENVIRONMENT GOVERNANCE

G Nicobar Union Tribal Affairs Minister promises to look into clearances The Union Tribal Affairs Ministry will be looking into the forest clearance paperwork of the ₹72,000-crore infrastructure project on Great Nicobar Island that the National Democratic Alliance govt has been pushing for, and accordingly determine next steps, Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram has said. In an exclusive interaction with The Hindu last week, he outlined his intent to give special attention to forest and land rights of tribal communities during his term. This comes just as the Opposition Congress party has been demanding withdrawal of clearances granted for the project and a ground-up review of it over the environmental concerns flagged by experts and constitutional bodies and amid reports of alleged violations of land rights of the tribespeople residing in the region. https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/union-tribal-affairs-minister-promises-to-look-into-great-nicobar-clearances/article68324575.ece (24 Jun 2024)

Naturalist Yuvan Aves and Pankaj Sekhsaria, an associate professor at the Centre for Technology Alternatives for Rural Areas, IIT Bombay, environmentalist, and author discuss ‘The Great Nicobar Betrayal’, a book published by Frontline Magazine, The Hindu Group and put together by Mr. Sekhsaria. It is a compilation of articles by different authors published in Frontline and other news publications. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRYxyghhJzw  (19 June 2024)

CLIMATE CHANGE

Survey Climate change effects a major concern for Indians A large majority of surveyed people or 85% in India have reported that they have personally experienced the effects of global warming, and this number has gone up by 11 percentage points since 2021-’22, a new report by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication shows. Further, about one in three of the 2,178 respondents (34%) said that they have either already moved or considered moving because of weather-related disasters such as extreme heat, drought, sea-level rise and flooding.

Rivers eroding banks in Bangladesh, flooding in Pakistan and India, melting glaciers in Nepal, rising seas in India and Bangladesh, periods of unusually dry months followed by heavier than normal rains on rice and tea estates in Sri Lanka, or cyclones and inhospitable temperatures across all countries are contributing to climate-induced migration. Further, 45 million people could be displaced in India by 2050 due to slow-onset impacts such as the ones mentioned above if climate pledges and targets are not met, the December 2020 report by Climate Action Network, South Asia had stated.

This is also reflected in the Yale study which found that large majorities of people in India are worried about various environmental hazards including agricultural pests and diseases (87%), extinction of plant and animal species (86%), severe heat waves (85%), droughts and water shortages (85%), severe air pollution (85%), famines and food shortages (83%), severe cyclones (76%), and severe floods (71%). And many people believe these effects will only increase. https://scroll.in/article/1069564/climate-change-effects-a-major-concern-for-indians-14-migrated-due-to-weather-related-disasters  (22 June 2023)

Andaman Climate change is worsening water scarcity The Andamans, famed for their palm-tree dotted white beaches, consist of 836 islands in the Bay of Bengal, separated from Thailand and Myanmar by the sea that bears their name. Drinking water for the over 400,000 people who live on the 38 inhabited islands is sourced from reservoirs and springs. Water scarcity is a perennial issue, exacerbated during the dry season (Jan-May). This is also the situation for most small islands across the world.

– However, this year has been particularly bad, with the authorities limiting water supplies to once every seven to eight days, forcing people to store drinking water and, in some cases, resort to using muddy pits for other purposes. The islands receive roughly 3,000 mm of rainfall annually, mainly from the southwest monsoon. A 2020 report by the Central Ground Water Board of India highlights that the South Andaman districts do not have good aquifers. On Little Andaman Island, which is underlain by coralline rocks and limestone, the groundwater that does exist is highly vulnerable to earthquakes. The 2004 earthquake and subsequent tsunami destroyed many dug wells “and water in dams disappeared,” according to the report. A more recent report from the Board, published in 2022, found that the water table is so low in North and Middle Andaman, that salty seawater seeps into freshwater, a process called “salinity ingress”. Other islands have it even worse: on small Chowra, with a rocky upland at its southern end, the steep landscape means that whatever rainfall occurs gets discharged into the sea almost as soon as it lands. https://scroll.in/article/1069406/how-climate-changing-is-worsening-water-scarcity-in-the-andaman-islands  (19 June 2024)

SOUTH ASIA

IWT Pakistani delegation arrives in Jammu for talks A Pakistani delegation arrived in Jammu on Sunday (June 23) evening as part of ongoing discussions concerning the 1960 Indus Water Treaty (IWT). The team is scheduled to visit various dam sites in the region over the next few days. This visit marks is a step towards bilateral efforts to address and manage water resources shared by India and Pakistan under the treaty, which governs the use of the Indus River and its tributaries. The delegation’s itinerary includes inspections of key dam projects to facilitate discussions on water management and treaty compliance. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pakistani-delegation-arrives-in-jammu-for-indus-water-treaty-talks/articleshow/111211030.cms  (23 June 2024)

India-Bhutan Agreement signed to resurrect Kholongchhu HEP Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) and Tata Projects have signed an agreement to resume development of the 600 MW Kholongchhu Hydropower project, after years of suspension. Kholongchhu is a run-of-river project with a stream diversion arrangement at about 4 km downstream of the dam to utilize the Jablangchhu stream. https://www.hydroreview.com/hydro-industry-news/new-development/agreement-signed-to-resurrect-development-at-kholongchhu-hydropower-project-in-bhutan/  (17 June 2024)

THE REST OF THE WORLD

Chile Tailings dam failure at the Chinchorro TSF At about 8 pm on 13 June 2024, a failure occurred in the embankment wall of the Chinchorro tailings storage facility, close to the village of Peñablanca, near the town of Cabildo in the Valparaíso region of Chile.

Reports indicate that the failure occurred during the passage of a frontal weather system that deposited about 100 mm of rainfall in the area. The failure in the TSF wall is substantial. https://eos.org/thelandslideblog/the-13-june-2024-tailings-dam-failure-at-the-chinchorro-tsf-at-penablanca-in-chile  (18 June 2024)

Blue Planet Award The Asahi Glass Foundation, based in Japan, announced today that the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has been selected as one of the two recipients of the 2024 Blue Planet Prize. Among the top global sustainability awards, the Blue Planet Prize is awarded annually to individuals and organizations to recognize outstanding achievements in scientific research and its application, which have helped provide solutions to global environmental problems. The prize includes an award of US$500,000. As one of the 2024 laureates, the prize acknowledges IPBES as “the leading global authority on the state of knowledge and science about biodiversity, ecosystem services and nature’s contributions to people”, highlighting the crucial role that IPBES has played in informing and shaping environmental policies and action.

– Making the announcement, Takuya Shimamura, Chair of the Asahi Glass Foundation, said: “The work of IPBES is central to the international efforts and negotiations under a range of multilateral processes and organizations – especially the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).”

– Often described as the “IPCC for biodiversity”, IPBES is an independent intergovernmental body comprising more than 145 member Governments. Established by Governments in 2012, it provides policymakers with objective scientific assessments about the state of knowledge regarding the planet’s biodiversity, ecosystems and the contributions they make to people, as well as the tools and methods to protect and sustainably use these vital natural assets. For more information about IPBES and its assessments visit. https://www.ipbes.net/node/71254

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

Also see: DRP News Bulletin 17 June 2024 & DRP News Bulletin 10 June 2024  

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