(Feature Image: Water flows through the gates of the Peringalkuthu dam on Chalakudy river after a sluice was opened following heavy rain in Thrissur on Aug. 04, 2022. Photo Credit: PTI/The Hindu)

One of the heartening development this week is from Kerala, where Chalakudy river community held a satyagraha to demand proper integrated dam management plan in the Chalakudy River basin to minimize flood risks. It is rather rare that communities come out for such a demand. It was also great to see that the satyagraha was supported by Chalakudy Puzha Samrakshan Samiti, Chalakudy municipal chairman and also environmentalists.

The satyagraha in fact had specific demand for each of the dams included in the Paramibikulam Aliyar Project, including in Kerala and upstream Tamil Nadu. We hope the Kerala government positively responds to these demands at the earliest.

There is need for much more widespread awareness in river basins across the country regarding the potential flood risks from upstream dams and also pressure on the dam authorities to have more transparent, accountable and participatory dam management plan as each large dam is a potential source of floods in the downstream area when not operated or maintained prudently.

Kerala Call to suspend some terms of PAP pact Chalakudy MLA Saneesh Kumar Joseph on Aug 6 demanded suspension of some clauses in the Parambikulam-Aliyar Project (PAP) agreement if there is an impending flood in Chalakudy river and nearby areas. Joseph was inaugurating a satyagraha organized by the Chalakudy River Protection Forum and Jalajagritha Samithi at Chalakudy demanding urgent steps to formulate an integrated dam management plan and to avert a possible flood in the area. The satyagraha organizers pointed out that there are multiple dams upstream of Chalakudy river, including Peringalkuthu, Kerala Sholayar, Tamil Nadu Sholayar and Parambikulam dams. They said that Chalakudy river and adjoining areas will face massive flooding, unless integrated water management plans for all these dams are designed and executed.

– It is important to maintain the water level well below the danger mark, whenever there is a possibility of flood in Chalakudy river, even if it means going against some clauses of PAP Agreement, said Joseph. The rule curves of the dams must be revisited to ensure that there is enough room for possible rise in water during the monsoon period.

– The organizers demanded that during the monsoon season the water level in Peringalkuthu must be maintained below 415m and the maximum water level in Parambikulam reservoir must be fixed at 1,820ft. Also, the storage in Kerala Sholayar dam must be restricted to a maximum of 75% of the total dam capacity, they said. Environmentalist Kusuma Joseph, river protection forum leader S P Ravi and Chalakudy municipal chairman Eby George were among those who spoke on the occasion. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/chalakudy-river-flood-prevention-call/articleshowprint/112330642.cms  (07 Aug. 2024)

HYDRO POWER PROJECTS

Uttarakhand SC sets up panel to review nod to hydel projects Supreme Court bench of Justices B R Gavai, Prashant Kumar Mishra and K V Viswanathan on Aug 8 directed setting up of a high-powered committee of the Cabinet secretary, secretaries of ministries of jal shakti, power and environment & forests along with chief secretary of Uttrakhand to reconsider the expert panel’s report recommending approval for 28 hydro power projects. It questioned Centre’s decision not to accept the report, and to allow only seven of the projects without giving any reason. “You have to show the decision-making process is rational,” it said.

Opposing the findings of the report, it was submitted by advocate Prashant Bhushan that members of the expert committee which approved the projects were also involved in clearing the projects before the flood disaster. He said that another panel headed by veteran environmentalist Ravi Chopra had blamed dams for exacerbating the 2013 disaster & the court should not give credence to expert panel recommendations for approving the projects, which would further damage the environment. The court asked the panel of secretaries to consider all aspects and give a hearing to all stakeholders and take a decision within six months. It directed the committee to file minutes of its meeting before the court. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/supreme-court-sets-up-panel-to-review-nod-to-uttrakhand-hydel-projects/articleshow/112386903.cms (9 Aug 2024)

Sikkim Impact of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods Subsequent to Teesta-III Hydroelectric dam collapse in October, 2023, the Central Water Commission (CWC) has decided to review the design flood of all the existing and under construction dams vulnerable to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) to ensure their adequate spillway capacity for a combination of Probable Maximum Flood/Standard Probable Flood and GLOF. Further, GLOF Studies has been made mandatory for all new dams planned having Glacial Lakes in their catchments.

– CWC monitors 902 Glacial Lakes and Water Bodies (including 477 Glacial Lakes & Water Bodies, having water spread area greater than 50 ha and 425 Glacial Lakes having a size of 10 ha to 50 ha) during the period from June to October every year. This enables the detection of relative change in water spread area of Glacial Lakes & Water Bodies, as well as identifying the one’s which have expanded substantially during the monitoring month, from disaster perspective. The monthly monitoring reports can be accessed at https://cwc.gov.in/glacial-lakeswater-bodies-himalayan-region.

– A Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction (CoDRR) under NDMA involving representatives from six Himalayan States/UTs and other stakeholders, has identified a set of high-risk glacial lakes for sending expeditions to directly assess these lakes and prepare comprehensive mitigation strategies in terms of setting up early warning system/other structural and non-structural measures. A High-Level Committee Chaired by the Union Home Minister has approved a GLOF risk mitigation project for Rs 150 crores for the States of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh to support the efforts of State Governments to take up various mitigation measures related to GLOF.

– As per the information compiled by NDSA, 47 dams (38 Commissioned and 9 under construction dams) have been identified by Central Electricity Authority under Ministry of Power, which are likely to be affected by Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) from the Glacial lakes in the Indian territory. GLOF studies have been completed for 31 projects.

– The Ministry of Earth Science through its autonomous institute, the National Centre of Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), has been monitoring and carrying out scientific research on two pro-glacial lakes in the Chandra Basin, since 2013. In a National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS) sponsored study entitled ‘Snow and Glacier Contribution and Impact of Climate Change in Teesta River Basin, Eastern Himalaya’, status of glacial lakes in Sikkim Himalayas has been prepared by National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee. This was informed by UNION MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI, SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on Aug 8. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2042990  (08 Aug. 2024)

The government has decided to review the design flood of all the existing and under-construction dams vulnerable to GLOFs. Further, it has made it mandatory for all new dams planned to have Glacial Lakes in their catchments to do GLOF studies. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/Aug/09/govt-mandates-all-new-dams-to-conduct-studies-of-glacial-lakes-in-himalayan-regions  (09 Aug. 2024) According to government reports, 47 dams — 38 commissioned and nine under construction — have been identified by the Central Electricity Authority under the power ministry as vulnerable to GLOFs. The CWC monitors 902 glacial lakes and water bodies, including over 400 glacial lakes, every year. https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/scan-on-glacial-lake-risk-to-dams-central-water-commission-readies-review-plan/cid/2040334  (12 Aug. 2024)

Himachal Pradesh Glacial lakes posing a threat to lives & infra The number of glacial lakes in the Satluj river catchment area has almost doubled from 562 in 2019 to 1,048 in 2023, according to satellite data analysed in a recent study by the Centre on Climate Change of Himachal Pradesh Council for Science Technology-Environment (HIMCOSTE). The catchment area of the Satluj basin was studied from upstream of Jhakri to the Mansarover Lake in Tibet, in the Trans Himalayan Region from where the river originates.

Of the 1,048 lakes mapped in 2023, 900 are small, each spanning an area of less than five hectares, while 89 lakes have an area between 5 hectares and ten hectares, and 59 lakes are bigger than 10 hectares each. “Over the years, the number of glacial lakes has been gradually increasing. In fact, as the frequency of small lakes with an area of less than five hectares has been rising, it indicates that the climate warming effects are more significant in the higher Himalayan region. The swift melting of glaciers and less snowfall during the winter could be reasons behind the rise in lakes,” said S.S. Randhawa, a co-author of the study, and the principal scientific officer at HIMCOSTE.

He said it could be inferred from the basin-wise analysis that the number of lakes is much higher in the Tibetan Himalayan Region or the Upper Satluj basin, in comparison to the Spiti and Lower Satluj basins, indicating that the Upper Satluj basin is more susceptible to glacial lake formations. “As the formation of small lakes is relatively higher in the upper region, it indicates greater climate change impact in the higher region in comparison to the lower regions. The average temperature in the high altitudes areas is rising faster than the lower areas,” Mr. Randhawa said. https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/glacial-lakes-multiply-in-himachal-pradesh-and-tibet-posing-a-threat-to-lives-and-infrastructure-downstream/article68510232.ece  (10 Aug. 2024)

Construction muck worsens flood damage When muck and boulders dumped at sites are not properly stabilised with retaining walls or plantation, heavy rains can cause them to wash away. A report by the National Institute of Disaster Management noted that the mixing of muck in heavy flowing water “aggravates erosion and flooding” because of the “meandering and cutting force” of the boulders and other debris. In fact, the report, while assessing the causes of the catastrophic 2013 Uttarakhand floods found that “the muck dumped by the 330 MW Srinagar hydroelectric project might have intensified the factors responsible for the downstream damage”.

The problem is not merely that proponents dump muck in unassigned sites or fail to stabilise it. It is also the limited availability of sites. “In mountains in general, there is a geographical constraint with landforms and existing land use,” said Manshi Asher, a researcher-activist with the Palampur-based Himdhara Environment Collective. “Which then leaves the riverside or open forest land as the only spaces available for muck generated from all construction activity.”

The High Court and the state’s disaster management authority have both noted concerns about the problem of finding sites for disposal of muck from development projects. The 2023 state disaster management authority report said that “debris is dumped indiscriminately on the hills. During rains, the debris is washed on the roads causing slush and muck on roads, hindering traffic movement.” https://scroll.in/article/1071853/how-construction-muck-worsens-flood-damage-in-himachal  (11 Aug. 2024)

Karnataka CEA gives nod for DPR of Sharavathi PSP  -After the clearance of legal hurdles, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has approved the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the 2,000 MW Sharavathi Pumped Storage and Hydroelectric project in Shivamogga and Uttara Kannada districts. With this, the work on the project is expected to commence soon. 

-Earlier this year, Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) awarded the ₹8,005 crore tender for the project to Hyderabad-based infrastructure company Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL). Soon after that, Larsen and Toubro Ltd (L&T), Mumbai had contended in court that only 21 days was provided for submitting bids for tender by the KPCL, whereas the minimum period of 30 days should be provided for tenders exceeding ₹2 crore as per the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements Rules, 2000. In its final verdict passed on April 25, the High Court dismissed L&T’s petition and ruled in favour of KPCL. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/cea-gives-nod-for-dpr-of-sharavathi-pumped-storage-project/article68478899.ece  (03 Aug. 2024)

CEA clears 2600 Mw PSP – These projects include the 600 MW Upper Indravati project in Odisha and the 2000 MW Sharavathy project in Karnataka. These approvals are part of the government’s initiative to fast-track the development process in alignment with its ease of doing business philosophy.

-The CEA is also processing around 60 GW of proposals for Hydro PSPs, which are currently under various stages of survey and investigation. These proposals are part of the preparation for Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), which upon completion, will be uploaded for CEA’s concurrence as required under section 8 of the Electricity Act, 2003.

– In line with streamlining efforts, the CEA has updated its guidelines to simplify the preparation and approval of DPRs. The revisions include a reduced checklist for document examination and the provision for developers to submit the initial 13 chapters of the DPR online, foregoing some of the previously mandatory chapters. Notably, there is no longer a requirement for the approval of Cost & Financial Chapters, which are now only needed for reference and record.

-For closed-loop Hydro PSPs, developers are spared from submitting alternative location plans for reservoirs. Moreover, an undertaking from developers confirming adherence to pre-DPR clearances is expected to cut down the reexamination time by approximately four to five months.

-To further expedite the development process, the CEA has streamlined the procedures for early excavation permissions, allowing developers to initiate site work earlier and potentially saving six to eight months. Developers are encouraged to complete investigations promptly and submit their reports to appraising agencies, potentially saving an additional one to two months. https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/renewable/2600-mw-hydro-pumped-storage-plants-cleared-by-cea-aiming-for-74-gw-by-2031-32/112217507  (02 Aug. 2024)

DAMS

Report Dam You Himanshu Thakkar, coordinator of South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People (SANDRP), says, “As dams age, a major concern is that they get silted up, decreasing their storage capacity. Secondly, there is wear and tear of the gates and walls. But the more pressing issue is how the rainfall pattern has been affected by rapid and unprecedented climate change.” Speaking to mid-day, Thakkar explains, “Every dam is designed to be safe with certain inflows [how much water it takes in] and are typically designed for a one-in-100-year flood possibility. But now, because of erratic rainfall and inflow pattern, those designs have become outdated.” Thakkar highlights the looming danger clearly, stating: “Maharashtra is the state with the highest number of dams in the country. This state alone has 1,821 dams. In fact, it has more dams than Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat—which rank number two and three—put together.” 

– What also exacerbates India’s vulnerability to climate risk is the melting of Himalayan glaciers. Even relatively newer dams built on old climate data may not be able to withstand such events. This, says Thakkar, was one of the reasons the Teesta III dam in the Himalayan state of Sikkim was breached on the night of October 3 last year, following a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) that ravaged four districts. The gush of water from the melting South Lhonak glacier killed at least 42 people, while 77 were reported missing. On the other hand, says Thakkar, in India, “no one wants to talk about this. There are too many powerful people involved and too much money exchanges hands.”

– Thakkar says most of the water used by us comes from the ground, and that the government ought to invest in natural aquifers instead. “Small water containment units need to be created in catchment areas. This will recharge natural aquifers,” he says. The next step would be to pump the water safely. “The advantage would be a decentralised storage system. The cost of pumping out the water to nearby consumption points will also be far less than what’s spent on dams,” he adds. https://www.mid-day.com/sunday-mid-day/article/dam-you-23374094  (11 Aug. 2024)

Kaleshwaram Project KCR Gets Notice on Medigadda The Principal Judicial First Class Magistrate Court of Jayashankar Bhupalpally district on Monday issued notices to former chief minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, former minister T. Harish Rao and eight others, including officials and representatives of construction companies involved in the construction of the Medigadda barrage, to attend before court on September 5. A petition was filed by one Nagevelli Raja Lingamurthy on September 7, 2023, against them, including officials Rajat Kumar and Smita Sabharwal, alleging that they were responsible for the sinking of a portion of the Medigadda barrage constructed under Kaleshwaram lift irrigation scheme (KLIS) and for misusing crores of public money. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/medigadda-barrage-sinking-bhupalpally-court-seeks-presence-of-kcr-on-september-5-1814541  (06 Aug. 2024)

Irrigation Officials Urge Telangana Govt to Seek IIT Roorkee Expertise Serious questions have been raised from within the irrigation department over the competence levels of its Central Designs Organisation (CDO), the department’s independent division, which provided designs that were used for the construction of the three barrages of the KLIS at Sundilla, Annaram, and Medigadda — all of which are now in dire need of permanent repairs. It is learnt that last week, the engineer-in-chief (general) of the irrigation and command area development department was urged in two separate letters by the field office in Ramagundam to apprise the government of the urgency in obtaining designs for permanent repairs at the barrages — for Medigadda from the IIT- Roorkee, and for Sundilla and Annaram from the CWPRS.

In two letters that month, following the cracking up of Block 7 of the Medigadda barrage and its partial sinking and discovery of serious leaks from under the foundations of the other two barrages in October 2023, the CDO had said that if “optimal results” were sought, then designs and drawings for permanent repairs should be sought from other reputed national agencies. The Ramagundam field office also said that with the need to complete permanent barrage The letters said that while the National Dam Safety Authority’s final report was due, it would be prudent to get designs from the two research institutions to save time, and those designs can then be vetted by the CDO of the irrigation department. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/telangana/irrigation-officials-urge-telangana-govt-to-seek-iit-roorkee-expertise-for-kaleshwaram-barrages-1815502  (09 Aug. 2024)

Polavaram Project BJD team to examine project impact on Andhra tribal districts BJD president Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday formed a team comprising senior leaders of the party to study the impact of Polavaram dam project in Andhra Pradesh on the tribal-dominated Malkangiri district. The team headed by former minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak will visit areas in Malkangiri which are likely to be affected by the project on August 8. BJD leader and former MP Pradeep Majhi said the team will visit Motu, Padia and other areas of the district. It will also visit the dam site in Andhra Pradesh and submit a report to the BJD president after studying the ground situation. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2024/Aug/07/bjd-team-to-examine-polavaram-project-impact-on-andhra-tribal-districts  (07 Aug. 2024)

Sardar Sarovar Project सांसदों को भी मिला नर्मदा घाटी के विस्थापितों के पुनर्वास पर झूठा जवाब  नर्मदा घाटी के विस्थापितों ने सत्याग्रही, अहिंसक संघर्ष के द्वारा हजारों का पुनर्वास हासिल करने के बाद भी कुछ हजार परिवार आज भी भुगत रहे हैं विस्थापन से वंचना| इसमें कानून, नीति के साथ सर्वोच्च न्यायालय के 2000, 2005, 2017 के प्रमुख आदेश तथा कुछ उच्च न्यायालय और शिकायत निवारण प्राधिकरण के आदेशों का भी उल्लंघन हुआ है और आज भी जारी है!

इस परिप्रेक्ष्य में लोकसभा, और मध्यप्रदेश विधानसभा में मान्यवर सांसद और विधायकों ने उठाये सवालों को झूठे जवाब मिलने की खबर बहुत ही धक्कादायक है| इसमें न केवल जनप्रतिनिधियों की बल्कि जनतंत्र की अवमानना है| विस्थापितों के साथ चर्चा में दिये गये आश्वासनों का तथा ‘पेसा’ कानून के तहत् ग्रामसभाओं ने पारित किये प्रस्तावों पर पालन नहीं होना भी, जनतांत्रिक प्रक्रिया पर आघात है!  लोकसभा में मा. रामजीलाल सुमान जी, वरिष्ठ सांसद ने पूछे सवालों को केन्द्रीय जलशक्ति मंत्रालय के राज्यमंत्री राजभूषण चौधरी जी ने जुलाई 2024 में दिये गये जवाब में न केवल प्रश्न का गलत या अधूरा अर्थ लगाया गया है; किंतु आंकड़ाकीय जानकारी भी गलत दी है| https://www.counterview.in/2024/08/blog-post_573.html  (09 Aug. 2024)

Mullaperiyar Dam Forum plans to resume agitation for a new dam CM Vijayan tried to calm the nerves by asserting that there need not be any worries regarding the dam’s safety. However, Mr. Vijayan’s intervention has apparently not pacified the Mullaperiyar Samara Samiti, which is all set to restart the agitation it had launched at Karimkulam Chappathu in 2006 for a new dam. The protest continued for 3,000 days. “Extreme weather events such as cloudbursts and incessant rain, which the State has experienced over the past few years, are worrying people. The Wayanad tragedy has added to the fears of thousands living downstream. The Samiti plans to resume the agitation against this background,” said Fr. Joy Nirappel, its chairperson.

The dam, located in Kerala, is owned by Tamil Nadu, which uses the water to irrigate its four arid districts. Recently, Tamil Nadu had objected to the Kerala government’s move to approach the EAC for a new ToR for conducting an Environment Impact Assessment for a new dam at Mullaperiyar. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/forum-plans-to-resume-agitation-for-a-new-dam-at-mullaperiyar/article68512380.ece  (11 Aug. 2024)

Interestingly, the Tungabhadra dam stands as India’s largest stone masonry dam and is unique as the only major non-cement dam in the country, alongside Kerala’s Mullaperiyar dam. Both dams were built using surkhi mortar, a traditional blend of limestone and clay. This similarity has apparently fuelled social media narratives, already aggravated by the Wayanad episode. https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/the-surkhi-connection-between-tungabhadra-dam-and-mullaperiyar-dam-burst-paranoia-1.9805253  (11 Aug. 2024)

INTERLINKING OF RIVERS

Kosi-Mechi Linking Experts doubt river linking project claim More than a fortnight after the Union budget allocation of funding for flood control measures and irrigation, including the ambitious Kosi-Mechi river linking project in Bihar, river and flood experts, researchers and activists have questioned the project’s feasibility and refuted the state government’s claims that it will address the flood problem and provide irrigation to farmers during kharif season. https://www.newsclick.in/bihar-experts-scholars-doubt-kosi-mechi-river-linking-project-claim-solve-flood-issue  (09 Aug. 2024)

IRRIGATION

Punjab Concerns about the proposed Malwa Canal. https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/in-water-starved-punjab-plans-for-a-new-irrigation-canal-raise-several-concerns-9499220/lite/  (08 Aug. 2024)

Gujarat GEBEA inaugurate check dam Senior BJP leader Gordhan Zadaphia, the state president of Gujarat Electricity Board Engineers’ Association (GEBEA), is set to inaugurate a unique check dam project — ‘GEBEA Jal Mandir’ — in Rajkot Monday (Aug. 05). The project was conceived to mark the retirement of B M Shah, who has been the GEBEA Secretary General for around 10 years, in March. GEBEA, an organisation of around 6,000 GEB engineers, raised a fund of Rs 20 lakh to build the check dam in collaboration with Gir-Ganga Parivar Trust, a voluntary environmental organisation, near Kalavad Road in Rajkot. Now, with the check dam built and filled with water, Zadaphia will inaugurate it. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/gujarat-confidential-check-dam-9495473/  (05 Aug. 2024)

URBAN RIVERS

Mula-Mutha; Pune: Maharashtra Govt has decided to stop work on Pune River Front Development Project and get it reviewed by a committee of experts.

PMC halts RFD project for expert review The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has halted work on the ambitious Mula-Mutha River Front Development (RFD) project after a meeting on Sunday (Aug. 04) with CM Eknath Shinde and MNS Chief Raj Thackeray, who ordered that experts’ opinions on the project be taken into account.

Environmental activist Sarang Yadwadkar, speaking to Free Press Journal, said, “The decision to halt the RFD project is a logical move, and a committee will be formed to review the project. We want committee members to know about the project and urban planning. People from IIT and civic society with a deep understanding of climate change should be included. The committee should conduct a fair and transparent review in the best interest of nature. The only solution to the issue is the removal of encroachments from the river belt.” https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/pune-pmc-halts-mula-mutha-rfd-project-for-expert-review  (06 Aug. 2024)

Musi; Hyderabad ₹3,849cr sanctioned for setting up 39 STPs -Principal secretary of municipal administration and urban development Dana Kishore issued a government order to that effect on Saturday, August 3. The 39 STPs would be installed under the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and outer-ring road limits under three sewerage packages.

-One STP under public private partnership is being built at a cost of Rs 64.11 crore with the Centre/state/PPP share of contribution breakdown being 30/30/40 per cent. 16 more STPs will be installed in HAM Package-I that would cost Rs 1,878. 55 crore, which would be shared between Centre/state/HAM on 25/35/40 per cent contribution basis.

-Under Package-II, 22 STPs will be installed in HAM Package-II that would cost Rs 1,906.44 crore, which would shared between the Centre/state/HAM on 25/35/40 per cent contribution basis.

-It can be mentioned that the Telangana government has proposed allocation of Rs 1,500 crore in this year’s budget for the ambitious Musi Riverfront Development project. https://www.siasat.com/hyderabad-rs-3849-cr-sanctioned-for-setting-up-39-stps-on-musi-river-3073124/  (05 Aug. 2024)

RIVERS

MoEF New rules for faster air & water pollution complaint proposed -Under the proposed rules, the Centre will appoint adjudicating officers either on its own or on request by state govts and UT administrations from among their secretary-rank officers. The adjudicating officers may be provided with requisite manpower assistance, office space and technical assistance by the central govt/state govt/UT for discharging their duties.

-“Though the aggrieved parties (individuals or public organisation or private entities) will have right to appeal in the NGT if they are not satisfied with the orders including penalty, the new compliance mechanism of addressing the air and water related matters at the level of concerned adjudicating officer will cut the unnecessary delay and the possibility of lingering court cases,” said an officer.

-There will be ‘presenting officers’ in states/UTs for taking cognisance of any non-compliance or contravention of the provisions of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. The presenting officers will bring the matters with all the details to the adjudicating officers.

-The ministry expects that the majority of the cases would be dealt with at the level of the adjudication office itself, ensuring faster compliance. The draft notifications were issued on July 19. The ministry has put it in public domain, seeking views of stakeholders within 60 days. “The final rule is expected to be notified by late Sept,” said the official. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/environment-ministry-proposes-new-rules-for-faster-air-and-water-pollution-complaint-resolution/articleshow/112296366.cms  (05 Aug. 2024)

Doing away with the “Consent” mechanism under Prevention of Water Pollution Act is an anti-federal retrograde step- Please withdraw the draft notification. By E A S Sarma https://countercurrents.org/2024/08/doing-away-with-the-consent-mechanism-under-prevention-of-water-pollution-act-is-an-anti-federal-retrograde-step-please-withdraw-the-draft-notification/  (08 July 2024)

Odisha NGT issues show cause notice over Satkosia Resort controversy The NGT has issued a show cause notice to the deputy director general of MoEF&CC for the delay in making its stand clear on the dispute over Satkosia Sands Resort at Badmul in Nayagarh district under Mahanadi Wildlife Division.

“More than two months have passed but the MoEF&CC has not cared to file its affidavit. We, therefore, direct the deputy director general of forests at the MoEF&CC’s Integrated Regional Office in Bhubaneswar to be present in virtual mode on next date with his explanation as to why he is not filing counter-affidavit with regard to the issues involved in the present application and why per day cost be not imposed upon him as per provisions of the section 26 of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010,” the bench said and posted the matter to August 20. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2024/Jul/25/ngt-issues-show-cause-notice-to-moefcc-over-satkosia-sands-resort-controversy  (25 July 2024)

Jharkhand Devotees give polluted Subarnarekha water a miss Rather than sourcing water from the Subarnarekha river for ‘jalabhishek’ of Lord Shiva at Pahari Mandir, devotees are using tap water. The shift is due to heavy water pollution in the river. Ratu resident Anil Kumar said, “Back in the 90s, the Subarnarekha was a blessing; people bathed in it and drank from it. However, it has now become so polluted that it is considered hazardous. The decision to switch to alternative water sources has been driven by concerns of cleanliness and safety of the water.”

Priya Sharma, a resident of Tupudana, said, “We used to collect river water for jalabhishek, but now it’s practically impossible due to pollution. The river, which once provided water for various purposes including domestic use, has seen a drastic decline in water quality, especially near Tupudana.” Former ward councillor Niranjan said, “The effluent treatment plant project has been shelved.” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/devotees-opt-for-tap-water-over-polluted-subarnarekha-river-for-jalabhishek/articleshow/112302232.cms  (06 Aug. 2024)

Himachal Pradesh Through an amendment to the Himachal Pradesh Town and village planning act of 1977, it has been made legally mandatory that permission for construction of any building will be given only if it is more than 7 m from the river and 5 m from nala. This distance so far as 5 and 3 m respectively.

The demand for channelisation of Beas from Palchan to Kullu is worrying as that will not only serve the purposed hoteliers want, but in fact be counterproductive and kill the river. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/pandoh-dam-floodgates-made-functional-residents-relieved/  (05 Aug. 2024)

GANGA Bihar SC raises alarm over plastic waste in water bodies The Supreme Court has voiced serious concerns over the unchecked dumping of plastic and other waste materials into India’s water bodies, warning that this pollution is causing significant environmental degradation and harming aquatic life. A bench of justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti emphasised that without a unified effort from authorities and the cooperation of the public, any attempts to address illegal constructions and improve water quality in rivers, including the Ganga, will remain “illusory.”

– “The dumping of plastic is causing serious environmental degradation and also impacting aquatic life in the riverbanks and the water bodies in the country. Unless concerted effort is made by the responsible authorities with people’s cooperation, irrespective of the efforts to target illegal/unauthorized constructions, the desired improvement of the quality of the water in river Ganga/all other rivers and water bodies in the country will remain illusory,” stated the bench in its August 2 order. The court granted additional solicitor general (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati, who appeared for the Union of India and National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), four weeks to file an affidavit addressing the environmental concerns outlined in the order. Additionally, the state of Bihar, represented through advocate Azmat Hayat Amanullah, has been instructed to submit an affidavit within the same timeframe, detailing the steps it has taken to address unauthorised constructions along the Ganga River in and around Patna.

– This order follows a prior directive issued on December 1, 2023, where the court ordered the Bihar government to identify and remove unauthorised constructions adjacent to the Ganga. The state reported that it had identified 213 such illegal constructions, and efforts were underway to remove these encroachments. On August 2, the Bihar government requested for a clarification of the 2023 order, which had held that “no further construction” will take place adjacent to the river Ganga, particularly in and around the city of Patna. ASG Bhati and Amanullah pointed out that the original wording of the court’s December 1, 2023 order might be misconstrued because it did not clarify that only unauthorised and illegal constructions were being condemned. Accepting their plea, the bench clarified: “The state shall ensure no further illegal construction or unauthorised encroachment takes place adjacent to the river Ganga, particularly in and around the City of Patna.”

– Simultaneously, the bench expanded the scope of Sinha’s petition amid growing concern over the environmental health of India’s rivers and water bodies and demanded detailed affidavits from both the Centre and the state. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sc-raises-alarm-over-plastic-waste-in-water-bodies-unauthorised-constructions-101722970578798.html  (07 Aug. 2024)

-The plea, filed by advocate Akash Vashishtha, stated that illegal and unauthorized constructions and permanent encroachments on the Ganga floodplain are causing significant waste, noise, and large amounts of sewage. According to the plea, a significant 520 acres of ecologically sensitive Ganga floodplain, stretching from Nauzer Ghat to Nurpur Ghat in Patna, have been encroached upon. The plea also mentioned that a multi-storey building, belonging to Takhat Shri Harmandir Sahib, has been under construction since 2017, with parts of it still being built. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/dumping-of-plastic-is-causing-serious-environment-degradation-sc-warns-authorities-about-adverse-impact-on-aquatic-life/articleshow/112321951.cms  (06 Aug. 2024)

Section of under-construction bridge collapses in Katihar Section of an under-construction bridge over the Ganga collapsed in Katihar district on Thursday, (Aug. 08) officials said. The small bridge was being built by the Rural Works Department to connect the Bakiya Sukhaye panchayat area to the district headquarters town, they said. “The construction of the bridge started recently. Two pillars of the small bridge collapsed. There might have been an increase in the river current, because of which the two pillars collapsed. The matter is being further examined,” District Magistrate Manesh Kumar Meena said. A slew of bridges, big and small, have collapsed in different parts of the state over the last two months, prompting the government to suspend 15 engineers. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/section-of-under-construction-bridge-over-ganga-collapses-in-bihars-katihar/articleshow/112379878.cms  (08 Aug. 2024)

Bridge built in open field, no road on either side The construction of a 35-foot bridge in an open field, without any sign of a road connecting to it on either side, has raised eyebrows at a village in Raniganj in Araria district, and led to the district administration seeking a report from the Rural Works department.

According to officials, work had started on a 2.5-km road in Parmanandpur village under the CM Gramin Sadak scheme, but the process of land acquisition from local farmers had not been completed. The bridge was to be part of this project, and was meant to allow the passage of water from one side of the field to the other even after a road is built there. The bridge was built at a spot where land had already been acquired, but the road was not yet built as the acquisition of land for that had not yet been completed. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bihar-village-bridge-open-field-no-road-9498758/  (07 Aug. 2024)

पत्तों की तरह झड़ते पुलों के पीछे का सच -बिहार में नदियों की गाद निकासी से लेकर पुल-पुलिया बनाने तक में ठेकेदारों, इंजीनियरों और अफसरों ने नदियों का स्वभाव समझने में की बड़ी भूल https://www.indiatodayhindi.com/magazine/state/story/20240731-bihar-bridge-collapse-ground-reality-nitish-kumar-needs-to-see-1054454-2024-08-05  (05 Aug. 2024)

YAMUNA Welcome Judicial Decisions for River Floodplain The NGT has fined MoJS & CWC of ₹50 000 each for the non-demarcation of floodplain in Agra. In Delhi, the NGT has observed that effective steps have not been taken to demarcate floodplain. The Delhi High Court while stressing on the utmost need of floodplain protection refused to stay the demolition of an unauthorized temple structure built in river floodplain in Delhi. In a separate matter, the HC has again directed the DDA to remove all encroachments and illegal constructions from riverbed and along the drains in Delhi. https://sandrp.in/2024/08/08/yamuna-manthan-080824-welcome-judicial-decisions-for-river-floodplain/  (08 Aug. 2024)

‘Floodplain has to be zealously protected’: HC The observation came in an appeal moved by Pracheen Shiv Mandir Avam Akhada Samiti against a May 29 order of the single-judge bench which had dismissed its plea against demolition of a temple located in the Geeta Colony area and had further directed the samiti to remove the idols.

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela in its July 10 order refused to interfere with the single-judge bench’s order, and said that the appellant society had not placed “even a single scrap of a document” to show any kind of legitimacy it exercises, “either over the land or the illegal structure built thereon”.  https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/yamuna-river-floodplain-zealously-protected-unauthorised-constructions-delhi-hc-9463774/  (19 July 2024)

Surghat, Banseera on floodplains concretised: CPCB Bhim Singh Rawat, a Yamuna activist and member of the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People (SANDRP), said this appeared to be more of a formality from the CPCB, than any conclusive action. “The body has simply made its observations, but fails to clarify the fact that any concretisation on the floodplains is illegal. These encroachments should be removed,” he said. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/surghat-banseera-on-yamuna-floodplains-concretised-cpcb-tells-ngt-101723138803819.html  (09 Aug. 2024)

“The tribunal on May 22, 2024 had impleaded the respondents and issued notice to them. The status report on behalf of CPCB and an affidavit on behalf of DDA have been filed. NMCG has sent a communication dated Aug 2, 2024 seeking six weeks’ time to file a detailed response and to complete the exercise of examining the comments/observations of DDA. It is unfortunate that though the communication has been sent by NMCG, no one is present on behalf of NMCG to make such a request,” stated the tribunal’s order dated Aug 7. The tribunal’s order pointed out that responses from the DPCC and the MoEF, MoJS and NMCG are awaited. The tribunal has listed the matter for Aug 23. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/ngt-seeks-reply-on-yamuna-floodplain-construction/articleshow/112434536.cms  (11 Aug. 2024)

The report added that another casting yard mentioned in the NGT order belonged to DMRC and had existed on the eastern bank of the floodplain between Wazirabad Barrage and the Signature Bridge since 2012. At Millennium Bus Depot construction was done during the Commonwealth Games. The land was previously under the possession of DTC and had been transferred to DDA in 2022. The structures that were part of the depot have already been removed. “The geo satellite images of the site illustrate the floodplain structures in 2021 but were removed in 2022. The roads which were utilised for the movement of buses in the Millennium depot exist at the site,” the report said. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/concretisation-on-yamuna-floodplain-cpcb-report/articleshow/112386952.cms  (09 Aug. 2024)

NGT slams agencies over choked Barapullah drain Noting that agencies were still “playing a blame game”, NGT, in its order dated August 2 uploaded on Sunday (Aug. 04), said that while an early segment of the drain was being dredged by the irrigation and flood control department, a portion of the drain, closer to the Yamuna was yet to be desilted by any agency and is likely causing waterlogging. The Barapullah drain flooded large parts of south and central Delhi on June 28 — when over 200mm of rain was recorded in a single day and water began to backflow from the drain. Waterlogging complaints were received from areas like Jangpura, Lajpat Nagar, Nizamuddin and Chirag Delhi, among other locations around the drain, impacting traffic on the first monsoon rain of the season.

NGT said the I&FC department has said the stretch from A7 to B was yet to be handed over to them by the Delhi Development Authority. DDA, when asked, said, “desilting and dredging was not its responsibility”. “None of the authorities is in the position to state as to who or which authority is responsible for desilting of the stretch from A-7 to B. We find it strange that though the matter has been heard at length on the previous date on the issue of dredging of Barapullah drain…,” said the tribunal in its order, directing the chief secretary to immediately intervene. NGT will be hearing the matter next on August 6. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/ngt-slams-agencies-over-choked-barapullah-drain-101722817653841.html  (05 Aug. 2024)

Water hyacinth and biomass trigger unseasonal froth With the stink of rotten eggs and a blanket of white froth, the Yamuna downstream of Kalindi Kunj has again exhibited the extent of problem its water is beset with. What is unusual is that the froth formation has happened in the monsoon with its warmer temperature when in the past, the white on the water surface was observed around Chhath and Dussehra festivals, both in the cooler months. But for once, experts have discounted pollution as the cause of the foaming. TERI and DJB, assigned the task of studying the froth formation and suggesting long-term solutions for this, have identified the presence of water hyacinth and biomass as the reasons for the froth. A team of TERI scientists and officials of DJB and the UP irrigation department, inspected the river on July 26. Neither TERI nor DJB attributed the froth to pollution. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/yamuna-river-froth-issue-explained/articleshow/112386795.cms  (09 Aug. 2024)

HLC tweaks timelines for STPs projects A high-level committee (HLC) constituted by NGT in Jan 2023 for rejuvenation of the Yamuna, which recently met after a gap of five months, has extended the proposed timelines for many action points, including construction of three new sewage treatment plants, upgradation of 18 existing STPs, desilting of sewer lines and tapping of drains. The committee, which reviewed the progress in the implementation of several action points on July 23, revised the proposed timelines in comparison to the timelines mentioned in the previous meeting held on Feb 20, shows the latest report of the committee.

Of the three new STPs to be constructed at Okhla, Sonia Vihar and Delhi Gate, the Okhla project is the biggest. The project was initially supposed to be commissioned by June 2023, then March 2024, and the new proposed timeline is Sept 2024. “On June 6, 2023, 80% of the work was done for the Okhla STP. However, 97.3% of the work was completed by June 30 this year,” according to the high-level committee’s report.

Besides, the construction work for Delhi Gate STP is yet to start, as a mobile tower on the land has to be removed. DDA allotted land for the project, but it is yet to be handed over to DJB. No response was received from DJB on the matter of the extension of timelines. However, DJB officials had earlier said that issues like financial crunch and construction bans delayed the completion of STP projects. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/high-level-committee-tweaks-timelines-for-yamuna-projects-in-delhi/articleshow/112253673.cms  (04 Aug. 2024)

कई एसटीपी नहीं कर रहे काम, कई टेंडर में फंसे नदी धारा में प्रदूषण की रोकथाम के लिए नेशनल ग्रीन ट्रिब्यूनल करीब 28 आदेश दे चुका है। इनमें यमुना के पुनरुद्धार योजना को लेकर सीवेज ट्रीटमेंट प्लांट और डिसेंट्रलाइज सीवेज ट्रीटमेंट लगाने का भी आदेश दिया गया था। हालांकि, दिल्ली प्राधिकरणों की ओर से अदालतों में दिए जा रहे हलफनामे और बयानों में तालमेल नहीं मिल रहा। एसटीपी न सिर्फ संख्या में कम काम कर रहे बल्कि अपनी क्षमता से भी कम काम कर रहे हैं।

एनजीटी के चेयरमैन व जस्टिस प्रकाश श्रीवास्तव की अध्यक्षता वाली पीठ ने 6 अगस्त, 2024 को निजामुद्दीन वेस्ट एसोसिएशन एप्लीकेंट बनाम भारत सरकार व अन्य मामले की सुनवाई की। इस सुनवाई के दौरान दिल्ली प्राधिकरण की ओर से सीवेज ट्रीटमेंट प्लांट को लेकर दिए गए हलफनामे में कई त्रुटियां उजागर हुईं। दिल्ली जल बोर्ड की ओर से दिल्ली में एसटीपी/डीएसटीपी की स्थिति रिपोर्ट को लेकर 1 अगस्त, 2024 को दाखिल की गई थी। इस रिपोर्ट में दावा किया गया था कि दिल्ली में कुल 40 एसटीपी काम कर रहे हैं। जबकि करीब 8 एसटीपी इनमें काम नहीं कर रहे हैं। https://hindi.downtoearth.org.in/river/pollution-in-yamuna-many-stps-are-not-working-many-stuck-in-tenders  (09 Aug. 2024)

कभी नदी था नजफगढ़ नाला अब तो दिल्ली वाले नजफगढ़ नाले को शहर के गंदे पानी के सबसे बड़े निकासी के माध्यम के तौर पर जानते हैं. लेकिन बहुत कम लोगों को यह बात मालूम होगी कि नजफगढ़ नाला ही कभी साहिबी नदी हुआ करता था. साहिबी नदी राजस्थान के सीकर जिले के कस्बे अजीतगढ़ के पूर्व में दो किमी दूरी पर स्थित धाराजी के मंदिर के पास से निकलती है. राजस्थान से लेकर दिल्ली तक इस नदी की कुल लंबाई 300 किमी हुआ करती थी. अलवर से यह दिल्ली में प्रवेश करती थी और सीधे यमुना नदी में जाकर मिलती थी. लेकिन दिल्ली के बड़े नालों की गंदगी ढोते ढोते इसका बहाव कम हो गया. फिर यह नदी के बजाय बड़ा नाला बनकर रह गई. फिर इसे नजफगढ़ नाले के रूप में नई पहचान मिली. https://hindi.news18.com/news/knowledge/najafgarh-drain-was-once-a-river-which-flows-from-alwar-to-delhi-carrying-filth-of-capital-8545143.html  (02 Aug. 2024)

Noida यमुना और हिंडन नदी के आसपास की जमीनों की हो सकेगी खरीद-फरोख्‍त नोएडा प्रशासन ने यमुना और हिंडन नदियों के डूब क्षेत्र में आने वाली कृषि भूमि के पंजीकरण की प्रक्रिया फिर से शुरू कर दी है. साल 2020 से ही जमीन की रजिस्‍ट्री कराने पर रोक लगी हुई थी. नोएडा प्राधिकरण और सिंचाई विभाग द्वारा डूब क्षेत्र में बने अवैध फार्महाउस और निर्माण के खिलाफ कार्रवाई के बाद पिछले चार सालों से बड़े पैमाने पर जमीनों रजिस्‍ट्री नहीं हो रही थी. अब उत्‍तर प्रदेश सरकार ने निर्देश दिया है कि यदि दस्तावेज सही हैं तो सभी आवश्यक स्वीकृतियां एक महीने के भीतर पूरी करके जमीनों की रजिस्‍ट्री की जाए.

कृषि भूमि के मालिक एक पोर्टल के माध्यम से जरूरी स्‍वीकृतियों के लिए आवेदन कर सकते हैं. आवेदनों की समीक्षा अतिरिक्त डीएम (वित्त और राजस्व) के नेतृत्व वाली एक टीम करेगी. इन आवेदनों पर एक महीने में निर्णय लेना होगा. पिछले कुछ दिनों में प्रशासन को पांच आवेदन मिल चुके हैं. गौरतलब है कि साल 2020 में, आपदा प्रबंधन समिति ने एक आदेश जारी किया, जिसमें आवेदकों को बाढ़ वाले क्षेत्रों में संपत्तियों की बिक्री और खरीद के लिए नोएडा प्राधिकरण और सिंचाई विभाग से अनापत्ति प्रमाण पत्र (NOC) प्राप्त करना अनिवार्य कर दिया गया. https://hindi.news18.com/news/business/property-noida-resumes-agricultural-land-registration-in-yamuna-and-hindon-floodplains-8553546.html  (06 Aug. 2024)

कभी यमुना से भी साफ थी हिंडन नदी बहुत ज्यादा तो नहीं, अभी 30 साल पहले तक गाजियाबाद और नोएडा के लिए हिंडन नदी जीवन दायिनी थी. लोग तीज त्योहारों में इस नदी में स्नान कर पुण्य लाभ प्राप्त करते थे. उस समय तक यह नदी इतनी साफ थी कि लोग इस नदी के जल से आचमन तक कर लेते थे, लेकिन इन 30 सालों में इस नदी की दशा ही बदल गई है. इस समय तो हालत ऐसे हो गए हैं कि नोएडा गाजियाबाद के नाले भी इस नदी से साफ नजर आते हैं. यमुना की प्रमुख सहायक नदियों में शामिल हिंडन के किनारों पर इस प्रकार से अतिक्रमण हो गया है कि कई स्थानों पर लगता ही नहीं कि यह नाला है कि नदी. https://www.tv9hindi.com/state/uttar-pradesh/ghaziabad-noida-harnandi-river-hindon-chief-secretary-reprimanded-for-the-condition-in-supreme-court-stwsk-2767231.html  (07 Aug. 2024)

RIVERS BIODIVERSITY

Opinion Efforts at conserving rivers are grossly inadequate Ajaya Dixit interview: We humans have lived and have to continue to live within water cycles: water evaporates from the ocean to the sky and then precipitates to the land and flows via rivers back to the ocean. Rivers that function as arteries of the land surface, sustaining humans, aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems face widespread abuses: pollution, rampant extraction of their bed and banks, fragmentation and degradation. Without rivers, we would not be who we are.

– All rivers are a combination of water (W), energy (E), biodiversity aquatic (B), and sediment (S), represented by the acronym WEBS. In the current scheme of things, the focus is on water and energy. Aquatic ecosystems are the concern of only those working on freshwater ecosystems. They are neglected in the larger context though the state has made some provisions for conserving ecosystems. In Nepal’s Hydropower Development Policy of 2001 all hydropower plants must release 10 percent minimum flow to the downstream reaches to enable fish and other aquatic life to survive in the river. https://kathmandupost.com/interviews/2024/08/05/efforts-at-conserving-developing-and-managing-rivers-are-grossly-inadequate  (07 Aug. 2024)

Study Mugger crocodiles may be physiologically stressed in disturbed habitats New research in India reveals that mugger crocodiles in Vadodara, with high human-mugger conflict, exhibit chronic stress levels which could be harmful for the species. The study compared the stress levels of muggers in Vadodara with those in the more rural Charotar region, about 45 kilometres away, where there is high tolerance for the presence of muggers. The study demonstrated that physiological responses in muggers varied across habitats, and such variation could be because of ecological factors in the immediate, local environment.

“In India, many habitats suffer from threats such as pollution, habitat fragmentation, urbanisation, and increasing human-animal conflict. These challenges heavily impact the health and well-being of wildlife, making the environment highly unsustainable. Thus, assessing and implementing effective ecological and management strategies is crucial, especially for species like the mugger crocodile that live in close proximity to human populations,” says Ratna Ghosal, associate professor, biological and life sciences division, Ahmedabad University, and one of the authors of the study. https://india.mongabay.com/2024/08/mugger-crocodiles-may-be-physiologically-stressed-in-disturbed-habitats/  (12 Aug. 2024)

Arunachal Pradesh Critically endangered white-bellied heron records successful breeding -Due to lack of white-bellied heron-specific surveys in the known and unknown river basins in Arunachal, there has been no report of the white-bellied herons breeding record.

-However, on 10 May this year, during monitoring of the elusive bird, a team from Gangtok (Sikkim)-based Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology & Environment (ATREE), observed two nestlings covered with pin feathers. This is probably the first successful recorded white-bellied breeding in India. https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2024/08/10/critically-endangered-white-bellied-heron-records-successful-breeding-in-arunachal/  (10 Aug. 2024)

FISH, FISHERIES, FISHERFOLKS

SANDRP Blog Clueless about fish passes: CIFRI’s Review of fish pass research in India Parineeta Dandekar of SANDRP takes a critical look at CIFRI’s (Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute’s) Review of Fish Pass Research in India. The review suffers from a number of serious shortcomings.

The report does not a number of fish ladders of India, global discourse about fish ladders on dams, governance problems of fish ladders, project proponent’s reluctance to invest in fish ladders, lack of political and administrative will to monitor fish ladders, importance of ladders especially in low dams and barrages, etc. Our messages to two of the authors have remained unanswered. Plz Read, Share. https://sandrp.in/2024/08/06/clueless-about-fish-passes-cifris-review-of-fish-pass-research-in-india/  (06 Aug. 2024)

Report On the imminent eviction of more than 1 lakh small-scale fishers of the Indian Sundarbans from their traditional livelihood More than 1 lakh fishers face eviction in the Indian part of the Sundarbans. Over 2 million people subsist on the Indian Sundarbans. Depending on seasonal variations in livelihood patterns, this number can be higher than 5 million. And this is based on the 2011 Census data.

– Forming fishing-teams constituting three, four or five persons, the traditional small-scale fishers of the Sundarbans go out on seasonal fishing expeditions in the marine and estuarine waterways of the Sundarbans. The boats they go out on are non-mechanised – called ‘dinghy’ or ‘dinghee’ in local parlance – a word that had crept into the English language from South Bengal during the colonial times. They take turns to manually pull the oars, coursing through the tidal waterways of the Sundarbans, collecting fish, crab and at times honey.

– Currently, the state authorities and even international agencies are observed to be espousing the causes of preservation of the vulnerable mangrove ecosystems and tiger conservation as pretexts to evict more than 1 lakh small-scale fishers of the Indian Sundarbans from their livelihood. No sincere efforts to account for and redress their vulnerabilities or to ensure their participation in the conservation of the ecologies which they depend on to subsist through generational livelihood-practices are being undertaken by the powers that be – at the grave expense of democracy in the Sundarbans. https://countercurrents.org/2024/08/on-the-imminent-eviction-of-more-than-1-lakh-small-scale-fishers-of-the-indian-sundarbans-from-their-traditional-livelihood/  (05 Aug. 2024)

Punjab GW salinity turns blessing in disguise for Malwa shrimp farmers -Witnessing the success of shrimp farming, which showcased the potential scope of economic utilisation of salt-affected wastelands, the first state government sponsored shrimp farming demonstration was held at Ratta Khera village of Sri Muktsar Sahib district under the technical guidance of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University and Regional Centre of ICAR — Central Institute of Fisheries Education in Haryana. Similar camps were held in other parts of the region. With active efforts of the university and promotional schemes of the Department of Fisheries of Punjab, the area under shrimp farming expanded very fast from 1 acre in 2014 to 1,315 acres in 2023. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/ludhiana/groundwater-salinity-turns-blessing-in-disguise-for-malwa-shrimp-farmers/  (05 Aug. 2024)

SAND MINING

Odisha NGT bans sand mining in Balasore The NGT has banned sand mining from Subarnarekha river in Balasore district while quashing the order of State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) approving the district survey report (DSR) for mining of minor minerals for 2023-2028. NGT’s east zone bench in Kolkata imposed the restriction while disposing of an appeal challenging the approval of the DSR issued by SEIAA on Apr 26, 2023.

The tribunal said since no replenishment study has been carried out in Balasore district, SEIAA approval of the DSR issued on Apr 26 last year “is liable for revocation and cannot be acted upon”. The bench, however, added, “We may observe that it will always be open for SEIAA, to reconsider the matter of grant of approval of district survey report, if the same is submitted afresh with replenishment study, in accordance with law.”

The plea, filed by one Haripada Manna, contended that the DSR had not identified feasible mining sites, deposition sites, erosion-prone sites and sites of ecological importance along with replenishment study which is required to arrest over-exploitation and illegal sand mining. Advocate Sankar Prasad Pani made submissions on the petitioner’s behalf. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/cuttack/ngt-bans-sand-mining-in-balasore/articleshow/112027669.cms  (26 July 2024)

NGT notice to govt on illegal mining in Dankari quarry cluster The NGT’s East Zone bench in Kolkata issued the notice on the petition filed by Talcher-based United Youth for Sustainable Environment Trust. The trust president Santanu Kumar Bhukta alleged that the excavations beyond the operation area being done by felling of trees in reserve forest areas was causing damage to a minor irrigation project, and endangering life and livestock of local residents. The petition sought direction to ensure that quarrying of stones is not carried out within 500 metre of structures, bridges, dams, weirs, groundwater extraction points, water supply head works, extraction points for irrigation and any other cross drainage structures. Observing that “the matter requires consideration”, the bench of B Amit Sthalekar (Judicial Member) and Arun Kumar Verma (Expert Member) fixed September 13 for further hearing on the matter along with the replies of the respondents. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2024/Jul/31/ngt-notice-to-odisha-govt-on-illegal-mining-in-dankari-quarry-cluster  (31 July 2024)

Himachal Pradesh File action taken report on mining close to Asan wetland: HC  The High Court has directed the state government to file a status report, furnishing the details about the action initiated against persons, who are carrying out mining activities within the 10-km radius of the Asan Wetland Conservation Reserve without the requisite permission.

-The court passed this order on a petition alleging that Himachal Pradesh had granted several mining licences in various areas close to the wetlands and national parks. More importantly, there appears to be an issue about the demarcation of the inter-state boundary between the states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, and it is being contended that some persons holding mining licences granted by the Himachal Pradesh Government are operating within the 10-km radius of the wetlands and the national park falls in Uttarakhand.

-On the previous date of hearing, the report of the Survey of India was placed before the court, which mentioned that 43 mining leases and 26 stone crushers are operating inside the buffer zone of the Asan Conservation Reserve. The report also revealed the list of mining leases granted in Himachal Pradesh from the inter-state boundary with Uttarakhand. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/himachal-pradesh-high-court-file-action-taken-report-on-mining-close-to-asan-wetland/   (06 Aug. 2024)

सीपीएस की पत्नी के टिपर व पोकलेन का चालान, 75 हजार जुर्माना वसूला  अवैध खनन मामले में पुलिस ने मुख्य संसदीय सचिव (सीपीएस) रामकुमार की पत्नी के नाम पर दर्ज टिपर और पोकलेन का चालान किया है और 75 हजार रुपये जुर्माना वसूला है। जुर्माना वसूलने के बाद पुलिस ने दोनों वाहन छोड़ दिए। अब पुलिस जांच कर रही है कि अवैध खनन सरकारी जमीन पर हो रहा था या निजी। यदि जमीन सरकारी पाई गई तो एनजीटी के नियमों की अवहेलना करने का मामला दर्ज होगा। गौरतलब है कि रविवार (Aug 04)को पोकलेन और टिपर मलपुर गांव के समीप अवैध खनन में इस्तेमाल करते पाए गए थे। https://www.amarujala.com/amp/shimla/illegal-mining-cps-s-wife-s-tipper-and-poclain-challaned-75-thousand-fine-collected-2024-08-06  (Aug. 2024)

Telangana HC issues notice over Rampant illegal sand mining The High Court has issued notices to the state government in a public interest litigation seeking a direction to authorities to take action against rampant illegal mining activities in Khadgam-Shetlur suburbs of Bichukunda mandal in Kamareddy district. A division bench, comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice J Sreenivas Rao, converted a letter by A Prakash, president of the Bar Association of Bichukunda mandal, into a PIL and took it up for hearing.

The petitioner said that illegal mining activities have been going on unabated. These activities reportedly caused an estimated loss of Rs 20–30 lakh per day to the exchequer. The letter stated that the permissions granted by the previous BRS government for sand mining in six quarries in the Khadgam-Shetlur suburbs had long expired. After reviewing the contents of the letter, the bench issued notices to the Principal Secretaries of the Mines and Geology, Revenue, Home and Transport departments, MD of TSMDC, District Collector and SP of Kamareddy district. The case has been adjourned for further hearing. https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/states/telangana/2024/Aug/06/telangana-hc-issues-notice-to-government-over-rampant-illegal-sand-mining  (06 Aug. 2024)

Tamil Nadu HC seeks affidavit on illegal sand mining complaint in Vaigai river The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has directed the Public Works Department/Water Resources Department to file a counter affidavit to a PIL that complained about illegal sand mining taking place along Vaigai river at Kodimangalam in Madurai district. The petitioner said that the people of Kodimangalam were dependent on the water for agricultural and other activities. He complained that illegal sand mining activities had led to the depletion of the groundwater level and there was shortage of groundwater. The livelihood of the people of the village was affected as a result, he said.

He alleged that the panchayat president T. Umadevi, her husband V.P. Thirukumaran, his brothers Palanisamy, Vaidyanathan and Murugan and other people related to them were involved in the illegal sand mining activities. They were stocking it and selling it for a profit, he said. He said that he had made a representation to the authorities in this regard. However, no action was taken and it is kept pending. The court adjourned the hearing in the case by two weeks. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/plea-complains-about-illegal-sand-mining-taking-place-along-vaigai-river/article68411493.ece  (16 July 2024)

Tahsildar stops illegal mining, gets life threat A tahsildar and other revenue officials who tried to prevent illegal sand mining from a private land at Kundadam in Tiruppur district on Saturday (Aug. 03) were allegedly issued a life threat by the landowner and her family members. Police were called in to rescued the officers. According to sources, the district administration received a complaint that gravel was being mined from a 60-acre patta land in Kathanganni near Kundadam and sold at night. The district administration ordered Dharapuram tahsildar N Govindaswamy to conduct an inspection.

He, along with some revenue officials, inspected the spot around 11 pm on Friday (Aug. 02). The inspection revealed that a huge amount of soil had been excavated. On Saturday (Aug. 03) evening, the officials again went to the place for another inspection. But the landowner and her family threatened Govindaswamy. He informed police who rescued them. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2024/Aug/05/tahsildar-stops-illegal-mining-in-tiruppur-gets-life-threat  (05 Aug. 2024)

Kerala Protests over decision to resume mineral sand mining at Thottappally Residents said that though dredging had not yet begun, measures were afoot to transport mineral-rich sand that had already accumulated on the land. “People and machinery have been deployed, and we expect them to start transporting sand from Thottappally in the coming days. Once the sand accumulated on the land is cleared, the KMML will begin dredging. We will oppose mining and transportation of mineral sand with all our strength,” said Karimanal Ghanana Virudha Ekopana Samithi (KGVES) chairperson Suresh Kumar S.

Until a few years ago, the Irrigation department used to invite tenders to cut open the pozhi to ensure the flow of excess water from Kuttanad to the sea. The removed sand was kept on the coastline. However, in recent years, companies such as the KMML and the IREL have been entrusted with opening the pozhi and allowed to transport the removed sand. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/protests-grow-over-government-decision-to-resume-mineral-sand-mining-at-thottappally/article68484796.ece  (04 Aug. 2024)

Thousands of stone quarries adding to environmental woes Study reports have confirmed that the state has 5924 functioning stone quarries, but only 529 have obtained permission from the state’s mining department. https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/thousands-of-stone-quarries-in-kerala-are-adding-to-environmental-woes-101722872050960.html  (06 Aug. 2024)

Andhra Pradesh Former director suspended for mining irregularities Former Director of Mines and Geology (DMG) VG Venkata Reddy, who was deputed to the Andhra Pradesh from Central service, was placed under suspension on charges of alleged irregularities in sand mining during his tenure. The State government has also ordered an inquiry by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) against the suspended official. Chief Secretary Neerabh Kumar Prasad issued the orders to this effect on Aug 1. Venkata Reddy, a senior civilian staff officer of the Indian Coast Guard, came to Andhra Pradesh on deputation during the YSRC regime and was posted as the Director of Mines and Geology Dept. He has been accused of resorting to gross violations in the Mining Dept. After the TDP-led NDA government came to power, an inquiry was ordered into the irregularities. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2024/Aug/02/former-mines-director-vg-venkata-reddy-suspended-for-sand-mining-irregularities  (02 Aug. 2024)

CM announces CID inquiry into sand mining irregularities N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday (Aug. 05) said that a separate Public Private Partnership (PPP) wing is being established at Amaravati.He said that the free sand should be supplied as a right of the people. Sand booking facility will be made available at village and ward secretariats and consumers can pay transport fee at secretariats so that they do not have to pay extra, he said. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/naidu-announces-cid-inquiry-into-sand-mining-irregularities/articleshow/112302006.cms  (06 Aug. 2024)

Andhra Pradesh New sand policy comes into effect The main objectives of the new mechanism are making sand available to consumers at affordable rates, transparency, and visibility of sand operations, prevention of any scope for illegal sand excavation and transportation through an effective vigilance and monitoring mechanism, compliance with all environmental regulations and orders issued by the Supreme Court, High Court and NGT, to mitigate the environmental impact of sand excavation.

Under the new mechanism, the District Level Sand Committees (DLSCs) headed by the Collectors have been constituted. They will take over the sand stocks available in the existing depots, which were in the hands of private firms till now. They will safeguard the sand stocks and distribute the construction material as per requirement. The DLSC will appoint VRO/VRAs/ Gram and Ward Secretariat officials or any other official, as deemed fit, as stockyard in-charges for each of the sand depots/desiltation points. There will be no revenue share to the government under the new policy.

The desiltation of major, medium and minor reservoirs and tanks as defined by the Water Resources Department will be taken up to enhance the storage capacity of the reservoirs and augment groundwater recharge in command areas. The department will prepare the feasibility report along with the environment management plan to undertake de-siltation activities, and obtain consent for establishment /consent for operation from APPCB. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2024/Jul/09/new-sand-policy-comes-into-effect-in-andhra-pradesh  (09 July 2024)

Haryana Govt slaps ₹134-cr fine on pvt mining firm Haryana govt imposes a penalty of ₹134 Cr on a mining company for extraction of sand, gravel and boulders far in excess of legal or accounted quantities in Panchkula dist since 2020. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/haryana-slaps-rs-134-crore-fine-on-pvt-mining-firm/  (04 Aug. 2024)

यमुना में नहाते समय दो भाई और मामा डूबे अमावस्या (Aug. 04) पर यमुना नदी में स्नान करने आए दो सगे भाई व उनका पारिवारिक मामा गहरे पानी में डूब गए। उनके साथियों के शोर मचाने पर प्राइवेट गोताखोरों ने यमुना में उनकी तलाश की। बाद में पीएसी के गोताखोरों ने भी मोटर बोट के सहारे सर्च अभियान चलाया, लेकिन शाम तक कोई सफलता नहीं मिली। राजस्थान के जनपद सीकर के गांव बाय खाटू श्याम निवासी 25 वर्षीय महेश व उसका सगा भाई 20 वर्षीय बोधू अपने पारिवारिक मामा 35 वर्षीय लोकेश निवासी मोहल्ला बलई सिकरपुर, हरियाणा के पानीपत में थाना चांदनी बाग क्षेत्र के गांव रिसालू में किराये के मकान में रहते हैं। तीनों पानीपत में पत्थर लगाने की मजदूरी का काम करते हैं।

यमुना नदी पर पक्का घाट नहीं होने और रेत खनन के कारण गहरे गड्ढे हो जाने और गड्ढों के ऊपर पानी होने पर स्नान करने वाले को अंदाजा नहीं होता। इसके चलते यमुना में लोग अपनी जिंदगी से हाथ धो रहे हैं। कांवड़ यात्रा के दौरान भी अलग-अलग समय में करीब 15 कावड़िये यमुना में डूबे, लेकिन गनीमत रही कि सभी को गोताखोरों ने समय रहते बाहर निकाल लिया था। करीब एक माह पहले पानीपत निवासी प्रिंस और विकास की यमुना में डूबने से मौत हो गई थी जबकि उसके साथी शिवा को गोताखोरों ने समय रहते बचा लिया था। आठ मई को पानीपत निवासी निशांत की यमुना में डूबने से मौत हो गई थी। 13 अक्तूबर 2023 को भी हैदरपुर जमात में आए दो किशोर समीर और सैफ अली निवासी जालपाड़ की यमुना में डूबने से मौत हो गई थी। इसके अलावा भी यमुना में दर्जन युवक अपनी जान गंवा चुके हैं। https://www.amarujala.com/uttar-pradesh/shamli/two-brothers-and-their-maternal-uncle-drowned-while-bathing-in-yamuna-in-shamli-2024-08-04  (04 Aug. 2024) https://m.haryana.punjabkesari.in/haryana/news/case-of-3-devotees-who-drowned-in-yamuna-river-in-panipat-2-bodies-found-2015794  (05 Aug. 2024) https://royalbulletin.in/three-youths-from-rajasthan-immersed-in-the-deep-pool-of-yamuna-in-kairana/210246  (05 Aug. 2024)

Karnal– Two friends drowned in the Yamuna near Badagaon village in the district while taking a bath. The deceased have been identified as Somi (33) of Chundipur and Vicky (30) of Nalipar. The incident took place on Sunday (July 28) at 4.30 pm when three friends went into the river to take a bath. The trio were swept away by the strong current of the river. A passerby managed to rescue one of them, while the other two drowned. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/2-friends-drown-in-yamuna-river/  (30 July 2024)

Punjab Farms that mint quick money & mine long term misery At the foot of the Shivalik range, villages under the Mukerian Sub-Division in Hoshiarpur district about 10-15 years ago saw a new trend emerging — easy money made farmers sell their fertile fields for mining soil for Rs 8-10 lakh per acre. Finding it a lucrative offer, farmers in several other villages gradually started selling their land to local agents of stone crusher operators who would return 30 to 40-foot-deep barren pits to landowners. The situation has now come to such a pass that just two villages — Mehatpur and Pandori — have nearly 300 acres mined as officials of the Geology Department in Hoshiarpur and Chandigarh remained impervious to repeated complaints.

Santokh Singh, a farmer from village Pandori, said, “The stone crusher operators would pay for mining soil for a few feet, but gradually, they would go deeper and deeper. Farmers who receive modest money would soon find themselves helpless. Their fertile land would be turned into barren pits. However, the need for money would make farmers further sell their land, making farming impossible on the mined land.” https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/farms-punjab-mukerian-hoshiarpur-money-mining-9507338/  (11 Aug. 2024)

Rajasthan CBI raids in illegal sand mining case The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today (June 22) conducted searches at 10 locations in Rajasthan in connection with illegal sand mining in the state, officials said. The agency is understood to have seized more than Rs 20 lakh cash and a country-made pistol during its searches at different places in Jaipur, Tonk, Jodhpur, Nagaur, Bhilwara, Karoli and Sikar in Rajasthan.

CBI took over the probe into the illegal sand mining case, earlier registered by the Bundi Police, on the orders of the Jaipur Bench of the Rajasthan High Court, they said. In the FIR it has been alleged that Sharukh was arrested on October 24 last year (2023) while transporting 40 MT minor-mineral (sand) in a vehicle (dumper) bearing the registration number RJ-08-GB-3162 without any valid permit. More details are awaited in this regard. https://www.indiatvnews.com/rajasthan/rajasthan-cbi-raids-10-locations-illegal-sand-mining-case-jaipur-jodhpur-udaipur-tonk-sikar-cash-pistol-seized-latest-updates-2024-06-22-938224  (22 June 2024)

Maharashtra Labourer dies as sand boat capsizes near Arnala 11 laborers were rescued while the search for another who drowned at Arnala beach in Virar continued after a boat carrying them capsized on Monday evening (May 26). According to the Virar police, the laborers were involved in illegal sand mining near Virar’s Arnala when the incident occurred. Police officials said that on Monday evening, the boat ventured towards Arnala Fort to mine sand with 12 laborers on board. After only half a mile, the boat suddenly capsized. Once the coast guard spotted the boat, they initiated a rescue operation with the assistance of divers. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/labourer-dies-as-boat-out-for-illegal-sand-mining-capsizes-near-arnala-101716925569304.html  (29 May 2024)

WETLANDS, LAKES, WATER BODIES

Odisha NGT seeks govt response on Asrukhola wetland The NGT has sought the state govt’s response on a plea seeking directions for rejuvenation and protection of the 63-km-long Asrukhola wetland spread over 29 gram panchayats (GPs) in Cuttack, Kendrapada and Jagatsinghpur districts. The Asrukhola Development Council, claiming to represent 29 GPs, contended that closure of Sukpaika river mouth and strengthening of embankment of the Chitrotpala river in the 1970s prevented natural inflow of water during floods resulting in drying up of certain lower regions of the Asrukhola wetland.

The petitioner expected rejuvenation of 11-km stretch of dead Sukpaika river, known as Kaninai and then connect to Asrukhola wetland for its long-term sustainability as was in the past. The matter has been posted on Aug 21 for further proceedings with a direction to all respondents to file counter affidavits within four weeks. According to the plea, degradation of Asrukhola over the years is posing a threat to the entire stretch of 63 km of the wetland’s eco-system and its potential for human use has been severely diminished. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/cuttack/ngt-seeks-state-govt-response-on-asrukhola-wetland-rejuvenation-plea/articleshow/111895377.cms  (21 July 2024)

Maharashtra Scientists find methane-eating bacteria in wetlands Scientists from Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) led by Monali Rahalkar have discovered India’s first indigenous methane mitigating agents, also known as methanotrophs, from rice fields and wetlands of Western Ghats and Vetal Tekdi in the city. Methanotrophs are natural methane mitigating agents present in environments where methane and oxygen both are available. The second most important greenhouse gas, methane has 26 times more global warming potential compared to carbon dioxide. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/scientists-find-indias-1st-methane-eating-bacteria-in-western-ghats-wetlands-vetal-tekdi-quarry/articleshow/112389676.cms  (10 Aug. 2024)

WATER OPTIONS

Madhya Pradesh देवास सहेज रहा 200 करोड़ लीटर पानी देवास के लोगों ने इस वर्ष वर्षा का पानी जमीन में उतारने का ऐसा जल आंदोलन चलाया कि इस सीजन में 200 करोड़ लीटर पानी जमीन में उतारने का काम कर दिखाया।https://www.jagran.com/madhya-pradesh/bhopal-dewas-is-saving-200-crore-liters-of-water-jal-andolan-water-conservation-23772570.html  (05 Aug. 2024)

Report जर्मनी करीब 96 फीसदी गंदा और बेकार पानी रिसाइकिल करता है. बर्लिन के एक इंजीनियर ने घरों के भीतर ही पानी को रिसाइकिल कर फिर से इस्तेमाल के लायक बनाने का तरीका ढूंढा है. https://x.com/dw_hindi/status/1822874908722168310  (12 Aug. 2024)

GROUNDWATER

Study Accelerating groundwater depletion in north India Their study indicated that summer monsoon precipitation has reduced and winters have become warmer in north India during 1951–2021. Both satellite and hydrological model‐based estimates show a rapid groundwater depletion (over 1.5 cm/year) in north India with a net loss of 450 km3 of groundwater during 2002–2021.

-Reduced groundwater recharge and enhanced pumping to meet irrigation demands has depleted the groundwater further. For instance, the summer monsoon drying (10%–15% deficit for near far periods) followed by substantial winter warming (1–4°C rise in temperatures) in the future will further accelerate groundwater depletion by increasing (6%–20%) irrigation water demands and reducing groundwater recharge (6%–12%), said Dr. Tiwari, in an exclusive interaction.

-This phenomena has led to major drought conditions, resulting in a massive loss of groundwater between 2002 and 2021. Examining the response of India’s groundwater to the warming climate is critical for climate adaptation and ensuring food and freshwater security as it leads to increased irrigation water demands in the monsoon (Kharif) and winter (Rabi) seasons, he said.  https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/study-shows-accelerating-groundwater-depletion-in-north-india/article68487352.ece  (05 Aug. 2024)

Punjab Abohar farmers take up paddy after grim harvest Dependent on canal water owing to the high saline content in groundwater, the farmers in this area banked on kinnow orchards due to their ability to survive with less water compared to other water-guzzling crops. Cotton, too, was preferred due to the same reason. However, this season, a change has been observed in the kinnow belt of Punjab, with farmers sowing paddy, primarily basmati varieties, after uprooting their orchards.

-Sources in the Agriculture Department said more than 1,000 acres of kinnow orchards have made way for paddy cultivation this year. In Fazilka, only 50,341 hectares were under cotton cultivation this year compared to 92,000 hectares last year. Sources said a few cotton farmers switched to paddy following pink bollworm and white fly attacks on crops. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/abohar-punjab-mini-california-ditches-kinnow-orchards-paddy-grim-harvest-9491182/  (02 Aug. 2024)

Nearly 70% wells in Punjab — 130 out of 186 — have registered varying degree of fall in water level, in some cases by more than four metres, by November 2023 — in comparison to the mean of water level fluctuation from November 2003 to 2022 — putting the state at the top of the list among north Indian states and Union Territories. Of 186 wells in Punjab that were considered for the water level fluctuation, at least 43 wells (23.1%) in unconfined aquifers recorded a fall of more than four meters, 32 (17.2%) registered a fall of water level between two to four meters, and 55 (29.6%) witnessed a fall of zero to two meters. No change was observed in one well. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/groundwater-level-punjab-wells-register-dip-9501789/  (08 Aug. 2024)

Maharashtra Nandurbar dumps clean solar energy -Falling groundwater table, the resultant technical issues affecting solar pumps, lack of proper service network and a general distrust in solar efficiency aid the shift in the tribal belt.

https://101reporters.com/article/environment/Nandurbar_dumps_clean_solar_energy_adopts_costly_grid_power  (23 May 2024)

URBAN LAKES, WETLANDS

NCR Will notify just 75 acres of Najafgarh jheel as wetland: Haryana The state govt has submitted a plan to National Green Tribunal (NGT), saying it will declare only a 75-acre area of the 5,288-acre Najafgarh jheel, which is on the Haryana-Delhi border, as a wetland. The decision comes in response to NGT’s directions on Feb 16 and April 25 2024, seeking a status report. After considering INTACH’s plea, the tribunal stated, “The applicant’s counsel has been granted permission to file objections to the govt report and submit pertinent material within four weeks.” Next hearing on Oct 22.

– During the course of the hearing, Haryana govt told NGT in 2017 that it would grant the lake wetland status soon and take measures to conserve it. The tribunal asked the govt to notify the wetland soon and submit a report. In another hearing in Dec 2022, NGT called for remedial measures to stop discharge of sewage into the Najafgarh drain, which feeds the eponymous lake and serves as the region’s stormwater channel into the Yamuna. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/will-notify-just-75-acres-of-najafgarh-jheel-as-wetland-haryana-tells-ngt/articleshow/112274207.cms   (05 Aug. 2024)

Bhopal The Union Government has refuted claims that the Bhoj Wetland in Bhopal, a designated Ramsar site, is under threat of delisting from the Ramsar Convention’s list of wetlands of international importance. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/Aug/06/bhoj-wetland-in-bhopal-faces-no-threat (6 Aug 2024)

Chennai Coordinate with SWA before issuing building permits: NGT  The NGT has directed the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) to coordinate with the State Wetland Authority (SWA) before granting any building approval, even on patta land.Hearing a suo motu case on a road laid inside the Perumbakkam wetland by a private builder, the Bench, comprising Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and expert member Satyagopal Korlapati, in a recent hearing said as per the Tamil Nadu State Wetland Authority, the road was within the zone of influence and adjoining the boundary of the Ramsar-designated Pallikaranai marshland.

Moreover, the CMDA, in its report, informed that laying a road adjoining the Ramsar site could adversely affect the hydrological, ecological, and socio-economic parameters of the wetland. The road was built by the builder with debris to facilitate transport of construction materials. “In this regard, we only direct the CMDA to coordinate with the Tamil Nadu State Wetland Authority before granting any building approval, even if it is a patta land,” the Bench said. It also directed the CMDA to file a report in this regard. The counsel for the private builder, Casagrand Builder Private Limited, has sought time to file their report. The matter will be next heard on August 20. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/coordinate-with-wetland-authority-before-issuing-building-permits-ngt-tells-cmda/article68489257.ece  (06 Aug. 2024)

Mumbai Activist moves NGT against Wetland debris dumping In Vasai-Virar The NGT has taken cognizance of the complaint filed by an environmental activist, Charan Bhatt, alleging that the Debris mafias of Palghar district are allegedly exploiting the wetland in Vasai-Virar by pouring loads of the constriction derbies in the protected zones. The activist, through his application, has pleaded with the Tribunal to appoint a SIT and investigate the matter. The NGT has thus asked the Wetland Division, MoEF, Maharashtra coastal zone management authority (MCZMA), Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, CPCB, and Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation to investigate the matter and file their affidavits accordingly.  https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/climate-activist-moves-ngt-against-wetland-debris-dumping-in-vasai-virar  (31 July 2024)

Hyderabad Khajaguda lake goes dry mid monsoon -The reason for the dismal situation is a mix of unregulated real estate development and mismanaged rainwater diversion, say locals and greens. Environmentalists say the lake was once spread over 618 acre. However, an official survey carried out in Feb 2014 showed the full tank level (FTL) of Khajaguda talab to be a little over 38 acre. This further shrunk to 37 acre asper a resurvey in Sept 2019. Activists, however, say official records belie the ground reality, where the lake’s spread seems much lesser. There is no survey after 2019 to confirm current extent of lake bed area. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/realty-unchecked-khajaguda-lake-goes-dry-mid-monsoon/amp_articleshow/112345069.cms  (07 Aug. 2024)

URBAN WATER

Madurai Work on the renovation of shutters of Anaikuttam dam begins Even as the long-felt demand of renovating the shutters of Anaikuttam dam across the Arjuna river near here has begun, a section of councillors have raised objection to the move to reduce the height of a check dam downstream. Communist Party of India (Marxist) councillor Jayakumar complained that the Public Works Department had demolished the upper part of the check dam without the consent of the Virudhunagar Municipal Council. The check dam stores water that is released from the Anaikuttam dam and helps recharge 14 infiltration wells of Virudhunagar Municipality which supplements water supply to the town.

However, a Water Resources Department Engineer said the height of the check dam located some 800 metres downstream of the shutters had to be reduced to prevent corrossion of shutters. The crest level of the 1.8-metre high check dam was 0.5 metre above the sill level (bottom level) of the shutters. “This led to water flowing through the nine shutters stagnanting downstream the shutters and resulted in corrosion of the shutters,” he said. Hence, its height was being reduced by one metre.

The dam constructed in 1989 lost the operation of the shutters after heavy corrsion. All the rainwater that flowed from the Western Ghats escaped through the damaged shutters. “The rusting of the shutters resulted in its malfunction,” he added. The State government has sanctioned ₹28 crore to replace all the nine shutters. Fabrication of the shutters was under way in Tiruchi. The mechanical operation of the shutters would be replaced. The work was expected to be completed by March 2024.This would help store water up to 7.5 metres height in some 200 hectares of area. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/work-on-the-renovation-of-shutters-of-anaikuttam-dam-begins-finally/article68513627.ece  (11 Aug. 2024)

Trichy Contaminated water supply irks residents of Big Bazaar Street Residents of Big Bazaar Street near Rockfort have alleged that Trichy corporation has been supplying substandard drinking water for the past few days. Residents claim that the public water taps, located below road level, are prone to contamination from wastewater seepage, compromising water quality. They reported that the drinking water in three densely populated streets—Sunambukara Street, White Betel Street, and Sandhukadai Street—has deteriorated over the past few weeks. Some locals were reportedly hospitalized with nausea and diarrhoea, though corporation has refuted these claims. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/trichy/residents-of-big-bazaar-street-in-trichy-upset-over-contaminated-water-supply/articleshow/112452860.cms  (12 Aug. 2024)

WATER

Himachal Pradesh No free water for people exceeding income ₹50K -The State cabinet which took the decision to increase the revenue and curtail the subsidies on Thursday (Aug 08) also decided to provide metered water supply to commercial establishments like hotels and home-stays and bill them on commercial rates.

-“Domestic consumers with annual income above Rs 50,000 will have to pay Rs 100 per month as water bill while the business establishments like hotels would be charged as per kilolitre and the money collected will be utilised in improving the quality of drinking water,” said Sukhu.

-“The Jan Shakti Department which is operating about 10,000 water supply schemes in the state is suffering revenue loss of about Rs 800 crore due to supply of free water,” said an official. https://www.business-standard.com/amp/india-news/no-free-water-to-people-with-annual-income-exceeding-rs-50-000-in-himachal-124081000096_1.html  (10 Aug. 2024)

Rajasthan No water supply to 27 villages of Ajmer for a week A water supply pipeline over Sagarmati River at Nuriavas village was damaged as it got washed away following incessant rain in Pisanghan block of the district on Wednesday (Aug. 07). As a result, there will be no water supply in 27 villages for a week. PHED department has started repairing the pipeline, which will take a few days. Superintendent engineer of PHED, Satish Kumar Jain, said “Pisanghan area of the district received about 7inch rainfall in 12 hours, and therefore the region is flooded. Because of this heavy rainfall, the main pipeline measuring 300 mm diameter which passed under a bridge over Sagarmati River got washed away as water level increased due to heavy rainfall. The main pipeline was coming from Jethana pump house near Nuriavas village, which is beside the river.” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ajmer/no-water-supply-to-27-villages-of-ajmer-for-a-week/articleshow/112372341.cms  (08 Aug. 2024)

MONSOON 2024

SANDRP Blog June July 2024: District wise rainfall in India’s SW Monsoon District wise Rainfall in India during June July 2024, first two months of South West Monsoon, was 2% above normal, while rainfall in July 2024 was 280.5 mm, 9.3% above normal. However, the distribution of rainfall was far from Normal as state wise district wise rainfall give here from IMD.

The article also gives maps and bar charts for region wise, state wise and subdivision wise rainfall. As usual, IMD’s river basin wise rainfall map shows its callousness. https://sandrp.in/2024/08/07/june-july-2024-district-wise-rainfall-in-indias-sw-monsoon/ (7 Aug 2024)

High Rainfall days in India’s districts in July 2024 Analysis of IMD’s daily district wise rainfall data for India for July 2024 shows that there were 914 instances when district rainfall in a day was above 50 mm. The analysis includes no of such district days for 50-100, 100-150, 150-200, 200-250 and 250+ mm rainfall for all states of India during July 2024. https://sandrp.in/2024/08/12/high-rainfall-days-in-indias-districts-in-july-2024/  (12 Aug. 2024)

Report Farm weather advisory offices shut, as Niti Aayog misrepresents their role -Despite opposition from a senior union minister and an association of experts, the NITI Aayog, the government’s think tank, urged the closure of 199 district agro-meteorological units, which were shut in March 2024, according to documents we obtained under the right-to-information law. For six years, agromet units provided free, weather-based farm advisories to millions of farmers nationwide. The Aayog pushed to privatise these services, which experts cautioned against, given their value to marginalised farmers. https://article-14.com/post/farm-weather-advisory-offices-nationwide-shut-as-niti-aayog-misrepresents-their-role-seeks-privatisation-66aafa82d2fac (1 Aug 2024)

Rajasthan Jaisalmer receives 55% of season’s rainfall in a day In merely two days, some regions have received more rainfall than half of the total monsoon season’s average precipitation.  Hence, after two days of heavy rainfall, the total monsoon season rainfall in Rajasthan has significantly exceeded the meteorological norm.

-According to data released by the Meteorological Department on August 6, the entire state has received 34.85 centimetres (cm) of rain, which is 40 per cent more than the normal 24.96 cm. In eastern Rajasthan, rainfall has been 27 per cent higher than average. Normally, eastern Rajasthan receives 350.3 mm of rain by August 6, but this season, 445.2 mm have been recorded. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/deluge-in-desert-jaisalmer-receives-55-of-seasons-rainfall-in-a-day-as-rajasthan-reels-under-heavy-rainfall  (07 Aug. 2024)

FLOOD 2024

SANDRP Blog Tungabhadra Dam: A Crest Gate washed away in August 2024 Gate no of 19 of massive Tungabhadra dam in Krishna basin in Karnataka got cut from its chain on the dam and washed away at around 10.50 pm on Saturday, Aug 10 2024. The dam was full at the time, in violation of its rule curve and prudent dam operation.

It is not clear if the gates had the certificate from the state or central dam safety authorities post inspection before the monsoon. One hopes an independent inquiry will be conducted to find out answers to such questions.  Plz Read, Share: https://sandrp.in/2024/08/11/tungabhadra-dam-a-crest-gate-washed-away-in-august-2024/ (11 Aug 2024)

BJP blames govt., JD(S) says dam did not have stop-lock gate as it is very old  “Farmers, who had lost their crop last year due to drought were looking forward to raise two crops this year. Good rainfall had resulted in full storage in reservoir. However, they now remain anxious not knowing whether they will get water for even one crop for which sowing has been completed. The government should have taken up maintenance work during the drought when the water level in the reservoir had plummeted,” said Leader of Opposition R. Ashok on X.  https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/nda-allies-differ-on-tb-dam-issue-while-bjp-blames-govt-jds-says-dam-did-not-have-stop-lock-gate-as-it-is-very-old/article68512935.ece  (12 Aug. 2024) Deputy CM D K Shivakumar on Sunday said two contractor firms have been approached to repair the damaged gate of Pampa Sagar Dam on Tungabhadra river.  https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/2-firms-approached-for-repair-of-tb-dam-crest-gate-shivakumar-3146567  (12 Aug. 2024)

Sardar Sarovar Project SSP dam over 75% full at 130.8 m level with 3.03 lakh cusecs inflow -The Sardar Sarovar Nigam, in a statement, said that the water level in the Sardar Sarovar Dam has reached the 70 percent warning stage. As a result, about 28,464 cusecs of water is being released into the Narmada River through the River Bed Power House (RBPH) to reduce the water level.

-The full level is 138.68 m. For the last few years, the government announces full level achieved on the birth date of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which is September 17. It has to be seen whether the government does the same this year, because last year the flood in Bharuch was attributed to such a decision by the opposition parties.

-The second-highest dam Ukai on the river Tapi in South Gujarat has almost achieved the rule level prescribed for the period up to 1st September. Ukai is 76.50% full with inflow at over 31721 cusecs at 6 pm today August 09. https://deshgujarat.com/2024/08/09/sardar-sarovar-narmada-dam-over-72-full-at-nearly-130-m-level-with-3-56-lakh-cusecs-inflow/  (09 Aug. 2024)

MP to release water from Indirasagar to Sardar Sarovar -Both ISP and OSP have been generating hydropower to release water from their reservoirs. On Monday (Aug. 05), Sardar Sarovar recorded a level of 125.07 metres with an inflow of 92,148 cusecs. Six turbines of the Riverbed Powerhouse of the Sardar Sarovar are currently operating in 12-hour cycles to produce hydropower, while two turbines of the Canal Head Power house are also operational.

-An average inflow of about 95,000 cusecs from upstream Narmada dam has been recorded since mid-July, taking the level up by about five centimetres a day, SSNNL officials said. Currently, the Sardar Sarovar basin has about 2,101.02 million cusecs of water, which is about 60 per cent of the dam’s capacity.

On Aug 5, the Gujarat government said in a release that 47 of the 206 other dams in Gujarat had been completely filled, leading to a high alert sounded in the respective areas. Close to 10 dams are filled over 90 per cent capacity and are on high alert, while 38 dams are over 70 per cent full with warning alerts. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/madhya-pradesh-to-release-water-from-indirasagar-to-sardar-sarovar-today-9497085/  (06 Aug. 2024)

District Collector of Bharuch on Saturday (Aug. 10) informed that 2 lakh cusecs water is going to be released from Sardar Sarovar Narmada dam from 6 am on Sunday, August 11. Meanwhile at 12 midnight, the level of water in Sardar Sarovar Narmada dam was 134.21 with storage at 85.27% and inflow of over 3.88 lakh cusecs against outflow of over 55,000 cusecs. The full reservoir level in Narmada dam is 138.68 which was achieved last year on September 17. https://deshgujarat.com/2024/08/11/2-lakh-cusecs-discharge-from-narmada-dam-sunday-morning-district-collector/  (11 Aug. 2024)

Owing to continuous rain in upstream and release of water from Omkareshwar dam in Madhya Pradesh, water level has been continuously increasing and nine gates of the Sardar Sarovar dam have been opened upto 1.50 metres, said an official statement. It also stated that because of the six machines of Riverbed Power House and opened gates, 1.35 lakh cusecs water will be released in Narmada river. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/narmada-river-bank-villages-on-alert-sardar-sarovar-dam-level-rises-9508060/  (12 Aug. 2024)

DVC Dams Flood Hydrology experts to table remedial report by September The ‘man-made’ flood devastation that has caused the Lower Damodar Basin to suffer every year over the years, possibly has an answer planned 30 years ago in the river about 216 kms upstream from the Durgapur Barrage, and hydrology experts from Guwahati have now been assigned to dust off the solution originally suggested by the river management planners. Over the last 30 years, however, the problem of land acquisition has only worsened in Dumka district of the neighbouring Jharkhand, causing a bottleneck for the proposed solution of building a new Balpahari dam in Dumka on the Barakar river – a key tributary of the Damodar river. “The Jharkhand government has not been able to navigate the land acquisition issue as the indigenous community has been very reluctat to vacate,” said a senior DVC official.

– The Tenughat dam is designed to accommodate a 20 feet high flood cushion (from 862 ft – 882 ft). “But for this, a huge area of upstream land was required, which has still not been made available and encroachment in the basin added to the problem, too,” a DVC official said. Panchet and Maithon dams accommodate 20 feet and 15 feet flood cushions currently but large quantities of sand deposition due to extensive industrialisation and urbanisation have reduced the life span of the dams. “The optimum required land for Maithon and Panchet could not be made available too, resulting in reduction of flood cushions by 5 feet and 10 feet there respectively,” a DVC Water Management System review report stated in 2020.

– “The Central Water Commission’s Guwahati wing has been assigned to prepare a fresh DPR (detailed pro ject report) in six months describing the project outlay, socio environmental impact alongside the simulation water reserve capacity,” said Anjani Kumar Dubey, DVC’s Executive Director (Civil) and project head at Maithon. Last February, at a high level meeting, the CWC, Guwahati was assigned the task. “They have given six months time frame to prepare the report and we can expect by September it’ll be tabled.” The Bengal government meanwhile has warned the DVC that the proposed Balpahari dam should not cause any blockade to the state’s irrigation water. Jharkhand has maintained that the DVC should first set up a barrage there to reduce the land acquisition requirement, but this has not been considered.

– As explained by Satyabrata Banerjee, DVC’s former Chief Engineer in his water management review report prepared in 2020: “In the original plan it’s envisaged that the Damodar Valley catchment has ability to generate maximum peak flood of 28317 Cubic Metres (10 Lakh Cusecs). To moderate this flood peak to a safe (level) channel capacity for Lower Damodar area was considered at 7079 Cumecs (2.5 Lakh Cusecs) and for that a total flood storage of 3596 Million Cubic Metres in 7 storage dams was required to be developed.” Mr Banerjee commented: “In fact, only 36 per cent of flood storage in respect to original plan was made available to DVC system for moderation of flood flow.” https://www.thestatesman.com/bengal/man-made-floods-hydrology-experts-to-table-remedial-report-by-september-1503329006.html  (07 Aug. 2024)

Large discharges causing ‘manmade’ floods in Bengal: Mamata plea to Hemant Soren W Bangal CM Mamata Banerjee on Aug 4 requested Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren to regulate water release from his state’s dams like Tenughat (DVC says it has to release water from downstream dams Maithon and Panchet if water is released from Tenughat), saying large discharges were causing “manmade” floods in Bengal. https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/large-discharges-causing-manmade-floods-in-bengal-mamata-plea-to-hemant-soren/cid/2038629  (05 Aug. 2024)

Stagger release, state requests after DVC discharges 1.4L cusec water Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) on Saturday (Aug. 03) released around 1,38,000 cusec of water from Maithon and Panchet dams, raising fears of widespread flood across south Bengal, which has been receiving steady rainfall this week. The move prompted the state govt to ask DVC to stagger the release and announce a series of measures to deal with a possible flood situation. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/dvc-releases-14l-cusec-water-state-requests-staggered-release/articleshowprint/112255388.cms  (04 Aug. 2024)

Telangana Retaining wall of Sunkishala caves in due to sudden flood A 25-metre high retaining wall of Sunkishala intake well of Nagarjuna Sagar dam in Nalgonda district collapsed after heavy inflows from Krishna river gushed into the ongoing project last week. There was no loss of life in the incident, which occurred on Aug 2, but came to light only on Aug 8.

– Sunkishala project is essential for transferring water from Krishna river through Nagarjuna Sagar dead storage to meet the drinking water requirements of Greater Hyderabad even during peak summer. There was sudden flood in the Sagar dam with 3.5 lakh cusecs of inflows on that day, which damaged the tunnel gate and the side wall collapsed. “It all happened in five minutes,” the water board said. The wall was constructed to prevent the water flow into the surge pool. The project works costing Rs 2,215 crore began in May 2022. It is being constructed by MEIL, was to be completed by March 2024, but was delayed. New deadline was in a month, but this will again be delayed. “With the Sunkishala project, water can be drawn from Nagarjuna Sagar even when the water level reaches minimum draw-down level of 510 feet,” a senior official said. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/sunkishala-caves-retaining-wall-collapses-due-to-sudden-flood/articleshowprint/112387434.cms  (09 Aug. 2024)

While trying to protect itself, the board placed the blame on these expectations squarely at the feet of the contractor saying, in its news release, that “the agency thought that floods will reach Nagarjunasagar reservoir only towards the end of August, and that water level would reach the mid-tunnel level by then.” It also appeared to have sought to help the agency by saying “once the water level recedes, the company will rebuild the sidewall at its own cost, and the initial estimates for this repair has been put at Rs 20 crore.”

– By saying so, the water board appeared to have washed its hands of any responsibility for the disaster. Had its top officials done their homework, and kept track of how the rain was filling up Krishna in its upper reaches, they would have known that filling of Nagarjunasagar would not be “sudden” but something that was likely to happen notwithstanding “expectations” of a late flood.

– Incidentally, the same agency was also a significant contractor in the Kaleshwaram project and one of the components it built for that project – Laxmi pump house at Kannepally designed to lift water from Medigadda backwaters – was submerged in flood waters after a retaining wall at that pump house also collapsed. When Block 7 of the Medigadda barrage of the Kaleshwaram project cracked and began sinking last October, the then BRS government adopted a similar line maintaining that the damage was just to one block and insignificant, the very line the board has now taken with respect to what happened at Sunkishala. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/telangana/water-board-ties-itself-up-in-knots-over-sunkishala-1815321  (09 Aug. 2024)

Maharashtra Koyna dam releases 34 TMC water for flood management Ashish Jadhav, sub-divisional engineer of Koyna dam, said, “As per the dam discharge manual, we have to keep the stock at 80 TMC or lower till mid-Aug (total capacity 105 TMC). The dam discharge schedule is fixed as per the detailed study of the rainfall pattern over a long period. The dam received 113 TMC of water, of which 34 TMC has been released to achieve the stock limit.” During the last monsoon, the dam’s storage could not rise above 90 TMC owing to a deficit in rainfall. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolhapur/koyna-dam-releases-34-tmc-water-for-flood-management/articleshowprint/112359880.cms?val=3728  (08 Aug. 2024)

Himachal Pradesh Dam water release alert Maintaining that the turbines at the Larji power house had been shut due to the increased level of silt in the Beas river, Mandi SDM Om Kant Thakur today (Aug. 05) said the authorities will release approximately 100 cusecs of additional water from the dam. The dam authorities may release more water, if required, he added. “The release of water will lead to a rise in water level downstream the Beas,” he added. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/dam-water-release-alert/  (06 Aug. 2024)

Pandoh Dam floodgates made functional Wrong headline, it seems. The demand for channelisation of Beas from Palchan to Kullu is worrying as that will not only serve the purposed hoteliers want, but in fact be counterproductive and kill the river. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/pandoh-dam-floodgates-made-functional-residents-relieved/  (05 Aug. 2024)

Rajasthan Whenever Luni floods Samdari villagers in Balotra dist, Rajasthan celebrate it. For them its Maru Ganga (Ganga of desert land). The flood turns Luni (Salty) river’s water sweet, recharges groundwater,  supports farming and washes away Pali industries pollution reaching it via Bundi river.

समदड़ी में मरु गंगा कही जाने वाली लूनी नदी में पानी आने पर ढोल नगाड़ों और नृत्य से ग्रामीणों ने खुशी जताई… pic.twitter.com/OWFFcegpY7

— Mahesh Sharma (@Mahesh_SharmaDB) August 6, 2024

अचानक आए पानी से बोरखंडीकला तालाब टूटा -पीपलू उपखंड क्षेत्र बोरखंडी तालाब की पाल टूटने पानी के बहाव वाले क्षेत्र में खेतों में भी कटाव हो रहा है। इस कारण खेत खराब हो रहे हैं। सरपंच रामलाल मीणा ने बताया कि गत माह भी हुई तेज बारिश के चलते यह तालाब टूट गया था। जल संसाधन विभाग ने उसकी मरम्मत करवाई थी। गुरुवार (Aug. 01) को फिर पानी की आवक एक साथ ज्यादा आने से तालाब एक बार फिर टूट गया है। https://www.bhaskar.com/local/rajasthan/tonk/news/the-broken-pond-caused-erosion-in-the-fields-making-irrigation-of-crops-difficult-133419027.html   (02 Aug. 2024)

बड़ली में 2 बांध टूटे जयपुर जिले में पहली तेज बरसात ने ही सरकारी इंतजामों की पोल खोल दी। बरसात से पूर्व प्रशासन द्वारा बांधों व जलाशयों की सार-सम्भाल नहीं करने से ग्राम पंचायत बड़ली में खातोलाई व झाव बांध टूट गए। जिससे पानी बह गया। यह पानी रामपुरा एनीकट में पहुंचा। जिससे वहां चादर चल गई। पानी एकत्र नहीं होने से क्षेत्र के लोगों को बांधों का लाभ नहीं मिला। इससे क्षेत्र के किसानों ने नाराजगी प्रकट की। https://www.patrika.com/bassi-news/heavy-rain-in-rajasthan-the-first-heavy-rain-exposed-the-poor-arrangements-of-the-government-2-dams-broke-in-barli-18885025  (02 Aug. 2024)

टोंक में रामसागर बांध टूटा, स्कूल और घरों में घुसा पानी -मानसून की पहली ही बारिश ने के टोंक जिले के मालपुरा उपखंड में जबरदस्त तबाही मचाई है। रामसागर बांध टूटने से स्कूल और घरों में पानी घुस गया है। बाढ़ जैसे हालात पैदा हो गए हैं। गांव का संपर्क कट चुका है। प्रशासन ने अलर्ट जारी किया है। बीसलपुर और तोड़ी सागर बांध में भी पानी का तेज बहाव है। टोंक जिले में 2 दिन के लिए स्कूलों में अवकाश घोषित कर दिया गया है। https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/rajasthan/tonk/rajasthan-flood-like-situation-in-tonk-due-to-heavy-rains-ramsagar-dam-broke-water-entered-schools/articleshow/111528405.cms  (06 July 2024)

Madhya Pradesh बह गया 30 लाख का नवनिर्मित अमृत सरोवर बांध, किसानों की फसल हुई बर्बाद – जबलपुर में 30 लाख की लागत से नवनिर्मित अमृत सरोवर बांध बारिश में बह गया। अमृत सरोवर बांध के बहने से कई किसानों की फसल बर्बाद हो गई है। उपसरपंच और पीड़ित किसानों ने इसकी शिकायत जिला पंचायत से की है।https://lalluram.com/rain-exposed-poor-construction-newly-constructed-amrit-sarovar-dam-worth-rs-30-lakhs-washed-away/  (09 Aug. 2024)

Uttar Pradesh Due to recent rainfall in the upstream regions, the water levels of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers have been rising alarmingly in Prayagraj, inundating residential areas in Baghada area of the city. Students preparing for competitive exams who reside in rented rooms in the area have been compelled to find alternative accommodation, disrupting their studies. https://www.ndtv.com/video/rising-water-levels-of-the-ganga-and-yamuna-rivers-flood-low-lying-areas-in-prayagraj-823779  (09 Aug. 2024)

मध्य प्रदेश राजस्थान और बुंदेलखंड में अच्छी वर्षा के चलते प्रयागराज में भी यमुना का जल स्तर तेजी से बढ़ रहा है। यह बढ़त पिछले तीन दिनों से चल रही है मगर सोमवार शाम से जल स्तर बढ़ने की गति बढ़ गई। सोमवार रात आठ बजे से 12 घंटे में ही यमुना का जल स्तर 92 सेमी बढ़ गया। https://www.jagran.com/uttar-pradesh/prayagraj-big-hanuman-ji-of-sangam-took-a-maha-sannan-due-to-flood-in-prayagraj-23773492.html (7 Aug 2024)

हमीरपुर: यमुना और बेतवा नदियों में लाखों क्यूसेक पानी डैमों से छोड़े जाने से यहां दर्जनों तटवर्ती गांवों में बाढ़ का खतरा मंडरा रहा है। नदियों का जलस्तर तेजी से बढ़ने से निचली इलाकों के लोग टेंशन में आ गए है। प्रशासन के निर्देश पर अब बाढ़ चौकियों को अलर्ट कर दिया गया है। हमीरपुर तहसील क्षेत्र में बेतवा नदी की बाढ़ की जद में 59 गांव आते है। वहीं मौदहा क्षेत्र में तीन, सरीला क्षेत्र में 24 गांव हर साल बाढ़ की चपेट में आते हैं। यमुना नदी की उफान में हमीरपुर तहसील क्षेत्र में ही 20 गांव बाढ़ की जद में हैं।

दोनों नदियों के अलावा अन्य स्थानीय नदियों की बाढ़ से भी 150 से ज्यादा गांव प्रभावित होते हैं। पिछले कई दिनों से मध्यप्रदेश और दिल्ली समेत अन्य राज्यों में लगातार हो रही बारिश के कारण अब बुंदेलखंड का माताटीला डैम लबालब हो गया है। डैम से लाखों क्यूसेक पानी छोड़ा गया है। इसका असर अब हमीरपुर जिले में दिखने लगा है। https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/uttar-pradesh/hamirpur/yamuna-and-betwa-river-flood-threat-million-cusecs-water-released-from-dams-hamirpur-news/articleshow/112296149.cms  (05 Aug. 2024)

यमुना नदी में सहायक नदी चंबल स्थिति बांध से चार लाख क्यूसेक पानी छोड़ा गया गया है। यह नदी भी प्रति घंटा 100 सेंमी बढ़ रही है। मंगलवार की शाम तीन बजे यमुना 99.300 मीटर और बेतवा 100.460 पर बह रही है। जबकि यमुना के खतरे का निशान 103.63 मीटर व बेतवा नदी का 104.54 मीटर है। पारा कंडौर मार्ग का रपटा डूब जाने से दोनों गांव के ग्रामीणों को आवागमन करने के लिए चार km अतिरिक्त चक्कर लगाना पड़ रहा है।  https://www.amritvichar.com/article/484627/hamirpur-news-rapidly-rising-water-level-of-betwa-and-yamuna  (06 Aug. 2024)

Report ‘Rivers in the sky’ can be linked with devastating floods, heat stress -In the last five years, for instance, the number of stations receiving ‘very heavy’ and ‘extremely heavy rainfall’ in July has more than doubled across the country, hitting a high of 1,113 and 205, respectively, in 2023, according to the IMD. This July, as many as 1,030 stations recorded ‘very heavy’ rainfall and 193 saw ‘extremely heavy’ rainfall, which means around 40 stations reported ‘very heavy rainfall’ every day of the month, IMD stated in its report released August 1, 2024. The national weather agency defines ‘very heavy’ precipitation as 115.6-204.5 millimetres of rain and ‘extremely heavy’ precipitation as rainfall beyond 204.5 mm. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/natural-disasters/rivers-in-the-sky-are-becoming-more-intense-in-india-can-be-linked-with-devastating-floods-heat-stress  (05 Aug. 2024)

Insurance cover proposal hangs fire for over a decade -A host of proposals, including the latest from the Standing Committee on Finance of the Lok Sabha in February this year, for an insurance catastrophe pool (INCIP) which would have mitigated the sufferings of the people are stuck with the governments and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) with no decision taken about the complex issue of implementing the scheme across the country.

-India has been ranked third after the US and China in recording the highest number of natural disasters since 1900. By disaster type, India is marred mostly by floods. https://indianexpress.com/article/business/wayanad-landslide-natural-catastrophes-insurance-cover-9495225/  (05 Aug. 2024)

URBAN FLOODS

Delhi साउथ एशिया नेटवर्क ऑन डेम्स रिवर्स एंड पीपल्स (SANDRP) के भीम सिंह रावत का कहना है कि दिल्ली में जुलाई 2023 और अगस्त 2019 में आई बाढ़, हिमाचल में यमुना के कैचमेंट में भारी बारिश का नतीजा था.भीम सिंह रावत का दावा है कि बीते साल बाढ़ के बाद यमुना पर काम ना के बराबर हुआ है. भीम सिंह रावत ने बताया कि जुलाई 2023 की बाढ़ से काफी लोग प्रभावित हुए, लेकिन साल भर बाद भी बाढ़ की वजह का खुलासा नही हुआ है. फरवरी 2024 में कमिटी रिपोर्ट में भी बाढ़ आने के लिए वजीराबाद बैराज को जिम्मेदार ठहराया गया था, लेकिन इस रिपोर्ट में बाढ़ की वजह का जिक्र नहीं है.  https://www.aajtak.in/india/delhi/story/imd-issued-flood-alert-in-delhi-due-to-heavy-rainfall-in-uttarakhand-and-himachal-pradesh-sslbs-1981323-2024-07-09  (09 July 2024)

Surat Encroachment on rivulets, lakes causing flooding A study report on recent floods by citizens highlighted how encroachment on rivulets and lakes led to the flooding. Details of the study report shared on Tuesday raised major concerns about the preparedness of the city civic body. The report has been prepared by architect Sugeet Pathakji and environment activist Krushnakant Chauhan for People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL).

– “In its disaster management and preparedness plan, SMC uses almost 11-year-old data of water levels in rivulets while planning in 2024. When we know that for the past few years we are witnessing regular floods in some areas, they should have used recent water level figures,” said Chauhan. The team claims that water logging on New VIP Road is the result of encroachment on a rivulet going through a university campus. “In the 2011 image, it is visible that a small rivulet crosses through the campus of the university, but now it has disappeared. Due to this encroachment of the rivulet, now we see water logging on New VIP Road often,” said Chauhan.

– The study also identifies how lakes have disappeared or become small at a few locations. “In Mota Varachha, the images show that a lake has disappeared near Savjibhai Korat Bridge on river Tapi. In some parts, the lake became small due to encroachment,” said Pathakji. In the study, the team compared the condition of rivulets in 2011 and now based on Google images. It shows how the rivulets were wider than and in current images how encroachment is done.

– “In old images, we can see the rivulet was wide near Saraswati Hindi Vidhyalay, but in the latest images, the rivulet is narrow. This is causing flooding in Saraswati Vidhyalay every year now. Recently, children had to be rescued,” said Pathakji. Highlighting another issue, the team claimed that a rivulet near Punagam Road to Kalapur and Sitanagar Cross Road has been buried completely and a road has been developed on it. “The rivulet played a key role in carrying water during heavy rain. But since the road has been developed, it leads to water logging in surrounding areas,” said Chauhan. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/surat/encroachment-on-rivulets-and-lakes-causing-flooding-study/articleshowprint/112331596.cms  (07 Aug. 2024)

Mumbai No desilting of Mumbai’s water sources done in past 10 years, greens upset Information obtained from BMC by environment watchdog NatConnect Foundation shows that there has been no desilting done at Vihar, Tulsi, Modak Sagar, Tansa and Middle Vaitarna over the past decade. Kumar said there was, however, no word from the BMC on desilting of the remaining two lakes – Bhatsa and Upper Vaitarna. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/maharashtra/no-desilting-of-mumbais-water-sources-done-in-past-10-years-greens-upset-3136154  (04 Aug. 2024)

Gurugram City gets 97mm of rain in 6 hours Gurgaon received 97.5mm of rain between 6am and noon – more than 93.1mm it recorded through July. Though it continued to rain through the afternoon, the intensity was much lower.Roads resembled lakes, traffic came to a crawl and houses plunged into darkness – six hours of rain once again brought the city on its knees on Sunday (Aug. 11). None of the scenes that the city portrayed through the morning was unknown to its residents as the showers lifted the veil off the authorities’ lack of preparedness for the monsoon despite the rains coming weeks late. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/gurgone-again-gurgaon-breaks-down-after-receiving-97mm-of-rain-in-6-hours-gurgaon-weather/articleshow/112453469.cms  (12 Aug. 2024)

CLOUD BURSTS

Himachal Pradesh 5 of its sports stars missing in cloudburst These promising sportspersons from the Government Senior Secondary School in Samej — three state-level volleyball players and two district-level shuttlers — are among the 33 people from their village who are on the list of 59 still missing after the cloudbursts that devastated the Shimla region last Wednesday (July 31) night. According to local officials, the students were in their homes when they were washed away along with other family members four nights ago.

-Of the five cloudbursts that were reported that night, three were in Kullu, and one each in Mandi and Shimla. Samej, where the school is located, is in Kullu district while Kanradar, where four of the five missing students hail from, is in Shimla district. The Samej school’s faculty members said that “almost 80 percent” of its infrastructure was washed away and classes for the 63 remaining students were suspended for two weeks. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/himachal-pradesh-school-sports-stars-still-missing-cloudburst-9495049/  (5 Aug 2024)

Flash floods 4 days on, no trace of 44 missing persons As many as 44 people are still missing after cloudbursts and flash floods in Kullu, Mandi and Shimla regions of Himachal Pradesh four days ago. Among the missing are 33 people from Samej village of Rampur sub-division in Shimla district. At the same time, two more bodies were recovered in Mandi’s Terang village, raising the rain-related deaths to nine – eight in Mandi and one in Kullu. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/4-days-after-hp-cloudburst-44-still-untraced/articleshowprint/112272058.cms (05 Aug. 2024)

Shrikhand Kailash mountain was epicentre of the 2 most devastating cloudbursts. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/shrikhand-kailash-mountain-epicentre-2-devastating-cloudbursts-himachal-9504708/  (09 Aug. 2024)

Himachal falls in the category of top five disaster-prone states of the country in respect of natural hazards like earthquakes, flashfloods triggered by cloudbursts, landslides, avalanches and forest fires. In last 10 years, over 20 major cloudbursts and flashfloods have been reported from various parts of the state, wherein property worth Rs 1,000 crore has been damaged or washed away.  https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/ngos-bat-for-stringent-laws-to-deal-with-environmental-degradation-in-state/   (06 Aug. 2024)

किन्नौर जिले के खाब में बादल फटने की सूचना है। यहां पर बादल फटने से भारी तबाही मची है। साथ ही नदी का पानी सड़क पर आ गया है और यातायात पूरी तरह से ठप हो गया है। https://himachalabhiabhi.com/heavy-rain-in-himachal-cloud-burstin-kinnour-water-entered-houses-in-una-many-roads-closed-crops-damaged/  (11 Aug. 2024) किन्नौर के खाब में बादल फटने से बस्पा नदी का जलस्तर बढ़ गया है। https://www.divyahimachal.com/2024/08/monsoon-cloud-burst-in-kinnaur-baspa-river-in-spate-yellow-alert-issued-for-next-6-days/  (11 Aug. 2024) शिमला: चौपाल उपमंडल की पौड़ीया पंचायत के तारापुर गांव में फटा बादल https://x.com/GoodMediaApp/status/1822880007964029202  (12 Aug. 2024) नाहन विकास खंड के मातर गांव में बादल फटने जैसी घटना हुई है। ग्रामीणों के अनुसार, करीब पांच दर्जन विशालकाय वृक्ष धराशायी हो गए हैं। हालांकि, करीब आधा दर्जन घर बाल-बाल बच गए, लेकिन बारिश जारी रहने की स्थिति में ये घर जमींदोज हो सकते हैं। ग्रामीणों के मुताबिक, पिछले साल भी इसी जगह लैंडस्लाइड हुआ था। https://mbmnewsnetwork.com/himachal-pradesh/735620/नाहन-में-बारिश-का-कहर-कोलर  (11 Aug. 2024)

Jammu & Kashmir Massive damage in Kangan A flash floods triggered by a possible cloudburst wreaked havoc in several areas of Kangan subdivision in Ganderbal district at 12:30 am on Sunday (Aug. 04), causing massive damage to residential houses, agricultural land, vehicles, and roads. The flash floods occurred in the Cherwan, Kullan, and Gagengar areas of Kangan with significant damage caused in the Cherwan area. https://www.greaterkashmir.com/front-page-2/massive-damage-in-kangan/  (05 Aug. 2024)

किश्तवाड के सिगड़ी भाटा गरातनर नाले के ऊपरी इलाके में बादल फटा। इलाके में लगी फसल को खासा नुकसान। मची भारी तबाही। कोई जानी नुकसान नहीं। https://x.com/jammukesari/status/1822564937853513958  (12 Aug. 2024)

Uttarakhand Kedarnath trek route to be repaired within 7 days The trek route to Kedarnath, damaged by a cloudburst in Junglechatti near Lincholi last Wednesday (July 31), has been surveyed by department officials who have set a seven-day timeline to repair the damage. The team conducted an aerial survey and on-spot inspection, and with over 10,000 people already rescued from Kedarnath, Bhimbali, and Gaurikund, the goal is to restore the route to normal usage as soon as possible.

-Public Works Department (PWD) officials, who inspected the area, identified 29 damaged spots requiring repair.Among these, the most challenging tasks will be fixing a 60-meter washed-out stretch in Junglechatti and a 15-meter damaged section in Ghodapadav near Gaurikund. https://www.financialexpress.com/business/roadways/uttarakhand-cloudburst-kedarnath-trek-route-to-be-repaired-within-7-days/3574737/  (06 Aug. 2024) 

न यात्रियों की सही संख्या पता, न मौसम की चेतावनी का असर, ऐसी लापरवाही कब तक -मौसम विभाग जुलाई के आखिरी हफ्ते में राज्य में लगातार भारी बारिश की चेतावनी जारी कर रहा था। 31 जुलाई के लिए रेड अलर्ट जारी किया गया था। वरिष्ठ भू-वैज्ञानिक और गढ़वाल विश्वविद्यालय में भू-विज्ञान के विभागाध्यक्ष डॉ एसपी सती 2013 की आपदा की स्थिति से इस घटना की तुलना करते हैं। “मौसम विभाग लगातार खराब मौसम की चेतावनी दे रहा था। फिर इतनी बड़ी संख्या में वहां लोग कैसे पहुंचे। उन्हें रोका क्यों नहीं गया। बड़ी संख्या में कांवड़िए भी मौजूद थे। उनका कोई रजिस्ट्रेशन नहीं किया जाता। अगर वे लापता भी होते हैं तो उनके परिजनों को खबर कैसे लगेगी?” https://hindi.downtoearth.org.in/natural-disasters/kedarnath-disaster-of-the-year-2024-neither-the-exact-number-of-pilgrims-is-known-nor-the-effect-of-weather-warning  (04 Aug. 2024)

31 जुलाई को केदारनाथ घाटी में हुई बादल फटने की घटना के बाद आपदा प्रभावित क्षेत्र में मंदाकिनी नदी के किनारे भूस्खलन और मिट्टी का कटाव जारी है।  रविवार (Aug. 12) को केदारनाथ पैदल मार्ग पर भीमबली के पास भारी भूस्खलन हुआ, जिसके बाद नदी में भारी मात्रा में मलबा गिरने से मंदाकिनी नदी का प्रवाह रुक गया। https://www.punjabkesari.in/national/news/rudraprayag-cloudburst-kedarnath-valley-landslide-mandakini-river-2018953  (12 Aug. 2024)

भीमबली के पास केदारनाथ पैदल मार्ग पर हुए इस विशाल भूस्खलन का यह वीडियो। इस भीषण घटना से मंदाकिनी नदी का प्रवाह रुक गया और एक अस्थायी झील बन गई – ऐसा पहली बार हुआ है। https://x.com/KumaonJagran/status/1822843549383032951  (12 Aug. 2024)

चमोली के नंदानगर के ऊपरी क्षेत्र में फटा बादल… मोक्ष, चूफलागाड़ नदी में आया उफान। https://x.com/News18UP/status/1822545506083406132  (12 Aug. 2024)

On the walking track to Kedarnath in Rudraprayag dist in Uttarakhand, a landslide dam has been created near Bhimbal helipad on AUg 11 2024 afternoon. Later in the evening water started flowing out, but at below normal rate. Alert has been declared along the downstream areas.

LANDSLIDES

Kerala In Munnar, team forecast landslides & averted damage Barely two weeks before the devastating Wayanad landslide, a series of landslide incidents happened 300 km south in Munnar in Kerala’s Idukki district. Their scale was much lower but another reason these didn’t cause much damage was because they were predicted — allowing for pre-emptive action, including evacuation of at-risk populations. This response by the Idukki district administration came partly on the advice of a team of researchers from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham which has been testing an early warning system for landslides at a few sites in Munnar.

– “It may not be possible to predict all kinds of landslides with pin-point accuracy but many of them can indeed be forecast and an effective early warning system developed. We have been working on this since 2009, and have shown that this is possible,” said Maneesha Vinodini Ramesh, the lead researcher on this project at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, told The Indian Express. Unlike earthquakes, for which prediction science is not yet available, landslides, at least those triggered by rainfall, can be forecast a few hours in advance. The challenge is that landslides are highly localised events, and are dependent on a variety of local characteristics like topology, terrain, soil type, and also aggravating factors like rainfall, the most common trigger.

– “At many sites in Kerala, including the one in Wayanad where the landslide happened, the terrain has two distinctive layers. A layer of soil sits atop a layer of rocks. When a lot of rain happens, the soil gets saturated with moisture and water percolates down and starts to flow between the soil and rock layers. This weakens the force that binds the soil to the rocks, and results in movement of the land,” said K S Sajinkumar, an assistant professor of Geology at the University of Kerala.

– For an effective warning system, therefore, besides “static parameters” like slope incline and soil characteristics, Sajinkumar said, what’s needed is information on the “thresholds” for saturation. “How much rains would lead to saturation of the soil? The thresholds would be different for different sites. Then one needs to assess the damage potential of the landslide, so that false alarms are minimised. Therein, lies a bigger challenge. The run-out areas (the route along which the landslide is expected to unfold) need to be calculated, and that is an extremely complex task.” https://indianexpress.com/article/india/a-glimmer-in-munnar-team-forecast-landslides-and-averted-damage-9493481/  (04 Aug. 2024)

The National Center for Seismology (NCS) on Friday (Aug. 09) denied any seismic activity in Wayanad after residents of several panchayats in the landslide-hit hilly district of Kerala reported hearing loud, booming sounds and feeling tremors earlier in the day. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/people-in-wayanad-report-booming-sound-tremor-no-seismic-activity-say-experts-101723193556541.html  (09 Aug. 2024)

Report Building community resilience to deal with landslides Mitigation measures and early warning systems can be extremely effective to protect communities against landslides. However, a gap between available scientific knowledge and the adoption of technological interventions at the community level in India due to inadequate knowledge and expertise, poor financial and governance support, lack of effective policies and pathways to access these interventions hinder progress informs this paper titled Community scale landslide resilience: A citizen-science approach published in the open access book Progress in Landslide Research and Technology, Volume 2 Issue 2, 2023. Thus, new approaches driven by the citizen centric approach that involve close multi-stakeholder partnership between civil protection officials, academicians, and community members is needed.  https://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/building-community-resilience-deal-landslides   (05 Aug. 2024)

ENVIRONMENT GOVERNANCE

MoEF No environment clearance required for soil extraction for linear projects -An earlier government notification issued on March 28, 2020, during the Covid-19 lockdown, said that prior environmental clearance will not be required for “extraction or sourcing or borrowing of ordinary earth for linear projects such as roads and pipelines, and for dredging and desilting of dams, reservoirs, weirs, barrages, river and canals for their maintenance, upkeep and disaster management.”

-The notification was questioned by the National Green Tribunal on October 28, 2020, which directed the ministry to bring in environmental safeguards to such excavations. The NGT asked the MoEFCC to revisit the notification within three months.

-Following this, the MoEFCC issued standard operating procedures for excavation of ordinary earth from borrowed areas for linear projects. The government issued two different memorandums regarding the enforcement of the SOP and on environmental safeguards on August 8, 2022 and July 12, 2023 respectively.

-However, in March 2024, the Supreme Court struck down the March 28, 2020 notification, terming it “arbitrary” and saying that it may damage the environment. The top court said that the notification was made in “undue haste” without public consultation during the Covid-19 lockdown. https://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2024/Aug/04/no-environment-clearance-required-for-soil-extraction-for-linear-projects-govt  (04 Aug. 2024)

Assam NGT files suo moto case over hotel construction in, around Kaziranga  The NGT has registered a suo moto case over the proposed construction of luxury hotels in and around Assam’s Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR), the world’s largest habitat of the endangered one-horned rhino.

This came two days after the Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) signed a memorandum of understanding with Tata Group companies Amalgamated Plantations Private Limited and Indian Hotels Company Limited in chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Tata Sons chairperson N Chandrasekaran’s presence on Saturday to set up a five-star hotel in Hathikuli tea garden near Kaziranga for ₹120 crore.

Another five-star property was reportedly being set up at Ingle Pothar near Kaziranga. Residents, farmers, and rights groups have been opposing the proposed construction of hotels arguing they would lead to displacement of people and harm the region’s flora and fauna. The NGT has listed the case registered on Monday (Aug. 05) for a hearing on Wednesday (Aug. 07). https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/ngt-files-suo-moto-case-over-proposed-hotel-construction-in-around-kaziranga-101722926694887.html  (06 Aug. 2024)

KNPTR Reserve, spread across 1,300 sqkm, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the one-horned rhinoceros and other wild species. Upcoming tourism infrastructure projects could be a threat to wildlife, especially in the Inle Pothar area which has traditionally been a haven for elephants. Activists are demanding that the government acknowledges farmers’ rights over the land where the projects are being proposed.  https://india.mongabay.com/2024/07/proposed-luxury-hotels-in-and-around-kaziranga-threaten-wildlife-conservation-livelihood/  (31 July 2024)

Commando camp on forest land: NGT raps forest dept affidavit The NGT principal bench rapped Assam government’s senior most forest official, Rajpal Singh, who is the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, for filing an affidavit which was “unhappily worded” with “improper phrases” and divergent from the stand taken by the state government in a case on construction of a commando battalion camp on protected forest land in Assam.The principal bench is hearing a suo moto case regarding the construction on 44 hectare of protected forest land in Hailakandi district. The Environment Ministry had earlier told the NGT that work on the camp violated law.

The PCCF had filed an affidavit in April justifying the construction of the 2nd Commando Battalion Camp on grounds that it was permitted under law to protect the forest it was built on. In this affidavit, insinuations and allegations were also made against Assam-based environmental activist Rohit Choudhury, who has impleaded himself as a party in the suo moto case. In an order passed on Friday (Aug. 02), the NGT’s principal bench headed by chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava questioned the language of the affidavit and granted the Assam government four weeks to respond. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/commando-camp-forest-land-ngt-assam-forest-dept-improper-phrases-9498380/  (06 Aug. 2024)

Assam took no permission for non-forest activities in wildlife: Centre tells NGT The MoEFCC has informed the NGT that the Assam government had not submitted any proposal for non-forest activity inside a wildlife sanctuary in the state. This was disclosed in a counter affidavit filed by the ministry in connection with a case of construction of roads, bridges, schools, and encroachments at the Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary (SRWS) in Sonipur district.

In April this year, an affidavit filed by the state forest department government to the NGT stated that several schools, a 5-kilometre road, a tea garden, wells, and polling stations were found to be built inside the wildlife sanctuary and nearby forest reserve in the state. The present case relates to an application filed by Dilip Nath with NGT last year alleging violations of the Forest (Conservation) Act (Van (Sanrakshan evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam) at Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary (SRWS) in Sonitpur district of Assam, where large-scale construction activities have been done by the government and illegal encroachments by others. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/assam-took-no-permission-for-non-forest-activities-in-wildlife-centre-tells-ngt-101723105560048.html  (08 Aug. 2024)

Odisha Vedanta Group slapped with environmental fine of ₹71.16 cr -The Odisha State Pollution Control Board has imposed environmental compensation of ₹71.16 crore on Vedanta Limited, which is operating a aluminium smelter and captive power plant in Jharsuguda district, for alleged unauthorised dumping of fly ash without its prior permission.

-The pollution control body found dumping of fly ash in open as violation of consent to operate conditions as well as fly ash notification of MoEF&CC. The board further directed the company to submit a detailed action plan for removal of the dumped solid waste and rejuvenation of the sites. https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/vedanta-group-slapped-with-environmental-fine-of-7116-crore-for-unauthorised-dumping-of-fly-ash-in-odisha/article68501591.ece/amp/  (09 Aug. 2024)

CBI books Hindalco for corruption in Talabira coal mining -The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has booked the country’s leading aluminium producer Hindalco of the Aditya Birla Group for alleged corruption in getting environmental clearances for coal mining between 2011 and 2013, officials said on Tuesday (Aug 06)

-The agency has also named T Chandini, the then director in the MoEF&CC, for favouring the company as member secretary of the Expert Appraisal Committee ((EAC) in allowing mining in the Talabira-I mine in the critically polluted area of Jharsuguda in violation of ministry guidelines, they said. https://psuwatch.com/amp/story/corporatewatch/cbi-books-hindalco-for-corruption-in-green-clearance-for-talabira-coal-mining  (06 Aug. 2024)

Punjab NGT notice fails to stop cutting of trees Axing of trees has picked up pace on the Sirhind-Patiala road following the notice from the NGT to the Punjab Government over its decision to cut 7,392 fully grown trees for the four-laning of the road. On July 4, The Tribune had highlighted the issue in a report after NGOs and green activists opposed the move and submitted a petition before the NGT for stalling the process. The green watchdog had directed the respondents — Punjab Chief Secretary, Principal Chief Conservator Forest and Divisional Forest Officer (Patiala), Deputy Commissioner (Patiala) and the Public Works Department — to submit their replies before October 17, the next date of hearing.

Recently, residents of the villages, environmentalists and social activists from across the region had gathered at Adampur village to oppose the cutting of trees. On the other hand, Divisional Forest Officer Vidya Sagri maintained that after hearing the plea of the petitioners, the NGT had sent a notice and sought a reply till the next date of hearing. There is no stay on the cutting of trees, she added. However, the sudden haste in cutting trees has irked the nature lovers.  https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/patiala/ngt-notice-fails-to-stop-cutting-of-trees/  (11 Aug. 2024)

DH Toon: Ecologically sustainable development… https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/cartoon/dh-toon-ecologically-sustainable-development-3138477  (06 Aug. 2024)

CLIMATE CHANGE

Study Mumbai, Chennai to lose 10% & 7% of land to rising sea in 15 years -The report  by the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP) underscores the urgent need for comprehensive policies to address the challenges posed by rising sea levels. The sectors most vulnerable include water, agriculture, forest and biodiversity, and health. The beaches, backwaters, and mangrove forests, which are crucial for biodiversity and tourism, are particularly at risk. https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/mumbai-chennai-to-lose-10-and-7-of-their-land-to-rising-sea-levels-in-just-15-years-says-study/articleshow/112259932.cms  (04 Aug. 2024)

SOUTH ASIA

IWT Bridging the divide Himanshu Thakkar, coordinator for the SANDRP, explains that Pakistan’s objections to projects on western rivers stem from the treaty’s allocation of rights. Previous disputes have led to modifications in project designs, setting precedents for future developments. India’s concerns on alleged deficits in the World Bank’s impartiality in managing these disputes have added another layer of complexity. The simultaneous appointment of a Neutral Expert and a Court of Arbitration in 2016, followed by a “pause” in the process, and the World Bank’s decision in 2022 to go back to the parallel proceedings have raised questions about the dispute resolution procedure itself. https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/up-front/story/20240819-indus-waters-treaty-bridging-the-divide-2579669-2024-08-09 (9 Aug 2024)

Tibet Landslides in the Sedongpu gully on the Tibetan Plateau  In a paper just published in the Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Li et al. (2024, https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/journal-of-rock-mechanics-and-geotechnical-engineering) have used satellite data from 1969 to the present to examine the patterns of landslides in the Sedongpu gully catchment, which drains into Yarlung Tsangpo River. In total, Li et al. (2024) have identified 19 large mass wasting events in this catchment since 1969, consisting of eight ice-rock avalanches, two ice-moraine avalanches and nine glacier debris flows. This is an astonishingly high event rate – the catchment only covers 66.8 km2, and it is only ∼11 km long. But even more extraordinary is the timing as >68% of the events have occurred since 2017.

– So two key questions are: first, why is this location so active, and second, why has the event rate become so high in the last seven years? The answer to the first is probably a combination of a very steep topography, a highly fractured rock mass and the presence of large volumes of sediments from recent glaciations.

– But why the recent activity? On 18 November 2017, an Mw=6.4, depth = 10 km earthquake occurred, with the epicentre located just 8 km from the Sedongpu Gully. The high level of recent landsliding has occurred since this event, suggesting that strong seismic shaking destabilised the slopes.

– But, in addition, this area is subject to rapid warming as a result of climate change. Li et al. (2024) demonstrate that temperatures rarely exceeded 0°C prior to 2012, but since this time it has become a regular occurrence. Thus, it is likely that there is extensive permafrost degradation occurring in the catchment, resulting in the progressive destabilisation of the slopes. The 2017 earthquake then initiated the current period of instability.

– Since 2017, >700 million cubic metres of debris has been mobilised in the Sedongpu gully catchment. Li et al. (2024) shows that a combination of a chronic problem (long term warming) and an acute event (an earthquake that generated intense local shaking) have served to greatly enhance landslide activity. The Sedongpu gully catchment is remote, so the local impact on humans is low. But valley-blocking landslides can project a hazard for hundreds of kilometres downstream. There is increasing evidence that the infrastructure that we are building in high mountain areas, such as hydroelectric dams, is failing to account for these large events. This is a folly. https://eos.org/thelandslideblog/sedongpu-gully-1  (07 Aug. 2024)

India-Bhutan Tata Power to acquire 40% stake in Khorlochhu HEP for ₹830 cr Tata Power on August 6 said it is set to acquire a 40 percent stake in Khorlochhu Hydro Power Limited (KHPL) for Rs 830 crore to develop the Rs 6900 Cr 600 MW hydro project in Bhutan. https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/tata-power-to-acquire-40-stake-in-khorlochhu-hydro-power-for-rs-830-crore-12789086.html  (06 Aug. 2024)

THE REST OF THE WORLD

USA Dam Breach in Rural Georgia Floods Communities Downstream At least four dams in Georgia were breached, releasing water as Tropical Storm Debby soaked the state this week. But only one of the dams posed any danger to people and property, according to information released on Thursday by the Department of Natural Resources. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/08/weather/dam-breach-in-rural-georgia-floods-communities-downstream.html  (08 Aug. 2024)

Landslide Dams the Chilcotin River The event occurred in a remote part of British Columbia, about 100 kilometers southwest of Williams Lake, in an area known as Nagwentled by the Tšilhqot’in, an Athabaskan-speaking indigenous group in the area. Nagwentled roughly translates to “landslides across the river.” Indeed, scars along the south side of the river and tongue-shaped debris fields visible in multiple areas indicate that landslides occur relatively frequently.

-“The scalloped edges in the terrain immediately south of the point of failure appear to be ancient landslide scarps, some of which were likely considerably larger than the event in July,” said Daniel Shugar, a geomorphologist at the University of Calgary.

The river is also an important waterway for several types of salmon. In a statement issued after the landslide, the Tšilhqot‘in National Government expressed particular concern that the event had blocked the movement of Taseko sockeye, an endangered population that had been on track to return to spawning grounds at record low levels prior to the landslide. https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153158/landslide-dams-the-chilcotin-river (1 Aug 2024)

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

Also see: DRP News Bulletin 05 Aug 2024 & DRP News Bulletin 29 July 2024  

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