(Feature Image: Assam Floods: Commuters wade through a flooded road after incessant rains, in Guwahati, Friday, July 5, 2024. Image Source: PTI/ABP Live)

The Union Government plan to spend Rs 2517 Cr in 2 years in seven metro cities to mitigate floods is certainly welcome announcement. The key component of the plan, conservation and improving capacity of urban water bodies is noteworthy along with storm water drainage. Does it mean that the River Front Development projects that actually reduce the flood carrying capacity of the rivers will be closed, since one does not expect govt to be working at cross purposes in different schemes.

In fact, Urban Water Sector as a whole needs attention with National Urban Water Policy as a first step. This is because the groundwater aquifers that are fast being emptied out, can be least cost option for storing the excess rain water, serving the purpose of reducing storm water drainage load and also improving water conservation. There is huge scope for this in all the seven metros listed in the scheme as also in many other cities.

Similarly, a lot of focused work is required in protecting existing urban lakes, ponds, wetlands and floodplains as all of them are key to tackling urban floods and urban water security. In the longer run all of these along with aquifers can also be used to stored tertiary treated sewage. All this will also hugely reduce the urban water footprint on the surrounding rural areas and also help address climate crisis. Will the government take such integrated view of urban water sector?

Govt to spend ₹2517 cr to mitigate urban floods India will spend nearly ₹ 2,517 crore in two years to expand water bodies like lakes and build drains in seven cities including Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru to mitigate floods and conserve water, a government official said on Aug 21. The federal govt spending, the first flood control measure focused on water bodies, was approved recently and will also incorporate early-warning systems, said Krishna S Vatsa, one of the three members of the National Disaster Management Authority.

“While the importance of storm water drainage in reducing the runoff cannot be overlooked, they also need to be supplemented by some of the nature-based solutions such as increasing the capacity of rivers and lakes to carry rain water.” Vatsa said in an interview. He said of the ₹ 2,501 crore, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata would each receive ₹500 crore, while Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Pune will get ₹ 250 crore each. No allotment was made for the capital Delhi, since the cities were chosen based on the frequency of floods and an assessment of resulting losses there, Vatsa said. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/india-to-spend-rs-2517-crore-to-mitigate-floods-conserve-water-in-big-cities-3158456  (21 Aug. 2024)

HYDRO POWER PROJECTS

SANDRP Blog Aug 2024: Massive Landslide damages Teesta V HEP station in Sikkim A massive landslide (location: [27.2515, 88.4594]) at Dipu Data near Singtam in Gangtok district that brought down a huge part of a hill above the powerhouse of the NHPC’s 510 MW Teesta V hydropower project on Teesta river in Sikkim at 7.30 in the morning of Aug 20 2024 has damaged the power house. The GIS building above the underground powerhouse located at Balutar can be seen getting destroyed in the massive landslide and getting buried under the debris. The project has been out of operation since the Oct 4, 2023, GLOF disaster in Teesta river had over topped the dam and seriously damaged the project. https://sandrp.in/2024/08/21/aug-2024-massive-landslide-damages-nhpcs-teesta-v-hydropower-station/  (21 Aug. 2024)

International Rivers statement on Teesta-V hydropower station destruction. https://www.internationalrivers.org/news/statement-international-rivers-statement-on-teesta-v-hydropower-station-destruction-in-sikkim/  (22 Aug. 2024)

Whilst I cannot say definitively, there ae indications in this image that the slope may have been altered. If so, failure less than two decades later would ask serious questions about the engineering at this site. Of course, there is also underground infrastructure here, so there are other ways in which the integrity of the slope might have been damaged. (Dave Petley) https://eos.org/thelandslideblog/20-august-2024-landslide-at-teesta  (21 Aug. 2024)

The Nagaland University Scientist Dr Manasi Debnath analysed the satellite images of the landslide site and highlighted the role of manmade reasons and not extreme weather events behind the event. “There was no presence of vegetation over the slid hills. The hill slope is inclined to more than 45 degrees showing the possibility of high soil erosion due to manmade activities (including NHPCs construction work) from both sides caused pressure over fragile phyllite stone” said Debnath who is researching GLOF in Sikkim.

– Besides, Debnath also underlined huge rainfall in the region in June and July would have also possibly triggered seepage through porous phyllite stone. It would have loosened the soil in the region which unsuitable for huge construction activities. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/Aug/21/man-made-activities-triggered-landslide-at-teesta-dams-power-station-say-scientists  (21 Aug. 2024)

In light of these events, the citizens of Sikkim are appealing to the state government to reconsider its current developmental model, particularly regarding hydropower projects. They urge the government to halt the controversial NHPC 520 MW Stage IV project and consider decommissioning existing dams like NHPC Stage V and Stage III, given the region’s vulnerability to GLOFs and the accelerating impacts of climate change. The call is clear: it’s time to rethink the future of hydropower in Sikkim before it’s too late. https://voiceofsikkim.com/growing-concerns-over-hydropower-projects-in-sikkim-citizens-demand-reassessment-after-recent-disasters/  (22 Aug. 2024)  “The main cause of Dipudara landslide is because of underground Teesta stage V powerhouse. This is all because of the 20 km of tunnels from Dikchu Dam to the underground Power Station at Balutar Dipu Dara. Inside the Dipu Dara the underground Teesta stage V powerhouse is located along with underground tunneling and audit. So, in future periphery area of Dipudara, Beng, Khamdong area will be affected,” it said. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/natural-disasters/sikkim-affected-citizens-of-teesta-demand-nhpc-dam-decommissioning-2  (23 Aug. 2024) -The local people, however, alleged that the underground tunnel through the hill might have triggered the landslide. “A total of 17 houses have developed cracks. Six families have been shifted as their houses are in danger of being pulled downhill,” said a resident of Dipudara village. https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/sikkim-landslide-hits-hydro-project-transmission-set-up-on-teesta-damaged/cid/2042479 (21 Aug. 2024)

Welcome statement from Jairam Ramesh following the Sikkim Landslide of Aug 20, 2024. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/sikkim-landslides-congress-flays-govt-over-hydel-projects-set-up-without-though-to-environmental-impact/articleshow/112671099.cms  (21 Aug. 2024) Response from Darjeeling MP to statement of Shri Jairam Ramesh post Teesta landslide disaster recently. https://kalimpongonlinenews.blogspot.com/2024/08/darjeeling-mp-protests-cong-leaders.html  (23 Aug. 2024)

No damage to dam on Teesta, says NHPC Days after a massive landslide, NHPC on Friday (Aug. 23) said that no damage was caused to the dam on Teesta river. “Today’s incident of landslide at NHPC 510 MW Teesta-V Power Station also occurred due to subsidence/landslide over Tail Race Tunnel (TRT) outlet structure and behind GIS Building. This has affected TRT Gate hoist structure and part of the GIS Building. The power station is currently not operational and undergoing restoration works after flash flood of October 2023,” the release read. It said, “NHPC’s expert team from Corporate Office is visiting the power station to assess the situation, assessment of losses and plan for remedial works.” https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/no-damage-to-dam-on-teesta-says-nhpc-9530253/  (24 Aug. 2024)

MISINFORMED HINDU EDIT: The statement in the edit: “Only a tenth of the power originally being supplied by the project is now available.” seems clearly wrong. The Teesta 3 project that the edit is discussing is not producing any power since Oct 4, 2023. The editorial also incorrectly mentions that Teesta joins Bay of Bengal. The edit also seems ill informed about the dishonest EIAs based on which the projects get environment clearances. https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/%E2%80%8Bpower-play-on-hydropower-projects-and-the-environment/article68550629.ece  (22 Aug. 2024)

Himachal Pradesh 14 HEPs damaged in flashflood According to the analysis by the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers, and People (SANDRP), two hydroelectric projects (HEPs) suffered significant damage due to a “cloudburst-induced flash flood” in the Palchan area of Kullu district on the intervening night of July 25-26. Both HEPs — the 2-megawatt Pinnacle HEP on the Serai river and the 9-MW Beas Kund HEP on the Beas river — are owned and operated by private companies. “We have lost everything except the powerhouse building,” Vinay Parmar, the manager of the Beas Kund project, told SANDRP. Bhim Rawat of SANDRP said that Google Earth imagery shows that the powerhouses of both HEPs were built in active flood zones of the Serai and Beas rivers.

–  Himanshu Thakkar, the coordinator of SANDRP, pointed out that there are no inflow forecast stations or level forecast stations in Himachal Pradesh. As a result, no flood forecasts are made in the state, which are crucial for saving lives and public property. A Central Water Commission official in Shimla told PTI that there are plans to establish inflow and level forecast stations in the state but did not divulge details. Thakkar added that the Union Environment Ministry should conduct disaster risk analyses before hydroelectric projects are built. Independent post-disaster assessments should be conducted after such incidents. Robust disaster management plans should be prepared, and early warning systems should be installed, he said. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/energy/power/14-hydropower-projects-damaged-due-to-flash-floods-in-himachal-since-july-25/articleshow/112718157.cms ; https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/14-hydropower-projects-damaged-by-flash-floods-in-himachal-since-july-25-124082201107_1.html ; https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/India/14-hydropower-projects-damaged-due-to-flash-floods-in-himachal-since-july-25/ar-AA1pfW5v ; https://theprint.in/india/14-hydropower-projects-damaged-due-to-flash-floods-in-himachal-since-july-25-analysis/2234440/ ; https://www.latestly.com/agency-news/india-news-14-hydropower-projects-damaged-due-to-flash-floods-in-himachal-since-july-25-analysis-6209298.html  (22 Aug. 2024)

Arunachal Pradesh Damning the Siang The Adi community, which dominates central Arunachal Pradesh, fears that big dams across the river it considers sacred and calls Aane (mother) will violate her. Over the past 15 years, governments at the Centre and the State have pushed for construction in the name of national interest, while those who will be most impacted by the damming are pushing back. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/damning-the-siang/article68450142.ece  (24 Aug. 2024)

Survey team finds evidence of recent GLOF The team of district disaster management authority, Tawang, which reached the Sangnga Nehgu lake at 16000 ft near the glacier on the mount Gorichen range, found that there was an incident of glacial lake outburst from lake Sangnga Nehgu on 14 August that washed away more than five log bridges and damaged the Brokpa track at several locations. https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2024/08/23/glof-survey-team-reaches-sangnga-nehgu-lake-finds-evidence-of-recent-glacial-lake-outburst/ (23 Aug 2024)

NDMA sends team to assess GLOF threats The National Disaster Management Authority has sent two teams to study the risk of glacial lake outburst floods, or GLOFs, in six glacial lakes identified as ‘high risk’ in Arunachal Pradesh. The teams will cover three lakes each in Tawang and Dibang Valley. The six lakes are among the 27 identified as “high-risk” by the NDMA across five districts in the state. The team in Tawang left on Aug 19 to study the lake in the Mago area in Thingbu circle & the team would also cover two lakes in the Jang and Zemithang sub-divisions during the expedition, the PTI quoted sources as saying. The second team will study two glacial lakes in the Mipi circle and another in the Etalin circle. https://thewire.in/environment/ndma-sends-experts-to-assess-flood-risk-in-six-high-risk-glacial-lakes-in-arunachal-report (22 Aug 2024) NDMA has decided to monitor 189 High Risk Glacial Lakes in Himalayan region under the National GLOF Risk Mitigation Program approved in Jul 2023. There are 7500 glacial lakes in Indian Himalayas. CWC through satellites is monitoring 902 glacial lakes. https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/top-disaster-management-body-identifies-189-glacier-lakes-for-monitoring/article68554937.ece (23 Aug 2024)

Karnataka Govt seeks diversion of 125 acres forest land for Sharavathy PSP A total of 125 acres of forest land in Shivamogga, Sagar and Honnavar forest range is required to implement the project. Since the forest land falls within the biodiversity rich Western Ghats and houses several endangered species, the diversion requires approval from the National Wildlife Board. While insisting that there is no plan to build a new reservoir for the project, the state government also said that another 215 non forest land is also required. Around 15,000 trees have to be cut and alternative land for compensatory forest has been identified, the proposal said. The state also said that residents of four villages will be rehabilitated and alternative land for rehabilitation has also been identified. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/karnataka-seeks-diversion-of-125-acres-forest-land-for-sharavathy-pumped-storage-plant-3147565 (12 Aug 2024)

Tamil Nadu Greenko to build 33 Gw PSP Greenko has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Tamil Nadu government to build three pumped storage projects totalling 3.3 GW in Tamil Nadu. The projects will be developed in Tirupathur, Salem and Tiruvannamalai districts of the Indian state. Group president and joint managing director Mahesh Kolli signed and exchanged MoU with the Government of Tamil Nadu in the presence of the state’s CM MK Stalin and Greenko Group CEO and MD Anil Chalamalasetty.

The developer is building India’s largest pumped storage project in Madhya Pradesh. The project is located in the Khemla block of Neemuch district, and has a capacity of 1.44 GW with storage for 7.5 hours. It is now being expanded to 1.92 GW with storage for 6 hours to provide a storage of nearly 11 GWh daily. https://www.pv-magazine-india.com/2024/08/22/greenko-to-build-3-3-gw-of-pumped-storage-projects-in-tamil-nadu/  (22 Aug. 2024)

DAMS

Kaleshwaram Project ‘Additional vents in Kaleshwaram project were cabinet decision’ Central Design Organisation (CDO) SE Abdul Fazal reportedly informed the PC Ghose Commission of Inquiry probing the allegations of irregularities in the Kaleshwaram LIS that six additional vents were included in the design based on a decision taken by the then Cabinet. These vents were not part of the original design, Fazal reportedly said. Retired EnC A Narender Reddy reportedly told the Commission that the then BRS government did not give them sufficient time to study the designs. Interestingly, the CDO official informed the Commission that the designs of Kaleshwaram were not prepared entirely by the CDO. The contracting agencies too were involved in preparing the designs, the official informed. The officials said that the CDO had nothing to do with the construction. They explained that hydrology & investigation wings were not available in CDO for some time now. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2024/Aug/24/cdo-se-reveals-additional-vents-in-kaleshwaram-project-were-cabinet-decision  (24 Aug. 2024)

‘Medigadda design given under pressure’ Former chief engineer of Central Designs Organisation (CDO) of state irrigation department, A Narender Reddy, has told the Justice PC Ghose commission of inquiry (CoI) that he had approved the designs of Medigadda barrage under pressure from then chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and then irrigation minister T Harish Rao. Narender also said that he did not sign the draft design drawings before sending them to the state govt for clearance. He said the design of Medigadda were submitted by CDO and L&T company jointly to the govt. These were prepared based on the location of the barrage, and L&T participated in every meeting on design for the barrage, he told the CoI.

– When the CoI questioned why procedures were not followed in design approval, Narender said he was forced to sign due to pressure from the govt and department. He told the commission that he was not invited to meetings on Kaleshwaram design. He also admitted there were mistakes while executing the project. Both L&T and field-level officers did not follow rules and precautions needed to be taken during monsoon, and quality checks were also not done properly, he said. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/medigadda-barrage-design-controversy-former-engineer-reveals-pressure-tactics/articleshow/112722706.cms  (23 Aug. 2024)

Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose commission probing the sinking of piers at Medigadda and two other barrages on Wednesday (Aug. 21) grilled former engineer-in-chief (ENC) C Muralidhar.  Justice Ghose quizzed the former ENC on the bills paid to the executing agency without completing the work and what prompted the govt to change the designs of the three barrages in the middle of construction. In the eight-page questionnaire, the CoI reportedly asked how the Medigadda barrage sank and how it was discovered. He also pointed out the lapses of irrigation department officials. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/ghose-panel-grills-ex-enc-muralidhar/articleshow/112694017.cms  (22 Aug. 2024)

Kerala Mass petition seeks integrated reservoir plan A mass petition by those fearing the probability of very large floods in Chalakudy river basin in the coming days have sought urgent intervention by Kerala chief justice, state chief secretary, and central water commission (CWC). The petition, comprising people’s representatives and organizations, stated that reservoirs upstream of Peringalkuthu were nearly full. They sought immediate measures to prevent or moderate the floods. With five of the six dams, including four owned by Tamil Nadu govt, being part of the interstate, multi-basin Parambikulam-Aliyar Project (PAP) and bound by the PAP agreement, the petitioners, said it is a complex issue that needs strong action from the authorities. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/mass-petition-seeks-integrated-reservoir-plan/articleshow/112660707.cms  (20 Aug. 2024)

Gujarat People of villages in Ankaleshwar in Bharuch dist of Gujarat are demanding proper compensation for the land to be acquired for the under construction Bhadbhut barrage on Narmada river.

Madhya Pradesh सीएम के मुआवजे के प्रस्ताव को बांध प्रभावितों ने किया खारिज मुख्यमंत्री द्वारा हाल ही में दिए गए बयान पर विवाद खड़ा हो गया है, जिसमें उन्होंने अपर नर्मदा, राघवपुर, और बसनिया बांध प्रभावितों के लिए मुआवजा बढ़ाने की बात कही थी। इस पर प्रतिक्रिया देते हुए बसनिया (ओढारी) बांध विरोधी समिति के अध्यक्ष बजारी लाल सर्वटे ने कहा कि प्रभावितों की मांग मुआवजा नहीं, बल्कि बांध को निरस्त करने की है। ग्राम सभा में इस मुद्दे पर प्रस्ताव पारित कर प्रशासन और जनप्रतिनिधियों को सौंपा जा चुका है, लेकिन उनकी असहमति के बावजूद प्रशासन भूमि अधिग्रहण की कार्यवाही को आगे बढ़ा रहा है, जो कि पेसा कानून और नियमों का उल्लंघन है।

समिति का दावा है कि पूर्व मुख्यमंत्री शिवराज सिंह चौहान ने 2016 में विधानसभा में लिखित रूप में कहा था कि बसनिया समेत कई बांधों को निरस्त किया गया था। अब इन बांधों को पुनः प्रारंभ करने के पीछे निजी कंपनियों और नौकरशाहों की गहरी साजिश है। उन्होंने चेतावनी दी कि बांध के निर्माण से क्षेत्र की पर्यावरणीय, जैवविविधता और जलीय जीवों पर अपरिवर्तनीय नुकसान होगा। बैठक में उपस्थित सदस्यों ने सरकार से आदिवासी समाज की मांग को ध्यान में रखते हुए बांध को निरस्त करने की अपील की। साथ ही, निर्णय लिया गया कि आगामी 22 सितंबर को विश्व नदी दिवस के अवसर पर नर्मदा को बचाने के लिए संकल्प सम्मेलन आयोजित किया जाएगा। https://www.deshgaon.com/voices/dam-affected-people-rejected-cm-mohan-yadavs-compensation-proposal-adamant-on-the-demand-of-cancellation-of-dam/   (22 Aug. 2024)

Karam dam destroyed fertile farms it was meant to irrigate Today, Karam Dam – in Dharampuri tehsil of Dhar district – remains under construction, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Despite the suspension of eight officials, two of whom have since retired and the others reinstated, and the blacklisting of the construction company, no accountability has been established for the massive failure that endangered over 18 villages and devastated the livelihoods of farmers in 42 villages. On August 11, 2022, the first signs of trouble were detected with a leak in the Karam Dam. The government and local administration had no choice but to breach the incomplete wall to prevent a larger catastrophe. For three nights, they worked tirelessly to release the water safely.

– The dam was originally intended to irrigate the agricultural lands of 42 villages in Dharampuri tehsil. However, since the breach, the flood-affected tribal farmers have been struggling to survive. Their fertile lands were destroyed, replaced by fields filled with stones from the floodwaters. The result is that many farmers, like Shivam Kahir, have been forced into labor work to make ends meet. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/karam-dam-how-a-madhya-pradesh-dam-destroyed-fertile-land-it-was-meant-to-irrigate-6409401  (24 Aug. 2024)

Man gets stuck in dam drain pipe, drowns  A man lost his life while fishing after he got stuck in a dam’s drainage pipe and was unable to escape the strong current in Burhanpur on Wednesday (Aug. 21). The victim, identified as Raghunath, a resident of Jasundi village, was fishing at Daulatpura dam, when the accident was reported near Shahpur, approximately 25km from district headquarters, police said. The investigating officials mentioned that Raghunath had ventured into the dam for fishing, when he accidentally slipped into the drainage pipe. Despite the best efforts of Home Guard District Commandant, who dispatched an SDERF team to the scene, it took nearly two hours to retrieve the body. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/indore/man-drowns-in-dam-drain-pipe-accident/articleshow/112723287.cms  (23 Dec. 2024)

INTERLINKING OF RIVERS

Ken Betwa Linking Additional works require fresh clearances, public hearings To provide irrigation to over 2.5 lakh hectares of land in Banda, Mahoba, Jhansi and Lalitpur, govt has decided work under the Ken-Betwa river linking project under an MoU signed between the govts of UP, MP and the Centre. A govt spokesperson said that two new barrages are being built on the Ken river in Banda and Pailani, respectively. The Rs 2,000 crore project will commence in October 2025 and should be completed by June 2029.

– The Bariyapur Weir, built in 1906, the Pariksha Weir, constructed in 1910 and the Barua Sagar Dam in Jhansi, dating back to 1700, are all set for restoration. The irrigation and water resources department has been authorised to prepare the detailed project reports (DPR) for these renovations. E-tendering will begin in Feb 2025, followed by construction in Apr 2025, with a target completion of March 2028 for all three projects.

– As part of the 221 km-long project, a 21-km link channel will be constructed in UP, which will require the acquisition of 271 hectares of land. This project is set for completion by 2030.

– Currently, the Ken canal system irrigates over 87,000 hectares of land in Banda, with the capacity expected to increase to nearly 2 lakh hectares. This will include over 37,000 hectares in Mahoba, more than 17,000 hectares in Jhansi and an additional 3,000 hectares in Lalitpur. The state govt will also be spending Rs 1,191.51 crore for strengthening the irrigation infrastructure across more than 1.66 lakh hectares in Banda, with an investment of Rs 1,191.51 crore. This project will commence in Nov 2024 and be completed by March 2028.

– Another project will include the renovation of 15 dams and large ponds in Mahoba, with a budget of Rs 510 crore. This project will begin in Jun 2025 and be completed by March 2028. (ALL THIS SHOWS ADDITIONAL WORK TO BE DONE UNDER THE PROJECT. THIS MEANS THE PROJECT WILL NEED FRESH ENV AND OTHER CLEARANCES, EIA AND PUBLIC HEARINGS.) https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/ken-betwa-river-linking-project-fast-tracked-for-irrigation-in-up-and-mp/articleshow/112724108.cms  (23 Aug. 2024)

Maharashtra Farmers protest in river for 30 hours in Jalgaon Farmers in Jalgaon stood in the Girna river for 30 hours, demanding that Centre and state immediately take a firm decision on the proposed Nar Par Girna water diversion scheme in the interest of the irrigation-deficit region.

Led by former MP Jalgaon Unmesh Patil, who is a senior functionary of Shiv Sena (UBT), the farmers under the banner of Nar Par Girna Sangharsha Kriti Samiti staged an agitation and stood in the river (in batches) at Mehunbarhe village since 10am on Friday (Aug. 23). The agitation was called off at 4pm on Saturday (Aug. 24) after the district administration assured them of a secretary-level meeting within a fortnight on the issue. “Our demand is that govt should take immediate steps and make budgetary provisions to start the work for diversion of water from west-flowing rivers into the Girna,” Patil said. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nashik/maharashtra-farmers-protest-in-river-for-30-hours-in-jalgaon/articleshow/112770348.cms  (25 Aug. 2024)

INTERSTATE WATER DISPUTES

Mahadayi Water Dispute MWDT gets another extension Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal, constituted in November 2010 for adjudicating dispute over river water sharing between Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka, has got another extension as it failed to resolve the issue despite being in operation for more than 13 years. The latest extension, given by the ‘Jal Shakti’ (water resources) ministry, will be for six months, effective from August 20. Though the Mahadayi Tribunal submitted its report and decision in August 2018, all the three states – Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka – made further objections seeking other reports which may address their concerns. Subsequently, the ministry has given six more extensions to it since then. The Mahadayi Tribunal is one of the five active tribunals in the country that continues to get extensions year after year, with the oldest being the Ravi & Beas Tribunal, which was constituted 38 years ago. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/mahadayi-tribunal-gets-another-extension-amidst-ongoing-water-disputes-between-goa-maharashtra-and-karnataka/articleshow/112699728.cms (22 Aug. 2024)

URBAN RIVERS

Mula-Mutha; Pune March held for flood-affected citizens Over 400 citizens marched silently towards Lakdi Pul on Sunday in solidarity with the flood-affected residents in the city. The march — Save River, Save Lives — planned by over 15 organisations, including Jeevitnadi, Jal Biradari, National Society for Clean Cities, National Alliance for People’s Movement and Pune River Revival, had over 70 organisations taking a pledge to save the rivers and tying blue rakhis to signify their solidarity.

The citizens pledged not to encroach on the riverbed, not to throw debris in the river, not to pollute the river with sewage and garbage, and to protect the biodiversity in the riparian zone along the river bank. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/march-for-flood-affected-citizens-demands-mitigation-steps/articleshow/112790404.cms  (26 Aug. 2024)

 Silent march for flood victim and river pollution The event, Silent March: Safe River, Safe Lives, is being organised by citizens and organisations concerned about the Mutha river for years and have joined under the banner of Pune River Revival. On August 25, they will gather on the pavement near Bal Gandharva auditorium on JM Road at 4 pm for a silent march, speaking only through the medium of placards with messages about the need to preserve floodplains and the rights of rivers. The attendees will tie blue raakhis on each others’ wrists at the beginning of the programme. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/blue-rakhi-silent-march-flood-victims-river-pollution-awareness-aug-25-9523573/  (20 Aug. 2024)

NGT directs to take final call on RFD project: एनजीटी ने 20 अगस्त, 2024 को महाराष्ट्र में राज्य पर्यावरण प्रभाव आकलन प्राधिकरण (एसईआईएए) को मुला-मुथा रिवरफ्रंट विकास परियोजना पर जल्द ही अंतिम निर्णय लेने का निर्देश दिया है। इस बारे में आवेदकों के वकील ने 17 अगस्त, 2024 को दिए हलफनामे में दावा किया है कि इस निर्माण से नदी की चौड़ाई कम हो रही है। नदी के क्रॉस-सेक्शन में इस कमी के कारण नदियों  के बाढ़ के पानी को ले जाने की क्षमता घट रही है, नतीजतन क्षेत्र में भारी बाढ़ की स्थिति बन रही है। https://hindi.downtoearth.org.in/development/ngt-directs-to-take-final-decision-soon-on-mula-mutha-riverfront-development-project  (24 Aug. 2024)

Musi; Hyderabad Something fishy about RFD project The manner in which CM A Revanth Reddy and his Cabinet colleagues are projecting a cost estimate of Rs.1.5 lakh crore much before a DPR is prepared, triggers doubts over the Musi Riverfront project. The previous BRS government, had launched a project to construct 31 STPs with 1259.50 MLD capacity at a cost of Rs.3,866.41 crore. Majority of the work towards this initiative has already been done. Already works for 20 STPs were grounded and 11 have been operational, including two STPs that were inaugurated at Nallacheruvu and Peddacheruvu on March 10.

Despite this, the state govt on Aug. 03 issued administrative sanction of Rs.3,849.10 crore for construction of another 39 STPs till ORR limits under AMRUT 2.0.  After such a crucial component of the Musi project is already done, what is the Rs.1.5 lakh crore going to be used for remains the big question. Adding more intrigue is the entry of a firm facing probes for embezzlement of funds in Pakistan and an Anti-Corruption Bureau probe in Jharkhand. https://telanganatoday.com/something-fishy-about-the-musi-riverfront-project  (19 Aug. 2024)

Cooum; Chennai A winding, flowing, stinking lifeline Both the Kosasthalaiyar and the Cooum became victims of the insatiable demand for water in the city. They were linked at Kesavaram and the water was made to flow to Poondi and from then on Kilpauk for filtration and supply in the 19th century. Thus in effect, the Cooum has only sewage flowing through it and this is not likely to change. It is only during the rains that it gets enough water to flow into the sea beyond the sand bars at its mouth, and thus it gets flushed once a year or so.

The Adyar though it presents a deceptively cleaner picture, is not much different. It suffers from encroachments by big and powerful establishments as well. With more tidal action in it, the river smells a lot less, but it too needs fresh water from tanks along its course, Chembarambakkam being the best known. And when the Adyar floods, everyone along its banks needs to be nimble to up and leave. Fortunately, this is not all that often. And in a tipping of the hat to a cleaner past, boating happens on a tiny stretch of the Adyar.

Sadly, for Chennai, none of its rivers is navigable and so beyond expecting them to be clean there is very little that can be done with them. The Buckingham Canal was navigable but the MRTS pillars on its bed have killed all prospects of revival. Incidentally, the Cooum is in danger of something similar – there have been promises not to sink pillars into it for the Maduravoyal-Harbour elevated road, but the route is uncomfortably close to the river. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/cooum-a-winding-flowing-stinking-lifeline-of-chennai/article68523798.ece  (23 Aug. 2024)

Lucknow Prof Venkatesh Dutta on how Lucknow rivers have been facing existential crisis.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKMUtwqu314  (19 Aug. 2024)

RIVERS

Karnataka 10 river stretches polluted: SPCB The KSPCB in its affidavit to the NGT said that the action plan is being implemented to provide STPs for all cities located on the banks of polluted river stretches. The polluted river stretches: Arkavathi (Hesarghatta to Kanakapura), Bhadra (Bhadravathi to Holehonnur), Bimha (Ghanapur to Yadgir) , Cauvery ( Srirangapatna), Dakshina Pinakini (Mugalur), Kabini (Nanjangud), Laxman Thirtha (Hunsur), Shimsha (Yediyur to Madduru), Tunga (Shivamogga city) and Tungabhadra (Kudli to Mylara). Total 68 monitoring stations have been set up and river water quality is analysed on a monthly basis. Another 77 real time water quality monitoring stations all along all polluted river stretches for continuous monitoring of water quality on a real time basis, the affidavit said. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/10-rivers-stretches-polluted-in-state-kspcb-3159136  (21 Aug. 2024)

Gujarat Monitor water pollution: PAC The state’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) expressed apprehension over the contamination of rivers and water bodies in the state and recommended that the govt establish a permanent framework to monitor and mitigate water pollution. The PAC, chaired by senior BJP MLA Jitu Vaghani, underscored the alarming levels of pollution in the state’s rivers and water bodies in its report presented to the state assembly on Friday (Aug. 23). https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/state-public-accounts-committee-pac-recommends-monitoring-water-pollution/articleshow/112751477.cms  (24 Aug. 2024)

Arunachal Pradesh Yagamso River clean up Youth Mission for Clean River (YMCR) and Abralow Memorial Multipurpose Society with the support of Itanagar Smart City Development Corp Ltd organized a river clean-up drive along the Yagamso River’s Energy Park stretch here on Jul 24 to mark the birthday of YMCR convenor-communication and campaign Techi Pali Tara.

Volunteers cleared clogged waterways and removed a large amount of waste from the river, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of keeping the Yagamso River clean. The event was seen as a social message encouraging citizens to dedicate their birthdays to environmental causes. https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2024/08/25/yagamso-river-clean-up/  (25 Aug. 2024)

Punjab CS under fire for poor waste disposal The NGT has imposed a whopping Rs 1,000-crore penalty on the Punjab Government for “persistent defiance and non-compliance of environment laws” with regard to solid and liquid waste management and issued notices asking why proceedings should not be initiated against top officials for defying an earlier order.

The tribunal has asked the state government to deposit Rs 1,026,19,08,000 towards environmental compensation with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) within one month. It stated the Government was fined Rs 2,080 crore on September 22, 2022, for the same issue and asked to create a ring fence account for the amount. But neither the penalty was paid nor the ring fence account created. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/national-green-tribunal-fines-punjab-legacy-waste-and-sewage-management-failure-9527187/  (23 Aug. 2024)

‘Kale Pani da Morcha’: Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan Outfits Protest Against Toxic Pollution in Sutlej River. https://thewire.in/rights/kale-pani-da-morcha-punjab-haryana-and-rajasthan-outfits-protest-against-toxic-pollution-in-sutlej-river  (25 Aug. 2024)

GANGA Slow pace of NMCG expenditure -In all, nearly ₹37,550 crore have been sanctioned under various Namami Gange projects but only ₹18,033 crore have been spent as of June 2024, records show. Sewage infrastructure projects alone make up ₹15,039 crore of the latter. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/clean-ganga-mission-head-flags-extremely-slow-pace-of-project-expenditures/article68543219.ece/amp/  (19 Aug. 2024)

Prayagraj 39 untapped drains a big challenge ahead of 2025 Maha Kumbh  As Prayagraj gears up for Maha Kumbh next year, 39 untapped drains out of a total 81 that flow into the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in the city have remained a big challenge to maintain cleanliness during the mega event scheduled for January 14 to February 26. NMCG has sanctioned three new STP projects at an estimated cost of Rs 987 crore to significantly increase the sewage treatment capacity of the city and been working with local authorities to intercept and divert the untapped drains.

Currently, the city has a combined sewage treatment capacity of 340 MLD against generation of around 500 MLD. This means 160 MLD of untreated sewage is being discharged into the rivers Ganga and Yamuna. “This is exactly why the three new STPs have been sanctioned as these projects will increase the city’s total sewage treatment capacity to 523 MLD,” said an NMCG official. The new STPs will come up at Salori (capacity of 43 MLD with a of Rs 325 crore), at Rasoolabad (capacity of 90 MLD with a cost of Rs 476 crore) and at Naini (capacity of 50 MLD with a cost of Rs 186 crore). https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/thirty-nine-untapped-drains-a-big-challenge-ahead-of-2025-maha-kumbh-in-prayagraj-nmcg-steps-in-to-fix-the-gap/articleshow/112792825.cms  (26 Aug. 2024)

Uttarakhand CDP: BRO says EIA, EC for Gangotri stretch not needed  The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has told the Uttarakhand forest department and an Environment Ministry panel that the Chardham road project on the Gangotri-Dharasu route does not require either environment impact assessment (EIA) study or environmental clearance (EC), according to official records. This submission, made by the BRO last week, runs contrary to recommendations of a Supreme Court-appointed high-powered committee. The Gangotri-Dharasu route falls in the Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone (BESZ). In its report to the apex court in July 2020, the high-powered committee had said that with regards to the BESZ, “road widening should only be undertaken after detailed EIAs and mitigation measures”. The BRO is currently seeking clearance for 17.5 hectares of forest land for the Netala bypass project on the Gangotri-Dharasu stretch, which was earlier rejected by the high-powered committee. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/chardham-road-project-sc-panel-stressed-on-environmental-study-for-gangotri-route-bro-says-not-needed-9533064/  (26 Aug. 2024)

4 Nepalese workers killed in landslide in Rudraprayag Four Nepalese workers were killed as they were buried under debris after a landslide amid heavy rain near Fata in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district early on Aug 22, prompting the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to start a rescue operation. As per the State Emergency Operations Centre data, so far 61 people have lost their lives, 35 were injured, and two are missing due to disasters caused by excessive rain since June 15 this year. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/nepal-labourers-killed-landslide-ukhands-rudraprayag-9528724/  (23 Aug. 2024)

Varanasi India, Denmark sign MoU to revive Varuna  India and Denmark have joined hands to establish a ‘smart laboratory on clean rivers’ (SLCR) in Varanasi to bring excellence in small river rejuvenation and management. To begin with, the lab aims to leverage the expertise of both nations to rejuvenate Varuna, a tributary of Ganga in Uttar Pradesh, using sustainable approaches within 2-3 years. The alliance is a tripartite initiative between the Govt of India, the IIT-BHU, and the Govt of Denmark. The SLCR secretariat will receive initial funding of Rs 16.8 crore from the Jal Shakti (water resources) ministry and an additional Rs 5 crore grant from Denmark to support long-term sustainability and project development. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-denmark-collaborate-to-launch-smart-lab-for-rejuvenation-of-varuna-river-in-varanasi/articleshow/112746613.cms  (23 Aug. 2024)

YAMUNA Delhi NGT fines DJB over river pollution NGT has rebuked the DJB and fined it for failing to appear in a case assessing the performance of STPs along the river Yamuna. The NGT has taken suo-motu cognizance of the matter, highlighting concerns over the pollution levels in the Yamuna and the efficiency of STPs managed by the DJB.

As per NGT, despite notices, the DJB neither filed a response nor appeared before it. This led the NGT to impose a fine of Rs 10,000 on the DJB CEO, to be deposited with the Registrar General of the Tribunal within two weeks. The case involves a CPCB report showing alarming water quality at 38 STPs. The report shows high counts of fecal coliform, indicating deficient treatment and inadequate disinfection before the release of treated wastewater. In several instances, the BOD levels failed to meet the required standards, raising environmental and public health concerns. The NGT has expressed reservation over the lack of action from DJB. The CPCB, in its August 5, 2024 report, highlighted the use of chlorination and ultraviolet disinfection methods at the STPs but noted that their efficacy was not properly assessed. The NGT also criticised CPCB for not taking swift action against the violations. https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2024/Aug/22/ngt-slams-fines-djb-over-yamuna-pollution  (22 Aug. 2024)

DDA plans RFD on floodplains near Millennium Park The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is planning to develop a riverfront project on 25 hectares along the western bank of the Yamuna floodplains, opposite the Millennium Park, extending from a now-defunct bus depot to the DND Flyway, officials aware of the matter said. The project, located between the NH-24 and New India Garden project, is part of the 1,500 hectares along the floodplains that the DDA is currently redeveloping, officials said. The DDA will now hire a consultant for the project. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/dda-plans-riverfront-project-on-yamuna-floodplains-near-millennium-park-101720028853898.html  (04 July 2024)

Gurugram Dyeing units continue to operate illegally At various times of the day, blue and black currents flow into Najafgarh drain and ultimately to the Yamuna as scores of dyeing units based in Gurgaon channel their toxic effluents into the stormwater drain. Mostly located in Sector 103, Basai and Sector 36, these units give the appearance that they are shut. Locks hang on their main gates and there’s no sign of activity. But gaps have been pried open within the iron gates to allow people to pass. And at the rear are rows of freshly dyed denims hung out to dry. It’s water from here that is channeled into the drain, despite rules that only treated sewage can be released into rivers. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/dyeing-units-continue-to-operate-illegally-in-gurgaon-polluting-najafgarh-drain-with-toxic-effluents-despite-court-orders/articleshow/112698376.cms  (22 Aug. 2024)

Rajasthan कोटा शहर का कचड़ा बिगाड़ रहा चंबल की सेहत -कोटा शहर के सीवरेज के पानी के साथ ही औद्योगिक वेस्ट से चंबल नदी की सेहत बिगड़ रही है. प्रतिदिन शहर का 312 एमएलडी गंदा पानी चंबल नदी में गिर रहा है। जबकि मौजूदा सीवरेज उपचार संयंत्रों के माध्यम से उपचार की क्षमता केवल 50 एमएलडी है। इससे चंबल के पानी की गुणवत्ता अत्यधिक खराब हो रही है। नदी के स्वच्छ पानी में दूषित जल मिश्रण से घड़ियाल, क्रोकोडाइल एवं डॉल्फिन सहित अन्य जलीय जीवों का जीवन संकट में आने की आशंका जताई जा रही है। चंबल से अनेक जिलों में पेयजल आपूर्ति भी हो रही है जिससे लाखों लोग प्रभावित हो रहे हैं।

– चंबल नदी के किनारे अनियंत्रित रेत खनन के कारण पर्यावरणीय गिरावट हुई है, जिसमें नदी के किनारे का क्षय और प्राकृतिक प्रवाह बाधित हुआ है, जिसके परिणामस्वरूप कटाव और निवास स्थान का नुकसान हुआ है। इसके साथ ही नदी स्थानीय मछुआरों द्वारा कानूनी रूप से स्वीकृत और अवैध मछली पकड़ने की गतिविधियों से जूझती है। इस कारण चंबल नदी में जलीय जैव विविधता में गिरावट आ रही है। https://www.themooknayak.com/environment/rajasthan-kota-citys-garbage-is-spoiling-the-health-of-chambal-aquatic-life-is-in-danger (12 Jan. 2024)

RIVERS BIODIVERSITY

Uniting traditional wisdom with modern science -Community members monitoring ecology in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve integrate traditional knowledge with modern scientific methods to monitor climate impacts on their forests, rivers, and farms. Trained by ecologists, wildlife biologists and tribal village elders, these young indigenous people meticulously document ecological changes to advocate for effective forest conservation practices. https://india.mongabay.com/2024/08/uniting-traditional-wisdom-with-modern-science-barefoot-ecologists-record-climate-impacts/  (14 Aug 2024)

FISH, FISHERIES, FISHERFOLKS

Assam Riverine livelihoods of the Kaibartas Fish is a prominent part of Assam’s culture. Many communities—the Kaibartas, for example—define their identity around fishing. The Kaibarta community in Assam resides in the riverine areas of the Brahmaputra. Their name loosely translates to ‘those who earn their livelihood from water’. Historically, they have lived in Assam, Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha in India, as well as in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan. The Kaibartas have traditionally worked as expert fishermen, boat rowers, and farmers. The community is also divided into subcastes on the basis of occupation: Jaliya Kaibarta (those engaged in fishing and boating) and Haliya Kaibarta (those engaged in agriculture). However, in the last few years, climate change has emerged as a threat to their resilience and poses severe challenges to their economic and cultural survival.

– However, even as competition for fishing rises, the breeding rates of fish are declining. Dipen ascribes the lower breeding rates to not only climate change but also rapid urbanisation, such as the construction of new bridges between mainland Guwahati and New Guwahati. Studies conducted by scientists in various countries have found that bridge construction has a negative impact on aquatic life in the rivers and streams. https://idronline.org/article/livelihoods/photo-essay-the-riverine-livelihoods-of-the-kaibartas-in-assam/  (23 Aug. 2024)

Arunachal Pradesh Advisory issued against consuming fish from Papum & Poma rivers The District Fisheries Department of Arunachal’s Papum Pare District, Yupia, has directed residents of Sangdupota and Taraso Circle not to consume dead fish or live fish from the Papum and Poma rivers for two weeks, starting August 22, until further notice. The Fisheries Development Officer reported that symptoms of Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome has been found on the wild fishes of the rivers as a result of which fish are dying naturally at the river itself. https://www.indiatodayne.in/arunachal-pradesh/story/arunachal-issues-advisory-against-consuming-fish-from-papum-and-poma-rivers-1077118-2024-08-22 (22 Aug. 2024)

Rajasthan चंबल की डाउन स्ट्रीम में हजारों मछलियां मरी-कोटा में बैराज की डाउन स्ट्रीम में जुलाई 31एवं अगस्त 1, 2024 को बड़ी संख्या में मरी हुई मछलियां मिली है। मौत का कारण या तो केमिकल युक्त टोटा इस्तेमाल करना या फिर चंबल में केमिकल का रिसाव भी हो सकता है। इसके अलावा रिवर फ्रंट के चलते पानी रोकने से भी मछलियों की मौत हो सकती है। आशंका जताई जा रही है कि हाल ही में हुई तेज बारिश के कारण गत रविवार को बैराज के गेट खोले गए थे। ऐसे में पानी के तेज बहाव में बहकर आई मछलियां डाउन स्ट्रीम में चट्टानों से टकराने या फिर अवैध मत्सय आखेट में लिप्त लोगों की ओर से कैमिकल युक्त टोटा का उपयोग करने के कारण मछलियों की मौत हो गई। https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bhaskar.com/amp/local/rajasthan/kota/news/thousands-of-fish-died-in-the-down-stream-of-chambal-133413357.html (01 Aug 2024)

Report Hilsa import hit by turmoil in Bangladesh बांग्लादेश में हुए तख्तापलट से भारतीय मछली बाजार में हिलसा यानी पदमा इलिश मछली कम आ रही है, जिसके कारण इसकी कीमत काफी बढ़ गई है. पिछले एक महीने में बांग्लादेश से इस मछली का आयात लगभग शून्य हो गया है. जिसकी वजह से इसकी कीमत 1800 से 3000 रुपए किलो हो गई है.

समान्य दिनों में हिलसा की कीमत 1000-1500 रुपए किलो तक होती है. व्यापारियों के मुताबिक दिल्ली के सीआर पार्क में हर महीने करीब 60 क्विंटल मछली बिकती है जिसमें एक तिहाई हिस्सा पदमा इलिश का होता है. वहीं पूरी दिल्ली में हर महीने लगभग 300 क्विंटल मछली खाई जाती है. लेकिन बांग्लादेश में चल रहे राजनीतिक संकट की वजह से फिलहाल पदमा इलिश के शौकीन लोगों के जेब पर बोझ बढ़ रहा है और दुकानदारों के सामने यह चुनौती है कि वह अपने ग्राहकों को कैसे बांधकर रखें. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_slq6QvP3g4  (23 Aug. 2024)

SAND MINING

SANDRP Blog UP Yamuna Aug 2024: NGT Com Finds Sand Mining Rules Violated  As per petitioner, the miner PC Gupta & Company has been carrying out sand mining on 20.34 ha Yamuna floodplain area adjoining Mandawar village in complete violation of Environmental Clearance (EC). The plea also mentioned that the miner has carried out in-stream mining using heavy machines beyond permissible depth and lease area even during night hours without any replenishment study and compliance report thus violating various orders of NGT and provisions of Sustainable Sand Mining Guidelines, 2016 and Enforcement & Monitoring Guidelines for Sand Mining, 2020. https://sandrp.in/2024/08/24/uttar-pradesh-yamuna-aug-2024-ngt-com-finds-sand-mining-rules-violated/  (14 Aug. 2024)

Uttar Pradesh यमुना में नहाते समय डूबने से दो भाइयों की मौत -ग्रामीणों का कहना है कि यमुना नदी में बड़े स्तर पर खनन होता है। जेसीबी मशीनें काफी गहराई तक गड्ढा कर देती हैं। दोनों भाइयों की मौत भी गड्ढे में डूबने के कारण हुई है। यदि गड्ढा न होता तो शायद उनकी जान बच सकती थी। कई बार प्रशासन को शिकायत भी कर चुके हैं कि खनन को बंद कराया जाए, लेकिन कोई सुनवाई नहीं। https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.amarujala.com/amp/uttar-pradesh/saharanpur/two-brothers-died-due-to-drowning-while-bathing-in-yamuna-saharanpur-news-c-30-1-smrt1014-124697-2024-06-01 (01 June 2024)

Uttarakhand  Part of proposed stone crusher unit in Song’s floodplain: WII to NGT The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has submitted in a report before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that a part of a stone crusher unit proposed in Rajaji Tiger Reserve’s eco-sensitive zone , Dehradun, falls in River Song’s active floodplain area which sees regular elephant movements.

– The NGT’s principal bench was hearing a plea filed by a group of residents from Dehradun, who have sought quashing of permits granted for the proposed stone crusher unit, stating that no wildlife clearance was obtained for the project. The environmental clearance granted for the project, proposed to be run by M/S Balaji Associates, stated that it was subject to obtaining wildlife clearance. The Tribunal granted four weeks to the project proponent to respond to the plea as well as the WII report. In July, the NGT had admitted the case and served notices to the Uttarakhand government, its forest department, the project proponent and WII.

– In response to the NGT’s notice, WII said in its report dated August 16 that the river is used by elephants and other wildlife to access the Lal Thappar and Teen Pani elephant corridors. “Both of these corridors are crucial to facilitate elephant movement in an otherwise disjunct forest mosaic in the western portion of Rajaji National Park and adjoining Dehradun Forest Division,” the WII report said. “The proposed stone crusher is located in the Song River floodplain, 0.5 km from the Kansrao reserve forest, 1 km from Lachhiwala reserve forest and 2.5 km from Barkot reserve forest. A total of 36 human casualties (15 deaths and 21 injury cases) attributed to elephants were reported from Badkot and Lachhiwala administrative ranges (Dehradun forest division) from the year 2000 to 2018,” the WII report stated. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/part-of-proposed-stone-crusher-unit-in-rajaji-park-esz-falls-in-river-songs-floodplain-wii-tells-ngt-9528188/  (23 Aug. 2024)

Odisha Youth falls into illegal sand mining pit, dies Tension erupted in Brahmabarada and Chandpur areas of Jajpur district following the death of an 18-year-old youth, Shaik Jalal, who reportedly drowned in a pit caused by illegal sand mining in the Brahmani riverbed. Jalal, a student of a local higher secondary school, was reported missing on Wednesday (Aug. 21) after he went to take bath in the Brahmani river along with his friend.

Irked with the indiscriminate mining that led to the mishap, the locals staged a road blockade on the Baruan-Balichandrapur route, placing Jalal’s body near Brahmabarada bridge on Friday (Aug. 23) afternoon. As a result traffic on the road was paralysed. This protest lasted for over an hour, where protesters sought attention of authorities towards the illegal sand mining operations that led to Jalal’s death. They demanded justice, action against the sand mafia and compensation for his family. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2024/Aug/23/odisha-youth-falls-into-illegal-sand-mining-pit-dies  (23 Aug. 2024)

Bihar -घटना मटियरिया थाना अंतर्गत पिपरा गांव की है। जानकारी के अनुसार देर रात दो बजे थानाध्यक्ष अंकित कुमार दलबल के साथ पिपरा गांव पहुंचे और बालू लदे ट्रैक्टर ट्राली को जब्त करने लगे. तभी बालू माफियाओं ने पुलिस टीम पर हमला कर दिया.3 पुलिस कर्मी जख्मी, 4 माफिया गिरफ्तार: पुलिस कर्मियों की जमकर पिटाई की गई है. तीन पुलिसकर्मी घायल हैं. एक पुलिसकर्मी की अंगुली तक माफियाओं ने काट डाली है.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.etvbharat.com/amp/hi/!bharat/attack-on-police-team-in-bettiah-sand-mafia-cuts-off-daroga-finger-brs24061502957 (15 June 2024)

Tamil Nadu HC imposes cost on admin for violating rules Taking into account that there was a deliberate mistake on the part of the officials in granting lease for rough stone quarrying, in violation of rules, in Kanniyakumari district, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court had imposed a cost of ₹10 lakh on the Kanniyakumari district administration to be paid to a petitioner. Following the intervention of the court, the lease was cancelled.

The court was hearing two petitions filed by M. Ramesh Vargeesh. The petitioner challenged the order of Kanniyakumari Collector who cancelled the quarry lease. He also sought renewal of the lease. Justice B. Pugalendhi took note of the fact that the petitioner was granted a quarry lease for quarrying rough stone over an extent of 0.60.0 hectare of patta land in Kappiyarai village at Kalkulam taluk in Kanniyakumari district. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/hc-imposes-cost-on-kanniyakumari-district-administration-for-granting-quarry-lease-in-violation-of-rules/article68551094.ece  (21 Aug. 2024)

WETLANDS, LAKES, WATER BODIES

Jammu & Kashmir HC asks amicus curie to file response to Govt report on wetlands The High Court of J&K and Ladakh has asked the Amicus Curiae in its suo moto  PIL on wetlands in Kashmir to respond by September 18 government’s status report regarding conservation, protection and management of the wetlands besides alleged violations and encroachments in seven wetlands recognised to be of international importance and declared Ramsar Sites. A division bench of Chief Justice (Acting) Tashi Rabstan and Justice Moksha Khajuria Kazmi asked amicus curiae Nadeem Qadri to file a response to the status report after he sought time for the same. “The respondents (authorities) shall provide all possible assistance to the learned Amicus Curiae during his visits to different wetland sites,” the court said.

Observing the failure of the government to file the status report as a “serious lapse”, the court on November 20, 2023 granted a final opportunity to the government to file the report indicating the status of seven Ramsar Sites. There are now seven wetlands covered under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands including Hokersar, Wular Lake, Shalbugh and Haigam in Kashmir Valley, Tso Moriri and Tso Kar in Ladakh, and Surinsar-Mansar lakes in Jammu. J&K High Court in compliance with directions by the Supreme Court on April 3, 2017, had treated an affidavit filed by the petitioner M K Balakrishnan before the apex court regarding certain wetlands which were covered under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands as PIL. https://www.greaterkashmir.com/front-page-2/high-court-asks-amicus-curie-to-file-response-to-govt-report-on-wetlands/  (22 Aug. 2024)

Prevent siltation of Wular Lake  Due to anthropogenic pressures and haphazard construction activities in catchments, Wular is facing several problems especially siltation and pollution. Though authorities are taking several measures to restore the glory of Wular, the pace of conservation is slower than its deterioration. As per studies, traces of limestones have been found in silt that flows into the lake. Extensive deforestation in Wular catchment too has contributed to increasing silt influx into the lake during rains. Siltation has led to raising the bed of Wular, gradually decreasing its depth.

Besides, in absence of STPs, sewage generated in the lake’s catchment too is poisoning the lake. As per Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA), five sq km of lake area had been dredged so far incurring cost of Rs 196 crore and 22 sq km more critically silted area was to be dredged now. It is an uphill task to dredge out silted portions of the lake. Who is responsible for the deteriorating condition of Wular? It is the successive regimes which failed to take scientific measures to save this natural asset. This is the same Wular which was designated as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention in 1990—in recognition of its immense ecological and socio-economic importance, Wular was extensively encroached upon mainly by massive plantation of trees and unbridled extension of agricultural fields into the water body severely affecting fish and bird species. https://www.greaterkashmir.com/opinion/prevent-siltation-of-wular-lake/  (26 Aug. 2024)

Tamil Nadu Govt is on mangrove mission to create ‘bio-shields’ As part of the Green Tamil Nadu Mission, the state government is establishing ‘bio-shields’ across 10 coastal districts, including Cuddalore. The Department of Environment and Climate Change has allocated Rs 35 crore to implement the ‘Rehabilitation of Coastal Habitats through the Formation of Bio-shields’ scheme, launched last year. “The state government’s strategy is to find new areas for mangrove forests and restore the degraded ones,” said Deepak Srivastava, additional principal chief conservator of forests and member-secretary of the Tamil Nadu State Wetland Authority.

The goal is ambitious: expand Tamil Nadu’s mangrove cover by adding 67.8 square kilometres to the existing 44.94 square kilometres by 2026. This target has become even more urgent after the devastating floods last December in the coastal districts of Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, and Kanniyakumari, coupled with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) designating the state’s mangroves as ‘critically endangered’ this May. https://theprint.in/ground-reports/tamil-nadu-is-on-a-mangrove-mission-to-create-bio-shields-villagers-are-on-the-frontlines/2231305/  (25 Aug. 2024)

WATER OPTIONS

Maharashtra BBF a possible solution to farmers’ drought, flood woes Introduced in 2020 in the Marathwada and Vidarbha areas of Maharashtra, the broad bed and furrow (BBF) system was devised to help farmers in rain-fed areas tide over moisture stress during periods of a long break in rainfall. “The raised beds helped in conserving soil moisture better,” said Vijay Kolekar, agronomics and soil science specialist of the govt’s Project on Climate Resilient Agriculture (PoCRA). This was one of the many interventions adopted to help Maharashtra farmers tide over the vagaries of nature, he added.

For farmers in Vidarbha and Marathwada, regions that have witnessed unexpected changes in the weather over the years, it was excess rainfall, especially during the retreat of the monsoon, that was a major concern. Quality concerns would pull down the prices of crops if it rained during harvest. But farmers say BBF, one of the many methods being experimented with in Maharashtra to climate-proof crops, is allowing them to protect their harvest to a great extent. More and more farmers in the state are now adapting to this method of cultivation to help them tide over both floods and monsoon breaks. According to Kolekar, around 20 per cent of the 40 lakh hectares of soybean area of the state has now adopted this method of cultivation. “We have ensured that BBF machines are available at every custom hiring centre of the state – this helps during the kharif sowing window,” he said. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/maharashtra-possible-solution-farmers-drought-flood-woes-9529298/  (23 Aug. 2024)

GROUNDWATER

Madhya Pradesh NGT seeks response of SPCB on GW pollution The principal bench of NGT has sought response from SPCB and other authorities on report alleging dangerous polluted red colour water coming out from hand-pumps and borewells of Industrial area in Indore. According to a newspaper report in June 2023 SPCB had carried out sampling at Kumedi, Bardari, Dhankhedi, Shakkarkhedi, Niranjanpur along with 53 locations in an area of 20 km for one year and prepared a report of total 636 samples where 3 lakh people are living.  It was reported that there are 400 industries mainly electroplating, chemical, confectionary and Pharma units using acid in large quantities responsible for polluted water, out of them action has been taken only on 7 industries, the Tribunal noted. The matter is listed for September 30 for further consideration. https://www.livelaw.in/environment/ngt-seeks-response-of-mp-pollution-board-ground-water-authority-dangerous-red-water-coming-from-handpumps-267548  (23 Aug. 2024)

Odisha Rapid urbanisation to blame for falling GW level: CM Attributing the fall in groundwater level to rising urbanisation and climate change, Majhi said a proposal to frame rules for implementing the Orissa Ground Water (Regulation, Development and Management) Act, 2011 is under active consideration by the govt. Once the rules are framed, monitoring and management of groundwater will be done by the Odisha Ground Water Authority (OGWA). At the moment, Majhi said, the Central Ground Water Authority monitors the groundwater level. Though the Act was notified in 2012, it has not been implemented yet pending framing of rules, govt sources said.

Under the Act, OGWA, led by the water resources secretary, will be formed for monitoring and regulating groundwater, sources said. OGWA will conduct periodic census of groundwater level and identify the problem areas and notify them. In notified areas, people have to get permission from the authority to dig wells, except for domestic use and for agricultural purposes to some extent. Once formed, the authority will also decide on giving permission to use groundwater for industry and commercial purposes. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/groundwater-depletion-in-odisha-due-to-urbanisation-and-climate-change/articleshow/112724005.cms  (23 Aug. 2024)

URBAN LAKES, WETLANDS

Hyderabad HC questions HYDRA Power The Telangana high court on Aug 21 questioned the powers of HYDRA (Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection) while directing officials to first issue notice to the owner of Janwada farmhouse before taking any action to demolish it for allegedly being on the buffer zone/full tank level (FTL) of Osmansagar reservoir. The farmhouse in Rangareddy has been in the eye of political storm for long as it is alleged to be owned by BRS working president KT Rama Rao (KTR). An allegation outrightly denied by KTR.

At one stage the judge said he would summon the chief of HYDRA to the court. To a query whether HYDRA can give notices to encroachers, additional advocate general Imran Khan said notices will be issued by GHMC or relevant municipal/panchayat officials and HYDRA will only oversee. When the court was informed that the building permission for Janwada farmhouse was given by the sarpanch on Sept 12, 2014, the judge said a sarpanch had no power to do so. The case is posted to Sept 12. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/telangana-high-court-questions-hydras-authority-over-janwada-farmhouse-on-osmansagar-reservoir-buffer-zone/articleshow/112693307.cms  (22 Aug. 2024)

Poor Oversight Drain Out Lakes Within 45 years, the 4,09,000 sq m Thummalakunta lake has disappeared. The lake has given way to several residential colonies in Saidabad and Saroornagar. An analysis of satellite imaging of 54 lakes taken in 1979 and 2023, secured by the HYDRA from the National Remote Sensing Agency shows that 40 lakes or nearly 75 % lakes have shrunk by half.

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/telangana/development-poor-oversight-drain-out-lakes-in-hyderabad-1818992 (26 Aug 2024)

HYDRA reclaim 43 acres of encroached land A day after it demolished a convention centre of popular actor Nagarjuna, the newly-created HYDRA said it has reclaimed 43 acres of land of lakes, ponds, and other water bodies encroached upon by politicians of various parties, VIPs, and real estate developers. https://www.thenewsminute.com/news/hydra-reclaim-43-acres-of-encroached-land-in-hyderabad  (25 Aug. 2024)

‘HYDRA’ma in Hyderabad puts Ministers in a spot HYDRA agency has started giving the party’s own Ministers and leaders the jitters. Despite widespread criticism that the agency is being used to target political rivals of the Congress, party sources say a few Ministers and Congress leaders, who own palatial buildings in the limits of the twin reservoirs of Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar, are spending uneasy nights with HYDRA continuing its demolition drive. In fact, they are said to have summoned HYDRA Commissioner AV Ranganath and asked him to desist from taking up any further demolitions in the buffer zone of the twin reservoirs. However, with Ranganath reporting directly to CM A Revanth Reddy on any action to be taken up, the Congress Ministers and leaders are apprehensive whether Ranganath will listen to them. https://telanganatoday.com/hydra-puts-congress-ministers-in-a-spot  (24 Aug. 2024)

HYDRA’s demolition map has baffling blank spaces  Was the HYDRA selective while demolishing allegedly illegal structures in the buffer zone of Osman Sagar? The fact that the agency’s bulldozers pulled down over 20 structures while leaving several others next to these has triggered doubts among both the general public and political parties as to why other structures constructed in the Full Reservoir Level limit or buffer zone of the water body were being spared. https://telanganatoday.com/hydras-demolition-map-has-baffling-blank-spaces (23 Aug 2024)

Action against lake encroachment after 17 years The newly formed HYDRA has brought out bulldozers in a rare bid to reclaim the lakes and reservoirs for the city. The action is being dubbed rare because it took the govt 17 years to show the resolve to act against those destroying the most important water bodies in the region. It was in 2007 that the state govt first came up with a list of nearly 3,000 buildings, layouts, commercial buildings including institutions, and farmhouses in the catchment areas of two city reservoirs, Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar. But the list did not result in concrete action. Sources told TOI that thousands more illegal structures have come up since 2007. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/illegal-construction-crackdown-on-citys-twin-reservoirs-after-17-years/articleshow/112664823.cms (21 Aug 2024)

Survey puts KTR property under lens Over the past fortnight, HYDRA officials have ignored the hue and cry raised by owners and went on to pull down structures in the prohibited zones. Among the structures, one specific building has evinced political interest. It’s said that HYDRA has its sights set on this particular building, a farmhouse, at Janwada in Ranga Reddy district’s Shankarpalli mandal. Rumours are rife that the farmhouse is a benami holding of KT Rama Rao, former minister and BRS working president. KTR, as popularly known, refuted the rumours, but said he had leased the property from a ‘close friend’. https://thesouthfirst.com/telangana/a-farmhouse-and-a-drone-case-hydra-demolition-drive-puts-ktr-linked-property-under-lens/ (22 Aug 2024)

AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday (Aug. 25) said there was no legal backing for the HYDRA. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/hydra-demolitions-of-govt-buildings-on-lake-ftl-in-hyderabad/articleshow/112789319.cms  (26 Aug. 2024) Revenue minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy on Friday (Aug. 23) said that HYDRA officials and BRS leaders were free to get his house demolished if even a brick was found to be in FTL or buffer zone of a water body. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/hyderabad-revenue-minister-challenges-demolition-of-home-over-ftl-violation/articleshow/112750722.cms  (24 Aug. 2024) BRS working president KT Rama Rao demanded that the state govt to demolish all farmhouses situated within FTL and buffer zones of lakes, including those owned by CM Revanth Reddy. He said that he does not own a farmhouse at Janwada in Shankarpally mandal, where there were allegations it was constructed in the GO 111 areas, where there are restrictions on construction activity. He asserted that if this leased property is in violation of any regulations, it should be demolished. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/ktr-demands-to-demolish-all-farmhouses-in-lake-buffer-zones/articleshow/112688949.cms (21 Aug 2024)

Bengaluru New policy framed to hand over lakes upkeep to corporates: Govt to HC New policy framed to hand over lake upkeep to corporates, govt tells Karnataka High Court. A division bench comprising Chief Justice NV Anjaria and Justice KV Aravind adjourned the hearing after the petitioners expressed apprehensions about handing over the lakes to corporate entities. In 10 days a specimen MoU will be shared. Next hearing on Sept 11. The counsels of the petitioners expressed apprehensions. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/new-policy-framed-to-hand-over-lake-upkeep-to-corporates-govt-tells-karnataka-high-court-3159215 (21 Aug 2024)

Delhi Waterbodies being turned into waste dump: एनजीटी ने कहा है कि डीपीसीसी की रिपोर्ट में पर्यावरण नियमों का स्पष्ट उल्लंघन सामने आया है। साथ ही इस रिपोर्ट में आर्य नगर गांव में एक जोहड़ और पास के पार्क में कचरे की डंपिंग का भी खुलासा हुआ है। अदालत ने इस मामले में डीपीसीसी, एमसीडी, डीडीए और दिल्ली वेटलैंड प्राधिकरण को प्रतिवादी बनाया है। उन्हें अगली सुनवाई से कम से कम एक सप्ताह पहले हलफनामे के रूप में अपना जवाब प्रस्तुत करना होगा। इस मामले में अगली सुनवाई  29 नवंबर, 2024 को होनी है। इस मामले में एनजीटी के समक्ष दायर आवेदन में कहा गया है कि तालाब को कूड़े व अन्य अपशिष्ट से भर दिया गया है, जिसकी वजह से तालाब के रूप में इसकी पहचान खत्म हो रही है . https://hindi.downtoearth.org.in/water/waterbody-in-delhi-fast-turning-into-a-garbage-dump  (21 Aug. 2024)

URBAN WATER

Noida Conduct feasibility study on treated water: NGT to NTPC The NGT has directed the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), Dadri, to produce a feasibility report on using treated sewage water from Noida’s STPs, a move to help reduce the burden on potable water sources and mitigate pollution. The tribunal noted that despite a MoU between NTPC and Noida authority for supplying 90 MGD of treated water, there was no evidence of the authority supplying the water or recovering the cost.

The NGT cited the ministry of power’s circular, dated March 4, 2020, which mandated the use of “treated sewage water” by thermal power plants within a 50-km radius of local body STPs, which is a part of Tariff Policy, 2016. A petition in the matter was entered by a local resident Abhisht Gupta in 2017, alleging that untreated waste was being discharged by authorities into the drains, besides the NTPC was using fresh water despite a pact with authority. The NGT will now next hear the case on Nov 25, 2024. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/noida-news/conduct-feasibility-study-on-treated-water-ngt-tells-ntpc-101724091159337.html (20 Aug 2024)

Hyderabad HMWSSB official caught seeking bribe The official, Spoorthy Reddy, a manager of HMWSSB’s Div 18 at Manikonda, had demanded the bribe through an outsourced worker Naveen Goud from B Upendranath Reddy. The complainant is a resident of Neknampur and wanted to ‘process and issuance of two new water connections for a newly constructed building’. https://www.siasat.com/hyderabad-hmwssb-arrested-by-acb-for-seeking-rs-30k-bribe-3082197/ (19 Aug 2024)

Mumbai Pipeline burst in Powai  One of the main pipelines that carry water from the Tansa lake burst in Powai on Aug 23 due to which water supply in multiple areas covering four municipal wards will be affected till Aug 24. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/massive-leak-mumbais-main-water-pipelines-supply-hit-9529453/  (23 Aug. 2024)

Kasauli Hoteliers turn to borewells Water availability in the Kasauli Planning Area (KPA) is inadequate and as a result both commercial and domestic users are digging borewells to meet their water requirements. The KPA, comprising a stretch of 35 km, houses about 150 existing and 50 upcoming hotels, with an equal number of bed and breakfast and home stay units. In the absence of any other option, hoteliers opt for digging borewells on their premises after securing the mandatory clearance from the HP Groundwater Authority. There are 170 borewells in the area, which has 72 commercial, 51 domestic, 35 irrigation and 12 industrial users as per the figures secured from the HP Groundwater Authority in Shimla. In the Solan division of the Jal Shakti Department, which also includes the Kasauli area, nearly 52 water supply schemes suffered from a reduction in quantity ranging from 25 per cent to 75 per cent this summer. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/water-supply-inadequate-hoteliers-turn-to-borewells/  (22 Aug. 2024)

Gurugram To reduce Bandhwari waste, MCG eyes Dec deadline The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) is ramping up efforts to reduce the size of the Bandhwari landfill before the December deadline decided by MCG, and an upcoming NGT hearing on September 3, which will review the progress made at the landfill, officials said on Thursday (April 22). They said that in the past two years alone, they have managed to reduce the landfill’s height from 50 metres to less than 23 metres. MCG is taking the steps following the May 17 order of NGT which slammed the civic body over the slow pace of waste management, said MCG commissioner Narhari Singh Bangar. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/gurugram-news/to-reduce-waste-at-bandhwari-landfill-mcg-eyes-december-deadline-101724350293348.html  (23 Aug. 2024)

WATER POLLUTION

Telangana Contaminated water kills ten heads of cattle in Jinnaram Farmers have been suffering severely due to the water pollution caused by industries in the Jinnaram industrial area. Chemical industries in Jinnaram, Gaddapotaram and Bollaram do not treat their polluted water, instead releasing it openly during rains, which contaminates nearby ponds. This pollution has led to the death of cattle that drink from these ponds. Recently, as many as 10 cattle have died within ten days, distressing farmers who rely on milk from their dairy buffaloes for their livelihood. Farmers ire over the lack of action from officials responsible for controlling pollution. https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/states/telangana/2024/Aug/23/contaminated-water-kills-ten-heads-of-cattle-in-telanganas-jinnaram  (23 Aug. 2024)

JJM/ RURAL WATER SUPPLY

Uttar Pradesh Sitapur: Water tank built under ‘JJM’ collapses during first trial A major tragedy was averted after a water tank allegedly collapsed in Sitapur district recently. As per several reports, the water tank allegedly collapsed soon after it was filled with water during the trial.

It is also alleged that the government spent crores of money to build the water tank under the “Jal Jeevan Mission”. The incident is said to have taken place on the second day of the water trial when the water tank suddenly collapsed along with the pillars. So far, there have been no reports of any casualties or injuries. https://www.latestly.com/socially/india/news/sitapur-water-tank-built-under-jal-jeevan-mission-in-uttar-pradesh-collapses-during-first-trial-video-surfaces-6215736.html  (26 Aug. 2024) रविवार (Aug. 25) को ट्रायल के लिए सुबह टंकी में 10,000 लीटर पानी भरा गया. पानी भरते ही पहले टंकी में दरारें पड़ीं और फिर पिलर सहित टंकी भरभरा कर गिर गई. एसडीएम ने जांच कर कार्रवाई की बात कही. वहीं ग्राम प्रधान ने मानकहीन निर्माण की शिकायत भी की थी लेकिन कोई सुनवाई नहीं हुई. https://www.etvbharat.com/hi/snippets/!state/corruption-new-water-tank-collapses-as-soon-as-it-filled-with-water-for-first-time-in-sitapur-ups24082505284  (25 Aug. 2024)

सीतापुर में पीने के पानी की टंकी से सींचे जा रहे खेत विकास खंड महमूदाबाद की ग्राम पंचायत सोहरिया गांव में जल निगम द्वारा बनवाई गई पानी टंकी से ग्रामीणों को पीने का पानी नहीं मिल पा रहा है, जबकि टंकी से खेतों की सिंचाई कराई जा रही है। जिससे वहां के ग्रामीणों को समस्या हो रही है। ग्रामीणों ने बताया कि सम्बन्धित अधिकारियों एवं कर्मचारियों की लापरवाही की वजह से अभी तक पीने को पानी नहीं मिला है और खेतों की लगातार सिंचाई कराई जा रही है। https://www.amritvichar.com/article/464427/fields-are-being-irrigated-from-drinking-water-tank-in-sitapur–villagers-are-not-getting-drinking-water (8 May 2024)

WATER

Himachal Pradesh News from a village in Lahaul Spiti district in HP. The language in this report is confusing, but what is possibly meant is that the glaciar has possibly burst and due to which the debris has buried the village water supply lines and they are finding it tough to remove the overburden of debris over the pipeline.

MONSOON 2024

Andhra Pradesh Erratic rains hit prospects of farmers in Anantapur An unkind weather and unavailability of seeds have blighted the prospects of farmers of Anantapur this year. Located in a rain shadow, the district is known for groundnut cultivation, which covers over 75% of its cropped area. Other important crops include sunflower (6.4%), green gram (4.9%), pigeon pea (3.6%), rice (3.4%) & sorghum (2.2%). https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/erratic-rains-hit-prospects-of-farmers-in-anantapur/article68565310.ece  (25 Aug. 2024)

Study First cells arise with a little rain LIFE ON EARTH: Rain may have been an essential ingredient for the origin of life, according to a study published on Aug 21. Life today exists as cells, which are sacs packed with DNA, RNA, proteins and other molecules. But when life arose roughly four billion years ago, cells were far simpler. Some scientists have investigated how so-called protocells first came about by trying to recreate them in labs.

– The scientists (Dr Aman Agarwal, Jack Szostak and their team at University of Chicago) speculated that rain falling on the early Earth (about four billion years ago) might have provided the water required to make RNA droplets. To test that possibility, Anusha Vonteddu, another graduate student at the University of Houston, put beakers outside during a storm. When she and her colleagues used the rainwater to run the experiments again, the RNA droplets proved stable once more. The rain then may have been more acidic as atmosphere had more carbon dioxide than today, but the experiment could hold in those conditions too. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/21/science/first-cells-rain.html  (21 Aug. 2024)

FLOOD 2024

SANDRP Blog Tripura Floods: Questions over Disaster Management Leaving aside the controversy about claim of Bangladesh that Dumbur dam releases brought floods in Bangladesh, the first question that arises is why did the dam not start releasing water starting from Aug 19 morning when dam was almost full and high rainfall had already started? Here we are not talking about action based on rainfall forecast, but based on actual rainfall in the catchment, which is surely going to end up in the river and reservoir. The claim of the project operators to media that the gates automatically operate when water reaches FRL and they cannot operate the gates manually is clearly wrong, the option of manual operation of gates is always available for safety of the dam. https://sandrp.in/2024/08/23/august-2024-tripura-floods-questions-over-disaster-management/  (23 Aug. 2024)

The minister said agriculture was the worst affected as 68,826 hectares of paddy were fully or partly damaged. “The estimated value of agricultural loss due to the flood is Rs. 532.25 crores so far. The jhum paddy was almost ready for harvest but about 4,000 hectares were damaged due to flood and heavy rains. The amount of loss will be more as a large swathe of paddy fields are still submerged,” Nath said. The estimated loss of the horticulture sector is about Rs. 167 crores, he said. Power supply has been severely affected as many transformers have been damaged or washed away,” he said. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/tripura/tripura-facing-worst-floods-since-1983-death-toll-touch-24-3162449  (23 Aug. 2024) CM Manik Saha on Saturday (July 24) said the unprecedented floods in the state have caused an estimated loss of Rs 15,000 crore, affecting infrastructure, agriculture, and other property. This figure may increase after a final assessment of the actual damage. At least 24 people died due to the floods since Monday while 1.28 lakh have taken shelters in 557 relief camps, officials said. The CM said the floods have triggered 2,588 landslides and damaged 1,603 electric posts. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/tripura/tripura-floods-caused-rs-15000-crore-in-damage-cm-manik-saha-3163235  (24 Aug. 2024) Two Tripura State Rifles jawans lost their lives while saving flood-hit persons in the state that has been experiencing rampant rains. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/tripura/two-jawans-die-while-rescuing-people-in-flood-hit-tripura-3162848  (24 Aug. 2024) The CM in a social media post shared that due to intense rainfall caused floods in several areas in South Tripura and other districts. There is an important update from the official handle of DM Gomati, “It has been reported that, the water level in the Gomati river may rise more than the present level. Water from Dumbur Hydroelectric Project Dam has to be released as water has accumulated to the critical level giving no scope to TPGL but to release some water. Requesting all citizens concerned and downstream Districts of the state to take precautionary measures immediately.” https://tripuratimes.com/ttimes/tripura-cm-reviews-flood-situation-calls-for-timely-support-to-affected-people-18169.html  (20 Aug. 2024)

Dhaka blames India for flooding, Delhi hits back Eight districts of Bangladesh have been flooded due to heavy rains and onrush of water from the upstream, said the ministry of disaster management and relief on Wednesday. The eight districts are Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Feni, Chattogram, Noakhali, Comilla and Khagrachhari. At least 1,796,248 people have been affected, the ministry said on Thursday (Aug. 220. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/dhaka-blames-india-for-flooding-delhi-hits-back/articleshow/112724351.cms  (23 Aug. 2024) https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/india-has-shown-inhumanity-opening-dam-says-nahid-3683826  (22 Aug. 2024)

Kaptai dam gates opened in Bangladesh On Aug 25, gates of Kaptai dam in Bangladesh were opened to release 9000 cusecs water into Karnaphuli river and dam level reached 108 ft, with FRL at 109 ft. This was due to water inflow into the dam due to rain in the catchment over the last four days. The dam was already releasing 32000 cusecs for generating power. https://www.daily-sun.com/post/763686?fbclid (25 Aug 2024) https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/bangladesh-floods-drone-footage-shows-severe-flooding-in-feni-town-toll-rises-to-18/videoshow/112785976.cms (25 Aug 2024)

Maharashtra Continuous rainfall and water release from Gangapur Dam have caused severe flooding in Nashik’s Godavari River, submerging key temples. https://x.com/ians_india/status/1827542357383815484  (24 Aug. 2024) After heavy rains lashed Nashik for the past 24 hours, the Gangapur dam overflowed. According to the latest information, thousands of cusecs of water were released in the Godavari River. Due to the massive release of water and incessant rainfalls, many small and big temples on the banks of the Godavari River at Goda Ghat were submerged in water. https://www.indiatvnews.com/maharashtra/nashik-temples-flooded-after-water-released-from-gangapur-dam-amid-day-long-incessant-rains-goda-ghat-imd-weather-update-2024-08-04-945170  (04 Aug. 2024)

Jammu & Kashmir File report on steps taken to avoid 2014 like flood situations: HC The High Court of J&K and Ladakh on Aug. 21 has granted the govt a week to file a status report indicating the steps it has taken in keeping with court orders to prevent a situation like that of the devastating floods in 2014.

A division Bench of Chief Justice (Acting) Tashi Rabstan and Justice Puneet Gupta sought the status report after the government advocate submitted that the report was ready and requested for a short adjournment of one week to file the same. The HC listed the PIL filed by an NGO Environmental Policy Group for further hearing on Sep 26. On the last hearing, the court had held that preventing the possibility of recurrence of devastating floods like 2014 remained its prime importance and had directed the authorities to file a detailed affidavit indicating steps taken in terms of various orders passed by the Court from time to time in this regard. https://www.greaterkashmir.com/front-page-2/file-status-report-indicating-steps-taken-to-avoid-situations-like-2014-flood-hc-to-govt/  (22 Aug. 2024)

Madhya Pradesh Rescue boat capsized in Bhind, 2 SDERF personnel missing Two State Disaster Emergency Response Force (SDERF) personnel went missing on Aug 21 after their boat overturned during a rescue operation in the Kunwari River in Bhind district. The incident occurred between 6 and 7 PM while the team was attempting to rescue villagers trapped in the river. The SDERF team, comprising three personnel and a local diver, was dispatched to Kachongra village in the Dehat police station area after receiving reports of villagers trapped in the river.

The rescue mission was initiated after a villager, Vijay Singh Rajawat, drowned while trying to save his cow, which had become trapped in the river. Vijay entered the river to rescue the cow but got stuck himself. His brother, Sunil, then attempted to save Vijay but also became trapped in the water. Other villagers who tried to assist also found themselves in danger, according to local media reports. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/mp-whirlpool-in-river-capsizes-rescue-boat-in-bhind-two-sderf-personnel-pissing/articleshow/112690618.cms  (21 Aug. 2024)

2 SDERF Jawans found dead after 23 hrs The bodies of two State Disaster Emergency Response Force (SDERF) jawans who were swept away when their boat overturned during a rescue operation were recovered after 23 hours of search. The incident occurred on Aug 21 when a cow became stuck on the check dam of the Kunwari River in Kachongra village, within the Dehat police station area.

This led to a confrontation where Home Guard District Commandant Umesh Sharma was manhandled by angry villagers who accused him of negligence and corruption. Villagers also blocked the main road leading out of the village in protest. The water level and current of the river were reported to have slowed, which aided in the search efforts. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/two-sderf-jawans-in-bhind-river-rescue-mission-found-dead-after-23-hrs/articleshow/112718602.cms  (22 Aug. 2024)

Bihar भागलपुर जिला के नवगछिया अनुमंडल के गोपालपुर में रिंग बांध ध्वस्त होने के बाद लोगों की मुश्किलें बढ़ी हुई है. मंगलवार (Aug. 20) को इस्माईलपुर-बिंद टोली तटबंध के स्पर संख्या आठ के पास गंगा नदी के पानी के दवाब के कारण बांध ध्वस्त हुआ तो गंगा का पानी कई गांवों में फैल गया. बांध कटने से यहां पिछले कुछ दिनों से तबाही मची हुई है.

इधर, प्रशासन की तैयारियों के बीच लोगों की मुश्किलें और बढ़ती दिख रही है. शुक्रवार को स्पर संख्या एक के अप स्ट्रीम में कटाव शुरू हुआ तो अफरा-तफरी मच गयी. वहीं शनिवार (Aug. 24) को स्पर संख्या नौ पर भी दवाब बढ़ गया है. लोग अपने घरों को खाली करने में जुट गए. प्रशासन की टीम मौके पर पहुंची और युद्धस्तर पर बचाव कार्य शुरू किया गया है. https://www.prabhatkhabar.com/state/bihar/bhagalpur/bihar-flood-news-of-erosion-in-ganga-river-in-gopalpur-naugachia-dam-bhagalpur  (24 Aug. 2024)

Punjab Nursery langars averted ₹2,800-cr loss to govt in 2023 floods: PAU study  Even as the monsoon rainfall in Punjab in 2023 was 5 per cent less than normal, the state reeled under floods as the neighboring Himachal Pradesh received unprecedented 223 mm rainfall just within four days from July 7 to 11, 2023, thus flooding downstream Sutlej, Beas and Ravi rivers, leading to devastation in Punjab. The study entitled “Punjab Floods 2023: Causes, Impacts and Learnings- All India Coordinated Research Project on Agrometeorology” has been conducted by PAU’s scientists from dept of climate change & agricultural meteorology: Prabhjyot Kaur, principal scientist (agrometeorology); principal agronomists- Sandeep Singh Sandhu & Simerjeet Kaur.

“The rich tradition of ‘langar’ in Punjab was demonstrated in letter and spirit during the floods when the ‘nursery langar” of short duration rice varieties (PR-126 and Pusa Basmati 1509) was given free of cost to flood-affected farmers. However, the concept of ‘community nursery’ was introduced wherein rice nursery was raised at Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Research Farms for free distribution, and farmers were also motivated for this noble cause. The projected loss of Rs 2800 crore from failure of paddy crop as a result of floods was averted due to the ‘community nursery’,” says an excerpt from the study. “There was a higher state average rice productivity during 2023 (6739 kg/ha) as compared to 2022 (6479 kg/ha). This demonstrates that ‘community nursery’ is an innovative and cost-friendly concept that can be a way forward towards resilience during climatic extremes such as floods,” the PAU study has concluded.

“Devastatingly heavy rainfall during July 7 to 11, 2023 in Himachal Pradesh was witnessed.. a very active to vigorous monsoon conditions prevailed in Himachal Pradesh during this period with a widespread very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in most parts of the state. The state received 223 mm rainfall against its normal rainfall of 41.6 mm in a span of ‘only 4 days’ with a deviation of 436% which is unprecedented as per the long-term records. All the districts of Himachal Pradesh received excess rainfall with the highest rainfall of 7800% above normal in Kinnaur, Kullu and Solan districts,” says the PAU study, on what caused flooding in Punjab. [The study seems to have glossed over the wrong operation of Bhakra, Pong and Dehar dams during the flood period & role of wrong operation.] https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/nursury-langers-averted-loss-to-punjab-2023-floods-9526633/ (22 Aug 2024)

HFL BREACH

Tripura CWC maintaining Highest Flood Level data in very casual manner, two latest examples of this are given below: 1 Muhari river at Belonia site in South Tripura district had crossed old HFL 16.98 meter dated 04.08.1983 and set 17.32 meter as new HFL on 02.08.2024. Its an old site and CWC should have updated 17.32 meter as new HFL at the end of the monsoon season, but it updated the new HFL while the monsoon season is active. Now the river at this site has again breached the HFL dated 02.08.2024 and reached 18.07 meter at 21:00 hour on 20.08.2024.

2 When River Manu at Manughat site in Unakoti district of Tripura set 48 meter as new HFL on 12.06.2018, CWC had maintained 46.6 meter dated 05.06.2001 as its old HFL. But the site breached HFL today and has rose upto 47.96 meter at 21:00 hour on 20.08.2024 and now CWC hydrograph shows 46.97 meter dated 11.06.1993 as old HFL for the site. If we consider 48 meter as HFL attained on 12.06.2018, the river has not breached the HFL today.

After 40 years, River Juri in Barak and other rivers basin at Nutan Bazar GD site in North Tripura district has crossed HFL 20.43 meter dated 15.05.1984 at 15:00 hour on 21.08.2024. Present flood level is 20.56 meter at 21:00 hour which is 0.13 meter higher than old HFL.

River Muhari at Belonia site in South Tripura district crossing old HFL 16.98 meter dated 04.08.1983, time in August 2024. The river first reached the peak of 17.32 meter on 02.08.2024 then 18.12 meter on 20.08.2024 and now 18.81 meter on 22.08.2024.

Bihar River Dhardha river at Masaurhi site in Patna district crossing old HFL 56.75 meter dated 30.09.2019, sixth time in August 2024. The river has achieved 57.21 meter peak at 12:00 hour on 25.08.2024 with rising trend.

URBAN FLOODS

Guwahati Several residents in the heart of the city told Scroll that the construction of a nearby flyover, an incomplete and faulty drainage system, and inefficient city administrators have exacerbated floods in Guwahati. Experts pointed out there are structural problems behind the flooding in the city that cannot be blamed on a university coming up on the hills overlooking Guwahati. https://scroll.in/article/1072236/why-residents-of-assam-capital-are-not-buying-the-chief-ministers-claim-of-flood-jihad  (22 Aug. 2024)

Delhi Encroachment of waterbodies, drains and river making Delhi prone to mega floods.  Encroachment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocE9u4Bdl3w  (25 Aug. 2024)

CLOUD BURSTS

Himachal Pradesh Radar can help prevent damage caused by cloudburst Himachal Pradesh has reported 11 cloudburst incidents since July 27. Five of these cloudbursts occurred within a span of two-and-a-half hours on the intervening night of July 31 and August 1, says Dr Kuldeep Srivastava, director of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Shimla. He says:

All the recently reported cloudbursts occurred in the high hills (upper parts of districts Kullu and Mandi, Lahaul & Spiti, Kinnaur, and Chamba) rather than in the middle hills or low hills and plains.

The formation of clouds and even cloudbursts occur suddenly. While Doppler radars (used to determine the velocity of an object) can predict heavy rainfall events up to two hours in advance, they cannot detect the velocity if a mountain obstructs the signal. Another point to note is that cloudbursts are not confined to one place. The conditions that trigger cloudbursts can develop quickly in one location and then move to another. To prevent damage, it is crucial to identify cloudburst-prone areas, evacuate people from riverbanks, rivulets, and drains within these areas, and implement other precautionary measures.

The cloudbursts in Kullu, Mandi, & Shimla were the result of Easterly winds (which flow from east to west, coming from the Bay of Bengal and crossing Uttarakhand, Western UP, Haryana) and a cyclonic circulation that developed over the specific areas where the incidents occurred. The five cloudbursts were caused by the convergence of winds from two different directions. Cloudburst events increase during the monsoon, particularly in Jul-Aug. Certain areas received 200 mm rain in 5 hrs on Jul 31. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/cloudburst-damage-himachal-pradesh-imd-9520319/  (19 Aug. 2024)

31 killed in 51 events of cloudburst, flash flood -Thirty-one people were killed in 51 events of cloudburst and flash flood between June 27 and August 16 in Himachal during the ongoing monsoon season, the State Emergency Operation Centre said. Lahaul and Spiti witnessed 22 such incidents, the highest in the state, followed by 11 in Kinnaur, six in Una, three each in Kullu and Mandi, two in Sirmaur and one each in Chamba, Hamirpur, Shimla and Solan districts, it said. According to the data, 121 houses were completely or partially damaged.

-Three people were killed in 35 landslides during the same period, the State Emergency Operation Centre said. At nine, Mandi reported the highest number of landslides. Kinnaur and Shimla reported six landslides each, Lahaul and Spiti and Chamba four each, Solan three, Kullu two and Bilaspur one, it said. The data for other districts was not available. However, residents in several districts have claimed that the number of incidents of cloudburst, flash flood and landslide is much higher than the official count.

-As many as 47 power and 35 water supply schemes have also been affected, it said. According to officials, Himachal has suffered losses to the tune of Rs 1,140 crore so far with the maximum damage done to the road infrastructure. The Public Works Department has suffered losses of Rs 502 crore, followed by the Jal Shakti Department (Rs 469 crore) and the Horticulture Department (Rs 139 crore). https://www.deccanherald.com/india/himachal-pradesh/31-killed-in-51-events-of-cloudburst-flash-flood-in-himachal-since-onset-of-monsoon-3154891  (18 Aug. 2024)

Flash floods on rise Govt data show there have been 51 flash flood incidents in the State from the start of the monsoon season on June 27 until August 16, this year – the tally could rise further as the monsoon season is yet to end. In Himachal Pradesh, the rainy season extends from June-end till mid-September. Last year (2023), the State saw 72 flash flood occurrences. In the year 2022, the State witnessed 75 flash flood incidents, while in 2021 the number was 16. There were ten such incidents in the 2020 monsoon season, as per data from the State’s Disaster Management Authority. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/himachal-pradesh/flash-floods-on-rise-in-himachal-pradesh-traditional-water-sources-to-bear-the-brunt/article68536226.ece  (17 Aug. 2024)

-बीती रात जुलाई 17 शिमला जिला के डमराली में बादल फट गया। जिसके बाद तकलेच नाला में जलस्तर कई गुणा बढ़ गया। डमराली क्षेत्र से पानी का सैलाब तकलेच नाला में आ गया। इस नाले की आवाजें और गड़गड़ाहट सुनकर लोग रात में ही घरों से बाहर भागे। अभी तक किसी भी प्रकार के जान व माल के नुकसान की सूचना नहीं है। https://www.bhaskar.com/local/himachal/shimla/news/himachal-pradesh-monsoon-update-rampur-taklech-cloud-burst-una-chandigarh-manali-nh-mandi-133494744.html  (18 Aug. 2024)

Uttarakhand तपोवन के पास बादल फटने के कारण देवखड़ी नाले ने कृष्णा विहार,देवकी विहार, गायत्री कॉलोनी में भयंकर तबाही मचाई। नाला टूटने से 70 घरों में मलबा घुस गया। बड़े-बड़े पत्थर लोगों के घरों में घुस गए। दो बसें आधी मलबे में दब गई।

15 कारें बह गई। उधर बटाईदार की झोपड़ी नाले टूटने के कारण बह गई। पांच सदस्यों ने बड़ी मुश्किल से जान बचाई। घरों में पानी घुसने से लोगों का करीब 50 लाख रुपये से अधिक का नुकसान हो गया। https://www.amarujala.com/photo-gallery/uttarakhand/nainital/haldwani-news-debris-entered-70-houses-in-three-colonies-due-to-cloud-burst-near-tapovan-2024-08-20  (20 Aug. 2024) दमुवाढूंगा में तपोवन को जाने वाले रास्ते के पास देवखड़ी नाला बहता है। यह नाला आबादी से होते हुए वाकवे माल के आगे पहुंचता है। सोमवार की रात आठ बजे क्षेत्र में अत्यधिक बारिश से नाला उफान पर आ गया। रामनगर डिवीजन की फतेहपुर रेंज के रेंजर केएल आर्या के अनुसार तपोवन से ऊपर कक्ष संख्या 13 में बादल फटा है। जिससे देवखड़ी नाले में भयावह बाढ़ आ गई। https://www.jagran.com/uttarakhand/nainital-nanital-news-cloud-burst-in-the-forest-near-tapovan-devastation-in-damuvhadunga-23781156.html  (20 Aug. 2024)

LANDSLIDES

Kerala Wayanad landslide must not fade from memory by S. Gopikrishna Warrier The IMD’s weather forecast itself is of low local relevance. The alerts are meant at the district level, and with wide variation within districts, at best give a broad idea of what to expect, rather than actionable information. Of more use have been the forecasts of amateur weather watchers such as Pradeep John – known in social media as the Tamil Nadu Weatherman

Similarly, in landslide-prone zones, the risk maps have to be integrated into the system through which panchayats and municipalities grant permissions for constructing buildings. Just as how a person buying land checks in with the local self-government if the land is earmarked for future development projects, individuals should be able to know what risk they are getting into by buying a property in a landslide zone. For this, data needs to be available at a locality level.

With repeated returns of extreme weather events in the last decade, there is a greater experienced understanding of what could be the effects of climate change. However, this knowledge is not effective without a detailed action plan to deal with these events. That can be the only tribute to those who did not wake from their sleep on July 30. https://india.mongabay.com/2024/08/commentary-why-the-wayanad-landslide-must-not-fade-from-memory/  (20 Aug. 2024)

Some reports have indicated that the expert panel has an initial conclusion that there was a “damming effect” that led to the catastrophic debris flow. For what it is worth, I see nothing in the imagery that supports this view, but field work might provide a different perspective.

– Another view is that quarrying played a role, but again I do not see anything to support that conclusion (but I do of course recognise that poor mining practise has played a significant role in landslide in other locations).

– The impact on the settlements downslope was horrendous. The Planet Labs image of the populated areas of the channel shows very high levels of destruction. The debris flow appears to have been much less intense downstream of this point, perhaps suggesting that much of the mineral content stalled in this area. (Dave Petley) https://eos.org/thelandslideblog/planet-labs-wayanad  (19 Aug. 2024)

Gadgil, Kasturirangan reports not acted upon: Justice Somasekhar Sundaresan The Bombay High Court judge was speaking at a technical session at the Commonwealth Legal Education Association (CLEA)’s International Conference on ‘Law and Technology: Sustainable Transport, Tourism and Technological Innovations’ at Kumarakom in Kerala. The theme of the session was ‘Collaborative approaches and best practices in eco-tourism and transportation law.’

In his address, Justice Sundaresan also highlighted the Ankola landslide of last month, the Raigad landslides of 2023, the recent entry ban at a waterfall in Bhimashankar and the sinking of Jyotirmath in Uttarakhand. Against this backdrop, he said that the issue is no longer about intergenerational equity but about intragenerational equity, given that these disasters have taken place in the past two or three years. https://www.barandbench.com/amp/story/news/gadgil-kasturirangan-reports-western-ghats-not-acted-upon-wake-up-justice-somasekhar-sundaresan  (19 Aug. 2024)

ENERGY OPTIONS

Ministry reimposed solar module shortlist of domestic producers Despite concerns flagged at the highest levels in the government over market concentration in India’s solar PV module industry and its potential to inflate household electricity tariffs, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy reimposed its mandate requiring solar projects to source modules exclusively from a government-approved list of domestic manufacturers starting April 1. https://indianexpress.com/article/express-exclusive/despite-red-flags-ministry-reimposed-solar-module-list-of-domestic-players-9521209/lite/  (19 Aug. 2024)

ENVIRONMENT GOVERNANCE

Chhattisgarh Env bodies must ensure compliance with NGT directions: SC  The Supreme Court, while taking a serious view of the lapses on the part of Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board (CECB) in implementing the direction of the NGT, decided to interfere with the NGT’s direction to initiate criminal proceedings, emphasizing that Section 26 of the NGT Act should be exercised with care and caution. Considering that the CECB had achieved substantial compliance with the NGT’s directions, the Court decided to set aside the impugned order.

“Section 26 rightly provides for penal action being taken against anyone who fails to comply with an order, award and decision of the NGT but this power has to be exercised with care and caution. In the case on hand, the delay on the part of the CECB in the given facts does not amount to wilful negligence or an abject dereliction of duty on its part in abiding by such directions. Substantial compliance having been achieved, the CECB only sought some more time to make its website more user friendly”, the Court observed while allowing the appeals. https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/state-organs-particularly-environmental-bodies-must-diligently-ensure-timely-compliance-with-ngt-directions-supreme-court-267449  (22 Aug. 2024)

Assam NGT to examine proposed luxury hotels in KNPTR The NGT has taken suo motu cognisance of the potential threat to wildlife and livelihood due to upcoming tourism infrastructure projects in the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR), Assam. Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, judicial member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member Dr A Senthil Vel observed that the proposed infrastructure projects may violate the Environment Protection Act, Biodiversity Act and the Forest Conservation Act.

The issue was taken up based on a news item in the online outlet Mongabay titled, ‘Proposed luxury hotels in and around Kaziranga threaten wildlife conservation, livelihood.’ The article claims the upcoming tourism infrastructure projects could pose a threat to wildlife, resulting in displacement, negative environmental impacts and the movement of wild animals, especially in the Inle Pothar area which has traditionally been a haven for elephants. https://www.barandbench.com/news/ngt-to-examine-threat-wildlife-livelihood-proposed-luxury-hotels-kaziranga-national-park  (22 Aug. 2024)

The NGT has asked the MoEF&CC to file an affidavit on action taken over large-scale encroachment at Assam’s Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary (SRWS) and the Charduar and Balipara reserve forests. In an order on Wednesday (Aug. 21), NGT judicial member Ait Sthalekar and expert member Arun Kumar Verma questioned how the encroachment was permitted over the years and decades. It directed the Assam government to file a fresh affidavit over the matter as an earlier one filed was defective. The NGT will take up the matter next on November 7. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ngt-seeks-affidavit-on-action-taken-over-encroachment-at-assam-s-reserve-forests-101724382346253.html  (23 Aug. 2024)

Uttar Pradesh NGT notice to Centre, UP over construction of Adani thermal plant on forest land The NGT has issued notices to the Central and Uttar Pradesh governments, as well as Mirzapur Thermal Energy UP Private Limited, over violation of its 2016 order, which prohibited construction on the forest land in Mirzapur forest division. Reports show that the company, a subsidiary of Adani Power, has started illegal construction of walls and roads on forest land, besides encroaching on other lands. The forest land is also a proposed sloth bear conservation reserve in the Mirzapur forest division of eastern Uttar Pradesh. In addition, the forest is a crucial habitat for rich and threatened wildlife for at least 24 terrestrial animals unique to the Vindhyan-Kaimoor ecosystem. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/Aug/26/adani-run-thermal-plant-ngt-notice-to-centre-up-for-violating-order-against-construction-on-forest-land  (26 Aug. 2024)

SOUTH ASIA

India-Nepal India has allowed Nepal to export an additional 251 MegaWatt of electricity from 12 hydropower projects to the country, an official statement from the Indian Embassy in Nepal said on Aug 19. With this, Nepal would be exporting 941 MW of hydropower from 28 projects as compared to the 690 MW from 16 projects it was exporting. https://www.ndtvprofit.com/nation/nepal-to-export-1000-mw-of-electricity-to-india-through-hydropower-amid-talks  (19 Aug. 2024)

Nepal HEP company violated the rights of indigenous communities Karma Bhutia had dozens of legal documents running through his hands, spilling over his desk, enough to fill a book, all pointing to Sangrila Urja Pvt Ltd, a Nepali hydropower company. The Chyamtang activist and adviser to the Chyamtang-Kathmandu Welfare Society in Sankhuwasabha district in Lungbasamba said, “They [the company] put price tags on our rivers, our sacred forests and biodiversity and did not even ask what we wanted. If not for the community’s resistance, we would have lost everything at the hands of govt.” This particular conflict, however, briefly made global headlines after celebrity Leonardo DiCaprio amplified local outrage on social media. Tucked between the sacred Kanchenjunga and Makalu mountains, dense forests and lush vegetation, Sankhuwasabha district is home to numerous villages of the Indigenous Bhote Singsa people.

In this case, Mongabay was able to verify most of the claims and confirm fabricated information in the EIA, lack of proper consultation with the community and forged signatures. We also analysed the proposed site to be 90 times bigger than what the company received approval for. Despite community pleading, construction and road building related to the Chhujung Khola Hydropower Project still went forward under the cover of night until May 2024, and every side now awaits an upcoming lawsuit to plead their case. https://scroll.in/article/1071986/how-a-hydro-project-company-violated-the-rights-of-nepals-indigenous-communities  (20 Aug. 2024)

Rejuvenating Environmentalism Nepal’s success stories with community forestry, water supply and electricity distribution show how alliances of social as well as bureaucratic activism can completely change the ecological landscape: thanks to such measures Nepal today has more forest cover than it ever did in its recent history.

I (Dipak Gyawali) remember late Ramaswamy Iyer telling me, when I described to him these success stories in Nepal, how it may have been possible in Nepal (which was not politically colonized) but was impossible in India because the rigid resource exploiting laws of the British Raj, especially with forests and water, lives on. Pakistan’s experiences – as well as the rich debates about environmentalism there recounted by me in a different essay – would have been more valuable to reflect on in the Indian context. https://www.spotlightnepal.com/2024/08/21/rejuvenating-environmentalism-south-asia/ (21 Aug 2024)

THE REST OF THE WORLD

USA Federal infra funding fueling push to remove dams & restore river habitat On the whooshing Watauga River, excavators claw at the remains of Shulls Mill Dam, pulling concrete apart piece by piece and gradually opening a waterway kept in check for nearly two centuries. Removal of this privately-owned hydropower dam in western North Carolina will be a boon for rafters, kayakers and tubers by allowing the river to flow freely for nearly 80 miles (129 kilometers). But maybe the biggest beneficiary will be a strange, ancient creature known as the eastern hellbender salamander. Sometimes called a snot otter or Allegheny alligator, it’s North America’s largest salamander and can reach two feet (61 centimeters) in length. But the salamander’s range in places such as southern Appalachia has shrunk, and its numbers are down 70% over the past 50 years. Aimed at boosting biodiversity, improving water quality and strengthening flood protection amid worsening storms, the campaign to demolish dams dates back several decades but has intensified with a once-in-a-generation funding infusion from the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill. 

– More than $2 billion is going to federal agencies, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Federal Emergency Management Agency, for maintaining, repairing and removing dams, culverts and other barriers. Of that, $920 million has already been spent on 544 projects. The wildlife service is getting $200 million over five years for dam removal. In April, the agency announced plans to award $70 million in grants, supporting 43 projects to remove dams and other river barriers in 29 states. States too are putting money into dam removals.

– Serena McClain, senior director of the national dam removal program at the conservation group American Rivers, emphasized it was only a start — many of the nation’s 500,000 to 1 million dams are over 60 years old and removal costs can range from a few hundred thousand dollars to tens of millions. https://apnews.com/article/dam-removals-infrastructure-law-president-biden-693e52c29c7196c0814889fda2001670  (07 Aug. 2024)

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

Also see: DRP News Bulletin 19 Aug 2024 & DRP News Bulletin 12 Aug 2024  

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