(Feature Image: File photo of Yettinahole Project. Source: Daijiworld)
The Yettinahole project has seen protests and question marks right from the time when the project was proposed, none of them have been convincingly answered. As the Karnataka Chief Minister and his deputy commissioned a small part of it, those question marks remain as relevant today, including its hydrological viability, environmental impact assessments and sustainability, with hugely weakening of the western ghats by such major interventions without any credible impact assessments. (see: https://sandrp.in/2013/09/18/yettinahole-diversion-an-imprudent-rs-100-billion-proposition/)
It is good to see CWC and MoEF have also raised some questions and asked report even at this stage. One however expects CWC to raise such questions much earlier in the project cycle and before the project becomes fait accomplice. Else, it seems more like politicking. MoEF could have raised issues of violations before the violations happened on ground and should have refused to provide piece meal forest clearances as it has alleged.
The least one can expect is to institute an independent review of the project, its costs, benefits and impacts and what is the best course of action and not assume that more good money needs to be thrown as huge investments have been sunk.
Yettinahole project Greens warn govt of ignoring potential risks A report titled ‘Environment Flow Assessment in Yettinahole — Where is 24 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) (of water) to Divert’ by Centre for Infrastructure, Sustainable Transportation and Urban Planning of the IISc, Bengaluru, headed by T.V. Ramachandra, mentioned that the actual water yield in the catchment will be 9.55 TMC. This is in stark contrast to the 24 TMC yield shown in project DPR and also stated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sep 6, 2024. “People of the arid region are not hopeful of getting water. But the government inaugurated the project just to divert attention of people from the scams involving ministers, and show that the first stage is a big success,” said Mr. Shetty, who is among the activists who fought against the project as it damaged the ecology of Western Ghats and affected Netravathi river, the lifeline of Dakshina Kannada.
While the initial cost estimate for the project was ₹8,000 crore, after 15 years it has now escalated to ₹23,000 crore. The CWC stated in 2012 that the project does not yield 24 TMC. The NIH had also questioned the yield mentioned in the DPR and asked the State Government to have a relook at the project, Mr. Shetty said. Artist Dinesh Holla, the convenor of Sahyadri Sanchaya, said the vibration resulting from the recent test flow of water in the massive pipeline disturbed the contours, which resulted in a landslide in Hassan district during the recent heavy rainfall. “When a test flow of water has had such an effect, imagine the damage to the region from regular flow of water,” Mr. Holla said. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/yettinahole-project-green-activists-accuse-karnataka-government-of-ignoring-potential-natural-and-environment-risks/article68613042.ece (06 Sept. 2024)
MoEF seeks report on environment damage, threats The ministry decided to seek a status report after media reports that the project had not yielded desired results, despite spending a huge amount of money. Besides, while executing the project, large scale environmental damage had been caused and in several places, landslides were reported (mostly in Sakleshpur taluk of Hassan district), reports said. The ministry, in its communication to Karnataka, also sought additional information about the use of 26 acres of forest land to construct the main canal in Gubbi taluk of Tumakuru district. As per the original plan, 1,200 acres of land was required for the project, of which around 50% was forest land.
However, the ministry expressed dismay that the state government sent separate proposals for every work for forest clearance, instead of submitting a comprehensive proposal for the entire project. Earlier, the ministry had asked the state to submit details about the reported construction of the project outside the approved area in the forest region. Despite the ministry seeking clarification about this, the state govt did not respond, the Centre said in its communication. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/yettinahole-project-centre-seeks-report-from-state-on-damage-to-ecology-3181935 (09 Sept. 2024)
HYDRO POWER PROJECTS
Arunachal Pradesh Govt staff who joined dam protests get notices The DC of Upper Siang district in Arunachal Pradesh has issued notices this week to several government employees for allegedly joining protests against the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) and supporting the anti-dam movement. They have been asked to show cause why they should not face disciplinary action for insubordination and misconduct under the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964. The administration’s move in the tribal-dominated district has triggered concerns about “manufacturing consent” for the Upper Siang project which will require a go-ahead from the local gram sabhas under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
– Earlier, on August 30, the DC office directed government officials and Gaon Buras (village-level functionaries) not to take part in any demonstration, strike or activities against government policies and programmes. The order came after NHPC Limited sought security clearance from the state government for mobilising drilling machines etc to commence survey work to prepare the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) for the Siang Upper project near Geku village on July 20 and the state government initiated a security threat assessment on August 19, official records show.
– On August 31, the day after the DC’s order, hundreds of people joined a protest organised by the All Adi Welfare Society, the Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum, and the Magong Banggo Students’ Union at Dite Dime, one of the three proposed project sites in the district. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/arunachal-govt-staff-who-joined-dam-protests-get-notices-9554489/ (07 Dec. 2024)
SIFF objects to NHPC’s survey for SUMP The Upper Siang district unit of the Siang Indigenous Farmer’s Forum (SIFF) has raised objection over the NHPC Ltd’s plan for balance survey and investigation/drilling work for the finalisation of the PFR of Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP).
In a letter addressed to the NHPC’s Siang Lower Hydroelectric Project’s Pasighat-based General Manager (Civil) Amar Nath Jha on Tuesday (Sept. 03), the SIFF unit stated that no PFR survey or related activities should be carried out for the SUMP by the NHPC or any other authority/agency prior to submission of recommendation from the Siang Upper Multipurpose Development Committee (SUMDC) as well as consent of the stakeholders/dam-affected people. The forum further claimed that despite the SUMDC under the chairmanship of former minister Tamiyo Taga, the SUMDC has consulted neither the stakeholders nor the local administration till date.
“Since its inception, the local populace/dam-affected people are continuously raising their concerns regarding the construction of the dam over the Siang river to the NHPC Ltd, GoI & the GoAP, as the construction of the dam is a threat to the people’s very existence,” the forum said, and termed the NHPC’s decision to conduct the survey/finalisation of PFR survey without the consent of the stakeholders/land-affected people “arbitrary, provocation and intimidation against the indigenous people residing in the Siang river basin.” https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2024/09/04/u-siang-siff-unit-objects-to-nhpcs-survey-for-sump/ (4 Sep 2024)
DMP in hot water after detection of workers without ILP The NHPC Ltd’s 2,880 MW Dibang Multipurpose Hydroelectric Project (DMP) has landed in hot water after a raid in one of its sites exposed hundreds of labourers without the mandatory inner line permit (ILP). On 27 August, the Lower Dibang Valley District Students’ Union (LDVDSU) and the All Idu Mishmi Youth Association (AIMYA) conducted a joint raid on one of the sites of the DMP, only to discover more than 350 workers with no inner line permit (ILP) or proper documents. Reportedly, out of the 800 plus workers, only 150 had their ILP. As per sources, the NHPC has since issued a warning to its contractors – M/s Larsen and Toubro Ltd and M/s Dibang Power (Lot-4) Consortium under the GR Infraprojects Ltd – and have directed them to “comply with the applicable laws and submit the details of each and every labourer/workmen/employee with copy of their ILP at the earliest.”
AIMYA president Milo Linggi said, “This is a matter of huge concern. When such a huge number of outsiders are allowed to get in without any proper documentation, we become highly vulnerable to all kinds of unimaginable antisocial/criminal activities. Now, only one tunnel has just started work, and there are more tunnels to come. They plan to bring in about 30,000 labourers for the remaining worksites. If they couldn’t control 800 labourers, how will they manage 30,000? If a proper procedure of checking for valid ILP is not put in place at the earliest, it will become a huge security issue for our district and the state as a whole.” https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2024/09/04/dmp-in-hot-water-after-detection-of-workers-without-ilp/ (04 Sept. 2024)
CM reviews status of 13 HEPs allotted to CPSUs CM Prema Khandu on Sept. 03 chaired the sixth steering committee meeting to review and monitor the progress of the 13 projects allotted to the NHPC, North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO), Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) and THDC India Ltd. He focused on issues such as early land acquisition, forest, and techno-economic and environmental clearances, an official said. During the meeting he assured all possible support and cooperation of the government for fast-tracking the projects, the official said.
He directed all departments concerned and deputy commissioners of various districts to ensure that there is no delay in expediting the necessary tasks required for clearances. The meeting, which was held to resolve the critical issues faced by the 13 projects in the state, was attended by NHPC Chairman and Managing Director Raj Kumar Chaudhary, SJVN Ltd CMD Sushil Sharma and union Hydropower Joint Secretary Mohammad Afzal, among others. https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2024/09/04/cm-reviews-status-of-13-heps-allotted-to-cpsus/ (04 Sept. 2024)
SJVN CMD meets CM to discuss progress on 5,097 Mw HEPs The senior leadership from SJVN, led by CMD Sushil Sharma, met with CM Pema Khandu, to review the progress of the hydro power sector in the state. SJVN has been allotted five hydro power projects in the Dibang Valley District, with a combined capacity of 5097 MW. During the meeting, Sushil Sharma provided an update on the development of these projects, highlighting the need for expedited clearances to ensure timely progress. The CM assured the delegation of his full cooperation in facilitating the necessary clearances, underscoring the government’s commitment to advancing the state’s hydropower capabilities. https://psuwatch.com/newsupdates/sjvn-cmd-meets-arunachal-cm-to-discuss-progress-on-5097-mw-hydropower-projects-in-state
Mega-dam will change river, livelihood However, this is likely to change once the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, one of the largest hydropower dams in India, is completed upstream. Expected to be fully operational in 2026, the dam will change the natural flow of the river. For most of the day, the dam will hold back water, letting only a small amount through, roughly equivalent to the region’s dry season. But for about four hours each night, it will release water to generate power, sending a raging river downstream almost like during monsoon season. The dam will not only block the movement of fish, but also change the way people living downstream experience the river’s flows. https://theconversation.com/indias-new-mega-dam-will-roil-lives-downstream-with-wild-swings-in-water-flow-every-day-229085 (04 Sept. 2024)
Sikkim This photo blog explains the ground situation post Aug 20 2024 landslide at Dipudara in Sikkim, which buried part of NHPC’s Teesta V Power house.
https://savethehills.blogspot.com/2024/09/survey-of-parts-of-teesta-valley-part-i.html (5 Sep 2024)
NDMA Flood warning systems at glacial lakes launched Teams from India’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) are targeting 190 high-altitude lakes deemed to be the most dangerous in a mission slated to take three years. “We have already made significant strides in mitigating risks”, Safi Ahsan Rizvi, a senior NDMA official directing the mission, told AFP.
– One expedition is currently working to install early warning systems around six high-risk lakes in the northeastern state of Sikkim, where at least 77 people died in such a flood in October 2023. “We have done 20 lakes so far, and will complete 40 this summer,” Rizvi said. The project will also include “lowering lake levels” of accumulated water and ice slush in lakes. Teams include experts from the army and multiple government agencies, including the Indian Space Research Organisation, geologists, hydrologists, computing engineers and weather specialists. India’s air force is also expected to join the mission later, flying heavy equipment into remote sites. https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240903-india-launches-flood-warning-systems-at-himalayan-glacial-lakes (03 Sept. 2024)
Report Climate change makes HEP firms insurance cost up This report on this imp issue does provide some episodic figures, but not systematic figures to give clear picture of how both recoveries by hydro companies and their annual insurance premiums are going up. https://www.livemint.com/industry/now-climate-change-makes-state-run-hydropower-firms-insurance-cost-up-threefold-due-to-adverse-weather-events-11725529855295.html (6 Sep 2024)
NHPC Near term dull outlook With no new capacity coming online before Dec, NHPC’s near-term outlook is dull. https://www.livemint.com/market/mark-to-market/nhpc-psu-stocks-navratna-status-solar-projects-hydel-power-renewable-energy-11725358438839.html (3 Sep 2024)
NHPC Limited has been accorded with the status of ‘Navratna’ company by the Govt of India. As per order issued by Dept of Public Enterprise (Ministry of Finance) on 30.08.2024, NHPC has been declared a ‘Navratna Company, giving it greater operational and financial autonomy. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2050374 (31 Aug. 2024) It is now authorised to undertake investments of up to ₹1,000 cr without requiring approval from central authorities. https://in.investing.com/news/nhpc-shares-flat-after-signing-contract-with-maharashtra-govt-for-pumped-storage-projects-4412799 (04 Sept. 2024)
Punjab Shortfall in generation caused loss of ₹764 cr: CAG The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has flagged a shortfall in power generation by the State Power Corp Ltd to the extent of 1,175 million units during 2019-22 against the stipulated target, amounting to a loss of Rs 764 crore. In addition, annual maintenance activities undertaken beyond the lean period resulted in generation loss of 384.42 million units, while delay in execution of various works resulted in avoidable generation loss of another 64.69 million units valuing Rs 42 crore.
CAG revealed that during 2019-20 to 2021-22, the shortfall in three hydro-power generating units was 1,175 million units on account of forced shutdown, delay in carrying out major repair and capital maintenance works, annual maintenance during peak period and less availability of water. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/cag-flags-shortfall-in-power-generation-by-1175-million-units-leading-to-loss-of-rs-764-crore/ (04 Sept. 2024)
Maharashtra THDC to invest ₹33,600 cr to set up 6,790 Mw PSPs The company signed a MoU with the department of water resources, for developing the projects, according to a statement on Tuesday (Sept. 03). The agreement covers Malshej Ghat (700 MW), Aruna (1,950 MW), Kharari (1,250 MW), Humbarli Birmani (1,000 MW), Aruna Kolamb (1,200 MW), and Morawadi Majarewadi (690 MW) pumped storage projects.The MoU also stipulates that the state will assist THDC in obtaining timely clearances and approvals in accordance with existing policies. https://www.livemint.com/companies/thdc-investment-33-600-crore-6-790-mw-pump-storage-projects-maharashtra-mou-water-resources-11725374784094.html (03 Sept. 2024)
NHPC has renewed a MoU with the WRD following a policy change, the company said in a press release on Tuesday (Sept. 03). The agreement focuses on setting up several pumped storage projects in Maharashtra. This includes a 1,550-Mw facility in Kengadi, a 2,250-Mw facility in Savitri, a 1,150-Mw facility in Kalu and a 2,400-megawatt facility in Jalond. It will have a total capacity of 7,350 Mw.
Recently, the policy for the development of pumped storage projects, PSPs cum LIS and co-located PSP-solar and other renewable energy hybrid projects through public-private partnership was changed. https://in.investing.com/news/nhpc-shares-flat-after-signing-contract-with-maharashtra-govt-for-pumped-storage-projects-4412799 (04 Sept. 2024) The has recently signed a MoU with NHPC and Torrent Power for developing PSPs with a combined capacity of 12,950 MW. Following an amendment issued on August 31st, 2024 regarding the policy for PSPs, the MoU was renewed with the WRD,. https://tradebrains.in/features/2-power-stocks-in-focus-after-signing-mou-with-maharashtra-govt-for-storage-projects/ (04 Sept. 2024)
Odisha OHPC to set up PSP near Balimela Odisha Hydro Power Corporation (OHPC) Limited, will set up a 500 MW solar-based pumped storage project (PSP) in the vicinity of Balimela hydroelectric station. The solar based project will have two units, each with capacity of generating 250 MW power. At present, the Balimela HEP generates 510 MW power. The hydro-electric project at Balimela is capable of producing average annual energy output of 1,183 MU. At present, OHPC is preparing a DPR to construct a 500 MW (2 x 250 MW) PSP at Kharika Jhora Nala, located in the vicinity of Balimela town.
The proposed Balimela PSP will utilise the existing Balimela reservoir as an upper reservoir and a new lower reservoir will be constructed at Kharika Jhora Nala, and it will be used to store water for pumping it to the upper reservoir in a closed cycle operation, Bhubaneswar-based OHPC Limited corporate office director (operations) Asish Kumar Mohanty told The New Indian Express. The proposed PSP will have an underground powerhouse located near the lower reservoir at Kharika Jhora Nala, equipped with two vertical-axis reversible-type francis hydroelectric units having capacity of 250 MW each. The pre-feasibility report of Balimela PSP was prepared by OHPC through THDC India Ltd, a consultancy service provider. WAPCOS Limited has been engaged for preparing the DPR for the project. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2024/Sep/08/ohpc-to-set-up-pump-storage-project-near-odishas-balimela (08 Sept. 2024)
MoEF Agenda of EAC meeting to be held on Sept 13 2024:
1. Pawana Falyan Pump Storage Project (1500 MW) in 204Ha in Village Kurvande & Falyan, Sub Dist Mawal & Sudhagad, Dist Pune & Raigad, Mah by Avaada Hydropower Battery Pvt Ltd FOR Terms of References
2. Rangit-II Hydro Electric Project (2×33 MW) in 33.294Ha in village Bangten, Barnyak, Barphok and Barthang etc., Sub District Gyalshing, Soreng and Ravong, Dist West District, Sikkim by Sikkim Hydro Power Ventures Limited – Terms of References
3. Tiruvannamalai Pump Storage Project (2000 MW) in 295ha in village Karnatiogarh, Kidampalayam & Mel Cheppili etc., Sub Dist Jamunamarathoor & Kalasapakkam, Dist Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu by Eco Leap Technologies India Pvt Ltd For ToR
4. Greenko TN-11 Off-Stream Closed Loop Pump Storage Project [1000 MW MWH)] in 274.94Ha in village Navappatti, Sub Dist Mettur, Dist Salem, Tamil Nadu by Greenko Energies Pvt Ltd – Terms of References https://parivesh.nic.in/utildoc/99448656_1725363631377.pdf
DAMS
Karnataka Experts to probe Tungabhadra dam gate collapse The Tungabhadra Board has constituted a committee of experts to find out the reason for the collapse of 19th crest gate of the Tungabhadra dam. The gate collapsed after its link snapped and it was washed away in the night of August 10. The experts panel is headed by A K Bajaj, former chairman of Central Water Commission. The panel comprises dam experts Harkesh Kumar, Tarapuram Sudhakar and representatives of technical consultative committees of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, according to Tungabhadra Board secretary O R K Reddy. The committee will examine whether the gate and chain links were inspected from time to time and also assess the safety of other crest gates of the dam. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/panel-of-experts-to-probe-tb-dam-crest-gate-collapse-3179018 (06 Sept. 2024)
Mekedatu Dam Farmers of both states suggest alternative site Farmers’ organisations from the two states have come together to suggest constructing a reservoir in the border district of Chamarajanagar as an amicable solution to the vexatious issue. After extensive deliberations in August, representatives of Karnataka State Federation of Farmers’ Associations and Tamil Nadu State Federation of Farmers’ Organisations have proposed a reservoir at Rasimanal in the southernmost district to store 64tmcft of Cauvery water, instead of the originally proposed Mekedatu, near Kanakapura, in Ramanagara district.
– Rasimanal, where the course of the river splits the land into Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and is hemmed in by imposing hills, is 40km from Mekedatu. Rasimanal is before the Biligundlu gauging station. In fact, the Rasimanal site had been identified for a multi-purpose project in the 1960s when K Kamaraj was chief minister of then Madras state. Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar said Mekedatu is Karnataka’s own project and “we are committed to it. Tamil Nadu is free to propose its own project either in Rasimanal or any other place. We are definitely open-minded to work with our neighbouring state for the good of the farmers. It all depends on the Tamil Nadu govt’s constructive approach in this regard.”
– A similar note of caution was foregrounded by Mohan Katarki, a senior advocate in Supreme Court representing Karnataka in the Cauvery water dispute, while welcoming the farmers’ bipartisan initiative. “Rasimanal comes on the common reach of the Cauvery. Mekedatu lies within the territory of Karnataka and has more potential. It’s more convenient to regulate a standalone project like Mekedatu than a project like Rasimanal which would be on the river’s common reach.” Currently, Cauvery Water Management Authority has referred the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project to the Central Water Commission for a techno-feasibility study. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/karnataka-tamil-nadu-farmers-propose-alternative-site-to-mekedatu-project/articleshow/112978913.cms (02 Sept. 2024)
Not a new proposal The proposal to construct a reservoir in Rasimanal isn’t new. There was a plan to build a reservoir on the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka border during the time of K Kamaraj as CM of Tamil Nadu in the 1950s. However, the plan was shelved due to multiple reasons. The fresh proposal has also met with opposition from other farmers’ groups who say a reservoir is not feasible in Rasimanal. “If a dam is built at Rasimanal, it will only embolden Karnataka to go ahead with its plans to construct a dam in Mekedatu. We don’t know whose interests the farmers from Tamil Nadu are trying to protect,” ‘Cauvery’ S Dhanapalan, general secretary of Cauvery Farmers’ Protection Association, told DH. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/drop-mekedatu-consider-rasimanal-for-dam-farmers-assns-from-k-taka-tn-3174279 (03 Sept. 2024)
Mullaperiyar Dam CWC agrees for safety audit The Central Water Commission (CWC) has agreed to do a safety review of 129 yrs old Mullaperiyar dam in Kerala following Kerala’s demand, setting aside Tamil Nadu’s objection. This will be done in a year. Last safety review was done in 2011. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/central-water-commission-gives-nod-for-safety-review-of-mullaperiyar-dam-says-water-resources-minister-roshy-augustine/article68597068.ece (02 Sept. 2024) The commission has directed that the audit be completed within 12 months and the report filed thereafter. The audit will cover structural, flood and operational safety aspects. The CWC arrived at its decision by setting aside Tamil Nadu’s argument that such an inspection is only necessary in 2026 as per the 2021 Dam Safety Act. If any deficiencies are found during the safety inspections, it would strengthen Kerala’s position in the ongoing case in Supreme Court, the minister said. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/mullaperiyar-dam-in-nod-to-kerala-cwc-agrees-for-safety-audit/articleshow/113002098.cms (02 Sept. 2024)
Sardar Sarovar Dam विकास की अवधारणा पर सवाल उठाना विस्थापितों का अधिकार: मेधा -नर्मदा बचाओ आंदोलन की कार्यकर्ता मेधा पाटकर ने कहा है कि पिछले 39 वर्षों के नर्मदा संघर्ष और रचनात्मक कार्य के बाद भी विस्थापितों, वंचितों और शोषितों के अधिकारों की लड़ाई अब 40वें वर्ष में प्रवेश कर रही है और यह भविष्य में भी जारी रहेगी। रैली में नर्मदा घाटी के तीन राज्यों के हजारों विस्थापित लोगों ने राष्ट्रव्यापी समर्थन के साथ सरदार सरोवर बांध के जलस्तर को रोकने के लिए सत्याग्रह करने का संकल्प लिया है। साथ ही ऊपरी नर्मदा घाटी क्षेत्र में बांधों की समीक्षा करने और चुटका परमाणु ऊर्जा परियोजना को रद्द करने की घोषणा की गई।
-मध्य प्रदेश के बड़वानी जिले में नर्मदा बचाओ आंदोलन के 39 साल पूरे होने के अवसर पर सरदार सरोवर बांध से विस्थापित लोगों ने एक रैली का आयोजन किया गया . रैली को संबोधित करते हुए मेधा पाटकर ने यह घोषणा भी दोहराई कि “पुनर्वास के बिना जलमग्नता अस्वीकार्य है” और चेतावनी दी कि सरदार सरोवर का जल स्तर इस सितंबर, 2024 में बढ़ने नहीं दिया जाना चाहिए। उन्होंने जल सत्याग्रह तक की धमकी भी दोहराई। उन्होंने यह भी कहा कि प्राकृतिक संसाधनों का दोहन विनाश, भ्रष्टाचार और उत्पीड़न को दर्शाता है। https://hindi.downtoearth.org.in/river/displaced-people-have-the-right-to-question-the-concept-of-development-medha-patkar (02 Sept. 2024)
Himachal Pradesh Dams affected continue to struggle Bharat Dogra on injustice to dam displaced: – On September 3/4, the evictees of Renuka dam, under the banner of their struggle commit or Jan Sangharsh Samiti (JSS) held a meeting and a protest march at Renukaji. “As many as 25 panchayats, comprising 41 villages and 7,000 people, will be affected by the project, while 346 families have been rendered homeless.” People have demanded that those living very close to the danger mark and on forest land should also get the recognition of displaced families for proper compensation.
– Renuka dam proposes to meet water supply needs of a distant city like Delhi, but so much can be done within Delhi to increase water harvesting and revive water bodies, while also preventing wastage of water. Why endanger Himalayan ecology when solutions closer to home are available. https://countercurrents.org/2024/09/from-renuka-to-pong-to-bhakra-dam-evictees-and-dam-affected-people-in-himachal-pradesh-have-been-struggling-for-justice/ (08 Sept. 2024)
Silt threatens Bhakra Dam, holding capacity dips 25% Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has initiated a massive project to get portions of the reservoir desilted. “The proposal to desilt the reservoir has been approved by the board. Given the mountainous terrain and irregular depth of the reservoir, it would be a long-drawn and highly technical project. The BBMB official said the dry or shallow areas around the perimeter could be excavated when the water level was low during the depletion period.
According to BBMB officials, 38-39 million cubic meters (MCM) of silt flows into the reservoir annually, which is higher than the rate of 33-34 MCM envisioned at the time of the dam’s impoundment in 1958. Experts say if silt inflow continues and no remedial measures are undertaken, the capacity of the reservoir could be further reduced by 35-40 per cent by 2050. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/silt-threatens-bhakra-dam-holding-capacity-dips-25/ (04 Sept. 2024)
Bihar Govt plans to construct more barrages The govt is planning to construct barrages on several rivers in six districts in the northern part of the state bordering Nepal to mitigate the recurring flood problem, Water Resources Department minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary said. The proposed barrages will be built on the Gandak, Masan, Kamala, Kosi and Mahananda rivers. The DPRs are being finalised for the construction of barrages on Gandak at Areraj in East Champaran, on Masan in West Champaran, Bagmati at Dheng in Sitamarhi, on Kamala at Jainagar in Madhubani, on Kosi at Dakmara in Supaul and on Mahananda at Taiyabpur in Kishanganj, said the minister.
-The NDA government at the centre recently announced financial support of Rs 11,500 crore for Bihar to deal with flood-related issues that are an annual phenomenon for the state, he said. “The Kosi-Mechi inter-linking project, entailing an expenditure of Rs. 6,282.32 crore, will also be completed with the assistance of the Centre. This project aims to provide irrigation to a large number of people in the Seemanchal,” Chaudhari said. The state government’s plans of inter-linking of Kamala-Purani Kamala-Bagmati rivers and Burhi Gandak-None-Baya-Ganga rivers will also get a boost from the Centre’s flood mitigation projects for Bihar, he added. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/bihar-plans-to-construct-more-barrages-on-rivers-to-mitigate-flood-problem/articleshow/112925585.cms (30 Aug. 2024)
Madhya Pradesh Kuno’s folk: missing wood & trees {This report by Priti David on the impact of introduction of Cheetahs to Kuno National Part in Sheopur dist in MP also mentions about a proposed dam.}
The villages of Chentikheda, Padri, Paira-B, Khajuri khurd and Chakparon have bigger problems. They say a survey has been done and work has begun for a dam on the river Kuari that will flood their homes and fields. “We have been hearing about the dam for the last 20 years. Officials say, ‘you won’t get NREGA as your villages are going to be displaced by the dam,” says Jasram Adivasi. The former sarpanch of Chentikheda points out that many have not got their NREGA benefits. Standing on the roof of his home, the Kuari river a short distance away, he says, “the dam will come cover this area. Our village and 7-8 villages, will drown but there has been no notice to us yet.”
– That goes against the rules of – Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act , 2013 (LARRA ) which clearly lays down the steps for displacement such as a social impact study with the village people. The dates for this must be announced in the local language (Ch II A 4 (1)), notice must be given for all to attend and so on. “We were displaced 23 years ago. With great difficulty we have re-built our lives,” says Satnam Adivasi of Chakpara village. https://ruralindiaonline.org/en/articles/kunos-folk-missing-the-wood-and-the-trees/ (03 Sept. 2024)
Uttarakhand जमरानी बांध: 70 हजार वृक्षों की होगी कुर्बानी जमरानी बांध बनने से 351.55 हेक्टेयर वन और 50 हेक्टेयर निजी भूमि झील के डूब क्षेत्र में आ जाएगी, जिसमें कई दशक पुराने पेड़ और जंगली झाड़ियां शामिल हैं। जमरानी बांध के निर्माण के पश्चात गौला नदी में पानी जमा होने से लगभग 10 किमी लंबी झील का निर्माण होगा। इस प्रक्रिया में नदी के दोनों किनारों की पहाड़ियों पर स्थित पेड़ झील के डूब क्षेत्र में आ रहे हैं जिन्हें हटाया जाएगा। पानी भरने से पहले इन पेड़ों की कटाई और स्थानांतरण की योजना तैयार की गई है, ताकि क्षेत्र को बांध निर्माण के लिए साफ किया जा सके।
कुमाऊं कमिश्नर दीपक रावत ने हल्द्वानी कैंप कार्यालय में जमरानी बांध परियोजना को लेकर राजस्व और बांध अधिकारियों के साथ समीक्षा बैठक की। उन्होंने बताया कि Sep 9 से बांध प्रभावितों को मुआवजा वितरण की योजना है। Rs 3700 करोड़ की लागत से बनने वाली इस परियोजना का पहला चरण 15 सितंबर से शुरू होगा और 2029 तक पूरा किया जाएगा। प्रभावितों के पुनर्वास के लिए उधम सिंह नगर के पराग फॉर्म में टाउनशिप बनाई जा रही है। सबसे पहले बांध निर्माण के लिए संपर्क मार्ग का निर्माण किया जाएगा। बरसात के मौसम में गोला नदी की जल निकासी के लिए दो ऑफर डैम और टनल बनाई जाएंगी। परियोजना के डूब क्षेत्र में 6 गांव की 49.71 हेक्टेयर निजी भूमि और 1267 परिवार प्रभावित होंगे https://touristsandesh.com/779/ (7 Sep 2024)
INTERLINKING OF RIVERS
Ken-Betwa Linking Changing parametes need fresh appraisal? The controversial Ken-Betwa Interlinking project is undergoing several changes being proposed by central & state governments of UP and MP. All these changes are not part of the original plans and renders environment, forest and wildlife clearance and manipulated appraisal void. These changes are set to increase the project impacts, costs and benefits hugely and makes it necessary that project must undergo fresh forest, environmental and other clearance processes including preparation of fresh EIA report and conduction of fresh public hearings. https://sandrp.in/2024/09/05/yamuna-manthan-050924-changing-parameters-of-ken-betwa-project-needs-fresh-appraisal/ (5 Sep 2024)
INTERSTATE WATER DISPUTES
Cauvery Water Disputes Cauvery: From crisis to cascade of hope T Ramakrishan Needless to say, there is enormous scope for improvement on their part. First, there should be greater transparency in their functioning. Both the Authority and the Committee will have to make public, as quickly as possible, all their decisions in writing. In an intense water conflict such as the Cauvery, the version of the affected parties, in times of crisis, cannot be expected to be impartial. Even otherwise, dissemination of authentic information is vital in an inter-State water dispute. If the authority is constrained by a shortage of manpower, in carrying out its functions effectively, the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti should intervene and solve the problem.
Moreover, the Authority should enlarge its composition from being a body of only officials to one of multi-disciplinary and a mix of officials and non-officials, who could be drawn from farmers, environmentalists, and independent water experts. The Union government could follow the example of the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board Act. The law provides for six non-official directors on the Board of the water agency, which includes persons to represent the interests of the public, industrial, and commercial establishments.
As for the composition of the CWMA, the implementation mechanism that the Tribunal had in mind is only recommendatory and there is no bar on the Union government to fine-tune it. The presence of a non-official environmentalist can push the government to take the problem of environmental degradation of the much-venerated river more seriously in view of the challenges being caused by climate change. https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/cauvery-from-crisis-to-cascade-of-hope/article68605014.ece (05 Sept. 2024)
Mahadayi Water Disputes कलसा नाला डायवर्जन परियोजना को मंजूरी से इनकार केंद्रीय वन, पर्यावरण और जलवायु परिवर्तन मंत्री भूपेंद्र यादव की अध्यक्षता में हुई बैठक में राष्ट्रीय वन्यजीव बोर्ड (एनडब्ल्यूबी) ने महादयी परियोजना से संबंधित सुप्रीम कोर्ट में गोवा सरकार द्वारा चल रही कानूनी चुनौतियों का हवाला देते हुए कलसा नाला डायवर्सन परियोजना के लिए वन्यजीव मंजूरी देने से इनकार कर दिया है। इसके अलावा बोर्ड की स्थायी समिति की 79वीं बैठक में गोवा-तमनार 400 केवी बिजली ट्रांसमिशन लाइन को मंजूरी देने का भी फैसला किया गया, जिसमें कर्नाटक की पारिस्थितिक रूप से सं वेदनशील 435 एकड़ वन भूमि का उपयोग शामिल है। इस निर्णय से विवाद पैदा होने की संभावना है, क्योंकि पर्यावरणविद और कर्नाटक की राज्य सरकार इस परियोजना का विरोध कर रहे हैं। ऐसा इसलिए है क्योंकि परियोजना के कार्यान्वयन से वन क्षेत्र व्यापक तौर पर प्रभावित होगा। https://hindi.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/denied-to-kalasa-nala-diversion-project-goa-power-line-gets-conditional-green-signal (04 Sept. 2024)
IRRIGATION
Punjab Farmers urged to apply for 20k agri solar pumps New and renewable energy sources minister Aman Arora said the farmers interested in installing solar pumps could apply online at http://www.pmkusum.peda.gov.in from Sept 9 to 30. The farmers have the option to apply for solar pumps with capacities of 3, 5, 7.5, and 10 HP. A subsidy of 60% for general category farmers and 80% for the Scheduled Caste (SC) farmers is available for the solar pump installations, said the minister.
Additionally, the state govt has set aside 2,000 solar pumps for the SC farmers and 3,000 for gram panchayats, he added. In areas classified as dark zones (over-exploited groundwater blocks), these pumps will be allocated to the farmers who already have micro (drip/sprinkler) irrigation systems installed on their bore-wells. Additionally, farmers and panchayats utilising diesel pumps to extract water from village ponds, farm ponds, or canal water diggies are also eligible under the scheme, informed Arora. The minister said the farmers who had the PSPCL electric motor connections were not eligible to apply. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/apply-for-20000-agri-solar-pumps-in-punjab/articleshow/113158874.cms (08 Sept. 2024)
URBAN RIVERS
Mutha; Pune Riverbed Chokes on Garbage Mutha River has become a dumping ground for hundreds of tons of garbage despite repeated releases of water from the Khadakwasla dam in the past two months. The trash problem, which originates from both suburban and city areas, has grown to a scale where the municipal corporation finds itself overwhelmed. Efforts to remove the waste have been insufficient as the garbage continues to pile up after every water release, exacerbating pollution levels in the river.
The garbage problem spans from the villages beyond Khadakwasla dam to the municipal limits, with the riverbanks remaining open and accessible, leading to unrestricted dumping. Despite the inclusion of these areas within the municipal corporation’s jurisdiction, many villages still lack proper garbage collection facilities, resulting in continuous waste disposal along the river year-round. The problem intensifies each time water is released into the river, with the accumulated garbage being carried downstream and settling in the riverbed. https://www.thebridgechronicle.com/news/mutha-riverbed-chokes-on-garbage-residents-demand-action-from-authorities (04 Sept. 2024)
Kaveri-The River Song Composed, and produced by Sanket Nashikkar (Western Music Faculty of Dr. Kalmadi Shamarao High School), this song is sung by 30 students of KHS Ganesh Nagar branch that are studying from grade 5 to grade 10. The song talks about the realization a man has about how the environment and humans are dependent on one another, and how saving our nature and the rivers should be the ultimate goal.
It gives a strong message to every individual to start their journey contributing towards saving nature that will lead to sustainable development of human life in the long run. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6zmkDP7Vug (05 Sept. 2024)
Musi; Hyderabad Locals attempt to encroach on river A temporary path created by civic authorities is being gradually converted into a road by locals along the Musi near Attapur. The water works department laid a temporary path to transport pipes and machinery for laying sewerage lines. But the motorists have converted it into a regular road as a short cut route to Bapu Ghat in Langar Houz from Attapur. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/telangana/locals-attempt-to-encroach-on-musi-at-attapur-1821000 (03 Sept. 2024)
Surat 80,000 Ganesha idols installed in city This year, the trend of organising huge arrival processions before the installation of idols has become popular. In the past, the immersion processions were the major attractions, and thousands used to take part. Following the strict implementation of the NGT order to stop immersion in the river, the immersion patterns have changed. Most of the immersions now take place at artificial ponds. Along with 21 artificial immersion lakes being developed by the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC), attempts are being made jointly by SSGUS and city police to encourage big Ganesha pandal organisers to set up additional artificial ponds. The organisers will collect the idols from their area and immerse them in ponds. Later, the idols will be sent for immersion in the sea. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/surat/count-this-80000-ganesha-idols-installed-in-city/articleshow/113156957.cms (08 Sept. 2024)
RIVERS
Himachal Pradesh Beas channelisation again hits brick wall The long-pending proposed channelisation of the Beas river, which witnesses frequent flooding, is again stuck as the Central Water Commission (CWC) has returned the detailed project report (DPR) that was sent recently under the Flood Management Board Area Program (FMBAP).to it by the state govt, with certain objections. In a reply to a question asked by Manali MLA Bhuvneshwar Gaur in the ongoing monsoon session of the Vidhan Sabha, the state govt stated that the DPR with corrections would be submitted again to the water commission shortly. According to the state govt’s reply, the estimated cost of the Beas river channelisation from Palchan village near Manali to Aut in Mandi district is Rs 1,669 crore.
The Congress govt in 2015 had announced its intention to channelise the 74-km stretch of the Beas from Palchan to Aut at a cost of Rs 1,155 crore. However, the proposed channelisation project is still to be implemented. According to Guman Singh, a Kullu-based environmentalist and coordinator of the Himalaya Niti Abhiyan, there should be a proper scientific study before initialising any river channelisation project. “Creating embankments on the sides of a river is not the solution to the problem of flood. Already, the height of the river bed of Beas is rising due to accumulation of debris and can result in even more devastation in future if channelisation is not supported by a proper scientific study,” added Singh. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/beas-river-channelisation-project-faces-obstacles/articleshow/112978050.cms (02 Sept. 2024)
GANGA Uttarakhand River Atlas by NMCG, Aug. 2021.
https://iwis.cganga.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/UK-River-Atlas-Report_Lowres.pdf (Nov. 2022)
SC stays NGT order directing criminal prosecution of officials The Supreme Court on Sep 6 stayed an order of the NGT directing criminal prosecution and punitive action against Uttarakhand government officials for failure to prevent the discharge of untreated sewage into the Ganga. A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Sanjay Kumar issued notice to the Centre and posted the matter for hearing in the 2nd week of Dec. The NGT on Feb 9 had deprecated the Uttarakhand PCB for remaining a “silent spectator” and not taking proper action to prevent the discharge of untreated sewage into the Ganga.
In a 151-page order, the tribunal had directed the PCB to take punitive action against responsible govt officers and heads of departments by initiating criminal proceedings against them. “The UKPCB shall also recover Environmental Compensation (EC) for the past violation and will compute and impose environmental compensation for future violations It shall submit a compliance report within two months,” it had said. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/Sep/06/pollution-in-ganga-sc-stays-ngt-order-directing-criminal-prosecution-of-uttarakhand-government-officials (06 Sept. 2024)
Prayagraj 7 ghats being revamped ahead of Mahakumbh 2025 The renovation is being managed by the Construction and Design Division of the Water Corporation. Project manager Rohit Kumar Rana stated that the renovation is progressing with a budget of ₹11.01 crores. 50% of the work has been completed, and progress is expected to accelerate once the river levels decrease. The seven ghats under renovation are Baluaghat, Kalighat, Rasulabad Ghat, Chhatnag Ghat, Nageshwar Ghat (both in Jhunsi), Maujagiri Ghat, and Old Arail Ghat. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/seven-ghats-in-prayagraj-being-revamped-ahead-of-mahakumbh-2025-101725214255812.html (02 Sept. 2024)
Balia यूपीपीसीबी ने बलिया नगर पालिका परिषद और उसके अधिशासी अधिकारी के खिलाफ कानूनी कार्रवाई की है। मामला कटहल नाले के माध्यम से गंगा में छोड़े जा रहे सीवेज से जुड़ा है। गौरतलब है कि सीवेज ट्रीटमेंट प्लांट न बनवाने के कारण उन पर जल अधिनियम 1974 के तहत 15 मई 2024 को मुकदमा दायर किया गया था। इस मामले में उत्तर प्रदेश प्रदूषण नियंत्रण बोर्ड ने बलिया नगर पालिका परिषद के अधिशासी अधिकारी पर 2.3 करोड़ रुपए का पर्यावरणीय मुआवजा भी लगाया है। उन पर यह जुर्माना गंगा नदी में छोड़े जा रहे सीवेज को साफ करने के लिए सीवेज ट्रीटमेंट प्लांट स्थापित न करने पर लगाया गया है। https://hindi.downtoearth.org.in/water/ballia-nagar-palika-parishad-fined-rs-23-crore-in-ganga-pollution-case (02 Sept. 2024)
Bihar Over 350 bridges, culverts need urgent repair: Officials More than 350 small bridges and culverts across Bihar need urgent repairs, officials said, adding that the issue was raised at a review meeting of the Rural Works Department (RWD) here on Friday (Sept. 06) where CM Nitish Kumar was also present. It was also noted during the meeting that nearly 1,000 such structures need to be surveyed for necessary action, they added. Following the meeting, the CM directed the launch of the ‘Mukhyamantri Setu Nirman Yojna’ to construct small bridges in rural areas to improve road connectivity. He also ordered immediate repairs of partially damaged bridges and culverts, officials said. Additionally, the state government is considering raising the sanction limit for construction of small bridges from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 50 lakh, allowing District Magistrates more autonomy in approving such projects, sources said. https://theprint.in/india/over-350-bridges-culverts-in-bihar-need-urgent-repair-officials/2226591/ (16 Aug. 2024)
YAMUNA Yamuna river atlas Aug. 2021. https://iwis.cganga.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Yamuna-River-Basin-Atlas_Lowres.pdf (Nov. 2022) River Yamuna from Source to Delhi: Human Impacts and Approaches to Conservation. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/River-Yamuna-and-its-drainage-basin-showing-major-tributaries-reservoirs-and-canals_fig3_233843798 (Jan. 2007)
Delhi Floodplain farmers’ woes fall on deaf ears With cultivation not allowed and loans on their head, they seek policies for their rehabilitation. Meanwhile, environmentalists have said that (organic) farming in limited stretches do not threaten the region’s ecology. According to Bheem Singh Rawat, associate coordinator of the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People (SANDRP), there is nothing wrong with floodplain cultivation using natural methods and organic manure in limited stretches. “Urban farming can improve the city’s food security and keep it green.” At the same time, the DDA has recently been criticised for violating NGT guidelines and constructing permanent structures on the banks of Yamuna in the name of ‘restoration’. “It is unfortunate that a land development agency has control over the floodplains. The DDA has no interest in developing (protecting) the floodplain land naturally. Instead, it is concretising the area and planting non-native trees under the guise of Beautification,” said Rawat. “The management of the floodplains should be handed over to an independent body of experts including Hydrologists and ecologist,” he added. https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2024/Sep/07/yamuna-farmers-woes-fall-on-deaf-ears (07 Sept. 2024)
दिल्ली में वजीराबाद इलाके के जगतपुर यमुना घाट पर फैक्ट्री से निकलने वाला स्क्रैप डाला जा रहा है, जिससे यमुना का पानी तेजी से प्रदूषित हो रहा है. यही नहीं गंदगी की वजह से यमुना किनारे की फसलें भी प्रभावित हो रही हैं. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/india/delhi-ncr-haryana/delhi-yamuna-river-water-pollution-factory-scrap-effect-crops/2414329 (04 Sept. 2024)
For several weeks in July, residents of Peeragarhi village in outer Delhi had to deal with a bizarre and alarming issue: bright blue, foam-laden water flowing from their taps. The community blamed nearby chemical and denim factories for this contamination, accusing them of improperly disposing of industrial waste, which they believe has seeped into the village’s water supply provided by the DJB. https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2024/Sep/02/lifeless-river-water-blues (02 Sept. 2024)
दिल्ली जल बोर्ड ने तीन सितंबर, 2024 को दायर एक रिपोर्ट में कहा है कि वह दिल्ली में एसटीपी और विकेन्द्रीकृत सीवेज उपचार संयंत्र की स्थापना और रखरखाव के लिए जिम्मेवार है। वर्तमान में, 40 में से 38 एसटीपी बनाए जा चुके हैं और आवश्यक मानकों के अनुसार काम कर रहे हैं। बोर्ड का कहना है कि झुग्गी झोपड़ी समूहों से जुड़े मुद्दों के प्रबंधन की जिम्मेवारी मुख्य रूप से दिल्ली शहरी आश्रय सुधार बोर्ड की है। रिपोर्ट के अनुसार दिल्ली में 639 झुग्गी-झोपड़ी क्लस्टर हैं। अब तक इनमें से 581 क्लस्टर से निकलने वाले सीवेज को दिल्ली जल बोर्ड की सीवर प्रणाली के जरिए ट्रीटमेंट प्लांट से जोड़ा जा चुका है। इसका मतलब है कि डीजेबी द्वारा करीब 90 फीसदी जेजेसी को सीवरेज नेटवर्क से जोड़ा जा चुका है। https://hindi.downtoearth.org.in/sanitation/what-preparations-have-been-made-to-deal-with-sewage-in-delhis-unauthorized-colonies-revealed-in-the-report (5 Sep 2024)
Rainy August fails to remove river pollution In Aug, the Yamuna showed no significant progress in its overall condition despite the steady rain. The analysis by DPCC indicated that the fecal level of the river had risen, and at some monitoring stations, the DO levels had dropped to zero, even with the increased flow due to the monsoon. The highest fecal coliform level recorded in Aug was 9,20,000 most probable number (MPN)/100ml, a substantial increase from the 1,60,000 units observed in July. These figures highly exceed the permissible limit of 2,500 units. Certain areas of the river did show an improvement in BOD levels. But the condition of the river in Aug, compared to the same month last year, also seems to be worsening. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/august-rainy-in-delhi-but-yamunas-report-doesnt-reflect-it/articleshow/112973974.cms (02 Sept. 2024)
The Yamuna suffers the injection of more than 800 MLD of largely untreated sewage along with the discharge of another 44 MLD of industrial effluents. https://www.telegraphindia.com/opinion/memory-of-water-when-the-river-returned-to-claim-its-course-like-in-wayanad/cid/2044986 (01 Sept. 2024)
डीपीसीसी की ताजा रिपोर्ट के अनुसार, जुलाई महीने की तुलना में अगस्त महीने में यमुना नदी की स्थिति में कुछ सुधार देखा गया है। विशेषज्ञों का मानना है कि यमुना में पानी का बहाव बढ़ने के कारण ही इस नदी में थोड़ा सुधार आया है। बारिश के मौसम में नदी में पानी का बहाव बढ़ने से प्रदूषण का स्तर कुछ हद तक कम हो जाता है। यह स्पष्ट है कि यमुना नदी की स्थिति में सुधार अस्थायी है और स्थायी समाधान के लिए व्यापक प्रयासों की आवश्यकता है। नदी में प्रदूषण के प्रमुख स्रोतों को नियंत्रित करने के लिए प्रभावी उपाय किए जाने चाहिए। इसके अलावा, नदी के किनारे बसे शहरों और कस्बों में सीवेज ट्रीटमेंट प्लांट्स की क्षमता में वृद्धि करने की आवश्यकता है। https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/metro/delhi/development/delhi-yamuna-water-pollution-reduced-due-to-rain/articleshow/112978713.cms (02 Sept. 2024)
यमुना को प्रदूषण मुक्त करने के लिए सात अलग-अलग दिशाओं में काम किया जा रहा है। इसमें सीवेज ट्रीटमेंट की क्षमता में बढ़ोतरी, नालों के पानी को सीधे नदी में गिरने से रोकना, शहरी और जेजे कलस्टर में सीवर नेटवर्क निर्माण, शोधित पानी का फिर से इस्तेमाल, यमुना के कछार में चलने वाली परियोजनाओं और नालों से गाद निकाले जाने का काम आदि शामिल है। इन सभी क्षेत्रों में समयबद्ध तरीके से काम करने के लिए लक्ष्य निर्धारित किए गए थे। लेकिन, जुलाई में डीपीसीसी की रिपोर्ट बताती है कि इन सभी पैमानों पर दिल्ली पिछड़ गई है। उदाहरण के लिए सीवरेज ट्रीटमेंट की क्षमता में 964.5 एमएलडी का लक्ष्य निर्धारित किया गया था। लेकिन, इस लक्ष्य की तुलना में क्षमता में 712 एमएलडी तक का ही इजाफा किया जा सका है। इसी तरह, बड़े नालों से जुड़ने वाले 76 सब ड्रेन के पानी रोकने का लक्ष्य निर्धारित किया गया था। लेकिन, इसकी तुलना में 50 सब ड्रेन पर ही यह काम किया जा सका है। https://www.jagran.com/delhi/new-delhi-city-ncr-yamuna-river-cleanup-project-delhi-lags-behind-targets-extension-granted-23788096.html (30 Aug. 2024)
DPCC bans idol immersion in watar bodies The DPCC has prohibited the immersion of idols in the Yamuna and other water bodies and imposed a fine of ₹ 50,000 on violators, ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi and Durga Pooja celebrations. In an order issued by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) on Wednesday, local civil bodies have been tasked with creating temporary immersion sites or artificial ponds near residential areas.The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in 2019 and 2021 issued directives, prohibiting idol immersion in Ganga and its tributaries, specifying that violators will have to pay ₹ 50,000 as environmental compensation. https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/delhi-pollution-body-bans-idol-immersion-in-water-bodies-ahead-of-festivals-6499111 (05 Sept. 2024)
Barapullah bridge history Decrepit and unrecognisable, the effects of time and neglect have taken a heavy toll on the heritage structure. While some historians believe that the bridge was constructed in 1612-1613; according to ASI’s book, ‘Delhi and its Neighbourhood’, the year has been listed as 1621-22. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/barapullah-bridge-a-lost-piece-of-history-in-plain-sight-101725214774823.html (02 Sept. 2024)
लोहा पुल के मंगलवार (Sept. 03) रात लगभग 11 बजे यमुना का जलस्तर 204.40 मीटर तक पहुंच गया। यह चेतावनी स्तर 204.5 मीटर से कुछ कम है। मौसम व हथनी कुंड से छोड़े जा रहे पानी को देखते हुए कभी भी यह यमुना चेतावनी स्तर के ऊपर पहुंच सकती है। इसे ध्यान में रखकर सिंचाई एवं बाढ़ नियंत्रण विभाग ने निगरानी बढ़ा दी है। विभाग के अधिकारियों का कहना है कि स्थिति पर नजर रखी जा रही है। अभी खतरे की कोई आशंका नहीं है। https://www.jagran.com/delhi/new-delhi-city-ncr-yamuna-water-reached-near-warning-level-in-delhi-23791303.html (05 Sept. 2024) यमुना नदी में हथिनीकुंड बैराज से 65 हजार क्युसिक पानी छोड़ा गया. पहाड़ी इलाके और हरियाणा में लगातार बरसात के बाद दिल्ली में यमुना नदी का जलस्तर बढ़ने के आसार है. वहीं 65 हजार क्यूसिक पानी नहीं यमुना नदी के खतरे के निशान को पार नहीं करेगा. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/india/delhi-ncr-haryana/yamuna-river-water-level-rising-know-flood-like-situations-will-happen-in-delhi/2413249 (03 Sept. 2024)
Saharanpur नदी के पार गांव सोंधेबांस तथा गाजदीनपुर का संपर्क जिला मुख्यालय से कट गया है। लोगों को नदी पार कराने वाली वाली नाव का संचालन भी सुबह से बंद है। जिस कारण लोगों को अपने प्रतिदिन के कार्यों के लिए हरियाणा के जगाधरी तथा हथिनीकुंड होकर सहारनपुर की तरफ आना जाना पड़ रहा है। https://www.amarujala.com/uttar-pradesh/saharanpur/yamuna-river-in-spate-boat-operation-stopped-saharanpur-news-c-30-1-smrt1014-130738-2024-09-05 (05 Sept. 2024)
Panipat यमुना में छोड़े गए पानी से बुधवार को सनौली यमुना नदी तक पहुंचने पर जलस्तर बढ़ गया। दोपहर बाद 4 बजे जलस्तर 230. 80 मीटर पर पहुंच गया। यहां से चेतावनी बिंदु 231 मीटर व खतरे का बिंदु 231.500 मीटर पर है। वहीं, यमुना नदी का जलस्तर बढ़ने के कारण एक बार फिर से खादर के किसानों के माथे पर चिंता की लकीरें खिंच गई हैं। https://www.amarujala.com/haryana/panipat/water-level-rises-in-yamuna-along-with-it-farmers-worries-increase-panipat-news-c-244-1-pnp1004-123745-2024-09-05 (05 Sept. 2024)
Noida हिंडन और यमुना के डूब क्षेत्र में कृषि जमीन की रजिस्ट्री को लेकर नई दिशा-निर्देश तैयार करने के उद्देश्य से जिला प्रशासन ने शासन को पत्र लिखकर सुझाव मांगा है। इस कदम के पीछे मुख्य कारण हाल ही में उच्च न्यायालय द्वारा दिए गए आदेश हैं, जिसमें कृषि जमीन की रजिस्ट्री कराने के लिए एनओसी (नो ऑब्जेक्शन सर्टिफिकेट) की बाध्यता को समाप्त करने का निर्देश दिया गया था। हालांकि, यह आदेश अभी तक निबंधन विभाग में लागू नहीं किया गया है, जिससे प्रशासनिक प्रक्रिया में स्पष्टता की आवश्यकता महसूस की जा रही है। https://tricitytoday.com/noida/resgistry-will-start-in-flood-area-of-hindon-and-yamuna-in-gautam-buddha-nagar-59891.html (02 Sept. 2024) दरअसल डूब क्षेत्र में अवैध निर्माण को रोकने के लिए रजिस्ट्री पर रोक लगाई गई थी। हिंडन नदी की धारा के करीब तक लोगों ने अपने घर बनवा लिए हैं। बारिश के मौसम में बाढ़ आने पर ये घर हर साल इसमें डूब जाते हैं। https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/uttar-pradesh/noida/noida-news-registration-in-the-flood-area-of-hindon-and-yamuna-is-not-so-easy/articleshow/113051811.cms (04 Sept. 2024)
आगरा सुप्रीम कोर्ट के आदेश पर Aug 31 को आईआईटी, रुड़की की टीम ने यमुना में डीसिङ्क्षल्टग के अध्ययन को नदी के डाउन से अप स्ट्रीम तक स्थिति देखी. टीम ने विभिन्न स्थानों पर फोटोग्राफी और वीडियोग्राफी भी कराई. टीम को सितंबर के अंत तक अपनी रिपोर्ट सुप्रीम कोर्ट को उपलब्ध करानी है. इसके आधार पर ही यमुना में डीसिङ्क्षल्टग पर स्थिति स्पष्ट होगी. https://www.inextlive.com/uttar-pradesh/agra/agra-news-what-is-the-reason-for-filth-in-yamuna-1725126405 (01 Sept. 2024)
सुप्रीम कोर्ट के शासन आदेश है कि नदियों में पूजन सामग्री और प्रतिमाओं का विसर्जन नहीं किया जाएगा। इसे ध्यान में रखते हुए गणेश उत्सव और दुर्गा पूजा के अवसर पर होने वाले विसर्जन कार्यक्रमों के मद्देनजर आगरा नगर निगम में यमुना किनारे पर अस्थाई रूप से विसर्जन कुंडों का निर्माण किया था। लेकिन अब यमुना किनारे बने विसर्जन कुंड लापता है। नगर निगम की लापरवाही की वजह से कुंडों में मलबा जमा हो गया हैऔर कचरा पड़ा हुआ है. https://www.livehindustan.com/uttar-pradesh/agra/story-supreme-court-orders-no-immersion-in-rivers-agra-s-temporary-immersion-pits-missing-201725518864416.html (05 Sept. 2024)
FISH, FISHERIES, FISHERFOLKS
Report Threats from Gambusia fish -Several districts in India have released Gambusia fish into local water bodies to tackle the dengue outbreaks. These fish feed on mosquito larvae. However, the use of Gambusia affinis, commonly known as mosquitofish, is not without controversy. The IUCN lists Gambusia affinis among the 100 worst invasive alien species globally. Experts like Nobin Raja, who conducts research in genetics, evolutionary biology, and ecology at the ATREE, Bengaluru, raise significant concerns.
-“Gambusia’s effectiveness is limited. While it might reduce mosquitoes in small ponds, it often prefers other prey and can cause ecological harm by displacing native species and preying on other fauna in freshwater ecosystems. This can lead to a decline in native biodiversity,” he says. Broad-spectrum insecticide sprays can have serious environmental consequences. These not only target mosquitoes but also harm beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, as well as songbirds that rely on insects for food. Moreover, they are less effective in reducing mosquito populations since they mainly target adult mosquitoes. https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2024/Aug/24/bitten-by-the-bug (24 Aug. 2024)
SAND MINING
Bihar Illegal mining threatening dolphins Illegal sand mining is adversely affecting the Gangetic river dolphins’ food and natural habitat. Even during ongoing monsoon, when sand mining has been banned on paper officially in compliance with the order of the National Green Tribunal, rampant illegal sand mining is going posing a danger to Gangetic dolphins in Ganga, and its tributaries Gandak, Ghaghra, Mahananda, Parman and Kosi.
– Large-scale illegal sand mining is damaging river beds and its ecology. It is also changing the morphology and natural flow of rivers, as huge volumes of sand is being extracted through machines. The damage to river biodiversity is badly affecting the habitat and staple food (fish, mainly small fish) of Gangetic dolphins (platanista gangetica). Extraction of sand from river beds is also posing a serious threat to dolphins because they spend most of their time under water and come out for few seconds to breathe. Mechanised digging of river bed in Sone, Ganga and tributaries have created ditches and big pit, bad for rive health, add experts. The Bihar Police ‘s Economic Offences Unit (EOU) has prepared a list of 55 sand mafia who are accused of involvement in illegal sand mining in 13 districts — Patna, Bhojpur, Gaya, Saran, Bhagalpur, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Arwal, Jehanabad, Banka, Nawada.
– “Our livelihood is affected by illegal sand mining because it badly hits river fish. We are poor and falsely targeted for disturbing dolphins in rivers, but the sand mafia are powerful and continue to operate in lucrative illegal sand mining, which is posing the real danger to dolphins”, Anil Shahni, a fisherman near Digha ghat in Patna, said.
– According to a recent report by Nichiket Kelkar and Tarun Nair, associated with the Wildlife Conservation Trust, sand mining threatens the survival and persistence of endangered riverine species like the gharial crocodile, freshwater turtles, otters, river dolphins, and water birds, as it destroys their nesting and breeding habitats. Gopal Sharma, a senior scientist at the Zoological Survey of India, said, ”More than any other activities, illegal sand mining is increasing the danger for Gangetic dolphins. The state government should focus on checking illegal sand mining”. https://www.newsclick.in/bihar-rampant-illegal-sand-mining-threatens-gangetic-river-dolphins-ganga-tributaries (02 Sept. 2024)
राष्ट्रीय चंबल घड़ियाल सेंक्चुरी को कोटा के विकास में बाधा बताकर शहरी क्षेत्र में लाने की तैयारी, ऊर्जा मंत्री की सिफारिश पर वनमंत्री भी सहमत
Madhya Pradesh A tribal who opposed illegal sand mining in Singrauli dist of MP was killed, allegedly by reportedly BJP linked miner/ owner of the tractor transporting sand. The police filed an FIR related to the murder incident only after 26 hours of protest. https://www.amarujala.com/madhya-pradesh/singrauli/mp-news-sand-mafia-tramples-tribal-farmer-with-tractor-in-singrauli-congress-targets-government-2024-09-02 (02 Sept. 2024)
Uttar Pradesh आगरा के खेरागढ़ में एक बार फिर खनन माफिया व उसके गुर्गों ने दुस्साहस दिखाया। बालू से भरे ट्रैक्टर-ट्रॉली को पकड़ने गई पुलिस टीम पर हमला बोल दिया। थाने के सिपाही अजय कुमार को गोली मार दी। वह गंभीर घायल हैं। घेराबंदी करने पर फायरिंग करते भाग निकले। आधा घंटे बाद घायल सिपाही को अस्पताल लेकर जा रहे इंस्पेक्टर की गाड़ी में टक्कर मार दी। घबराए पुलिसकर्मी हमलावरों का पीछा तक नहीं कर सके। जान बचाकर थाने की तरफ भाग आए। देर रात पुलिस ने 4 आरोपियों को गिरफ्तार किया है। https://www.amarujala.com/uttar-pradesh/agra/mining-mafia-operatives-chased-the-police-shot-constable-in-agra-2024-09-07 (07 Sept. 2024)
Chhattisgarh बिलासपुर जिले के अलग- अलग क्षत्रों में रेत के अवैध उत्खनन और परिवहन का काम जोरों से चल रहा है. जिला प्रशासन और खनिज विभाग के आदेश के बाद भी रेत माफिया बेखौफ होकर अवैध परिवहन का काम कर रहे हैं.
कोटा विकास खण्ड के ग्राम पंचायत पोड़ी के कोदवारी अरपा घाट नारायण बाड़ी से बिना रायल्टी के अवैध रूप से रेत का खनन कर दिन- रात ट्रेक्टर ट्रालियों से रेत निकाला जा रहा है, वहीं वन विकास निगम क्षेत्र में आने के बाद भी इस मामले में वन विकास निगम मौन साधे हुए है. वहीं पोड़ी गांव में अवैध रेत डंप कर लाखों रुपए की रेत की बिक्री कर राजस्व का नुकसान पहुंचाया जा रहा है. वन विकास निगम क्षेत्र सहित गांव में जगह -जगह पर रेत डंप कर बिक्री की जा रही हैं. https://mpcg.ndtv.in/chhattisgarh-news/bilaspur-illegal-sand-mining-is-happening-daily-from-arpa-river-what-is-the-mining-and-revenue-department-doing-6140215 (19 July 2024)
Andhra Pradesh Flip-flops in sand policy From a novel experiment of entrusting the job of sand supply to Self Help Groups (SHGs) to free sand, auctioning sand reaches, and back to free sand supply. The successive governments have formulated policies that match their requirements. Both ruling and Opposition parties have gone beyond mudslinging, initiating probes into the sand policies of their predecessors as soon as they assumed power.
A political narrative is built that the previous government indulged in large-scale corruption and illegal sand mining. In the process, the sand is plundered and the State’s coffers hardly fill with the supply of sand. The YSRCP, TDP, and NDA govts have undervalued the possible revenues through the sale of sand. None of these govts has provided actual estimates of annual sand availability, its value, or potential revenue for the State. https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/flip-flops-in-sand-policy/article68605023.ece (5 Sep 2024)
PIB The environmental damages caused by illegal sand mining includes riverbed degradation, loss of aquatic habitat, increased turbidity, water table depletion, soil erosion, flooding, damage to infrastructure, loss of fertile land, negative impact on local ecosystems decreased water quality and hazardous impact on ecological equilibrium of riverine regime. This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2043007 (08 Aug. 2024)
Haryana NGT panel to probe air, noise pollution from illegal mining The NGT has set up a committee to investigate whether illegal activities related to stone mining in the Aravalis are causing severe air and noise pollution in Anangpur village of Faridabad. The move comes after residents of Lakewood City, a residential colony in Lakkarpur near Anangpur, submitted a petition to NGT alleging that the unauthorised activities pose a serious health hazard to them. The committee is expected to complete its investigation and submit a report in two months. The next hearing in the case will be held on Dec 3, 2024. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/illegal-mining-causing-air-noise-pollution-in-faridabad-ngt-panel-to-probe/articleshow/112913213.cms (30 Aug. 2024)
WATER OPTIONS
Uttar Pradesh Villagers toiled hard to bring back river In an inspiring effort, over 30,000 people belonging to 20 villages in three blocks of Uttar Pradesh’s Pratapgarh district toiled for over 10 months to revive the earlier course of a seasonal river.Over the last decade, the Sakarni (Sanskrit for one who listens), a rivulet that feeds the Sai, a tributary of the Ganga, saw large-scale encroachment by farmers on its banks. Consequently, the rivulet changed its course and became shallow in stretches. A local green activist, Ajay Krantikari, who heads an NGO called “Paryavaran Sena”, led a campaign to bring back the river to its natural course and first raised the issue before the district environment committee, which is headed by the district magistrate. On Oct 13, 2023, following Krantikari’s efforts, the district authorities included the Sakarni river under the small rivers’ rejuvenation list under MGNREGS.
– Over the next 10 months, nearly 30,000 people worked under MGNREGS to bring the river back to its natural 27.7km-long course. Besides, they also found employment in their respective blocks during the rejuvenation work on the rivulet. The district administration spent Rs 1.35 crore to make this happen. Shri Krishna, Pratapgarh district development officer, said : “The rejuvenation work of the small river Sakarni has been done with the help of villagers. Now, the river is flowing along its natural course. After conducting a detailed survey and analysis, we removed all the encroachments upon the natural course of the river.” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/allahabad/30k-villagers-toil-for-10-months-to-bring-up-river-back-on-course/articleshow/113174033.cms (09 Sept. 2024)
GROUNDWATER
Report This article delves into the effects of climate change on the potability of groundwater, the causes, and potential solutions. Due to climate change, global temperatures are rising. This temperature increase accelerates water evaporation, causing a decline in groundwater levels. https://www.counterview.net/2024/09/researchers-note-severe-impact-of.html (08 Sept. 2024)
Detailed studies needed to understand nutrient exchange between groundwater and surface water for ensuring better sustainability. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/water/detailed-studies-needed-as-phosphorus-contaminates-groundwater-threatens-aquatic-life-in-india (03 Sept. 2024)
Punjab Sangrur Unit faces groundwater pollution case Subsequent to the protest staged by farmers and residents of Chajjli village in Sangrur, demanding stringent action against the bottle-washing unit, the Chajjli police have registered a case against the owner of the unit based on the complaint filed by officials of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB). The villagers alleged that the washing unit operators were discharging effluent into a borewell, thereby directly contaminating the groundwater. They had previously lodged a complaint with the pollution board officials, prompting an investigation by the authorities, which ultimately led to the registration of the case against the washing unit. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/sangrur-unit-faces-groundwater-pollution-case-action-initiated-for-contaminating-water/articleshow/112814648.cms (26 Aug. 2024)
URBAN LAKES, WETLANDS
Telangana State may get tribunal to deal with green issues Telangana may soon have a green bench or special division bench of high court to deal with environmental issues, especially pollution and encroachment of water bodies, at state level. Already, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have such special benches in place. The chief justice of Telangana high court has power to constitute a division bench on special matters, and it has been done earlier on special issues.
A suggestion to this effect came from a committee constituted by the high court on lake encroachments, which had inspected 13 lakes and identified 1,100 encroachments on full tank level (FTL) and buffer zones of the water bodies. It has said a state-level green tribunal on the lines of the NGT or a special division bench could be set up for the speedy disposal of environmental issues. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/telangana-to-establish-state-tribunal-for-environmental-issues/articleshow/112976312.cms (02 Sept. 2024)
Curb encroachment on water bodies: CM The CM A Revanth Reddy has directed Collectors of all districts in the State to identify and list out the encroachments on lakes/tanks and nalas in their respective districts for implementing a special drive to remove the encroachments thereby protecting the water bodies and preventing flooding of residential colonies.
He said there is an imperative need to evolve a robust system along the lines of the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) in all the districts to curb encroachment of water bodies. The Chief Minister issued directions to this effect during a meeting held in Mahabubabad Collectorate on Tuesday (September 3, 2024) to review the situation arising out of heavy rains that battered Mahabubabad district in the past three days. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/curb-encroachment-on-water-bodies-telangana-cm-directs-collectors/article68601956.ece (04 Sept. 2024)
Hyderabad HC issues restraining order against HYDRAA Justice T. Vinod Kumar of the Telangana High Court on Wednesday issued a restraining order against HYDRAA and other authorities, prohibiting them from taking any immediate action against NVN Constructions Pvt Ltd concerning a 13.17-acre plot in Kukatpally Village, Medchal – Malkajgiri. The writ petition was filed by N.V.N Constructions, alleging that HYDRAA was attempting to interfere with and disrupt the physical features of their land, threatening demolition under the pretext that the land falls within a different survey number of Khanamet Village, Edulakunta, Serilingampally. The petitioner’s counsel argued that previous surveys conducted in the area confirmed no overlap between survey numbers of Khanamet Village and Kukatpally Village. The petitioner contended that an earlier 2014 survey report indicating land overlap had been legally challenged through an independent writ petition. The High Court had previously ruled that the impugned survey report was not binding on the petitioner and that the respondents could not claim rights or interfere with the land based on that survey. https://telanganatoday.com/telangana-high-court-issues-restraining-order-against-hydraa (04 Sept. 2024)
Multiple pleas in HC challenge demolition action involving HYDRAA. https://www.livelaw.in/high-court/telangana-high-court/what-have-the-petitioners-challenging-states-demolition-action-have-said-on-hydraa-which-manages-urban-disasters-268298 (02 Sept. 2024)
Treat Durgam Cheruvu order as show cause notice: HC A division bench of the Telangana High Court, consisting of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice J Sreenivas Rao, has directed the deputy collector and tahsildar of Serilingampally mandal, Rangareddy district, to treat the notices dated August 3, 2024, as show cause notices in relation to the alleged encroachments by petitioners on land at Survey No. 47 in Guttala Begumpet village.
The court’s directive came while hearing a batch of four writ petitions filed by Boda Priyatham Reddy and three others. The petitioners challenged the notices issued by the authorities under Section 23 of the Water Land and Trees Act (WALTA), 2002, demanding removal of structures deemed to encroach upon the full tank level (FTL) of Durgam Cheruvu. The petitioners claimed they had legally purchased the plots via registered sale deeds in 1998. https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2024/Sep/03/treat-durgam-cheruvu-order-as-show-cause-notice-telangana-high-court (03 Sept. 2024)
HC to study Nizam-era lake memoir for FTL Justice T Vinod Kumar of Telangana high court on Monday directed the state govt to furnish the lake memoir of Osman Sagar within three weeks “to arrive” at FTL and buffer zones of the man-made reservoir. The judge gave the direction while hearing two petitions filed by Gavva Vidyadhar Reddy and Sreeramaneni Anupama, who approached the court challenging notices served on them by the municipal authorities and also consequent demolitions carried out in their land at Khanapur area of Rajendranagar mandal in Rangareddy district.
Expressing doubts over the nature of maps of the lakes that were varying from time to time and also from department to department, the judge said he would prefer relying on the lake memoir of Osman Sagar. “I know the state has published the lake memoirs in 1970. Furnish that memoir by Sept 23,” he said, adding that he “would use that memoir to arrive at the FTL and buffer zones of Osman Sagar”. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/hc-to-study-nizam-era-lake-memoir-for-ftl/articleshow/113005046.cms (03 Sept. 2024)
High Court on Monday (Sept. 02) expressed displeasure over a petitioner raising the issue of the ban on immersion of Ganesh idols made with plaster of paris in Hussainsagar just a few days ahead of Ganesh festival. The bench said the lawyer’s insistence at the 11th hour to enforce the ban amounted to blackmailing the court. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/telangana-hc-expresses-displeasure-over-last-minute-petition-on-idol-immersion-ban/article68598250.ece (03 Sept. 2024)
Inhabited homes on lakebed will not by demolished: HYDRAA Amid widespread concerns from homeowners in FTL and buffer zones of lakes in the city, Hyderabad Disaster Response and HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath on Sep 8 clarified that existing houses, even if built in these areas, will not be demolished. He asserted that inhabited structures would remain untouched. In a statement, Ranganath said that only new constructions in FTL and buffer zones of water bodies would be demolished. He clarified that the structures demolished in Sunnam Cheruvu and Katwa Cheruvu on Sunday were still under construction and lacked the necessary permissions.
Ranganath also said that the state government would make a policy decision regarding long-standing, permanent encroachments in FTL and buffer zones, similar to those along the Musi river. HYDRAA will wait for this decision before acting on long-inhabited structures but will ensure that future and new encroachments are stopped. He also noted that criminal cases are being filed against encroachers and urged people not to purchase houses, flats or land in FTL and buffer zones of any lake. Ranganath advised potential buyers to check the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) lakes website or approach HYDRAA to clarify any doubts about FTL and buffer zones. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2024/Sep/09/only-new-structures-within-ftl-or-buffer-zone-of-water-bodies-will-be-razed-av-ranganth (09 Sept. 2024) The state government has managed to take back at least 50 acres which was encroached. Ranganath added that no house or resident occupied by any person has been demolished. He added that the 7 villas demolished in Mallampeta Cheruvu at Dundigal are still under construction and that those are in the FTL without any building construction permissions. https://www.siasat.com/existing-homes-on-lake-beds-in-hyderabad-will-not-demolished-hydra-3092280/ (08 Sept. 2024)
HMDA website to check if buildings are in lake zones In the midst of its demolition drive, HYDRAA has stated that residents can verify if their houses or properties are situated within full tank level or buffer zones of lakes using the website https://lakes.hmda.gov.in/ This portal, operated by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), allows people to check their property locations in relation to these protected areas. The site offers a straightforward interface where users can enter district, mandal or circle, village and lake name, and can instantly determine information of the lake ID, FTL maps and cadastral maps.
People can check the map, which shows markings of FTL and buffer zones of the particular lake, along with additional information like the lake’s area, bund length, FTL perimeter length etc. The cadastral map shows the boundaries of land parcels, and include information about the lake’s lines and survey numbers of properties surrounding the lake’s vicinity. Several netizens have released videos for social media, explaining how to use the website and figure out if their structures and properties are inside or outside the FTL and buffer zones of lakes. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/telangana/hmda-website-to-check-if-buildings-are-in-lake-zones-1821256 (04 Sept. 2024)
Notification on 51 lakes issued Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) metropolitan commissioner Sarfaraz Ahmad has said the final notification of 51 lakes, pertaining to their full tank level (FTL) and buffer zones demarcating their areas, was released since Aug 1. Additionally, 200 more lakes will be finally notified before Nov 1. He said preliminary notification and final notification within timelines would be monitored on a weekly basis. The HMDA chief said in the past month, while 65 lakes have been surveyed, preliminary notifications for 269 lakes were received from the districts. Thirty of them have been published, and the rest were under scrutiny. The district collectors have also sent final notifications for 51 lakes, which were notified. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/notification-on-51-lakes-issued/articleshow/113005086.cms (03 Sept. 2024)
7-day notice over Hasmathpet lake encroachments The Telangana Revenue Department issued a notice to all structures developed in the Full Tank Level (FTL) and buffer zone of Bon (Boin) Cheruvu also known as Hasmathpet Lake in Balanagar. The notice directs all encroachments and illegal constructions in the non-permitted limits of the lakes to be taken down voluntarily on or before Monday, September 2.
The department has warned of actions, including the razing down of structures and fines being levied over the individuals involved in encroachments, for defying its notice. The notice, dated Tuesday, August 27 directs all illegal constructions to be removed within seven days of publishing. This action comes following the Telangana High Court’s order towards district collectors regarding encroachments in the water bodies of the city. https://www.siasat.com/hyderabad-govt-issues-7-day-notice-over-to-hasmathpet-lake-encroachments-3087920/ (31 Aug. 2024)
Fear of HYDRAA demolition stalls lakeside home sales The recent string of demolitions taken up to remove encroachments from water bodies has made potential property buyers cautious. Now, apart from asking for other details, many are also quizzing building-owners about the location of their projects — if they are close to lakes and stand the risk of being razed in the future.
Industry sources say that several potential buyers eyeing homes around Gandipet, Moinabad, Shankarpally, Budvel, Chilkur, Appojiguda, and Nallagandla are asking developers to show no objection certificates (NOC) from the irrigation department, and even verifying the boundary lines of nalas and lakes to ensure the buildings aren’t in the FTL or buffer zone. Additionally, buyers are reaching out to panchayats and municipalities to confirm the accuracy of markings. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/hydraa-demolition-impact-on-lakeside-home-sales-in-hyderabad/articleshow/113075150.cms (05 Sept. 2024)
CREDAI staff to meet HYDRAA chief for clarity Credai officials said that they will urge the HYDRAA commissioner and chief minister to provide clarity on FTL and buffer zones. According to them the affected projects had all necessary clearances from the relevant authorities. “We want to ensure that genuine developments are not impacted. Buyers, gripped by panic, are cancelling their agreements in projects that are currently under construction as the demolition of a single unit is negatively influencing sales of surrounding units in the area,” said Credai-Hyderabad president V Rajashekar Reddy.
Meanwhile, Telangana realtors association president N Praveen Kumar said: “HYDRAA must prioritise the installation of sign boards near lakes and nalas, clearly indicating the FTL buffer zone to prevent unauthorised constructions. The relevant authorities should enforce regulations against granting illegal permissions and take disciplinary action against employees found guilty of such practices so that end buyers do not suffer.” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/credai-staff-to-meet-hydraa-chief-for-clarity/articleshow/113075198.cms (05 Sept. 2024)
HYDRA demolitions at Madhapur, Dundigal & Ameenpur The HYDRA has intensified its campaign against illegal constructions in Madhapur, Dundigal and Ameenpur areas on Sunday, September 8. In Dundigal, Medchal district, the demolitions were carried out in the Mallampet area, where officials identified violations related to the FTL and buffer zones around the Katva Cheruvu lake. The agency targeted a villa constructed by Lakshmi Srinivasa Construction, which was found to be in violation of regulations. This operation was accompanied by a heavy police presence to maintain order in the area. In the Madhapur area, illegal structures in the vicinity of the Sunnam Cheruvu Lake in Madhapur were also demolished. This lake spans 26 acres, and the authorities dismantled sheds and buildings that were constructed against regulations within its FTL and buffer zones. https://www.siasat.com/hyderabad-hydra-conducts-demolitions-in-dundigal-3092095/ (08 Sept. 2024)
HYDRAA issues notices to Jayabheri constructions HYDRAA issued notices to Jayabheri Constructions, owned by actor and politician Murali Mohan, on Sunday. The agency found unauthorized structures encroaching on Rangalkunta FTL in Gachibowli. The notice stated that if the unauthorized structures are not demolished within 15 days, HYDRAA will take action to remove them. Jayabheri Group erected fencing in the Full Tank Level (FTL) area of the adjoining Cheruvu in Nanakramguda. Following a complaint, a visit was made to the site. Jayabheri was instructed to remove the fencing and relocate it within their designated area. They agreed to complete this within a week. If they fail to comply, HYDRAA will undertake the removal, according to the agency. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/telangana/hydraa-issues-notices-to-jayabheri-constructions-over-unauthorized-structures-1822058 (08 Sept. 2024)
Govt flattens 10 illegal buildings in Ameenpur Continuing the demolition drive on illegal structures built in the FTL and buffer zones around several lakes across the city, structures in over 20 guntas were razed down by the state in survey number 462 of Ameenpur, Sangareddy district on Tuesday, September 3. The structures were demolished in the presence of policemen and municipality officials citing encroachments near the Ameenpur Lake, on government property.
The HYDRA cleared the encroachments much to the disappointment of the local municipal commissioner Tummala Panduranga Reddy who tried to stop the demolitions. Several of Reddy’s properties were demolished on Tuesday. They were flattened after it was found built on encroached land. It is believed that Reddy engaged in a verbal argument with the officials and even tried to stop them by positioning lorries on the road. According to Tahsildar Radha, prior notices were given to the owners before the demolition. https://www.siasat.com/hyderabad-hydra-flattens-10-illegal-buildings-in-ameenpur-3089636/ (04 Sept. 2024)
HYDRAA Commissioner inspects lakes in Jawaharnagar HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath, along with his team inspected lakes in Jawaharnagar on Wednesday. It was identified that Indra Lake and a nala near the dumping yards have been encroached upon. It was also found that a farmhouse reportedly belonging to former Mayor Kavya was illegally constructed. Ranganath stated that it has come to their attention that there were no permissions for the construction of these farmhouses. He clarified that all illegal constructions will be demolished. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/telangana/hydraa-commissioner-av-ranganath-inspects-lakes-in-jawaharnagar-1821406 (04 Sept. 2024)
HYDRAA drive comes as relief for Ramnagar residents The living conditions of those staying in Manemma Galli at Ramnagar have been transformed for the better and their delight is showing. Two days after HYDRAA officials razed all illegal construction from the area Deccan Chronicle on Sunday (Sept. 01) found that the locals were breathing easy. A bigger cause for celebration was that despite heavy rains for the last two days, there was no stagnation of water anywhere. According to the residents, the area used to get marooned during rains, with a hip-high water entering their homes and damaging household items and electronic equipment. The encroachers used to block passage of rain water and the drainage line, they said, adding that they were bearing this torture for over 15 years. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/telangana/hydraa-drive-comes-as-relief-for-ramnagar-residents-1820831 (02 Sept. 2024)
HYDRAA gets hundreds of complaints daily The agency cleared up blocked drainage systems and enhanced water flow in vulnerable and low lying areas, and prevented flooding. Additionally, the agency has responded swiftly to complaints about fallen trees, ensuring that such incidents do not disrupt daily life. HYDRAA addressed 139 complaints from people on Sep 1, with 115 of them being trees falling down and 24 water stagnation complaints. They further completed 47 of the 51 tree falling complaints received from people across Hyderabad on Monday.
The recent demolitions of illegal structures built on drainage lines in Ramnagar by HYDRAA have spurred more reports from areas such as Himayat Nagar, Amberpet, Chaderghat, Old City and other parts of Hyderabad, with citizens raising alarms over similar encroachments in their localities. Several people complained about structures being raised over drainage channels, which can create several issues to people living in the areas. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/telangana/hydraa-gets-hundreds-of-complaints-from-public-daily-1820979 (02 Sept. 2024)
Water mixed with sewage in Kapra lake Officials from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corp (GHMC) are allegedly releasing rainwater mixed with sewage into Kapra Lake to facilitate Ganesh idol immersion, thereby undoing a great deal of effort and investments towards sewage diversion. Multiple residents of Sainikpuri and Kapra localities alleged that the municipal authorities are trying to ensure a sufficient amount of water in the lake by diverting rainwater mixed with untreated sewage into it. “The lake was nearly dry a couple of days ago, but now it is filled to the brim. It is not fresh water, as can be understood from the stench,” said Ramana Reddy, who resides 300 m away from the lake. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/water-mixed-with-sewage-being-released-into-hyderabads-kapra-lake-to-facilitate-ganesh-immersion-say-residents/article68610209.ece (4 Sep 2024)
Waterbody cut off from feeder Even as parts of the State witnessed heavy flooding, Shaikpet’s Yerrakunta stands as an instance of a city lake that has been cut-off from the feeder channels supporting the water body. The lake was transformed into a recreational spot by GHMC a few years back, but remains a facility sans water. Interestingly, the authorities had already declared part of FTL and Buffer Zone as encroached more than a decade back. Once a beautiful lake, it now remains dry and barely known to non-locals, despite GHMC’s beautification attempts. Not far from the IT corridor, the real estate boom in recent years has placed this lake under the risk of complete disappearance. https://www.thehansindia.com/telangana/an-instance-of-water-body-cut-off-from-feeder-channels-904585 (05 Sept. 2024)
HYDRAA office on Nala at Hussain Sagar: Harish Rao Stating that the Congress govt has bulldozed the Brand Hyderabad by taking demolition drives across the state, former minister T Harish Rao said Budha Bhavan, which houses the headquarters of HYDRAA is located on the stormwater drain (nala) and on the banks of Hussain Sagar and HYDRAA chief Ranganath should have begun the demolitions from his office building. He said GHMC head office is also on the nala and several commercial buildings and restaurants on necklace road were also on the Full Tank Level and buffer zone of Hussain Sagar, asking the govt will those structures be demolished. Haris Rao said several big residential towers have come up on Meeralam, Uppal and Ramanthapur Chervu and other lakes in the city which also need to be looked into and demolition drives should not be selective. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/hydraa-office-on-nala-at-hussain-sagar-harish-rao/articleshow/112902691.cms (29 Aug. 2024)
Bengaluru Why lakes are in the soup The persistence of bad design in the restoration of Bengaluru’s lakes, especially the soup bowl format, needs to be rethought, writes Kaustubh Rau.
The lake’s structure is another key factor. A lake has an earthen bund. It is used to block runoff, that is, more water than the land can absorb. The lakebed is dug in a way that it is deepest near the bund and sloping towards the foreshore, where water enters the lake through several inlets. Such a design ensures the shallow end of the lake can support a wetland, and maximise the lake’s ecological diversity. This benefits several species of wading birds that require shallow water for feeding and nesting.
The N K Patil committee report on the status of Bengaluru’s lakes in 2012 emphasised the same and recommended that a gently sloping depth profile must be followed when restoring a lake. It noted that the lake must have a ‘wet mud’ zone that is farthest from the bund, a shallow water zone in the middle, and a deep water zone adjacent to the bund. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/heres-why-bengaluru-lakes-are-in-the-soup-3180444 (07 Sept. 2024)
Lake water not potable: Report Water from any of the city lakes is not fit for consumption even after treatment, shows a report by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB). The Board studied 110 lakes in the city, falling under the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and panchayat limits, and all the lakes fell under D and E categories, while none of them were in the A, B or C categories. Experts said that many lakes have not moved up from E category to D, even after issues of concern being flagged to the all stakeholders. https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2024/Sep/02/bengaluru-lake-water-not-potable-report (02 Sept. 2024)
Bengaluru Residents of Avalahalli in Yelahanka are raising concerns over the deteriorating condition of Avalahalli Lake. Despite multiple follow-ups with Panchayat, the situation around the lake has worsened, particularly concerning encroachments on the rajakaluve and unauthorised shops at the lake. Locals are urging urgent action to address blocked stormwater drains and incomplete infrastructure at Avalahalli Lake to prevent severe flooding. https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/civic/lakes-future-at-risk-with-rising-encroachments/articleshow/112973223.cms (02 Sept. 2024)
Gurugram Housing, infra projects threaten Sultanpur lakeThe Sultanpur National Park is under threat due to violations of the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) zonal plan and notification, stated by a panel set up by the standing committee of National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) for evaluating the impact of construction activities going on in the areas around the Ramsar site on its fragile ecosystem. The committee’s report, submitted at the end of July, provided evidence of stresses affecting the national park, which include shrinking of Sultanpur Jheel and dependence on the Gurgaon canal for maintaining water levels.
The committee also reviewed measures for conservation of wetlands and Ramsar sites in Haryana and examined water flow from Sultanpur to Najafgarh. The assessment was initiated by a directive from the standing committee on Feb 28 to appraise the impact of infrastructure projects in the area, particularly a proposal to utilise nearly 3.7ha of land for an affordable group housing colony at Garhi Harsaru in Sector 95B, which is 4km from the national park’s boundary within its eco-sensitive zone.
The report concluded that preserving biodiversity and ecosystem in Sultanpur National Park is crucial for the region’s ecological and economic security and contributes to global biodiversity conservation. The committee’s report concluded that Sultanpur National Park is a significant biodiversity area adjacent to the Gurgaon metropolitan area. Preserving the biodiversity and ecosystem service values of the park is crucial for the region’s ecological and economic security and contributes to global biodiversity conservation. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/housing-infra-projects-around-sultanpur-park-a-threat-to-its-ecosystem-wildlife-says-panel/articleshow/113009273.cms (03 Sept. 2024)
Delhi Protected water bodies may not get wetland status Delhi’s state wetland authority (SWA) has said it is identifying all water bodies in the Capital that are protected under other acts or rules and will therefore not be notified and protected as a wetland under the Wetland (Conservation) Rules, 2017. Though SWA has been working on notifying 20 major water bodies in Delhi as wetlands since 2021, it has now said two of these — Sanjay Lake and Smriti Van (Vasant Kunj) — are already protected under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 and will, hence, not be notified as wetlands. The Welcome Jheel in Shahdara, east Delhi, is expected to become the first water body to be notified as a wetland in the Capital, with the process nearing completion, officials said.
Experts, however, said the process of notifying urban water bodies as wetlands was not straightforward, owing to the absence of a defined catchment area. “For water bodies like Bhalswa lake or Hauz Khas lake, we don’t have a defined catchment, which the document brief requires. It also requires the high flood level (HFL) to be defined for the past 10 years, with no construction permitted within a 50-metre radius, but already, we have encorachments or structures within 50 metres of these water bodies,” said Manu Bhatnagar, principal director of natural heritage division, Intach. side as a wetland. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/protected-water-bodies-in-delhi-may-not-get-wetland-status-101724782160727.html (28 Aug. 2024)
Residents oppose plan to build complex on ‘grave of pond’ The residents of Budhela, an urban village in West Delhi’s Vikaspuri, have claimed that Delhi govt is building a cultural complex on a piece of land which was originally a pond. They want govt to revive the “waterbody” and develop it as a green space. The cultural complex is being built for Sahitya Kala Parishad by Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation. Referring to the report of soil testing of the 4,300 square metre land parcel, which was commissioned by DTTDC, residents of Budhela claim that it was clearly mentioned that the plot where the cultural complex was coming up was actually a “low-lying” area in the past, which had been filled up by govt authorities or the residents. No reaction was available from Delhi govt.
Though the soil testing of the site was done in 2021, DTTDC recently shared the copy of the report in a reply to a RTI application filed by Paras Tyagi, the co-founder of Centre for Youth, Culture, Law and Environment, an NGO. Tyagi is a resident of Budhela village. “Even DDA in its affidavit filed in the high court has accepted that the land where the cultural complex is coming up, belonged to gram sabha and was a ‘johad’ (pond). In reply to a question raised in Parliament way back in 2001, DDA had accepted that it had received complaints of encroachments on the land where the pond existed and it was working to remove them,” Tyagi said. “The irony is that while it is listed as govt land, it is actually a pond, enumerated as one of the city’s 1,040 wetlands by Wetland Authority of Delhi and meant to be notified as such by state govt,” he added. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/budhela-residents-protest-govt-plan-to-build-complex-on-grave-of-pond/articleshow/113040093.cms (04 Sept. 2024)
URBAN WATER
Bengaluru RWH: Is Namma Metro back on track? In 2013, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) was hailed as the first metro system to install rainwater harvesting facilities. However, this covered just a few km of tracks between Mahatma Gandhi Road and Swamy Vivekananda Road metro stations. A decade later, the rest of the tracks do not have a solid system to capture rainwater. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/rainwater-harvesting-is-namma-metro-back-on-track-3180618 (07 Sept. 2024)
Mumbai BMC notifies nearly 200 properties The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has sent out notices to more than 200 residential societies and establishments notifying them about civil works that are to be taken for constructing an underground water supply tunnel. Civic officials said most part of the 7 km tunnel will pass under Thane City, and as per protocol, all establishments that fall in alignment to the proposed tunnel are being notified. Officials said that notices are being sent to keep residents in the loop about civil works underway. The officials also maintained that before initiating the project, BMC had carried an impact assessment survey to ensure that properties would not be damaged. BMC’s notice states that boring work for the tunnel will begin October 1 onwards.
The water conveyance tunnel will extend from Thane’s Kasheli to Mulund in the eastern suburbs. Once complete, BMCwill begin to utilise this tunnel for water supply, while rendering the existing network of pipelines as a back-up. The proposed work on the tunnel also comes in the wake of ongoing work to widen the Mumbai-Nashik highway, and in a bid to improve the city’s water security by providing an alternative to existing surface water pipelines.As per senior officials, while the tunnel will marginally augment water supply, the project’s main objective is to secure water-supply assets of the megapolis. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/bmc-notifies-properties-underground-water-tunnel-project-9550595/ (04 Sept. 2024)
For the first time since 2018, all major dams in the state have filled up in monsoon and have nearly 100% water stock, officials said. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/major-maharashtra-dams-100-full-for-first-time-since-2018/articleshow/113112088.cms (06 Sept. 2024)
Chandigarh HC takes suo moto cognizance of polluted water supply Observing that the situation may “lead to an epidemic”, the Punjab & Haryana High Court has taken suo moto cognizance of alleged mixture of sewage with drinking water supply at economically weaker section (EWS) colonies in Chandigarh. Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Anil Kshetarpal said, “It appears that nobody is taking up responsibility of solving the emergent situation, which may lead to an epidemic, since once water supply to the said colonies is contaminated and is consumed, it may lead to wide-spread diseases.”
The Court directed the UT Chandigarh administration, which also controls the Chandigarh Housing Board, “to take necessary steps to resolve the problem and submit a compliance report before the next date of hearing.” The Court took noted of the newspaper article (https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/chandigarh/sewage-mixing-with-drinkingwater-supply-at-chb-colonies/) published in The Tribune on August 30, wherein it was reported that, “there is mixture of sewage with drinking water supply at economically weaker section (EWS) colonies in Dhanas, Maloya, Ram Darbar, Vikas Nagar, as well as Sectors 56 and 38, within the town of Chandigarh.” https://www.livelaw.in/high-court/punjab-and-haryana-high-court/punjab-haryana-high-court-suo-moto-sewage-mixed-with-drinking-water-at-ews-colonies-268327 (2 Sep 2024)
Delhi Groundwater contamination in Dwarka: NGT seeks DJB report The NGT has instructed the DJB’s CEO to submit a detailed affidavit within four weeks, outlining the corrective measures and actions taken to address the groundwater contamination in Dwarka. The directive comes after a startling revelation that out of 354 housing societies in the area, 180 are facing groundwater contamination issues due to defective rainwater harvesting systems. https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2024/Sep/01/groundwater-contamination-in-dwarka-ngt-seeks-djb-report (01 Sept. 2024)
DPCC imposes fine of ₹1 lakh on 442 Paharganj hotels DPCC has imposed an environmental damage compensation (EDC) of Rs 1 lakh each on 442 hotels or guesthouses in Paharganj for illegally extracting groundwater. Of the total fine of Rs 4.42 crore, DPCC has received Rs 2 lakh so far from two hotels. In a report submitted to NGT dated Aug 20, DPCC said that following the issuance of showcause notices to 442 hotels and guesthouses in July this year, they have now imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh each for extracting groundwater without taking permission from Delhi Jal Board (DJB). https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/dpcc-fines-442-paharganj-hotels-for-groundwater-extraction/articleshow/112818901.cms (27 Aug. 2024)
Govt thinks cloud seeding can address air pollution Experts aren’t enamoured of this method though, with one risk being the lack of a guarantee that the specific targeted area would receive rain. Experts at IIT Delhi were sceptical, saying Delhi’s pollution problems needed more sustainable solutions while also noting that China had to abandon this approach and focus instead on controlling emissions at the source. “It may and may not work, though I don’t see it as a sustainable solution,” said Sagnik Dey of the Centre for Atmospheric Sciences at IIT-D. “Several weather conditions have to be in place for it to work. If the air is dry, for example, no matter how much aerosol we pump in, it won’t rain. And then, even if it rains, the air will become polluted again if the local and external sources of emissions remain constant.” The cost would also be prohibitive, he said. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/can-cloud-seeding-fix-capitals-bad-air-delhi-govt-thinks-so/articleshow/113002487.cms (03 Sept. 2024)
Noida Over 200 residents of a Noida society fell sick after allegedly consuming contaminated water on Monday (Sept. 02). The residents of Supertech Eco Village 2, mostly children, said they experienced symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. https://www.ndtv.com/noida-news/over-200-fall-sick-after-drinking-contaminated-water-at-noida-society-6478018 (03 Sept. 2024)
Gurugram Leachate polluting groundwater? CPCB to probe The NGT asked CPCB to carry out an investigation of groundwater quality around the Bandhwari landfill waste treatment plant, which has been severely contaminated by leachate.
This order was issued in response to a plea by a resident of the area Poonam Yadav and environmentalists Vivek Kamboj and Vaishali Rana during a hearing on Tuesday (Sept. 03). The petitioners alleged excessive leachate seepage during monsoons from the landfill site to surrounding areas, including the adjacent road. The order was uploaded on Thursday (Sept. 05). The tribunal also directed HSPCB to implement suitable punitive actions and furnish a comprehensive report, at least one week before the next hearing date, which is Dec 17. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/leachate-polluting-groundwater-cpcb-to-probe/articleshow/113104752.cms (06 Sept. 2024)
JJM/ RURAL WATER SUPPLY
PAC to take up audit of JJM’s performance on Sept 10 In its first meeting on Tuesday (Sept. 10), the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will take up the performance audit of the National Rural Drinking Water Programme (Jal Jeevan Mission) under the Jal Shakti Ministry. In the meeting, representatives of the ministry will brief the panel on the ‘Performance Audit on Jal Jeevan Mission’ based on a CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) report. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/Sep/09/pac-to-take-up-audit-of-jal-jeevan-missions-performance-on-sept-10 (09 Sept. 2024)
Bihar CM launches ₹1,347cr drinking water scheme Nitish Kumar on Monday (Sept. 02) launched the construction work of Rs 1,347 crore scheme to provide safe drinking water to residents of three major towns namely Aurangabad, Dehri-on-Sone and Sasaram by drawing surface water from the Sone river. The CM launched the construction work by unveiling a stone plaque during a programme held at Anicut locality near Dehri-on-Sone town. Additional chief secretary (water resources department) Chaitanya Prasad, through a map, informed the chief minister how safe drinking water would be supplied to three towns. This scheme is being implemented under the Jal-Jeevan-Haryali Mission. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/nitish-kumar-launches-rs-1347-crore-drinking-water-scheme-in-bihar/articleshow/113006547.cms (03 Sept. 2024)
Arunachal Pradesh Water supply to Tawang disrupted Drinking water supply to Tawang town and surrounding areas, including Lemberdung, Changprong, and Nyukmadung, has been disrupted due to significant damage to the drop inlet headwork, located approximately two kilometres ahead of the Bramadungchung ani gonpa. According to PHED Assistant Engineer Doge Kamduk, the damage was caused by severe land erosion early on Saturday (Sept. 07) morning, between 4 and 5 am, following continuous heavy rainfall the previous evening.
The erosion, which occurred near the concrete vertical bund at Ptso, washed away critical infrastructure, including the drop inlet and diversion structure responsible for water supply to Tawang and its neighboring areas. https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2024/09/08/water-supply-to-tawang-disrupted/ (08 Sept. 2024)
MONSOON 2024
SANDRP Blog High Rainfall days in districts in Aug 2024 highest in last 4 years An analysis of the daily district wise rainfall data from India Meteorological Department (IMD) for the month of Aug 2024, shows that there were 717 instances when district rainfall of a day in a district was above 50 mm. Such high rainfall instances included 572 instances when rainfall was 50-100 mm; 113 instances when it was 100-150 mm; 19 times it was 150-200 mm; and 13 instance when a district day rainfall was above 200 mm.
Out of 729 current districts of India, 362 districts or about 49.7% of the districts experienced such high rainfall in August 2024. The highest number of such instances were seen, surprisingly, in Gujarat, where for the 33 districts (29 of them had such instances, only 4 did not) there were 78 instances when rainfall was above 50 mm in a day in this month. https://sandrp.in/2024/09/06/high-rainfall-days-in-indias-districts-in-aug-2024-highest-in-last-4-years/ (06 Sept. 2024)
June Aug 2024: Dist wise rainfall in India’s SW Monsoon In Aug 2024, India received 295.2 mm (162.7 mm in Aug 2023, 263.8 mm in Aug 2022) or 15.8% above normal rainfall. In Aug 2021, the rainfall was 195.9 mm and in Aug 2020, the rainfall was 327 mm. The blog gives dist wise rainfall information across India during June-Aug 2024. https://sandrp.in/2024/09/03/june-aug-2024-district-wise-rainfall-in-in-indias-sw-monsoon/ (3 Sep 2024)
Study The risk of global water scarcity is greater when accounting for the origin of rain A study, titled “Upwind moisture supply increases risk to water security” in Nature Water (https://www.nature.com/articles/s44221-024-00291-w), shows how the water risks are dependent on governance and environmental conditions present upwind, which means the areas where the moisture for rain comes from.
– “For instance, in tropical South America, most of the Amazon basin is downstream of the Andes mountain range, whereas large areas of the Andes are in themselves downwind of the Amazon rainforest and depending on it, which makes these two regions dependent on each other for water supply,” says Jaramillo.
– The study examined 379 hydrological basins worldwide, revealing that risks to water security are significantly higher when considering the upwind origin of water. “With this approach, we see that 32,900 km3/year of water requirements worldwide face very high risk, a near 50% increase, compared to the 20,500 km3/year resulting from the more traditional upstream focus,” says José Posada, former doctoral student at Stockholm University and main author of the study.
– Since a large amount of water is evaporated from plants, changes in land use can affect downwind water availability. If deforestation and agricultural development are predominant in upwind areas, the amount of moisture vegetation provides may decrease, reducing rainfall downwind and increasing the risk to water security. “For coastal countries such as the Philippines, most of the rain comes from the sea, which means that land-use changes pose very little risk to water security. Rainfall in inland countries such as Niger, on the other hand, comes mainly from moisture that evaporates in neighboring countries such as Nigeria and Ghana. This puts many land-locked countries at high risk regarding how water security is affected by changes in land use,” says Jaramillo. https://phys.org/news/2024-09-global-scarcity-greater-accounting.html (2 Sep 2024)
Report Pattern of extreme climate events across India changing The number of districts that have transitioned from experiencing floods to facing droughts (149) surpasses those that have shifted from droughts to floods (110) as per the analysis by IPE Global and Esri-India. Using a penta-decadal analysis, the study compiles a catalogue of extreme climate events over a 50-year historical period from 1973 to 2023 by employing spatial and temporal modelling. In the past two decades more than 80% districts in Gujarat have witnessed an increased frequency and intensity of extreme floods as per the analysis. In Southern India, states such as Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, are witnessing a notable increase in drought conditions. as are parts of western and central India. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pattern-of-extreme-climate-events-across-india-changingstudy-101725734502048.html (08 Sept. 2024)
8 states remain rain deficient Punjab, one of India’s top basmati rice growers, received 24% deficit rain at 275.6 mm in three months of the four-month (June-September) monsoon season and Bihar that grows non-basmati rice varieties remained 25% rain-deficit as it recorded 580.5 mm precipitation during the same period.
Despite inadequate rain in these regions, farmers cultivated the staple crop across 39.4 million hectares, 4.3% more than the corresponding period last year, according to latest data issued by the union agriculture ministry on 23 August. This is because of excess rain in other key regions like Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
As far as rain in Delhi is concerned, it received precipitation throughout last month, except for the 3, 22, 26 and 31 August. For the first time since 2011, the met department has been keeping detailed rainfall records, the city recorded rainy days for 18 straight days in August. During last month, Delhi received 390.3 mm rainfall. The previous record was 11 days, witnessed in September 2021, August 2012, and August 2013. Other significant streaks include nine-day spells in July 2016, August 2020, and September 2018, and eight-day spells in July 2013 and July 2015.
In the four-month monsoon season (June-September), the country has so far received 7% above normal precipitation at 742.1 mm. The country received 5th highest rainfall since 2001 at 287.1 mm, 15.3% surplus rain in August, with northwest India recording 23rd highest rainfall since 1901 and 2nd highest since 2001 at 253.9 mm, 30.1% above normal precipitation. https://www.livemint.com/news/rain-weather-states-delhi-punjab-basmati-rice-monsoon-deficit-11725175471008.html (01 Sept. 2024)
Unusual monsoon This year, the southwest monsoon season has shown unusual movement of its main rainfall causing low pressure region (known as the monsoon trough) and drastic variations in rainfall including extreme rainfall events and floods across the country. Apart from the initial stalling of winds in June, the monsoon has not taken its usual break and has also produced a rare cyclone in the Arabian Sea in August, which almost completely intensified on land. In the coming months the extreme rainfall may continue, even into late October. The conditions, including the expected La Niña event, seem to be eerily similar to the year 1999 when back to back cyclones struck Odisha in October, the most destructive amongst them being the Odisha super cyclone that claimed as many as 10,000 lives. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/monsoon-2024-record-heatwaves-rare-cyclone-in-arabian-sea-la-nina-is-india-headed-towards-1999-recall (02 Sept. 2024)
Madhya Pradesh 904.9 mm rain this monsoon: IMD Madhya Pradesh has received 904.9 millimetres of rainfall from June 1 to September 5, which is 10 per cent more than the annual monsoon average, as per the IMD. The state usually gets 823.9 mm during this period, IMD data revealed. “The state’s normal rainfall is 949 mm from June 1 to September 30. It is 1043.4 mm for east MP and 877.3 mm for the state’s western part,” IMD’s Bhopal Centre meteorologist V S Yadav informed on Thursday (Sept. 05). “East MP received 953.9 mm against 823.9 mm normal rainfall, which is a rise of 6 per cent. West MP registered 867.2 mm rainfall against its normal of 766.4 mm or 13 per cent excess,” Yadav informed.Sheopur district leads with 1087.7 mm rainfall against its normal 600.5 mm, thus registering 81 per cent increase, IMD data showed. “Rewa district received the lowest at 572.6 mm, while the normal average is 823.3 mm. This is a dip of 31 per cent,” as per data from IMD’s Bhopal centre. The south-west monsoon arrived over Madhya Pradesh on June 21, three days behind schedule. https://theprint.in/india/mp-has-got-904-9-mm-rain-this-monsoon-10-pc-more-than-annual-average-imd/2254787/ (05 Sept. 2024)
FLOOD 2024
SANDRP Blog Prakasam barrage damaged by ‘sand boats’ again As yet there is no statement from the government if an independent inquiry will be conducted to understand where the five boats came from the upstream of Prakasham barrage, whom they belonged to and if they were indeed involved in illegal sand mining.
There are no inquiry reports in public domain about the earlier incidents mentioned above. Such an independent inquiry is required considering the seriousness of the incident. https://sandrp.in/2024/09/04/andhra-pradesh-prakasam-barrage-damaged-by-sand-boats-again/ (04 Sept. 2024)
Repairs completed on damaged gates The repair works on the gates of Prakasam Barrage has been successfully completed. The repair works on the gates of Prakasam Barrage has been successfully completed. Damaged counterweights at gates 67 and 69 were replaced in just two days, despite heavy rain and a strong water flow in the Krishna river. The engineers and staff worked diligently under the guidance of expert supervisor Kannayya Naidu. The repairs became urgent after several boats got stuck at the gates due to floods that recently affected the area. One boat broke after hitting a counterweight, causing blockages at gates 67, 68, and 69, which disrupted the flow of water downstream. Now that the critical repair work is complete, officials are turning their attention to removing the blocked boats to ensure normal operations at the barrage. https://www.thehansindia.com/andhra-pradesh/repairs-completed-on-prakasam-barrage-gates-905186 (07 Sept. 2024)
Inquiry on into boats damaging underway Home Minister V. Anitha has said an inquiry is under way to find out how the boats crashed into the gates of the Prakasam Barrage. The WRD officials had lodged a complaint with the NTR Commissionerate Police on September 6, wherein they said that nobody came forward to claim the boats so far. “The police are inquiring into the case and suspects are being questioned. There are several doubts,” Ms. Anitha told the media on Sept 8. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/inquiry-on-into-boats-damaging-prakasam-barrage-gate-says-ap-home-minister-anitha/article68619044.ece (08 Sept. 2024)
As of 10.00 pm on Monday Sept. 02, officials discharged about 11.06 lakh cusecs of water into the sea from the barrage by lifting all the 70 gates, the highest in the barrage’s 70-year history, said a senior official from the irrigation department. The total capacity of the barrage is 11.9 lakh cusecs. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2024/Sep/03/prakasam-barrage-in-andhra-pradesh-records-highest-flood-discharge-in-70-years (03 Sept. 2024)
Prakasam Barrage has been declared as a World Heritage Irrigation Structure (WHIS) by the International Commission of Irrigation and Drainage (ICID). The Prakasam Barrage (Old Krishna Anicut), is one of the 19 structures worldwide that the ICID has recognised for the year 2023. The WHIS award will be presented by the President of ICID to Government of Andhra Pradesh at the 25th International Congress of ICID in Visakhapatnam scheduled to be held from November 2 to 8. Till 2022, India has received a total of 14 WHIS awards, of which Andhra Pradesh has received four awards, one each to Cumbum Tank (2020), KC Canal (2020), Porumamilla Tank (2020), and Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage (2022). https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/vijayawada/2023/Oct/07/vijayawadas-prakasam-barrage-recognised-as-whis-2621670.html (07 Oct. 2023)
Telangana Vattem pump house of PRLIS flooded Vattem pump house of the Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PRLIS) was flooded a couple of days back with water from the chain-link tanks of Nagarkurnool entering the tunnel, surge-pool and pump house, flooding the pump house near Kummera village, Nagarkurnool. The incident came to light only on Tuesday (Sept. 03) as the project authorities tried to keep it under the carpet. Chief Engineer of PRLIS at Nagarkurnool G. Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy confirmed that water had flooded the pump house and the pumping out of water (dewatering) was in progress.
According to the information reaching here and the project engineers, the Vattem underground pump house being constructed to pump water into Venkatadri reservoir, was constructed with a capacity of 16.74 tmc ft, as part of the third stage of lifting in PRLIS. The surplus water of the chain-link tanks of Thudikurthi, Sripuram, Nagamalu and others first entered into one of the audits, a service tunnel used during the construction of underground pump houses, linked to the main tunnel, then surge pool, where water is stored to ensure the pumps get water for lifting with proper pressure, and then into the pump house itself.
Against erection of 10 pumps of 145 megawatt capacity each, nine for regular use and one as spare pump, work on four was already completed and the fifth one was in progress, PRLIS authorities said. The damage caused to the pumps already fixed could be assessed only after dewatering the pump house. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/telangana-rains-vattem-pump-house-of-prlis-flooded-damage-to-be-assessed-after-dewatering/article68600026.ece (03 Sept. 2024)
Flood swept away entire village The tribal village of Rakasi tanda in Thirumalayapalem mandal of Khammam district has been devastated by overflowing Akeru River. The sudden deluge left the village in ruins, with nearly 70 families living in fear and uncertainty, having lost their homes, crops and livelihoods. 48 houses have been damaged, with six totally washed away. about 350 acres of farmland on which chilli, paddy and cotton were being cultivated, have been ruined, resulting in a loss of crores. In 1985 too the entire village was flooded. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2024/Sep/06/an-entire-village-in-telangana-swept-away-by-floodwaters-from-akeru-river (06 Sept. 2024)
Andhra Pradesh Rains cause ₹101-cr loss to power infra Torrential rains caused by a depression in the Bay of Bengal have significantly damaged the State’s power supply system. The storm has caused an estimated Rs 101.838 cr damage to the power sector with APEPDCL facing losses of about Rs 16.85 cr & APCPDCL around Rs 84.998 cr. Significant damage has occurred at the Dr Narla Tatarao Thermal Power Station, with mud accumulation and rainwater inflow disrupting operations. The APGENCO MD explained that excessive water had submerged some conveyor belts and wagons, prompting the tripping of Units 1 to 6 to avoid technical issues & safeguard equipment. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2024/Sep/02/rains-cause-rs-101-crore-loss-to-andhra-power-infrastructure (2 Sep 2024)
Polavaram discharges up by 9.93 lakh cusecs The Polavaram irrigation project in Eluru district is receiving heavy inflows from the upstream areas as the Godavari River has been in spate for the last three days. The Water Resources Department (WRD) officials discharged 8,33,922 cusecs of flood from the Polavaram project by 6 pm on Sep 5. The flood discharge touched 9.80 lakh cusecs by the midnight. It went up further to 9.93 lakh cusecs by 9 am on Sept 6. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/993-lakh-cusecs-of-water-discharged-from-polavaram-project-in-andhra-pradesh/article68612894.ece (06 Sept. 2024)
Telangana: By lifting 40 gates of Sriramsagar project on Sep 2 around 1.5 lakh cusecs of water released into river Godavari. Around 2 lakh cusecs of inflows reaching Sriramsagar project from upstream areas in Maharashtra and catchment areas in erstwhile Nizamabad and Adilabad districts. Initially, officials lifted 8 gates and increased it to 40 gates. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/telangana/flood-released-by-lifting-40-srsp-gates-1820876 (02 Sept. 2024)
Godavari faces third flood in 2 months With the officials issuing the first flood warning as the water level in the Godavari at Bhadrachalam in Telangana touched 43 feet on September 4 (Wednesday) afternoon, alert was sounded in the Chintoor Agency area located downstream the river in Andhra Pradesh. The Godavari flood is the third within two months. “The floodwater level at Bhadrachalam was 43 feet at 12.58 p.m. on September 4. The first flood warning has been issued. All the flood duty officers have been alerted in the Chintoor Agency in Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) district,“ said Chintoor Sub-Collector Apoorva Bharat in a release.
Tribals inhabiting the Agency area were alerted to the possibility of floods, the release added. Meanwhile, the Irrigation Department, in a release, said the inflow at the Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage (SACB) across the Godavari at Dowleswaram was rising. “More than 6.2 lakh cusecs of floodwater is being released into the sea and 1,800 causes into the canals in the Godavari delta,” the release added. The first flood warning at Dowleswaram would be issued once the inflows touch the 10 lakh-cusec mark. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/alert-sounded-as-godavari-region-faces-flood-threat-for-the-third-time-in-two-months/article68604625.ece (04 Sept. 2024)
Continuous rainfall since Saturday (Sept. 07) night has caused widespread disruption across the north coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, including Visakhapatnam, Anakapalle, Alluri Sitarama Raju and erstwhile Vizianagaram and Srikakulam. The downpour has led to overflowing of water streams, landslides in hilly areas, road blockages, drainage overflows, and severe flooding in low-lying areas. Meanwhile, heavy rainfall in Alluri Sitarama Raju district has caused significant damage, washing away bridges on canals and severing road links to over 30 villages. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2024/Sep/09/continuous-rains-cause-landslides-floods-in-andhra-pradeshs-north-coastal-districts (09 Sept. 2024)
Vamsadhara, Nagavali and other rivers received huge inflows on Sunday (September 8, 2024), with incessant rains in their catchment areas for the last few days. According to official data, the Gotta barrage constructed on the Vamsadhara river received 7220 cusecs of water and the irrigation officials released 6928 cusecs as inflows were expected to be more for the next couple of days. As many as 16,610 cusecs of water were discharged from Madduvalasa reservoir, which received 11,933 cusecs by Sunday morning (September 8, 2024). https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/vamsadhara-nagavali-receiving-huge-inflows-from-catchment-areas/article68617893.ece (09 Sept. 2024)
People anticipate worst flood People in Krishna Lanka, Ranigari Thota and other areas in the city have been living in fear ever since the water levels in the Krishna river started rising on August 30, Saturday (Sept. 01). Some of them, living in houses constructed right behind the Riverfront Park, said if not for the retaining wall, the areas would have been under water by now. Some others said despite the wall, the water is entering their compounds. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/people-near-krishna-river-bank-pack-their-bags-in-anticipation-of-the-worst/article68597936.ece (03 Sept. 2024)
Gujarat Dams overflowing: 55% at full capacity According to the latest reports from the Water Resources Department, 115 out of 206 reservoirs in Gujarat are now 100% filled, while an additional 45 reservoirs have reached 70-100% of their storage capacity. This dramatic increase in water levels has put many dams on high alert, with 17 reservoirs holding between 50-70% of their capacity. The Sardar Sarovar Dam has reached an impressive 86% of its total storage capacity. This crucial reservoir now holds 2,88,248 MCM (Million Cubic Meters) of water, providing a significant boost to the state’s water security. Overall, the 207 reservoirs, including the Sardar Sarovar, have achieved a combined water storage of more than 81%. This marks a 5% increase compared to the same period last year, when the reservoirs recorded 76% capacity. https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/environment/story/gujarats-dams-overflowing-55-at-full-capacity-after-monsoon-deluge-2593449-2024-09-04 (04 Sept. 2024)
10 dams less than 30% full In spite of surplus rainfall in Gujarat, at least ten dams are less than 30% full, including Lakhanka dam in Bhavnagar and Sipu dam in Banaskantha. Many of these dams have consistently been not filled to capacity for several years. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/heavy-rainfall-but-10-dams-less-than-30-full/articleshow/113136783.cms (07 Sept. 2024)
Tripura CM announces Rs 564 crore package for flood-affected areas On the third day of the Tripura Legislative Assembly, CM Saha said that Members of this Assembly are aware that the recent floods in the state have caused extensive damage to roads, bridges, power transmission lines, agriculture, gardens, cultivable agricultural land, fish ponds, dams, animal resources, and houses. “National highways, state roads, and rural roads were flooded, and ponds, reservoirs, and farmlands were inundated with silt and water. The initial estimate of damage due to the flood is about Rs 14,247 crore. After assessing the actual damage, the state government will submit a memorandum to the Union Home Ministry requesting additional funds for relief and rehabilitation,” said CM Saha.
In the Public Works Department (Water Resources), Rs 35 crore will be used for renovating, repairing, and maintaining dams, channels, and major projects in the state. The Power Department will receive Rs 100 crore for the rapid restoration, repair, and maintenance of power transmission lines, transformers, conductors, cables, and accessories. Rs 200 crore has been allocated to the Public Works Department (Roads and Buildings) for the reconstruction, renovation, and maintenance of flood-damaged roads and drains. https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/tripura-cm-announces-rs-564-crore-package-for-flood-affected-areas-124090700061_1.html (07 Sept. 2024)
Jammu & Kashmir Decade after devastating floods, no lessons learnt Despite the passing of a decade after devastating floods hit Kashmir, authorities have failed to substantially increase the carrying capacity of river Jhelum and undertake flood mitigation measures. Experts too are not convinced of the flood mitigation measures so far. In absence of regulation, wanton constructions in flood plains of Jhelum have taken place in the last several decades.
On August 21, the High Court of J&K and Ladakh granted the government 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. On the previous hearing on June 11, 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/city/decade-after-devastating-floods-no-lessons-learnt/ (08 Sept. 2024)
HFL BREACH
Odisha River Kalab in Godavari basin at Jeeraguda site in Koraput district has breached old HFL 552.53 meter dated 15.08.2018 and has set 552.97 meter as new HFL at 02:00 hour 21:00 hour on 08.09.2024.
Rajasthan River Som in Mahi basin at Amarpura site in Udaipur district has crossed old HFL 289.46 meter dated 24.08.2022 and set 289.72 meter as new HFL at 13:00 hour on 04.09.2024.
URBAN FLOODS
Dainik Bhaskar, Sept, 3 2024.
Vijayawada Prakasam barrage floods city In an unprecedented situation in the history of 170-year-old Prakasam barrage on Krishna river in Vijayawada, the state irrigation department authorities on Monday (Sept. 02) released 1.18 million cusecs of water from the barrage, which resulted in inundation of a large number of residential colonies in the low-lying areas of the city and several villages downstream of the river in Krishna district. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/118-million-cusecs-of-water-released-from-barrage-inundates-parts-of-vijaywada-101725305061811.html (03 Sept. 2024)
Why Vijayawada Floods Are a Man-Made Disaster The primary cause of flooding in Vijayawada is the overflowing of the Budameru, not a breach. (breach happened on Sep 3, not before). It’s called “The Sorrow of Vijayawada.” To mitigate this, the Budameru Diversion Channel (BDC) is used to redirect the Budameru flow into the Krishna River. In this context, the blue line represents the Budameru, while the yellow line indicates the Polavaram Right Main Canal (BDC)
Budameru is dammed at Velagaleru. From here, it is supposed to flow into the Krishna River. The original plan was to prevent Budameru from entering the interior areas of Vijayawada. If we look at the timeline, unprecedented rains occurred from August 30 to August 31, with the rain stopping by the evening of August 31. However, there was no flooding in the interior areas at that time. The flooding only occurred on the morning of September 1, about 12 hours after the rain had stopped.
Whatever the reason, when the decision was made to open the gates at midnight, there was more than enough time to evacuate people from the affected areas. It’s shocking to think why no evacuation took place. It was obvious that the Budameru would overflow, as it can only accommodate < 10,000 cusecs at best, but that day it was flowing at > 30,000 cusecs. Common sense dictates that it would inevitably overflow
The most shocking part is Chandrababu’s press conference, where he claimed that Budameru has no gates and dismissed the issue as mere controversy. It’s surprising that a ruling CM with 15 years of experience wouldn’t know this. There was no breach, it’s an overflow during Aug 31 & Sep 1 (subject to correction). https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1831204773548208601.html (Gordon Gekko 4 Sep 2024) https://x.com/KiranWeatherman/status/1831539059245613476 (Vizag Weatherman, 5 Sep 2024)
Interesting statement by Union Agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan: “The illegal mining during the previous regime is one of the reasons for the breach of Budameru.”
– Strange statement by AP CM. Naidu said the unexpected heavy rains, coupled with human error had caused the huge damage. “We started repair works and modernisation of Budameru in 2019, but the same were not executed by the successive government,’’ he deplored. (Naidu was CM during 2014-2019. So they started work on Budameru towards the fag end of their previous tenure?) https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2024/Sep/06/army-to-step-in-to-plug-budameru-canal-breach (06 Sept. 2024)
CPM capital region coordinator, CH Babu Rao, said it is time to find a permanent solution to the Budameru problem. He said the diversion channel should be expanded to 37,500 cusecs at the earliest. “As many tanks and streams in Telangana contribute to the inflows to Budameru, maintenance of those tanks is also important in managing the flood in Budameru,” he observed, adding that the state govt should also focus on increasing the discharge capacity of Budameru in its natural course by removing fish tanks and other encroachments.
– Lakshminarayana suggests the inter-linking of three canals flowing through Vijayawada city to create additional discharge capacity. “As the diversion upstream of Prakasam barrage is likely to fail in the event of heavy floods in Krishna river, it can be diverted into canals to ease out the flood in Budameru. Similarly, a reservoir with 20 TMC capacity should be built at Vaikuntapuram to absorb flooding from Munneru, which will also help in better managing Budameru flood besides adding additional water storage capacity,” he said. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/vijayawada-floods-blame-on-state-govts-and-solutions/articleshow/113139850.cms (07 Sept. 2024)
The floods in Vijayawada, caused by the Budameru Canal and Krishna River, have reached unprecedented levels, affecting Ajith Singhnagar, New Rajarajeshwaripet, Nunna, Payakapuram, and now Ramalingeswaranagar and Bhavani Puram. On Monday (Sept. 02), these areas were submerged, displacing thousands of residents. At dawn on Monday, floodwaters from the Krishna River breached retaining walls and inundated homes in Ramalingeswaranagar. The water, rising to six feet, flooded the Police Colony and surrounding roads. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/andhra-pradesh/floods-ravage-more-parts-of-vijayawada-1821026 (03 Sept. 2024)
The fury of Budameru has brought power generation at Narla Tatarao Thermal Power Station (NTTPS) in Kondapalli to a grinding halt. All units in the power station were tripped following the inundation of the conveyor belt, coal yard, and wagon yard. Water from Budameru and neighboring hill slopes entered the power plant, making it an arduous task for authorities to maintain power generation. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/water-woes-halt-thermal-power-generation-at-nttps-in-kondapalli/articleshow/112977359.cms (02 Sept. 2024)
Gabion baskets to plug third breach The Indian Army Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR) operations team is addressing the flood situation in Vijayawada, following three critical breaches developed at the Budameru canal, an official release issued in Visakhapatnam said on Friday (September 6, 2024). The first and second breaches, each ranging between 10 metres and 15 metres, have been temporarily plugged. The temporary solution led to a funnelling effect, increasing the inflows significantly at the third breach site, which spans approximately from 80 metres to 100 metres. The water current at this location was between 6 knots and 8 knots, which might increase upto 12 knots.
To counter this, the team plans to employ a robust two-layer strategy using Gabion baskets. These baskets will be stacked one atop another and filled with stones to fortify the breach. Following the placement of the Gabion baskets, a protective bund up to 4 meters in height will be built, accompanied by the necessary earthwork to support the outer side of the baskets. Furthermore, the fabrication of Gabion baskets is underway, using the local resources at the site for immediate deployment. Additionally, trials will also include the use of HESCO baskets filled with sandbags to evaluate their effectiveness. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/gabion-baskets-to-help-army-team-plug-third-breach-point-at-budameru-in-vijayawada/article68614683.ece (07 Sept. 2024)
Municipal administration and urban development minister Dr P Narayana has said that the state govt is contemplating taking up the construction of a retaining wall to protect residential areas in the city from future floods. He mentioned that CM Chandrababu Naidu had already directed the water resources department to increase the height of Budameru bunds to prevent additional flooding. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/vijayawada-floods-retaining-wall-to-prevent-flooding-from-budameru-on-cards-says-andhra-pradesh-minister-p-narayana/articleshow/113162661.cms (08 Sept. 2024)
Hyderabad Floodwaters Enter Luxury Mokila Villas Several villas in Mokila have been inundated and residents who paid up to Rs 8 crore for each villa said they felt cheated. Kollur, Mokila and Shankarpally were projected by the BRS regime as a ‘golden triangle’ in terms of real estate investment. Mokila was proposed as the destination for high-net worth individuals. However, inadequate stormwater drain network, lack of planning and some gated communities blocking the water flow downstream has thrown life out of gear of people living in the villas.
Water has gushed into the villas, submerging vehicles and damaging furniture. The internal roads were under a layer of water, and the residents were forced to stay indoors. The hours-long power outage made the condition worse, residents said. “We fear every spell of rain. There are around 500 families in our society, including many senior citizens. All of us are forced to stay inside our homes,” said A. Aishwarya from LA Paloma Villas, spread over 33 acres. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/telangana/floodwaters-enter-luxury-mokila-villas-1821023 (03 Sept. 2024) Hyderabad On Monday (Sept. 2) morning, 33 lakes were releasing surplus water downstream, as per information shared by the Lakes division of the GHMC. Seven more lakes have reached the ‘FTL, said the officials. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/hyderabad-rains-surplus-water-from-33-lakes-7-lakes-reached-ftl-says-ghmc/article68596034.ece (02 Sept. 2024) The level of the Musi River is rising due to the heavy rains being witnessed in Hyderabad and other districts of Telangana. GHMC Commissioner Amrapali Kata also wrote, “In light of the current situation, with the Musi River experiencing a significant flow at Chaderghat bridge due to the heavy rains, we urge all citizens to remain indoors for their safety.” https://www.siasat.com/musi-river-swells-due-to-heavy-rains-in-hyderabad-3088804/ (02 Sept. 2024) With Hussain Sagar lake in the heart of Hyderabad filled to the brim due to heavy rains and huge inflows, authorities on Sunday (Sept. 01)opened four sluice gates to release the water. Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has alerted people in areas along the discharge channels. The water level in the lake was 513.60 metres against the Full Tank Level (FTL) of 514 metres. https://www.ap7am.com/en/85730/hyderabads-hussain-sagar-lake-filled-to-brim-sluice-gates-opened (01 Sept. 2024)
Vadodara Man made floods The Pratappura reservoir that collects rain water from Halol and Pavagadh was meant to supplement the Ajwa dam during scant rainfall years. Both Pratappura and Ajwa dams were commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, her great grandfather-in-law. The royal scion recalled how the city saw an annual rainfall of 1,955 mm in 1878, 1,752 mm in 1917 & 2,336 mm in 1927. She also mentioned the flood of 2005, when the city saw 2,280 mm of rain submerging the horse of the statue of Maharaja Sayajirao at Kala Ghoda circle, earning it the name of “Ghoda poor” and was compared to the 1927 flood. Gaekwad’s post claimed that the rain caused an estimated damage of Rs 56 cr to Ajwa & Pratappura reservoirs, which she said illustrated “the consequence of neglecting historical lessons in flood management”.
Research by Udit Bhatia, Associate Professor at IITGN team pointed at the flooding in Vadodara as the likely outcome of “extensive urban development in flood-prone areas, altered elevations and drainage patterns compromised due to rapid urbanisation and clogged drainage systems”. “Analysis of urban land use shows rapid expansion near riverbanks, particularly downstream in Vadodara, where developments are vulnerable to persistent flooding. Intense rainfall poses a significant challenge to drainage systems, and without integrating urban basin management, even routine rainfall events could have unexpectedly severe consequences,” he told Indian Express.
Activist Rohit Prajapati of Paryavaran Suraksha Samiti, who had dragged VMC to NGT in 2016, said, “The reason behind flooding are an unprepared city that choked and blocked every natural water drain and reduced absorption and carrying capacity in its ill-conceived quest for development. Mega infrastructure projects like the Vadodara-Ahmedabad Express Highway, the eight lane Delhi-Mumbai Express Highway and the (Mumbai to Ahmedabad) bullet train project have obstructed and altered the inter-linked natural river system…” Blaming VMC for not acting on the NGT directive of 2021, he said, “A temporal analysis through satellite images and other secondary data can be undertaken to identify the extent of disruptions over the years… This could be the biggest flood in a century.”
Surat, which has been through the plague of 1994, saw flooding in 2006 from water released to Tapi river from Ukai dam. Bhatia said the city took measures like making drainage systems fully functional around the river, mindful of elevations. “Now, Surat is also going to build its riverfront to protect the city from overflowing Tapi. A lot of thought is being given to ensure that flood level assessments are right… that is going to take time but let us build this to last, rather than go back & introspect what to build,” he added. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/gujarat-heavy-rain-vadodara-vadodara-waterlogging-power-outage-cellphone-network-collapse-vishwamitri-river-9557252/ (9 Sep 2024)
Following the floods, Gaekwad’s wife Radhikaraje Gaekwad had taken to the social media to say that the deluge was a “consequence of neglecting historical lessons in flood management”. She had said, “Flooding has a long history in Vadodara… historical peaks reached 77 inches in 1878, 69 inches in 1917, and 92 inches in 1927… Baroda inherits a legacy of impeccable administration under the Late Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. The infrastructure, including separate sewage and rainwater drains and the Ajwa and Pratappura dams was well-designed to handle floods; the city then maintained good drainage systems through abundant nalas, tanks, and open spaces for natural water to flow…” https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/vadodara-royal-family-seeks-govt-action-to-solve-problem-of-flooding-9555922/ (08 Sept. 2024)
बड़ी परियोजनाओं और नदी क्षेत्र में मलबे की डंपिंग ने बर्बाद की जलप्रणाली जबरदस्त बाढ़ और जलभराव की मार झेल रहे गुजरात के वडोदरा जिले में एक दर्जन से अधिक पर्यावरण कर्ताओं और नागरिकों ने केंद्र के साथ राज्य सरकार व स्थानीय प्रशासन को पत्र लिखकर तत्काल ठोस कार्रवाई की मांग की है। पर्यावरणकर्ताओं का कहना है कि इस बाढ़ और जलभराव के लिए प्रबल तौर पर जिम्मेदार एक्सप्रेस वे और बुलेट ट्रेन जैसी बड़ी परियोजनाएं हैं जिनके कारण प्राकृतिक जल प्रणाली तहस-नहस हो गई है। कई बार चेताने के बावजूद विश्वामित्री नदी का न ही पुनरुद्धार कार्य किया गया और न ही सुप्रीम कोर्ट से लेकर ग्रीन ट्रिब्यूनल के आदेशों का पालन किया गया है।
पर्यावरण कार्यकर्ता रोहित प्रजापति ने केंद्र और राज्य सरकार के साथ नगर निगम समेत स्थानीय प्रशासन के वरिष्ठ अधिकारियों को भेजे गए पत्र में संंयुक्त रूप से कहा बीते वर्ष आई बाढ़ और जलभराव की घटनाओं से कोई सबक नहीं सीखा गया। साथ ही विश्वामित्री नदी के “पुनरुद्धार” के लिए गलत सलाह और गलत विचार वाले प्रयास किए गए जिससे बाढ़ और जलभराव का ठोस समाधान नहीं निकल सका है। अधिकारियों को भेजे गए ठोस कार्रवाई की मांग वाले पत्र में कहा गया है कि वडोदरा में बाढ़ और जलभराव की घटनाओं की तीव्रता और सीमा पिछले 20 वर्षों में और भी खराब हो गई है। इस कारण से नियमित रूप से जलमग्न होने वाले क्षेत्रों के अलावा ‘सुरक्षित’ क्षेत्र भी जलमग्न हो गए हैं। https://hindi.downtoearth.org.in/river/vadodara-floods-environmentalists-say-big-projects-and-dumping-of-debris-in-river-area-ruined-water-system (05 Sept 2024)
Surat Discharge from Ukai to hit 1.85L cusecs With inflows of over 1.43 lakh cusecs into the Ukai dam, authorities announced plans to increase the water discharge to 1.85 lakh cusecs by Monday (Sept. 02) night. Discharge had been maintained at 1.63 lakh cusecs till Monday evening. The dam’s current water level is 336.32 feet, just shy of the rule level of 340 feet, prompting increased discharge due to the heavy rain in the dam’s catchment area. The water level at the weir-cum-causeway in Surat was 6.8m on Monday (Sept. 02) evening, with outflows at 51,163 cusecs. Authorities anticipate that the water level will rise further by Tuesday (Sept. 03) morning, with discharge exceeding 2 lakh cusecs as water released from Ukai dam reaches the city. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/surat/ukai-dam-discharge-reaches-185l-cusecs-surat-on-high-alert/articleshow/113006668.cms (03 Sept. 2024)
Delhi Dwindling waterbodies, floods: NGT seeks report NGT has sought information from various authorities in Delhi regarding the measures being taken to safeguard the city’s dwindling water bodies and mitigate urban flooding. Delhi Pollution Control Committee, Delhi State Wetland Authority, Central Pollution Control Board and the Union jal shakti ministry have been asked to submit their replies a week prior to the next hearing, which is scheduled for Dec 11. The NGT’s principal bench, chaired by Justice Prakash Shrivastava, took suo motu cognizance of some media reports and, in an order dated Aug 30, linked the increase in urban flooding to the disappearance of water bodies in Delhi. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/dwindling-waterbodies-floods-ngt-seeks-report/articleshow/113103664.cms (05 Sept. 2024)
Chennai Machine from Ahmedabad to help desilt drains Greater Chennai Corporation, in preparation for the monsoon, has rented a Drain Master machine from Ahmedabad to desilt and remove weeds from stormwater drains, canals, and waterbodies. This machine can operate both on land and water and is currently deployed at the Captain Cotton Canal to dredge and clear debris. In addition to the Drain Master, GCC has deployed various amphibious machines and robotic excavators across multiple city canals. Desilting work is underway on Cochrane Basin Road in Korukkupet, where the railway culvert near B Canal is being cleared, and excavators are removing water hyacinth from Madhavaram Lake. Desilting efforts are also in progress at Reddikuppam Canal in T Nagar, a smaller drain connected to Mambalam Canal. Chief secretary N Muruganandam, who inspected flood mitigation activities last week, has instructed officials to complete work, including canal and drain desilting, by Sept-end. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/machine-from-ahmedabad-to-help-desilt-drains-in-chennai/articleshow/112976326.cms (02 Sept. 2024)
CLOUD BURSTS
Nagaland Massive landslide hits NH; 6 dead A massive landslide triggered by heavy rainfall killed at least six persons, damaging houses and a major section of NH-29 in Chumoukedima district. The landslide that hit Pherima and Pagala Pahar also snapped road communications between Dimapur and Kohima.Six bodies, including that of a woman, were found in Pherima where scores of houses and vehicles were also damaged in the landslide. Searches were underway to trace several others who went missing. Nagaland govt in a statement said that due to incessant rain in the past few weeks and cloud burst, a massive landslide occurred at Pherima village under Medziphema sub-division, cutting off a portion of NH-29 around 10.30pm Tuesday (Sept. 03). https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/massive-landslide-hits-nagaland-highway-6-dead-many-missing-nh-29-remains-cut-off-12814880.html (05 Sept. 2024) चुमौकेदिमा जिले में भारी बारिश के कारण हुए भूस्खलन में कई मकान और राष्ट्रीय राजमार्ग-29 का बड़ा हिस्सा क्षतिग्रस्त हो गया। भूस्खलन में छह लोगों की मौत हो गई और कई लापता बताए जा रहे हैं। अधिकारियों ने बुधवार (Sept. 04) को बताया कि घटना मंगलवार रात (Sept. 03) को हुई, जब जिले के फेरिमा में मूसलाधार बारिश के कारण अचानक आई बाढ़ में सड़क के किनारे स्थित मकान क्षतिग्रस्त हो गए। https://www.amarujala.com/india-news/landslide-causes-massive-destruction-in-nagaland-highway-connecting-kohima-to-dimapur-blocked-houses-collapsed-2024-09-04 (04 Sept. 2024)
Arunachal Pradesh Cloudburst in Itanagar triggers landslides. https://nagalandpost.com/index.php/2024/06/24/cloudburst-in-itanagar-triggers-landslides-flood-like-situation/ (24 June 2024)
LANDSLIDES
Himachal Pradesh -जनजातीय जिला किन्नौर के निगुलसरी सेक्टर-26 में नेशनल हाईवे-5 बार-बार बाधित हो रहा है। इस कारण हजारों लोगों को आवाजाही करना परेशानियों भरा बना हुआ है। सोमवार शाम (Sept. 02) को जिले में भारी बारिश हुई। इस कारण निगुलसरी में पहाड़ी से भारी भरकम चट्टानों के दरकने का सिलसिला शुरू हो गया। पहाड़ी से भारी भूस्खलन और चट्टानें दरकने के कारण सोमवार शाम सात बजे निगुलसरी में एनएच-5 बाधित हो गया। पहाड़ी से गिरी चट्टानों के कारण करीब 200 मीटर एनएच पर मलबा ही मलबा भर गया। इस कारण परिवहन निगम की ओर से बसों में सवारियों को ट्रांसमिट कर आवाजाही करवाई गई। सोमवार रात को भूस्खलन से बाधित हुआ एनएच मंगलवार (Sept. 03) को शाम छह बजे करीब 23 घंटे बाद बहाल हो सका, जिससे लोगों ने राहत की सांस ली है। निगुलसरी में लगातार हो रहे भूस्खलन से निपटने के लिए पुख्ता बंदोबस्त न होने के कारण जिले के हजारों लोगों की दुश्वारियां बरकरार हैं। वहीं, एनएचएआई को भी बार-बार बाधित हो रहे मार्ग को बहाल करने में कड़ी चुनौतियों का सामना करना पड़ रहा है। https://www.amarujala.com/himachal-pradesh/rampur-bushahar/landslide-again-in-nigulsari-nh-5-filled-with-debris-due-to-falling-of-rocks-transportation-is-being-done-by-transmitting-buses-rampur-hp-news-c-178-1-ssml1032-121198-2024-09-03 (03 Sept. 2024)
Uttarakhand वर्ष 2003 में वरुणावत पर्वत से हुए भूस्खलन के बाद हुए ट्रीटमेंट के लिए जनपद और प्रदेश के पर्यावरणविदों ने शासन-प्रशासन को वनास्पतिक उपचार का सुझाव दिया था। पर्यावरणविदों का कहना है कि जिस तरह का वानस्पतिक उपचार होना चाहिए था वैसा नहीं हुआ। पर्वत के शीर्ष पर ट्रीटमेंट के नाम पर लगाए गए सीमेंट की उम्र समाप्त हो गई है। इस कारण उस पर पानी रिसने और भूकंप, वनाग्नि की हलचलों के कारण पहाड़ पर जहां मिट्टी कच्ची है। वहां से 21 वर्ष बाद भूस्खलन सक्रीय हो गया है। https://www.amarujala.com/dehradun/varunavat-parvat-landslide-if-proper-treatment-had-been-done-21-years-ago-mountain-would-not-have-cracked-agai-2024-09-08 (08 Sept. 2024)
चमोली जिले के नीती घाटी में बड़ा भूस्खलन हुआ है. इस लैंडस्लाइड के बाद नीती घाटी को जोशीमठ से जोड़ने वाला नेशनल हाईवे बंद भी बंद हो गया है. ये नेशनल हवाई नीती घाटी के कई गांवों के साथ-साथ भारत को चीन सीमा से भी जुड़ता है. जानकारी के मुताबिक इस हाईवे को खोलने में अभी एक से दो दिन लग सकते है. https://www.etvbharat.com/hi/!bharat/landslide-on-national-highway-in-niti-valley-cut-off-chamoli-district-headquarters-from-china-border-hindi-news-utn24090704575 (07 Sept. 2024)
बागेश्वर: कपकोट कर्मी मोटरमार्ग पर गांसू के पास पहाड़ से बोल्डर गिर रहे हैं, जिससे बदियाकोट मां भगवती के दर्शन करने जा रहे ग्रामीण और अन्य भक्त बाल-बाल बचे और सभी श्रद्धालु घंटों सड़क पर फंसे रहे. https://www.etvbharat.com/hi/!state/terrible-landslide-on-kapkot-karmi-road-in-bageshwar-uttarakhand-news-uts24090803556 (08 Sept. 2024) Gunthi village in Bageshwar facing landslide threats due to constant erosion by river. https://public.app/video/sp_disffpcuax9fn (08 Sept. 2024)
-पिथौरागढ़ में बारिश के बाद जोहार क्षेत्र की ओर जाने वाली मुनस्यारी-मिलम मार्ग की पहाड़ी में भारी भूस्खलन हुआ है. चंद सेकंडों में पूरा पहाड़ नीचे गिर गया. लैंडस्लाइड की ये घटना सोमवार दो सितंबर शाम की बताई जा रही है. पहाड़ से गिरे मलबे के नीचे करीब दो दर्जन बकरियां के दबने की आशंका है. भूस्खलन के चलते आंतरिक मार्ग भी बंद हो गया है. इस घटना से दर्जनों गांवों का मुनस्यारी तहसील से संपर्क पूरी तरह से कट गया है। https://www.etvbharat.com/hi/!bharat/a-dangerous-landslide-occurred-video-in-munsiyari-of-pithoragarh-hindi-news-utn24090305470 (03 Sept. 2024)
Kerala Destined to crumble Quarries dotting ecologically sensitive areas could have played a role in Wayanad landslides. Yet states push for modifications in such areas in Western Ghats. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/natural-disasters/destined-to-crumble (01 Sept. 2024)
ENVIRONMENT GOVERNANCE
Report NGT’s golden era was over long ago What was a grand strategy to create a parallel environmental structure for grievance and unclog the Supreme Court has fallen woefully short of its promise and potential. https://theprint.in/ground-reports/ngts-golden-era-was-over-long-ago-then-came-the-age-of-delays-fines-committee-raj/2248904/ (02 Sept. 2024)
Book Launch Comprehensive book on environmental law A detailed book on environmental law, covering a broad spectrum of topics from international conventions to air and water pollution, as well as forest and wildlife regulations, was released in Chennai.
The book, titled ‘Comprehensive Commentary on Environmental Protection and Pollution Control Laws’, is authored by Justice P. Jyothimani, a former Judge of the Madras High Court and former judicial member of the NGT, along with advocate Naveen Kumar Murthi. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/comprehensive-book-on-environmental-law-launched/article68593087.ece (04 Sept. 2024)
Study Coal mining degraded 35% of native land cover A new study captures how three coal mines in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh affected land use change over three decades, with impacts on forest cover, water bodies, and agricultural land. Repurposing and restoring mined-out land is emerging as the next frontier for the energy transition. Existing guidelines on land reclamation are not comprehensive and lack a legal and quantitative framework, say experts. https://india.mongabay.com/2024/08/coal-mining-degraded-35-of-native-land-cover-in-indias-eastern-coal-belt/ (16 Aug. 2024)
हरियाणा विधानसभा चुनाव: नागरिक हरित घोषणापत्र देश के सबसे प्रदूषित 50 शहरों में से सात हरियाणा के हैं, ज्यादातर जिलों में भूजल स्तर खतरनाक स्तर पर पहुंच गया है, यही वजह है कि लोगों ने राजनीतिक दलों से पूछने के लिए कई सवाल तैयार किए हैं https://hindi.downtoearth.org.in/elections/haryana-assembly-elections-what-is-special-in-the-citizens-green-manifesto (04 Sept. 2024) ‘green manifesto’ to bring focus on ecological issues In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the environmentalists and ecologists, along with several civil society members across Haryana have come with a ‘green manifesto’ raising various pressing issues such as air pollution, waste management, depleting ground water level, and the need to protect the Aravalis. They have sought the inclusion of their demands into the manifestoes of various political parties for the upcoming Assembly election. https://www.thehindu.com/elections/haryana-assembly/environmentalists-in-haryana-bring-out-green-manifesto-to-bring-focus-on-ecological-issues/article68606071.ece (04 Sept. 2024) Residents of Gurugram hosted their first “Climate Chaupal” at the Aravalli Biodiversity Park on Saturday morning with the aims of fostering environmental awareness and community participation, locals said. The event, which began at 8.30am, brought together over 100 citizens, they added. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/gurugram-news/gurugram-residents-host-first-climate-chaupal-at-aravalli-biodiversity-park-101725728748082.html (07 Sept. 2024) The group proposes involving local communities in the creation of sacred forests or banis in every village and declaring the Aravalis as a biodiversity heritage site. It also emphasises on the importance of prioritising affordable public transport by initiatives such as introducing electric buses and developing cycle tracks. The manifesto urges the govt to increase taxation on cars, so people will opt for public transport. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/protect-aravalis-raise-forest-cover-citizens-group-makes-green-manifesto-before-polls/articleshow/111589123.cms (09 July 2024)
India in bottom 6; biodiversity, air quality big Yale University in partnership with Columbia University has been publishing an Environmental Performance Index (EPI) report every two years since 2006. It released the 2024 EPI report recently. The report uses 58 performance indicators across 11 environmental issues and scores 180 countries to assess their progress toward mitigating climate change, improving environmental health and protecting ecosystem vitality.
Sadly, India had the dubious distinction of figuring among the bottom 6 countries along with Bangladesh, Myanmar, Laos, Pakistan and Vietnam, with EPI scores ranging from 24 to 28. Many African countries such as Gabon, Zimbabwe and Botswana, with EPI scores of between 49 and 53, fared better than India.
Although Forest Survey of India data suggests that the forest cover has increased in India, this is mainly accounted for by plantation forestry, which has low biodiversity and ecological value. India ranked 177 out of 180 countries in terms of the EPI score for environmental health. India still has a long way to go to improve environmental quality and realise the global environmental targets. https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/green-report-india-in-bottom-6-biodiversity-air-quality-big-worries-3172880 (02 Sept. 2024)
Why long-term ecological monitoring efforts need streamlining to develop better conservation policies. https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/business-tech/tracking-indias-wild-side-with-ltem/article68585462.ece (01 Sept. 2024)
CLIMATE CHANGE
Study Over 85% of districts exposed to extreme climate events More than 85% of districts in India are exposed to extreme climate events such as floods, droughts and cyclones, according to a new study. The study by IPE Global and Esri India also found that 45% of the districts were experiencing a “swapping” trend, where traditionally flood-prone areas were becoming drought-prone and vice versa. The study compiled a catalogue of extreme climate events during a 50-year period from 1973 to 2023. The last decade alone saw a five-fold increase in these climate extremes, with a four-fold increase in extreme flood events, it said. The study also shows there has been a two-fold increase in drought events, especially agricultural and meteorological droughts, and a four-fold increase in cyclone events. It found that more than 60% of districts in Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Assam were experiencing more than one extreme climate event. The number of districts that have transitioned from experiencing floods to facing droughts surpassed those that have shifted from droughts to floods.
– Districts in Tripura, Kerala, Bihar, Punjab and Jharkhand exhibit the most prominent swapping trends, it said. The study recommended establishing a Climate Risk Observatory, a risk-informed decision-making toolkit for policymakers at the national, state, district and city levels under its National Resilience Programme, and the creation of an Infrastructure Climate Fund to support sustained investment in climate-resilient critical infrastructure and foster locally-led climate actions. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/over-85-of-indian-districts-exposed-to-extreme-climate-events-study/article68613352.ece (06 Sept. 2024)
Report The seas are coming: Faster, angrier, hotter The oceans are warming, and sea levels are rising rapidly. Driven by climate change, these changes will permanently reshape our planet. https://www.indiatoday.in/interactive/photo-essay/climate-change-sea-level-rise-ocean-warming-coastal-flooding-weather-pattern-253-30-08-2024 (30 Aug. 2024)
Biodiversity can increase the resilience of cities A conscious focus on land and marine biodiversity could greatly help address the climate issues we face today Written by Radha Goenka. https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/how-biodiversity-can-increase-the-resilience-of-cities-9546952/ (03 Sept. 2024)
Green Humour by Rohan Chakravarty on Uttarakhand’s Om Parvat turning snowless for the first time.
SOUTH ASIA
Bangladesh Cause of floods and way forward People in the eastern region of Bangladesh, especially in mid-southeast, have not witnessed such a terrifying flood as seen in the second half of August this year, ever since the country’s independence in 1971. Consequently, due to the unexpected nature of the event, the people in this region suffered a lot more than in other regions of the country, where floods are a recurring phenomenon every year.
– The first and foremost cause of this flash-flood is related to the topographical features of the region, as well as trans-boundary rivers flowing from India to Bangladesh. Lying on the mid north-eastern side of Bangladesh, the Tripura state of India is basically a hilly terrain, where hills rise up to a height of 3 thousand feet. Seven districts of Bangladesh – Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Brahmanbaria, Cumilla, Feni, Chattogram, and Khagrachhari – share the border with Tripura. A number of rivers enter Bangladesh after emerging from the hills of Tripura, and of the 54 recognised trans-boundary rivers (actual number is over 200) flowing into Bangladesh from India, 15 flow through the Tripura state. These are: Juri, Monu, Dhalai, Langla, Khowai, Sutang, Sonai, Haora, Bijani, Salda, Gomati, Dakatia, Silonia, Muhuri, and Feni. Among these, six flow towards the north, six to the west, and the remaining three towards the south after entering Bangladesh. It implies that the rain-water can swiftly enter Bangladesh from Tripura in no time through these rivers. And when the rain is excessive within a short period of time, then it takes the shape of flash-flood wreaking havoc in the affected areas.
– But according to available information, clouds started to explode in the Tripura state and bordering areas of Bangladesh from August 19 this year due to weather condition. Besides, cooler air from the western direction was also entering the eastern skies that exacerbated the situation. On the other hand, the low pressure from the Bay of Bengal reached Feni, Noakhali, and Cumilla districts via Cox’s Bazar and Chattogram at the same time. Within a span of four days from 19 to 22 August, there was 435 millimetres of rain in Feni alone. In Cumilla, the amount of rain during the same period stood at 557 millimetres, and in Noakhali it was 605 millimetres, which were much higher than normal.
– At the same time, high tides were observed in the Bay of Bengal due to full-moon on the night of August 19, which increased the severity and duration of floods in the Noakhali and Lakshmipur districts, as it restrained and delayed the flood-water of downstream districts from gushing into the sea.
– As mentioned earlier, Gomati is one of the 15 rivers that enter Bangladesh from Tripura. It emerges from the Dumbur Lake on the north of Khagrachhari border and enters Cumilla district after flowing 120 kilometres through Tripura. After entering Bangladesh, this river flows across the northern side of Cumilla town, then rumbles through the Burichang upazila, and finally merges with the Meghna River after crossing Muradnagar, Gouripur, and Daudkandi.
– Bangladesh is not yet a signatory to The Water Convention or ‘The Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes’, which was adopted in 1992 in Helsinki and has been in force since October 1996.It was meant to serve as a mechanism to strengthen national measures and international cooperation for the ecologically sound management and protection of transboundary surface waters and groundwaters. Similarly, Bangladesh is not a signatory to the 1997 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses (New York Convention), which came into force in 2014 after Vietnam became a signatory. If India does not agree to equitable and rights-based basin management of over 200 common rivers shared by the two countries, then Bangladesh can justifiably seek remedies under these two transnational instruments. https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/views/causes-of-floods-in-eastern-bd-and-way-forward 2 Sep 2024)
THE REST OF THE WORLD
USA The largest dam removal in history is complete – what happens next? “A couple years down the road, once the river has been able to repair itself, we’ll begin to see healthier fish runs,” says Oscar Gensaw, a Yurok tribal member and fisherman. “You can definitely see already the river is starting to do its own thing, and that’s the best thing for us – letting the river do what it needs to do, because it knows what it needs to do to repair itself.
– Preliminary planning started back in 2011, and in 2020, the reservoir action management plan, a detailed 260-page document was published by the Klamath River Renewal Corporation – the non-profit entity formed to manage the entire dam removal project. ”The document gave us our targets, and has kept us on track,” says Joshua Chenoweth, senior riparian ecologist for the tribe who was hired to manage the revegetation project.
– A total of 18 billion native seeds were propagated – more than 66,000lbs (30,000kg) worth – each species selected for a purpose: to retain sediment, to prepare the soil for other plants, for cultural uses, or to be a food source. Wheatgrass, yarrow, lupine and oak trees – an important cultural species for the Yuroks and a keystone species – to name a few.
– “There’s almost a bit of a fallacy in thinking like it will be returned to what it used to be,” Thompson says. “But I think with traditional ecological knowledge, tribal-led initiatives and current academic understanding of the landscape so you can almost make it better.” https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240903-removing-the-klamath-river-dams-to-restore-the-river-what-happens-next (03 Sept. 2024)
Minnesota officials vote to tear down dam and bridge that nearly collapsed The Rapidan Dam in southern Minnesota dam and nearby bridge that almost collapsed last month after a bout of heavy rain and prompted a federal emergency declaration will be torn down, officials said Aug 27 2024, both of which were at risk of crumbling. The Bridge will be replaced by a new one. The Rapidan Dam is over a century old, finished in 1910. While it was built to generate electricity, it has been damaged by several rounds of flooding in recent decades. The dam hasn’t been producing power, as previous floods knocked out that small source of revenue. https://www.hydroreview.com/world-regions/north-america/minnesota-officials-vote-to-tear-down-dam-and-bridge-that-nearly-collapsed/ (28 Aug. 2024)
AMAZON The largest river in the world, is drying The prolonged drought has severely impacted river navigation, particularly for barges carrying grains for export. Consultancy ARGUS warns that the situation may necessitate rerouting shipments to ports in southern and southeastern Brazil, potentially increasing shipping costs for producers. In Porto Velho, Rondonia state, the Madeira River’s depth has remained below two meters since July, significantly lower than its usual 5.3 meters, affecting one of the main waterways for northern Brazil.
Communities across the Amazon are facing isolation as the reduced navigability of rivers hinders their ability to access food and other essentials.Crops are suffering, and fish populations are declining as streams dry up, impacting riverside communities that rely on fishing for their livelihoods. Climatologist Jose Marengo notes that the current drought conditions are unprecedented, with rivers shrinking to levels that isolate entire communities. https://www.indiatoday.in/environment/story/a-crisis-in-the-making-amazon-the-largest-river-in-the-world-is-drying-2592704-2024-09-03 (03 Sept. 2024)
UK ‘Citizen scientists’ to check rivers for sewage & pollution Rivers will be checked for sewage and other pollution by the general public this month in an attempt to assess the health of British waterways. ’Citizen scientists’ have been intensifying efforts to check rivers for pollution to try to find the true scale of the problem. The Rivers Trust has developed an app for its Big River Watch and is asking users to spend 15 minutes by their local river and fill in a survey, building up a picture of the damage done to rivers around the UK. The survey includes questions on river wildlife, signs of pollution, and health and wellbeing. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/sep/07/citizen-scientists-to-check-uk-rivers-for-sewage-and-pollution (07 Sept. 2024)
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Also see: DRP 02 Sept 2024 & DRP 26 Aug 2024
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