(Feature Image: Srisailam dam in Telangana. Source: Telangana Today)
The Srisailam, dam one of the biggest dams of India, is facing a serious dam safety issue since over a decade, and yet, strangely, there is no resolution of this in sight. All attempts seem to downplay the issue and hide the reports & reality from public domain. It is well known that the damage to the stilling basin and plunge pool area, part of the Dam project and located just downstream of the main wall is serious and some of the cracks from the downstream are going towards the main dam. Even the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) visited the dam a year back, but no action plan is in sight.
This reminds us of the Supreme Court of India’s characterization of attitude of the Union Govt agencies including the Central Water Commission on dam safety (though in the context of another dam) as slumber. That slumber is also evident with respect to the way some of the major dam crisis in recent years including Kaleshwaram (delay in finalizing NDSA report), Polavaram (Dam suffered serious damages in 2019-2020, but no dam safety report as yet), Hirakud Dam (Dam needs higher spillway capacity but no movement to achieve that) and Teesta 3 dam (TDSA report not in public domain).
One hopes the Supreme Court of India is indeed able to wake up the concerned agencies from that slumber and make them address the dam safety issues in India with the urgency required. In fact Dam Safety issue is today affecting all big dams in India as climate change has made the spillway capacity of all dams outdated.
Srisailam Dam Telangana urges AP for urgent repair The problem of a huge void formed immediately downstream of the dam’s spillway has now become a matter of serious concern for Telangana. The void has been growing in size each flood season when the dam gates are lifted to release water from the river Krishna on which the dam is built. The deep void is estimated to be around 400 metres wide and its edge is barely 100 metres away from the lip of the dam’s spillway. According to an answer provided in the Rajya Sabha by the central government on this issue in 2012, its depth was, at that point of time, reported to be 46.65 metres.
Initial damages to the plunge pool area were first noticed in 2009 and the hole just kept getting bigger and deeper with each passing year when flood water released from the dam crashed into the plunge pool area just downstream of the dam’s spillway. “Even if permanent repairs to the plunge pool area cannot be taken up, we have asked AP to at least start filling the void with interlocking cement concrete blocks that can help dissipate the force of water released from the dam spillway,” engineer-in-chief (general) Telangana B. Anil Kumar said.
Underwater inspection and videography of the plunge pool area revealed rock cut terraces, erosion, cavities, and pits, the Rajya Sabha was informed. Also recommended were underwater inspections every two years or so to keep track of the extent of damages. Later, the AP government tasked the National Institute of Oceanography with a bathymetric survey of the void but that report was never made public. Sources familiar with the report, however, revealed that during this underwater survey, several cracks in the rocks were found extending towards the dam structure heading towards the foundations as well as under the foundations.
The NDSA too, after a 2024 Feb inspection of the dam, had said “it is apparent that the bottom levels of the plunge pool are much below the deepest foundation grade of the dam. The deep scour has the tendency to induce retrogression towards the dam, causing potential danger of stability of the dam in sliding if left unattended.” The NDSA had also found that drainage holes in the foundation gallery of the dam were not functioning due to choking, and this could consequently add to the stability issues at the dam. It is learnt that Andhra Pradesh irrigation department has agreed that there was a need for taking up repairs and that it has asked KRMB for a way forward. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/telangana/telangana-asks-ap-to-take-up-at-least-temporary-repairs-at-srisailam-dam-1860941 (13 Feb. 2025)
Report How climate crisis is tripping power sector “The rule curves and standard operating procedures of all big dams need to respond to new realities brought in by the climate crisis. These documents need to be in the public domain for monitoring,” Himanshu Thakkar of SANDRP said.
“Before any hydroelectricity project is set up, its disaster potential assessment should be done which should include the vulnerabilities it would add to the area,” Thakkar said. “A cumulative river basin assessment is required because damage to any such project would have a cascading effect.”
Last month, the Supreme Court expressed shock that a national committee for dam safety was yet to be formed despite the enactment of the Dam Safety Act in 2021. “We don’t know which projects, if any, have early warning systems for floods because as the court rightly said, the government agencies dealing with these issues are in slumber,” Thakkar said. “The insurance companies extending coverage to the hydro projects should flag these issues & ensure compliance besides making the details public.” https://www.indiaspend.com/earthcheckindia/from-cyclones-to-heatwaves-how-climate-crisis-is-tripping-indias-power-sector-941659 (11 Feb. 2025) This report can also be seen in Hindi here. SANDRP के कॉर्डिनेटर हिमांशु ठक्कर ने इंडियास्पेंड को बताया, “सभी बड़े बांधों के संचालन के लिए बनाए गए नियम वक्रों को जलवायु परिवर्तन की नई चुनौतियों के हिसाब से बदलने की जरूरत है। ये दस्तावेज सार्वजनिक रूप से उपलब्ध होने चाहिए ताकि बांधों के संचालन की निगरानी और जांच बेहतर तरीके से हो सके।” ठक्कर ने कहा, “किसी भी जलविद्युत परियोजना को बनाने से पहले, इसकी आपदा क्षमता का आकलन किया जाना चाहिए, जिसमें उस क्षेत्र के जोखिमों भी शामिल हों।” वह आगे कहते हैं, “कुल मिलाकर नदी बेसिन के सभी पहलुओं का आकलन बेहद जरूरी है क्योंकि ऐसी किसी भी परियोजना के नुकसान का व्यापक प्रभाव पड़ता है।” https://indiaspendhindi.com/cover-story/from-cyclones-to-heat-waves-how-the-climate-crisis-is-affecting-indias-power-sector-941827 (12 Feb. 2025)
HYDRO POWER PROJECTS
Sikkim Teesta III dam 2.0 & long shadow of climate change That the facility was commercially viable is an insufficient excuse to restore it. Instead, the decision should be made within a framework of priorities led by the need to minimise risk to locals, their property, and their livelihoods and maximise their socio-economic resilience. The framework should also include a risk determination matrix with a response plan and a hard ‘unacceptable risk’ level. The cost of these measures should be included in the dam’s hydroelectric power tariff rather than externalising it in the determination of commercial viability. Anything else would be unsustainable by definition. https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-teesta-dam-and-the-long-shadow-of-climate-change/article69220357.ece (15 Feb. 2025)
Opposition to rebuild Teesta III HEP dam “Calculating the PMF [Probable Maximum Flood] is essential to determine a dam’s spillway capacity, which in turn affects dam safety. The PMF is calculated using rainfall data to make accurate projections about floods,” explained Himanshu Thakkar, of SANDRP.
“In the revised plan, the PMF has stayed the same at 7,000 cumecs, which is a figure based on old data from 2006. Rainfall patterns have changed drastically in recent decades, and the PMF doesn’t appear to have taken this into account. This could have implications on dam safety,” said Thakkar. “It’s shocking the EAC [Expert Appraisal Committee] approved the project for clearance without asking for more details about the PMF assessment. Given the scale and history of this project, a fresh clearance, with fresh impact assessments and fresh public hearings should have happened.” https://amp.scroll.in/article/1078987/sikkim-parties-citizen-groups-oppose-approval-to-rebuild-dam-destroyed-in-glacial-deluge? (12 Feb 2025)
Arunachal Pradesh Centre monitoring Chinese mega dam plan Responding to questions by All India Trinamool Congress MP Sushmita Dev on whether the government has started any evaluation of the transboundary environmental impact of the Brahmaputra dam project by China, particularly its effects on biodiversity and ecosystems downstream in the country, Kirti Vardhan Singh, minister of state for environment, Kirti Vardhan Singh said: “Government carefully monitors all developments relating to the Brahmaputra river, including plans by China to develop hydropower projects, and takes necessary measures to protect the interests of the nation.”
– Assam MP Ajit Kumar Bhuyan asked whether it was true that the ministry ignored recommendations regarding the safety and environment-related issues connected with the hydroelectric power project; the completion date of LSHEP; and the estimated cost of the whole project including the additional amount required due to cost escalation caused by delays. Union Minister of State for ENv and Forests Singh responded that, according to the information received from NHPC, three units of 750 MW (3×250 MW) are scheduled for commissioning in May 2025 and remaining five units of 1250 MW (5×250 MW) are scheduled for commissioning in May, 2026. The revised cost estimate is ₹26,075.54 Cr including cost escalation of ₹19,790.54 Cr. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/centre-monitoring-chinese-mega-dam-plan-centre-tells-rajya-sabha-101739472380795-amp.html (14 Feb. 2025)
Himachal Pradesh SPCB notice to 2 HEP firms for flouting green norms The State Pollution Control Board (PCB) has taken a strict stance against environmental violations at the dumping sites of the under-construction Chanju Hydropower Project in Chamba district. Two companies involved in the project have been issued notices, directing them to rectify deficiencies within 15 days. Failure to comply within the given timeframe will result in strict legal action against them. Both companies were found dumping debris without any protective measures. This negligence led to debris spreading into surrounding areas, causing significant environmental damage. Additionally, they were directed to obtain the necessary approvals for operating crushers and strictly follow all environmental norms. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/pcb-notice-to-two-hydropower-firms-for-flouting-green-norms/ (10 Feb. 2025)
Over 45% of state at risk of landslides, floods: IIT study Over 45% of Himachal Pradesh’s area is highly prone to natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and avalanches, according to a study by researchers from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Ropar. The team recently completed a hazard susceptibility mapping of the state as part of a broader effort by researchers and scientists from multiple IITs to assess multi-hazard vulnerability across the Himalayan states. The goal is to identify regions at high risk from multiple natural hazards simultaneously and aid in targeted disaster risk reduction strategies. The IIT Ropar team presented its findings at the 2nd Indian Cryosphere Meet (ICM), held at IIT Bombay on Feb 14-15, which was attended by nearly 80 glaciologists, researchers, and scientists from around the world. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/over-45-of-himachal-pradesh-at-risk-of-landslides-floods-iit-study/articleshow/118310429.cms (17 Feb. 2025)
Jammu & Kashmir Govt fails to restore Mohra HEP Even after 33 years since it was affected by the devastating floods, the government is yet to restore the 123-year-old heritage Mohra power project in Uri area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district. https://www.greaterkashmir.com/kashmir/33-years-on-govt-fails-to-restore-kashmirs-first-hydroelectric-mohra-power-project/ (15 Feb. 2025)
3 glacial lakes in upper reaches of Kishtwar expanding “Three glacial lakes in the upper reaches of Kishtwar district are expanding constantly with every passing year and possibility of their outburst in near future cannot be ruled out as such the experts have recommended to the Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to start mitigation measures including controlled drainage as early as possible.” 20 years back the size of these glacial lakes was around 10 to 12 ha and at present the same is 80 to 90 ha. On one side of these glacial lakes there is uninhabited area of Zanskar region of Union Territory of Ladakh and on the other side major area of Kishtwar district particularly Warwan, Dachhan and adjoining areas. https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/three-glacial-lakes-in-upper-reaches-of-kishtwar-expanding-constantly/ (15 Feb. 2025)
Why rock avalanches containing ice travel far Fan et al. [2024] use a new experimental flume equipped with high-speed cameras that can be kept at a temperature of −10°C to document the impact of the addition of ice fragments on the mobility of rock avalanches. Using this setup, the authors collect unique information on the complex interactions between fragments within the avalanche. For the first time, they document how particle segregation occurs in these rock-ice avalanches, and how this segregation can in turn affect how far the avalanche travels.
Based on these results, the authors propose a new equation to calculate the friction coefficient of rock-ice avalanches based on the relative ice content in the mixture. This friction coefficient can be used to predict how far a given rock-ice avalanche would travel. This represents an important development for the prediction and mitigation of avalanche hazard in high mountain areas, in particular as the retreat of glaciers induced by climate change is leading to an increasing exposure of slopes containing a mixture of rock fragments and ice. https://eos.org/editor-highlights/ice-boost-why-rock-avalanches-containing-ice-travel-so-far? (15 Feb. 2025)
DAMS
Kaleshwaram Project Final NDSA report on Medigadda set to guide restoration efforts After nearly a year of investigation, the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) has submitted its long-awaited final report on the sinking of piers at Medigadda barrage and leakage issues at Annaram and Sundilla barrages. The report, which follows a preliminary analysis by the NDSA experts’ committee last year, holds the key to understanding the underlying causes of structural problems in the barrages and will guide the Telangana govt on the next steps for repairing and restoring these barrages. After the Central Water Commission vets the report, the ministry is expected to forward it to the Telangana govt within the next week for further action. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/final-ndsa-report-on-medigadda-set-to-guide-restoration-efforts/articleshowprint/118224582.cms (14 Feb. 2025)
Madya Pradesh NTCA warns Morand-Ganjal dam will destroy tiger habitat, displace tribals The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) warned the construction of the Morand-Ganjal Irrigation Project would destroy tiger habitats and disrupt ecological connectivity between the Satpura and Melghat Tiger Reserves. The authority has strongly recommended exploring alternative sites to balance development with conservation efforts.
According to NTCA’s analysis, based on the National Tiger Estimation 2022, the proposed project site is a vital tiger-occupied habitat. The project, which will involve the construction of dams on the Morand and Ganjal rivers, is expected to submerge forested areas crucial for tiger movement between reserves. The NTCA has cautioned that this could affect “genetic exchange and population stability.” https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Feb/10/ntca-warns-morand-ganjal-irrigation-project-in-mp-will-destroy-tiger-habitat-displace-tribals (10 Feb. 2025)
Sardar Sarovar Project Govt brands farmers ‘water thieves’ On one hand, the Gujarat government seems to have utterly failed to provide adequate water for irrigation to farmers, and on the other, it is branding them as ‘water thieves’. This inconsistent and unfair policy has sparked outrage not only in Surendranagar but across Gujarat.
– After running from pillar to post seeking water for irrigation, farmers in Gujarat have resorted to drawing water from canals in a desperate bid to save their crops. In Surendranagar, the police have registered cases against 300 farmers for ‘water theft’. Moreover, a farmer from Muli village was jailed under the Prevention of Anti-Social Activities (PASA) Act for water theft. https://english.gujaratsamachar.com/news/gujarat/gujarat-farmers-face-water-woes-government-brands-them-water-thieves (15 Feb. 2025)
Maharashtra Govt approved ₹438cr for Janai Shirsai irrigation project water distribution The state govt on Feb 11 approved ₹438 crore for closed pipeline distribution from the Janai Shirsai irrigation project to Baramati, Purandar and Daund talukas in Pune district. Not only will this help bring 14,080 ha across these talukas under irrigation but it will also help reduce the burden on the Khadakwasla reservoir. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/pune-news/maha-approves-438-crore-for-closed-pipeline-distribution-from-janai-shirsai-irrigation-project-101739299947953.html (12 Feb. 2025)
BBMB 42% departure from normal storage in 3 water reservoirs The 42 per cent departure from normal storage in the three major reservoirs of Gobindsagar, Pong and Kol Dam in Himachal presently, could result in a possible shortfall in hydel power generation and irrigation projects. The Central Water Commission (CWC) bulletin regarding water storage situation in 155 reservoirs across the country on February 6, 2025 has indicated a 42 per cent departure from normal. Himachal is one of the four states apart from Punjab, Odisha and Goa having lesser storage in percentage than last year for the corresponding period. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/42-departure-from-normal-storage-in-3-water-reservoirs/ (11 Feb. 2025)
INTERLINKING OF RIVERS
Parliamentary Panel River linking projects On the delay in implementing ILR projects, the panel — parliamentary standing committee on water resources headed by BJP Lok Sabha member Rajiv Pratap Rudy — suggested that the government conduct more studies from the ecological, environmental and socio-economic perspective to bring awareness about the benefits of this programme. It observed that a total of 30 link projects have been identified under the ILR programme for which budgetary allocation of Rs 4,000 crore has been earmarked for 2024-25 but mutual consensus among states “remain a persistent obstacle in the implementation”.
Out of 30 planned ILR projects, only five links — Ken-Betwa, Godavari-Cauvery (comprising three links) and modified Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal — are currently “being pursued for implementation on priority” while only one of them (Ken-Betwa) is “under implementation” in MP and UP.
Observing the absence of adequate early warning systems for flood forecasting, the panel which submitted its report in the Parliament on Monday (Feb. 10) recommended that the govt upgrade its present system in line with the latest technologies capable of addressing the persistent challenges posed by floods. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/parliament-panel-flags-delays-in-implementing-key-schemes-highlights-jjm-river-linking-projects-flood-forecasting-systems/articleshowprint/118145514.cms (11 Feb. 2025)
Godavari-Cauvery Link States struggle to reach consensus No Consensus yet on Godavari Cauvery link project between CG, AP, Telangana, Pondicherry, TN, Karnataka. The Godavari-Cauvery link project plans to divert approximately 148 tmcft of unused water from the Indravati sub-basin in Chhattisgarh. This is pending consensus on the Mahanadi-Godavari link and other upper links. The diverted water will be used to irrigate 5.74 lakh hectares in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The project also considers domestic, industrial, and other water needs of these three states and Puducherry. This includes the requirements of the Malaprabha sub-basin in Karnataka.
Tamil Nadu govt sources said, “Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have concerns and are not giving consensus. Karnataka wants increased share in the project,” said an official. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/stalemate-persists-in-godavari-cauvery-link-project-as-states-struggle-to-reach-consensus/articleshowprint/118152302.cms (11 Feb. 2025)
INTERSTATE WATER DISPUTES
Tamil Nadu-Kerala Dispute over NBWL approval for Silandhi check dam Kerala has secured approval from the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) to erect a check dam across the Silandhi river in Vattavada village in the hill district of Idukki, which is likely to lead to the eruption of another interstate water dispute. Ever since the idea was mooted two years ago, Tamil Nadu has been vehemently objecting to the move, warning that it will disrupt the inflow to the Amaravathy Dam. It contends that this could spell disaster for over 55,000 acres of farmland in the Tiruppur and Karur districts and put drinking water supplies of thousands of residents in the region at risk.
– The Kerala Water Authority (KWA) confirmed that the NBWL has given the green light to use 0.0442 hectares of forest land from Anamudi Shola National Park to construct the weir across the Silandhi river in Vattavada Panchayat, which borders Tamil Nadu. This project, part of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), is now all set to begin, having already received clearances from the chief wildlife warden of Kerala, the Kerala State Board for Wildlife, and the Kerala government. KWA said that the dam is intended to alleviate the severe drinking water crisis prevailing in Vattavada and several other villages near the renowned hill station of Munnar, and the environmental costs are minimal.
– Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin wrote to his Kerala counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday calling for immediate action to halt its construction across the Silandhi river, a significant tributary of the Amaravathy river. “The major water sources for the Amaravathy Dam are the inter-state rivers Pambaru, Thenaru, Chinnaru, and Silandhi. A decade ago, Kerala constructed a check dam on the Pambaru river in the Kanthallur panchayat, negatively impacting the water flow into the dam. This construction took place despite our strong objections. If allowed to continue, the new check dam could pose a serious setback for Tamil Nadu farmers,’’ said Sivakumar Velu, a farmers leader based in Tirupur. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/kerala-gets-wildlife-board-approval-for-silandhi-check-dam-likely-to-trigger-dispute-with-tn-101739559412976.html (15 Feb. 2025)
URBAN RIVERS
Mula-Mutha; Pune Residents rally against RFD Pune River Revival outlined several key demands during the event, calling on authorities to: – Cease the discharge of sewage into the river.
– Prevent the reduction of the river’s width and prohibit landlling activities.
– Protect trees, ecosystems, and wetlands along the riverbanks.
– Safeguard groundwater sources from contamination.
– Ensure riverbank improvement projects are eco-friendly and sustainable.
– Utilize local, nature-based products and technologies in conservation efforts.
– Involve citizens and experts in decision-making processes, ensuring transparency throughout. https://www.punekarnews.in/pune-residents-rally-to-stop-pollution-preserve-riverbanks-in-chipko-march/ (10 Feb. 2025)
Indrayani; Pune SC stays NGT order to demolish 29 ‘illegal’ bungalows The Supreme Court has stayed until February 10 the NGT’s order to raze 29 bungalows constructed allegedly in violation of environmental laws. The residents and the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation have been asked to submit their responses. The 29 bungalows were allegedly built within the blue floodline area, a no-construction zone along the Indrayani river, which flows through the borders of Pimpri-Chinchwad. Residents argued they were unaware of the environmental violation. NGT had ruled that the bungalows should be demolished by December 31. The residents said PCMC had failed to draw the new blue flood line. “Every 25 years, the civic body is supposed to redraw the blue floodline. The last time PCMC drew the blue floodline was in 1989, and after that it did not. This year we had record rainfall, but the river water did not touch the walls of any of our houses,” he said. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/sc-stays-ngt-order-to-demolish-29-illegal-bungalows-in-pune-9739358/ (22 Dec. 2024)
Musi; Hyderabad Demolition resumes at Chaderghat Telangana govt has resumed demolitions along the Musi River in Chaderghat & Shankarnagar Basti as part of its beautification initiative. Structures marked “RBX” were brought down again on Feb 12, with officials clarifying that these were previously vacated homes in the river’s catchment area. According to the Musi Riverfront Development Corp Ltd, this is a continuation of earlier clearing efforts, not a fresh demolition drive. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/telangana/musi-demolition-activity-resumes-at-chaderghat-1860959 (13 Feb. 2025)
Buddha Dariya; Ludhiana Nearly 50 months after the foundation stone was laid for Ludhiana’s STP in Dec 2020, the plant’s commissioning remains elusive. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/sewage-treatment-plant-to-begin-operation-after-50-month-delay-2/ (13 Feb. 2025)
RIVERS
Open Letter to MoEF: Immediately withdraw notifications exempting industries from Consent to Establish and Operate of SPCBs: On behalf of the National Alliance for Climate and Ecological Justice (NACEJ – NAPM), about 50 concerned citizens including grassroots movement activists, ecologists, climate scientists, environmental researchers and lawyers from across India wrote a strongly-worded open letter to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF & CC), calling upon it to immediately withdraw the Notifications issued in Nov 2024, exempting industries from Consent to Establish and Operate of State Pollution Control Boards, as per the mandate of the Air Act,1974 and Water Act, 1981. The letter demanded that the Ministry must roll back these Notifications and prioritize safeguarding India’s environmental and public health, instead of diluting the enviro-legal regime, to facilitate ‘ease of doing business’, that runs contrary to interests of larger sections of people and the ecology. https://napmindia.org/2025/02/11/nacej-writes-open-letter-to-moef-cc/ (11 Feb. 2025)
GODAVARI Andhra Pradesh Guardians of ‘green gold’ in Godavari Valley Konda Reddi women set out on a quest for tender shoots of a species of bamboo that grows exclusively in Godavari Valley forests during the monsoon. Konda Veduru, known for its rich nutritional value, gained popularity post-COVID-19 when many started exploring healthy food options. However, the recipes of a myriad of delicacies made with the ‘green gold’ the tribe prepares to celebrate the onset of summer remains its well-kept secret. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/guardians-of-green-gold-in-godavari-valley/article69215320.ece (14 Feb. 2025)
Arunachal Pradesh IMC, orgs come together to clean river, market A social service and river cleaning programme was conducted at Gandhi Market area, the police station premises, and Legi complex here on Sunday (Feb. 16). The initiative, organised by Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) Ward 10 and the Youth Mission for Clean River (YMCR), in collaboration with the Abralow Memorial Multipurpose Society, the Itanagar Smart City and the NSS unit of Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), saw over 150 volunteers, including local residents, police personnel, firefighters, and women police come together to clean up the localities.
The primary focus of the drive was the Yagamso river at the Legi stretch, which had become heavily choked with municipal solid waste. Volunteers thoroughly cleaned the designated areas, removing accumulated garbage and debris. https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2025/02/17/imc-orgs-come-together-to-clean-river-market/ (17 Feb. 2025)
Jammu & Kashmir Springs, streams, Jhelum tributaries dry up The drying up of Kashmir’s vital water sources has triggered a severe crisis, threatening drinking water supply, agriculture, and horticulture across the region. At least 15 villages depend on the Achabal springs for their water supply. With their depletion, an impending crisis seems unavoidable, as residents are already relying on water tankers to meet their daily needs. The Achabal springs also support 13 water supply schemes.
The situation is equally dire in other parts of Kashmir. Several streams and tributaries across the Valley are drying up as day temperatures are soaring at least 8 degrees Celsius above normal. The Aripath stream, originating from Chatapal in Shangus, has dried up, affecting over 25 water supply schemes. Major tributaries of the River Jhelum are all experiencing severe water shortages. Adding to the crisis, high-altitude regions have received minimal snowfall this year.
The lack of precipitation has caused an unprecedented drop in water levels, creating a drought-like situation across Kashmir. Experts attribute this crisis to climate change, with an almost 80 percent precipitation deficit aggravating the situation. According to geologist and earth scientist, Prof Shakeel Ahmad Romshoo, the depletion of Achabal and other springs is primarily due to scanty snowfall this winter. https://www.greaterkashmir.com/front-page-2/springs-streams-jhelum-tributaries-dry-up/ (17 Feb. 2025)
Rajasthan नदी के तेजाबी पानी से जमीन हो रही बंजर, गंध से ग्रामीण परेशान जोधपुर शहर के औद्योगिक क्षेत्र से लूणी की सहायक जोजरी नदी में लगातार दूषित तेजाबी जहरीला पानी आ रहा है. इससे जोधपुर के नजदीकी लूणी विधानसभा क्षेत्र के कई गांवों की जमीन बंजर हो रही है. साथ ही ग्रामीणों के स्वास्थ्य पर प्रतिकूल प्रभाव पड़ रहा है. आलम यह है कि बीते तीन दिनों से डोली धवा क्षेत्र में इतना तेजाबी पानी आ रहा है कि वातावरण में इसकी गंध फैल गई है. स्थानीय लोग लगातार सोशल मीडिया पर इससे बचाने की गुहार लगा रहे हैं. इससे थोड़ी हलचल हुई तो राजस्थान प्रदूषण नियंत्रक मंडल ने एक टीम भेज कर इस तेजाबी पानी के नमूने लिए हैं, लेकिन ग्रामीण इससे संतुष्ट नहीं हैं. वे प्रभावी निस्तारण चाहते हैं. वहीं, राजस्थान प्रदूषण नियंत्रक मंडल की रीजनल ओफिसर कामिनी ने बताया कि जिला कलेक्टर के निर्देश पर टीम भेजकर सैंपल मंगवाए हैं, जिनकी जांच के बाद आगे की कार्रवाई की जाएगी. https://www.etvbharat.com/hi/!state/polluted-water-in-jojari-river-creating-problems-for-locals-in-jodhpur-rajasthan-news-rjs25021201443 (12 Feb. 2025)
पश्चिम राजस्थान की प्रमुख नदियों में से एक जोजरी नदी इन दिनों प्रदूषण का शिकार है. नदी का पानी ज़हरीला हो रहा है, जिससे नदी के आसपास रहने वाले बाशिंदों की सेहत पर बुरा प्रभाव पड़ रहा है. लूणी की सहायक जोजरी नदी में लगातार गंदा और तेजाबी जहरीला पानी आ रहा है और इसी वजह से लूणी तहसील के कई गांवों की ज़मीन बंजर हो रही है. पूर्व मुख्यमंत्री अशोक गहलोत ने कहा है कि सरकार को इस पर ध्यान देना चाहिए. नदी के किनारे बसने वाले लोग सोशल मीडिया पर नदी को बचाने की गुहार लगा रहे हैं. https://rajasthan.ndtv.in/rajasthan-news/rajasthan-jodhpurs-jojri-river-is-becoming-poison-and-polluting-congress-leader-said-mps-and-mlas-here-are-busy-gossiping-7728833 (17 Feb. 2025)
GANGA NMCG ₹400 cr STPs approved -The 60th Executive Committee Meeting of the NMCG, chaired by the Director General NMCG, approved the interception and diversion of the Durga Drain and the construction of a 60 MLD capacity sewage treatment plant (STP) in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, at a cost of ₹274.31 crore. This project, based on the hybrid annuity model, includes a 75 MLD capacity main pumping station and other essential structures, ensuring long-term wastewater management and pollution control.
Additionally, another significant project was approved to prevent the flow of untreated sewage into Varuna, a major tributary of the Ganga, in Bhadohi. With an investment of ₹127.26 crore, it will establish three STPs with capacities of 17 MLD, 5 MLD, and 3 MLD, along with an extensive sewer network to tap four major drains and prevent pollution. This project follows the Design-Build-Operate-Transfer (DBOT) model, ensuring sustainable operation and maintenance over the next 15 years. https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/nmcg-approves-400-crore-stp-projects-for-varanasi-bhadohi-launches-ganga-through-the-ages-program (14 Feb. 2025)
Kanpur NGT Probe: Toxic metals causing brain, lung problems The Government has found residents in Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat, and Fatehpur districts who live near tanneries have been suffering from medical conditions ranging from respiratory ailments to neurological disorders after conducting medical check-ups on the NGT’s directions. In the same case, the NGT principal bench, on January 30, ordered the Uttar Pradesh Government to implement a slew of measures to tackle environmental health issues, based on a detailed report and remedial actions suggested by Advocate Katyayani, the amicus in the case.
Based on the report of the amicus and NGT’s directions, the UP Government will also carry out surveys and mapping studies on sources of chromium, mercury, fluoride, and iron in the ecosystem, a survey of old and new chromium, mercury and ash dump sites. It will carry out a survey of people, cattle, and the food chain to check the extent of heavy metal contamination to prepare remediation plans. The UP Government, based on the suggestion of the amicus, will engage the Indian Council of Medical Research, Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow, CGWB, CPCB and AIIMS for the surveys and mapping studies. (Nikhil Ghanekar) https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ngt-pollution-kanpur-respiratory-illnesses-neurological-disorders-groundwater-contamination-9827796/ (11 Feb. 2025)
Varanasi NGT issues notice on plea against construction of Garwa Ghat The NGT issued notice in an application contending that the construction of Garwa Ghat in Varanasi, including fast-food shops, benches, parking and changing rooms, is impermissible within 200 meters of the River Ganga. The applicant alleged that the Ghat is being constructed on the riverbed itself, which will affect the river flow. The Tribunal issued notice to the respondents and permitted the application to implead the National Mission for Clean Ganga. https://www.barandbench.com/columns/notable-judgmentsorders-in-environmental-law-january-2025 (23 Jan. 2025)
Prayagraj Protect nature or else next Kumbh will be on mere sand, not river Faith leaders at Maha Kumbh on Feb 16 (underscored an urgent need to protect nature or else “there may not be any Ganga or Yamuna left by the time next Maha Kumbh happens”. As per a declaration adopted in the first ever climate conference at Kumbh, the Uttar Pradesh government would fund religious centres to reach out to people on protecting nature, besides turning the sacred places green by adopting renewable energy and better waste management practices and conserving rivers and forest. As per the CM at any time, 10,000-12,000 cusec water is present in Ganga at Kumbh.” https://www.deccanherald.com/india/protect-nature-or-else-next-kumbh-will-be-on-mere-sand-not-river-faith-leaders-at-maha-kumbh-3408429 (16 Feb. 2025)
The Uttar Pradesh govt on the occasion released the ‘Mahakumbh Declaration on Climate Change’ and pledged to turn religious centres and shrines “green” across the state, making them models of sustainability by taking multiple clean and environment-friendly measures. The steps to be taken in this regard by the state govt under the Mahakumbh Declaration include installing solar panels, implementing rainwater harvesting systems, recycling waste, banning single-use plastics, and creating green zones around sacred spaces.
The state’s pledge also includes funding faith-based organisations to promote environmental and climate education, campaigns, and actionable practices. Initiatives like eco-friendly pilgrimages, green festivals, and sustainable temple management will be part of the efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of religious practices. “The message from this holy Maha Kumbh is that we need to channel our faith to conserve our environment,” said Adityanath.
Around 10,000 to 11,000 cusecs of water are ensured in the river Ganga all the time, making it convenient for the people to take a holy dip,” said the CM. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/up-govt-released-mahakumbh-declaration-on-climate-change-pledging-to-turn-religious-centres-and-shrines-across-the-state-green/articleshow/118305675.cms (16 Feb. 2025)
Uttar Pradesh काली-सचमुच-काली; उद्गम मुजफ्फरनगर से मोदीनगर तक की काली नदी की दास्तां (भाग 1) रामदत्त त्रिपाठी https://hindi.indiawaterportal.org/river-and-pond/pollution-of-kali-river-story-from-muzaffarnagar-to-modinagar (16 Feb. 2025) काली-सचमुच-काली; मोदीनगर-बुलंदशहर से मिलन तक की काली नदी की दास्तां (भाग 2) केसर सिंह https://hindi.indiawaterportal.org/river-and-pond/modinagar-bulandshahr-the-painful-saga-of-kali-rivers-pollution (16 Feb. 2025)
Uttarakhand रामनगर में 80 करोड़ से बनेंगे दो STP -रामनगर में नालों का गंदा पानी साफ करने के लिए जल निगम 80 करोड़ रुपये से दो नए सीवरेज ट्रीटमेंट प्लांट (एसटीपी) बनाने जा रहा है। निगम के अधिकारियों ने प्लांट की डीपीआर तैयार कर उच्चाधिकारियों को भेज दी है। मंजूरी मिलने के बाद इन प्लांटों में गंदे पानी को साफ कर सिंचाई नहरों में छोड़ा जाएगा। जल निगम ने गंदे पानी को स्वच्छ करने के लिए पिछले वर्ष ट्रांसपोर्ट नगर के पास 40 करोड़ की लागत से सात एमएलडी का ट्रीटमेंट प्लांट बनाया था। अब निगम अधिकारियों ने रामनगर की बढ़ती आबादी को देखते हुए पूछड़ी और बेड़ाझाल में दो नए एसटीपी बनाने का निर्णय लिया है। इसी क्रम में 80 करोड़ की डीपीआर तैयार की गई है। 30 करोड़ की लागत से पूछड़ी में 1.5 एमएलडी और 50 करोड़ की लागत से बेड़ाझाल में आठ एमएलडी का प्लांट निर्माण किया जाएगा। https://www.amarujala.com/amp/uttarakhand/nainital/two-sewerage-treatment-plants-will-be-built-in-ramnagar-with-rs-80-crores-2025-02-12 (12 Feb. 2025)
YAMUNA SANDRP Blog दिल्ली में नई सरकार: क्या अब निर्मल होगी यमुना? दिल्ली विधानसभा चुनाव प्रचार के दौरान यमुना नदी प्रदूषण एक महत्वपूर्ण राजनितिक मुद्दा बना। चुनाव जीतने के बाद स्वयं प्रधानमंत्री और भाजपा पार्टी के वरिष्ठ नेताओं ने ‘आप’ सरकार की हार के लिए यमुना की दुर्दशा को एक प्रमुख कारण बताया। साथ में यमुना को साफ करने की बात कही। ऐसे में क्या दिल्ली के नागरिक एक स्वच्छ बहती नदी की उम्मीद रख सकते हैं? https://tinyurl.com/2cjw4e9n (16 Feb. 2025)
गौरतलब है कि इस वर्ष 1994 में हुए अपर यमुना रिवर बोर्ड समझौते की भी समीक्षा होनी है। छः राज्यों के बीच हुए इस समझौते के तहत ही यमुना नदी से विभिन्न कार्यों के लिए जल निकाला जाता है और इसके कारण दिल्ली से ऊपर नदी पर्यावरणीय प्रवाह से वंचित हो गई है। जिस कारण दिल्ली में तमाम प्रयासों के बावजूद नदी प्रदूषण की समस्या विकराल बनती जा रही है। अगर केंद्र सरकार एवं यमुना बेसिन सरकारें इस समझौते की समीक्षा के दौरान यमुना नदी में पर्यावरणीय प्रवाह बढ़ाने पर कोई ठोस कदम उठाते हैं तो दिल्ली में यमुना नदी के प्रदुषण में सुधार की अपेक्षा की जा सकती है। (Dainik Jagran 13 Feb. 2025) https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BokQc83e4/
Delhi How promises to clean river can translate into action Article by SANDRP coordinator on Yamuna in Tribune today. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/comment/how-promises-to-clean-yamuna-can-translate-into-action (11 Feb. 2025)
What can bring river back to life Experts feel the efficiency of STPs has to be increased and their full functioning ensured. No sewer should be left untapped and reverse monitoring employed to trace and fix the source of industrial effluents. “Back in the 1990s, chromium touching the 100-unit mark was considered an emergency. Now, it breaches 250,” noted Sanjay Sharma, president, India Water Quality Association. “When a pilot plant of 16 million gallon a day worked at 90% efficiency, we found a 30-40% improvement in biological oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids, etc,” he revealed.
According to Dr SK Sarkar of TERI, the river needs a proper flow to sustain life. “Industrial effluents from Haryana and Delhi pollute the water. Domestic sewage worsens this. The contamination level fluctuates when the river has extra water, say during floods. It must be decided how much water must be maintained to ensure that the river has better quality,” said Sarkar.
Faiyaaz Khudsar, scientist in charge, DDA’s Biodiversity Park Programme, felt that no state would give up its share of Yamuna water for Delhi and so the only reliable solution would be to refurbish its wetlands and catchments areas.
Manu Bhatnagar of INTACH also advocated temporary relief for the river by installing artificial aerators. The Yamuna has zero dissolved oxygen in most stretches in Delhi. “An INTACH study found that the river now had just four species of fishes with a very thin and stunted population due to pollution. There used to be 65 species. The ecological inventory of Yamuna must be fixed. Bioremediation of various drains with outfall in the river through constructed wetland or bacterial bioremediation will help.” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/what-can-bring-yamuna-back-to-life/articleshowprint/118126088.cms (11 Feb. 2025)
Historian Sohail Hashmi provides correct historical perspective about Yamuna. His suggestion that it is tributaries and not Yamuna that are the problem is right, but it is tributaries that make the river. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BbDavGpFK/
Curse of a river When PM Modi came to power, one of his first projects was to launch the flagship Namami Ganga Program in June 2014 with a budget of Rs 20,000 crore. Another Rs 5000 crore was allocated for cleaning up the Yamuna. Eleven years have passed since this pledge was made, and the quality of the waters of our rivers has only worsened. It must be pointed out that cleaning of our rivers, as also of our air, is an inter-state activity. To clean these two rivers, all the states, whether it be Uttarakhand, UP, Bihar, or West Bengal, must come up with a joint and time-bound action plan. (Rashme Sehgal) https://www.freepressjournal.in/analysis/the-curse-of-yamuna-maiya (17 Feb. 2025)
Reimagining Yamuna’s future It is important that Delhi’s citizens consider the river Yamuna as its own, identify hot spots on sources of pollution and practice decentralised governance for water use so that wastewater does not reach the Yamuna. Reimagining the Najafgarh drain as a clean waterway encircling the western and northern parts of the city and building back the biodiversity and wetlands in the floodplains will go a long way in restoring the Yamuna to its pristine glory. Effective river water resource management will need the Central and state govts to work closely to devise an action plan, especially taking different climate change scenarios into consideration. (Ranjana Ray Chaudhuri, PhD, TERI) https://www.newindianexpress.com/explainers/2025/Feb/16/status-of-river-yamuna-reimagining-delhis-future-2 (16 Feb. 2025)
4 -year plan to clean up river This article by Anjal Prakash outlines a four-year strategy to clean the Yamuna and restore its health by the next Delhi election 2030. https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/delhi-new-government-yamuna-clean-up-plan-9830183/ (11 Feb. 2025)
L-G’s Four-Pronged Strategy Cleaning the riverbed: The trash, garbage and silt in the Yamuna river stream will be removed. Cleaning the drains: Cleaning operations in the Najafgarh Drain, Supplementary Drain, and all other major drains will start simultaneously. Fixing Sewage Treatment Plants: The authorities will keep a watch on the existing STPs and maintain the output. Increasing treatment: Time-bound construction of new STPs/DSTPs on drains to meet the shortfall of treating nearly 400 MGD of sewer. https://www.news18.com/india/delhi-l-g-rolls-out-four-pronged-strategy-to-clean-yamuna-sets-deadline-for-rivers-revival-within-3-years-9229524.html (16 Feb. 2025)
Uttarakhand काश्तकारों की समस्याओं को लेकर डीएम को सौंपा ज्ञापन -लखवाड़ बहुद्देशीय परियोजना के तहत कटापत्थर बैराज निर्माण के लिए किये जा रहे भूमि अधिग्रहण से प्रभावित किसानों ने जिलाधिकारी से भेंट की और अपनी समस्याओं के निराकरण की मांग उठाई। किसानों ने कहा कि इससे पहले भी उन्होंने सात सूत्रीय ज्ञापन सौंपा था लेकिन उस पर अभी तक कोई कर्रवाई नहीं हुई है। उन्होंने कहा कि यदि समय रहते उनकी समस्याओं का हल नहीं हुआ तो वे किसी भी दशा में अपनी जमीनों का अधिग्रहण नहीं होने देंगे। https://www.livehindustan.com/uttarakhand/vikasnagar/story-farmers-demand-solutions-from-district-magistrate-amid-land-acquisition-issues-for-lakhwad-multi-purpose-4project-201738588255545.html (03 Feb. 2025)
Haryana 83% of industrial units releasing effluents polluting Yamuna The report by the committee, submitted to NGT earlier in January month, said that of the 136 industrial units that generate effluents in Sonipat’s Barhi Industrial Area, 113 were relying on sub-par primary effluent treatment plants (PETPs). The tribunal had formed the committee of officials of the CPCB and SPCB while hearing a petition, which was filed by Delhi-based activist Varun Gulati in May 2024. In the latest hearing on Jan 8, the NGT bench also impleaded the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) to respond on the findings of the report as Yamuna flows into the Ganga river. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Feb 27.
-CPCB had found in a March-Dec 2021 survey that Panipat contributed most of ammoniacal nitrogen – a key byproduct of the textile industry – to Yamuna waters, followed by Gurgaon (25.2%), Faridabad (15%) and Sonipat (10.1%). In 2023, HSPCB had told NGT – which was hearing another case – that the state generates 1,461 MLD (million litres per day) of wastewater, of which 921 MLD is treated at 11 sewage treatment plants. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/83-of-industrial-units-releasing-effluents-polluting-yamuna-finds-ngt-committee/articleshowprint/117214432.cms (14 Jan. 2025)
GB Nagar Admin orders strict action on water conservation Additionally, as part of the “Catch the Rain” initiative, DM on Feb. 14 ordered the installation of rooftop rainwater harvesting systems in all government and semi-government buildings, including schools, community centres, and health centres. Parks and public spaces must also have rainwater conservation measures to boost groundwater levels, he said. Officials have also been instructed to prevent illegal encroachments along the Yamuna and Hindon rivers through continuous monitoring. Any unauthorized construction must be stopped immediately. “Officials must remain vigilant and take immediate action to stop unauthorized construction”, DM added. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/noida-news/gb-nagar-admin-orders-strict-action-on-pollution-afforestation-water-conservation-101739559590362.html (15 Feb. 2025)
रामदत्त त्रिपाठी: -यमुना की गंगा संगम तक की दर्दभरी कहानी: यमुना नदी का प्रदूषण और उसकी समस्याएं। उद्गम से लेकर वृंदावन-मथुरा तक, जानिए कैसे यमुना का पानी शहरी और औद्योगिक गंदगी से प्रदूषित हो जाता है। (भाग 1) https://tinyurl.com/25e4xdk5 (05 Feb. 2025) वृंदावन-मथुरा-आगरा की यमुना की दर्द-ए-दास्तां (भाग 2) https://hindi.indiawaterportal.org/river-and-pond/the-sad-story-of-yamuna-of-vrindavan-mathura-agra-part-2 (05 Feb. 2025) यमुना नदी में बढ़ते प्रदूषण से दिल्ली से आगरा तक के शहरों और गांवों में लगभग दो करोड़ लोग पेयजल संकट और बीमारियों से जूझ रहे हैं। मछुवारों के रोजगार पर भी इसका गहरा असर पड़ा है। (भाग 3) https://hindi.indiawaterportal.org/river-and-pond/delhi-to-agra-lack-of-drinking-water-crisis-of-disease-and-unemployment-and-the-tale-of-yamuna-part-3 (16 Feb. 2025) आगरा से प्रयागराज संगम तक की यमुना की दर्द-ए-दास्तां (भाग 4) https://hindi.indiawaterportal.org/river-and-pond/dard-e-dastan-of-yamuna-from-agra-to-prayagraj-sangam-part-4 (16 Feb. 2025)
RIVERS BIODIVERSITY
Himachal Pradesh तीर्थन नदी गंदगी से घुट जाएगा रेनबो ट्राउट के प्राण फारेस्ट विभाग इस नदी में बन रही प्रॉपर्टी को लेकर डिमार्केशन कर रहा है, विभाग का कहना है एक बार हमने पहले भी डिमार्केशन किआ है। विभाग की माने तो वह प्रॉपर्टी मालकियत है और सरकारी विभाग ने इस प्रॉफ्टों को परमिशन दे रखी है। लेकिन स्थानीय लोगों का कहना है कि मलकियत को लेकर कोई शंका नहीं है, असल विषय यह है कि पवित्र नदी में निर्माण कितना तर्कसंगत है, नदी से कितनी दूरी पर व्यावसायिक निर्माण होना चाहिए। इस बात को कानूनानुसार तय करना फॉरेस्ट विभाग की जिम्मेदारी है। https://hindi.indiawaterportal.org/river-and-pond/rainbow-trout-fishs-existence-in-danger-due-to-increasing-hotels-in-tirthan-river (13 Feb. 2025)
Punjab Rare turtle spotted near Ghaggar A rare softshell freshwater turtle was spotted by villagers and wildlife officials behind the Chattbir Zoo near the Ghaggar river in Mohali’s Zirakpur. According to an official, it seems to the same turtle that was rescued from the pond at the Kali temple in Patiala in 2014. The turtle, then weighing around 70 kg and estimated to be around 150 years old, was later released in the wild after being kept under observation at the zoo for some time. “Such turtles were earlier found in the Indus valley in plenty but the recovery of such a turtle of this weight is a rare find,” a wildlife expert said, adding that the softshell freshwater turtle has been declared vulnerable under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/rare-turtle-spotted-near-ghaggar/ (13 Feb. 2025)
Study Pesticides negative effects on non-target organisms Abstract Pesticides affect a diverse range of non-target species and may be linked to global biodiversity loss. The magnitude of this hazard remains only partially understood. We present a synthesis of pesticide (insecticide, herbicide and fungicide) impacts on multiple non-target organisms across trophic levels based on 20,212 effect sizes from 1,705 studies. For non-target plants, animals (invertebrate and vertebrates) and microorganisms (bacteria and fungi), we show negative responses of the growth, reproduction, behaviour and other physiological biomarkers within terrestrial & aquatic systems. e.g. insecticidal neonicotinoids affecting amphibians. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-56732-x (13 Feb 2025)
Global biodiversity loss from outsourced deforestation Abstract Globalization increasingly allows countries to externalize the environmental costs of land use, including biodiversity loss1. So far, we have a very incomplete understanding of how countries cause biodiversity loss outside their own borders through their demand for agricultural and forestry products grown in other countries. Here we quantify the global range losses to forest vertebrates from 2001 to 2015 caused by deforestation attributable to 24 developed countries by means of their consumption of products obtained through global supply chains. We show that these driver countries are responsible for much greater cumulative range loss to species outside their own borders than within them. These international impacts were concentrated geographically, allowing us to map global hotspots of outsourced losses of biodiversity. Countries had the greatest external impacts on species occurring in nearby regions. However, in a few cases, developed countries also inflicted disproportionate harm on vertebrates in distant countries. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08569-5 (12 Feb. 2025)
FISH, FISHERIES, FISHERFOLKS
West Bengal बढ़ते जल परिवहन, औद्योगिक प्रदूषण से जूझते हल्दिया के छोटे मछुआरे पश्चिम बंगाल का हल्दिया एक प्रमुख औद्योगिक शहर है; जहां पेट्रोकेमिकल, पावर प्लांट, आयरन सहित 100 से अधिक औद्योगिक इकाइयां हैं। विभिन्न औद्योगिक इकाइयों के दूषित जल के नदी में प्रवाह से यहां की मछलियां व उनकी गुणवत्ता प्रभावित हो रही है।
हल्दिया में जेटी बनाये जाने से गाद की समस्या बढ़ रही है। इससे मछुआरों को मछलियां पकड़ने में दिक्कत होती है। हल्दिया से सबसे अधिक मात्रा में फ्लाई ऐश और उसके बाद कोयले का परिवहन किया जाता है, जिसके पानी में घुलने पर मछलियों को नुकसान होता है। https://hindi.mongabay.com/2025/02/17/haldias-small-fishermen-struggling-with-growing-water-transport-and-industrial-pollution/ (17 Feb. 2025)
Jammu & Kashmir Wular lake supplies 60% of fish consumption: Director Fisheries The Wular Lake in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, is not only the largest freshwater lake in India and the second largest in Asia but also plays a significant role in contributing to fish consumption in the valley. In a conversation the Director of Fisheries, Showkat Ahmad Bhat, stated that approximately 60 percent of fish consumed in the valley comes from Wular Lake. He mentioned that there are over 12,000 registered fishermen who depend on fishing in the lake for their livelihoods. https://kashmirdespatch.com/wular-lake-supplies-60-of-the-valleys-fish-consumption-director-fisheries/ (10 Feb. 2025)
Maharashtra Battle to save Vadhavan The project is going full steam ahead, despite strong resistance from the local fishing, farming and Adivasi communities. The move to build the Vadhavan Port started 30 years ago and these decades have seen fierce protests by local residents to highlight its potential impact on the lives of those living in this ecological sensitive region. Dahanu, one of the first taluka in the country to be notified as an “eco-fragile area”, is the only green belt between the polluted industrial areas of Vapi in Gujarat and Boisar in Maharashtra.
-Yet the port is only one among a slew of public infrastructure projects – a bullet train, freight corridor and an expressway – that will divert thousands of acres of land for construction work leaving its ecology fragmented. Multiple governments have tried to dilute the protection given to Dahanu to get these projects approved, as we explain later. https://behanbox.com/2025/02/11/why-women-refuse-to-give-up-the-battle-to-save-vadhavan-site-of-indias-largest-port/ (11 Feb. 2025)
SAND MINING
Uttarakhand HC seeks inspection report on unlawful excavation in Ganga The order came on Feb. 13 during the hearing of a PIL filed by Matri Sadan ashram in Haridwar, which has been campaigning against widespread illegal mining in the Ganga. The bench, led by Chief Justice G Narendar and Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari, instructed the CPCB to inspect the affected area and scheduled the next hearing for Friday (Feb. 14). The petition demands an immediate cessation of unauthorised mining and the closure of stone crushers to safeguard the river. It contends that mining operations have encroached into the Kumbh area. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/court-seeks-inspection-report-on-unlawful-excavation-in-ganga/articleshow/118283672.cms (15 Feb. 2025)
Kerala Protest in Parliament premises on coastal sand mining issue The MPs carried placards like ‘stop offshore sand mining’, ‘save lives’, ‘prevent wildlife attacks’ and ‘protect coastal and forest bordering communities’. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/congress-mps-stage-protest-in-parliament-premises-flag-issues-of-sand-mining-animal-attacks-in-kerala/article69214176.ece (13 Dec. 2025)
Telangana BRS leader reveals massive sand mining scam of over Rs.200 crore BRS spokesperson Manne Krishank on Thursday said the Revanth Reddy government was facilitating widespread illegal sand mining, leading to a sharp decline in the State tax revenue. He said the government’s sand income had dropped by Rs 200 crore since the Congress came to power, with revenues being diverted into private hands. https://telanganatoday.com/brs-leader-reveals-massive-sand-mining-scam-of-over-rs-200-crore (14 Feb. 2025) BRS spokesperson and former chairman of State Mineral Development Corporation (TGMDC) Krishank Manne found fault with the corporation asking all its officials to work three shifts — 7 am to 3 pm, 3 pm to 11 pm and 11 pm to 7 am. He said that it violates the Union government’s environmental guidelines, which clearly states that sand mining operations should be taken up from 6 am to 7 pm. “How could TGMDC officially order round-the-clock sand operations,” Krishank wondered. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2025/Feb/14/24×7-sand-mining-in-telangana-against-environmental-norms-brs-leader-krishank-manne (14 Feb. 2025)
Govt collects Rs 14.28L in fines Between Feb 1-12, the transport dept checked 1,222 sand-laden vehicles, booking 136 cases, seizing 111 vehicles, suspending 21 driving licenses. Rs 14.28 lakh was collected in fines for violations such as overloading & plying without valid waybills.
Additionally, the government has set ambitious revenue targets, urging contractors to cooperate in doubling revenue for 2025-26. Any deviation from these norms would result in contract cancellations and blacklisting. The government also eased the online booking process, extending booking slots from limited time windows to round-the-clock availability starting February 14.
The government is planning to implement IT-based monitoring solutions within the next 30 to 45 days. This includes high-mast HD CCTV cameras with a 1 km range, vehicle tracking systems, unmanned weighbridges, GPS and RFID tagging for tippers, a command control system, ANPR cameras, and boom barriers. https://www.siasat.com/telangana-cracks-down-on-illegal-sand-transport-collects-rs-14-28l-in-fines-3180649/ (15 Feb. 2025)
130 arrested for illegal sand mining According to sources, the Rachakonda Police registered about 100 cases in the last few days. The operation was conducted across the commissionerate limits, including the LB Nagar zone, where 30 cases were filed, followed by 25 in the Malkajgiri zone, 25 in Maheshwaram, and 20 in the Yadadri-Bhongir zone. A total of 130 individuals were arrested during this drive. In addition to the cases filed with respective police stations, the teams seized nearly 4,000 tonnes of illegally mined sand worth Rs 65 lakh from 50 sand dumps across the police commissionerate. Apart from this, the police also seized several vehicles involved in the illegal transport, which included trucks, lorries, auto- trollies and minivans. https://telanganatoday.com/telangana-rachakonda-police-arrest-130-for-sand-mining-smuggling (15 Feb. 2025)
Himachal Pradesh SDM attacked by mining mafia in Mandi A SDM was attacked by a mining mafia near Mandi town late Monday (Feb. 10). The incident has left SDM (Mandi) Om Kant Thakur, a 2019-batch IAS officer, with a broken tooth. One person has been arrested in this connection so far, police said. A district official said the SDM was in his vehicle when he noticed from afar that illegal sand mining was being carried out on the banks of the Beas. As soon as he saw this, he left his official vehicle on the highway in Brindabani and walked up to the Beas. No sooner did he start inquiring that he was surrounded by three people, who attacked him. They fled the spot soon after, the official said. Despite a ban, illegal sand mining continues unabated in the Beas, especially from the Pandoh to Mandi stretch of the river. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/sdm-attacked-by-mining-mafia-in-mandi-1-nabbed/articleshowprint/118156104.cms (12 Feb. 2025)
Rajasthan Govt deploys geo-fencing tech to curb illegal mining State mining department is set to implement geo-fencing technology, which was recently included in the state’s newly approved mining policy. An official stated that geo-fencing would play a crucial role in monitoring high-risk areas, while GPS tracking systems would be installed at check posts to improve oversight. Additionally, seized sand would be transported through the eRavanna system to ensure transparency. The policy also requires the issuance of online royalty receipts, which aims to reduce the circulation of fake receipts. Furthermore, the vigilance wing will be integrated with the divisional mining wing, enabling the department of mines and geology to utilise advanced technologies such as Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS), drones, and other modern tools. https://www.constructionworld.in/energy-infrastructure/coal-and-mining/rajasthan-deploys-geo-fencing-tech-to-curb-illegal-sand-mining/66620 (19 Dec. 2024)
WETLANDS, LAKES, WATER BODIES
DTE Are Ramsar sites really protected? While adding wetlands to the Ramsar list is a positive step, it does not guarantee protection. Many Ramsar sites in India still face threats like pollution, encroachment, and mismanagement. There is a contradiction in India’s approach. The government adds sites to the Ramsar list while also permitting harmful activities like mining and land reclamation near wetlands. If destructive activities are allowed to continue, how can these wetlands be truly protected?
-Furthermore, India’s Ramsar sites are not evenly distributed. Tamil Nadu has 20 Ramsar sites, while states like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Himachal Pradesh have fewer. Odisha and Chhattisgarh have rich wetland ecosystems, yet many of their wetlands lack Ramsar recognition. This leaves them vulnerable to threats like mining, dam construction, and urban expansion. Without equal attention to all regions, many important wetlands remain unprotected.
-Local communities have traditionally relied on wetlands for resources and have deep knowledge of these ecosystems. Instead of imposing top-down conservation policies that restrict their livelihoods, conservation efforts should empower local communities to engage in sustainable practices. Ramsar sites should support traditional knowledge alongside modern conservation, ensuring wetlands stay healthy and productive when communities are involved.
-While these new Ramsar sites are worth celebrating, the real challenge lies in ensuring their protection through proper management, monitoring, and enforcement. The government must prevent mining and industrial activities from damaging these ecosystems. Without strong action, the Ramsar tag will mean little. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/water/india-adds-wetlands-to-the-global-list-but-are-they-really-protected (14 Feb. 2025)
Assam Gauhati High Court Directs PWD To Stop Construction Activities, Earth Filling In Fresh Water Lake Deepor Beel. https://www.livelaw.in/high-court/gauhati-high-court/gauhati-high-court-pil-deepor-beel-construction-activities-283478 (10 Feb. 2025)
Manipur Farce Behind the Smokescreen Events on World Wetlands Day 2025 by Ram Wangkheirakpam. https://imphalreviews.in/farce-behind-the-states-smokescreen-events-on-world-wetlands-day/ (08 Feb. 2025)
WATER OPTIONS
Maharashtra E- PAVAS: A digital app for equitable water distribution A customised digital application, E-PAVAS (ई- पावसं), was developed to assist WUAs. E-PAVAS stands for “Electronic Paani Vapar Sanstha,” and aims to improve transparency within WUAs and ensure integrated, equitable water distribution and sustainable water use. The app aids in monitoring water demand, grievance reporting and data visualisation. It consists of two main components that support the functions of the WUAs namely, the E-PAVAS mobile application and the E-PAVAS web portal. The mobile application is designed for WUA members (farmers). It supports individual WUA members in the submission of water demand forms and in reporting problems such as water shortages or system breakages.
It also assists WUA management through a Web interface that consolidates crop and seasonal water demand data, checks these against the WUA’s water quota, and helps prepare irrigation schedules. The app notifies members of their water allocation schedules and generates records required for compliance with the MMISF Act, thus aiding with member-specific water tariffs, whether area-based or volumetric. E-PAVAS also serves as a communication channel, allowing WUA management to update members directly. The app complies fully with India’s data protection laws. https://www.indiawaterportal.org/agriculture/irrigation/e-pavas-a-digital-app-that-helps-water-users-associations-ensure-equitable-water-distribution (15 Feb. 2025)
Andhra Pradesh Vissakoderu village overcomes decade-old water problem The man behind the achievement is Srinivas, who gave priority to spend the 15th Finance Commission grant of Rs 10 lakh only on works related to supply of drinking water to villagers. He spent Rs 2.5 lakh on laying an extra pipeline and construction of new water purification unit, Rs 4.5 lakh for repairing two waterbeds and remaining amount on alum treatment unit, resulting in the supply of 2.5 lakh litres of water to 2,500 families daily.
-“For the last two decades, Vissakoderu had been depending on water tankers and bottled treated water as the raw water from the GNV canal contains pollutants. Now, we are able to purify the water and supply potable drinking water to villagers through two overhead tanks. During the previous government, the Finance Commission grants were diverted, leaving us no scope to utilise them for our purpose. But this time, the State government gave much needed autonomy on fund utilisation, which helped us bring the dysfunctional drinking water supply system back into operation,” Srinivas told TNIE. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2025/Feb/10/vissakoderu-village-in-west-godavari-dist-overcomes-decade-old-water-problem (10 Feb. 2025)
GROUNDWATER
SANDRP Overview GW 2024: Top Ten Judicial Decisions This fourth part of annual groundwater overview covers top ten judicial interventions regarding groundwater in India in 2024. During the year, legal proceedings dealing with contamination and depletion of groundwater kept going on in the NGT and various High Courts. At national level the NGT in February 2024 observed that the CGWA had taken no concrete steps to address the arsenic and fluoride contamination of groundwater. In March 2024, the tribunal asked the CGWA to submit another report on ground level actions regarding the issue. https://sandrp.in/2025/02/15/groundwater-2024-top-ten-judicial-decisions/ (15 Feb. 2025)
GW 2024: Top ten Actions by Governments The third part of annual overview covers the top ten actions taken by central and various state governments regarding conservation and recharge of groundwater India in 2024. https://sandrp.in/2025/02/14/groundwater-2024-top-ten-actions-by-governments/ (14 Feb. 2025)
Report NGT directs central authority to file report on groundwater depletion NGT has directed the CGWA to file an action taken report on steps being taken to contain depletion of groundwater and sought details for each of the affected states. The authority would indicate the ground-level preservation action plans, infrastructure facilities to be created, timelines for implementation and completion of these plans, enforcement and monitoring mechanisms within three months, directed the tribunal during its hearing after taking suo motu notice of a news item, “UN predicts groundwater level in India will reduce to ‘low’ by 2025”, that appeared in Oct 2023, on Sept 12. Its detailed order was uploaded on Sept 24.
The tribunal has demanded information with regard to the directions issued to various state govts and UTs directing them to enforce and monitor the groundwater withdrawals and an action taken report on the illegal borewells as it was stated that till date no directions under Environment Protection Act (EPA) 1986, have been issued by the authority.
During the hearing, the central authority apprised the tribunal about the proposed actions to be taken in future as it has initiated strengthening of groundwater monitoring network and automation of groundwater level monitoring by equipping these monitoring stations with Digital Water Level Recorders with telemetry systems. Under National Hydrology Project (NHP), the authority has claimed to have installed nearly 5,000 recorders with telemetry system. The has adjourned the matter to Jan 7, 2025. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/ngt-directs-central-authority-to-file-report-on-groundwater-depletion/articleshow/113718305.cms (27 Sept. 2024)
Telangana Drop in groundwater levels add to concern A recent comparison of the 2024 and 2023 groundwater assessment reports reveal that Telangana has recorded the steepest decline in net groundwater availability for future use. The state has experienced a significant drop of 2.88 billion cubic meters (bcm) in groundwater levels. It is coupled with inadequate rainfall. This has led to concerns about the sustainability of groundwater resources. Failure to give water to the Rabi famers under the SRSP stage II, has forced farmers to sink bore wells in a big way as an instant solution.
The situation worsened further by the drying up of a 120-km stretch of the Godavari River, which was once brimming with water due to the construction of three barrages—Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla. Adding to the challenge, the failure to maintain the Mission Bhagiratha supplies in certain pockets has forced people to rely on bore wells for water extraction, despite the high fluoride content in regions like Nalgonda. The decline in groundwater levels has been attributed to alleged mismanagement of irrigation projects, particularly the neglect of the Kaleshwaram and Palamuru-Rangareddy lift irrigation schemes.
Hundreds of farmers are going in for drilling new bore wells in a big way in the district and the new addition could add up by two per cent to the existing number of bore wells. This is just a repeat of what had happened in the entire command of Nagarajuna Sagar left canal ayacut during 2023-24 spread over the Nalgonda district. The Krishna projects received no significant inflows for two consecutive years forcing a crop holiday in the region. But the farmers did not relent. They drilled more bore wells and continued with the paddy cultivation as usual. https://telanganatoday.com/drop-in-groundwater-levels-add-to-concern-in-telangana (14 Feb. 2025)
Residents, especially farmers, are forced to rely on bore wells to meet their water needs, as the Mission Bhagiratha project has not been able to provide a consistent supply of safe drinking water in certain pockets. This has resulted in the reopening of old bore wells and the restoration of some that were previously defunct. https://telanganatoday.com/growing-dependence-on-groundwater-amid-fluoride-crises-puts-nalgonda-at-risk (14 Feb. 2025)
Kerala 3 blocks continue in ‘critical’ list Chittur, Malampuzha blocks in Palakkad district and the Kasaragod block in Kasaragod district continue to languish in the ‘critical’ category in terms of groundwater extraction, according to the latest National Compilation on Dynamic Ground Water Resources of India report. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/ground-water-extraction-three-kerala-blocks-continue-in-critical-list/article69222995.ece (15 Feb. 2025)
Punjab Effects of green revolution According to a report from the CGWB, water levels in Punjab are dropping at an average of almost 20 inches per year. The tube wells used to be located at 100 to 150 feet. “Now they have reached up to 400 to 500 feet,” said Sunil Mittal, a soil and groundwater expert at the Central University of Punjab. He explained farmers are now hitting aquifers surrounded by minerals such as uranium, lead, and arsenic, which are entering the water used for both agriculture and household consumption. These heavy metals, along with nitrates in fertilizer runoff, may have contributed to increasing rates of cancers. Mittal warned that restoring the quality of groundwater will be a difficult task — one that has no strategy in place yet. The contamination has happened over 50 years and it will take just as long to clean it up, he said. “I don’t think any artificial clean up technology will work at such a large level.” https://undark.org/2025/02/03/downstream-india-green-revolution/ (03 Feb. 2025)
Haryana Gurgaon among 16 districts where GW contaminants high Sixteen districts of Haryana, including Gurgaon, have been grappling with high levels of groundwater contamination, according to the Central Ground Water Board’s (CGWB) annual quality report for 2024. The investigation found multiple contaminants exceed the permissible limit set by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), including uranium, nitrates, arsenic, chloride, and fluoride. Uranium concentration surpassed the safety threshold of 30 parts per billion (ppb) in several districts.
-The CGWB report also suggested that extensive fertiliser use in farmland could be contributing to the high uranium concentrations, as phosphate and bicarbonates in the soil enhance uranium mobility and leaching. The problem is exacerbated by unsustainable water management practices. According to Fawzia Tarannum, co-founder and strategic adviser of GuruJal, factors such as inefficient paddy cultivation methods, rapid urbanisation, and diminishing water sources have contributed to the deteriorating situation. The city’s heavy reliance on groundwater, combined with reduced surface water availability and ineffective conservation measures, has created a hydra-headed water resource challenge. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/gurgaon-among-16-haryana-districts-where-groundwater-contaminants-high/articleshowprint/118248557.cms (14 Feb. 2025)
URBAN LAKES, WETLANDS
Indore तालाबों के पानी से बिजली बनाने की तैयारी -यशवंत सागर पर अब स्मार्ट सिटी कंपनी 20 मेगावाट का फ्लोटिंग सोलर पावर प्लांट लगाने की तैयारी कर रही है। स्मार्ट सिटी कंपनी द्वारा सोलर एनर्जी कार्पोरेशन आफ इंडिया के माध्यम से इस संबंध में फिजिबिलिटी सर्वे भी करवाया गया है। तालाब में फ्लोटिंग सोलर पावर प्लांट लगाने पर करीब 100 करोड़ रुपये खर्च होने का आकलन किया जा रहा है https://www.naidunia.com/madhya-pradesh/indore-indore-wetlands-in-danger-solar-panels-to-be-installed-on-lakes-8379742 (10 Feb. 2025)
Kolkata Tilted buildings, Crumbling law Illegal construction is closely linked with changes in the character of land. The land area in the city is characterised by its use pattern such as wetland, marshy land, forest land, agricultural land or land area for building etc. But in recent times, illegal construction, by filling up the city’s wetland & drainage channels, has become the rule of the day.
The CM has been calling for water storage and its recharging with the catchline ‘Jal Dhoro, Jol Boro’ (Catch the Water, Fill the Water). On the contrary, her party has been reportedly sponsoring promoters and developers who are filling up ponds and water bodies for illegal construction by manipulating law makers and police. Thus, the wetland areas being the kidneys of Kolkata are getting choked and filled up with soil in daylight in front of the police administration.
-Recently, a survey of Kolkata city revealed that 270 ponds had been filled up in five wards of the Garden Reach-Metiaburuz area from 2004 to 2022. In this context, the growing damage to the ecosystem in Kolkata has emerged as a serious threat to the environment. https://www.newsclick.in/kolkata-tilted-buildings-crumbling-law-endangered-city (11 Feb. 2025)
Hyderabad HMDA plan to rezone lake to residential area sparks row The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority’s (HMDA) move to convert parts of Gopi Cheruvu Lake, a notified water body, its full tank limits and its buffer zone, into a residential zone, has drawn sharp criticism. Activists say that the move is illegal and is in contempt of Supreme Court orders. Hyderabad-based activist Lubna Sarwath flagged a government memo, issued by the HMDA on January 10, inviting objections or suggestions regarding the proposal of re-designating parts of Gopi Cheruvu in Serilingamapally (Village & Mandal), Ranga Reddy District, and its buffer zone into a residential use zone. https://www.siasat.com/hmda-plan-to-rezone-lake-hyderabad-to-residential-area-sparks-row-3178903/ (11 Feb. 2025)
HYDRAA razes villas in FTL of Neknampur lake The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) on Jan 10 demolished illegal under-construction villas in the Neknampur area of Manikonda, Rangareddy district. This comes following the complaints of illegal structures occupying the full tank level (FTL) in Neknampur Lake. Consequently, HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath directed officials to raze the unauthorised structures. Sources said a total of 13 villas were found to be constructed in violation of regulations, with each villa comprising one ground floor and two upper floors, covering an area of 400 sq metres. These structures posed environmental risks by occupying the buffer zones and FTL of the lake, which are critical for maintaining the area’s ecological balance. https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2025/Jan/11/hydraa-razes-villas-in-ftl-of-neknampur-lake (11 Jan. 2025)
Prakruti Resorts demolished for FTL violations -PRPC representatives approached the Telangana High Court regarding the HYDRAA notices. Based on reports submitted by irrigation, revenue and municipality officials, the high court ruled that the structures built within the lake’s FTL limits must be demolished. The representatives then requested the HC to grant them 30 days to remove the structures themselves. When the structures remained after 30 days, HYDRAA took action on Thursday (Feb. 13) and carried out the demolition. https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2025/Feb/14/prakruti-resorts-demolished-for-ftl-violations-in-hyderabad (14 Feb. 2025)
Thiruvananthapuram HC orders Vellayani Lake boundary demarcation The long-pending demand to conserve and protect the Vellayani lake — the second largest freshwater lake in the state — is finally set to become a reality with the High Court directing the State Wetland Authority (SWA) to complete the demarcation of the boundaries of the lake’s wetland within three months.
Besides, after years of impasse, the state government has launched a Rs 96-crore project to revive the lake which is the only source of drinking water for Kalliyoor, Venganoor, Vizhinjam and Kovalam areas in the state capital. With the Vizhinjam port all set to become fully operational, the conservation of Vellayani lake is crucial as it is the main source of water for the port operations.
The High Court recently came out with such a directive in connection with a case filed by the Kalliyoor panchayat against the granting of building permit renewal for a private party. According to the SWA report, the Vellayani lake has a wetland spanning over 268.68 hectares. It is learnt that the lake is included in a list of 40 wetlands in the state that are in the process of being notified under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017. The area of the lake has shrunk dramatically with widespread encroachment affecting the ecosystem adversely. The first phase of the Vellayani lake conservation project, granted administrative sanction back in 2021, had taken off recently. https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2025/Feb/15/kerala-hc-orders-vellayani-lake-boundary-demarcation-rs-96-crore-revival-project-launched (15 Feb. 2025)
Speed up marking Vellayani lake boundaries: HC The panchayat challenged the orders of the Tribunal for Local Self-Govt Institutions, Thiruvananthapuram, which had directed the panchayat to process the building permit applications of landowners situated in the vicinity of the lake. The panchayat argued that the lake that serves as a source of drinking water for Thiruvananthapuram corporation and the Kalliyoor and Venganoor panchayats, is already under threat from encroachments.
However, the court emphasized that the panchayat and the relevant statutory authorities must ensure that the larger public interest of maintaining and protecting the wetlands is carried out in strict accordance with the law, without undermining the legally permitted and reasonable uses of land in the vicinity by its lawful owners, the court added. Consequently, the court directed SWA to expedite the process of demarcating the wetland boundaries. Upon receiving SWA’s recommendations, the panchayat shall process the building permit applications accordingly within a month. Until then, the tribunal’s orders shall remain in abeyance. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/speed-up-marking-wetland-boundaries/articleshow/118257433.cms (15 Feb. 2025)
Bengaluru SPCB told to identify what is dirtying city’s lakes The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has yet again directed the State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to identify the source of pollution in stagnant water bodies in Bengaluru and across the state to improve water quality. CPCB has raised the issue in a letter dated January 6, 2025, after reviewing water quality data of lakes, tanks, and ponds, submitted under the National Water Quality Monitoring (NWMP) program. The central pollution watchdog has noted that water quality data of stagnant water bodies for the year 2023 for critical parameters such as dissolved oxygen, Ph, biological oxygen demand, faecal coliform, etc. requires special attention.
“Water quality data of stagnant water bodies for the year 2023 are compared with primary water quality criteria for outdoor bathing notified under the Environment Protection rule, 1986, and observed that some of the monitoring locations at lakes, tanks, and ponds require attention. It is requested to identify sources of pollution, especially at the non-complying locations, and make concerted efforts for improvement of water quality,” said the letter from CPCB, a copy of which is with BM. Notably, the monthly water quality reports of Bengaluru lakes and tanks by the SPCB show that the city’s water bodies are increasingly getting toxic. The number of lakes in the city with the worst water quality (Class E) over the years has only surged and doubled in some months, even during monsoon. https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/others/bengalurus-lakes-in-crisis-central-pollution-control-board-demands-action/articleshow/118127392.cms (11 Feb. 2025)
Mumbai Minister backs conservation tag for DPS Flamingo lakeIn a boost to environmentalists’ drive to save DPS Flamingo Lake in Nerul in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik has promised to pursue a government committee recommendation to declare the 30-acre wetland a conservation reserve. The committee, formed in response to a series of flamingo deaths near DPS Lake and tasked with safeguarding migratory bird habitats, has urged the government to grant the wetland conservation status.
Despite this, CIDCO was yet to act on the committee’s directive to clear blocked water channels and restore intertidal water flow, leaving the lake polluted with muck and moss, forcing flamingos to avoid the area, according to Navi Mumbai Environment Preservation Society (NMEPS) activist Sandeep Sareen.
Environment watchdog NatConnect Foundation’s director B N Kumar met Naik on Friday (Feb. 14), urging him to push for the lake’s protection. Kumar also presented Naik with a written appeal and a copy of the government committee’s findings, which NatConnect obtained through the RTI Act. In response, Naik immediately forwarded the request to Additional Chief Secretary – Forest, Milind Mhaiskar, and assured follow-up action, NatConnect stated. https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-forest-minister-backs-conservation-tag-for-dps-flamingo-lake-urges-action-on-wetland-protection (16 Feb. 2025)
URBAN WATER
Bengaluru BWSSB to add 26 more STPs by June 2026, to expand treated water capacity By June 2026, Bengaluru will have 26 new STPs managed by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), adding 470 MLD of treated water to the city’s capacity. This expansion will take Bengaluru’s total treated water generation capacity to nearly 2,200 MLD. The city currently generates 2,300 MLD of sewage, of which 1,348.5 MLD is treated by the BWSSB’s 33 STPs, while 370 MLD is processed by private STPs— leaving 580 MLD untreated. The 26 under-construction STPs aim to bridge this gap, with half expected to be completed by December 2025 and the rest by June 2026, BWSSB Chairman V Ram Prasath Manohar told DH.
As part of a larger effort to generate 583 MLD of treated water, the BWSSB has sought a Rs 1,000-crore loan from the World Bank to set up nine STPs with a combined capacity of 148 MLD. This project will also include a 400-km sewer pipeline network and Rs 200 crore for operations and maintenance. A senior BWSSB engineering official said the work is expected to begin in the 2025-26 financial year and will take approximately four years to complete. More details will be revealed in the state budget in March.
To meet Bengaluru’s future water needs, thew BWSSB has submitted proposals for 15 additional projects to generate 435 MLD of treated water. Key projects include a 60 MLD STP for KC Valley, two 100 MLD STPs at Mylasandra and Doddabele, and a 75 MLD STP at Madiwala. The board has requested Rs 2,550 crore to fund these projects. A senior official said 25% of the funding will come from government grants, 25% from the BWSSB’s budget, and the rest from loans. “We have submitted the proposals, and the government is considering them. Approval is expected soon,” the official added.
In addition to setting up new STPs, the BWSSB has also allocated Rs 1,000 crore for the rehabilitation of 24 existing STPs. “This project, expected to be completed by December 2024, aims to upgrade treated water quality to meet NGT guidelines. Until now, they only complied with SPCB norms,” BWSSB Chairman V Ram Prasath Manohar noted. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/bengaluru/bengaluru-to-add-26-more-stps-by-june-2026-to-expand-treated-water-capacity-3397653 (10 Feb. 2025)
Residents demand immediate closure of waste processing plant: More than 500 residents of Chikkanagamangala and surrounding areas staged a protest against BBMP Saturday (Feb. 15), demanding immediate closure of Chikkanagamangala municipal waste processing plant.
The residents accused BBMP of disregarding multiple NGT orders and continuing operations despite severe environmental and health hazards posed by the plant. “We have been protesting since 2019, yet no concrete action has been taken. We are now dependent on tankers that source water from Malathoor and other distant locations because the groundwater around Electronics City is no longer safe due to chemical contamination,” said Pranay Dubey, a member of Electronic City Rising, a citizens’ group advocating for environmental and civic issues. Residents are paying Rs 1,420 for 12,000 litres of tanker water and Rs 500 for 4,500 litres. Some apartment complexes require up to five tankers of 12,000 litres and 7 tankers of 4,500 litres/day, amounting to Rs 71,000/month just for clean water. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/residents-protest-to-demand-immediate-closure-of-chikkanagamangala-waste-processing-plant/articleshow/118284771.cms (16 Feb 2025)
Groundwater extraction hits 100% Bengaluru’s groundwater levels have reached a critical stage, with both urban and rural areas extracting 100 per cent of available reserves in 2024, according to a report by CGWB. The city’s reliance on groundwater has led to severe depletion, raising concerns about long-term sustainability. Experts highlight that without immediate conservation efforts, Bengaluru’s long-standing groundwater depletion could lead to severe urban water shortages, affecting millions of residents. Sustainable water management policies, coupled with large-scale awareness programs, will be critical in addressing the crisis. https://www.thehansindia.com/news/cities/bengaluru/bengalurus-groundwater-depletes-as-extraction-hits-100-942949 (06 Feb. 2025)
Silicon Desert The ‘Silicon Valley of India’, drinking water is becoming scarce. The consequences of climate change – with its long periods of drought – are hitting the high-tech metropolis hard. Decades of growth and the increasing scarcity of natural resources are part of the problem. So are urban sprawl, complacent local politicians and an overall lack of vision. https://www.dw.com/en/silicon-desert/a-71300104 (12 Feb. 2025)
Chennai Tambaram Corp struggles to lay underground sewage lines Tambaram corp is yet to implement underground sewage lines across its jurisdiction, despite DPRs prepared for several localities. The delays continue to expose residents to health risks, with frequent sewage overflows and water contamination already linked to two deaths in Dec 2024. Corporation officials cite funding constraints and procedural hurdles as the primary reasons for the delay. The corporation has submitted proposals worth 1,000 crore. “We want the state govt to approve it soon,” said corporation commissioner S Balachander.
Localities such as Madambakkam, Sembakkam, and Selaiyur frequently experience sewage overflows, forcing residents to wade through stagnant wastewater. Many areas still rely on septic tanks, which require frequent cleaning. However, with a growing population, these tanks often overflow. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tambaram-corpn-struggles-to-lay-underground-sewage-lines/articleshow/118309292.cms (17 Feb. 2025)
Coimbatore Locals complain of water contamination Villagers from Jadayampalayam panchayat complained that the drinking water supply was allegedly getting mixed with sewage for the last few days. Villagers said, “In six wards of the panchayat in Karamadai Union, drinking water is drawn from Bhavani river and supplied to villages after passing it through the water treatment plant. Earlier, there were no quality concerns in water supplied to Alankombu and Jadayampalayam.” They further alleged that release of sewage and industrial waste water into the Bhavani River was the reason for contamination. They demanded authorities to prevent discharge of sewage. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2025/Feb/15/jadayampalayam-locals-complain-of-drinking-water-contamination-in-coimbatore (15 Feb. 2025)
Corp plans IoT-based smart water distribution Coimbatore Corporation plans to implement an Internet of Things (IoT)-based smart water distribution system to ensure equitable supply in the 40 wards added to the city after 2011. A pilot project costing ₹2.5 crore has been implemented in Cheran Nagar, Kavundampalayam, covering 400 houses. While a 24/7 water supply project is underway for the 60 pre-2011 wards, the added areas currently receive intermittent supply. To address this, the Corporation has partnered with PSG College of Technology under a Department of Science and Technology (DST)-funded programme. The project aims to implement a smart distribution system using water meters, valves, sensors, and data analytics.
A senior corporation official noted that the old system, where water is supplied approximately once a week, faces issues such as operator bias, meter tampering, and illegal connections. The new system, monitored through a dedicated online platform, ensures transparency, with meters secured within the Sub-DMA panel to prevent tampering. “Following the success of the pilot project over a year, the Corporation has initiated work and submitted funding proposals to extend it to Ward 17, with plans to expand it across all added areas,” the official said. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/coimbatore-corporation-plans-iot-based-smart-water-distribution-for-added-areas/article69219623.ece (14 Feb. 2025)
Madurai Foundation laid for ₹471-cr UGD project Municipal administration minister K N Nehru laid the foundation stone on Sunday (Jan. 12) for a ₹471-crore underground drainage (UGD) project under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme in Madurai’s extension areas, including Madurai East, North, South, and Thiruparankundram. According to corporation officials, the ₹471-crore UGD project will address the lack of drainage in areas added to Madurai Corporation in 2011. The project includes laying 500 km of UGD pipelines, constructing 20 lifting stations and nine pumping stations, and providing 79,227 household connections across 31 wards. It is expected to improve sanitation and infrastructure in underserved areas. Work will be divided into two regions: Vaigai North, covering 16 wards, and Vaigai South, covering 15 wards.
Addressing the gathering at Uthangudi, the minister announced ₹190 crore for road repairs and new construction to address public grievances over poor road conditions. The funds will be released in two phases: ₹130 crore initially and ₹60 crore later. Nehru also highlighted ₹3,200 crore allocated to Madurai district for drinking water projects, including ₹1,695 crore for the AMRUT Mullaperiyar scheme benefiting the city and ₹1,600 crore for suburban areas. He added that water supply under the Mullaperiyar scheme would begin by March 2025, with the project inaugurated by chief minister M K Stalin. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/foundation-laid-for-471-crore-ugd-project-in-madurai/articleshow/117181183.cms (13 Jan. 2025)
Puducherry NGT directs govt to implement safeguards for borewell project The southern bench of the NGT has directed the Puducherry govt to implement necessary safeguards to protect groundwater, in the wake of concerns raised over the ₹534-crore borewell project aimed at augmenting water supply in the region. The project, which is funded by the Agence Française de Développement, involves installing deep borewells in several villages to improve drinking water access. However, local farmers and environmental experts have voiced apprehensions that the extensive use of borewells could severely deplete the region’s groundwater levels, affecting agricultural activities and drinking water availability for rural communities.
Despite assurances from the Puducherry government that it has adopted precautionary measures, such as constructing recharge structures, the bench said that these efforts may not be sufficient to prevent environmental damage in the long term. The bench specifically recommended conducting detailed hydrogeological studies, installing real-time monitoring systems to track groundwater levels, and implementing more robust recharge measures. In its ruling, the bench directed the Puducherry authorities to ensure that the project’s potential environmental impacts are thoroughly assessed and addressed before any further expansion of the borewell installations, to safeguard both public water needs and the long-term health of the region’s groundwater resources. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/ngt-directs-puducherry-govt-to-implement-safeguards-for-534-crore-borewell-project-to-protect-groundwater/article69222843.ece (15 Feb. 2025)
Vizag Beach sand turns black; citizens blame sewage pollution The sand on RK Beach, opposite the AU Yoga Village in the city, has turned black, to the dismay of beachgoers. An ice cream vendor says there are several points on the beach where sewage flows directly into the sea. Sometimes, the water turns black as it contains silt and plastic. E.N.V. Naresh Kumar, CMO of Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) said that they are currently working on measures like diverting drainage canals to STPs along the coast.
Meanwhile, Visakhapatnam Port Authority Secretary T. Venugopal said that the Visakhapatnam Port Authority annually spends ₹120 crore on environmental mitigation measures. “It (VSP) releases the water after scientifically treating it in its specialised plants. The port is also now upgrading its existing water treatment plant by doubling its capacity” he said. Ruling out the possibility of mineral pollution causing the colour change, VSN Murthy, retired scientist of CSIR – National Institute of Oceanography, said: “Opaque minerals are responsible for black sand spots on beaches, but the deposits of those minerals are very low on the Visakhapatnam coast as per our observation.” https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/vizag-beach-sand-turns-black-citizens-blame-sewage-pollution/article69203623.ece (10 Feb. 2025)
Pune Unsafe drinking water triggers health crisis A surge in diarrhea cases due to contaminated water supply has raised serious health concerns in Pune and several parts of Maharashtra. Experts warn that the outbreak could also lead to an increase in Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare but serious neurological disorder linked to bacterial infections from unsafe drinking water. In response, the state government has taken swift action, instructing relevant departments to ensure the supply of clean water to citizens. Additionally, the government has warned that strict disciplinary action will be taken against officials who fail to implement these measures effectively. https://www.punekarnews.in/unsafe-drinking-water-triggers-health-crisis-in-pune-state-orders-immediate-action/ (14 Feb. 2025)
GBS outbreak reveals how RO plants ran without scrutiny Scores of privately run reverse osmosis (RO) plants in the state, which sold water to tens of thousands of people in unlabelled jars and bottles, operated for years without any govt scrutiny, civic officials said this week, days after they shut down several such units in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad limits.
The RO plants, the officials said, lay in a regulation-free zone; municipal bodies had no jurisdiction over them, and the Food and Drug Administration, which oversees most things Indians consume, only inspected packaged drinking water bottles, made by known manufacturers. “That meant the RO plants fell into a kind of regulatory vacuum in our system. There was no one to regulate them,” said Shekhar Singh, commissioner of Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corp. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/pune-gbs-outbreak-reveals-how-ro-plants-ran-without-scrutiny-water-sold-to-people-not-tested-by-any-agency/articleshow/118286432.cms (16 Feb. 2025)
Mohali NGT slams GMADA for green violations at Purab Premium Apartments The NGT has come down heavily on the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) over blatant environmental violations at its Purab Premium Apartments project in Sector 88. On Feb 12, the green court directed GMADA’s chief administrator (CA) Moneesh Kumar to conduct an inquiry to find officers responsible for these violations, demanding action within three months and an action-taken report before its registrar generalThe tribunal warned that failure to comply would lead to further scrutiny. Moreover, over two years after the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) in Sept 2022 imposed a compensation of ₹1.02 crore on GMADA for environmental violations at the project, the tribunal asked the board to impose further penalty on the authority.
-An NGT-appointed three-member joint committee had highlighted the following violations following a visit to the project site in November 2023: GMADA did not install a STP and is discharging the entire untreated domestic sewage into sewer leading to STP, Mohali. Fresh water being used for toilet flushing and plantation/horticulture purposes instead of treated sewage water. No record regarding maintenance of rainwater harvesting pits. Drinking water supply line and fresh water supply line for horticulture and flushing not colour-coded. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/ngt-slams-gmada-for-green-violations-at-purab-premium-apartments-101739389900108.html (13 Feb. 2025)
Noida NGT pulls up authority over discharging treated sewage water The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognisance of allegations that the New Okhla Industrial Development Authority (Noida) has been discharging treated sewage water into drains instead of utilising it for irrigation and other productive purposes. The tribunal acted after an HT report on June 11, 2024, highlighted the issue. During a hearing on February 6, the NGT emphasised the importance of conserving natural resources and directed Noida to submit a timeline for achieving 100% utilisation of treated sewage water.
The tribunal, taking note of the lack of accountability, remarked that currently only 20% of treated water is being utilised, while the rest is wasted. An NGT bench comprising justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member Dr A. Senthil Vel said, “The authority had submitted that the laying of pipelines for connecting the STPs was in the advanced stage, and some were likely to be completed by December 2024. But learnt counsel for the respondent has informed that work is not yet complete, and he is not in a position to disclose how much progress in the work for laying of the pipeline has been made and what percentage of work remains to be completed.”
According to an October 15, 2024, response filed by Noida before the tribunal, the authority generates 260 MLD of treated water but manages to reuse only 68 MLD, leaving 192 MLD—nearly 74%—to be discharged into drains. The authority claimed it is working to enhance reuse by laying supply pipelines. Taking a strict stance, the NGT directed Noida to ensure complete utilisation of treated water.
“The candid admission of learnt counsel appearing for respondent No. 2 (Noida) is that about 20% of STP-treated water is being presently utilised and the rest is thrown/discharged in the drain by the authority,” the bench noted. “STP-treated water has its own value since it can be utilised in different projects, which can help in saving natural water. We direct the authority to place on record the comprehensive plan along with the timeline for 100% utilisation of STP-treated water. Let the same be filed within a period of four weeks,” the tribunal said during the hearing. The case will now be heard by the NGT on May 15, 2025, for further proceedings. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/noida-news/ngt-pulls-up-noida-authority-over-discharging-treated-sewage-water-101739646498735.html (16 Feb. 2025)
Greater Noida 41 of 63 builders found using groundwater, NGT told While hearing the matter on February 4, the NGT directed the Greater Noida authority and the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) to verify claims made by developers regarding their use of treated sewage plant (STP) water instead of groundwater. The tribunal also gave developers who have not yet provided details on their water sources an additional week to submit their affidavits.
-It directed the Greater Noida authority and UPPCB to verify the disclosures made by realtors regarding their source of supply and submit a report to the tribunal within eight weeks. “Identifying the actual sources of water will clarify whether the projects are genuinely using STP-treated water or drawing groundwater. This verification is crucial to ensure transparency and accountability in water usage”, said the petitioner. The matter has been listed for the next hearing on April 28, 2025. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/noida-news/41-of-63-builders-in-greater-noida-found-using-groundwater-ngt-told-101739299646436.html (12 Feb. 2025)
Gurugram Toxic leachate from Bandhwari poisoning Aravalis: SPCB Leachate specimens collected from the Aravalis just outside Bandhwari landfill and near a farmhouse contain noxious substances and chemicals, substantially higher than the permissible limits, SPCB has said. The findings suggest that untreated leachate may be percolating into the environment, potentially causing severe ecological deterioration. Seven samples were collected on Jan 2 for analyses to evaluate if untreated leachate was being discharged into the fragile ecosystem of the Aravalis.
-The analyses were conducted after NGT directed HSPCB to collect samples of the leachate in Aravalis near the waste plant as the greens have alleged that the toxic liquid has been seeping into the groundwater from the Bandhwari landfill.
-There are multiple supporting HSPCB lab reports (March 2023, May 2023, June 2023 and July 2023, among others) to show that the toxic liquid is being discharged into the forest and now nearby villages too. The HSPCB also mentioned in the RTI report that so far Rs 2.8 crore has been deposited by MCG against Rs 5.6 crore environmental compensation (EC) imposed by it for damaging the eco-sensitive area of Aravalis.
-In Aug 2023, HSPCB had imposed an EC of Rs 80 lakh for flouting waste disposal norms from Aug 2022 to April 2023 at the Bandhwari landfill site. This is not the first time: earlier too, the pollution control board had imposed an EC on MCG. The first order was issued on June 10, 2022 asking the civic body to pay Rs 2.1 crore for violations from April 2020 to Dec 2021. Another order was issued in Aug 2023 imposing a compensation amount of Rs 70 lakh on the civic body for Jan-July 2022. A third order last Sept imposed a compensation amount of Rs 10 lakh on MCG for flouting waste management norms.
In Sep 2022, NGT had also imposed environmental compensation of Rs 100 cr on Haryana govt for damage to the Aravalis near the landfill. It had directed MCG & MCF not to dump any fresh waste in the landfill. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/toxic-leachate-from-bandhwari-poisoning-aravalis-says-pollution-board/articleshowprint/118155625.cms (12 Feb 2025)
WATER POLLUTION
Opinion Fashion’s massive pollution problem Every day, the textile industry in Sanganer prints a staggering volume of fabric that drives much of Jaipur’s economic engine. This massive production comes at a significant cost — water. Sanganer’s groundwater is laden with high concentrations of heavy metals like arsenic and mercury — byproducts of the textile dyeing process — as well as acids, salts, and bleaching agents. The groundwater contamination is so severe that even simple tasks, such as matching fabric colours to buyers’ specifications, have become impossible, as the high levels of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) render the water unsuitable for dyeing. This issue has become a crisis that extends beyond environmental impact. The local population, particularly the textile workers, is bearing the brunt of the toxic pollution, with eczema, asthma, chronic bronchitis, and even bladder cancer becoming alarmingly common. Sanganer’s situation is not unique. Other textile hubs like Tirupur and Panipat too face — similar challenges. (Nirbhay Rana) https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/shein-sanganer-fashion-massive-pollution-problem-9828534/ (10 Feb. 2025)
MONSOON
Report India sees fifth-driest January since 1901 India has experienced a dry winter season (Jan-Feb) in 2025, with 89 % districts suffering from deficient, large deficient, or no rainfall, according to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Despite a higher-than-normal number of western disturbances (WD), their impact on rainfall was minimal, the IMD stated in its climate summary for January. The country recorded a 71 per cent rainfall deficit as of February 10, with January marking the fifth-lowest rainfall since 1901 and the third-lowest since 2001.
51% of India’s districts received no rainfall at all, while 31 per cent recorded large deficient rainfall (between 60 and 99 per cent below normal) between January 1 and February 10. Another seven per cent experienced deficient rainfall (between 21 and 59 per cent below normal). Five states — Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Odisha and Mizoram—received no rainfall during this period. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/where-are-winter-rains-india-sees-fifth-driest-january-since-1901-over-half-of-districts-see-no-rain (11 Feb. 2025)
सूखी बीत रही है जनवरी–फरवरी, पश्चिमी विक्षोभों में नहीं दिखा दम -10 फरवरी तक पूरे देश में 71 प्रतिशत की कमी दर्ज की गई है, जिसमें जनवरी के महीने में 1901 के बाद से पांचवीं सबसे कम और 2001 के बाद से तीसरी सबसे कम बारिश दर्ज की गई है। देश के सभी जिलों में से 51 प्रतिशत में बिल्कुल भी बारिश नहीं हुई, जबकि 31 प्रतिशत में 1 जनवरी से 10 फरवरी के बीच की अवधि में 60 प्रतिशत से 99 प्रतिशत (बहुत कम) के बीच कम बारिश हुई। अन्य सात प्रतिशत जिलों में 21 प्रतिशत से 59 प्रतिशत (कम) के बीच कम बारिश हुई। पांच राज्यों – तेलंगाना, छत्तीसगढ़, गुजरात, ओडिशा और मिजोरम – में इस अवधि में बिल्कुल भी बारिश नहीं हुई। https://hindi.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/january-february-are-passing-dry-western-disturbances-have-not-shown-any-strength (11 Feb. 2025)
Why La Niña’s cooling effect could not reduce January temperatures Each El Niño and La Niña phase is unique. This means that, let’s say, no two La Niña cycles are exactly alike due to variations in intensity, duration, and specific regions impacted by them. Therefore, the development of these phases would not necessarily increase or decrease global temperatures with the same intensity every time.
-Experts suggest that a particularly warm January cannot foretell the long-term trajectory of weather patterns on the planet. However, it does indicate that the ability of natural cooling phases to temporarily bring down global temperatures might be waning. The only way to thwart this from happening is to drastically reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In 2024, atmospheric GHG reached the highest annual levels ever recorded in the atmosphere, according to C3S. https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/la-nina-january-temperature-9828530/ (11 Feb. 2025)
Himachal Pradesh 75% Less Rainfall -Himachal Pradesh has recorded 75% less rainfall than normal from January 1 to February 11, leading to drought-like conditions in several districts. According to official data, the expected rainfall for this period was 117.9 mm, but the state received only 29.4 mm. The significant shortfall has raised concerns for agriculture, particularly for apple growers and winter crops.
-Bilaspur has recorded the highest rainfall deficit at 91%, followed by Hamirpur (88%), Kangra (86%), Sirmour (85%), Solan (85%), and Una (88%). Other affected districts include Chamba (71%), Kullu (60%), Lahaul-Spiti (69%), Mandi (69%), Kinnaur (89%), and Shimla (78%). The lack of precipitation has left many areas struggling with dry soil and declining water availability, impacting both farming and groundwater recharge. https://thenewshimachal.com/2025/02/with-75-less-rainfall-himachal-faces-drought-like-conditions-in-several-districts/ (12 Feb. 2025)
Hint at beginning of the end of snowfall in Shimla In the winter of 1990-91, Shimla received 239 cm of snowfall. In the five winters of the current decade, the city has received just around 250 cm of snowfall, indicating a diminishing trend of snowfall in and around Shimla. More worryingly, the city has gone without a significant spell of snowfall in the past three winters, including the current one. From the winter of 2022-23 to the current winter, the city has barely received around 25 cm of snowfall. It’s extremely worrying as the city has never seen three consecutive dry winters over the past 35 years. No one knows whether it is merely an aberration in the weather cycle or the beginning of the end of snowfall in Shimla.
In the last decade of the last century, from 1991 to 2000, the city had received a total of 1,332 cm of snowfall, which means an average snowfall of 133 cm per year. In the past decade, from 2011-2020, the city received 809 cm of snowfall, an average of 80 cm per year. In the first five winters of the current decade, the average snowfall per year has slipped down further to just around 50 cm. This number could have been much worse had the city not received 161 cm of snowfall in 2021-22. It was the highest snowfall in the city since 2001-02, when it had recorded 186.7 cm of snowfall. The abundant snowfall in 2021-22 could have happened due to the Covid-induced lockdowns in and outside the country, which brought down carbon emissions to a large extent.
Apart from the declining snowfall, the snowfall period has also reduced over the years. In 1991-2000, snowfall had been recorded in the month of November and March as well. While November has not seen snowfall since many years now, snowfall was last recorded in March in 2019-20. Now, the snowfall is becoming increasingly uncommon even in December. According to the weather officials, local factors such as increasing number of vehicles and urbanisation could also be warming up the atmosphere. While the city has turned into a concrete jungle, more than one lakh new vehicles hit the road every year in the state. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/weather-trends-worrying-hint-at-beginning-of-the-end-of-snowfall-in-shimla/ (13 Feb. 2025)
Manali getting lesser snowfall In the past 15 years, snowfall started deceasing noticeably from 2019-2020. Until then, barring 2015-16, Manali received good snowfall, ranging from 109 cm to 688 cm. In the past six years, including the current year, the total snowfall has not gone beyond double digits. This year, in particular, has been the worse over the past 15 years – the locals claim the town hasn’t seen even 15 cm snowfall this winter. Compared to Shimla, which is enduring the third consecutive dry winter, Manali is better placed but the alarm bells have started ringing here as well. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/like-shimla-manali-also-witnessing-lesser-snowfall-hoteliers-worried/ (14 Feb. 2025)
No relief in sight, dry spell continues -According to the weather department, the state is unlikely to receive any snowfall or rainfall over the next seven days. There could be some snowfall or rainfall at isolated places in the higher reaches, but overall, the state is likely to experience dry conditions. The long dry spell has put apple trees under severe stress, and the majority of apple growers are complaining that plants are drying up in the absence of adequate moisture. Even the tourist sector is taking a big hit due to the prevailing dry conditions. At many places, people are depending on water tankers in the middle of winter. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/no-relief-in-sight-dry-spell-continues-in-himachal-pradesh-for-next-week/ (12 Feb. 2025)
Desperate farmers in Kinnaur are scrambling snow According to the IMD, rainfall in Himachal Pradesh was 41 per cent below average between October and December. Additionally, from January 1 to February 13, there was a 77 per cent reduction in rainfall. In Kinnaur district, rainfall was 41 per cent lower between October and December, and 90 per cent lower between January and February. Additionally, February has seen 84 per cent less rainfall than usual. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/agriculture/himachal-pradesh-desperate-farmers-in-kinnaur-are-scrambling-snow-from-distant-heights-to-protect-apple-orchards (13 Feb. 2025)
LANDSLIDES
Kerala Conditional loan approved for Wayanad The Centre has approved an interest-free capital investment loan of Rs 529.5 crore for rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in landslide-hit Wayanad under a special scheme for providing financial assistance to states. The loan, with a repayment period of 50 years, is earmarked for 16 projects, including township development, road infrastructure and construction of public buildings. It was was formally communicated to state govt on February 11. The Centre has sought detailed expenditure estimates by March as the loan is sanctioned for the 2024-25 financial year. It also specified that the allocated funds should be fully utilised before March 31.
The landslides that occurred in Punchirimattam, Mundakkai and Chooralmala villages in Meppadi panchayat of Wayanad on July 30 last year had claimed 298 lives (including 44 people reported missing), besides causing widespread destruction. State govt had sought a special package of Rs 2,000 crore for rehabilitation, but the request remains under judicial review. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/centre-oks-rs-529cr-for-wayanad-but-says-it-must-be-utilised-by-march-31/articleshow/118257919.cms (15 Feb. 2025) Kerala Revenue Minister K. Rajan on Saturday (Feb.15 said that the loan for Wayanad rehabilitation carries conditions which were “scary” and a “cruel joke”. The Minister said that it indicates that “there is no change in the stance” of the Central government towards the landslide victims in Wayanad and Kerala. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/central-loan-for-wayanad-rehabilitation-conditions-are-scary-a-cruel-joke-says-kerala-revenue-minister/article69222464.ece (15 Feb. 2025)
ENVIRONMENT GOVERNANCE
Bar & Bench Environmental law tracker: January 2025 A compilation of notable judgments/ orders concerning environmental law during Jan 2025. https://www.barandbench.com/columns/notable-judgmentsorders-in-environmental-law-january-2025 (15 Feb. 2025)
Haryana Retired IFSs urge PM to scrap safari project -In their letter, 37 retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers, including the former principal chief conservators of forests, argued that the project is focused on boosting tourism rather than conserving wildlife. They also highlighted the “alarming destruction” of India’s oldest mountain range due to mining, quarrying, real estate development, and deforestation. The retired forest officers pointed out that human activities in the Aravallis, which stretch across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and end near Delhi, have destroyed wildlife habitats, leading to human-wildlife conflicts and severely depleted groundwater in many areas. https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/not-conservation-just-tourism-retired-forest-officers-urge-pm-modi-to-scrap-haryanas-10000-acre-safari-project/cid/2082700 (10 Feb. 2025)
NGT notice to depts over violation of pollution norms by 366 Faridabad units The NGT has issued notice to various departments, including the SPCB, CPCB and the District Magistrate, in connection with alleged violation of pollution norms by 366 units operating in various parts of the city. The tribunal has directed the authorities concerned to submit their report after constitution of a joint committee to look into the charges levelled in the petition lodged with it. The next date of hearing has been fixed on May 20.
The NGT order comes in response to a petition filed by one Narender Sirohi, a resident here, on February 2 in which he has alleged that a large number of industrial units situated in the area comprising the villages of Saroorpur, Kureshipur, Madalpur, Karnera, Fatehpur Tagah, Nangla, Nekpur, Ghazipur, Kheri Gujran and Bhankri in the district had been operating in gross violation of environmental norms and without the permission of departments like the HSPCB. It has been submitted that the majority of the units here operating unlawfully on agricultural land do not have the mandatory Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) permission from the Pollution Control Department. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/ngt-notice-to-depts-over-violation-of-pollution-norms-by-366-fbad-units/ (16 Feb. 2025)
Tamil Nadu NGT delivers split verdict on mega township project in Kovai The NGT Southern Zone, Chennai, delivered a split verdict in a case against the township project ‘G Square City’ in Coimbatore. The matter will be referred to the chairperson in New Delhi. The project consists of two phases: Phase I, covering 48.73 acres with 1,958 plots and 15 commercial sites, and Phase II, covering 44.33 acres. One R Kalyanaraman had moved the NGT alleging that the 98-hectare project in Sulur had been split into two — each under 50 hectares — just to evade mandatory environmental clearances.
Expert member Satyagopal Korlapati dissented, stating that the project had been artificially split to evade prior environmental clearance. He pointed out that G Square acquired both phases on Feb 9, 2022, through special power of attorney agreements with different landowners. The application for land-use conversion of Phase II was submitted on June 24, 2022, before Phase I’s revised layout was approved on July 20, 2022. He argued that this sequence indicated intent to develop both phases as a single project while strategically splitting them to bypass the 50-ha threshold.
He viewed the separation as an artificial division, asserting that roads or patta channels do not mitigate cumulative environmental impact. He warned that such segmentation undermines the EIA Notification and allows developers to evade compliance. Korlapati directed the State SEIAA to halt any ongoing construction at the project site and directed the SPCB to impose a penalty on G Square for initiating the project without prior clearance and failing to adhere to due process. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/ngt-delivers-split-verdict-on-mega-township-project-in-kovai/articleshow/118188265.cms (12 Feb. 205)
Karnataka Proposed housing project threatens pristine forest in Kodagu A large swathe of pristine forest in a village in Kodagu is under threat as plans for a housing project for tribals is beginning to take shape. The land in question is on survey no.147/2 at Teralu village in Hudikeri hobli of Ponnampet taluk, and is spread over 43.35 acres. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/proposed-housing-project-threatens-pristine-forest-in-kodagu/article69202967.ece (10 Feb. 2025)
Nagaland Vedanta’s oil exploration plans in wildlife sanctuary has stirred a debate. https://scroll.in/article/1078569/why-nod-to-vedantas-oil-exploration-plans-in-wildlife-sanctuary-has-stirred-a-debate-in-nagaland (10 Feb. 2025)
CLIMATE CHANGE
Report India sixth-most severely-affected country by extreme weather events The report comes days after the World Economic Forum (WEF) ranked extreme weather events amplified by climate change as the second most considerable global risk after armed conflict and war. It is based on the best publicly available historical data set on the impact of extreme weather events.
-Referring to India, the report underlined that the country experienced devastating floods in 1993, 1998, and 2013, along with severe heat waves in 2002, 2003, and 2015. The country shows high absolute fatalities and economic losses, as well as high absolute and relative numbers of people affected during 1993-2022. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/science/climate-risk-index-india-sixth-most-severely-affected-country-by-extreme-weather-events-in-long-term-assessment/articleshowprint/118186294.cms (12 Feb. 2025)
India, China among most impacted by extreme weather India was among the 10 countries most affected by extreme weather events between 1993 and 2022, accounting for 10% of global fatalities caused by such events, and 4.3% of the damage (in dollar terms).
-India was affected by floods, heatwaves, and cyclones during the period. It experienced devastating floods in 1993, 1998, and 2013, along with severe heatwaves in 2002, 2003, and 2015. All told, the country, faced more than 400 extreme events, causing $ 180 billion in losses, and at least 80,000 fatalities, according to Germanwatch, which estimated that, globally, extreme weather events caused almost 800,000 deaths and $4.2 trillion in damage. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-china-among-most-impacted-by-extreme-weather-climate-risk-index-101739365351604.html (12 Feb. 2025)
Climate lessons from the societies past Ignoring the lessons of the past – hundreds of thousands of years of adaptation to climate change – may well prove to be short-sighted. The climatic challenges faced by the Mayans, the Harappans, medieval European farmers, and the Mughals of India may not be directly comparable to the current global warming in terms of its temporal or spatial scale. However, understanding how some societies adapted and survived, while others failed is crucial for planning effective adaptation strategies. (C.P. Rajendran) https://india.mongabay.com/2025/02/commentary-climate-lessons-from-the-societies-past/ (11 Feb 2025)
Climate change is not just an environmental issue but a challenge to human rights and justice as well, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna said on Saturday (Feb. 15). https://www.barandbench.com/news/climate-change-threatens-not-environment-but-human-rights-justice-cji-sanjiv-khanna (15 Feb. 2025)
SOUTH ASIA
Opinion Regenerating the flows of life What could a vision of South Asia look like that takes into account crucial natural, cultural, and economic flows? For the purposes of this article, I am considering South Asia as encompassing Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Burma/Myanmar, and Tibet occupied by China. The vision below is unapologetically utopian in scope but also provides some earthy pathways of getting closer to such an ideal vision. I acknowledge, of course, the enormous challenges confronting such pathways, and while not belittling them, I want to also stress a learning from history: humans are capable of incredible breakthroughs in achieving what may seem impossible once they put their minds and hearts behind them. (BY Ashish Kothari) https://www.meer.com/en/88287-regenerating-the-flow-of-life (13 Feb. 2025)
India-Pakistan Vanishing Paradise of the Indus Delta When we look back at the past, the Indus Delta was once prosperous and free; the seventeen creeks of the delta were considered to be paradise on earth. However, that paradise is rapidly being lost to unchecked development and climate change. Our destruction began when dams were built on the Indus, blocking its natural flow. The Indus’ final destination is the sea and according to both natural and international law, the people living at the end of the river, particularly the people of the delta, have the first right to its waters. The river’s water is very important for the ecology of the sea and the mangrove forests.
– In Pakistan, particularly in Sindh, the effects of climate change are the most severe on the coastal belt. Due to global climate change, not only has coastal erosion increased, but the sea level has also risen. The sea, which would return to its normal position in mid-August, now brings towering waves and high winds throughout September and October. We now only have two seasons (summer and winter), with a shorter winter and a longer summer. The fishing season, which previously lasted from August to November, has shrunk, as by the time the sea settles, the season is over. Rains are either scarce or excessive and untimely. These changes have resulted in severe repercussions on the fishermen’s livelihoods as well as the environment.
– The destruction caused by the lack of river water and the impact of climate change can be gauged from the fact that we once proudly proclaimed that we lived in a land where the river flows into the sea. But now, with much pain, suffering and grief, we say that we live in a land where the sea flows into the river. (By Fatima Majeed) https://aurora.dawn.com/news/1145380 (17 Feb. 2025)
India-Nepal Agreement to finalize Pancheshwar DPR Nepal and India have agreed to finalize the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project at the earliest. The agreement was reached during a meeting in Delhi between Nepal’s Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, and his Indian counterpart C.R. Patil. https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/nepal-india-agree-to-finalize-pancheshwar-dpr-86-91.html (13 Feb. 2025)
Will this time be different? A press note issued by Minister Khadka’s personal secretariat stated that Minister Patil assured India’s commitment to finalizing the DPR and proceeding with the project, which is in a state of dilly dallying for the past one decade. The DPR of Pancheshwar was prepared by India’s state-owned Water and Power Consultancy Services (WAPCOS) in 2016. Since then, the southern neighbor promised a number of times to speed up construction of the mega project, but failed to materialize on various pretexts. https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/pancheshwar-dpr-india-assures-yet-again-will-this-time-be-different-70-74.html (14 Feb. 2025)
Nepal A case study of Guthitar landslide, Dhankuta This study conducted comprehensive slope investigations, including geological, geophysical, and geotechnical investigation, along with instrumentation using inclinometers and a raingauge station, to identify the causes and mechanisms of failure at the active landslide slope at Guthitar on the Dharan-Dhankuta road. This landslide is active since 1987 but the movement has intensified from 2020 onwards. The detailed investigation reveals that the landslide exhibits multiple shallow-seated and deep-seated failure surfaces, some of which extend to the ground. Slope stability was modeled and analyzed using the Limit Equilibrium and Strength Reduction Methods. The results indicate multiple slip surfaces, with some discrepancies compared to field investigations, underscoring the limitations of numerical methods and the critical role of field monitoring systems. Furthermore, a comparison of rainfall data with deformation patterns from slope monitoring clearly demonstrates that prolonged rainfall increases the rate of movement by threefold. Thus, continuous landslide monitoring is essential to understand the mechanisms and triggers, enabling the implementation of effective landslide management strategies in the Himalayas. https://www.nepjol.info/index.php/JNGS/article/view/74579 (31 Dec. 2024)
India- Bangladesh Dhaka veers to China for Teesta project Amid growing tension between New Delhi and Dhaka following the downfall of her government, the interim government in Bangladesh seems to be keen on Beijing executing the project, which would surely give China an advantage in this region’s hydro-diplomacy. “It is clear that the interim government is setting the stage to hand over the project to China and wants the decision to be endorsed through public hearings,” said Tuhin Subhra Mondal, a river expert based in Balurghat. Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, the adviser to local government, rural development and cooperatives, and youth and sports in the interim government, said Dhaka also wanted to use diplomatic channels to exert pressure on India to release water from the barrage in lean months. https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/dhaka-veers-to-china-for-teesta-project/cid/2082805 (11 Feb. 2025)
Bangladesh Fish die en masse in Meghna: An ecological disaster in making The news that different species of dead fish are floating in the river Meghna is unsettling. The Meghna is the country’s widest river with an average 3,400 metre width and its average depth too is healthy at 308 metres. So, it is beyond imagination that fish can die in a river near the estuary north of Shatnol where it is five kilometre wide. But it is not only fish but also aquatic creatures including frog, leech and snake which were dying for three weeks, if not more, in a 12-13 kilometre stretch of the river to the north of Motlob.
– Following reports on this mass death of fishes carried in the media on January 27 last, a high-level investigation committee formed promptly by the Department of Environment (DoE) and the Fisheries Department, visited the affected site only three days later on January 30. Reportedly, the members of the committee collected water from three different points. The Motlob Upazila (North) Fisheries Office has also conducted a test of the water in the affected area to determine its quality. According to the test, the pH level of water has declined to 6.0-6.5 compared with its normal concentration level of 7.5-9.0. Contrarily, ammonia has marked a rise to 0.2 ppm as against the normal 0.1 ppm. Worse still is the sharp drop of oxygen level to the precarious 1.0-1.5 ppm from the ideal 6.0-5.5 ppm. Now it is revealed that death of a number of species of fish has been occurring in the river segment under scrutiny for the past few years. https://today.thefinancialexpress.com.bd/editorial/fish-die-en-masse-in-meghna-an-ecological-disaster-in-making-1738856789 (07 Feb. 2025)
India-Bhutan BHEL commissions 2 units of Punatsangchhu-II HEP BHEL has successfully commissioned the first two units of the 6x170MW Punatsangchhu-II hydroelectric project (PHEP-II) in Bhutan. The project, developed under a bilateral agreement between India and Bhutan, is located in Wangdue district. https://www.waterpowermagazine.com/news/bhel-commissions-two-units-of-punatsangchhu-ii-project-bhutan/ (12 Feb. 2025)
Bhutan 237 Mw hydropower project in Jongthang A 237-megawatt (MW) hydropower project, one of 15 planned projects outlined in Renewable Energy Development Roadmap (REDR) 2024, will be built in Jongthang, Trongsa. The announcement was made by Energy and Natural Resources Minister Gem Tshering at the meet-the-press conference on February 7. Lyonpo Gem Tshering said that while the Jongthang hydropower project was planned for commissioning by 2034, it is subject to a detailed feasibility study and financing availability. https://kuenselonline.com/237-mw-hydropower-project-in-jongthang/ (10 Feb. 2025)
Report Controversial dam in Tibet Many details about the dam are still unclear at this point. Critical information, such as the number of residents that will potentially be displaced and the project’s environmental impacts, remain undisclosed. The region’s fragility, including its susceptibility to natural disasters like landslides, earthquakes, and floods, has also been little discussed by Chinese sources, raising concerns about the dam’s safety and stability. https://thediplomat.com/2025/02/whats-driving-chinas-controversial-mega-dam-in-tibet/ (12 Feb. 2025)
CHINA
Study Pollution control mechanism of national water network The construction of the national water network optimizes water resource allocation but also causes a redistribution of pollutants due to water quality differences, posing urgent challenges for water pollution management. Taking the South-to-North Water Diversion Project and Yangtze-to-Hanjiang River Water Diversion Project (YHRWDP) as an example and considering the pressure brought by the redistribution of pollutants to the polluting enterprises (PE) and water diversion enterprises (WDE) situated in areas where pollution is aggravated, a differential game model of pollution control among the central government, water-supply area (WSA), PE and WDE is constructed based on the cost-sharing mechanism.
The results show that: (1) The pressure coefficient has an apparent negative correlation with the effort level of the affected subject. (2) An increase in the amount of pollution elimination per unit of pollution control effort of WSA and PE will lead to their own investment in more efforts to improve the ecology of the basin, thus benefiting all participants in the system. (3) The cost-sharing rate of the central government on the WSA of the YHRWDP, the PE, and the WDE is influenced by several factors, which shows a stable monotonically increasing or decreasing relation. The results are an useful supplement to the research on natural river pollution control, and can also provide a reference for designing pollution control mechanisms of national water network. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-89282-9 (15 Feb. 2025)
ASIA
MEKONG Thailand Sanakham Dam Sparks Fear and Anguish Why not replace plans for Mekong dam projects with much safer and more cost-effective solar energy and wind power? These energy sources are already operational in Thailand, with a total capacity of 600 kilowatts so far. That just happens to be incredibly close to the 684 KW expected from the generation of the Sanakham Dam, but without all the risks and conflict that accompany hydropower.
Emeritus Professor of Human Geography Dr Philip Hirsch has concluded after 40 years of Mekong research that “big dams are obsolete. There are so many options for cheaper alternative energy. There is no reason to build a dam on the Mekong or any river these days.” But Premrudee Daoroung, the coordinator of Project Sevana Mekong’s Culture and Environment, is not optimistic that rational arguments and analysis will win the day. As she sees it, “There is more than enough science and wisdom that proves the serious damage from these transboundary impacts, but not enough political will to apply the science to stop the dams.” https://thediplomat.com/2025/02/sanakham-dam-sparks-fear-and-anguish-along-the-thai-lao-border/ (14 Feb. 2025)
THE REST OF THE WORLD
Report World’s most walkable cities According to this assessment by ECONOMIST, 45 of the world’s 50 most walkable cities (distance citizens have to travel to get basic amenities) are from Europe. Five cities that are outside Europe are all in Asia: Kyoto (No 28), Tokyo (No 50), Taipei (No 35), Taichung (No 49) and surprise: Kathmandu (no 45). So no city of America including USA, Australia or Africa figures in the list. https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2025/02/07/what-can-the-worlds-most-walkable-cities-teach-other-places (07 Feb. 2025)
Compiled by SANDRP (ht.sandrp@gmail.com)
Also see: DRP News Bulletin 10 Feb. 2025 & DRP News Bulletin 03 Feb. 2025
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