(Feature Image: Luni river filled with untreated effluents from Balotra dyeing industries on Nov. 12, 2025. Source: Earth Warrior)
While there is no success story of water pollution control in India, where pollution control boards can claim credit for such success, the judiciary also has a significant role in ensuring pollution control in rivers and other water bodies. The state of rivers and other water bodies in India shows how ineffective has been the judiciary in India. Two cases from this week again provides an opportunity to correct this situation: one a suo moto case in the Supreme Court related to Rajasthan Rivers like Jojari, Bandi and Luni and another one in the Delhi High Court related to Yamuna river in the National Capital.
The SC has rightly said that failure to prevent pollution in rivers is a gross dereliction of state’s constitutional promise of Right to life for citizens under Article 21. Let us see how far the court goes to ensure that states do not get away this dereliction of duty and citizens get their real right to life. The fact that NGT has been dealing with the case since Feb 2022 and one of the orders of the NGT was stayed by the SC indicates failure of both NGT and SC. While constituting a High-Level Ecosystem Oversight Committee, the SC may have ensured independent experts on the panel, something that is totally absent in India’s judicial work. The SC rightly said, “delay is not merely undesirable; it is carcinogenic and catastrophic”. One hopes the SC takes necessary steps commensurate with these implications.
In the Delhi Yamuna case in HC, the HC has set up a panel. The move comes after the court expressed shock at the “state of affairs” in controlling river pollution, highlighting delays by agencies responsible for managing industrial effluents. It may be useful to highlight here that the same Delhi HC dealt with the Yamuna pollution case for over two decades since early 1990s and handed over the case to NGT around 2017 after achieving no real change in the state of Yamuna in Delhi. One only hopes that in both cases, understanding the gravity of the situation, the respective courts would ensure more effective interventions that also addresses the root cause: pathetic governance of pollution control in India with no accountability or participatory governance.
Rajasthan: SC rebukes govt on river pollution Failure to prevent pollution in rivers is a gross dereliction of the state’s constitutional promise to secure the right to life of citizens, the Supreme Court said on Nov. 21, reprimanding the Rajasthan government for its abject failure in preventing pollution of three rivers in the state. The court passed the order in a suo motu proceeding initiated in September when it noted the extensive contamination of the Jojari, Bandi, and Luni rivers in three districts of Jodhpur, Pali, and Balotra, respectively. “Polluted rivers, contaminated groundwater, and the resulting impairment of health and livelihood dilute the very substance of the right to life as enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, reducing it from a living guarantee into a fragile abstraction,” said a bench of justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta in a 67-page verdict.
The court had earlier called for a status report and was told by the state govt that the issue had been considered by the NGT on Feb 25, 2022 which passed a slew of remedial, regulatory and preventive measures to contain pollution in these rivers and imposed a cost of ₹2 crore on the civic authorities for their abject failure in preventing pollution of the valuable water source. The top court had granted an interim stay on the NGT directions on an appeal filed by the state.
Lifting the interim stay, the top court slammed the state govt for failing to address the situation, even as the condition of the rivers grew from bad to worse, putting the lives of almost 2 million residents in the state at risk.
It constituted a High-Level Ecosystem Oversight Committee headed by former Rajasthan high court judge Sangeet Lodha to prepare a scientifically grounded, time-bound River Restoration and Rejuvenation Blueprint for the entire river system, undertake mapping of all legal and illegal discharge points of waste into the river, and audit all treatment and monitoring infrastructure at intervals not exceeding three months and suggest augmentation of STPs/CETPs to handle the volume of waste generated. “Environmental harm of the present magnitude is not merely a regulatory lapse or administrative shortcoming; it is in gross dereliction of the constitutional promise that the State shall secure conditions of life with dignity, safety and wellbeing,” said justice Mehta, writing for the bench.
Going by the material placed before it by the state, the court found that the industrial units situated along these rivers were directly dumping their waste into the river, making it “deadly”. Also, the bench noted, that the sewage treatment and common effluent treatment plants were only able to treat a limited amount of waste generated by the industrial units, and the remaining waste was directly flowing into the river. Holding this “mismatch” between generation and treatment capacity to be emblematic of a “systemic failure”, the court said, “In the face of such entrenched environmental degradation, delay is not merely undesirable; it is carcinogenic and catastrophic.”
The administrative lethargy to take timely steps made the situation worse, the court said, observing that the contamination of the rivers led to multi-dimensional harm to the people, ecology and economy of the region as these rivers, which once supported agriculture, wildlife and village life, had turned into “conduits for untreated industrial effluents and municipal sewage”.
The NGT, which had commissioned a scientific study before passing orders, had underscored how pollution had permeated soil and groundwater, rendering agricultural lands unproductive, polluting wells and handpumps, and depriving entire communities of access to safe drinking water. “What exacerbates this crisis is the prolonged period of administrative indifference during which pollutants including untreated industrial effluents and municipal sewage continued to be discharged unabated, despite repeated warnings, judicial directives and scientific reports,” the bench said.
While the state govt, represented by additional advocate general Shiv Mangal Sharma, spoke about some of the short-term and long-term measures including a technical study for restoration of rivers, the bench felt that the state has “woken up from slumber” only after the suo motu proceedings were initiated by the court. “While these measures are not insignificant, their timing is deeply telling,” said the court as it was of the view that environmental injury of this magnitude cannot be reversed by “knee jerk reactions” but a “coordinated and scientifically informed response” to be prepared by the oversight committee, that will also have a lawyer, technical experts, senior bureaucrats from the department of environment, urban development, local self government, representatives of central and state pollution control boards, district collectors of the three districts and heads of two public sector units – Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation Limited (RIICO) and Rajasthan Infrastructure Development Project (RUIDP).
The court asked the committee to prepare its first report within eight weeks, recommending implementation strategies and timelines based on the present assessment and future requirements. The court empowered the committee to call for records, issue directions to state and local bodies, seek technical assistance from expert bodies, and get periodic water quality reports. The matter will be taken up next on February 27 next year, when the court will consider passing further directions based on the committee’s report.
Yamuna: Delhi HC sets up panel to curb pollution The move comes after the court expressed shock at the “state of affairs” in controlling river pollution, highlighting delays by agencies responsible for managing industrial effluents. The committee will include representatives from all concerned bodies, including Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC), Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and Delhi Jal Board (DJB).
During the hearing, the court lamented that the “govt is getting bogged down” and warned it may pass adverse orders against the agencies for their continued inaction. Last month, senior Delhi govt officials were summoned to explain why no agency had stepped forward to oversee redevelopment of essential infrastructure, including sewage lines, stormwater drains and connections to STPs and CETPs.
The high court has directed DJB and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to file a joint report outlining measures to address issues raised by a special committee regarding the discharge of untreated water from STPs into Yamuna. DSIIDC has also been asked to provide details of any CETPs under its supervision, curbs on untreated water and whether additional units are needed.
The court further noted unsatisfactory progress in addressing waterlogging in the capital, particularly delays in installing flow meters in 11 of the 37 STPs serving domestic and residential areas. These developments form part of several petitions, including two suo-motu cases, concerning waterlogging, rainwater harvesting and easing traffic congestion in Delhi during the monsoon and other periods.
Delhi HC sets up 3-member panel The panel will include officials from the DSIIDC, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the DDA. The Court noted that despite a cabinet decision taken in 2023, DSIIDC’s reports were submitted only in 2025. The judges observed that none of the consultants’ redevelopment plans had been finalised or acted upon, and that Rs 2.5 crore meant for project work was still pending disbursal. “In all these 27 areas, there is no treatment happening, that is why there is so much pollution. This is shocking,” the Court said. Ordering immediate action, the Bench directed the DSIIDC to release the withheld Rs 2.5 crore to the MCD within two weeks.
CPCB to monitor Delhi, Haryana every quarter CPCB as well as Delhi and Haryana PCBs would jointly monitor the river every quarter, the NMCG has informed the NGT recently. The decision comes amid concerns over the alleged deaths of thousands of fish in the river at Burari, reportedly due to chemical effluents released from factories.
While hearing a suo motu case, the NGT had on Sept 17 rejected NMCG’s claim that the River Rejuvenation Committee under NGT was not responsible for pollution in the Burari stretch of Yamuna. The bench had noted that under the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order, 2016, NMCG cannot “be absolved of its responsibility”.
The order further said that authorities in Haryana and Delhi were “shifting the responsibility on each other,” and directed the Member Secretary of the CPCB to convene a joint meeting of officials from both states, fix responsibility, and formulate a programme to prevent future incidents. The matter will be heard next on December 1.
The CPCB, in a report in Feb 2025, had said that the water quality at Wazirabad does not meet the criteria for outdoor bathing. The report also underlined that the poor quality of water outfalls into the Yamuna from drain 8. According to the minutes of a meeting held on October 13 – attended by NMCG, HSPCB and DPCC officials – the water quality data submitted by the three agencies “showed variations”. Following this, the decision was taken to monitor the river jointly every quarter.
The meeting decided to conduct quarterly joint monitoring at three locations – the confluence of drain 8 with the Yamuna, and points along the river before and after the confluence. The exact sampling locations will be finalised in consultation with the CPCB. Haryana shall provide the timeline for completion of the work of covering drain 6, the officials told the meeting, adding that the work will be completed on an “urgent basis”. Haryana will also begin including water quality monitoring data of the diversion drain in its monthly progress reports to the NMCG, the minutes of the meeting noted.
HYDRO POWER PROJECTS
Hydropower getting less reliable Demand for power is growing fast, but hydro plants, the oldest source of clean energy, are struggling because of droughts, floods and other extreme weather linked to climate change. Critics, including many environmental groups, have long argued that hydroelectric projects impede rivers, endanger wildlife and contribute to deforestation that harms locals. Environmental activists say world leaders should focus on restoring aging dams rather than constructing new ones.
Kerala floats consultancy tender for 800 Mw Kakkayam PSP The Kerala State Electricity Board has invited bids to select consultants to prepare a pre-feasibility report (PFR) and detailed project report (DPR) for the proposed 800 MW Kakkayam pumped storage project in Kozhikode.
In February, the Ministry of Power issued guidelines for tariff-based competitive bidding to procure stored energy from existing, under-construction, or new pumped storage projects. India has more than 81 GW of pumped storage in the pipeline, including approximately 12.4 GW under construction, about 3.3 GW in pre-construction, over 2.4 GW under examination after detailed project report submission, and nearly 63 GW in the survey and investigation phase.
Assam: Adani Group to invest in 2 PSPs Adani Green Energy Ltd will invest around Rs 15,000 crore in 2 Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) with a combined capacity of 2,700 Mw. It has also received an LoA for 500 Mw of storage capacity that will be served through these PSPs.
DAMS
Protest intensifies against Dungari dam The Dungri Dam Mahapanchayat issued a Dec. 1 ultimatum to the government. The Mahapanchayat, held on Nov. 21 at Jodli village, resonated with political disputes and loud slogans. Thousands of farmers and local residents gathered, worried about the submergence of their land and villages due to the dam’s construction. Ultimately, it was decided that if a positive dialogue with the Chief Minister was not reached by December 1, an intensified agitation would begin on December 10.
The PKC ERCP project, known as the Ramjal Setu Project, proposes the Dungri Dam in Dungri village, between Karauli and Sawai Madhopur districts. The estimated cost of this dam is ₹10,450 crore, and it will be one and a half times larger than the Bisalpur Dam, making it the third largest dam in Rajasthan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the first phase of the PKC ERCP project on December 17, 2024, when he visited Dadiya, Jaipur, to mark the completion of the first year of the Rajasthan government. The construction of the Dungri Dam is expected to displace 76 villages.
In July 2025 too, a mahapanchayat at Doongri Kuti in Khandar saw protesters submit a memorandum to the local tehsildar, directed to the chief minister, requesting immediate cessation of dam-related work. According to local inhabitants, the authorities proceeded without conducting public consultations or obtaining approval from gram panchayats or residents in the affected Sawai Madhopur and Karauli districts.
The structure would submerge crucial sections of the Ranthambhore-Kailadevi corridor, an essential tiger movement route in eastern Rajasthan. The PKC-ERCP project encompasses 408.86 sq km of submergence area, with 227 sq km under the proposed Banas River dam reservoir. The planned 39-metre-high, 1.6-km-long structure will be situated near Doongri village, 30 km from Sawai Madhopur.
“The project details show, 37.03 sq km belong to Ranthambore National Park (392 sq km) and Keladevi Wildlife Sanctuary (674 sq km), both part of the Ranthambhore tiger reserve (1,113 sq km).” An official stated, “The canal project is expected to channel surplus water of the Chambal river basin for irrigation, drinking and industrial use to 23 districts of Rajasthan, benefitting 3.45 crore people.”
Mekedatu dam: SC rejects Tamil Nadu’s opposition The Supreme Court’s order on 13 November 2025 rejected Tamil Nadu’s opposition to the dam. The Court, in its order, has stated that the project is still in the Detailed Project Report stage and that the water authorities, including the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRA), and Central Water Commission (CWC), must examine it in detail before any proceedings. It called Tamil Nadu’s opposition plea ‘premature’.
However, the court has not given the blanket go-ahead to the dam yet. This mega project falls right in the heart of the pristine Eastern Ghats forested landscape of Cauvery Sanctuary. That has alarmed several environmental activists in the state.
The main objective of the project is to utilise the additional 4.75 thousand million cubic feet of water to provide drinking water to the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region and its adjoining areas through a tap water scheme. And also to harness 400 MW of hydropower. But ecological experts worry about the bigger picture of massive ecological destruction that the state is overlooking. It can potentially impact more than 53 sq km of wild riparian habitat. The Supreme Court order has made no mention of any of the environmental concerns. These did not feature in the arguments.
Karnataka to submit ‘revised’ DPR: Shivakumar clarifies Deputy CM DK Shivakumar’s office clarified on Nov. 19 that the government would submit a ‘revised’ report on the Mekedatu project. The earlier DPR was formulated based on the schedule of rates of 2018-19 and submitted to Central Water Commission (CWC) on Jan 18, 2019, and the same was not taken up for appraisal by CWC due to administrative and legal constraints.
1,079 ha land needed for Mekedatu Mandya DC Kumara said forest land across five villages in Malavalli taluk will be submerged. 1,079 ha from Mandya district will be required for the project. The district admin. has identified 2,204 ha of alternative land to hand over to the forest dept. Alternatively, they have to identify 1,079 hectares of non-forestland for the purpose.
So far, only 307 ha – spread across Pandavapura and Nagamangala – have been identified, and the Forest Department has issued suitability certificates for these parcels. Karnataka plans to construct a concrete gravity dam at Mekedatu with a storage capacity of 67.16 tmcft.
Tungabhadra dam takes up crest gate installation Addressing a news conference on Nov. 14 Koppal district in-charge minister Shivaraj Tangadagi said, “Decision was taken unanimously as per the central government and Tungabhadra Board’s resolution and suggestions from legislators and farmer leaders of four districts. Due to the installation of 33 gates at the dam, there will be no water for the second crop.”
Currently, 75 tmcft of water is available in the reservoir. Water will be released until January 10 so that standing crops are not affected. Also, during summer, water will be stored for drinking purposes by filling lakes and tanks and for other uses. Water usage is being managed based on the availability in the reservoir. From Dec 1 to Jan 10, 3,000 cusecs of water will be released to the Tungabhadra Left Bank Canal for standing crops. From Jan 1 to May 10, 150 cusecs will be released to the Vijayanagar Left Bank Canal through distributary canals 1 to 11E, he explained.
Pandoh dam to release excess water The water level in the Pandoh Dam in Mandi district has risen sharply following the continued closure of the Pandoh–Baggi tunnel due to administrative reasons. In response, the dam authorities will start releasing excess water through the spillway gates on Nov. 27 to maintain safe reservoir levels. Approximately 6,000 cusecs of water will be discharged downstream.
INTERSTATE WATER DISPUTES
Punjab has no water: CM Bhagwant Mann on Nov. 18 said the Union government had agreed to defer as many as 11 Punjab-related sticking agenda items that were part of the deliberations during the meeting of the Northern Zonal Council in Faridabad on Nov. 17. Mann said that of the 28 items that were up for discussion at the meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, 11 were related to Punjab, and most of them involved water-sharing between states.
SYL: Other sticking issues on which the Punjab CM said he had put his foot down were: Haryana’s demand for a share of water through the Sutlej Yamuna Link Canal, the Rajasthan government’s fresh claim that the Harike and Ferozpur waterworks should be handed over to them, the appointment of members from Himachal and Rajasthan on the Bhakra Beas Management Board.
Mann also asked the Centre to review water-sharing agreements between states, keeping the realities of modern day in mind. “When we have no water, how will we give it to Haryana? Why can’t Yamuna water be diverted to Haryana and the SYL converted to YSL (Yamuna Sutlej Link)?” asked Mann. He said the long-term solution to the SYL issue was the diversion of the Chenab waters towards Punjab and downstream states now that the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan is in abeyance.
Desilting: He added that the Centre had also been approached with a request to launch projects for desilting major reservoirs of Punjab, including Harike, Ranjit Sagar Dam and Bhakra Dam. This desilting work would involve a cost of Rs 10,000 crore.
RIVERS AS NATIONAL WATERWAYS
North East: IWAI signs 3,000cr agreements for cargo, tourism & trade The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has signed agreements worth Rs 3,000 crore with key stakeholders.
Meghalaya: Umiam, Umngot as state’s first NW The DPRs for Meghalaya’s Umiam Lake and the Umngot River are now being readied by the IWAI. During a high-level review meeting in Guwahati chaired by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, where IWAI inked a flurry of agreements worth ₹3,000 crore for inland water transport, cargo movement and river tourism across the Northeast.
Umngot River – already declared National Waterway-106 – and the iconic Umiam Lake have been prioritized for passenger ferries, tourism boats and water mobility. Officials said the projects will link Meghalaya to the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route and the national inland waterways grid.
Other highlights from the meeting include a ₹500-crore MoU with Heritage River Journeys Pvt Ltd for luxury cruise vessels on Brahmaputra and other rivers; a ₹1,000-crore partnership with Rhenus Logistics to deploy tug-barges on Ganga–Brahmaputra; allocation of ₹299 crore for new cruise terminals at Neamati, Silghat, Biswanath Ghat and Guijan (Assam); a ₹188 crore Regional Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh and ₹55 crore for development of a key land parcel in Guwahati.
URBAN RIVERS
Mumbai citizens go all out to protect SGNP On September 10, the BMC had released a draft masterplan that allows construction within the buffer zone of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), an eco-sensitive zone around the park’s boundary. The draft masterplan divides the entire 60 sq km of ESZ into three sections: 1, 2, and 3, in order of increasing ecological importance. Only a sliver is ESZ-3, the only section protected from development. Notably, there is no ESZ-3 under the BMC’s jurisdiction.
According to the masterplan, ESZ-1, or the “settlement zone”, where development and encroachment already exist, includes no restrictions except for some pertaining to industries. This leaves ESZ-2, the largest chunk, where all kinds of residential and most commercial developments will be permitted, provided they comply with the BMC’s land use Development Plan.
Stalin Dayanand, said, “The logic used in the draft effectively means the Development Plan would override every environmental safeguard, with permissions justified simply because the DP allowed them, not because the ecology can withstand them.” But even places that meet the criteria for high ecological sensitivity – adivasi hamlets and river origin points such as the Oshiwara and Chena rivers – are non-existent in ESZ-3.
Critical river systems, floodplains and riparian forests are missing or mis-mapped, while quarry scars, polluting industries and over 61,000 encroachments are acknowledged but left unaddressed. The biodiversity survey conducted for the draft is also incomplete, omitting species that have been widely documented in Aarey and Dindoshi, environmentalists said.
NGT on delayed Poonch waste removal A stretch near the Sher-e-Kashmir Bridge in Poonch holds nearly 90,000 metric tons of legacy waste. The mound has grown over the years and stands only a short distance from the river. On Nov. 18, the NGT reviewed the case and asked officials for firmer answers on how soon the site will be cleared and whether the planned bio-mining facility sits inside the floodplain.
The CEO of Municipal Council Poonch, Khalil Ahmad Banday, joined the hearing through video conference. The Tribunal directed him to check old flood records and file an affidavit within four weeks explaining the status of the land and the progress made. The J&K Pollution Control Committee also presented its update. Its counsel said that ₹25 lakh of the ₹1.61 crore environmental compensation has been recovered: “Recovery of the remaining dues has started through attachment and auction.” The Tribunal asked for a progress report within four weeks. The next hearing is scheduled for January 6, 2026.
RIVERS
Umangot Pollution: MSPCB fines NHIDCL Rs 15 lakh The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) has imposed a Rs 15 lakh penalty on the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) for environmental violations linked to the JICA-funded Shillong–Dawki Road project. The fine came after officials confirmed that construction debris and soil runoff from NHIDCL works had polluted tributaries of the Umngot River, once renowned globally for its crystal-clear waters.
Amid rising public concern over the rapid deterioration of the Umngot and Simsang rivers, the Meghalaya Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has launched an extensive drone-based survey to trace the full extent of contamination sources affecting the two vital water bodies. MPCB Chairman R. Nainamalai stated that while violations connected to road construction have already been identified, the purpose of the drone survey is to uncover any additional contributors to the pollution. “The NHIDCL road project is one source, but there may be others,” he noted, emphasising the need for a comprehensive evaluation.
The MSPCB’s inspection followed a series of public complaints after residents and environmental groups observed the Umngot turning visibly muddy, particularly near Dawki—a major tourism hotspot known for boating on waters once so clear that boats appeared to float on air. Officials visiting the site confirmed that loose earth and construction waste from the project were being dumped straight into the river system. In its notice, MSPCB directed NHIDCL’s General Manager (Projects) to pay environmental compensation for violations recorded across four specific locations where lapses were documented.
A parallel inspection in Garo Hills revealed similar concerns along the Simsang River. According to the chairman, NHIDCL, which is executing another road project in the area, had dumped excavated soil near the riverbank, resulting in muddy discolouration of the water. One site showed “drastic violation”, prompting the Board to confirm that equivalent action would be taken there as well. Earlier, residents of East Garo Hills had complained to the MSPCB, accusing NHIDCL and a road construction firm of dumping waste material into the Norek stream. The recurring nature of these complaints across districts has intensified worries about unchecked environmental degradation linked to infrastructure projects.
NHIDCL asks MSPCB to waive off fine The NHIDCL has asked the MSPCB to waive of the Rs 15 lakh penalty imposed on the corporation for allegedly polluting the Umngot River. A source informed that the NHIDCL has shot off a petition to the MSPCB, clarifying their stand on the matter. The source said once the concerns were raised, the NHIDCL immediately initiated an investigation to verify the claims, focusing on potential pollution and turbidity caused by construction activities.
A series of three joint inspections were conducted in October and November involving MSPCB, NHIDCL engineer, and contractors of the Shillong-Dawki Road project to assess the alleged environmental impact. Following the imposition of a penalty of Rs 15 lakh, the NHIDCL submitted that the alleged pollution at four identified locations was thoroughly reviewed.
Crucial review meet on Umngot pollution Amid mounting public pressure over the alleged pollution of the Umngot River, the state government was to hold a review meeting on Nov. 21 to examine the findings of the MSPCB and all agencies involved in the inspection of the Shillong-Dawki Road project. Three joint inspections were carried out in October and November by teams comprising the MSPCB, NHIDCL engineers, and project contractors to assess the alleged environmental impact. These inspections covered all active construction stretches, with detailed checks in sensitive zones along the Umngot River and its tributaries — areas repeatedly flagged by local stakeholders.
-Officials confirmed that the complete findings will be placed before district-level review chaired by the Deputy Commissioner concerned, with officials of the NHIDCL and MSPCB, and all stakeholders in attendance. The meeting will evaluate the fact-finding report and determine the further course of action. Authorities have stated that penalties imposed under specific provisions of the law can only be waived if the agency concerned proves it is not responsible for the violations.
-The issue gained urgency after Deputy CM Prestone Tynsong, on October 30, assured a delegation from tourism societies under the Darrang Elaka Dalloiship that their concerns over the river’s discolouration would be examined. Meanwhile, the NHIDCL has approached the MSPCB seeking a waiver of the Rs 15 lakh penalty imposed for allegedly polluting the Umngot River, even as the matter moves toward Friday’s crucial review.
EGH forum flags pollution in Simsang A group in East Garo Hills district has lodged a complaint with the MSPCB against a road construction company and the NHIDCL for dumping of construction waste and earth materials at the Norek stream. According to the United Achik Socio Economic Justice Forum the Premsons Private Limited and NHIDCL involved in the construction of the NH-127B have failed to follow environmental guidelines by indiscriminately dumping huge quantities of earth, mud, and construction debris into the stream, located near the project alignment.
-President of the forum, Dimchang Dwarka M Sangma said that the Norek stream serves as the primary source of water for hundreds of households residing in and around the nearby villages and dumping of construction debris amounts to environmental negligence and public nuisance, severely affecting the health, livelihood, and safety of the local inhabitants. He said the stream is directly connected to the Simsang River, which is one of the main rivers of the Garo Hills region. Due to the uncontrolled and unlawful dumping of soil and waste materials into the stream, the river has also started showing visible signs of siltation, pollution, and ecological disturbance, he added.
The forum has urged the pollution board to conduct a site inspection to assess the extent of environmental damage and to direct the company to stop all forms of dumping and pollution-causing activities in and around Norek stream and to undertake immediate restoration and cleaning measures to revive the affected portions of the stream and the Simsang.
NMCG approves scientific river management projects In 67th meeting of NMCG’s on Nov. 17, the Executive Committee (EC) placed a strong emphasis on research-led river rejuvenation, approving major research projects aimed at strengthening scientific understanding and data-driven planning across the Ganga basin.
-The EC approved the project on ‘Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) over discovered paleochannels in the Ganga–Yamuna Doab (Prayagraj–Kanpur stretch)’ at a total cost of ₹242.56 lakh. The project includes installing monitoring systems like DWLRs at six locations and assessing groundwater recharge impacts over two hydrological cycles. The EC approved the proposal titled Towards Intelligent River Basin Management: A Digital Twin and Water Cycle Atlas for the Ganga Basin using Hydrological Modeling, AI, and Satellite Remote Sensing at a total estimated cost of ₹3.31 crore.
-The project aims to develop an advanced Digital Twin and Water Cycle Atlas for the Ganga River Basin by leveraging AI, satellite remote sensing, and hydrological modeling for real-time, data-driven river basin management. Approval was granted for the Digitization and Geospatial Database of Historical Maps of the Ganga Basin, costing ₹2.62 crore. The project includes the identification and digitization of historical maps (pre-1900 to post-1950), creation of a GIS-based database, a secure geo-portal, and analytical assessment of river morphology and floodplain changes.
-EC approved the project for the Interception & Diversion of drains and the construction of STPs for pollution abatement of the River Mahananda in Siliguri, W Bengal, costing ₹361.86 crore. This project comprises 25 I&D structures, 4 lifting stations, two STPs of 27 MLD and 22 MLD, and an extensive network of rising mains and I&D lines. The project will be implemented on a Hybrid Annuity-based PPP model.
-The EC approved the Conveyance of Treated Sewage from Coronation Pillar STP to the River Yamuna. The project includes key components such as tapping of untreated sewage from the Jahangirpuri drain, construction of new pumping stations, laying of rising mains and RCC channels, creation of truss bridges for drain crossings, and conveyance infrastructure for treated effluent.
-The EC approved the ‘Youth for Ganga, Youth for Yamuna’ initiative amounting to ₹39.37 lakh, aiming to sensitize over 2.5 lakh youth across at least 200 schools in Delhi–NCR fostering awareness and responsibility towards river conservation. The programme envisions the formation of River Youth Clubs, encourage positive behavioral changes among youth regarding water usage, and enhance Namami Gange outreach. Appraised by IIPA, the project will be completed in six months.
IIT Delhi to build first digital twin of Ganga basin The three-year project, approved on November 17 at an estimated cost of ₹3.3 crore, will deliver its first outputs within a year. With the region facing increasing climatic stress, the digital twin is expected to provide Uttarakhand and all basin states with new scientific tools for planning water resources, floods, droughts, groundwater and long-term ecological management, project scientists said. They added that the system will bring together hydrological models, AI and machine learning tools, satellite remote sensing, climate datasets and ground-based sensor observations into a single integrated platform.
-Another scientist associated with the project said that these include “questions such as the impact of embankments on floods, zoning of floodplains, environmental flows and water quality, climate risks to water availability, and ‘what-if’ situations such as a 10% decline in monsoon rainfall.” The project is being executed by IIT Delhi with collaboration from global research institutions, including NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre (USA), Hokkaido University (Japan), Utrecht University (Netherlands), and the Desert Research Institute (USA).
-“The mapping project, estimated at over ₹2 crore, will create a secure geo-portal to support analytical assessments of river morphology, historical changes in floodplains and long-term river system evolution.”
Kedarnath’s rush leaves behind 2,324 tonnes of waste The recent pilgrimage season at the revered Kedarnath Dham witnessed an unprecedented surge, with over 17.68 lakh devotees allegedly flocking to the world-famous shrine for darshan. While the turnout was historic, it has also cast a harsh spotlight on a monumental waste management crisis, with authorities collecting a staggering 2,324 tonnes of garbage. The sheer scale of the litter, comprising plastic bottles, discarded raincoats and other non-biodegradable material, necessitated an intensive ten-day post-season clean-up drive across the temple premises and the arduous trekking routes. While plastic and animal dung are processed near Sonprayag, the organic waste must be transported nearly 70 km to the district headquarters in Raintoli, incurring massive logistical costs.
DJB flags Haryana, UP’s pollution contribution The DJB has written to Haryana and UP flagging sewage and industrial waste being carried to the Yamuna through their drain networks, and urged them to take corrective measures, such as ramping up sewage treatment, at the point of origin of the waste. The communique highlighted a need to tackle 187 MGD of polluted wastewater from Haryana emptying into the Najafgarh drain, 105 MGD from the Badshahpur drain and Kundli industrial area, 105 MGD of untreated industrial waste entering the Shahdara drain from Uttar Pradesh, causing heavy BOD load in the Hindon Cut Canal.
“…it is a fact that wastewater is being discharged from Haryana. Out of the 462 MGD discharge from Najafgarh, 187 MGD discharge comes from Haryana drains. Drain number L-1 from Badshahpur and drain number 6 from Kundli Industrial Area carry about 105 MGD untreated discharge. Some drains originating from the Gurugram area, L-1, L-2 and L-3, fall into the Najafgarh drain. Manguneshpur and Bhupania drains originating from the Bahadurgarh and Bhupania areas also fall into the Najafgarh drain. Kundli industrial areas are also releasing effluents in Supplementary drain through drain number 6,” the communication dated Nov 10 read.
Data divide over Yamuna health CPCB and DPCC issue conflicting data on sewage plants, casting doubt on Delhi’s clean river mission and exposing flaws in sewage treatment monitoring Environmental activist Pankaj Kumar, popularly known as the Oxygen Man, criticised the authorities for failing to maintain operational efficiency at the STPs. “This is deeply disappointing. The authorities are not even managing the existing sewage treatment infrastructure properly,” Kumar said. “The CPCB’s findings show that STPs are not adequately disinfecting the faecal coliform received, allowing untreated or partially treated sewage to flow directly into the Yamuna.” He stressed that the CPCB report should serve as an eye-opener for both the DPCC and the Delhi government, which have repeatedly promised to clean the Yamuna. “The focus should be on improving STP functioning instead of publishing misleading reports,” he said.
Bhim Singh Rawat, associate coordinator, South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People (SANDRP), said, “The glaring contradictions in CPCB and DPCC June data on 35 STPs’ compliance in Delhi are self-explanatory and highlight the abysmal status of river governance in the national capital. This is a very concerning issue undermining the critical efforts required to improve the functioning of defaulting STPs, which are ultimately resulting in continual degradation of river water quality in Delhi.”
“The DPCC in its first report in October 2025 flagged the alarming level of pollution in Yamuna’s water quality and then published a second report showing a sharp decline in pollution levels without any credible basis,” he said. “STPs are being promoted and built as a silver bullet solution to cleaning the river. But each and every aspect of the STP — planning, building and monitoring — has been mired by poor performance, opaque monitoring and an unaccountable operation system. There is an urgent need to overhaul the way the STPs are built, run and monitored. The government must take penal action against the companies and contractors running the defaulting STPs,” he said.
Make-up fades, frothing returns Delhi environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the poor processing at sewage treatment plants was to be blamed, and it was being fixed. CWC data shows that barely a day after Chhath, the additional water being released into the river from Hathnikund was reduced, prompting experts to compare the river to a tap. Between Oct 21 and 25, more than 668,000 cusecs of water was sent into the Yamuna to push fresh water downstream and dilute pollution levels before Chhath. At one point, the barrage released up to 225 cumecs (7,990 cusecs) into the river, while only about 53 cumecs was diverted into the East and West Yamuna canals. But by the morning of Oct 28, a day after the main Chhath celebrations, the situation had reversed.
“Barring the monsoon months, the frothing problem in the Yamuna has become a year-round phenomenon at Okhla and ITO barrages in Delhi. Soon after the end of the flood impact, frothing returns in the river, profound during winter months. It only becomes a topic of discussion mainly due to Chhath celebrations… significant releases from Hathnikund barrage this year have briefly helped in extending the timeline. But now the river is totally deprived of essential flow and is hardly getting even 5% of available inflows from the barrage,” said Bhim Singh Rawat, a Yamuna activist and member of the SANDRP.
Maximum flow of Yamuna is divided among riparian states which are gradually increasing their demands while river is left flowless. The report also quotes SANDRP.
MCD accused of dumping C&D waste In East Delhi’s Geeta Colony, residents allege that lorries of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) have been routinely dumping heaps of concrete debris on public roads, worsening air pollution in their neighbourhood. (The pictures in the report suggest C&D waste is being dumped in floodplain area along eastern embankment.
Minister, LG review progress of Yamuna cruise project Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal, along with LG Vinai Kumar Saxena and cabinet ministers Parvesh Verma and Kapil Mishra, on Nov. 18 reviewed the progress of the upcoming Yamuna cruise service at Sonia Vihar. The ministers and officials inspected key development works associated with the project, including jetty construction, safety mechanisms, passenger amenities, and progress on cruise route planning.
The Yamuna cruise service, set to run between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur, is touted as a transformative shift for Delhi, promising a new transport corridor, expanded tourism, and support for the river’s ecological revival. Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra hailed the launch as a historic turn for the city’s tourism sector, aiming to restore the Yamuna’s cultural character. Sonowal said the project is an important part of a national plan to expand inland waterways. He said the Yamuna cruise will show how large cities can adopt water-based mobility. added that the project will help shift public attention to the river’s ecological health.
A rooftop restaurant, amphitheatre and dedicated Yamuna aarti area are among the key features planned for the Sonia Vihar onshore facility, part of the Delhi government’s river tourism initiative. Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra reviewed the project’s progress on Nov. 20 at the Delhi Secretariat in a meeting attended by senior officials from the IWAI, DDA, DJB and DTTDC. The Sonia Vihar site will include ticket counters, waiting halls, a rooftop restaurant, souvenir shops, a food and play zone, an amphitheatre, a Yamuna aarti area and a musical water fountain proposed at the centre of the river.
During the meeting, Mishra directed all departments to strengthen inter-agency coordination and accelerate the pace of the project. Stressing strict adherence to environmental norms, he instructed the officials concerned to ensure that all work in the Yamuna region followed the guidelines issued by the NGT. He added that construction must be completed without delays and with high-quality standards.
Haryana Industrialists using tractor owners to discharge effluents into drain The CM Flying Squad has unearthed a nexus of industrialists and tractor owners allegedly involved in discharging untreated effluent into Drain No. 2, leading to the Yamuna. The squad caught 13 tankers on the spot. Cases were registered against 27 people, including seven factory owners, under various sections of BNS at Sanoli police station. Drain No. 2 flows into the Yamuna at the Khojkipur point here. The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has been collecting water samples regularly, which have failed tests.
Due to govt negligence in Sonipat, untreated chemical wastewater from factories is being dumped into the Yamuna River. Two CETP samples failed, containing high levels of pollutants. The HSPCB is preparing to issue a notice to the HSIIDC. Industrial associations have expressed concern over the CETP’s malfunctioning and have warned of migration.
RIVERS BIODIVERSITY
North East: 13 new amphibians discovered WII Dehradun has announced the discovery of 13 new species of amphibians from Northeast India. This is the highest number of vertebrate species described in a single publication in over a decade in India. Before this study, 82 species of bush frogs were known from India, of which 15 are found in Northeast India. Out of 13 new species, 6 were discovered from Arunachal Pradesh, 3 from Meghalaya and 1 species each from Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland and Manipur. Out of the 13 species, 7 were discovered in the protected areas of Arunachal, Assam, and Meghalaya, and 1 was from a community-protected forest in Khonoma, Nagaland.
In Arunachal, 2 new species were registered from the Namdapha Tiger Reserve, and one each from Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary and Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary. The 3 species from Meghalaya were named Narphu bush frog, discovered from Narphu Wildlife Sanctuary, Mawsynram bush frog from Mawsynram, and Boulenger bush frog, named after GA Boulenger, an authority on amphibians during the British era. In Assam, the Barak valley bush frog was discovered in the Barail Wildlife Sanctuary.
Such a series of discoveries of higher vertebrates from the protected areas shows poorly explored biodiversity status, even in the protected areas such as tiger reserves. Considered a major stride towards recognising the hidden biodiversity of the region, the study integrates acoustics, genetics and morphology. The study also revisits the status of century-old museum collections from the Indo-Burma region.
Odisha: Giant ‘Sankuch’ fish caught from Devi river In a remarkable catch that has sparked excitement across coastal Odisha, a quintal-weight giant Sankuch fish was netted by local fishermen in the Devi River at Astaranga in Puri district. The enormous catch, weighing over 100 kilograms and stretching nearly 12 feet, was discovered when a group of around twenty fishermen cast their chain nets during routine fishing. The fishermen, hailing from Kaliakana village, initially mistook the heavy drag on the net for debris. However, moments later, they realised it was a colossal fish. What followed was nearly two hours of relentless effort to bring the fish to the riverbank, a scene that quickly became the talk of the region.
According to sources, the prized catch was immediately sold for Rs 50,000, after which it was transported to Kolkata, where such large river fish fetch lucrative prices in the wholesale markets. Onlookers described the fish as ‘one of the biggest catches in recent memory’, turning the riverbank into a temporary spectacle as large crowds gathered to witness the rare sight. The dramatic haul has become a matter of local pride, highlighting both the skill and sheer perseverance of the fishermen involved. As conversations continue in the region’s markets and tea stalls, this extraordinary catch from the Devi River is likely to be remembered for years to come, a true once-in-a-lifetime moment for Astaranga’s fishing community.
FISH, FISHERIES, FISHERFOLKS
World Fisheries Day 2025: Top 10 Positive Stories from India Amid growing threats over inland fishers and habitats of freshwater fish species, India remains second largest fish producing country. Undoubtedly, the rise in inland fisheries output has largely been happening in reservoirs, aquaculture, artificial waterbodies by introducing selective fingerlings and seeds in large volume which often are reared in hatcheries & even imported from abroad. At the same time the native fisherfolks & freshwater fish diversity have been facing existential crisis on account of dams, hydro projects, increasing pollution, riverbed mining, encroachments & exotic fish invasion activities.
WFD 2025: Impacts of Dams on Inland Fish, Fisherfolks The iconic hilsa and mahaseer fish in Ganga and Narmada have declined sharply due to construction of Farakka and Sardar Sarovar dams respectively, among others. The decline in fish diversity in Yamuna is also attributed to dams as CIFRI informed the NGT in July 2025. Though the NGT in Nov. 2024 expressed concerns over impacts of hydro projects on mahaseer habitats in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh and sought responses from concerned central and state govt departments, but except an affidavit by a private company in Oct. 2025, there is no further updates available on the case so far.
The flushing of toxic silt by the hydro projects have become a grave threat to fish species and riverine communities as seen in the case of Ranganadi HEP in Arunachal Pradesh, Barot and Shanan HEPs in Beas basin in Himachal Pradesh. Amid this the new research has revealed gradual decline in oxygen levels in rivers due to damming and pollution which has been causing a collapse of aquatic ecosystem.
WFD 2025: Important Studies, Reports The sector is facing sustainability challenge on several fronts addressing which requires a multifaceted approach. At the same time the critical gaps in research and policy have impacted freshwater megafauna in India where focus is largely on the mega fish and other aquatic animals are understudied. The year has seen informative studies on freshwater eco-system in Loktak and Ashtamudi lakes. There are also research and reports emphasizing on the growing destruction of fish habitats and diversity by indiscriminate riverbed mining in Godavari, Ganges and Indus basin.
WFD 2025: New Freshwater Fish Discoveries in India Amid rising threats, the researchers continue to discover new freshwater fish species in India mostly from North East and Western Ghats as shows this overview, prepared on the occasion of World Fisheries Day (WFD) 2025.
WFD 2025: Struggles & resistance of fisherfolks in India The theme for World Fisheries Day (WFD) 2025, “We have not caught anything, but at your word I will let down the nets” aptly resembles the plight of lakhs of fisherfolks both inland and coastal in India whose livelihoods have apparently been undermined by various development projects. However, amid growing uncertainties they keep up the resistance against the destructive projects to reclaim their rights as the top ten stories of past one year compiled here signifies.
WFD 2025: Mass fish death in Indian Rivers Indian rivers continue to witness mass fish death incidents all through the year 2025. Most of these incidents we were able to track have occurred in urban rivers across the country including Mula-Mutha in Pune, Yamuna in Delhi, Gomti in Lucknow and Varuna in Varanasi. Mass fish mortality cases have also happened in streams passing through Nalagarh & Pithampur industrial areas of Himachal Pradesh & Madhya Pradesh. These streams are part of Sutlej-Ghaggar-Yamuna-Chambal river basins & have been facing large scale fish death for years.
The common factor observed in most of the cases is discharge of untreated industrial and domestic effluents in the rivers. The incidents of Nalagarh, Yamuna and Pithampur also suggest that industries have been doing the act deliberately right before or during monsoon months. The case of fish death in Yamuna in Delhi is quite interesting where like last year’s mass fish death, NGT has again taken sou-moto cognizance after similar incident in May this year but there is no significant improvement in the ground situation.
WFD 2025: Mass fish death in lakes, ponds in India This compilation documents over three dozen incidents of mass fish death that occurred in water bodies including lakes, ponds, tanks and even in Ramsar wetlands located in Urban & Rural areas across India so far in 2025. Interestingly, most of these incidents are reported just before or after south west monsoon. In urban water bodies sewage contamination, water stagnation, dumping of solid waste have become common reasons for sudden fish mortality. These incidents are quite frequent even in the historic lakes and religious ponds in many cities despite crores of rupees spent in their maintenance by local agencies which is mainly limited to their beatification.
National digital traceability system for fisheries, aquaculture With India targeting to scale up its seafood exports to Rs 1 lakh crore by 2030, the govt on World Fisheries Day released a framework to establish a national digital traceability system for fisheries and aquaculture to ensure compliance with international regulations, promote food safety and improve market access. The move will help India expand its export markets for fisheries in the wake of imposition of high tariff by the US on Indian shrimp and other marine products. India’s seafood exports amounted to Rs 62,408 crore in 2024-25 with a substantial amount of it coming from the shrimp export.
According to an estimate, India’s shrimp export volume is set to fall 15-18 per cent this fiscal following the US decision to raise import tariffs on the commodity to more than 50% from Aug 27. The sector serves as a key driver of India’s blue economy, sustaining over 30 million livelihoods. Coastal states and Union Territories, which include around 3,477 coastal fishing villages, produce 72 per cent of the country’s total fish production and account for 76 per cent of India’s total seafood exports.
On WFD, Kerala’s fisheries struggle surfaces as strict rules hinder inland aquaculture despite vast water resources.
Interesting, Indian fish biodiversity poster.
SAND MINING
Why are stone quarries expanding in Kerala? Kerala banned river sand mining in January 2016 to protect its rivers and their ecosystems from the degradation caused by excessive extraction. After the ban, M-sand, an artificial alternative produced by crushing hard rock such as granite into fine particles, quickly became a popular alternative, leading to the rise in stone quarrying.
To assess the impact of the mining ban, scientists from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Calicut analysed the expansion of 72 quarries they’d identified within 10 km of protected areas. Using GIS and Google Earth Pro, they compared the quarries’ average annual expansion three years before the ban to their expansion in 2016, immediately after the ban kicked in. They also analysed expansion in the three following years.
In a paper in The Extractive Industries and Society, the team reported that in 2016 alone, the quarries expanded by 174% in area, with some more than doubling in size. After comparing their data with that from other parts of the world, the researchers concluded that more quarrying may spell trouble for the region’s biodiversity.
Sonbhadra mine collapse killed 7 Four persons were arrested in connection with the stone mine collapse that claimed seven lives in Sonbhadra district of eastern Uttar Pradesh on November 15. According to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the incident, the four persons arrested on Friday included Anil Kumar, 59, Chandrashekhar, 46, Gaurav Singh, 34, and Ajay Kumar, 44. All four were entrusted with overseeing mining operations at the site. Sources said the four arrested persons were hired by the private firm holding the mining contract to oversee workers’ safety at the site in compliance with statutory DGMS requirements.
However, the four, who were working as mine managers and mine mates, were legally responsible for reporting all mining operations and safety conditions to the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS). They were expected to maintain the mine in proper condition and submit regular reports certifying whether mining operations were being carried out in compliance with safety norms.
The SIT found that excessive drilling beyond permissible limits had severely weakened the structure of the quarry, leading to the sudden collapse of a massive rock formation. Police sources said the mine manager and mine mates were found, prima facie, to have shown gross negligence. Besides ignoring mandatory safety protocols, they failed to discharge their duties. During interrogation, the SIT found that workers were neither given safety instructions nor were mandatory precautions followed during drilling operations — a fact admitted by the accused. Sources added that labourers were forced to enter the open pit mine by the mine owner and contractors despite their unwillingness due to safety concerns.
WETLANDS, LAKES, WATER BODIES
Map, reclassify ‘wastelands’ to protect grasslands & wetlands A high-level panel convened by West Bridge-supported Centre for Policy Design (CPD) at Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment (ATREE) has called for reclassification of India’s wastelands. A classification and management of grasslands, wetlands, pastures and commons, including Orans and Gochar land, may help unlock their ecological and economic values, the panel said. Less than 5% of Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs) fall under protected area network, and about 70% of ONEs fall under wasteland classification. Satyarthi stressed the need for better management of open natural ecosystems and village commons. Since commons fall between departments, categories and data systems, they are often overlooked in policy matters.
Assam: Deepor Beel pollution worsens The water quality of Deepor Beel, Assam’s only Ramsar Site, has been cdeteriorating, posing a severe threat to the wetland’s aquatic biodiversity. Expressing grave concern over the declining health of the Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary, internationally acclaimed environmentalist Laxman Teron said that of the wetland’s two parts– eastern and western – the eastern side has suffered the worst damage as it receives polluted water from the Bharalu and Bahini rivers. According to Teron, the contamination has become so acute that wild elephants from the nearby Rani and Gorbhanga forests no longer drink from the eastern segment.
Teron added that the toxic water has significantly reduced aquatic vegetation. “Nearly 80 per cent of aquatic vegetation has dwindled, which is alarming for both migratory birds and elephants that depend on these food sources,” he said. Teron also criticized the failure to address pollution from the nearby dumping ground, which continues to pose a major threat. He said polluted runoff from the site should be filtered before it enters the wetland. Calling for urgent, comprehensive measures, Teron said the wetland must be restored to uphold its global stature. He lamented that for some people, the wetland has become “a milch cow,” with its ongoing afflictions serving vested interests.
WATER OPTIONS
6th National Water Awards The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu presented the sixth National Water Awards and Jal Sanchay-Jan Bhagidari Awards at a function held in New Delhi on Nov. 18. The President was happy to note that under the Jal Sanchay-Jan Bhagidari initiative launched last year, more than 35 lakh groundwater recharge structures have been constructed. The National Water Awards aim to create awareness among the people about the importance of water and motivate them to adopt the best water usage practices. The Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) initiative has been leading to the emergence of diverse, scalable, and replicable models for artificial groundwater recharge through community participation and convergence of resources.
Andhra Pradesh: Groundwater rises by 3.4 metres in a month in Annamayya For several years, farmers in Annamayya district struggled with failing borewells and rapidly declining aquifers. Recognising the severity of the crisis, Collector Nishant Kumar and his predecessor Sridhar Chamakuri pushed for an integrated, scientific approach to watershed conservation, leading to intensive interventions across eight mandals. In the Dubbaganipalli watershed of Madanapalle mandal, extensive works such as contour trenches, mini percolation tanks, farm ponds, dugout ponds, Amrit Sarovars, and other structures were undertaken under his supervision. A total of 51 works worth ₹74 lakh created a storage capacity of 70,555 cubic metres, significantly improving surface-water retention.
Under the WDC–PMKSY 2.0 program, the district initiated 4,288 Natural Resource Management (NRM) works at an estimated cost of ₹81 crore. Officials said these measures—driven by the collector’s planning and field-level reviews—led to marked improvements in soil-moisture conservation, ecological restoration, and aquifer recharge. In Peddamandem village, borewells began discharging water automatically, a sign of the scale of groundwater revival.
Even with two consecutive years of below-normal rainfall, the district managed to conserve 14 TMC of surface water and 14.5 TMC of groundwater, thanks to systematic NRM activities and tank-cascading systems implemented under Nishant Kumar’s guidance. “Over the last two months, the district administration executed highly coordinated tank cascade development across the Cheyeru, Punganooru, Gunjana, Ramaraju Vanka, and Kushavahi river systems. Measures including forest clearance, desilting, and the restoration of sluices and channels delivered historic results. Within just one month—from September to October 2025—groundwater levels rose by an unprecedented 3.39 metres,” said Nishant Kumar. These achievements culminated in Annamayya district collector Nishant Kumar receiving the national water award from President Droupadi Murmu.
Maharashtra wins first prize as best state The award did not come as a surprise for experts of Pune-based Watershed Organisation trust (WOTR), who had earlier carried out an assessment of water governance aspects in multiple states. “Maharashtra’s performance is outstanding compared to that of Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand,” says Dr Eshwer Kale, Thematic Lead at WOTR. He adds that vast infrastructure was built through small, medium and major irrigation projects in Maharashtra, besides carrying out an implementation of soil and water conservation measures, such as watershed development in thousands of villages across the state, is a testament to this effort.
The organisation applied a Water Governance Standard (WGS) Toolkit, which it has developed, to assess village water governance. “Despite receiving less rainfall and having a highly commercial cropping pattern than Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra fared comparatively better in water resource management,” says Dr Kale.
He adds that Maharashtra’s success is not only due to necessity – as over a third of the state is perennially drought-prone and another third often plagued by water scarcity – but also due to significant efforts and investments made in soil and water conservation, watershed development, irrigation projects, and water management over decades. This includes not only creating physical infrastructure but also raising awareness and mobilising communities, building stakeholder ownership, strengthening the capacities of local leadership and institutions, and fostering collaborative partnerships across stakeholders.
Water Conservation as Source of Climate Resilience for Jhansi Villages Villagers in Jhansi, facing erratic rainfall and drought, have made water conservation the heart of their climate resilience strategy. Community-led efforts such as check dams, injection wells, and desilting old tanks have secured water supply, revived agriculture, and restored groundwater, benefiting both people and livestock. Special attention has ensured the poor and marginalized now have better water access, reducing inequalities and empowering women. These interventions have stabilized livelihoods and enabled crop diversification, serving as models for enduring climate adaptation amid rising uncertainty.
GROUNDWATER
CGWB to digitize groundwater monitoring system In a stakeholders’ meeting on dissemination of groundwater data and groundwater management plan held in the Chennai on Nov. 21, officials of CGWB discussed details on open access to groundwater data being generated and how the database can be used to prepare groundwater regulatory and recharge plans.
According to CGWB, Tamil Nadu’s stage of groundwater extraction stands at 73.50%, indicating that nearly three-fourths of the State’s yearly extractable groundwater is already being used. M. Sivakumar, Regional Director, CGWB, south eastern coastal region, said sensors to record water level and quality have been installed in 1,000 monitoring wells so far. “We get six-hourly groundwater data from these wells. We plan to add sensors in 1,500 more monitoring wells to get real-time data,” he said.
Hidden cost of polluted groundwater The World Bank estimates that environmental degradation, largely from polluted water and soil, drains India of nearly $80 billion each year, around 6% of GDP. Health costs from unsafe water run into billions annually, while waterborne diseases result in millions of lost working days. The link between contamination and human capital loss is especially alarming. In Gujarat’s Mehsana district, fluorosis has disabled workers, reduced their earning capacity, and plunged households into cycles of wage loss and medical bills. Across the country, diarrhoeal illnesses still kill hundreds of thousands of children under five each year. Beyond these health tragedies, the consequences represent a steady erosion of India’s most valuable resource: its people.
Uranium found in breast milk in 6 Bihar districts The study was carried out by Mahavir Cancer Sansthan, Patna, under the leadership of Dr Arun Kumar and Prof Ashok Ghosh, in collaboration with AIIMS, New Delhi, led by Dr Ashok Sharma from the department of biochemistry.Conducted between October 2021 and July 2024, the research analysed breast milk from 40 mothers aged 17-35 in Bhojpur, Samastipur, Begusarai, Khagaria, Katihar and Nalanda.
Co-author Dr Ashok Sharma of AIIMS said the source of contamination remains unclear. Bihar’s environmental conditions have compounded the issue. The state’s heavy dependence on groundwater for drinking and irrigation, discharge of untreated industrial effluents and long-term use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides have already led to contamination with arsenic, lead and mercury in biological samples. The detection of uranium in breast milk signals the contamination has reached the most vulnerable population – infants.
Role of biofilm during GW biofiltration of manganese Abstract: – The study provides foundational insights into the dynamics of Mn(II) removal in biofilters and proposes an initial framework for understanding the Mn(II) biogeochemical cycle within such common engineered systems.
Loss of earth’s GW Decades of NASA satellite data reveal how quickly the planet’s underground stores of fresh water have been depleted and how their use is contributing to rising sea levels.
URBAN LAKES, WETLANDS
Bengaluru lakes: A trickle of renewal, a long way ahead The restoration of lakes is at a crucial juncture. As the authorities announce plans to rejuvenate more of the nearly 300 lakes in the city, the experience of volunteer groups, individuals who have done the work so far, and the traditional knowledge of local communities will be important. Most critical, as Bengaluru expands, is for the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagar Palike to stock-take its approvals for construction that threaten lakes and getting its act together on the sewerage disposal system.
Science of Bengaluru’s Lakes In this first episode of The WELL Labs Show, host Pavan Srinath sits down with Dr. Veena Srinivasan, socio-hydrologist and Executive Director at WELL Labs, to unpack the science behind these Bengaluru’s lakes. In this episode, they dive into lake hydrology, lake chemistry and biology and explore how urbanisation, sewage bypasses, wetland design, and silt/sludge management changes how lakes function today. Veena also suggests what could be the possible studies that need to be conducted to solve this problem.
Mangaluru: 4 lakes set for major makeover Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has launched the process of developing four of its historic lakes under the Amrut 2.0 mission. Survey work for the ambitious initiative is already in progress. According to officials, Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) have been drawn up for the rejuvenation of the Kadri Jogimath Lake cluster, Bairadi Lake in Padil, Baggundi Lake in Kulai, and the Mallikarjuna Lake in Kadekar. Administrative approval for these DPRs has also been secured.
The proposed investment for the lake rejuvenation projects has been outlined in detail. The Kadri Jogimath Lake and its surrounding areas are estimated to cost Rs 2.40 crore. The Bairadi Lake project carries the highest financial outlay, pegged at Rs 135 crore. Development of the Baggundi Lake in Kulai is expected to require Rs 14 crore, while the Mallikarjuna Lake in Kadekar is projected to cost Rs 3.70 crore.
URBAN WATER
Bengaluru: How to deal with poor water quality A lot of sewer lines in the city are leaking because they are old and almost broken. Shashank Palur, a senior hydrologist looking at urban water programs in WELL Labs, a non-profit water systems research and innovation centre based in Bengaluru, says that over time, sewage would percolate into the ground and get mixed with groundwater. “If the sewer lines and water lines are damaged, there is also a risk of sewage entering the water supply lines when the water lines are empty. The best way to avoid this would be to have 24/7 water supply, for which we don’t have the infrastructure right now,” he says. A sewer upgradation tender has been invited, but the city is growing so rapidly that infrastructure is constantly trying to catch up. Shashank says a system-wide sewer line overhaul is the need of the hour.
Kolkata’s Salt Lake begins water tank revamp Salt Lake’s 15 overhead reservoirs are undergoing a full overhaul for the first time since the township was built. The civic body is strengthening structures, repairing systems, and replacing old equipment to improve supply. Years of wear and recurring glitches in pumps and equipment pushed the civic body to launch a township-wide repair program. Officials say the overhaul will create a safer, stronger water system capable of handling future demand and reducing breakdowns.
DJB finalizes Dwaraka water redistribution plan The DJB has finalised a comprehensive Raw Water Redistribution Plan to operationalise the upcoming 50 MGD Dwarka Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to address growing water demand. This strategic reallocation of groundwater resources, spread across key tube-well clusters in Okhla, Wazirabad, Nilothi and Dwarka, will ensure an uninterrupted raw water supply for Delhi’s newest and one of its most crucial water infrastructure projects. As per the proposed plan, 228 tube-wells will collectively augment 22.8 MGD of raw water. This will be channelled to Okhla WTP, Wazirabad WTP, Nangloi WTP and the new Dwarka WTP. The redistribution will optimise existing groundwater resources without affecting current supply structures and create a dedicated lifeline for Dwarka’s upcoming plant.
Mohali: NGT issues notice to TDI City over water pollution The NGT in May 2025 has issued a show-cause notice to TDI City for serious environmental violations, including the failure of STPs and uncontrolled sewage flow into a vacant plot owned by the developer. This action follows findings submitted by a joint committee formed by the NGT to investigate complaints about untreated wastewater and water stagnation in the area. The joint committee – comprising representatives from the district magistrate’s office, Punjab State Pollution Control Board (PPCB), and CPCB – conducted a site inspection with the applicant, Vijay Kumar Pathania, and representatives of TDI Developers. CPCB was designated as the nodal agency for coordination and compliance.
JJM/ RURAL WATER SUPPLY
‘Karnataka not releasing matching grant’ Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti V Somanna on Nov. 18 said that the Karnataka government failed to release a matching grant to take up centrally sponsored Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), piped drinking water to every household scheme, in the state. In his plea, the CM said that the state has spent Rs 35,698 crore to implement the JJM scheme while the Centre has released only Rs 11,786.63 crore. The remaining Rs 13,004.63 crore is yet to be released by the Jal Shakti Ministry, the CM said.
In his rebuttal, Somanna said, “Karnataka lagging behind the scheme due to non-releasing of state matching share for the amount allocated by the Central Government. During the period from 2019-20 to 2024-25, the Jal Shakti Ministry allocated Rs 28,623.89 crore to the state to implement the scheme.” “However, the state was able to draw only Rs 11,760 crore and spent Rs 11,097.92 crore within the Mission period. Due to non-submission of requisite documents timely, the state government was not able to utilize the entire amount allocated by the center,’’ the Union Minister added.
TN awaits JJM funds: K N Nehru Municipal administration and water supply minister K N Nehru on Nov. 13 claimed that TN govt for over a year has been awaiting funds under the Jal Jeevan Mission to implement 12 drinking water projects through the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage (TWAD) board.
ENVIRONMENT GOVERNANCE
Lack of members may shut down NGT: Bar Association moves SC The NGT Bar Association has moved the Supreme Court seeking urgent intervention to fill up vacancies of judicial and expert members at the principal and zonal benches of NGT. In a petition, NGT Bar Association of Principal Bench at New Delhi has said that while Section 4(1) of the NGT Act requires at least ten judicial members and ten expert members, the tribunal is currently working with only four judicial members and six expert members against the sanctioned strength of 20 each. The delay in appointments threatens to bring NGT’s judicial and expert functions to a complete standstill due to the impending retirement of several key members, the bar body has contended.
SC recalls Vanshakti Judgement The Supreme Court on Nov. 18, by 2:1 majority, recalled its judgment in Vanashakti judgment, which barred the Union from granting post-facto environmental clearances. The applications seeking review/recall of the judgment were considered by a bench comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and K Vinod Chandran. While CJI Gavai and Justice Vinod Chandran were in the majority, Justice Bhuyan (who was part of the original judgment) dissented.
Justice Ujjal Bhuyan disagreed with the CJI and opined that no case is made for review/recall. Justice Bhuyan said that earlier judgments such as Common Cause (2018) and Alembic clearly laid down that post-facto EC was impermissible for projects requiring mandatory prior EC, the later judgments like D Swamy deviated from those precedents. Hence, the judgments such as D Swamy are contrary to the ratio in Common Cause and Alembic and hence those judgments are per incuriam. A per incuriam judgment is not binding on the subsequent coordinate bench.
On May 16, a bench of Justices Abhay S Oka (since retired) and Bhuyan had found that the decision to allow such retrospective clearance was in violation of the orders of the top court. The majority decision, written by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran, places the contentious question before a new bench. Justice Ujjal Bhuyan delivered the lone dissent. He was also part of the original judgment that the court has now pulled back. Ramesh’s criticism drew force from recent court actions that seemed to go the other way. He noted that only a day earlier, the same Chief Justice of India had ordered Uttarakhand to restore the Corbett Tiger Reserve, where about 6,000 trees were illegally felled last year.
No requirement to publish entire EC in newspaper: SC The Supreme Court on November 19 observed that there’s no requirement to publish entire Environmental Clearance (“EC”) in the local daily newspaper, and “it will be sufficient compliance, if the project proponent publishes the grant of the EC, and indicates therein the substance of the conditions and safeguards.”
A bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Atul S Chandurkar made this observation while deciding a case where the Appellant-Tally Gram Panchayat contested the grant of EC (05.01.2017) to Ultratech Cement before the National Green Tribunal (“NGT”) for a limestone mining project covering an extent of 193.3269 hectares at Talli and Bambor villages in Gujarat. The Appellant’s appeal against the grant of EC by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) was dismissed by the NGT on the ground of limitation, holding that the appeal was filed belatedly on April 19, 2017, i.e., beyond the statutory prescribed time period of 30 days, extendable up to 60 days.
CLIMATE CHANGE
India’s delayed Climate Action Plan at COP30 raises eyebrows At the just concluded Nov 2025 UN climate summit (COP30), in Brazil’s Belem city, all eyes were on India – the world’s third largest carbon emitter. India has not yet Nationally Determined Contributions plan that countries are required to do every five years, even as international assessments have deemed India’s climate action as being “worryingly inadequate”. Climate Action Tracker – an independent scientific project that tracks government climate action and measures it against the globally agreed Paris agreement – has rated India’s climate targets and actions as “highly insufficient“. “India’s national pathway is still anchored in coal and there is no national coal exit timeline and new coal blocks continue to be auctioned,” a report by the think-tank noted.
So far, around 120 of the 196 member countries of the UNFCCC have submitted their updated plans. UNEP warns that current emission policies put the world on track for 2.8C of warming this century, underscoring the need for far more ambitious carbon-cutting targets. India’s environment minister Bhupender Yadav, who led the country’s delegation in Belem, told the media this week that Delhi would submit its plan only by the end of December.
According to the recent UN emissions gap report, India saw the highest increase in greenhouse gas emissions in 2024 compared to the previous year, followed by China and Indonesia. But the world’s largest carbon emitter China, usually India’s ally at climate negotiations to counter developed countries, has already submitted its updated climate plan. And now COP30 is also discussing whether there should be an announcement of a roadmap for the world to transition away from fossil fuels.
SOUTH ASIA
NEPAL: Locals Stop work on 50 MW Marsyagndi Besi HEP Construction of the Rs 10 B 50MW Marsyangdi Besi Hydropower Project in Lamjung came to a halt after locals opposed the plan, arguing that the project on the Marsyangdi river would destroy communities and eliminate water sources across the region. The project, initially launched by Divya Jyoti Hydropower Ltd, was later advanced by Api Power Company Ltd after it acquired over 51 % shares.
17 projects are currently producing electricity in Lamjung, making it a hydropower hub. Similarly, 11 hydropower projects are under construction in the district. Among them, key projects include: Super Nyadi Hydro 40.27MW, Upper Khudi 21.21MW, Nyadi Fhidi 21MW, 13.42MW from Midimkhola-1, and Lower Nyadi 12.6MW.
ASIA: MEKONG
Sand-mining-driven reduction in Tonle Sap Lake’s critical flood pulse Abstract: -The Tonle Sap Lake (TSL), one of the world’s most productive lake–wetland ecosystems is sustained by an annual flood pulse that reverses Lower Mekong River flow into the lake during the monsoon and returns freshwater downstream during the dry season. Recent declines in the reverse flow have previously been attributed to climate change and upstream damming. However, here we show that between 1998 and 2018, riverbed lowering of the Mekong mainstem, driven by sand mining and upstream sediment trapping, has reduced the reverse flow by between 40 and 50% (high- to low-flow year range; 47% for medium flows). Projections to 2038, with additional riverbed lowering driven by ongoing sand mining, predict reverse flow declines of 69% (64–73%) compared with 1998. We show how these changes affect the lake’s flow regulation services across the Lower Mekong system. Specifically, the reduced TSL reverse flow increases flows to the Mekong Delta by ~26 km3 (31–23 km3) during the monsoon, heightening flood risk, while decreasing dry-season flows by ~59% (50–61%), contributing to intensified saltwater intrusion and diminished agricultural yields across the Mekong’s Delta. Our results underscore how excessive sand extraction is an existential threat to the TSL–Mekong system’s sustainability.
THE REST OF THE WORLD
Recent degradation of an iconic Arctic watershed with permafrost thaw Significance The Salmon River is among the most remote and protected watersheds in North America. Its pristine wilderness was featured in the opening chapter of John McPhee’s nonfiction classic, “Coming into the Country”. In 2019, the gin-clear waters of the Salmon turned orange and have remained turbid and discolored since. The sudden degradation of the Salmon and many other formerly clear streams in the region is thought to reflect sulfide mineral weathering following permafrost thaw. Here, we show the Salmon River mainstem and most of its tributaries have metal concentrations deemed toxic to aquatic life. Our findings might help explain a recent crash in chum salmon returns, which are an important commercial and subsistence resource in an economically challenged region.
SANDRP
SANDRP 