Centre drafts National Water Framework Bill 2016

Bill to manage river basins out

The Centre has come up with a draft of National Water Framework Bill, 2016 with an aim to develop and manage river basins in an integrated manner to provide equitable share of water. The draft also proposes to establish river basin authority for each inter-state basin to ensure optimum and sustainable development of rivers and valleys. The Bill is yet to get a nod from the union cabinet, after which it will be introduced in the parliament for further approval. 

Centre releases funds for Renuka dam oustees

The water ministry has finally released Rs 447 crore to the Himachal government to enable the HP Power Corporation Ltd (HPPCL) to pay land acquisition funds to dam oustees within 15 days. In order to expedite the land acquisition process for the project that has been hanging for 22 years, the state government had demanded Rs 1981.35 crore. However, going by the Centre, the rest of the amount will be released after the Niti Aayog gives its clearance to the project. 

Harmful greenhouse gases to get under control soon

Nearly 200 countries have agreed to the Kigali amendment in Rwanda that aims to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which could prevent up to 0.5 degrees Celsius of global warming by the year 2100. The amendment that establishes three different timetables for all developed and developing countries to reduce the production and use of HFCs, will come into force from January 1, 2019.  Environment NGOs from both India and abroad have welcomed the historic agreement along with praising the Indian negotiation team. 

Cauvery panel to outline water conservation methods

The expert committee on the Cauvery river appointed at the order of the Supreme Court is expected to outline water conservation methods and get the ground report on the water situation in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The panel is expected to submit its report on October 17. However, the findings of the report will be recommendatory in nature and not binding on anyone. Along with this, the panel will also take a look into pollution, sand mining, deforestation,and groundwater scenario of the two states. 

No stay on the construction of Amaravathi: NGT

The National Green Tribunal has clarified that it has not stayed construction activity for the proposed capital of Andhra Pradesh, Amaravathi on the banks of the Krishna river. However, it has also stated that the continuation of the project would be subject to its final decision. The clarification has come following the complaints of the state government and the project proponent of the applicants making incorrect statements about the NGT’s order. 

This is a roundup of important policy matters from October 10-16, 2016. Also read news this week.