According to Maharashtra's Economic Survey for 2014-15, out of the 70,000 small irrigation projects constructed in the state, only 12% have been utilised. The projects, worth Rs. 4,500 crore, have fallen into disrepair, as there is lack of expert staff to monitor them. However, with the launch of the flagship programme, Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan, the State Government is hopeful of optimising the local sector irrigation projects.
The Uttar Pradesh Police opens fire on tribals protesting against the land acquisition for the Kanhar dam project in Sonbhadra district. The incident has left eight people seriously injured along with tribal leaders, and nearly 35 others have received minor injuries. According to protestors, the tribals were demonstrating a silent protest against the project, while the police claim that the firing took place after the mob attacked the former.
The Government has identified 100 districts across the country to help farmers battling extreme weather conditions like drought and reducing groundwater. The initiative has been undertaken by the Indian Council for Agriculture Research, in view of the growing fears of occurrence of El Nino this year. Under the initiative, farmers will be provided with resilient varieties of crops, equipments and machinery through custom hiring service.
The Department of Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra has finally recognised the right to fisheries of the 300 young and old adivasis affected by the Sardar Sarovar Dam. These adivasis who have suffered the illegal brunt of submergence 30 years back, have been allowed to fish in the Sardar Sarvor Dam reservoir. With this, 5 co-operative societies of displaced fish workers in the tehsils of Akkalkuva and Akrani of Nandurbar District have received fishing rights.
The Haryana Environment Authorities have declassified the Aravallis's stretch, Mangar Bani, in Haryana as 'non-forest'. The forest was the last known virgin forest in the area. The new order is in favor of the realtors and industrialists as now the centuries old green patch is open for commercial activities. Residents in the area have decided to draft a petition against the decision and are planning to protest in case the Government does not reverse the order.
This is a roundup of important news from April 13 - 20, 2015. Also read last week's policy updates.