Heavy rainfall in Kashmir over the past few hours has led to the river Jhelum flowing above the danger mark, intermittent power cuts, landslides and water logging in different parts of the valley. Eight teams of the National Disaster Response Force have been rushed to the valley following the authorities declaring flood situtation in the state. Also, as an immediate relief, Centre has sanctioned Rs 200 crore while the State Government has granted Rs 25 crore.
Prof. Gadgil, Chairman of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) will be sharing the award with American marine ecologist Dr. Jane Lubchenco for their leadership and engagement in the development of conservation and sustainability policies in the United States, India and internationally. The main reason behind Prof. Gadgil receiving this award is his landmark report on preserving the unique ecosystem of the Western Ghats, and the inclusion of local committees.
The protest to save the Yamuna has been called off, after three days following a detailed discusssion between the senior BJP leaders and a delegation of the Yamuna Muktikaran Abhiyan. During the discussion, the former have assured to take up concrete actions within two months to bring back the natural flow of the river. The protest started on March 15 when nearly 1,000 people -- farmers, devotees and activists -- marched from Mathura and reached Delhi on March 20 to stage an indefinite protest.
India-Japan sign a Rs 2,760 crore loan deal for the development of the second phase of the Rengali irrigation project in Odisha and cleaning of river Mula-Mutha in Pune, Maharashtra. The loan will be used to install irrigation facilities and build the capacity of Water Users Associations in case of the Rengali project. For the Mula-Mutha project, the loan will be utilised for pollution abatement by setting up a sewage facilitiy in Pune.
Per a recent World Bank report, thousands of inhabitants of the Sunderbans have moved to different parts of the country owing to the rapid rise in sea level and salinity in the region. In the last 30 years, more than 7,000 people have already been displaced due to a rise in sea level which engulfs the agricultural land, and salinity that affects fishing, both of which are the main source of livelihood in the Sunderbans. The report furthers states that massive migration is expected in the coming years, if no mitigation efforts are taken.
This is a roundup of important news from March 23 - 30, 2015. Also read last week's policy updates.