Favouring Goa, the Mhadei Water Dispute Tribunal has ordered the Maharashtra Government not to go ahead with the construction of the Virdi dam. The Government has assured the tribunal that it will abide by the latter's directions. Maharashtra had planned the Virdi project to provide irrigation to 1,345 hectares in Talekhol, Vazare, Aai, and Girode villages in Dodamarg taluka at a cost of Rs. 5901.72 lakh.
The National Green Tribunal has directed the Noida Authority to submit an affidavit detailing the source and quantity of water sold to buiders in the city for construction purposes in the last one year. The Tribunal has also warned the authorities that all the builder projects will be sealed in case the latter is unable to provide the records. The order has come following a petition filed by environmentalist Vikrant Tongad claiming that groundwater is being extracted for construction projects in Noida and Greater Noida.
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has wrapped the Odisha Government over mismanagement in relief and restoration work post cyclone Phailin. As per CAG, there was a delay of six to nine months in providing relief to the affected people, and the government failed to provide a list of affected farmers which led to a lapse of more than six months in providing aid to farmers. Also, the CAG has reported ineffective early warning mechanisms and communication systems due to inadequate staff and non-functioning of machinery.
The Bombay High Court has sought a response from the Maharashtra Government on the extent to which it is probing the irrigation scam. A petition has been filed against the Chitale committeee that is probing the scam, alleging that the contractors who constructed the dams have been left out from the purview of the investigation. There are 12 projects in Raigad district, which are under scrutiny for alleged irregularities in their construction. Out of these 12 projects, a detailed inquiry has been recommended for the Kondhane and the Chanera project.
Concerned over dispute with Andhra Pradesh over the utilisation of the Krishna and Godavari rivers water, the Telangana Government has formed a nine member committee for its seasonal management. The committee will be responsible for reviewing and approving seasonal operational plans for the supply of water to various agencies as per Government approvals and priorities listed in the State Water Policy. Along with this, the committee will recommend the government on drafting guidelines/standard manuals on water issues.
This is a roundup of important policy matters from February 08 - 16, 2015. Also read last week's news updates.