With the State staring at a severe water shortage, heavy downpour has brought relief to Tamil Nadu, especially Chennai but has also exposed the State's under-preparedness. Heavy rains have caused severe flooding and water logging in several parts of Chennai and other regions of Tamil Nadu. The rains have also caused the death of 55 people in the State. Apart from the flooding and garbage flowing into Chennai's houses, many localities have been complaining about snakes and leeches being washed in.
Per a study conducted by Consumer Voice, tap water in most of the National Capital Region is fit for drinking and does not need further filtration. Also, the study states that Delhiites are unnecessarily using RO units. However, water supplied in Ghaziabad has been found unfit for human consumption. Water conservationist Rajendra Singh agrees that large parts of Delhi receives clean drinking water and feels that RO manufacturers play on the fears of the public.
The Environment Ministry has launched a new website on climate change with the purpose of putting up India’s stands and efforts before the Paris Summit. The content on the website is in the form of videos and includes India's Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs), appreciation received from the world over, and comments on INDCs. The website also offers an integrated platform to all social media channels.
A Mumbai-based NGO has observed that nearly 15-20% of mangrove cover has shrunk in and around Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and the Konkan coast due to debris dumping, encroachment and illegal eco-destruction. Moreover, the loss to mangroves has occurred despite various Court directives, Government resolutions, and a policy decision to protect mangroves and crucial wetlands since 2010. The study states that though there are rules in place, the lack of patrolling and strict legal action against violators has led to the loss.
Per Chetan Pandit, a hydrologist, the Mhadei water diversion projects of Karnataka and Maharashtra will have an impact on five wildlife sanctuaries, two major waterfalls, several rare species and other rich flora and fauna. Per the claims of the expert, the data on water yield presented by different agencies including the Central Water Commission (CWC), is being shown to be very high. Moreover, the expert is also doubtful about the methodology being used to measure the discharge of the river. Along with this, the sites of Karnataka and Maharashtra where projects are proposed, are also ungauged.
This is a roundup of important news updates from November 10 - 16, 2015. Also read last week's policy matters update.