Government takes a proactive approach to water security
The Indian government is taking significant steps towards ensuring water security by proposing the establishment of an Integrated Water Resources Management Authority (IWRM) at the state level. This authority will be responsible for developing comprehensive water security plans, managing groundwater resources, and implementing measures for floodplain and river conservation.
A draft model bill outlining the structure and functions of the IWRM has been circulated to all states for consideration. This state-level authority, under the supervision of a Chief Minister-led council, will have the power to regulate and coordinate water-related activities within the state.
In addition to the IWRM, the government is also developing a new National Water Data Policy and a national strategy to promote innovation in the water sector. These initiatives aim to address the challenges of water scarcity, pollution, and inefficient water use. (The Economic Times)
Supreme Court intervenes in Delhi's tree felling crisis
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea seeking to restrain the Delhi government from felling trees without the court's permission. The plea highlights the alarming rate of tree felling in Delhi, with an estimated five trees being cut down every hour. It also seeks to prevent the diversion of forests without the court's approval and calls for the establishment of an expert committee to assess and improve tree protection measures in the city.
The plea emphasises the importance of preserving trees, especially mature and heritage trees, and the need to adhere to the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994. It criticizes the lack of adherence to the Act's procedures and the infrequent meetings of the tree authority. The plea highlights the significance of maintaining Delhi's green cover, particularly in light of the National Forest Policy's mandate of one-third forest or tree cover for the country.
Given the alarming rate of tree felling and the potential environmental consequences, the Supreme Court's intervention is crucial to ensure the preservation of Delhi's green spaces and ecological balance. (Hindustan Times)
Centre doubles penalties for stubble burning
The Centre has doubled the penalties for stubble burning, following the Supreme Court's criticism of the Environment Protection Act as "toothless." Farmers with less than two acres of land will now pay Rs 5,000, those with two to five acres Rs 10,000, and those with more than five acres Rs 30,000.
The Centre notified the Commission for Air Quality Management for doubling of environmental compensation imposed against stubble burning. The Centre has also notified new rules to streamline the process of filing complaints, conducting inquiries, and imposing penalties for environmental pollution. These rules aim to strengthen enforcement and address concerns raised by the Supreme Court about the lack of effective implementation of the Environment Protection Act.
The Supreme Court had expressed dissatisfaction with the selective and inadequate recovery of environmental compensation for stubble burning. The court emphasised the need for effective action against wrongdoers and urged the government to appoint adjudicating officers to impose penalties.
By doubling penalties and streamlining the enforcement process, the Centre aims to deter farmers from burning stubble and improve air quality in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas. (The Indian Express)
Uttarakhand's firefighting crisis: NGT seeks urgent action
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Union environment ministry and other authorities to respond to a report highlighting the severe lack of infrastructure for forest fire management in Uttarakhand. The report emphasises critical issues such as insufficient firefighting equipment, communication devices, and inadequate staffing.
The report also points out the shortage of new structures to meet increasing demands, and the remote location of forest guard chowkis without basic amenities. Additionally, the report highlights the excessive workload on forest guards, who are responsible for multiple tasks including fire control, preventing illegal activities, and recovering revenue losses.
Uttarakhand has witnessed a significant number of forest fires this year, with 1,276 cases reported, impacting 1,771.6 hectares. The NGT's intervention underscores the urgency to address these infrastructure deficiencies and improve forest fire management practices in the state. (The Times of India)
Strengthening India-Nepal energy partnership
Nepal and India have made significant strides in their bilateral energy cooperation. Both nations have committed to expedite the development of crucial hydropower projects, including the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project and the Arun Third Hydropower Project.
India and Nepal have explored options to strengthen their energy trade and infrastructure. Nepal has requested India's permission to utilise its transmission line to export electricity to Bangladesh, and India has responded positively to this request. Both countries have also discussed the development of transmission lines and the implementation of flood control measures.
India has expressed its commitment to support Nepal's energy development goals. India has pledged to assist Nepal in installing solar power systems to provide drinking water and irrigation facilities in hilly regions.
These developments signify a strong commitment from both nations to deepen their energy partnership, harness the potential of hydropower resources, and contribute to sustainable energy development in the region. (Outlook Planet)
Ministry intervenes in Tadoba-Andhari eviction row
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has intervened in a dispute involving 33 families residing in Rantalodhi village within the core area of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve. These families claim that the forest department is attempting to forcibly evict them, violating their rights under the Forest Rights Act, Wildlife Protection Act, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The ministry has directed the Maharashtra government to address these concerns and ensure that the rights of these tribal communities are protected. The ministry has emphasized that no evictions should take place without due recognition and verification of their rights under the Forest Rights Act.
While the forest department maintains that no coercive measures are being taken and that essential services are being provided, the affected families continue to raise concerns about harassment and the denial of basic amenities. The resolution of this issue requires a delicate balance between conservation efforts and the rights of indigenous communities. (The Indian Express)