Delhi government opposes in-principle approval for two landfill sites on Yamuna floodplains
The Delhi government has approached the National Green Tribunal regarding the in-principle approval given by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for alternate landfill sites at Sonia Vihar and Ghonda Gujran. The government plea holds that the allotted lands fall on the floodplains of the River Yamuna and that it would be in violation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. The NGT has taken cognizance of the issue and has said that it would examine the sites.
Bombay high court directs Goa to conduct survey of all mining areas facing drinking water shortage
Observing that water scarcity will be felt in most mining affected villages, the Bombay high court has directed the Goa government to conduct a survey of the entire mining belt to assess the situation. The court was hearing a petition related to the Sonshi-Pissurlem water scarcity issue. Earlier, the court had directed members of the District Mineral Foundation to visit mining-affected areas to ascertain requirements of people in those belts and design projects accordingly.
Hyderabad makes rainwater harvesting mandatory for securing new water connection
The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board has made the construction of rainwater harvesting pits mandatory for every new connection with the plot above 200 square yards. The Board has also launched a new app "Jalam Jeevam" to help house owners to link their consumer account numbers with their respective RWH construction by submitting pictures of it online. All homeowners are expected to do this interlinking by the end of June 2018.
Apex Court directs Karnataka to release 4 tmcft of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu to meet summer demand
The Supreme Court has asked the Karnataka government to release 4,000 million cubic feet of Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu to help meet its water needs. Karnataka, however, has stated that it has released more than the allotted quantum of river water to Tamil Nadu by applying the distress formula and that it has not committed any default in ensuring releases. Meanwhile, the Centre has sought more time to submit a draft scheme for effective implementation of the Supreme Court order on Cauvery water sharing between Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala.
Gujarat to come out with policy on recycling urban waste water
Soon, Gujarat is expected to come out with a dedicated policy for the recycling and reuse of urban wastewater. The Gujarat Pollution Control Board is now evolving strategies to make rules stricter for wasting or polluting water resources in the state. Finer policy details are expected to be revealed by the end of May.
This is a roundup of important policy matters published between May 1 and 7, 2018. Also, read the news this week.