J&K reels under the worst flood in 60 years
Jammu & Kashmir experiences terrible floods as the Jhelum river crosses the danger level. The flood has claimed nearly 160 lives and affected thousands of people. South Kashmir district is the worst affected and more than 30% of Srinagar, the state's capital, is submerged by flood waters. The Prime Minister has called it a national level disaster and has earmarked Rs 1000 crore for the state.
UN launches the new Green Infrastructure guide for effective water management
The United Nations has launched the new Green Infrastructure (GI) guide during the World Water Week held in Stockholm, Sweden. The guide seeks to raise awareness on the advantages of using GI techniques for viable and cost-effective alternatives to grey water infrastructure. Other than this, a South African Municipality has also received the 2014 Stockholm Industry Water Award for its water and sanitation work. Also, an analysis report of the World Resources Institute on water risk to shale gas development has been released during the event.
No recovery of dues from flood and drought-affected farmers in UP
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister has ordered suspension of recovery of all revenue dues and cooperative bank loans from farmers in flood and drought-affected areas of the state. He has also directed the state authorities to supply additional irrigation water, install handpumps and give seeds to farmers in drought-hit regions. Along with this, the authorities have also been directed to prepare a demand for a special package from the Centre for the affected farmers in the state.
Coal India allocates Rs 235 crore for sanitation
As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, Coal India (CIL) has earmarked a fund of Rs 235 crore to provide sanitation in schools and underpriviledged homes during the current fiscal year. Under the programme, each of the eight subsidiaries of CIL will identify at least one backward village in its command area and implement the project. The project aims to benefit nearly 1 lakh households and build 6,000 toilets in schools. The company is also planning to recruit a team of nearly 100 people to keep a check on the project's progress.
Ganga water unfit for bathing at Allahabad and Varanasi: Centre informs SC
The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that the water quality of the Ganga river is not fit for bathing at both Allahabad and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. In its entire stretch, the Ganga is most polluted at Allahabad with the biochemical oxygen demand (BoD) level at 6.4 mg/litre (if the BoD level exceeds 3mg/litre it becomes unfit for bathing). In Varanasi the BoD level is at 3.4 mg/litre. The main reason behind this increased pollution is the influx of untreated sewage into the river.
This is a weekly roundup of important news from September 1-8, 2014. Also read last week's policy matters updates.