Karnataka emerges as top performer in managing rural drinking water schemes
Karnataka was ranked as the top performer among 28 states which were evaluated on their performance in the implementation of rural drinking water schemes based on Management Devolution Index. For this it has received an incentive of Rs. 241.1 crore from the Union government.
Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra secured second and third places,respectively, and got Rs. 182.1 crore and Rs. 114.29 crore as incentive. Three states — Andhra Pradesh, Goa and Jammu and Kashmir — received no incentive.
States adopt new version of National Water Policy
Prime Minister sought to allay fears by saying the Centre has no intention to encroach on the states rights on water management. States adopt the new version and also want their demands to be addressed. Maharashtra demands planning of basins to deal with water shortages, Karnataka a permanent water dispute tribunal, Punjab opposes establishment of a water regulatory authority and Haryana advocates for setting up of national fund for water conservation.
Clearance for Maharashtra dam being reconsidered
Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) reconsiders its clearance for the controversial Kalu Dam in Thane district, Maharashtra, which was rejected last year because of its location in the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats. Work on the project had begun before all legal requirements were in place.
Rainwater harvesting in IIM-K meets water demand
Even as many parts of the country reel under water scarcity, Indian Institute of Management, Kozikhode’s rainwater harvesting system almost entirely fulfills the water demand of the campus. The hill-top campus of the institute has neither independent water source nor a water pipeline connection.
Water woes in the country
A photo feature of protests and campaigns against water scarcity that has gripped the nation
1. This is a roundup of important news from April 1 - 7, 2013.