Centre and states signs MoU to commence Ken-Betwa river link
Marking an end to the controversies that have marred the Ken-Betwa River Link (KBRL) project, the central government and the state governments of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh inked a tripartite agreement to begin work on the project.
Several obstacles, including the partial submergence of the Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh and contradictions between the states involved, held the execution of the river-linking project. Going ahead, the project needs approval on the share of centre and state in funding, forming a new organisation to execute the project and obtaining a stage 2 forest clearance for the Daudhan dam.
(The Hindu)
Adopt Covid-19 precautions: CPCB asks sewage treatment plants
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has asked sewage water treatment plants to ensure the adoption of all COVID-19 precautions for its workers to protect them from SARS CoV2 infection. The guideline has been issued taking note of various studies conducted across India wherein viral RNA of SARS CoV2 was found in sewage water and may become a potential source of transmission of the infection. CPCB has asked the sewage treatment plants to provide all preventive gear to the workers ranging from Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits, coveralls, gloves and face shields to protect them from COVID-19. (Livemint)
NHRC orders government to ensure the supply of potable drinking water to all
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) asked the Ministry of Jal Shakti to constitute a committee to ensure the supply of potable water to all the citizens across the country. The order has been issued following a petition filed by Radhakanta Tripathy, a Supreme Court advocate and social activist, who raised the issue of fluorosis, water-borne diseases caused due to excessive fluoride in drinking water. The NHRC has directed various agencies including the Ministry of Jal Shakti, ICMR and CSIR to submit their response on the subject. (Pune Mirror)
Committee constituted to battle acute drinking water shortage in Manipur
Taking note of the acute shortage of drinking water in the state capital Imphal, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh convened an emergency meeting to review the prevailing situation and constituted a sub-committee. The committee headed by the administrative secretary (Water Resources) with PCCF would conduct a survey of areas hit by water scarcity and recommend steps for meeting the shortage.
The urban areas in the state, particularly the commercial hub of Imphal West district, are grappling with acute drinking water shortage as the water level of Singda dam has dropped drastically over the past few days. Even the water treatments plants cannot generate optimum amounts of treated water because of the depleting water level at the Singda Dam and the drying up of Leimakhong River.
(The Indian Express)
Cabinet apprised MoC signed between India and Japan to achieve water security
The Cabinet was apprised of a Memorandum of Cooperation signed between the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Disaster Management Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan aimed at achieving water security, improved irrigation facility and sustainability in water resources development. The memorandum was signed for the development of long-term cooperation in water and delta management, and water technology to increase the exchange of information, knowledge, technology and scientific allied experience, as well as the implementation of joint projects between the two countries. (Business Standard)
This is a roundup of important policy matters from March 16 - 31, 2021. Also, read news this week.