NGT concerned about overexploited status of Delhi's groundwater
Concerned about the overexploited state of the groundwater in the city, the National Green Tribunal has directed the Delhi government, the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) and the local authorities to come up with a proposal to deal with the problem. The tribunal also expressed its concern over a large number of illegal and unauthorised borewells operating in the city. Delhi authorities have now been directed to ensure that the groundwater level in the city does not deplete at the present rate.
Karnataka wants to release less Cauvery water to TN, to seek SC nod
Experiencing drought over the last few years, the Karnataka government plans to request the Supreme Court to allow it to release less amount of Cauvery water to the neighbouring Tamil Nadu. As per what was decided by the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal (CWDT) in 2007, Karnataka is supposed to release 192 tmc water to Tamil Nadu every year from June to January. In its submission to the apex court, Karnataka would cover nine key areas including the plea for allowing it to release less water and the state’s opposition to the formation of the Cauvery Water Management Board.
Panel agrees to issue ToR for appraisal of Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme
As part of the procedure for the environmental clearance, the expert appraisal committee of the environment ministry has agreed to issue terms of reference (ToR) for Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme in Telangana. The project envisages lifting 90 tmc ft of flood water from Srisailam reservoir at Yellur to the reservoir planned at Laxmidevipally, the highest elevation point for erstwhile Mahabubnagar and Rangareddy districts. The water will be utilised by gravity from there.
Stricter punishment for those polluting rivers in Kerala
The Kerala government has decided to make stringent laws for those polluting the water resources in the state. For this, the cabinet has even decided to make necessary amendments in the Kerala Irrigation and Water Conservation Act. As per the new law, the offenders would be punishable with imprisonment for three years or a fine of Rs 2 lakh.
NGT summons environment ministry over emission standards for thermal power plants
The National Green Tribunal has rapped the environment ministry for not abiding by its directions on the implementation of a notification on air pollution emission standards and water consumption for coal-based thermal power plants. The tribunal has also termed the earlier affidavit filed by the ministry as 'misleading' and has ordered the director of the MoEF to appear before it on October 4, the next date of hearing.
This is a roundup of important policy matters from September 20 - 26, 2017. Also, read the news this week.