Study says 40 percent of NCR's water bodies lost to urbanisation in 42 years
As per a study conducted by IIT Delhi, nearly 40 percent of water bodies in the national capital region (NCR) has disappeared between 1972 and 2014 due to rapid urbanisation. The study also revealed that due to complete transformation of certain places into an urban environment, the land surface temperature has increased by three to five degrees while the air temperature has increased by two to four degrees during this period. The study has also raised serious questions about the way urban planning was conducted in satellite towns around Delhi.
Telangana concerned about the quality of its 118 water bodies
The Telangana fisheries department has asked the Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) to check the water quality of 118 water bodies for possible contamination. As per the former, the water bodies in the state, primarily irrigation tanks, are likely to be contaminated by industrial pollution, dumping of garbage and sewage water. This development has come following the discharge of contaminated water into the Gandigundem lake by 18 industrial units that caused the death of 120 tonnes of fish worth Rs 1 crore.
Six rivers in Kerala are in danger: Experts
According to a team of experts, sand mining, degradation of tributaries and illegal fishing are posing a major threat to rivers in the central Travancore region. The experts have predicted that the Pampa will die in 55 years and the Meenachil in 45 years. While the Muvattupuzha will survive only another 30 years, Achencoil and Chalakudy rivers will die in about 15-20 years. The experts have stressed on the need for an integrated action plan for the conservation of these rivers.
Karnataka's coastal protection: India signs loan agreement with ADB
Under the Sustainable Coastal Protection and Management Investment Programme, the government has signed a $65.5 million loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to check coastal erosion on the western coast in Karnataka. The loan is part of $250 million financing facility for addressing the immediate coastal protection needs and strengthening the institutional capacity of Karnataka’s Public Works, Ports and Inland Water Transport Department.
Assam floods: Water ministry gives investment clearance of Rs 256 crore for flood management
The water ministry has accorded investment clearance worth Rs 256 crore for the implementation of five flood and erosion management projects--three in Dibrugarh district and one each in Morigaon and Kokrajhar districts in the state. The approved projects under the scheme are integrated flood and erosion risk management project, anti-erosion measures, construction of dykes along river banks in Morigaon district and erosion protection work of Aie river.
This is a roundup of important news from October 24 - 31, 2017. Also, read the policy matters this week.