Smaller is better in Maharashtra
The state government plans to create small dams at a cost of Rs 25,000 crore to prevent future droughts. The state feels that many smaller projects such as these are easier to manage than larger-scale ones – both from an efficiency and corruption point of view.
Delhi finally harvests rainwater
The Delhi Jal Board with the help of two NGOs is going implement rainwater harvesting measures in the capital city. It will help people identify sites to set up rainwater harvesting units, provide technical know-how and also follow-up to ensure that it’s working efficiently.
Water war reaches boiling point in Kerala
A recent review in the state showed many problems with the available water – scams with packaged mineral water suppliers, poor quality water filled with arsenic, iron and other contaminants and its resulting health issues. The Opposition isn’t in favour of the Kerala Drinking Water Supply Company Limited proposed by the government. It is being viewed as a move to privatise water while it is supposed to address these issues. Who will win this political water war?
A flyover that recharges groundwater while easing traffic!
The Badarpur flyover, which connects Delhi and Faridabad, has side borders and open areas that help conserve rainwater and recharge groundwater. At least 23,149 kilolitres of water has been saved in the 14 months that it took to build this elevated road.
Karnataka government flashes red to keep Wastern Ghats green
The state government cancelled the land lease granted to a mini hydro-electric project that was already underway, for violating green norms. The project had exploited loopholes to continue with their work. This ban, which comes at an advanced stage when major investment has already occurred, is great news for the region as well as concerned environmentalists.
This is a roundup of important news from June 10 -16, 2013.