Coastal areas likely to be opened up for development

Environment ministry issues draft Coastal Zone Regulation notification

The union environment ministry has issued the draft Coastal Zone Regulation Notification which seeks to open up India’s coastlines for eco-tourism and infrastructure development. The revised notification allows nature trails and eco-tourism activities in hitherto off-limits CRZ-1 areas. The area delineated as ‘coastal zone’ marked from the high tide line to 100 metres of tidal influenced waterbodies has now been reduced to 50 metres. The 200-metre ‘no development zone’ which lined CRZ-II areas have been reduced to 50 metres. 

Supreme Court orders Haryana to release Yamuna water to Delhi immediately

The pending resolution of the issues relating to the sharing of Yamuna waters between Haryana and Delhi notwithstanding, the Supreme Court has ordered the former to immediately release 450 cusecs of Yamuna water daily to meet the drinking water needs of the national capital. It has also directed the chief secretaries of both Delhi and Haryana to hold consultations with the secretary of the Union Ministry of Water Resources to resolve the issues at the earliest.

Locals protest against Gujarat government's plan to construct dam across the Narmada in Bharuch

Local farmers and fisherfolk are up in arms against the Gujarat government’s proposal to build a weir on the Narmada river in Bharuch where the river is already seen to be drying up. Over 5000 people marched to the district collector’s office to record their protest. The state government states that the proposed 36-feet barrage was designed to provide drinking water to the residents but locals claim that the water is meant to divert to help the industries upstream.

ADB gives in-principle nod for infrastructure development in Uttarakhand

The Asian Development Bank has given an in-principle nod to sanction Rs 1,700 crore for infrastructure development in urban areas of Uttarakhand. This includes improvements to water and sewerage facilities in the state. Following this, the state government plans to introduce an assured 24 hours water supply to all residents of the state. Beautification of the Tehri Lake will also be taken up under this. 

Telangana’s Mission Bhagiratha inches closer to reality

Telangana government’s ambitious project to equip every house in the state with piped drinking water is fast becoming a reality. A trial run of the Imampeta water treatment plant conceived under the mission is expected to be conducted by May 5 with official sources ensuring drinking water connection to all households by the end of 2018. 

This is a roundup of important policy matters published between April 17 and 23, 2018. Also, read news this week.