Floods wreak havoc in many parts of the country

Floods grip many parts of the country

Heavy downpour in Maharashtra and Rajasthan has caused 10 deaths while thousands have been affected due to floods in Madhya Pradesh and Assam. In Uttarakhand, the water level in Ganga has risen considerably and people have been restricted from stepping down at the Ganga barrage. Also, a flood alert has been issued in low-lying areas in Bagalkot and Belagavi districts of Karnataka after Maharashtra released excess rain water into the Krishna river. 

Indus Water Treaty: Another issue of conflict between India and Pakistan 

Pakistan has warned India that it will move the International Court of Arbitration (ICA) against India over the construction of two hydropower projects on Jhelum and Chenab, the two rivers assigned to Islamabad under the 1960s Indus Waters Treaty. The two hydroelectric projects are 330 MW Kishenganga project on Jhelum’s tributary and 850 MW Ratle project on Chenab. However, India has pointed out that Pakistan’s decision to move the court of arbitration is in violation to the provisions of the Indus Water Treaty.

Rs 670 crore allocated to TN for water projects in Cauvery basin 

The Asian Development Bank has sanctioned a loan of Rs 670 crore to India for water projects at the Cauvery delta in Tamil Nadu. The aim of the project is to improve deteriorated infrastructure for farmers and to provide flood protection to residents. The loan will be utilised to strengthen embankments of six major irrigation water channels in the Vennar system and rehabilitate 13 irrigation pumping schemes at the Cauvery river basin. 

Jharkhand's small water bodies turn bane for locals

The small water bodies that were dug to enhance the irrigation potential of the state have become more of a disadvantage to the locals as they are turning death traps. Several incidences of drowning in these water bodies have been reported from the state. So far, the government has dug nearly 1,75,000 farm ponds across the state. After these casualties caught attention of the government, an advisory has been issued to the people to stay away from these water bodies and also to put a red flag near them to alert the passer by.

Glory brought back to 400-year-old stepwells in Hyderabad

The 400-year-old Badi Baoli in Qutb Shahi tombs has been brought back to its full glory, thanks to the efforts of Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC). Three years ago, in 2013, the western wall of the Badi Baoli had collapsed from heavy rains, but after three years of consistent efforts, the step well has been brought back to life. Now the revived baoli can collect 10 lakh litres of water in this rainy season. Out of the six step wells in the premises of Qutb Shahi tombs, three have already been restored, while the remaining three will be revived soon. 

This is a roundup of important news updates from July 9 - 16, 2016. Also read last fortnight's policy matters update.