High resolution maps of Ganga to aid cleanup

Entire stretch of the Ganga to be mapped using GIS technology 

The Survey of India will soon embark on a massive exercise to map the entire stretch of the Ganga using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. The resultant high-resolution maps will help authorities monitor activities around the river better. Pollution hotspots and effluent discharge outlets can thus be monitored along the river for about 10 kilometres on either side. The entire process, from mapping to final submission, is expected to take around 15 months. 

Gujarat resorts to inter-basin transfer of water to meet drinking water demand

To meet the drinking water requirements of the state, the Gujarat government has begun diverting water from Mahisagar river basin to the Narmada main canal. Over 350 cusecs is now being lifted from the Mahi right bank canal using submersible pumps for transfer into the Narmada main canal in Kheda district. The transfer currently happens round-the-clock to help sustain water supply to around 165 urban centres and over 8,624 villages serviced by the Narmada main canal.

Chennai’s water mafia target lakes in the southern suburbs

With peak summer upon the city already, the illegal water extraction business has focused all its attention on the Keelkattalai and Nanmangalam lakes in the south of the city this year. Close to 25 lakh litres of water is being extracted on a daily basis from the southern suburbs. While some brazenly extract water directly from the lakes, few others have resorted to filling up from wells close by. Both, however, are in direct violation of Chennai Metropolitan Area Groundwater (Regulation) Amendment Act of 2002.

Trichy corporation makes sanitary napkin incinerators mandatory for all public buildings

With the disposal of used sanitary napkins continuing to remain a contentious issue, the Tiruchirapalli corporation has made sanitary napkin incinerators mandatory for all public buildings and multi-storey residential blocks by March 31. Ever since the city slipped in its Swachh Survekshan rankings to the sixth position in 2016-17, menstrual hygiene management and efficient disposal of sanitary napkins have gained greater urgency. 

Gujarat launches 'Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan' to conserve water

The Gujarat government has launched a 31-day water conservation drive called ‘Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan’. Desilting and reviving existing water bodies will be taken up under the campaign to ensure they are able to collect more rainwater. Through the programme, close to 11,000 lakh cubic feet of rainwater is expected to be harvested to help in irrigation as well as in improving groundwater tables. In addition, the government also plans to revive 32 rivers in the state.

This is a roundup of important news published between May 1 and 7, 2018. Also, read policy matters this week.