Only a few large dams have disaster plans: CAG report

Out of 4,862 large dams in the country, only 349 have disaster plans in place: CAG report

According to a performance audit report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) on the flood control and management scheme, out of the 4,862 large dams in the country, only 349 have emergency disaster action plans in place. Also, the inspection revealed inordinate delays in flood management works, non-operational flood forecasting stations and inflated costs. However, the auditor has recommended that the CWC should devise a time-bound action plan to speed up the formulation of flood forecast. 

IRCTC plans to install 1,100 water vending machines at 450 stations 

As part of its efforts to ensure clean drinking water at a low cost in rail premises across the country, IRCTC is planning to install 1,100 water vending machines at 450 stations in 2017-2018. With the new initiative in place, half a litre water will cost Rs 3, a litre will be available at Rs 5, two litres for Rs 8 and a can for Rs 20. Along with providing clean water at low cost, the initiative will also help in generating employment for around 2,000 people. 

Over 74,000 habitations get low-quality water: Government

According to the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, nearly 74,548 habitations in the country have contaminated water. Moreover, around 28,000 habitations are affected by arsenic and flouride. However, to ensure a better quality of water in such areas, a National Water Quality Sub Mission has been initiated at an estimated cost of Rs 25,000 crore.

NITI Ayog plans to initiate marine fisheries index

NITI Ayog has asked the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) to initiate a programme for the development of a marine fisheries index of the country. The aim of the initiative is to derive a comparative picture of fisheries development across the maritime states and the islands of Andaman and Lakshadweep. Along with this, CMFRI has also been asked to formulate a National Marine Fisheries Action Plan based on the prospects and limitations of marine living resources and environmental factors prevailing in coastal states.

Earth is turning into a 'plastic planet': Study

According to a research by the University of Georgia, humans have created 8.3 billion metric tonnes of plastic since the early 1950s and most of it is now dumped in landfills or the natural environment. Also, the study has claimed that if the current trends continue, roughly 12 billion metric tonnes of plastic waste will be in landfills or the natural environment by 2050. 

This is a roundup of important news from July 18 - 24, 2017. Also, read the policy matters this week.