Scarcity squeeze: Moody's says India's water crisis could cripple economy

Water woes threaten India's credit rating, Moody's warns

Moody's has issued a warning that India's growing water shortage poses a significant threat to the country's credit rating. The rating agency predicts disruptions in agriculture and industry due to water scarcity, leading to potential food price inflation and social unrest. This economic instability could weaken India's ability to withstand financial challenges and ultimately harm its creditworthiness.

The report highlights the compounding factors behind the water crisis. Rapid economic growth has resulted in increased water consumption for industries and cities. Additionally, climate change is worsening the situation with more frequent and severe droughts and heatwaves. With a constantly growing population, India's per capita water availability is expected to further decline. Moody's emphasises the urgency of addressing this issue, as long-term water scarcity could have severe economic and financial repercussions for the nation. (The Indian Express)

India, Bangladesh deepen ties: Teesta River Conservation Project

India and Bangladesh agreed to deepen cooperation across various sectors during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina. A key outcome was the decision to send an Indian technical team to Bangladesh to discuss a mega project for conserving and managing the Teesta River. This project is significant as it could address water sharing concerns while China had also reportedly expressed interest in it.

The Teesta River, a vital water source for Bangladesh, is causing tension between the two nations. India's dams have restricted water flow, affecting Bangladeshi agriculture, particularly during dry seasons. A temporary water-sharing agreement was drafted in 2011, but blocked due to disapproval from West Bengal's Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina turned to China for solutions, proposing a $1 billion project to stabilize the Teesta's flow through dredging and water storage infrastructure.

However, the project has stalled due to India's security concerns. Bangladeshi officials have not shown much progress on the project, and some media outlets suggest Bangladesh is caught between India and China without concrete results. The West Bengal government remains opposed to any water-sharing deal, and the lack of clear data on the Teesta's water volume makes it difficult for both countries to agree on a fair sharing agreement. (Business Standard; Newslaundry)

Karnataka to tackle water crisis with new groundwater recharge policy

The Karnataka government is planning a new policy to improve groundwater recharge in the state. This comes amid concerns of falling groundwater levels due to urbanisation and deforestation. The government is looking to promote sustainable practices like rainwater harvesting to reverse this trend. The announcement for the new policy comes during a National Conference on Sustainable Groundwater Management, highlighting the government's commitment to addressing the issue.

Groundwater is a vital resource for Karnataka's industries, agriculture and homes. The government acknowledges the seriousness of the situation and is looking to take action to avoid future water scarcity. The minister mentions the Groundwater Directorate's involvement, suggesting the policy might include concrete measures and incentives for recharging groundwater. Additionally, the Chief Minister's interest indicates a focus on implementing the policy effectively. (The Economic Times)

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar tackles water scarcity: 30-year policy planned

In a bid to tackle Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar's chronic water shortage, the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation (CSMC) is taking a two-pronged approach. Firstly, they are drafting a 30-year water policy. This comprehensive plan will guide water allocation for various purposes, including drinking water, industrial use, and maintaining green spaces. Importantly, the policy will also address water wastage, with a specific focus on reducing excessive use for flushing toilets and sewerage.

To ensure stakeholder involvement and gather best practices, the CSMC will be hosting an international water conference in August. This event will bring together experts from across the globe to share their knowledge on water management and distribution systems. By combining the insights from the conference with a long-term water policy, the CSMC hopes to create a sustainable water future for the city. (Lokmat Times)

NGT cracks down on plastic pollution in Delhi: Ban on thin bags, hefty fines, and strict enforcement

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken a strong stance against plastic pollution in Delhi by imposing a ban on non-biodegradable plastic bags less than 50 microns thick. This interim measure aims to curb the environmental damage caused by these flimsy bags. The NGT has laid down the law – anyone found carrying these banned bags will be slapped with a hefty fine of Rs 5,000.

This action by the NGT comes as no surprise. Back in 2017, they had already banned disposable plastic in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). However, the tribunal expressed disappointment at the lackluster enforcement of the ban by the Delhi government, leading to the rampant use of plastic and worsening litter problems.

To ensure stricter implementation this time around, the NGT has directed the Delhi government to seize all existing stocks of these banned plastic bags within a week. This swift action aims to eliminate the source of the problem and prevent further environmental degradation. The tribunal has also demanded an affidavit from the Delhi government outlining how they plan to enforce waste management regulations, particularly regarding plastic use. (Livemint)

Two years on, Noida groundwater extractors still unpunished as NGT panel debates fines

Two years after its formation by India's NGT, a committee tasked with penalising developers who illegally extracted groundwater in Noida is still grappling with how to calculate the fines. Their initial proposal to base compensation on a percentage of project cost was met with objections from developers. Further complicating matters is the lack of precise data on historical groundwater usage.

This delay frustrates environmentalists like Pradeep Kumar Dahlia. He emphasises that not only have the offending developers escaped punishment for two years, but the illegal extraction continues, further depleting Noida's already stressed groundwater reserves. Data shows Noida extracts over 100% of its rechargeable groundwater, putting it in a critical overexploitation zone. Dahlia argues that the lack of swift action emboldens other developers to disregard regulations. (The Times of India)

NGT halts BBMP project polluting Puttenahalli bird sanctuary

The NGT has stepped in to stop the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) from further digging activities at Puttenahalli Lake, a bird sanctuary in Yelahanka. This comes after the Yelahanka Puttenahalli Lake and Bird Conservation Trust (YPLBCT) raised concerns about sewage flowing into the lake due to incomplete stormwater drain work by BBMP. The sewage reportedly entered the lake due to damaged drains and the BBMP's attempt to lay pipelines without proper permissions.

The NGT has directed the BBMP to halt any further work until they obtain the necessary clearances, including those mandated by the Wildlife (Protection) Act. While BBMP claims they've taken steps to prevent sewage flow, the tribunal has ordered them to take additional remedial measures and emphasised that even the already completed work might be subject to further revisions based on future proceedings. (Deccan Herald)

This is a roundup of important policy updates from 16th June to 31st June, 2024. Read our news updates here.