CWRDM to formulate implementing a revised approach to environmental flow calculations
The government has tasked the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) with devising a novel approach to determine the minimum environmental flow (E-flow) required in rivers. This initiative stems from a recognition that complying with a previous directive from the Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in New Delhi, which mandates the states to maintain a minimum E-flow equivalent to 15-20% of the average lean season course in their rivers, is not feasible.
E-flow refers to the volume, timing, and quality of water flow necessary to sustain freshwater and estuarine ecosystems, as well as human livelihoods. The current NGT mandate for minimum E-flow calculation, based on Himalayan-fed river flow patterns, is deemed unsuitable for rivers in southern states that rely on monsoon rainfall. Consequently, the River Rejuvenation Committee in Kerala advocates for the development of a new methodology.
To facilitate the implementation and validation of this new approach, the CWRDM requires 25 years' worth of fisheries data from the Fisheries department, as well as hydraulic and cross-sectional data from the Hydrographic Wing. The Department of Water Resources is actively pursuing these data requisitions, as documented in the minutes of the committee meeting held on February 17, 2024.
While the NGT recommends an E-flow equivalent to 15-20% of the average lean season course in rivers, it allows states facing challenges in meeting this threshold to seek recourse with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). In such cases, the Ministry's Secretary, in consultation with the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS), may assess and consider representations from concerned states. (The Hindu)
Rivers of concern: Policy strategies for Doodh Ganga revitalisation in Jammu and Kashmir
The Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) government has initiated a detailed INR 140 crore project to cleanse the Doodh Ganga river, a vital tributary of the Jhelum in Srinagar. This river is essential for providing drinking water to the uptown areas of Srinagar and Budgam district.
The project, documented in a status report presented to the NGT by the Housing and Urban Department of J&K, will be carried out in phases and is slated for completion by 2025. The implementation plan for sewage projects has been devised, with tenders set to be released on April 30, 2024.
However, the NGT, in an April 3, 2024 order, expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of disclosure regarding sewage treatment plant capacity, household connections, and completion dates. The Municipal Corporation of Srinagar, Municipal Committee Budgam, and Municipal Committee Chadoora were reprimanded for inadequate efforts in restoring the river. Previously, in 2022, the NGT imposed a INR 35 crore penalty on the J&K administration for failing to prevent untreated sewage discharge into the Doodh Ganga and Mamath Kull streams.
The NGT also raised concerns about the disposal of legacy waste and an ambiguous INR 32.94 lakh Detailed Project Report (DPR). Despite previous directives, minimal progress has been made, leading to further warnings from the NGT regarding environmental compensation for violators. Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat, an Right to Information (RTI) activist, highlighted ongoing sewage discharge and solid waste dumping into the rivers, posing significant health and environmental risks.
Despite repeated NGT interventions, no substantial improvements have been observed, prompting the Tribunal to adjourn the matter for further discussion and consideration of environmental compensation. (Kashmir Observer)
Sikkim government informs NGT of abnormally heavy rainfall preceding October's glacial lake flooding
The Sikkim government, in its affidavit to the NGT, has attributed last year's devastating floods in four districts to unusually heavy rainfall, potentially a cloudburst, preceding a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) event at South Lhonak lake. This conclusion is drawn from a report by the North East Space Application Centre (NESAC), which analysed satellite data on rainfall before and after the GLOF.
Despite a three-hour gap in satellite data during the incident, NESAC's report indicated heavy rainfall prior to the GLOF, aligning with suspicions that excessive rainfall could have triggered the disaster, as suggested by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The floods claimed 40 lives, with 76 individuals reported missing, and impacted around 100 villages across Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong, and Namchi districts.
The NDMA initially identified a combination of excess rainfall and a GLOF event at South Lhonak Lake as probable causes for the sudden surge in water levels in the Teesta River downstream. Subsequent investigations revealed an ice avalanche contributing to the flash flood downstream, with ongoing scientific inquiry into its trigger.
The Sikkim government's affidavit underscores the challenge of forecasting such events, with NESAC highlighting the absence of satellite images during critical hours. While the government conducted mock drills to test preparedness, the absence of an Early Warning System (EWS) underscores the reliance on conventional communication methods for disseminating alerts.
Himanshu Thakkar of the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers, and People emphasised the need for accountability regarding response actions following the GLOF alert. Questions arise regarding the management of the Teesta 3 dam and the decades-long awareness of the flood risk posed by South Lhonak lake. While efforts were made to prepare for potential calamities, the absence of an EWS underscores the need for improved disaster management infrastructure and response protocols in the face of such natural hazards. (The Indian Express)
NGT's call to action: Tackling Delhi's illegal borewell crisis
Delhi is grappling with a severe water crisis, compounded by the discovery of approximately 19,000 illegal borewells across the city, with nearly half of them still operational. This issue gained prominence following a tragic incident in East Delhi, where a woman lost her life during a dispute over access to a common tap.
The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) submitted a report to the NGT revealing the pervasive problem of illegal groundwater extraction. Despite efforts to address the issue, only around 11,000 of these unauthorised borewells have been sealed to date, leaving a substantial number still active.
Northwest Delhi recorded the highest number of cases, while authorities in Northeast Delhi failed to identify any illegal borewells due to data discrepancies. However, experts believe that the actual number of illegal borewells could be much higher, with the groundwater level drastically decreasing in areas distant from the Yamuna River over the years.
The NGT has been actively addressing this issue since it was first raised in 2022. In response to serious deficiencies in governmental agencies' actions, the NGT directed the DJB to submit a comprehensive status report on identified and closed illegal borewells. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) reported imposing environmental compensation totalling Rs 70.65 crore, yet only a fraction has been recovered. (The Indian Express)
GSPCB's efforts to enhance STP discharge standards
The Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) has taken steps to revise sewage treatment plant (STP) discharge standards in line with NGT directives. Concerns over pollution of water bodies and complaints regarding STP discharge prompted the board to address these issues. As a result, uniform discharge standards will now apply to all STPs, regardless of their capacity, aligning with NGT guidelines.
Previously, only STPs with capacities of 150 kilolitres per day or higher were mandated to adhere to specific discharge standards. However, following NGT orders and recommendations from the technical advisory board, the GSPCB decided to enforce uniform standards across all STPs. This decision was made at a recent board meeting where members approved the revised standards.
Furthermore, the GSPCB has extended the scope of discharge parameters to include ammoniacal nitrogen levels and oil and grease content, even though these parameters are not explicitly mentioned in the Environment (Protection) Rules. Recognising the impact of oil and grease and ammoniacal nitrogen on water quality, the board decided to incorporate these parameters into discharge standards, particularly for rivers.
Recent data revealed alarming levels of pollution in Goa's lakes, with sewage contamination and E. coli bacteria posing significant health risks. Salcete taluka recorded the highest number of polluted lakes, followed by Bicholim taluka, among others. Tourist-frequented sites like the Sweet Water Lake at Arambol are among those affected by sewage pollution, emphasising the urgency of addressing water quality issues across the state.
In response to these findings, the GSPCB's efforts to revise discharge standards and expand parameter monitoring reflect a proactive approach to mitigating water pollution and safeguarding public health in Goa. (The Times of India)
NGT's concern: Addressing 'Forever Chemicals' in Chennai's water bodies
The NGT's southern bench has raised alarm over the presence of 'forever chemicals' in Chennai's waterbodies. Prompted by news reports citing a study by the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, the bench took suo motu cognisance of chemical contamination in Buckingham Canal, Adyar River, and Chembarambakkam Lake. The study revealed the presence of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), synthetic chemicals notorious for their environmental persistence, in surface waters, groundwater, and even the treated water from a nearby plant.
PFAS pose significant health risks, including liver damage, hormonal imbalance, immune system effects, and cancer. Groundwater near the Perungudi dumpyard was found to contain 2.72 nanograms per liter (ng/L) of perfluoro octane sulfonic acid (PFOS), far exceeding the EPA's safe level of 0.02ng/L.
Of concern was the observation that the concentration of all eight target PFAS increased in treated water compared to raw water. The study recommended advanced treatment systems to effectively remove PFAS, as conventional methods only exacerbate their prevalence.
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, the bench directed the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, Water Resources Department, and relevant environment departments to submit reports on the issue. The directive underscores the urgency of addressing the contamination and implementing measures to safeguard water quality and public health. (The Hindu)
This is a roundup of important policy updates from 16th April to 30th April, 2024. Read our news updates here.
/articles/shaping-river-policies-updated-environmental-flow-methods