States get a free hand towards the implementation of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

Centre has given a free hand to states and municipalities in implementation of Swachh Bharat scheme in urban area. Along with this, the Government has also set an investment target of Rs 42,512 crore from the private sector. The aim of this decentralisation is to fasten the implementation of the mission, that is to be achieved by 2019 and augment the capacities of urban local bodies. Also, the Centre will provide a fund of Rs 14,623 crore for the project, while the states/UTs will contribute Rs 4874 crore.

Uttarakhand seeks withdrawal of eco-sensitive zone notification

Uttarakhand Cabinet has passed a resolution that seeks withdrawal of Centre's notification to declare the 100 km stretch of the Bhagirathi river from Gaumukh to Uttarkashi as eco-sensitive. Both the State Government and locals consider the notification to be anti-development and protest against the notification is gaining momentum. Also, the State Government fears that the implemention of the notification is going to affect the 16 hydro-electric power projects, with a capacity of 1,743 MW, in the area.

Shipping Ministry seeks a one time approval for National Waterways

The Shipping Ministry has sought a blanket in-principal approval from Centre to declare atleast 90 rivers and creeks as National Waterways.  The Ministry seeks this one-time approval so as to cut the time for declaring every national waterway with this single legislation. The approval is a 'constitutional requirement' as prior to this no task, such as carrying out feasilbility studies, can be taken up. Uptil now, only five waterways have been declared as the National Waterways.

PMO orders probe into deaths in UP caused by polluted rivers

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has issued directives to conduct an investigation of deaths that happened in western Uttar Pradesh after people had consumed water of Krishna and Hindon rivers. The order has come following a petition filed by an NGO in western UP that has claimed the cause of deaths to be the contaminated and poisonous water in the two rivers. Moreover, according to independent studies, villagers in Baghpat, Saharanpur, Meerut and Muzaffarnagar are suffering from several serious diseases like cancer and deformities due to the contaminated water in these regions.

Delay in stormwater drain project has put Mumbai under the threat of heavy floods: CAG

As per CAG, the inordinate delay in laying strom water drains by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has posed a risk of heavy floods on Mumbai. Along with the risk, the delay has also escalated the cost of the project which has risen by Rs 2,708 crores. Also, the CAG has reported that State Authorities have failed to submit the action taken notes on different 125 recommendations made by Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

This is a weekly roundup of important policy matters from December 23 - 29, 2014. Also read last week's news updates.