Cabinet approves Rs. 1,600 crore sub-scheme for farm-level piped irrigation under PMKSY
The Union Cabinet has sanctioned a Rs. 1,600 crore sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) for the fiscal year 2025-26, aimed at bolstering micro-irrigation infrastructure. This initiative, known as the Modernisation of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM), will facilitate the direct delivery of water from established sources to individual farm gates for landholdings up to 1 hectare.
The sub-scheme will be implemented as a pilot project across 78 sites nationwide, encompassing approximately 80,000 farmers, utilising underground pressurised piped systems to establish last-mile connectivity between water sources and agricultural fields. It also intends to modernise existing irrigation water-supply networks by channelling water from canals and other sources to designated farm clusters. To ensure the long-term sustainability of these projects, the scheme incorporates irrigation management transfer (IMT) to Water User Societies (WUS) for the upkeep of irrigation assets. These WUS will receive support through linkages with farmer producer organisations or primary agricultural credit societies for a period of five years.
Furthermore, the initiative aims to encourage youth participation in farming by promoting the adoption of modern irrigation techniques. The initial phase involves pilot projects across diverse agro-climatic zones, selected through a challenge funding approach for states, with the learnings from these pilots informing the launch of a comprehensive National Plan for Command Area Development and Water Management in April 2026. (Business Standard)
Water tariff quadruples in Rajasthan, but consumers spared by state subsidy
Rajasthan's PHED has officially announced a four-fold increase in water tariffs, effective April 10th. However, city residents will continue paying 2017 rates as the state government will directly subsidise PHED, shielding consumers from the hike. PHED's order outlines the new tariff structure, but consumers will only be charged the previous, lower rates, with the government covering the difference.
PHED Secretary Bhaskar A Sawant confirmed this arrangement for metered consumers. This follows past tariff adjustments, including a withdrawn 2017 hike and a subsequent blanket subsidy by the Congress government. PHED officials noted that current revenue covers only 35-40% of operational costs, as mandated by the 2018 Water Supply Policy. The revised tariffs reflect increased maintenance expenses since 2017, and the subsidy is projected to cost the state government approximately Rs 2,100 crore. (The Times of India)
Uttar Pradesh's water management policies garner global praise
Uttar Pradesh's water and solid waste management policies gained international recognition at the Global Innovation Summit in Paris. The state's 'One City, One Operator' model was lauded as a prime example of effective sewerage management. The summit also commended the advanced water management technologies successfully implemented during the Maha Kumbh 2025, which efficiently served over 660 million devotees.
Principal Secretary Amrit Abhijat showcased these achievements, emphasizing the 'One City, One Operator' model as a sewerage management benchmark. He highlighted the use of technologies like mobile faecal sludge management units, SCADA systems, sewage treatment plants, GIS sprinklers, and Geotube waste management during the Maha Kumbh. These measures ensured cleanliness and environmental protection. The UP model was praised by over 250 delegates from 25 countries at the Suez conference, with several expressing interest in adoption, highlighting UP's transformation of urban infrastructure and its leadership in water resource management. (The Times of India)
Goa gears up to expand list of notified wetlands
Goa is expanding its list of officially recognised wetlands, with 19 more water bodies under notification to join the existing 25. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced the formation of lake management committees with public involvement to create protection plans during the 2025 budget presentation. Currently, 44 wetlands are identified in Goa.
The 19 awaiting notifications are located across the state, with Benaulim having six, Shiroda three, and others in Raia, Bicholim, Orlim, Verna, Mormugao, Chandor, Cortalim, Lamgao, and Sancoale. Notification under the 2017 Wetlands Rules includes public consultation and recognises their ecological importance. Once notified, development will be restricted, though traditional practices and local water use are permitted. Prohibited activities include conversion, industrial expansion, and waste disposal. Many Goan wetlands were originally agricultural tanks, supporting local ecosystems and birdlife. (The Times of India)
Over 1.7 lakh hectares of forest land diverted for non-forestry use in 9 years: Government
The Union environment ministry informed the Lok Sabha that a total of 1,73,396.87 hectares of forest land were diverted for non-forestry purposes, including infrastructure projects, between the fiscal years 2014-15 and 2023-24. This information was provided by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav in response to questions raised by CPIML MP Raja Ram Singh. Yadav also defended the scientific methodology of the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, highlighting its improved satellite data resolution and increased ground truthing points compared to earlier reports. He clarified that forest cover assessment includes all lands meeting specific area and canopy density criteria, irrespective of ownership.
Responding to a separate query, Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh stated that 59,882.07 hectares of forest land were diverted for non-forestry uses between 2021-22 and 2023-24, with Madhya Pradesh accounting for the largest share. Singh emphasised that while developmental projects have ecological impacts, forest land diversion is permitted with compensatory afforestation and Net Present Value payments, along with other mitigation measures. He also noted that the responsibility for forest conservation primarily rests with state governments, supported by existing legal frameworks. (Hindustan Times)
NGT warns Kerala over delayed Wayanad landslide reports
The National Green Tribunal's (NGT’s) Southern Bench has expressed strong displeasure with Kerala authorities for their delayed response to the 2024 Wayanad landslides, taking suo motu notice of a report in The Hindu. The tribunal highlighted the non-submission of a crucial report by the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority. Warning that the Chief Secretary may be summoned, the NGT stressed the need for reports detailing the causes of the disaster and preventive measures.
In its order, the NGT underscored the vital importance of the Disaster Management Authority's report. It noted the lack of response from the Authority and the District Collectors of Idukki and Wayanad. Expressing dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the loss of life in Wayanad, the tribunal also pointed out the late filing of reports by the Forest and Wildlife Department and the Pollution Control Board, months after the initial directive. (The Hindu)
This is a roundup of policy updates from the April 1, 2025 to April 15, 2025. Read our news updates here