Process to move water to concurrent list begins

Due to the rising number of conflicts between the states over water sharing, the water ministry has initiated the process of moving water to the concurrent list. Currently, rivers are a state subject and the regulation and development of water of these rivers is a source of interstate differences and disputes. Consultations are being held between the Centre and the states to work out a solution to move water to the concurrent list without taking away the rights of the states.

Centre gets a week to respond to SC on the number of wetlands in the country

According to the environment ministry, the country has only 115 wetlands and 63 lakes across 24 states and two union territories. This under-reporting has shocked the Supreme Court that has reprimanded the Centre by saying, “We know for sure that in the city of Bengaluru alone there are over hundred lakes. Is this the way you (Centre) function despite knowing that it’s a national cause?” One final opportunity has been given to the Centre to give the correct number of wetlands and lakes in the country and file a fresh reply by January 24. 

SC seeks status report on Ganga’s revival again

While the Centre is busy seeking corporate funding for its ambitious programme, Namami Gange, the apex court has sought a fresh status report from the Centre on its Ganga rejuvenation plans. Almost two years ago, the Supreme Court had expressed its scepticism on the government’s revival plans and even remarked that with the current plan in progress, it does not expect Ganga to be cleaned up even after 200 years. 

Sutlej-Yamuna Link: SC orders Centre and Punjab to ensure completion

The Supreme Court has ordered the Centre and the Punjab government to ensure the completion of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal at the earliest so as to avoid further violations of its previous order and protect the dignity of the court. As per the court’s previous order, Punjab could not deny its neighbours--Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Delhi--their share of river water. Along with this, the court has also brushed aside the Punjab government's contention that the matter needed to be taken up after the Assembly polls.

Negotiation committee appointed on Mahanadi river water use

The water ministry has constituted a negotiation committee to assess the availability and the utilisation of the water of the Mahanadi river and its tributaries. The committee that will be headed by the member of Central Water Commission will also examine existing water sharing agreements on the Mahanadi river and will consider the claims of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Jharkhand regarding the availability and the utilisation of the river water.

This is a roundup of important policy matters from January 16 - 22, 2017. Also, read the news this week.