Andhra Pradesh and Telangana shelve plan to link Godavari and Krishna rivers

The governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have shelved the project to inter-link Godavari and Krishna rivers that was expected to benefit drought-prone areas in the two states. The reason behind this is Andhra government's reluctance to take up the project owing to huge costs involved and its focus shifting to linking of Godavari and Penna rivers. As per senior officials, the initial estimates show that the project cost will swell to Rs 50,000 crore to Rs 1,00,000 crore in next 4-5 years and the present financial condition of both the states is not conducive to take up such a project. (The Times of India)

NGT pulls up Punjab government over skipping meet on river pollution

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has rapped the Punjab government as its officers failed to respond to a notice by the tribunal’s monitoring panel to attend a meeting on river pollution. It was on November 26, that the NGT’s monitoring panel on river pollution had shot off a letter to the tribunal pointing at the non-serious attitude of Punjab officers, including principal secretaries of the local government and water resources departments, after they didn’t attend a meeting on the discharge of untreated water into Holy Bein. The committee has passed a resolution on the matter and has ordered NGT to take appropriate action against the officers for showing disrespect to the committee's orders. (Hindustan Times)

Haryana officials ordered to speed up process to provide drinking water in rural areas 

During a review meeting of the Jal Jeevan Mission, Haryana chief secretary has directed state officials to work on priority basis for providing 55 litres of drinking water per person per day in rural households under the scheme. The state has kept a target of providing 100 percent Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) in every household in rural areas by June 30, 2022. Also, the officials have been ordered to conduct a survey in the rural areas to ascertain the number of households getting tap water and find out about houses having illegal water connections. (Outlook)

Financial constraints slow down Karnataka's water plan

Following the Centre refused to provide financial assistanceto the state, Karnataka has gone slow on its ambitious Jaladhare project to provide piped water supply to all rural households. In July 2018, the state government proposed the Jaladhare project, which will require the creation of new infrastructure to supply potable water to over four crore people. The state government was hoping to merge Jaladhare with Jal Jeevan Mission, however, Centre declined assistance to the state for creation of the necessary infrastructure under Jaladhare and told the state that it will provide Rs 7,000 per household under Jal Jeevan for water connections only. (Deccan Herald)

Finally BDA floats tender for Bellandur lake revival

The Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) has finally floated a tender for desilting, rejuvenation and development of Bellandur lake with an estimated project cost of Rs 250 crore. The authority has already taken measures to drain out sewage water and plans to remove nearly 50 lakh cubic meter silt in the lake. Along with this, BDA also plans to take up rejuvenation, strengthening tank bunds, parks, walkways and other beautification works. The authority is likely to float another tender for Varthur lake, with an estimated project cost of Rs 150 crore. (The Hindu)

This is a roundup of important policy matters from January 1-8, 2020. Also, read news this week.