Construction of 109 Kuhl projects proposed in Himachal, still on papers

The Water Ministry in the regime of the UPA Government had approved the construction of 109 micro hydel projects or Kulhs, worth Rs. 348 crore. However, the projects have been shelved due to the Central Government not releasing these funds that come under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme. Kulhs carry water from mountain rivulets to fields and are the most eco-friendly method of irrigation in hilly areas. 

Haryana Govt ensures protection to Mangar Bani forests

The tussle between the Haryana Government and environmentalists over the Mangar Bani forest in Faridabad has almost reached an end because the former has decided to declare the 500 metre buffer zone around the forest as a no-construction zone. Earlier the Government was planning to demarcate only 60 metres of this area as protected. Environmentalists have welcomed this decision as that will protect the encroachment of real estate into the Mangar Bani, which is a high biodversity zone and the last remaining natural tropical forest of the Aravalli Hills in the NCR.

Uttarakhand and Himachal sign MoU for Kishau project, worth Rs. 10K crore

When there are questions being raised on the presence of hydel projects in hills, the Uttarakhand and Himachal Government have signed an agreement for the Rs. 10,000 crore Kishau project. The project is proposed on the Tons river in Dehradun district and aims to generate 660 MW of power that will be shared equally by both states. Along with this, it will also provide irrigation and drinking water in Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The Centre has agreed to bear 90% of the total cost of the project. 

UN approves the adoption of the first global treaty to protect marine life in high seas

The United Nations has launched a process to adopt a global treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of animals and plants in oceans that are beyond the territorial jurisdiction of any country. A preparatory committee will meet in 2016-17 to make recommendations on the provisions under the 'UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the General Assembly'. Launch of these negotiations which is expected in 2018, will mark the beginning of a new era in ocean conservation.

Andhra, Telangana reach consensus on the Krishna water front

During a recent meeting called by the Krishna Waters Management Board, both the States have agreed to release 16.78 TMC ft of Krishna water for Hyderabad's drinking water purposes under the joint quota. They have also agreed to have a tentative committee to deal with water release and add-on issues. Along with Krishna water sharing, the States have also reached a consensus on sharing water from the Nagarjunasagar dam and Prakasam Barrage. 

This is a roundup of important policy matters from June 16 - 22, 2015. Also read last week's news updates.