India prepares to fight the impacts of El Nino

According to the Indian Meteorological Department, there is a 70% probability of El Nino, or a warming of sea-surface temperatures in the Pacific. The phenomenon will lead to a below normal monsoon this year. However, to battle the impacts of El Nino, the Government has prepared monsoon-contingency plans for 580 districts. Along with this, the Centre is also planning to come up with a new crop insurance policy for farmers.

Farmers oppose Andhra Pradesh's decision to supply 5 MLD water to Coca-Cola plant

The Andhra Pradesh Government has decided to supply 5 MLD (million litres per day) of Krishna water to Coca-Cola for its bottling plant at Atmakuru village near Mangalagiri, Guntur district. However, the decision has been taken at a time when several villages in the area are reeling due to drinking water shortages. Farmers seeking irrigation water from the river as well as opposition parties are opposing this decision.

Government needs Rs 1.1-1.8 lakh crore to prevent influx of sewage in water bodies

Per the Parliamentary Panel, nearly two-thirds of the sewage generated in urban areas across the country is discharged untreated into water bodies. Nationwide, 57,233 MLD of sewage is generated while the treatment capacity of the Sewage Treated Plants (STPs) is just 21,478 MLD. Thus, to bridge the gap of 36,875 MLD, and to save the water bodies from getting polluted, the panel has proposed a requirement of Rs 1,10,000 crore to 1,80,000 crore to set up additional STPs. 

Globally, 14% has no access to toilets: World Health Statistics 2015

The World Health Organisation has released this year's World Health Statistics that assess the health achievements with regard to the targets set under the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs). Per these statistics, globally the water and sanitation performance is poor and 45 nations across the world are behind the set targets. Also, 748 million people across the world lack access to safe drinking water and 14% of the population have no access to toilets, posing a severe threat to health and environment. 

Land grabbers eyeing the forestland of eco-sensitive floodplains in Delhi

Mail Today's detailed investigation has revealed massive deforestation of 25 hectares of forestland in the ecologically sensitive Yamuna floodplains in northeast Delhi. The area is adjacent to the unauthorised Sonia Vihar colony and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). DDA is suspecting CRPF for the damage caused. The latter was alloted 24 hectares of land for camping, however, this land belonged to the Delhi Government. Environmentalists fear that land grabbers are eyeing the entire 150 hectares of green area.

This is a roundup of important news from May 12-17, 2015. Also read last week's policy matters updates.

Lead image source: MSN Weather