Meghalaya's draft water policy gets approval

To address conservation and protection of water sources in the state, the Meghalaya cabinet has approved a draft water policy for the state. The policy was drafted by the state water resources department in consultation with experts in water conservation and protection of water bodies. The policy outlines all issues related to utilization of water and livelihood and how to preserve water bodies.

It also calls for community participation in implementation by constituting a water sanitation village council at the village level. 

(The Hindu)

Union Cabinet clears Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2019

To streamline the adjudication of inter-state river water disputes, the Union Cabinet has approved the Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2019. The Bill will help resolve disputes relating to waters of inter-state rivers and river valleys, envisaging the constitution of a single tribunal with different Benches that will have a permanent establishment complete with office space and infrastructure. A standalone tribunal will obviate with the need to set up a separate Tribunal for each water dispute, which has proven to be a time consuming process. The Bill also proposes to set up a Dispute Resolution Committee by the central government for amicably resolving inter-state water disputes within 18 months. (The Hindu)

Government unveils plan to rid villages of garbage and sludge

In its effort to take the open defecation free (ODF) status of villages to the next level, ODF Plus, the government has launched the Gobar-Dhan scheme.

Under the scheme, the government plans to set up at least one plant in each district to generate electricity and compost from cattle dung and other biodegradable waste by 2023-24.

Also, a plastic waste management unit in each block or district will also be set up along with installation of one storage facility for plastic waste in every village. Apart from this, the other two components of the scheme are tackling of wastewater generated in rural households and safe handling of faecal sludge. (Times of India)

Maharashtra cabinet approves irrigation programme for chronic drought-hit districts

The Maharashtra state cabinet has approved the Mukhyamantri Shashwat Krushi Sinchan Yojana (Chief Minister’s Assured Agriculture Irrigation Scheme), with a budget of Rs 450 crore for the 2019-20 financial year. The scheme aims to provide assured and protected irrigation in 251 rain-fed talukas hit by chronic drought, farmers’ suicides and left-wing extremism.

Under the scheme, farmers will be given a direct subsidy equal to 50 percent of the actual cost, up to a maximum of Rs 75,000, to install plastic lining in their farm ponds, and a subsidy of Rs. one lakh per beneficiary to build a 1,000 square metre greenhouse or shade-net up. 

(LiveMint)

Tamil Nadu announces river restoration for Chennai

Taking note of the looming water crisis in Chennai, Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has announced the restoration of rivers in the city at a cost of Rs 2,371 crore over the next four years. A detailed project report has been prepared to arrest sewage flow into the Cooum and Adyar rivers and Buckingham canal. Along with this, the state government is also evolving a comprehensive policy to prevent pollution of water bodies and reuse treated sewage for industrial and other needs. Besides reusing 260 million litres of sewage, a detailed project report would also be prepared to increase the groundwater table and find long-term solutions to augment water sources. (Times of india)

This is a roundup of important policy matters from July 10 - 16, 2019. Also, read news this week.