PM Modi launches the Jal Jeevan Mission app and Rashtriya Jal Jeevan Kosh 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has virtually launched the Jal Jeevan Mission mobile application as well as the Rashtriya Jal Jeevan Kosh. The latter will accept contributions from any individual, institution, corporation, or philanthropist, be it in India or abroad towards providing tap water connection in every rural household, school, anganwadi centre, ashrams, and other public institutions.

The app will include all the details about the mission, such as the number of households that received water and the quality of the water, and will improve our awareness among stakeholders and ensure greater transparency and accountability of the schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

PM Modi also interacted with Gram Panchayats and Pani Samitis/Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) through video conferencing stating that "Jal Jeevan Mission is a village-driven-women-driven movement and public participation is its main basis”. (The Hindu Business Line)

Second phase of Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban and AMRUT launched

To make cities garbage free and water secure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the second phase of the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT).

With an outlay of around Rs 1.41 lakh crore, the SBM-U 2.0 will ensure grey and black water management in all cities other than those covered under AMRUT, make all urban local bodies open defecation free+ and those with a population of less than one lakh as open defecation free++.

The mission will focus on source segregation of solid waste, scientific processing of all types of municipal solid wastes and remediation of legacy dumpsites for effective solid waste management. AMRUT 2.0 aims at providing 100 percent coverage of water supply to all households in around 4,700 urban local bodies by providing about 2.68 crore tap connections, and 100 percent coverage of sewerage and septage in 500 AMRUT cities through 2.64 crore sewer or septage connections. (The Economic Times)

Goa gets its first official wetlands

As per the 2017 Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, six lakes in the state have been declared wetlands. The lakes are Xeldem lake and Nanda lake in Quepem, Toyyar lake in Chimbel, Dashi lake in Revora, Sarzora lake in Chinchinim, and Cottambi lake. 

Bondvoll lake in Santa Cruz village was on the verge of becoming the state's first wetland since the central rules came into being, but the process is taking longer as more area is required to be added as part of the proposed wetland, hence the delay.

The National Institute of Oceanography has assisted in identifying 35 water bodies in the state that may qualify for wetlands status, and at least 14 are in the final stages of being designated as wetlands. (The Times of India)

NGT refuses to withdraw its ban on mining in Chittorgarh

The National Green Tribunal denied a request to vacate its order prohibiting mining operations within 10 km of Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, stating that doing so violates the “Precautionary principle".

Furthermore, the tribunal said the prohibition must continue until expert studies on mining impacts beyond Eco-Sensitive Zone boundaries have been completed. The study will be conducted by a joint seven-member committee, which has been directed to conduct its first meeting within one month and visit the site and interact with the stakeholders. As a result, any decision on the matter will be made after the report of the seven-member committee. (Outlook)

CWMA orders Karnataka to immediately release water to TN, no discussion on Mekedatu project

The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) has directed Karnataka to release the balance water due to Tamil Nadu at its 14th meeting. As per Tamil Nadu, Karnataka has released only 85.8 TMC instead of 119.5 TMC water that was ordered by the Supreme Court, and should be directed to immediately release the remaining water to allow paddy cultivation in the Delta region to continue.

Due to strong protests from Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry, the authority failed to discuss the Mekedatu reservoir project, while Karnataka maintained that it would continue to argue the case in the Supreme Court. (The News Minute)

This is a roundup of important policy matters from September 22 – October 4, 2021. Also, read news this fortnight.