Activists say that the villagers were informed late for the public hearing of the Ken-Betwa river link

According to activists, officials did not follow correct procedures for the public hearing of the Ken-Betwa river link. No Environment Impact Assessment report was uploaded on the state's website until the second hearing. Moreover, the Executive Summary that was uploaded less than 15 days in advance, was not easily accessible to the public. Activists claim that both the hearings were confined to pleas for fair compensation, with barely any reference to the Environmental Impact of the proposed project. Also, vital issues relating to water availability in the Ken basin has not been addressed properly in the EIA.

Tribals protest against illegal construction of Kanhar Dam in UP

The Uttar Pradesh Government continues with the construction work of Kanhar Dam in Sonebhadra district, despite the stay of the National Green Tribunal. Nearly 5000 tribals and local villagers are protesting the project and are on indefinite strike since 5th December, 2014. The project that is going to affect about 10,000 families, was conceived 37 years ago and has been under suspension for the last 25 years.

Centre invites knowledge institutes to undertake study on river basins

Under the National Water Mission, the Government has invited proposals from knowledge institutions to carry out studies on 20 major river basins in the country. The study will be the first of its kind and will involve the six Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore. The aim of the study is to provide valuable inputs for policy decisions and adaptation measures.

India experiences twin monsoon failure, first time in a decade

For the first time since 2004, India has recorded deficient rainfall in both the Southwest as well as the Northeast monsoon. As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the country received 33% shortfall in rain between October 1 and December 31, which translated into a deficient Northeast monsoon that registered a shortfall of 12.3%. However, Madhya Pradesh, Marathwada and Vidarbha regions of Maharashtra, and Gujarat experienced good rainfall.

13 organisations win accolades for their contribution in water resources management

Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has presented awards to 13 individuals and organisations for their outstanding contribution in water resources management. Among them are micro-irrigation major Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd, state-run consultancy WAPCOS Limited and Water Resources Departments of Maharashtra, Odisha and Tamil Nadu. Central Water Commission Chairman AB Pandya was the only individual to win the CBIP award, for his exceptional leadership and contribution to the Indian water sector.

This is a roundup of important news from December  30, 2014 - January 11, 2015. Also read last week's policy updates.