Maharashtra cabinet decides on drip irrigation for sugarcane cultivation 

In a bid to save water, the Maharashtra cabinet has decided to make drip irrigation a must for sugarcane cultivation. The state is estimated to save 7,500 to 12,500 cubic metre water per hectare by bringing around 3.05 lakh hectare farmland under drip irrigation. For the implementation of the scheme, the state has also announced a loan scheme for farmers who will get loans of up to Rs 85,400 per hectare with 2 percent interest. Along with this, the cabinet also cleared the proposal to set up group farming in the state.

Projects for climate change adaptation approved for Rajasthan, Gujarat and Sikkim

Under the National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC), the environment ministry has approved detailed project reports (DPRs) submitted by governments of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Sikkim. The proposed projects will address a range of climate change vulnerabilities in these states which are not addressed under the ongoing schemes of the central and state governments. While in Rajasthan and Sikkim, the projects pertain to achieve self-reliance of water and water security, in Gujarat, the project seeks to enhance the adaptive capacity of natural resource dependent communities. 

Government plans to promote beaches, rivers as tourist spots 

The government has sanctioned more than Rs 1,200 crore for the development of beaches and rivers as tourists spots. For developing its beaches, Goa is set to receive the highest payout of around Rs 200 crore during financial years 2016 -17 and 2017-18. Along with this, funds have also been sanctioned to Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, West Bengal and Maharashtra. For the development of river fronts, funds have been sanctioned to Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. 

Mekedatu row: CWC seeks clarifications from Karnataka government

The Central Water Commission has sought clarifications from the Karnataka government on its plan to build a balancing reservoir across the Cauvery at Mekedatu worth Rs 5,912 crore. The CWC has sought details on whether the project violates the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal's (CWDT) final award and if the construction of a balancing reservoir on Cauvery would stop the flow of water to the neighbouring state, Tamil Nadu. However, as per Karnataka's claims, the project is in accordance with the CWDT award and will not disrupt the flow of water to the lower riparian state. 

Madhya Pradesh wants a complete ban on plastic carry bags

The state Assembly has passed the Madhya Pradesh Non-biodegradable Waste (Regulation) Amendment Bill, that aims to impose a complete ban on plastic carry bags across the state. The Bill which will ban the production, storage, transport, sale and use of polythene bags, is yet to receive approval from the Governor. However, the Bill will allow the use of sealed and branded polythene bags for sale of food grains and pulses.

This is a roundup of important policy matters from July 18 - 24, 2017. Also, read the news this week.