Centre releases operational guidelines for second phase of Swachh Bharat and AMRUT

The Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry released the operational guidelines for the implementation of the second phase of the Swachh Bharat Mission and AMRUT launched by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 1. Both missions aim to make the country a swachh nation.

The waste processing capacity that increased to 70 percent in the first phase from 17 percent is expected to increase to 100 percent. Of the 15,000 acres of land under dumpsites, close to 3500 acres have been freed up, and the aim is to free up the entire area and turn it into green spaces in phase two. As part of AMRUT 2.0, the government will make cities water secure by providing a 24x7 water supply in 500 cities, while providing incentives to local authorities to work towards providing tap connections to every household. (Hindustan Times)

Guide for safe rescue, release of Ganges River Dolphins released

The Jal Shakti Ministry has released a guide for the safe rescue and release of Ganges River Dolphins, designated the National Aquatic Animal of India since 2010, stranded in irrigation canals. The document has been prepared by the Turtle Survival Alliance, India Program and Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department (EFCCD), Uttar Pradesh.

In northern India, dolphins often enter canals by accident and become entrapped, eventually die as they cannot swim against the gradient, becoming stressed and harassed by locals.

The manual includes information on identifying species as well as on-site and off-site operations. (The Hindu)

Government approves Nag River Pollution Abatement Project

The Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) of the Union Finance Ministry has approved the Nag River Pollution Abatement Project which has been on paper for 11 years. The project entails laying new sewage lines for discharging treated water into the river.

The EFC has reduced the project's cost by over Rs 100 crore, but the actual cost is estimated at Rs 2,117.56 crore which does not include operation and maintenance of the sewage treatment plants (STPs) and other infrastructure involved in the project.

A high-powered committee has requested Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) hike the property tax and levy a new component of sanitation in the property tax in order to pay for O&M for the project. (The Times of India)

NGT stays Telangana’s Palamuru Ranga Reddy lift irrigation scheme

As a major blow to the state government, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered a stay on the construction of the prestigious Palamuru Ranga Reddy lift irrigation scheme (PRLIS), worth Rs 32,500 crore.

The project has been shelved, as a result of not obtaining the mandatory environmental clearance from the environment ministry. Moreover, the tribunal has rejected the state government's argument that the Andhra Pradesh government has no locus standi to object to the project five years after its commencement.

The PRLIS aims to draw 90 tmcft (thousand million cubic feet) of Krishna river from backwaters of Srisailam reservoir during the flood season, thereby irrigating 1.23 million acres. (Hindustan Times)

ADB to provide $251 million aid for Chennai flood protection project

The Asian Development Bank and the Central Government have signed a $251-million loan agreement for the Integrated Urban Flood Management for the Chennai-Kosasthalaiyar River Basin Project.

As part of the project, flood protection infrastructure will be constructed along with strengthening the capacity of the Greater Chennai Corporation and communities for better preparedness planning to transform Chennai into a more livable city.

The project will involve construction of 588 km of new stormwater drains, rehabilitate or replace 175 km of stormwater drains, improve 11 km stretches in the Ambattur, Ariyallur, Kadappakkam, and Korattur channels to enhance water-carrying capacity, and upgrade a stormwater pumping station and construct a new one. (The Hindu)

Government kickstarts Nilambar-Pitamber Jal Samridhi Yojana in Jharkhand

Jharkhand government has initiated Nilambar-Pitamber Jal Samridhi Yojana to facilitate water harvesting and conservation in the state. As part of the scheme, the Irrigation Department has approved the restoration of 192 ponds, dams, and other water bodies for an estimated cost of Rs 143.68 crore.

Upon completion of the renovation work, all the ponds, dams, and waterbodies related to irrigation schemes will be able to utilize their full capacity. This initiative will increase the irrigated area in the state from 2,207 hectares now to 13,365 hectares when completed. (The Hindu)

This is a roundup of important policy matters from October 19 - November 5, 2021. Also, read news this fortnight.