Centre denies imposing water charges on farmers under new scheme

Centre denies imposing water charges on farmers

The Central government has refuted recent media reports claiming that farmers will have to pay for water under a new pilot program. The Ministry of Jal Shakti clarified that the Modernisation of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM) Scheme is aimed at improving irrigation efficiency, not charging farmers for water usage.

Furthermore, the ministry clarified that agriculture and water are state subjects. Therefore, any decision on collecting user fees from farmers or Water User Associations would be made solely by the respective state governments. The Centre urged media outlets to verify facts to avoid creating confusion among the farming community. (The Assam Tribune)

Extension granted to Krishna Water Tribunal

The Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal, which addresses water-sharing issues among Maharashtra, Karnataka, and what was formerly Andhra Pradesh, has received a one-year extension effective August 1. Established in 2004, the tribunal is among several in India that have repeatedly been granted extensions without reaching a final, agreeable decision.

The tribunal's scope was expanded last year to include Telangana, the fourth state involved in the dispute, further complicating the issue. As the tribunal continues its work, the need for a swift and definitive resolution remains a critical concern. (The Times of India)

Karnataka to levy groundwater charges, mandates meters

The Karnataka government is implementing a new policy to regulate groundwater use and promote sustainability. The new rules will impose charges ranging from Rs. 1 to Rs. 35 per cubic meter on a wide range of users, including individuals, housing societies, commercial establishments, industries, and mining operators.

The charges are tiered based on the volume of water used and the groundwater categorization of the taluk, with concessions for projects that have implemented recharge structures. The funds collected will be used for conservation and recharge initiatives. Violations of the new rules will result in penalties from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 2 lakh. The government has also expanded the usage of water tankers, citing geological issues that make some groundwater unsuitable for industrial use. (The Times of India)

Officials urge Kerala to negotiate with Tamil Nadu on Chalakudy River dams

Following recent flooding in the Chalakudy river basin, opposition leaders and local representatives are calling on the Kerala government to hold urgent talks with Tamil Nadu. Their goal is to create a coordinated strategy to manage water levels in upstream dams, thereby preventing future floods.

Of the six dams in the Chalakudy river's upper reaches, four are under the control of Tamil Nadu: Parambikulam, Thoonakadavu, Peruvarippallam, and Tamil Nadu Sholayar. The other two, Kerala Sholayar and Peringalkuthu, are managed by Kerala.

While Kerala has created new "rule curves" to help manage water levels in some of its other dams following the devastating 2018 floods, these are not in place for the Chalakudy river's dams. Experts say a significant flood cushion is needed for all six dams to truly mitigate the risk. As of Sunday, the Parambikulam and Tamil Nadu Sholayar dams were at or near full capacity, highlighting the immediate need for a cooperative strategy. (The Times of India)

The Ganges water-sharing treaty needs a climate makeover

The Ganges water-sharing treaty between Bangladesh and India, set to expire in 2026, needs to be updated to address climate change and its impact on human health. For 30 years, the treaty has only focused on the volume of water shared, ignoring the ecological consequences. This has led to environmental issues like floods, droughts, riverbank erosion, and groundwater arsenic contamination, which severely threaten the health and livelihoods of 630 million people.

To create a more effective agreement, policymakers should adopt a "planetary health" approach. This framework would acknowledge the crucial link between human health and the health of the planet's ecosystems. By incorporating environmental principles and committing to jointly address challenges like arsenic contamination and ecological degradation, the renewed treaty could not only restore balance to the damaged Ganges ecosystem but also foster peace and cooperation in the region. (ThinkGlobalHealth)

Jal Jeevan Mission may be extended to 2028

The Indian government is considering a proposal to extend the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) until 2028 to achieve its goal of providing tap water to all rural households. The mission, launched in 2019, has already made significant progress, increasing the number of homes with tap water connections from 16.7% to over 80%.

According to Minister of State for Jal Shakti V. Somanna, the proposed extension would come with an increased budget and revised guidelines to address remaining challenges. These challenges include water scarcity, groundwater contamination, and procedural delays.

To tackle these issues, the government has already implemented measures such as offering interest-free loans to states and deploying nodal officers to improve coordination. The extension would allow the mission to not only expand coverage but also focus on long-term sustainability, better maintenance, and ensuring water quality for the nearly 19.36 crore rural households in India. (DD News)

This is a roundup of policy updates from July 16, 2025 to July 31, 2025. Read our news updates here