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NGT stays demolition order, prevents flooding in Anjuna
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has stayed a demolition order from the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), effectively preventing the flooding of houses in Anjuna. The GCZMA had ordered the demolition of an additional portion of a Ganesh idol immersion platform in November 2022. However, locals appealed to the NGT, arguing that the platform also functions as a crucial flood protection wall and is used by fishermen.
The NGT reviewed a report from the North Goa District Disaster Management Authority, which confirmed the platform, despite being dilapidated, serves as a vital safety barrier. The report warned that demolishing the structure could lead to soil erosion and cause floodwaters, especially during high tides and monsoons, to inundate nearby homes. Agreeing with these findings, the NGT set aside the demolition order. Subsequently, the GCZMA, following an inspection and input from the Anjuna panchayat and the water resources department, granted permission for the platform’s reconstruction, extension, and regularisation. (The Times of India)
50 crores collected but AMC yet to install water meters
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has collected over Rs 50 crore in the last decade for installing water meters in new buildings but has failed to install a single one, violating a 2014 resolution. The resolution mandated water meters for new constructions to receive building use (BU) permission, with builders paying a fee of Rs 150 per unit. Despite this, BU certificates were issued without meters.
The core issue is a departmental dispute over procurement. The central stores department and the water production department have been in a standoff for years, each claiming the other is responsible for purchasing the meters. This bureaucratic deadlock has prevented a tender from being issued since 2015-16. The town development department collects the fees and deposits them with the water production department, but the process breaks down when the central stores department fails to supply the necessary meters.
Further complicating the matter is the AMC's failure to approve a new water policy for 10 years, meaning water charges haven't been decided. Officials claim that installing meters is pointless without fixed rates, which the new policy would address. The engineering department has also been cited for negligence, and a pilot installation program was abandoned despite the continued collection of fees. (The Times of India)
Delhi to form DJB body to regularise borewells
Delhi Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh announced the government's plan to create a dedicated Delhi Jal Board (DJB) enforcement agency and a new policy to address the city's water crisis. The new body will focus on regularising illegal borewells and penalising commercial establishments that misuse water. The minister attributed the current situation to "11 years of negligence," stating that an abrupt shutdown of all borewells is impractical.
In his assembly address, Singh also criticised the previous AAP-led Delhi government. He accused them of allowing unauthorised colonies to expand for "political gain" and failing to integrate them into the Master Plan of Delhi. Additionally, he pointed to a Rs 7 crore pipeline project in Sangam Vihar that failed due to leakage and now requires an additional Rs 4 crore for repairs, citing it as an example of "sheer negligence." The minister also claimed that the Asian Development Bank had previously refused to fund water projects due to a demand for a 6% commission but has now re-engaged with the new government. (The Indian Express)
India to launch national deep water exploration mission
During his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launch of the National Deep Water Exploration Mission. Describing it as a "Samudra Manthan," a churning of the ocean, the Prime Minister stated that the mission's goal is to explore for oil and gas reserves in the sea. This initiative is a key part of India's broader push towards achieving energy self-reliance.
The Prime Minister's announcement builds on previous statements from the Ministry of Earth Sciences, which in February highlighted that deep-sea exploration would cover biodiversity, surveys, and mineral resources. Beyond the scientific and technological benefits, the mission is expected to yield immediate innovations in underwater engineering and promote ocean literacy. This was PM Modi's 12th Independence Day address, where he also announced other major initiatives and delivered a message on national progress. (The Economic Times)
India rejects International Court’s jurisdiction on water treaty
India has rejected the jurisdiction of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which ruled on the design criteria for India's new hydropower projects on the Western Rivers. Pakistan has welcomed the court’s decision, claiming it vindicates its position on the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). India, however, has consistently favoured the neutral expert mechanism to resolve disputes and has not recognised the court's authority.
The core of the dispute revolves around India's hydroelectric projects and Pakistan's demand for the unrestricted flow of water. India previously notified Pakistan of its intent to modify the IWT, citing long-standing disagreements over the Kishanganga and Ratle projects. In 2022, the World Bank appointed both a neutral expert and a Court of Arbitration simultaneously, a move India opposed, arguing that it posed legal and practical challenges. While Pakistan urges India to resume the treaty's functions, India maintains that the IWT will remain in abeyance until Pakistan takes decisive action against cross-border terrorism. (The Times of India)
Mahadayi water tribunal gets another extension
The Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal has been granted a one-year extension by the central government, effective from August 16. The tribunal, which was formed in November 2010 to resolve a water-sharing dispute between Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, has a history of receiving yearly extensions.
The tribunal's most recent extension was for six months, but it requested another year to submit a revised report. A gazette notification confirmed this extension under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956. This is not the first delay for the tribunal; its initial report in August 2018 was met with objections from all three states, which led to a demand for new reports to address their concerns.
This tribunal is one of three active water dispute bodies to recently receive an extension, highlighting the difficulty in resolving these long-standing issues. The Ravi and Beas Tribunal, formed 39 years ago, and the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal, formed 21 years ago, were also given extensions last month. (The Hindu)
This is a roundup of policy updates from August 1, 2025 to August 15, 2025. Read our news updates here