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Navi Mumbai industrial pollution kills marine life; fishermen seek High Court action
Lab tests reveal severe industrial pollution in Navi Mumbai's creeks, lakes, and rivers, turning water black and killing marine life. Traditional fishermen, their livelihoods destroyed, will file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Bombay High Court.
Water samples show alarmingly high levels of toxic chemicals, far exceeding safe limits. Fishermen and environmentalists blame untreated industrial effluents from chemical units and MIDC, citing years of ignored complaints. They report completely dead water bodies and oppose pipeline extensions that threaten further damage. Municipal officials confirm numerous complaints against industries and acknowledge acidic water conditions.
Fishermen, now struggling to survive, report a drastic decline in fish populations and are forced to seek alternative livelihoods. The Fisheries Department acknowledges the crisis, urging stricter pollution control and action from higher authorities. The MCPB denies recent pollution incidents, claiming compliance with water quality standards. (The Hindu)
Himachal Deputy CM calls for special water policy for hill states
Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri advocated for a distinct water policy tailored to hill states at the All-India Conference of State Water Ministers. He highlighted the escalating water crisis caused by climate change, evidenced by reduced snowfall, melting glaciers, and erratic rainfall, impacting drinking water, irrigation, and hydropower. Agnihotri urged for innovative solutions and climate-tolerant policies to combat these challenges, emphasising the need for sustainable water management.
Agnihotri stressed the importance of rainwater harvesting, recharging water sources, and adopting a scientific, long-term approach to water security. He pointed out the unique challenges faced by Himachal Pradesh, with 65% of its land under central government forest jurisdiction, limiting development. He argued that the state's significant contribution to forest conservation and environmental protection warrants a special compensation package from the central government.
Furthermore, the deputy CM requested substantial financial support from the central government, including Rs 2,000 crore to complete pending drinking water schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission, a special funding window for anti-freeze water supply schemes, and Rs 1,269.29 crore for snow and water conservation projects. He reiterated Himachal's commitment to a water-secure nation by 2047, emphasising the necessity for liberal funding and flexible policy support to ensure long-term sustainability. (The Week)
India adds four new Ramsar wetland sites
India has expanded its network of internationally recognised wetlands, adding four new Ramsar sites ahead of World Wetlands Day. The newly designated sites include the Sakkarakottai and Therthangal Bird Sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu, the Khecheopalri Wetland in Sikkim, and Udhwa Lake in Jharkhand.
This expansion brings India's total number of Ramsar sites to 89, solidifying its position as a leading nation in wetland conservation. Notably, Sikkim and Jharkhand have gained their first-ever Ramsar sites, marking a significant milestone for these states. Tamil Nadu now boasts the highest number of Ramsar sites in India, with 20, highlighting its commitment to preserving these vital ecosystems.
The Ramsar Convention, an international treaty established in 1971, recognises wetlands of global significance for their ecological, botanical, zoological, limnological, and hydrological importance. Designating these sites under the convention strengthens conservation efforts by promoting sustainable management practices and increasing awareness of their ecological value. Wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, providing habitats for diverse species, and supporting local livelihoods. They also act as natural water filters, improve water quality, and contribute to climate regulation by storing carbon and mitigating flood risks.
The addition of these Ramsar sites underscores India's commitment to protecting its rich biodiversity and ensuring the sustainable use of its natural resources. The government's initiatives in expanding the Ramsar network not only enhance global conservation efforts but also guarantee that these essential ecosystems receive the attention and care they require. By recognising the ecological importance of these wetlands, India is taking proactive steps to mitigate climate change, protect vital habitats, and secure water resources for future generations. (The Times of India)
Noida Authority faces NGT scrutiny for sewage discharge
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has reprimanded the Noida Authority for its inefficient handling of treated sewage water, taking suo motu cognizance of reports indicating the authority discharges the majority of treated water into drains instead of utilising it for beneficial purposes like irrigation. During a recent hearing, the NGT expressed concern over the authority's failure to fully implement pipeline connections for sewage treatment plants (STPs), resulting in only 20% utilisation of treated water, with the remaining 80% wasted.
Noida Authority officials acknowledged generating 260 million liters per day (MLD) of treated water but admitted to reusing only 68 MLD, discharging a significant 192 MLD into drains. While they outlined plans to connect STPs in some sectors to increase reuse by 18-22 MLD each, they conceded that infrastructure projects remain incomplete. The authority's counsel was unable to provide a precise update on the progress of these projects or the remaining work, highlighting a lack of accountability.
In response to the persistent wastage, the NGT has directed the Noida Authority to submit a comprehensive plan with a strict timeline for achieving 100% utilisation of treated sewage water within four weeks. The tribunal stressed the intrinsic value of treated water and its potential to conserve natural water resources, emphasising the necessity for Noida to eliminate the wasteful discharge of treated water into drains. The case is scheduled for further hearing on May 15, 2025. (The Print)
GBS outbreak: Pune probes water and meat contamination
Pune's health department is actively investigating whether a recent spike in Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases can be attributed to inadequate water chlorination. The focus is on wells supplying both municipal and private water tankers, as many GBS patients reported experiencing diarrhoea prior to developing the syndrome. Officials are examining water and meat samples for contamination by bacteria like Campylobacter jejuni and norovirus, both of which have been identified in affected individuals.
Investigators are considering the possibility that even temporary reductions in chlorine levels could have allowed bacterial growth in the water supply. The subsequent "super-chlorination" of wells likely eliminated C. jejuni, explaining its absence in later tests by the National Institute of Virology. However, both C. jejuni and norovirus are known to develop chlorine resistance, potentially surviving standard disinfection. In addition to water, meat samples are being analysed, as poultry is a known source of C. jejuni, which can spread through contaminated food and water.
The investigation is also examining the duration of bacterial and viral shedding in patients to understand if the timing of sample collection affected detection rates. Both C. jejuni and norovirus have varying clearance times, and delayed testing may have missed their presence. By analysing shedding patterns and the timing of sample collection, officials aim to pinpoint whether bacteria or a virus was the primary trigger for the GBS outbreak in Pune. (The Times of India)
This is a roundup of policy updates from the 1st of February 2025 to 15th of February 2025. Read our news updates here