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Mahadayi water dispute: Tribunal extended again
The Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal, formed in 2010 to resolve water-sharing issues between Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, has been granted a six-month extension. Despite operating for over 14 years, it hasn't finalised its resolution.
A 2018 report faced objections from all three states, necessitating revisions. This extension, while requested for a year, was granted for six by the Jal Shakti Ministry. The tribunal is one of five long-standing water dispute tribunals in India, including the Ravi & Beas Tribunal, active for nearly 39 years. (The Times of India)
NGT orders Kerala to remove exotic plantations
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Southern Zone has mandated the phased removal of exotic plantations like eucalyptus, acacia, and wattle from Kerala's forests. This decision addresses concerns over ecosystem degradation and increased man-animal conflict, stemming from past plantation approvals.
The Kerala Forest Department, acknowledging its historical use of these species for industrial purposes, will now implement an eco-restoration plan, replacing them with indigenous flora. The NGT, referencing Kerala's approved eco-restoration policy, directed the state to execute the removal promptly and in stages, adhering to all regulations. Compliance will be assessed in six months. (India Legal Live)
MP's "draconian" order: Surveillance of nomadic tribes
Madhya Pradesh's order for extensive surveillance of nomadic tribes, including the Pardhi community, has sparked outrage. Activists and lawyers condemn it as discriminatory and unconstitutional, echoing colonial-era criminalisation.
Issued amid poaching concerns, the order mandates searches, documentation, and surveillance of these tribes in forest areas. Critics argue it violates rights to equality, privacy, and forest rights, citing past Supreme Court rulings. They denounce the order's stereotyping of tribes as criminals, highlighting the potential for harassment and misuse of power by officials. (The New Indian Express)
Action plan for forests, Wular Lake gets priority in J&K conservation drive
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo directed the Forest Department to create a scientific action plan for rehabilitating degraded forests, emphasising swift survey and demarcation to prevent encroachments. He mandated accelerating plantation drives to meet the 1.5 crore sapling target, ensuring high survival rates.
Dulloo stressed rigorous wetland conservation, particularly for Wular Lake, demanding site visits and faster execution of conservation works. Increased manpower was ordered for Kishtwar National Park. He called for rapid approval and implementation of the Biodiversity Action Plan, forming an inter-departmental panel for smooth execution. The department presented progress on plantation, demarcation, and biodiversity efforts. (State Times)
Uttarakhand's CAMPA funds: Diversion and delays flagged by CAG
The CAG report reveals significant misuse and delays in Uttarakhand's CAMPA funds (2019-2022). Rs 13.86 crore was diverted to inadmissible activities like state schemes and building renovations. Delays in compensatory afforestation, sometimes over eight years, led to a Rs 11.54 crore cost escalation. Unauthorised road construction occurred on diverted forest land.
The report cites delayed plan submissions, defective planning, and ad-hoc funding. The CAG recommends stricter internal and budgetary controls to prevent fund misuse and ensure proper financial management. (Business Standard)
Rajasthan's ₹27,854 Cr Green Budget: Jobs and climate focus
Rajasthan's 2025-26 budget unveils a ₹27,854 crore Green Budget, prioritising jobs and climate action. Presented by Deputy CM Diya Kumari, it allocates funds for 1.25 lakh government and 1.5 lakh private sector jobs, alongside 5 lakh new domestic and 5000 agricultural electricity connections.
The Green Budget, 11.34% of the total scheme expenditure, focuses on climate change adaptation, afforestation (10 crore trees), natural farming subsidies, water harvesting, and green energy initiatives. It includes policies like the Tree Outside Forest and Agro-Forestry policies, and aims for a $350 billion economy by 2030. (Free Press Journal)
Gujarat's Lion Habitat Rules revised, concerns rise
Gujarat revised construction guidelines near Asiatic lion habitats, shifting approval power from the Chief Wildlife Warden to a district-level committee. Critics fear this change will harm Gir's ecosystem, fragment habitats, and increase human-animal conflict. The 2015 rules, court-mandated for stringent conservation, are now weakened.
Concerns are raised about the impact on lion conservation, especially in light of the Centre's Project Lion. Experts argue the revision contradicts long-term conservation goals, potentially jeopardising the unique Gir ecosystem. (Hindustan Times)
This is a roundup of policy updates from the 16th of February 2025 to 28th of February 2025. Read our news updates here