DOCUMENTATION
NWM - ON
TISS WATER ISSUES
WATER
PROJECT
NATIONAL WATER MISSION
Goal II: Promotion of Citizen and State Action for water
conservation, augmentation and preservation
Stories that are Real!
COLLECTION OF ALARMING STORIES ON WATER
This section looks at Alarming Stories on water from across India. Within this broad framework, we have looked at a range of issues which include, but are not limited to water availability, impact of water on health and well being of societies, water management problems, alarming reports on water bodies, impact of water infrastructure etc. These stories highlight problems related to water, identify factors, which are contributing to it and will eventually be used to initiate citizen and state action.
PROFILE
Region: North
State: Punjab
District: Dona Nanka village in Punjab
Specific Issue: Contamination of village water sources leading to severe deformities and diseases amongst residents
Category (Domestic, Industrial, Agriculture, Ecological): Ecological
Sub-Category (Augmentation, Conservation, Preservation): Augmentation
Online Links to Related Reports/ Documents/ Articles: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/afp/article-2829674/Sickness-stalks-India-village-toxic- water.html
Disabled school student Gurcharan Singh is pushed on her wheelchair towards school in the village of Teja Ruhela ©Narinder Nanu (AFP/File)
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Disabled boy is assisted by his friend in the village ©Narinder Nanu (AFP/File)
Summary
For years, locals have relied on wells, ponds, irrigation reservoirs and hand pumps for water supply. However, tests conducted on groundwater have shown high concentrations of uranium above permissible limits for drinking water. This contaminated water is leading to severe deformities and diseases amongst residents. Key Points
1. Ground water toxification due to untreated waste from factories and tanneries being poured into the river, where it eventually seeps into the ground water. 2. River is heavily contaminated with lead, uranium and other metals 3. Blindness, deformed limbs, premature greying of hair, learning disabilities and skin diseases are common among the residents 4. Government planning to install water treatment plants in all such villages
Data Points
1. Blood samples taken in 2010 from 149 children showed high levels of heavy metals. 88 percent of the samples showed high levels of uranium and lead toxicity in children tested. 2. Tests conducted on groundwater in 2012 in four districts by the Bhabha Atomic Research Center showed 42 percent of the samples had concentrations of uranium above permissible limits for drinking water
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PROFILE
Region: North
State: Jammu & Kashmir
District: Jammu
Specific Issue: Pollution of Tawi river in Jammu
Links to Related Reports/ Documents/ Articles: http://www.tribuneindia.com/20 12/20120324/jmtrib1.htm
Category (Domestic, Industrial, Agriculture, Ecological): Ecological
Sub-category (Augmentation, Conservation, Preservation): Preservation
Summary
Dumping of waste has negatively impacted the scenic beauty of the river and contaminated water for people living downstream. Around 20 drains, major and minor included, pour filth into the river.
Key Points
1. The river originates in the Himalayas, below Seoj Dhar peak at Kali Kund, near Bhaderwah, in Doda district 2. River Tawi enters Jammu with clean water, but it turns into slurry of sewage and garbage by the time it exits the city just 3 km downstream 3. Majority of sewage is dumped into the river between the upstream town of Nagrota and the Bhagvati Nagar area of Jammu city 4. The city uses the river as a sink for direct discharge of sewage. Its banks have been devoid of vegetation, which causes erosion. Additionally, people have encroached upon the riverbed as the water discharge in the river varies drastically over the seasons.
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Data Points
1. 26 mgd (million gallons per day) is pumped from the Tawi to cater to the needs of drinking water in Jammu. 2. A State Pollution Control Board study in 2011 found the BOD level of samples collected near Nagrota (entry point to Jammu) was 1.2 mg/l, but this went up to 3.9 mg/l at Bikram Chowk Bridge, where Tawi leaves the city. Beyond that — after Bhagwati Nagar — this went up to a shocking 27.2 mg/l, as recorded in 2010
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PROFILE
Region: North
State: Uttar Pradesh
District: -
Specific Issue: Pollution of River Ganga
Links to Related Reports/ Documents/ Articles: http://www.ft.co m/cms/s/2/dadfae24-b23e-11e4-b380-00144feab7de.html#slide0 Ganga River Map Source: Category (Domestic, Industrial, Agriculture, Ecological): Ecological Financial Times
Sub-category (Augmentation, Conservation, Preservation): Conservation
Summary
Ganges has been polluted by untreated sewage, industrial waste and pesticides to such a large extent that parts of the river and its tributaries are disease-bearing, toxic and carcinogenic. Human waste and industrial toxins from downstream cities are the biggest contributor of this pollution. Scientists in 2014 published one of the first detailed studies of heavy metals in the Ganges. They found concentrations increasing steadily as they moved downstream past Varanasi, suggesting that its own waste was the main contributor.
Key Points
1. Scientists have found heavy concentrations of both lead and cadmium in river ganga. These are about three times the World Health Organisation’s maximum admissible concentrations. 2. There are alarmingly high rates of certain cancers in the Gangetic Plain. 3. Sewage-borne spread of genes known as NDM-1 and NDM-4 that associate themselves with bacteria to form “superbugs” highly resistant to most kinds of antibiotics was first detected in Delhi drinking water in 2010. Studies have found that concentrations of NDM-1 in the relatively clean waters of the upper Ganges multiplied greatly when Hindu pilgrims
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from India’s big cities visited holy sites such as Rishikesh and Haridwar in the early summer
Data Points
1. Length of the Ganges is 2,500km; starts in Gaumukh, Himalayas and ends in the Bay of Bengal 2. 32,000 corpses are cremated in Varanasi each year and 200 tonnes of half-burnt flesh end up in the Ganges 3. Yamuna River, one of the tributaries of the Ganges, contains 1.1 billion faecal coliform bacteria per 100ml, nearly half-a-million times the (Indian) recommended bathing limit of 2,500
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PROFILE
Region: North
State: Uttar Pradesh
District: Across Uttar Pradesh
Specific Issue: High levels of arsenic found in water from handpumps
Links to Related Reports/ Documents/ Articles: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/In-UP-over-14000-handpumps-giving- poisonous-water/articleshow/15449930.cms
Category (Domestic, Industrial, Agriculture, Ecological): Domestic and Ecological
Sub-category (Augmentation, Conservation, Preservation): Preservation
Summary
A survey of water pulled out from handpumps conducted by UP Jal Nigam has shown arsenic levels above the threshold limit of 0.01mg/lt in around 14,675 hand pumps across the Ganga Ghaghra basin
Key Points
1. Districts like Lakhimpur, Bahraich, Ghazipur, Shahajahanpur, Moradabad, Gorakhpur and Gonda are worst hit with the arsenic levels. While few samples from big cities like Lucknow and Kanpur also tested positive for higher arsenic level, all samples from Kaushambi and Sitapur had arsenic above acceptable levels 2. Through direct consumption of arsenic-affected groundwater or through crops that are irrigated with such waters that arsenic enters the body
Data Points
1. More than 90% of drinking water and 70% of the irrigation needs of the state are being met by the underground water 2. More than 93,000 water samples from handpumps from across the Ganga Ghaghra basin were collected from 51 districts for a quality check
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PROFILE
Region: North
State: Uttar Pradesh
District: Sonbhadra and Singrauli
Specific Issue: Contamination of water sources in villages around coal mining districts of Singrauli and Sonbhadra
Category (Domestic, Industrial, Agriculture, Ecological): Industrial
Sub-category (Augmentation, Conservation, A factory in Anapara in the Sonbhadra district of Preservation): Preservation Uttar Pradesh, India. Photographer: Redux/Bloomberg Summary
Surrounded by mines, coal-burning power plants and heavy industries, water sources in Sonbhadra and Singrauli districts are heavily contaminated due to mercury discharge from industries. This has caused an epidemic of water-borne diseases, including symptoms of mercury poisoning in surrounding villages.
Key Points
1. Spills of coal ash, also known as fly ash are polluting the water soruces. 2. Chemical and other industries dump toxic effluent into the nearby located Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar reservoir and surrounding rivers 3. These rivers are ranked by an Indian government report as among the most polluted waters in the nation -- and they serve as the region’s chief source of drinking water and fish 4. The power plant produces mercury along with electricity. The mercury mixes with organic compounds that turn it into methyl mercury, which is more toxic to humans and animals
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Data Points
1. The World Bank estimates that environmental degradation costs India 5.7 percent of its gross domestic product every year and is responsible for about a quarter of the 1.6 million annual deaths among children 2. An October 2012 study by the New Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment found mercury levels in some village drinking water samples to be 26 times higher than the Bureau of Indian Standard’s safe limit for human consumption 3. A three-year study conducted in 1990s, the state-run Indian Institute of Toxicology Research found dangerous levels of mercury in blood, hair and nails of people in the Singrauli region 4. United Nations data shows India is second only to China in annual mercury emissions
Additional Links to Related Reports/ Documents/ Articles http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-12-05/amid-india-s-coal-fields-death-lurks- in-poisoned-water
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PROFILE
Region: North
State: Uttar Pradesh
District: Gautam Budh Nagar
Specific Issue: Illegal groundwater extraction by industries in NOIDA
Links to Credible Reports/ Documents/ Articles: http://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/green-tribunal-orders-closure-of-34-illegal-packaged- drinking-water-units-in-noida-greater-noida-40530
Category (Domestic, Industrial, Agriculture, Ecological): Industrial
Sub-category (Augmentation, Conservation, Preservation): Preservation
Summary
Groundwater levels in Noida and Greater Noida has been depleting by over 1 metre a year as per the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). There are anywhere between 500 and 1,000 unauthorised borewells and bottling plants that cater to large areas in Noida. Also, environmentalists attribute this crisis to illegal harnessing of groundwater by builders for construction purposes, despite the National Green Tribunal imposing a ban on the practice
Key Points
1. Landuse pattern of the area has changed from mainly agricultural to industrial and residential. This change brought ground water under stress in two ways. Industrialisation and urbanisation encouraged the indiscriminate exploitation of groundwater and concretisation due to industrial and urban development caused increase in surface run off, thus inhibiting the rain water recharge of ground water. 2. Real Estate developers have continued to extract groundwater in violation of NGT's 2013 ruling restraining all builders from extracting ground water for construction or any other purpose. 3. Water table of the Gautam Budh Nagar District was bracketed in ‘safe category’ in 2004 but according to the 2011 report by Ministry of Water Resources it has slipped into Semi Critical Zone and now is on the verge of becoming a ‘critical zone’.
Data Points
1. Industrial hub of Noida uses 48 million litres of Ganga water daily to dilute hard groundwater, making it safe for residents to use. The water is diverted to Noida from a Ganga canal at Masuri-Dasna in Ghaziabad.
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2. An analysis by M/s WAPCOS (Water & Power Consultancy Services (India) Ltd.), a Government of India undertaking consultancy, has found that for every 222 MLD (million litres per day) of groundwater extracted by the city, 84 MLD of Ganga water is required to make it usable 3. Groundwater level has been falling at 1m per year.
Additional Links to Credible Reports/ Documents/ Articles
Hindustan Times: http://www.hindustantimes.com/noida/noida-builders-flout-norms-use- groundwater-for-construction/story-SaUoCkKMZzQqSzkdnYqvXL.html
DNA: Times of India: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/Noida-groundwater- falling-1-metre-a-year/articleshow/43466725.cms
Daily Mail: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-2774163/Groundwater- reserves-hit-critical-level-extraction-rockets.html
Dynamic Ground Water Resources of India, 2011: http://www.cgwb.gov.in/documents/Dynamic-GW-Resources-2011.pdf
(Left) storage of extracted ground water, (Right) the place where boring is done and the water is being transferred to the storage area. Source: DNA
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PROFILE
Region: North
State: Delhi
District: Across Delhi
Specific Issue: Illegal bottling units in Delhi
Links to Credible Reports/ Documents/ Articles: http://www.india.com/news/delhi/lives-at-risk-with-10000-illegal-bottled-water- units-in-delhi-142546/
Category (Domestic, Industrial, Agriculture, Ecological): Industrial and Domestic
Sub-category (Augmentation, Conservation, Preservation): Preservation
Summary
More than 10,000 illegal packaged water bottling units are operating in the National Capital Territory, often using the labels of the 64 licensed manufacturers, putting the health of millions of people at risk. Only 64 water bottling plants have the licence to supply packed drinking water in the national capital and the NCR
Key Points
1. Delhi High Court asked the government agencies in May 2010 to crack down on bottling units selling water without a licence 2. Such illegal units are mostly located in slums and congested bylanes of Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh 3. Despite not getting clearances from the Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS), supplies from such unlicensed plants is equal to the quantity of bottles supplied by the licensed plants
Data Points
1. In 2015, over 2,000 people were caught running unlicensed water bottling plants in parts of North Delhi alone. 2. while licensed water bottling plants sell around 10,000 of water bottles every day, the unlicensed bottling plants manage to sell 30,000-40,000 bottles every day
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PROFILE
Region: North
State: Delhi
District: Across Delhi
Specific Issue: Delhi ranked second among world’s most water-stressed cities
Links to Credible Reports/ Documents/ Articles: Delhi Jal Board tanker supplying water at a locality in http://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/delhi- the city (Photo: Sayantan Bera) ranked-second-among-worlds-most-waterstressed- cities-45456
Category (Domestic, Industrial, Agriculture, Ecological): Ecological
Sub-category (Augmentation, Conservation, Preservation): Preservation and Conservation
Summary
A study, carried out by non-profit The Nature Conservancy, says that India’s capital city is world’s second most water-stressed city, just behind Tokyo. Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad were the other Indian cities that were in the world's top 20 water-stressed cities. The research has found that the reason behind the water-stress in cities is poor infrastructure and geographical and financial limitations along with higher population in urban contexts that raises pressure on the municipal water supply
Key Points
1. Five out of 20 world’s most water-stressed cities are in India 2. Delhi is world's second most water - stressed city 3. The study states that the impact of water stress is one of the most important business risks for the agri-food business globally.
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4. The research has found that the reason behind the water-stress in cities is poor infrastructure and geographical and financial limitations along with higher population in urban contexts that raises pressure on the municipal water supply
Data Points
1. According to researchers, one-quarter of the largest cities suffering from water stress account for a significant amount of economic activity—estimated at US $4.8 trillion. 2. The study found that cities with low per-capita income rely on water sources 26 km away on an average, while cities with high per-capita income utilise sources 57 km away on average 3. Cumulatively, large cities moved/circulated 504 billion litres of water a day over a distance of about 27,000 km, and the upstream contributing area of urban water sources is 41 per cent of the global land surface
Additional Links to Credible Reports/ Documents/ Articles http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/india-loses-2-million-tonnes-food-grains-annually- due-waterlogging
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PROFILE
Region: South
State: Karnataka
District: Bengaluru Urban
Specific Issue: Lake Deterioration in Bengaluru
Links to Credible Reports/ Documents/ Articles: Bellandur canal. Credit: Anjali Vaidya Category (Domestic, Industrial, Agriculture, Ecological): Industrial and Ecological
Sub-category (Augmentation, Conservation, Preservation): Conservation and Preservation
Summary
The lakes in and around Bengaluru city are facing serious issues because of rapid urbanisation, pollution. Many of the lakes are dead and the remaining ones are fast deteriorating. Recent froth formation in Varthur Lake and Bellandur lake which caught fire are just two examples of what is happening in Bengaluru which was once known as a city of lakes. Many of the lakes are completely covered in weeds which are destroying the flora and fauna. The groundwater of the surrounding areas in many of these lakes are highly contaminated and has become unpotable. The lakes in Bengaluru has also seen massive encroachment because of the rampant urbanisation that has happened over the last few decades. Few citizen groups have come up for conservation of the lakes but lack of proper institutional mechanisms to govern, regulate the activities and also to preserve these urban water bodies has also become a major concern when it comes to dealing with this deterioration of lakes in Bengaluru. Bengaluru lakes are just an example of the situation of the water bodies in any other urban place in this country and how they are being managed.
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Key Points
1. Experts have attributed the fire to the oil and phosphorus on the lake’s surface. 2. A High Court order against the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) demanded that it improve sewage treatment at the lake. The BWSSB has not yet complied and the case is in court 3. Today, the lake is so polluted that fishing is banned, although the erstwhile fishing communities are still there and still fighting the government to clean up the lake. 4. Bengaluru was once known for its interconnected lake system that provided it with a reliable form of drainage. As the city grew, these lakes came to be encroached 5. Bengaluru’s water shortage is becoming worse by the year and its vanishing system of tanks (along with the ground water that they recharge) are increasingly becoming too polluted to fill the gap. 6. From 2000 to 2015, there has been an exponential decline in the quality of the water in lakes. There are high concentrations of phosphates in the water, which are one possible reason behind the lake froth at Bellandur and Varthur. 7. Lake deterioration due to pollution, encroachment, urbanisation and lack of institutional mechanisms are some of the contributing factors
Data Points
1. Much of the estimated 500 million litres of sewage that reaches Bellandur Lake every day is not treated 2. Lakes and tanks are already fast disappearing in Bengaluru. Of the 207 tanks in the city in the 1970s, only 93 remained in 2010. At this rate, they will all be lost by 2020.
Additional Links to Credible Reports/ Documents/ Articles http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report-bangalores-devarakere-lake-raises-unbearable- stink-1564499 http://www.bangaloremirror.com/bangalore/civic/High-pollution-levels-in-most- lakes/articleshow/47558193.cms http://www.bangaloremirror.com/bangalore/civic/Vibuthipura-lake-gasping-for- breath/articleshow/47516818.cms http://www.thesoftcopy.in/archive/softcopy_2012_13/18_03_13_debogupta_lake.html http://wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/wetlandnews/forsaken.htm
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http://bcity.in/system/document_uploads/67/original/Preservation_of_Lakes_in_the_City_of _Bangalore_2011.pdf http://scroll.in/article/728966/bengaluru-lake-catches-fire-twice-in-three-days-but-nobody- is-sure-just-why http://www.ndtv.com/bangalore-news/first-froth-now-flames-in-a-lake-in-bengaluru-764354 http://thewire.in/2015/05/23/beneath-the-foam-and-fire-2342/ http://www.msn.com/en-in/news/other/bangalore-yemlur-lake-catches-fire/vp-AAdjQpC http://www.oneindia.com/india/bengaluru-bellandur-lake-toxic-foam-residents- administration-pollution-1885012.html http://www.bangaloremirror.com/bangalore/civic/A-lake-unfit-even-for-industrial- purposes/articleshow/47113675.cms
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PROFILE
Region: South
State: Kerala
District: Palakkad, Thrissur, Idukki
Specific Issue: Water disagreements between Kerala and Tamil Nadu over Siruvani, Mullaperiyar and Parambikulam Aliyar Project
Links to Credible Reports/ Documents/ Articles: http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/ whose-water/
Category (Domestic, Industrial, Agriculture, Ecological): Domestic, Agriculture, Ecological
Sub-category (Augmentation, Conservation, Preservation): Augmentation
Summary
The sharing of water between the states of Water overflowing from the Siruvani Dam, in Coimbatore, Tamil Kerala and Tamil Nadu has over the last few Nadu. Photo: K. Ananthan. Source: The Hindu decades been a contentious issue. In various intensities the water sharing schemes have resulted in strain in relation between these two states and involving legal battles. Water is a scarce resource in Tamil Nadu and the agriculture of the state is heavily dependent on rivers that originating neighbouring states Karnataka and Kerala. But with growing domestic/agricultural and industrial needs in Kerala as well as Tamil Nadu, this issue of water sharing has always resulted in endless debates and each of the state raising their concerns.
Key Points
1. Many of the projects for water sharing between Kerala and Tamil Nadu are based on agreements which were signed in the pre-Independence period when they were ruled by kingdoms. 2. Mullaperiyar Dam: As a dam which is in the upstream of Periyar River, Kerala raises concerns over safety of this 116 year old dam. Kerala wants the dam to be decommissioned and a new dam be built, while Tamil Nadu sees this as a conspiracy to do away with a 999 year old agreement signed by the Secretary of Madras State and Travancore kingdom and reduce the water given to Tamil Nadu.
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The diverted water is used in agriculture in Theni, Madurai districts and act as a lifeline for the people in there. Protests erupted in 2011 over this issue and there were clashes between the people in both states as well as MPs raising this issue in the Parliament. Kerala even enacted a Water Conservation (Amendment) Act with the Dam Safety aspect which was later turned down by the Supreme Court. 3. Siruvani Dam: The dam across Siruvani RIver is for supplying water to the city of Coimbatore. Recently Kerala had decided to construct another dam for the needs of tribals in Attappady, which was opposed by Tamil Nadu as the proposed dam is in the upstream of the tributary that reaches Siruvani. 4. Parambikulam Aliyar Project: A network of dams has been constructed to divert water from the tributaries of Chalakudy River. As per the agreement, Tamil Nadu should draw water only after ensuring Kerala its due share. But Kerala complaints to have not received its share which results in the loss of crops in the water scarce areas in the state.
Additional Links to Credible Reports/ Documents/ Articles http://www.ndtv.com/south/another-war-for-water-begins-between-tamil-nadu-and-kerala- 489261 http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/40year-struggle-to-bring-siruvani-water-to- coimbatore/article7185104.ece http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/whose-water/ http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/coimbatore-continues-to-get-siruvani- water-after-kerala-plugs-second-pipeline/article6103597.ece https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamil_Nadu-Kerala_dam_row http://sandrp.in/KeralaGovtagreestochangeoperationofChalakudyRiverHydropowerProject.pd f
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PROFILE
Region: South
State: Kerala
District: Pathanamthitta, Thrissur, Ernakulam
Specific Issue: Pollution in rivers Chalakudy, Periyar and Pampa
Links to Credible Reports/ Documents/ Articles: http://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/periyar-rivers-pollution-is-eloors-bane-8508
Category (Domestic, Industrial, Agriculture, Ecological): Domestic, Industrial, Ecological
Sub-category (Augmentation, Conservation, Preservation): Conservation, Preservation
Summary
Most of the rivers in Kerala are polluted, some due to the uncontrolled industrial activities while others due to other uncontrolled human activities. Sewage and Industrial pollution in the rivers of Kerala has led to the deterioration of the river ecosystem and adversely affecting the livelihood of the people. The untreated sewage as well as the hazardous waste from the industrial units proliferating on the banks of the rivers has led to the choking of the rivers.
Key Points
1. Periyar River: The lifeline of central Kerala, river Periyar is highly polluted with over 250 chemical units working in the Eloor-Edayar industrial belt on both sides of the river. A large number of people in the Eloor-Kodungallur area near the river are affected because of this pollution. 2. Chalakudy River: The industrial unit (Nitta Gelatin Ltd) at Kathikudam which makes Ossein from animal bones has been alleged by the locals living near the unit of discharging the waste into the river without any treatment. This had led to the mass killing of fishes and also spoiling the farmlands along the banks of the river. A protest in 2013 had turned violent with police lathi charging the protestors. The satyagraha to close down the industrial unit still continues today. 3. Pampa River: The Sabarimala Temple of Ayyappa draws some 5 crore devotees each year. The temple is located near the River Pampa which is also considered holy by the devotees. Large part of the sewage during the pilgrim season goes untreated though a Sewage Treatment Plants has been installed recently as part of Pampa Action Plan.
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Additional Links to Credible Reports/ Documents/ Articles
Periyar River http://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/periyar-rivers-pollution-is-eloors-bane-8508 http://soppecom.org/pdf/2Kerala%20Water%20Conflicts%20Report.pdf http://infochangeindia.org/environment/features/the-plunder-of-keralas-rivers.html
Chalakudy River
Pampa River http://www.savepampa.org/pps/Pampa_Action_Plan.htm
A view of the river from Pampa-base near Sabarimala in March 2013. Photo: Leju Kamal. Source: The Hindu
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PROFILE
Region:
State: Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
District: -
Specific Issue: High number of deaths from diarrhea in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
Links to Credible Reports/ Documents/ Articles: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Andhra-Pradesh-records-most-cases-of- acute-diarrhoea/articleshow/24505347.cms
Category (Domestic, Industrial, Agriculture, Ecological): Ecological and Domestic
Sub-category (Augmentation, Conservation, Preservation): Conservation and Preservation
Summary
The provision of clean drinking water has been given priority in the Constitution of India, with Article 47 conferring the duty of providing clean drinking water and improving public health standards, to the State. India has the largest rural drinking water supply program in the world serving about 1.6 million habitations spread over 15 diverse ecological regions and 742 million people. But water quality in the rural drinking water supply is a major issue. The lack of safe drinking water is one of the chief issues which leads to diarrhea which is linked with Infant Mortality and Child Mortality are directly linked to.
Key Points
1. Diarrhoeal cases and deaths in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are very high compared to many other states. These states occupy the second and third position in the number of diarrheal deaths 2. Diarrhoea has both bacterial and viral causes, and spreads through the faecal-oral route due to water contamination. The disease can spread through contact 3. Tribal areas see a large number of diarrheal outbreaks. Lack of availability of oral rehydration solutions in remote areas makes the disease fatal
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Additional Links to Credible Reports/ Documents/ Articles http://www.nistads.res.in/indiasnt2008/t6rural/t6rur7.htm http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Andhra-Pradesh-records-most-cases-of- acute-diarrhoea/articleshow/24505347.cms http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/childhood-diarrhoea- affects-2-lakh-children-annually/article6265874.ece http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/why-rural-children-in-india-die-of-diarrhoea-and- pneumonia/article6902878.ece
Source: The Hindu
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PROFILE
Region: South
State: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh
District: -
Specific Issue: Deteriorating condition of rivers in the metros
Category (Domestic, Industrial, Agriculture, Ecological): Ecological
Sub-category (Augmentation, Conservation, Preservation): Conservation
Summary
The cities of Hyderabad, Chennai and Bengaluru have been developed as metros. But each of these cities had rivers which were a water resource till few decades back. The rivers themselves played an important role in the development of these cities. But the condition of these rivers now is in a pathetic condition. They have become the drainage canals of the cities. The pollution levels of these rivers are one of the highest in the country.
Key Points
1. Musi River: In 2012, Musi river was reported as one of the most polluted rivers in the country by CPCB. It is estimated that nearly 350 MLD (million litres a day) of polluted water and sewage originating from Hyderabad and Secunderabad flow into the river. Efforts to clean the river has failed. The river water downstream of the citiy remains highly polluted. The Musi river pollution considered a major disaster in Hyderabad. 2. Arkavathi River: Rampant encroachment, industrial pollution and sand quarrying are cited as the reasons for the deterioration of Arkavathi River which flows through Bengaluru metropolis. More than 200 industries discharge their effluents into the river on the outskirts of Bengaluru. Villagers allege that the Pollution Control Board has failed to prevent industries from discharging effluents into the river. The programmes chalked out for rejuvenation of the river basin have not taken off in a big way. 3. Cooum River: Due to rapid growth of Chennai city and its suburbs and also due to population growth the river is highly deteriorated in every aspect over the last few decades. The river is viewed as carrier of city's wastes. The lack of infrastructure to treat the sewage that the city discharges is seen as the major problem faced.
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Data Points
1. Musi River: The BOD level in Musi near Nagole was 34 mg/l and in Hyderabad 23 mg/l. Similarly, near Bachagudem in Medak district, the BOD level was as high as 50 mg/l. The BOD levels, more than 3 mg/l, means it does not meet the desired water quality criteria. Water bodies having BOD more than 6 mg/l are considered polluted and identified for remedial action. 2. Arkavathi River: There is lack of reliable information with regard to the source of water used by industries and disposal of waste water. 3. Cooum River: Nearly 30 per cent of the estimated 55 million litres (15,000,000 US gal) of untreated sewage being let into the waterways of Chennai daily, including by Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board, gets into the Cooum river. About 60 per cent of the untreated sewage gets river. In 2010, about 340 sewage outfalls into the waterways were identified. Of them, more than 130 sewage outfalls were in the Cooum River
Additional Links to Credible Reports/ Documents/ Articles
Musi River http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/Musi-Among-Most-Polluted-Rivers-in- Country-CPCB/2015/04/27/article2785266.ece http://infochangeindia.org/environment/news/hyderabads-river-musi-has-become- dangerously-polluted.html
Cooum River http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/category/503/thesaurus/cooum/ http://www.deccanchronicle.com/150428/nation-current-affairs/article/green-tribunal-sees- red-sewage-entering-cooum-river
Arkavathi River http://www.deccanherald.com/content/207893/arkavathi-interrupted.html http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/living-rivers-dying-rivers-stuffed-rivers- vrishabhavathi-arkavathi-cauvery-system http://www.atree.org/sites/default/files/Water_management_in_Arkavathy_basin_A_situati on_analysis.pdf
25 SOUTH
PROFILE
Region: North-East
State: Assam
District: North Kachar Hills
Specific Issue: Acid mine drainage in Kopili river in Assam
Links to Credible Reports/ Documents/ Articles: http://www.ipublishing.co.in/jesvol1no12010/EIJES2078.pdf
Category (Domestic, Industrial, Agriculture, Ecological): Ecological
Sub-category (Augmentation, Conservation, Preservation): Conservation
Summary
Unsystematic coal mining in Meghalaya is polluting the downstream river and decreasing pH level (acidic) and damaging the riverine ecology and hydropower machineries
Key Points
Degrading the river ecosystem by acid mine drainage from upstream hills where ongoing and abandoned unscientific coal mines are polluting the runoff
Data Points pH as low as 2.76 is observed in some part of Umrangso water reservoir of Kopili Hydel Plant. These levels are very harmful for both aquatic fauna and hydel plant which is facing corrosion
Additional Links to Credible Reports/ Documents/ Articles
The Assam Tribune: http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=ju n2012/state06
International Journal of Engineering Science and Innovative Technology (IJESIT): http://www.ipublishing.co.in/jesvol1no12010/EIJES2078.pdf
26 NORTH-EAST
PROFILE
Region: North-East
State: Meghalaya
District: Jaintia Hills
Specific Issue: Rat hole coal mining in Meghalaya
Links to Credible Reports/ Documents/ Articles: http://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/ngt-retains-ban-on-mining-in-meghalaya-49245
Category (Domestic, Industrial, Agriculture, Ecological): Ecological
Sub-category (Augmentation, Conservation, Preservation): Conservation
Summary
Rat hole mining, a livelihood for many and revenue for the state is banned by NGT, for its ill effects and environmental damage, an issue that needs to be studied and addressed. Large scale protests are being carried out against the ban. Even the legislation controlling the mining: Meghalaya Mines and Mineral Policy, 2012, was in conflict with the Mines and Mineral Development and Regulation (MMDR) Act, 1957 and Coal Mines Nationalisation Act, 1973. In Meghalaya, Movement for Indigenous Peoples’ Rights and Livelihood-Meghalaya (MIPRL) is opposing the ban. The ban was issued following a complaint by the All Dimasa Students’ Union of the adjoining Dima Hasao district of Assam, which contended that rat-hole mining in Meghalaya had polluted the Kopili river. Because of the complex landholding systems, and exclusive rights of land owners on land resources as guaranteed under 6th Schedule of Indian constitution, very little governmental control can be exercised on the lands in Meghalaya. Mining is done under customary rights and are not covered by any mining acts, rules or any other legislations. No environmental acts and rules can be enforced in these areas. As a result, in most parts of the state coal is being indiscriminately mined in most unscientific manners, causing large-scale damage to the natural ecosystems.
Key Points
Unscientific mining is wrecking a havoc through acid mine drainage on kopili and adjacent river systems as well as rivers flowing to Bangladesh from Meghalaya Plateau. A ban on it imposed on the complaints recieved from downstream Assam side and ban was carried out by National Green Tribunal. But on the upstream side the livelihood of thousands of people got disrupted due to the ban and large scale protests are the results, for and against the justification of the ban.
27 NORTH-EAST
Data Points
1. The NGT ban on coal mining had left the Meghalaya Govt. Lost revenue in the tune of Rs. 600 crore. 2. After the independence of Bangladesh in 1971 and Jaintia got its district autonomy in 1972, coal extraction in Jaintia district has been rapidly rising 3. From 1975 till 2007 coal production has increased by 161%
Additional Links to Credible Reports/ Documents/ Articles
The Indian Express: http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/indefinite-strike-in- meghalaya-from-tuesday-against-ngts-coal-mining-ban/
Sustainable Development - A Path Dependent Analysis to the Rat hole Coal Mining in Jaintia Hills District, India , Lekha Mukhopadhyay, http://economics.ucr.edu/repec/ucr/wpaper/13- 06.pdf
A worker squats to pull out a fully laden tray of coal from a hole. When the coal within the pit exhausts, horizontal tunnels are dug through which workers burrow to find coal. Many workers narrate incidents of tunnel roofs collapsing and trapping the workers inside. Photographs by P Madhavan. Source: Down to Earth
28 NORTH-EAST
PROFILE
Region: North-East
State: Assam
District: 17 districts of Assam
Specific Issue: Floods in Assam
Links to Credible Reports/ Documents/ Articles:
Category (Domestic, Industrial, A boy prepares to cast a fishing net in the flood waters next to submerged houses after heavy rains at Patekibari village in Marigaon district in Assam, India, August 23, 2015. Agriculture, Source: REUTERS/STRINGER Ecological): Domestic,
Agriculture and Ecological
Sub-category (Augmentation, Conservation, Preservation): Conservation
Summary
Flood in Assam is a recurrent event that affects lives, livelihood and environment. This year we had witnessed flooding in 17 districts and about 1.5 million people affected.
Key Points
The flood in Assam is an issue which ravages homes, agriculture, livelihoods, and communication, infrastructures. These are followed by epidemics like cholera, dysentery due to unhygienic condition after floods water recedes.
Data Points
2015 flood had ravaged 17 districts. The population affected is more than 1.5 million.
Additional Links to Credible Reports/ Documents/ Articles
State Disaster Management Authority: http://www.asdma.gov.in/pdf/flood_report/2015/Daily_Flood_Report_08.09.2015.pd
29 NORTH-EAST
PROFILE
Region: North East
State: Manipur
District: Bishnupur
Specific Issue: Degrading ecology of Loktak Lake, Manipur
Links to Credible Reports/ Documents/ Articles: http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/loktak-hydro-project-turns- agricultural-land-into-swamps/article2554768.ece
Category (Domestic, Industrial, Agriculture, Ecological): Ecological
Sub-category (Augmentation, Conservation, Preservation): Conservation
Summary
Ithai Barrage for multipurpose water project has made tremendous changes in ecology which have far reaching impact not only upon the wild life but also on livelihood of people. The nutrients from catchment area and domestic sewage from Imphal city carried by Nambul River are discharged into the lake affecting its water quality
Key Points
The Loktak lake, which has to have water to the optimum, often causes flash flood in the agricultural land on its periphery, turning them into swamps unfit for cultivation
Data Points
1. The State government estimates that the Ithai barrage on Manipur river, constructed in 1979 as a part of the power project, has submerged 20,000 hectares of cultivable land while unofficial estimates peg the figure at as high as 83,000 hectares 2. In the Mayang Imphal area, the worst affected in floods, around 5,000 hectares of arable land has been submerged permanently, rendering them unfit for paddy cultivation
Additional Links to Credible Reports/ Documents/ Articles
Wetlands Org: http://www.wetlands.org/Portals/0/Hydropower%20and%20Loktak%20Lake.pdf
Loktak Development Authority: http://www.moef.nic.in/sites/default/files/nlcp/PLenary/PL- 8%20Gojendro%20Singh.pdf
30 NORTH-EAST
PROFILE
Region: North-East
State: Assam
District: 18 districts of Assam
Specific Issue: Arsenic and fluoride in ground water
Links to Credible Reports/ Documents/ Articles: http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=may0812/state06 http://wrmin.nic.in/writereaddata/16_Estimates_on_arsenic.pdf http://users.physics.harvard.edu/~wilson/arsenic/references/singh.pdf
Category (Domestic, Industrial, Agriculture, Ecological): Domestic
Sub-category (Augmentation, Conservation, Preservation): Augmentation
Summary
At least ground water of 18 districts of Assam is contaminated with Arsenic and at least five districts are contaminated with fluoride. A survey conducted by the Assam state PHE department in collaboration with UNICEF for over a period of three years found Jorhat district to be one of the worst Arsenic hit areas among the 17 districts in the state with high Arsenic contamination in the ground water. In Titabor subdivision of Jorhat district, comprising of 20 gaon panchayats, it is reported to have lethal levels of Arsenic in the groundwater.” The effected districts are Sivsagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Sonitpur, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Hailakandi, Karimganj, Cachar, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Goalpara, Dhubri, Nalbari, Nagaon, Morigaon, Darrang and Baksha.
Key Points
Heavy metal contamination in ground waters of Assam is a problem and is growing at an enormous scale. Arsenic and fluoride in high amount is very harmful and lethal for human and in 18 districts of Assam, it is high above permissible limit. Low cost treatment process and sensitisation of people to use less ground water for drinking and use more treated surface water can be helpful.
Data Points
1. UNICEF reported arsenic contamination from Assam and found arsenic contamination in 18 out of 23 districts of Assam above 0.05 mg/L. No arsenic patient has been identified in Assam so far 2. In Assam arsenic is found upto 0.996 ppm
31 NORTH-EAST
PROFILE
Region: West
State: Maharashtra
District: Marathwada Region
Specific Issue: Farmer suicide in Marathwada due to drought
Links to Credible Reports/ Documents/ Articles: http://www.firstpost.com/india/marathwada-sees-32-farmer-suicides-in-a-week-drought- exacerbates-agrarian-crisis-2425462.html http://www.livemint.com/Opinion/ZHWsp243tKAskMBTHDJe5I/Lessons-from-drought-in- Marathwada.html
Category (Domestic, Industrial, Agriculture, Ecological): Domestic, Agriculture
Sub-category (Augmentation, Conservation, Preservation): Conservation
Summary
Severe drought situation in Marathwada due to erratic monsoon. According to some researchers, intensive sugarcane production is one of reason for farmer’s suicide
Key Points
1. There has been low rainfall second year in a row but water availability has also deteriorated because of the rapid spread of water-intensive sugarcane cultivation 2. There are now 61 sugar mills in Marathwada to service 237,000 hectares of land under sugarcane. The region accounts for around two-thirds of the total sugar production in Maharashtra
Data Points
1. The region has received 54% deficit rainfall this year 2. If a region receives rainfall of less than 90% of the average in a year, it considered to be in a drought situation 3. In 2012-13, another year of severe drought, 48.29 lakh hectares was affected by drought in Maharashtra, compared to 31.11 lakh hectares in the previous year 4. The number of suicides by farmers continues to be high, with 2568 cases last year, by far the highest in the country
32 WEST
5. The total water required for sugarcane cultivation in Marathwada is 4,300 million cubic metres (mcm), or double the storage capacity of the largest dam on the Godavari in the region.
Of the 225.56 lakh hectares of cultivable land in the state, 44.19 lakh ha (20 per cent) are irrigated, the rest rain-fed. Source: Indian Express
33 WEST
PROFILE
Region: West
State: Maharashtra
District: Kolhapur
Specific Issue: Salinity and Water Logging
Links to Credible Reports/ Documents/ Articles: http://www.unishivaji.ac.in/uploads/journal/Journal_and_Authors/Chavan_S.M..pdf
Category (Domestic, Industrial, Agriculture, Ecological): Ecological
Sub-category (Augmentation, Conservation, Preservation): Preservation
Summary
Due to extensive sugarcane cultivation and floods, irrigation with use of fertilizers is increasing salinity and water logging problems in the area.
Key Points
1. Sugarcane crop requires more water 2. Floor irrigation practice is done in most of parts of Maharashtra 3. More use of urea fertilizer is increasing salinity 4. In saline lands water logging problem is common issue thus flood occurs
Data Points
1. Out of the total irrigated area of 4885 hectare (i.e. 55.22 per cent of net area sown) 41.53 per cent is shared by canal, 37.05 per cent by lift and 20.44 per cent by wells. 2. The average per hectare fertilizer use of 1750 kg for sugarcane is far more than the standard requirement of fertilizers of 740 kg. /hect. 3. In the Krishna Canal Area, the gross cropped area was 7039.79 hectares in 2007-08. Out of this, 88.63 per cent area was devoted to food crops. 4. In the Krishna Canal Area about 1332.7 hectares are affected by salinity. It comes to about 18.93 per cent of the total cultivated area.
34 WEST
PROFILE
Region: West
State: Maharashtra
District: Pune
Specific Issue: Deterioration of restored lake
Links to Credible Reports/ Documents/ Articles: http://indianexpress.com/article/cit ies/pune/pashan-lake-struggles-to- stay-afloat/ Pashan Lake. Source: Indian Express http://www.punemirror.in/pune/civic/Hook-line-sinker-Pashan-Lake-may-lose-pristine- shine/articleshow/46963295.cms http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/water-hyacinth-on-pashan-lake-catches-fire- greens-raise-concern/
Category (Domestic, Industrial, Agriculture, Ecological): Ecological
Sub-category (Augmentation, Conservation, Preservation): Preservation
Summary
Two years after the restoration and beautification work at Pashan lake, the condition of the lake has deteriorated again. The lake is completely covered by water lettuce (pistia) and water hyacinth. Experts say pistia is an indicator of high pollution level of the lake. There is a drastic decrease in the number of migratory and local birds and a rise in the number of some other birds, indicating an ecological imbalance.
Key Points
1. The century-old lake was the result of a barrage constructed on a rivulet, Ram Nadi, primarily to serve as a source of water 2. Over the years, the 130-acre wetland evolved into an ecosystem of its own and migratory birds started making it their temporary home 3. The furious pace of urbanisation in catchments of the lake led to fast deterioration of the lake in the last few years 4. The initial beautification of the lake by Pune Municipal Corporation was carried out at the cost of ecosystem of the lake.
35 WEST