This section represents the highlights of important information about government initiatives on the environment, ranging from formulation of new policies to the enhancement of existing environment protection mechanisms. Also highlights the general information provided in Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha on the various environmental issues.

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ISSUES BASED DATABASE (AUGUST)

Title: Impact of Global Warming and Climate Change on Rainfall Patterns Date: 7th August, 2014

Ministry of Environmental and Forests (MoEF), Govt of India had undertaken the Indian second National Communication to UNFCCC during 2009-2011(NATCOM-II). The communication had been a national effort which involved many multi-disciplinary scientific groups. Ministry of Earth Sciences carry out scientific studies on climate change and variability under Global and Regional Climate Change (GRCC) programme. Under GRCC programme of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Earth System Science organization (ESSO) has established a dedicated Centre for Climate Change Research (CCCR) under the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune.

Monsoon rainfall varies on different spatial and temporal scales. Extreme rainfall events that occur at some isolated places (viz. heavy rainfall over Mumbai or in Rajasthan) are highly localized and are part of the natural variability of the Indian monsoon system itself. Although, some recent studies hint at an increasing frequency and intensity of extremes in rainfall during the past 40-50 years, their attribution to global warming is yet to be established. Moreover, the report of the Inter- governmental Panel on Climate Change and our country`s own assessment using regional climate models indicate that the extremes rainfall events are likely to be more frequent in the later part of the 21st century in the world including India. As regards other extreme weather phenomena, there are many other reasons for their occurrence, which cannot always be related to climate change.

Although, the monsoon rainfall at all India level does not show any trend but on regional scale, areas of increasing trend is discerned. It is not clear if this increasing trend in the heavy rainfall events is attributable to global warming. Summary of the observed long term changes so far include:

(i) Mean annual surface air temperatures show a significant warming of about 0.5 degree C/100 years during the last century.

(ii) No significant long-term trends are reported in the frequencies of large-scale droughts or floods in the summer monsoon season.

(iii) The average seasonal rainfall over India has shown decline in the last five decades, especially after 1970, that is not found to be statistically significant. Further over core monsoon zone, the contribution from increasing heavy rain events is offset by decreasing moderate events and hence on the long term the change is not appreciable. Many studies have discussed the possible reasons for recent weakening monsoon.

(iv) Studies were undertaken in four climate sensitive regions of the country, viz. Himalayan Region, Western Ghats, North Eastern Region, Coastal Areas to assess the possible impacts on the four sectors viz. agriculture, water, forests and health. A Report entitled, Climate Change & India: A 4X4 Assessment – A Sectoral and Regional Assessment of Impact of Climate Change in 2030s, has been released by the Government during November, 2010 under the aegis of the Indian Network of Climate Change Assessment (INCCA).

This was stated by Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

Ministry of Travel Affairs Title: Constitution of State Level Monitoring Committees

Date: 8th August, 2014

The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 mandates for the constitution of monitoring Committees Section 6 (7) of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 provides that the State Government shall constitute a State Level Monitoring Committee (SLMC) to monitor the process of recognition and vesting of forest rights and to submit to the nodal agency such return and reports as may be called for by that agency.

As per Rule 9 of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Rules, 2007 the State Level Monitoring Committee comprises of –

(i) Chief Secretary Chairperson

(ii) Secretary, Revenue Department member

(iii) Secretary, tribal of Social Welfare Department member

(iv) Secretary, Forest Department member

(v) Secretary, Panchayati Raj member

(vi) Principal Chief Conservator of Forests member

(vii) Three Scheduled Tribes member of the Tribes Advisory Council (TAC), to be nominated by the Chairperson of the TAC and where there is no TAC, three Scheduled Tribes members to be nominated by the State Government;

(viii) Commissioner, Tribal Welfare or equivalent who shall be the Member Secretary.

As per Rule 10 of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Rules, 2007, functions of the SLMC are as under:

 devise criteria and indicators for monitoring the process of recognition and vesting of forest rights;

 monitor the process of recognition, verification and vesting of forest rights in the State meet at least once in three months to monitor the process of recognition, verification and vesting of forest rights, consider and address the field level problems, and furnish a quarterly report in the prescribed format, to the Central Government on their assessment regarding the status of claims, the compliance with the steps required under the Act, details of claims approved, reasons for rejection, if any and the status of pending claims.

As per the information available with the Ministry, all the States have constituted SLMC except Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Telangana.

The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 does not mandate for the constitution of monitoring committees at the block and district level.

This information was given today by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Shri Mansukhbhai Dhanjibhai Vasava in reply to written question in Lok Sabha.

Title: Initiative to Encourage States to Utilize Wastelands for Setting up Renewable Energy Projects Date: 11th August, 2014

Government has taken various initiatives which includes setting up of Solar Parks on the banks of canals, Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects, wind power projects for which the States are encouraged to use land including wastelands depending on availability and resources. This was stated by Sh. Piyush Goyal, (Minister of state for Power, Coal & New and Renewable Energy (Independent Charge) in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today. Further, The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is providing various fiscal incentive such as generation based incentives, accelerated depreciation, concessional excise and customs duties for the promotion of renewable energy sources in the country. Besides providing financial and fiscal incentives, a few other measures to promote renewable energy include: setting up of demonstration projects, preferential tariff for purchase of power generated from renewable sources, intensive resource assessment, development of power evacuation and testing facilities, introduction of Renewable Energy Certification and Renewable Purchase Obligation, etc. Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, a Central Public Sector Enterprise under this Ministry, also provides soft term loan for promotion of renewable energy projects.

The Minister further stated that the cost of land in renewable energy projects such as wind farms and solar farms/power plants is of the order of 3 to 5 per cent of total project cost. The new Land Acquisition Act may impact the total cost of renewable energy projects.

The Minister further stated that the Act stipulates payment of compensation and Rehabilitation and Resettlement package as per First, Second and Third Schedule of the Act. Under the Act, time frame has been prescribed during which various processes are to be completed. A draft National Land Utilisation Policy has been formulated which inter-alia proposes Land Utilization Zones for the purpose of ensuring optimal utilization of land resources, the Minister added.

Title: Deficit in Monsoon Rainfall

Date: 13th August, 2014

The rainfall for the country as a whole during monsoon season from 1st June till 10th August, 2014 has been deficient by -18%.

The state wise deficient rainfall from 1st June to 10th August, 2014 is as below.

S. No. State Sub Division Deficient Rainfall % 1 Jammu & Kashmir Jammu & Kashmir -48 2 Himachal Pradesh Himachal Pradesh -35 3 Punjab Punjab -58 4 Haryana Chandigarh Haryana Chandigarh -56

and Delhi and Delhi 5 Uttar Pradesh West Uttar Pradesh -47 East Uttar Pradesh -34 6 Bihar Bihar -28 7 Assam & Meghalaya Assam & Meghalaya -29 8 Arunachal Pradesh Arunachal Pradesh -21 9 Nagaland, Manipur, Nagaland, Manipur, -47

Mizoram & Tripura Mizoram & Tripura 10 Gujarat Gujarat Region DNH -24

& Daman 11 Maharashtra Vidarbha -23 Marathwada -59 12 Karnataka North Interior Karnataka -24 13 Telangana Telangana -50 14 Andhra Pradesh Rayalseema -29 Coastal Andhra Pradesh -37 15 Lakshadweep Lakshadweep -38

Whereas 18 Meteorological Subdivisions viz. Orissa (+21%), Uttarakhand (-16%), West Rajasthan (- 2%), East Rajasthan (+10%), West Madhya Pradesh (-3%), East Madhya Pradesh (-12%), Chhattisgarh (+1%), Jharkhand (-10%), Gangetic West Bengal (-10%), Sub Himalayan West Bengal (-19%), Saurashtra Kutch & Diu (-15%), Konkan & Goa (-8%), Madhya Maharashtra (-13%), Coastal Karnataka (-5%), South interior Karnataka (+17%), Tamil Nadu & Pondicherry (-8%), Kerala (-2%) and Andaman & Nikobar Islands (+4%) are in normal to Excess rainfall category.

While updating the Monsoon 2014 Long Range Rainfall format in June, the expected seasonal quantum of rain is assessed at 93% of the long period average (LPA) suggesting that below normal rainfall activity during 2014 by fully considering the prospect of El Nino only by the end of August 2014 then. The both statistical and dynamical model consider sea surface temperature (SST) in the pacific and Indian Ocean.

Despite the above during the first month (June) of the season, the realized rainfall over the country as a whole was deficient by 43% from LPA. The observed rainfall deficiency during June was caused by delayed arrival of monsoon over Kerala and slow progress subsequently while covering the country. The formation of cyclone “Nanauk” over the Arabian Sea during the second week of June has disturbed the monsoon advancement and hence delayed the arrival of monsoon to the central and north India, thus causing deficient monsoon rains in June.

However starting from July 13th 2014, vigorous monsoon rainfall activity has been experienced across the country resulting into the remarkable decrease in the accumulated deficiency of rainfall from -43% to -17% as on 7th August 2014.

Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) is advocating several technologies like use of short duration drought tolerant varieties, in-situ soil moisture conservation and water harvesting measures, mulching, micro irrigation, resource conservation technologies and use of poor quality water to tackle the situation of moisture deficit in agriculture across the country. The ICAR has also prepared district level contingent plans for over 551 districts to address seasonal rainfall variability (including drought) impact on agriculture.

This was stated by Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

Title: Weather Forecast Date: 13th August, 2014

Only Earth System Science Organisation-India Meteorological Department (ESSO-IMD) is mandated for generating all India Whether and Climate related warning and alert messages through operational Metrological services to general public and various other sector specific designated agencies in particular disaster management authority at national cum state and district level following established standard operating procedures.

Major institutions of the country engaged in research on monsoon are:

1) India Meteorological Department (ESSO-IMD). 2) Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (ESSO-IITM ), Pune. 3) National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (ESSO-NCMRWF), Noida. 4) Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (ESSO-INCOIS), Hyderabad. 5) Space Applications Centre, Ahmadabad (ISRO). 6) Centre for Mathematical Modeling and Computer Simulation, Bangalore. 7) Indian Institute of Technology, Bhubaneswar. 8) Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi. 9) Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. 10) Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur. 11) Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. 12) National Aerospace Laboratories, Bangalore. 13) Center for Development of Advanced Computing, Pune 14) Cochin University of Science and Technology, Cochi, Kerala 15) Andhra University, Visakhapatnam 16) Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi

Although no separate allocation for monsoon research per se was provided, based on the requirement of research community in the country, funds are made available for carrying out research through few sponsored research programme by the Department of Science and Technology. After the establishment of Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) in 2006 structured research and development initiative involving MoES institution and research group have been lunched. Details of major programs of the MoES during the XII plan include.

No. Name of the Theme Allocation for XII Plan

(2012-17) in Crore 1. Atmospheric Observation System Network 700 2. Satellite Meteorology 70 3. Integrated Himalayan Meteorology Programme (N) 108 4. Agrometeorology 164 5. Climate Services (N) 55 6. Numerical Modeling of Weather &Climate 90 7. Monsoon Mission Programme 290 8. Physics and Dynamics of Tropical Clouds (N) 120 9. Development of High Impact Severe Weather 89

Warning System of India 10. Short Term Climate Prediction and Variability 90 11. Centre for Climate Change Research (CCCR) 100 12. High Resolution Operational Ocean Forecast 40

and Reanalysis System 13. Centre for Advanced Training in Earth System Sciences and Climate 140 - CAT 14. Outreach and Awareness Programme 67 15. High Performance Computing 568 Total 2691

Allocation to India Meteorological Department during last 3 five years plans are detailed below:

Plan Non-Plan Total Five Year Plan Rs. in Crore 9th Five Year Plan (1997-2002) 141.13 493.21 634.33 10th Five Year Plan (2002-2007) 328.45 596.06 924.51 11th Five Year Plan (2007-2012) 749.09 1090.98 1840.07

The NCMRWF is putting efforts to improve the adopted unified model in collaboration with UK for medium range scale monsoon rainfall forecasts including extreme weather phenomena. One of the Implementation Agreements - Dynamical Seasonal Prediction of Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (Establishment of Monsoon desk) was signed during the visit of President Obama in November 2010 under which Indian and US scientists are working jointly. The Government of India has committed to provide $480,000 over a period of five years (Rs.2.4 crores approximately) for activities associated with establishment and maintenance of the “Monsoon Desk”.

This was stated by Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

Title: MIS Based Tiger Tracking System to be launched soon: Shri Prakash Javadekar Date: 26th August, 2014

10th meeting of the National Tiger Conservation Authority held in New Delhi

Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar has said that the National Tiger Conservation Authority in collaboration with Wildlife Crime Control Bureau would be soon launching a MIS based tiger tracking system. The Minister stated this while addressing the 10th meeting of the National Tiger Conservation Authority here today.

Elaborating further, Shri Javadekar said that MIS based tracking would strengthen the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau and help in controlling wildlife crimes in tiger reserves. Appreciating the need of technology in the field of tiger conservation, the Minister said that the use of NRSA “Alert System” would also be utilized in case of disasters pertaining to fire and floods.

The Minister further said that the Government believed in development in consonance with conservation. Emphasizing the need to conserve the tiger reserves in the country the Minister said that there is a need to make wildlife conservation the ‘People’s Movement’. It was critical for each stakeholder to participate in making tiger conservation a reality. He further stated that States also needed to be critical stakeholders in the effort to preserve the tiger population in the country.

National Tiger Conservation Authority has been the nodal agency in the field of tiger conservation for more than 40 years. Its projects spread over 47 reserves in 18 states. The Authority deliberated on varied agenda for promoting tiger conversation which also included requesting the State of Karnataka for initiating a proposal for the establishment of Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary as a tiger reserve. The Authority also proposed to carry out Management of Effectiveness Evaluation annually in tiger reserves by States. The NTCA also deliberated on instituting a new award, National Tiger Conservation Authority Award for successful conservation of endangered species other than tigers in tiger reserves.

The Authority took note of the recent initiatives taken to strengthen wild life conservation in the country. These, inter-alia, include tiger deaths and steps taken to address poaching, deployment of local workforce for protection, use of information technology (e-Eye) in surveillance, smart patrolling through M- STrIPES protocol, reserve level monitoring etc. The initiatives also included central assistance provided to States under Project Tiger as well as grants provided to States from NTCA, tiger translocation within landscapes, capacity building, progress relating to assessment of tiger population, independent evaluation of tiger reserves and statutory compliances.

ISSUES BASED DATABASE (OCTOBER)

ISSUE BASED DATABASE October, 2014

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Title: Human beings should live in harmony with nature – Prakash Javadekar

Date: 8th October, 2014

The Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar has said that appropriate measures would be taken by the National Zoological Park to ensure that unfortunate incidents did not take place in future. The proposed measurers would include precautions, appropriate signages, information nuggets for visitors and necessary security measures to ensure protection to both visitors and animals within the zoo premises. Shri Javadekar stated this while delivering his address at the Prize Distribution Function to commemorate the Wild Life Week here today.

During his address Shri Javadekar highlighted that it was important for human beings to live in harmony with the environment so as to understand and establish a dialogue with nature. Shri Javadekar also inaugurated a Bird House in the premises of National Zoological Park. On the occasion, Shri Javadekar also announced a compensation of Rupees one lakh for the family of the deceased who met with an unfortunate incident at the Delhi Zoo recently.

Shri Javadekar felicitated the prize winners of various competitions held to celebrate the Wild Life Week. The National Zoological Park started the Wild Life Week on 1st October, 2014. The Wild Life Week is being celebrated annually in the National Zoological Park in the first week of October ever since its inception in 1957. The aim of the Wild Life Week is to create awareness and sympathy for wild life. Title: National Air Quality Index (AQI) launched by the Environment Minister AQI is a huge initiative under ‘Swachh Bharat’

Date: 17th October, 2014

AQI to act as ‘One Number- One Colour-One Description’ to judge the Air Quality for Common Man: Shri PrakashJavadekar

The Minister for Environment, Forests & Climate Change Shri Prakash Javadekar today launched ‘The National Air Quality Index’ (AQI) in New Delhi.Speaking on the occasion, Shri Javadekar outlined the AQI, as ‘One Number- One Colour-One Description’ for the common man to judge the air quality within his vicinity. The formulation of the index was a continuation of the initiatives under Swachh Bharat Mission envisioned by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri NarendraModi.

Elaborating further, the Minister stated that the index constituted part of the Government’s mission to introduce the culture of cleanliness. Institutional and infrastructural measures were being undertaken in order to ensure that the mandate of cleanliness was fulfilled across the country. As a part of the process, he mentioned that clean air would be a part of Peoples’ campaignto take up the issue in a mission mode. In order to widen the ambit of the culture of cleanliness, the Ministry proposed to discuss the issues concerned regarding quality of air with the Ministry of Human Resource Development in order to include this issue as part of the sensitizationprogramme in the course curriculum.

Under the new measurement process, Shri Javadekar stated that an effort had been made to include a comprehensive set of parameters. While the earlier measuring index was limited to three indicators, the current measurement index had been made quite comprehensive by the addition of five additional parameters. Under the current measurement of air quality, 8 parameters. The initiatives undertaken by the Ministry recently aimed at balancing environment and conservation and development.

Air pollution has been a matter of environmental and health concerns,particularly in urban areas. Central Pollution Control Board along with State Pollution Control Boards has been operating National Air Monitoring Program (NAMP) covering 240 cities of the country. In addition, continuous monitoring systems that provide data on near real-time basis are also installed in a few cities.

Traditionally, air quality status has been reported through voluminous data. Thus, it was important that information on air quality is put up in public domain in simple linguistic terms that is easily understood by a common person. Air Quality Index (AQI) is one such tool for effective dissemination of air quality information to people. An Expert Group comprising medical professionals, air quality experts, academia, advocacy groups, and SPCBs was constitutedand a technical study was awarded to IIT Kanpur. IIT Kanpur and the Expert Group recommended an AQI scheme.

There are six AQI categories, namely Good, Satisfactory, Moderately polluted, Poor, Very Poor, and Severe. The proposed AQI will consider eight pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, NH3, and Pb) for which short-term (up to 24-hourly averaging period) National Ambient Air Quality Standards are prescribed.

Based on the measured ambient concentrations, corresponding standards and likely health impact, a sub- index is calculated for each of these pollutants. The worst sub-index reflects overall AQI. Associated likely health impacts for different AQI categories and pollutants have been also been suggested, with primary inputs from the medical expert members of the group. The AQI values and corresponding ambient concentrations (health breakpoints) as well as associated likely health impacts for the identified eight pollutants are as follows:

AQI Category, Pollutants and Health Breakpoints

AQI PM10 PM2.5 NO2 O3 CO SO2 NH3 Pb Category 24-hr 24-hr 24-hr 8-hr 8-hr 24-hr 24-hr 24-hr (Range) (mg/m3) Good (0-50) 0-50 0-30 0-40 0-50 0-1.0 0-40 0-200 0-0.5 Satisfactory 51-100 31-60 41-80 51-100 1.1-2.0 41-80 201-400 0.5 –1.0 (51-100) Moderately 101-250 61-90 81-180 101-168 2.1- 10 81-380 401-800 1.1-2.0 polluted (101-200) Poor 251-350 91-120 181-280 169-208 10-17 381-800 801- 2.1-3.0 (201-300) 1200 Very poor 351-430 121-250 281-400 209-748* 17-34 801-1600 1200- 3.1-3.5 (301-400) 1800 Severe 430 + 250+ 400+ 748+* 34+ 1600+ 1800+ 3.5+ (401-500)

*One hourly monitoring (for mathematical calculations only) AQI Associated Health Impacts Good Minimal Impact (0–50) Satisfactory May cause minor breathing discomfort to sensitive people. (51–100) Moderately polluted May cause breathing discomfort to people with lung disease such as asthma, (101–200) and discomfort to people with heart disease, children and older adults. Poor May cause breathing discomfort to people on prolonged exposure, and (201–300) discomfort to people with heart disease Very Poor May cause respiratory illness to the people on prolonged exposure. Effect (301–400) may be more pronounced in people with lung and heart diseases. Severe May cause respiratory impact even on healthy people, and serious health (401-500) impacts on people with lung/heart disease. The health impacts may be experienced even during light physical activity.

The report will also be available on CPCB’s website (www.cpcb.nic.in) for 45 daysfor seeking public views/comments. Thereafter, AQI scheme will be finalized after evaluating the comments received and incorporating changes if any in the scheme.

Title: Environment protection and Development need to be synergized

Date: 18th October, 2014

Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forests & Climate Change has said for balanced sustainable development it was extremely vital to bring about a synergy between the parameters of environment protection and development. A synthesis of these objectives would enable achieving the mission of ‘Clean India Green India’. At the same time, the new architecture and road map being outlined by the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change was taking into account the needs, requirements and contemporary trends of the issues being debated and discussed. The Minister stated this while delivering his address at the 4th Foundation Day Celebrations of the National Green Tribunal here today.

Elaborating further the Minister said that people’s participation was a prerequisite to address the challenges facing theenvironment. The need of the hour was also to understand issues in a proper perspective and provide practical solutions to problems. The spirit of this principle needed to be applied across the board in order to ensure development balanced with environmental protection. The policy initiatives being undertaken focused on timelines, transparency and accountability. Monitoring processes were being put in place to ensure a comprehensive institutional mechanism to address the issues that required attention.

Shri Javadekar also reiterated the role and relevance of the National Green Tribunal in the current context as it had provided an institutional mechanism and framework to address the needs and concerns pertaining to the environment. During his address the Minister touched upon the recent initiatives undertaken by the Government. Specific reference was made to the initiatives undertaken yesterday regarding the National Air Quality Index, the proposals initiated by the Government on Climate Change during the Budget, the measures pertaining to cleaning of the Ganga and the Himalayan protection initiative.

Secretary, Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Shri Ashok Lavasastated that the mechanism was being streamlined within the Ministry aimed at the preservation of nature and measures conducive to development. The measures also aimed to harmonize the development. The overall objective was the simplification of procedures.

The Foundation Day was also addressed by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Judge, Supreme Court of India and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Swatanter Kumar, Chairperson, National Green Tribunal.The function also witnessed the release of the second issue of NGT International Journal on Environment and the launch of new website of National Green Tribunal.

Title: Government is committed to strengthen communities to fight challenges posed by Climate Change

Date: 27th October, 2014

Climate Adaptation Fund to be finalized soon

Indian farmers are ready to adapt to climate change: Prakash Javadekar

Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change has said adaptation, capacity building, and strengthening rural communities would be the top priority for the Government to address the challenges posed by climate change. The Government would shortly be finalizing a comprehensive Action Plan on the Climate Change Adaptation Fund introduced in the Union Budget this year. The Government stood committed to the Clean India Green India philosophy outlined by the Honourable Prime Minister. The Minister said this while delivering the inaugural address at the National Workshop on Scaling up Good Practices for Climate Change Adaptation here today.

Elaborating further Shri Javadekar said that climate change as a comprehensive issue needed to be addressed at the Global, National, Regional and even at the local level i.e. at the State and District level. While at the global level the focus was on emission cuts and mitigation, India’s perspective had focused on financial and technological support, information sharing and technology transfer for the developing communities to scale up adaptation strategies. The Minister stated that a balanced global view needed to incorporate these aspects as part of the new International Protocol on Climate Change that would emerge in 2015.

On the issue of climate change adaptation, the Minister called for a collaborative, community-based, and participatory approach and emphasized that efficient watershed management and water budgeting, soil health cards, and disaster-risk mitigation strategies were of paramount importance. Shri Javadekar also stated that the common people and farmers in India were ready to adopt good practices and successfully adapt to the changes brought about by climate change. The Minister also mentioned that the entire approach instituted had to be “Bottom Up.” Based on this premise, adaptation plans would be designed. This would enable mainstreaming of adaptation of sustainable cultures. Title: Ratification of the Nagoya-Kuala Lumpur supplementary protocol on liability and redress to the Cartagena protocol on bio safety by India

Date: 29th October, 2014

Ratification of the Nagoya-Kuala Lumpur supplementary protocol on liability and redress to the Cartagena protocol on biosafety by India

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today gave its approval for ratifying the `Nagoya-KualaLumpur supplementary protocol on liability and redress to the Cartagena protocol on bio-safety` by India.

The proposed approach provides for an international regulatory framework in the field of liability and redress related to living modified organisms that reconciles trade and environment protection. The Supplementary Protocol would promote sound application of biotechnology making it possible to accrue benefits arising from modern biotechnology while minimizing the risk to the environment and human health.

The proposal will protect the interests of all Indians without distinction or differentiation.

The proposal is based on the principles of the Convention on Biological Diversity and Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, both internationally negotiated and binding legal instruments. It will promote innovation in agricultural and healthcare research and development that is safe for the environment and human beings. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Title: MOU Signed for First Ever Offshore Wind Power Project in India

Date: 1st October, 2014

100 MW Project to Come up in Gujrat Coast

National Offshore Wind Energy Policy in the Anvil

An MOU for setting up a Joint Venture Company ( JVC) towards undertaking the First Demonstration Offshore Wind Power Project in the country along the Gujarat coast has been signed here today in the presence of Shri Piyush Goyal , Union Minister of State (I/C), Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy . The MoU was signed by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), and Consortium of partners consisting of National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL), Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), Power Finance Corporation (PFC), Power Trading Corporation (PTC), and Gujarat Power Corporation Ltd (GPCL).

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Piyush Goyal described it as a great opportunity in the development of renewable energy resources in the country. He pointed out that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s message in the US was loud and clear that renewable energy is the way to go, it dovetails world’s concerns about climate change and it clearly enhances India’s energy security. Considering the country’s 7600 km long coastal line , Shri Goyal stated that opportunities for scaling up are humongous. The Minister also suggested for building partnership with Defence , Coast guard and Shipping to ensure seamless and time bound approval process.

The Joint Venture Company will undertake detailed feasibility study based on the inputs received from pre-feasibility studies and necessary steps for implementation of the first offshore demonstration wind power project.

The first planned demonstration offshore wind power project along the Gujarat coast will be of about 100 MW capacity. It has been proposed to provide subsidy for setting up of evacuation and transmission infrastructure of the offshore wind power to the main land including financial support for carrying out studies such as wind resource assessment, Environment Impact Assessment (EIA), oceanographic survey and Bathymetric studies. Ministry would also assist in obtaining clearances involved during the implementation of the project. This being a first demonstration offshore wind project in the country, will certainly provide enough learning to move into this sector by taking up similar viable projects in future, enabling India to enter in the club of countries who are in the business of offshore wind power generation.

Wind power development onshore has reached to commercial stage in India and is fastest growing renewable energy option today. India also has around 7600 KM of coastline which offers great potential for Off-shore wind power development. Having more than 22 GW installed onshore wind power capacity in the country, Ministry has taken initiative towards offshore wind power development which includes announcement of Draft National Offshore Wind Energy Policy and preparation of Draft Cabinet note on National Offshore Wind Energy Policy which has been circulated for inter-ministerial comments. Finalization of the proposed National Offshore Wind Energy Policy will provide a conducive environment for harnessing offshore wind energy including setting up of a demonstration offshore wind power project to show case technology and build investors’ confidence.

In early 90s, Ministry had taken up onshore demonstration projects in various states. A total of 71 MW of demonstration projects in 7 states have leveraged a wind power capacity of around 22,000 MW with private sector investment. Therefore, Ministry decided to go for a demonstration off-shore wind power project to show-case the possibility and viability of off-shore wind power in the country. Some sites were identified along the Gujarat and Tamil Nadu coast which have good wind power potential for development of offshore projects. Since, GPCL has shown interest, it was decided to plan the first offshore wind power project along the coast of Gujarat.

However, world-wide offshore wind power projects aggregating to about 7.5 GW capacity have been installed (UK - 4.2 GW; Denmark - 1.2 GW; Belgium – 0.7 GW; Germany – 0.6 GW; China – 0.4 GW; the Netherlands – 0.2 GW and Sweden – 0.2 GW)

Shri. Upendra Tripathy , Secretary , MNRE, CMDs of all partner PSUs and senior officers of MNRE were present on the occasion of signing of the MoU. Ministry of Power Title: Power, Coal, MNRE PSUs to Construct 50,000 Toilets in Schools

Date: 1st October 2014

Work on 1001 Toilets to begin tomorrow

As a part of the “Swachh Bharat Mission” , the Public Sector Undertakings ( PSUs) under the Ministries of Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy will construct 50,000 toilets in schools all over the country within next one year up to August 2015. The work of 1001 toilets will begin tomorrow, 2nd October 2014 in various states.

For the construction of these toilets, 50 % of the Corporate Social Responsibility Budget will be earmarked during the financial year 2014-15 and 2015-16. The PSU wise allocation is NTPC- 240,PGCIL-90,NHPC-56,PFC-72,REC-90,NEEPCO-06,SJVNL-21,THDCIL-05,CoalIndia Ltd- 400,NLC-25,1REDA-04.

The breakup of the states and the number of schools in which work commence tomorrow is as follows:

S. No. Name of PSU States Number of Toilets to be constructed in the Schools 1 NTPC Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, MP, Odisha, 240 Rajasthan,UP, &West Bengal 2 Power Rajasthan 72 Finance Corporation (PFC) 3 SJVN Limited Himachal Pradesh 21 4 POWERGRID AP, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, MP, 90 Odisha, & Telegana 5 National Assam, WB, J&K, HP, Uttrakhand, 56 Hydroelectric Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur & WB. Power Corporation (NHPC ) 6 Rural UP 90 Electrification Corporation Limited (REC) 7 Neyveli Tamil Nadu, 25 Lignite Corporation Ltd (NLC) 8 THDC India Uttrakhand 05 Limited ( THDCIL) 9 Indian Chhattisgarh 04 Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) 10 North Eastern Assam 06 Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) 11 Coal India Jharkhand, WB, Odisha, MP, Chhattisgarh, 400 Limited ( CIL) UP, & Assam

Title: Address by Shri Piyush Goyal in connection with Swachh Bharat Mission

Date: 2nd October, 2014

Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of State (I/C) for Power, Coal & NRE has announced construction of one lakh toilets in schools by PSUs under his Ministries within a year. While administering Cleanliness Pledge to the Employees of Ministries of Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy and its PSUs through webcast from Mumbai, Shri Goyal urged them to remain committed towards cleanliness and devote time for that. He said every step taken towards cleanliness will help the country remain clean which will lead to economic prosperity.

The full text of Minister’s message webcast is available at http://www.webcast.gov.in/powercoalnre/ Title: One Lakh Toilets in Schools to be constructed by Energy PSUs within a Year

Date: 2nd October, 2014

Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of State (I/C) for Power, Coal & New & Renewable Energy has announced construction of one lakh toilets in schools by PSUs under his Ministries within a year. While administering Cleanliness Pledge to the Employees of Ministries of Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy and its PSUs in connection with the launch of “Swachh Bharat Mission” through webcast from Mumbai, Shri Goyal urged them to remain committed towards cleanliness and devote time for that. He said every step taken towards cleanliness will help the country remain clean which will lead to economic prosperity.

Shri Goyal said that energy family will play an important role in realizing the dream of the Prime Minister to make India neat & clean. He expressed the hope that every citizen will get inspired by the Prime Minister’s initiative for the cleanliness drive today and will contribute to this noble cause. Pointing out that there are enormous economic benefits of making the country clean , he said it will increase tourism, employment opportunities and income . Shri Goyal said that all employees should resolve to work together to project the image of a clean India to the world in the coming days.

In New Delhi , the Secretaries of Ministries of Power, Coal & New & Renewable Energy administered the cleanliness pledge in their respective offices . At Sharam Shakti Bhawan, Shri PK Sinha, Secretary Power , Shri SK Srivastava , Secretary Coal at Ministry of Coal in Shastri Bhawan and Shri Updendra Tripathy , Sceretary MNRE at CGO Complex led the cleaning drive . Senior officers and staff members in large numbers participated in the drive.

Similarly, in all the PSUs under Ministries of Power, Coal & New & Renewable Energy , respective CMDs and unit heads throughout the country administered cleanliness pledge to the officers and staff members. Title: Power Ministry Initiates Several Measures for Promoting Energy Efficiency in Lighting Sector

Date: 8th October, 2014

BEE & EESL to Develop Business Model for Procuring Led Bulbs

Light Emitting Diode (LED ) are emerging as the most energy-efficient source of lighting, with a LED bulb using 1/10th as much energy as a normal incandescent bulb and half as much energy as a Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) to produce the same amount of light. However, the major challenge has been its high cost. The first LED lamp made in India, in 2010 was sold for Rs.1200.

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power initiated a systematic process to exploit the energy saving potential of LEDs, and to bring them into large scale use as soon as possible. Consequently, a roadmap was prepared, in close cooperation with the lighting industry, which sought to: (a) ensure the quality and reliability of LED lamps; (b) reduce the price of LED lamps, initially through large scale public procurement and then through a labelling programme; and (c) facilitate awareness and demonstration of this lighting through its technology. BEE simultaneously promoted demand for LED bulbs and for LED streetlights by providing financial support to all states to set up demonstration projects to highlight the lighting quality and energy savings of this technology. Further, in order to enhance demand for LED bulbs , the Ministry of Power, decided that henceforth all bulbs provided to below- poverty line households at the time of connection, estimated to be about 3.4 million, under the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyuthikaran Yojana (RGGVY) would use LED technology. At the same time, a number of electricity distribution companies have also entered into agreements with LED manufacturers for the supply of LED bulbs at preferential prices to their consumers.

All lighting manufacturers have established manufacturing facilities for LED-based lighting system in India, and have started training programmes for lighting engineers and demonstration programmes in various buildings to showcase this technology.

BEE together with EESL (Energy Efficiency Services Limited, a joint venture of 4 power sector central PSUs) have worked with electricity distribution companies to develop a business model under which EESL procures LED bulbs in bulk and sells them to households at Rs.10 instead of the market price of Rs.400. The electricity distribution companies then repays EESL, over a period of 5 to 8 years from the savings that accrue due to use of this energy efficient lighting technology. EESL has already completed a number of projects to retrofit existing streetlights to energy efficient LED streetlights as well as a 7.5 lakh LED bulb replacement project for households in Pudhuchery. This resulted in reduction of cost of LED bulbs from Rs.400/- to Rs.310/- inclusive of warranty.

Recently in August this year , following the signing of MOU between EESL and Government of Andhra Pradesh, EESL completed the procurement process of 20 lakh LED bulbs last week. Almost the entire lighting industry participated in the bid and the lowest quoted price was Rs.204/- per LED bulb. This is almost 35% less than the Puducherry LED price and about 50% below the price at the beginning of the year.

The rapid price reduction as a result of aggregation of demand augurs well for promoting energy efficiency in lighting sector with the state of the art LED technology. At a price of Rs.204, LED are just 30-40% costlier than CFLs. As compared to CFLs, LEDs are 50% more energy efficient apart from not using mercury as is the case with CFL. Also, LEDs have life that is 4-5 times more than CFLs and therefore are cheaper option on life cycle cost basis. A barrier of use of LEDs in household sector is the lack of standardisation and awareness. BEE will now be launching a labelling programme, coupled with an outreach and awareness campaign, to drive the LED demand significantly. The present demand of ICLs and CFLs is more than 1.1 billion units every year.

Increase in domestic demand would further reduce cost of LED bulbs with larger production capacities getting created in India. Also, along with standardisation and awareness generation, bulk public procurement could also spur demand and lead to price reduction in an accelerated manner. Title: Fifth SAARC Energy Ministers Meeting Begins Tomorrow in New Delhi

Date: 15th October, 2014

Meet to Consider Enhanced Cooperation in Energy Sector

The Fifth Meeting of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Energy Ministers will be held on the 16th and 17th October 2014 in New Delhi , with an aim to strengthen energy cooperation among the member countries of the organisation. Shri. Piyush Goyal , Minister of State (I/C) for Power , Coal and Renewable Energy is scheduled to inaugurate the meeting on the 17th morning.

The energy ministers` meeting will be preceded by a meeting of senior officials of the SAARC on the 16th October. A number of important issues, related to the Energy sector in the member countries would dominate the discussions.

Apart from the host country India, Energy Ministers and senior officials from the SAARC member countries, viz, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are expected to participate in the two-day meeting.

The agenda of the meeting include review of status of implementation of decisions of the Fourth Meeting of SAARC Energy Ministers held in Dhaka, on 15 September 2011 and consideration of the Report of the Senior Officials Meeting held in New Delhi, on 16 October 2014. It also includes consideration of the issues related to enhanced cooperation in energy sector amongst the SAARC countries.

Background:

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was created in 1985 with its Secretariat in Kathmandu, Nepal. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are the Members of this Association.

The process of regional cooperation in energy sector began in January 2000 with the establishment of a Technical Committee on Energy. Thereafter, recognizing that this vital area requires focused attention, the Council of Ministers approved the creation of a specialized Working Group on Energy in January 2004 to conduct a study on the concept of the South Asian Energy Ring and constituted Ministerial level Energy Forum through the Islamabad declaration of the 12th SAARC Summit.

The First Meeting of the SAARC Energy Ministers was held at Islamabad, on 1 October 2005 which decided the formation of an Expert Group to deliberate on the options and potential of energy conservation and energy efficiency measures and to formulate a road map for implementation in the SAARC region. The Expert Group formulated a Road Map for implementation by the Member States. The second meeting of the SAARC Energy Ministers was held on 7th March 2007 in New Delhi. The third meeting of the SAARC Energy Ministers was held in Colombo on 29th January 2009. The fourth meeting of the SAARC energy Ministers was held in Dhaka on 14-15 September 2011, Bangladesh.

Under SAARC energy cooperation, following Expert Groups have been constituted:

Expert Group Lead Country Oil and Gas Bangladesh Electricity India Renewable Energy Pakistan Technology/knowledge sharing (including energy efficiency, coal etc.) India

Title: SAARC Countries Finalized Framework Agreement for Energy Cooperation

Date: 17th October, 2014

The 5th SAARC Energy Ministers Meeting has finalized the SAARC Framework Agreement for Energy Cooperation (Electricity). This is a significant achievement of the Ministers’ meeting, as this Agreement has been pending since 2010 and is a crucial step towards developing a SAARC Market for Electricity (SAME) on a regional basis.

Two days meeting concluded here with the Ministers assurance to get the Framework Agreement approved from their respective Governments so that it could be signed during the forthcoming SAARC Summit scheduled to be held in November, 2014 in Kathmandu, Nepal.

India proposed to host the Seminar on “Sharing Experiences on Energy Pricing Mechanism in the SAARC Region”. India also proposed to host the Second Meeting of the Expert Group on Technology/Knowledge Sharing (including Energy Efficiency, coal, etc.) in 2015.

Bangladesh will convene the Meeting of Energy Regulators /Bodies in SAARC countries by December 2014.

The Meeting noted that all the four Expert Groups have already finalized their ToR and Work Plans and urged the lead Member States to continue convening of Expert Group meetings regularly, preferably on annual basis.

The Member States apprised the Meeting of the initiatives taken with regard to Renewable Energy projects. The Meeting referred the matter to the Expert group on Renewable Energy for further deliberations.

The meeting approved the 8 reports of earlier meetings of the Working Group on Energy, separate Expert Groups on Electricity, Technology and Knowledge Sharing, Renewable Energy and the reports of the Inter-governmental Meetings on “Study on South Asian Regional Power Exchange”, organized by ADB.

The Indian side presented two Concept Reports namely, “Framework for planning cross-border transmission links and associated system strengthening through joint system studies” and “Operation of stable and secure SAARC Electricity grids”. Bangladesh has also prepared the Concept Paper on “Structures, functions and institutional mechanisms for SAARC regulatory issues on electricity exchange/trade” and the same would be circulated among Member States, shortly. Member States will offer their views/comments on the Concept Papers by 31 December 2014.

The next meeting of the SAARC Energy Ministers’ will be held in Nepal.

Background:

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established in 1985, with its Secretariat in Kathmandu, Nepal. The process of regional cooperation in energy sector began in January 2000 with the establishment of a Technical Committee on Energy. Thereafter, through the Islamabad Declaration at the 12th SAARC Summit in 2004, the Ministerial level Energy Forum was constituted.

The First Meeting of the SAARC Energy Ministers was held at Islamabad in 2005. This was the fifth meeting of the Energy Ministers held after a gap of three years. This meeting was preceded by Secretary level SAARC Senior officials meeting on 16th October 2014. Ministry of Water Resources Title: Storage Status of 85 Important Reservoirs of the Country as on October 01, 2014

Date: 7th October, 2014

The Water Storage available in 85 important reservoirs of the country as on October 01, 2014 was 121.396 BCM which is 78% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. This storage is 91% of the storage of corresponding period of last year and 102% of storage of average of last ten years. The present storage position during current year is less than storage position of last year but better than the average storage of last ten years.

Central Water Commission monitors live storage status of 85 important reservoirs of the country on weekly basis. These reservoirs include 37 reservoirs having hydropower benefit with installed capacity of more than 60 MW. The total storage capacity of these reservoirs is 155.046 BCM which is about 61% of the storage capacity of 253.388 BCM which is estimated to have been created in the country.

REGION WISE STORAGE STATUS

NORTHERN REGION

The northern region includes States of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan. There are 6 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 18.01 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 14.64BCM which is 81% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 92% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 81% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year and equal to the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

EASTERN REGION

The Eastern region includes States of Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Tripura. There are 15 reservoirs in this region having total live storage capacity of 18.83 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 15.42 BCM which is 82% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 83% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 78% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year but better than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

WESTERN REGION

The Western region includes States of Gujarat and Maharashtra. There are 22 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 24.54 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 20.03BCM which is 82% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 86% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was81% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the storage of last year but better than the average storage of last ten years.

CENTRAL REGION

The Central region includes States of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. There are 12 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 42.30BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 35.02BCM which is 83% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 89% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 67% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the storage of last year but better than the average storage of last ten years.

SOUTHERN REGION

The Southern region includes States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. There are 30 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 51.37 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 36.29BCM which is 71% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 83% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 80% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year and also less than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

States having better storage than last year for corresponding period are Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. State having equal storage than last year for corresponding period was Odisha. States having lesser storage than last year for corresponding period are Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Tripura, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Title: Government to hold Specific Consultation with Grossly Polluting Industries along Ganga

Date: 7th October, 2014

Day Long Programme to be addressed by Various Union Ministers

In continuation to Ganga Manthan, a specific consultation with Grossly Polluting Industries (GPIs) located in five states along Ganga river main stem will be held here tomorrow. The discussion would involve presentations from Central Control Pollution Board (CCPB) on the regulatory framework and from the leading industrial associations regarding the actions taken and challenges faced in order to abate the pollution generated during the industrial processes. The consultation is also likely to be attended by members of industrial associations, senior government officials and Union Ministers from key ministries involved in Ganga rejuvenation. Such consultations hold an important role in laying the plan for ‘Namami Gange’ – an ambitious project of Government of India to achieve the objective of Ganga Rejuvenation.

In the inaugural session, there would be address of Shri RR Mishra, Mission Director, National Mission on Clean Ganga and Shri Susheel Kumar Chairman, CPCB. Prof. Vinod Tare, Co-ordinator of IIT Consortium preparing the Ganga River Basin Management Plan (GRBMP) will be making a presentation on “Industrial Pollution in River Ganga: Issues and Challenges”. Shri Sunil Dave of CPCB will make a presentation on the regulatory framework for Industrial Pollution Abatement. This will be followed by a keynote address by Dr RK Pachauri, Director General-TERI and Chairman IPCC. After the inaugural address, consultation with Industrial Associations will take place where industrial associations of key industries located along Ganga main stem will talk about the actions taken and challenges faced in order to abate the water pollution generated during the industrial processes. An open forum after industrial consultation will be provided to the participants to keep their views and to provide suggestions for industrial pollution abatement. Union Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change; Union Minister of Tourism and Culture; Union Minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation; and, Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport, Rural Development, Drinking Water and Sanitation will present the concluding remarks.

Ganga Manthan, a national dialogue on river Ganga, organized on July 07, 2014 at New Delhi marked the beginning of a national level stakeholder interaction on the challenges, issues and possible solutions to achieve the ambitious objective of ‘Ganga Rejuvenation’.

As estimated by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), about 501 MLD of industrial wastewater after treatment is being discharged into river Ganga from the 764 Grossly Polluted Industries (GPI).Grossly Polluting Industries are those industries, which (I) discharge their effluents into a water course including rivers and lakes, and (ii) are either involved in manufacture & use of hazardous substances or discharge effluents with a BOD load of 100kg/day or more, or both. Type of industries located along the main stem of river Ganga include tanneries, distilleries, pulp and paper, textiles & dyeing, slaughter houses etc. that discharge its effluents into the river Ganga. In terms of number, tanneries are dominant whereas in terms of waste water, maximum is generated by Pulp and paper industries. Considering the high toxicity of Industrial effluents, it is extremely important to abate the industrial pollution in order to save our holy river Ganga. Title: Uma Bharti Seeks Cooporation of Industry in Clean Ganga Mission Dialogue on Industrial Pollution in River Ganga Held

Date: 8th October, 2014

Union Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Minister Sushri Uma Bharti has sought the cooperation of various industries in clean Ganga Mission. Addressing the national dialogue on industrial pollution in river Ganga held here today, she said industries along the river Ganga can contribute a lot in the mission by self regulatory provisions. The Minister expressed the hope that Ganga Rejuvenation Programme will set a parameter for other rivers of the country.

Earlier addressing the gathering, Union Minister for Environment, Forests and climate change Shri Prakash Javadekar said that Government has given time till March next year to over seven hundred Grossly Polluting Industries to follow the environment norms. He said after this sensors will be installed in these industries to check the pollution level. Shri Javadekar said that his Ministry is working in close tandem with the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation to fulfill the clean Ganga Mission of the Government

Today’s dialogue involved specific consultation with Grossly Polluting Industries (GPIs) located in five states along Ganga river main stem. The discussions involved presentations from Central Control Pollution Board (CCPB) on the regulatory framework and from the leading industrial associations regarding the actions taken and challenges faced in order to abate the pollution generated during the industrial processes. The consultation was attended by members of industrial associations and senior government officials from key Ministries involved in Ganga rejuvenation. An open forum was provided to the participants to keep their views and to provide suggestions for industrial pollution abatement. Title: Storage Status of 85 Important Reservoirs of the Country as on October 09, 2014

Date: 10th October, 2014

The Water Storage available in 85 important reservoirs of the country as on October 09, 2014 was 118.589 BCM which is 76% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. This storage is 89% of the storage of corresponding period of last year and 100% of storage of average of last ten years. The present storage position during current year is less than storage position of last year but better than the average storage of last ten years.

Central Water Commission monitors live storage status of 85 important reservoirs of the country on weekly basis. These reservoirs include 37 reservoirs having hydropower benefit with installed capacity of more than 60 MW. The total storage capacity of these reservoirs is 155.046 BCM which is about 61% of the storage capacity of 253.388 BCM which is estimated to have been created in the country.

REGION WISE STORAGE STATUS:

NORTHERN REGION

The northern region includes States of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan. There are 6 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 18.01 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 14.28BCM which is 79% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 90% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 80% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year and also less than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

EASTERN REGION

The Eastern region includes States of Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Tripura. There are 15 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 18.83 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 15.11 BCM which is 80% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 87% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 79% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year but better than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

WESTERN REGION

The Western region includes States of Gujarat and Maharashtra. There are 22 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 24.54 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 19.40BCM which is 79% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 88% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was81% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the storage of last year and also less than the average storage of last ten years.

CENTRAL REGION

The Central region includes States of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. There are 12 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 42.30BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 34.56BCM which is 82% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 89% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 66% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the storage of last year but better than the average storage of last ten years.

SOUTHERN REGION

The Southern region includes States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. There are 30 reservoirs in this region having total live storage capacity of 51.37 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 35.25BCM which is 69% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 81% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 81% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year and also less than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

States having better storage than last year for corresponding period are Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.States having lesser storage than last year for corresponding period are Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, Rajasthan, Odisha, West Bengal, Tripura, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Title: Shriram Vedire Appointed as Advisert to the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation

Date: 16th October, 2014)

Shri Shriram Vedire has been appointed as adviser to the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of India. He will be advising the Ministry in all the matters pertaining to the water sector that includes Ganga Rejuvenation, Inter-linking of Rivers, ensuring availability of clean and potable water,ensuring availability of adequate water for agricultural purposes to ensure food security to the nation and on any such matters as may be referred to by the Ministry. These issues have become very critical to the Nation and have been under the judicial scrutiny of apex court for quite some time and also a matter of concern of Parliament.

Shri Vedire worked as an Engineer for 15 years in USA and returned to India in 2009. He was associated with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Water Resources and advised it on various aspects of Water Management (like `Ground Water Recharge`, `National Water Policy 2012` etc.). He was also a member of the team set up by the Union Minister for Water Resources Sushri Uma Bharti to study and suggest measures to maintain Aviral (un-interrupted and continuous) flow of River Ganga at Tehri Dam and other such dams obstructing the river’s flow. The team has visited Tehri and other places all along River Ganga and Shri Vedire has given some technical solutions on how to maintain Aviral flow of River Ganga from Gangotri to Ganga Sagar all through River Ganga’s 2,500 km course.

Shri Vedire is currently a member of the Task Force set up by the Government of Rajasthan on ‘Integrated command and catchment area development in the State of Rajasthan’. He has also submitted a report on revival of River Saraswati, an ambitious project of Government of Rajasthan. He has written several books which includes “Gujarat’s success story in Water Management”, “Water Grid for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh using Rivers Godavari and Krishna” and “Innovative Water Management Practices indispensable for India. Title: Storage Status of 85 Important Reservoirs of the Country as on October 16, 2014

Date: 17th October, 2014

The Water Storage available in 85 important reservoirs of the country as on October 16, 2014 was 116.246 BCM which is 75% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. This storage is 87% of the storage of corresponding period of last year and 99% of storage of average of last ten years. . The present storage position during current year is less than the storage position of last year and also less than the average storage of last ten years.

Central Water Commission monitors live storage status of 85 important reservoirs of the country on weekly basis. These reservoirs include 37 reservoirs having hydropower benefit with installed capacity of more than 60 MW. The total storage capacity of these reservoirs is 155.046 BCM which is about 61% of the storage capacity of 253.388 BCM which is estimated to have been created in the country.

REGION WISE STORAGE STATUS NORTHERN REGION The northern region includes States of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan. There are 6 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 18.01 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 13.82BCM which is 77% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 90% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 78% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year and also less than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

EASTERN REGION The Eastern region includes States of Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Tripura. There are 15 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 18.83 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 14.80 BCM which is 79% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 88% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 79% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year and equal to the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

WESTERN REGION The Western region includes States of Gujarat and Maharashtra. There are 22 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 24.54 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 18.86BCM which is 77% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 89% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 81% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the storage of last year and also less than the average storage of last ten years.

CENTRAL REGION The Central region includes States of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. There are 12 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 42.30BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 34.67 BCM which is 82% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 89% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 65% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the storage of last year but better than the average storage of last ten years.

SOUTHERN REGION The Southern region includes States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. There are 30 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 51.37 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 34.09BCM which is 66% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 79% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 80% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year and also less than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

States having better storage than last year for corresponding period are Chhattisgarh and Tamil Nadu. States having equal storage than last year for corresponding period are Jharkhand and Karnataka. States having lesser storage than last year for corresponding period are Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Odisha,West Bengal, Tripura, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. Title: Inter-Linking of Rivers Can be Achieved within Seven to Ten Years says Uma Bharti

Date: 17th October, 2014

First Meeting of the Special Committee for Inter-Linking of Rivers Held

Inter-linking of rivers is the dream project of NDA government. This was stated by Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti here today while presiding over the first meeting of the special committee for Inter-linking of Rivers. She sought cooperation of various states in the inter-linking of rivers. Referring to the apprehensions expressed by some environmentalists, the Minister said that the Government will ensure that there is no loss to the environment due to this project. Sushri Bharti said that this project is so dear to her so that she can go and beg for assistance to any State, Organization or individual for the success of this project. The Minister said the inter-linking of rivers will be a mile stone in the development of the nation. She said success of this project will prove that environment and development can go together. She expressed the hope that the 30 interlinking projects taken up by her Ministry will be over within a period of seven to ten years.

The Minister also informed the meeting that her Ministry will be organizing a three day conference titled Jal Manthan in the second week of next month in the national capital. She said a full day will be earmarked for discussion on inter-linking of rivers during the conference.

Ministers and senior officials from the state of Bihar, Telangana, Assam, Kerala, Rajasthan, Gujrat, UP, AP, MP, Tamil Nadu and Maharasthara attended the meeting. Shri Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Water Resources Minister of Bihar was of the view that we should have a national policy on silt management of rivers. He said the meeting of committee should be held in regular intervals so that problems related to inter-linking can be solved at the earliest. The Water Resources Minister of Assam Shri Rajib Lochan Pegu suggested that a separate meeting of North Eastern State should be called on the issue of inter- linking of rivers. Shri Harish Rao, Water Resources Minister of Telangana was of the opinion that linking of peninsular rivers with Himalayan rivers should be taken up on priority basis. He said water should be transferred from one river basin to another only when there is surplus water in one basin. The Tamil Nadu government representative was of the opinion that all inter state rivers should be taken over by the centre for proper implementation of the inter linking of rivers of the country.

It may be recalled that Supreme Court of India vide its Judgment dated February 21, 2012 in WP (C) 512 of 2002 along with WP (C) 668 of 2002 “Networking of Rivers” had directed for setting up a special Committee for inter-linking of Rivers. The Government of India vide its resolution dated December 13, 2002 constituted the “Task Force on Interlinking of Rivers under the chairmanship of Shri Suresh Prabhu, a former Union Minister. An expert group from IIM. Ahmedabad set up by the Task Force submitted in December 2006, a Report on “Organizational Structure for Interlinking of Rivers”. Subsequently, vide Gazetted Notification dated September 23, 2014 the Ministry of Water Resource, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation constituted a special committee for inter-linking of rivers under the chairpersonship for Union Minister for Water Resource, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. The Director General of National Water Development Agency is the Member Secretary of the Committee. Title: Expert Advisory Group Constituted to Render Assistance to Matters Pertaining to Water Sector

Date: 20th October, 2014

An Expert Advisory Group under the Chairmanship of Shri BN Navalawala, Ex-Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, as Chief Adviser has been constituted to render assistance to the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation in matters pertaining to water sector

The Expert Advisory Group will have two other members as Advisers appointed from time to time. The other members would be appointed in consultation with the Chief Adviser. The group may co-opt any other experts for a specific purpose and specified period with the prior approval of the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.

Shri Navalawala obtained B.E. (Civil) degree from Gujarat University and joined government service as an Engineer. He was advisor to Gujarat CM and was also member of UPSC.

An internationally renowned water-resources expert with specialisation in planning, design and execution of multipurpose water resources projects, flood management and economic planning & financial management of water resources, he is the first Asian to have been elected in September, 2001 as the Chairman of the Working Group of ICID (International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage) for Research and Development for Water Resources and he is also the first water resources official in the country to achieve the honour of being the recipient of an “Award of Excellence” in recognition of his “exceptional” contribution of ICID and World Food security from the ICID in July, 2002. He is a fellow of Institution of Engineers (India) and a Life Member of Indian Water Resources Society. He is also a Member of American Society of Civil Engineers.

During his professional career, he has accomplished a number of challenging tasks including laying the underwater HDPE pipeline across Sea Creek between Ghoghala-Diu in 1976 for the first time in the country and designing and executing pre-fabricated reinforced cement concrete troughs for canal distribution system for Damanganga Multi-purpose project for the first time in the country in 1982-83. He also worked as Adviser (Water Resources), in the Planning Commission and dealt with overall planning, policy formulation and allocation of financial resources for water resource sector including Rural and Urban Water Supply and Sanitation under Annual Plans and Five Year Plans of States and Central sectors.

Shri Navalawala has worked as a member of a number of important National Committees set up by the Government of India for policy formulation like the Committee of National Rehabilitation Policy, Committee on Inter-State Basin Organisations, Committee on Pricing of Irrigation Water etc. From February 1991 to June 1996, he was the Chairman of Special Committee on History, Education, Training, Research and Future Developments of the Indian National Committee on Irrigation & Drainage. Besides, he was also associated with the formulation and implementation of the World Bank-supported International Programme for Technology Research in Irrigation & Drainage (IPTRD), which was launched in 1990 to address the need for technology research in irrigation and drainage being critical to the global objectives of food security, environmental sustainability and poverty alleviation. He has rich experience of working at various international organization like, World Bank, FAO, UNDP, IWMI-Sri Lanka.

Shri Navalawala was leader of the team of the Indian National Committee on Irrigation & Drainage which visited Sri Lanka in 1993 for working out the collaborative programmes to be undertaken in India by the International Irrigation Management Institute. As an expert, he was invited at the Expert Consultation on “Irrigation Management Transfer in Asia” and “Modernisation of Irrigation Schemes – Past experiences and Future Options” both held by the FAO at Bangkok in Sept. 1995 and Nov. 1996 respectively. He represented India in the first International Congress on Irrigation Systems Transfer held in Mexico in 2000 and participated in the International conference on Fresh Water, 2001, held at Bonn (Germany) in Dec. 2001. Shri Navalawala has published at international and national level as many as 81 papers on crucial issues like Inter-State river-water disputes, economics of Irrigation projects, Irrigation Water Pricing, Irrigation Management, Operation and Maintenance of Irrigation Systems, Flood Insurance, Water-logging, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, Participatory Irrigation Management, Perspective Planning for Water Resources Development etc. Title: States to be taken into Confidence about Ganga says Uma Bharti

Date: 27th October, 2014

Meeting of the Reconstituted National Ganga River Basin Authority Held

Union minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti has said that no decision about Ganga rejuvenation will be taken by the centre without taking into confidence the concerned States. Addressing the fourth meeting of the National Ganga River Basin Authority here today she said a committee comprising additional secretaries of ministry of Environment and Water Resources has been asked to study and give its suggestions on the recommendations of Chopra committee, Chaturvedi committee and IIT committee. Sushri Bharti said this committee will recommend e-flow of rivers from the existing Dams and dams to be constructed in future. The Minister said henceforth meetings of the authority will be held at least once in three month. Sushri Bharti also asked States to hold meeting of State Programme Monitoring Groups (SPMG) on regular basis and requested them to hold its next meeting within a month. The Minister also requested the States to fillup the vacant post in SPMGs on priority. She said a national volunteer force called Ganga Vahini will be set up on the pattern of red cross. This force will comprise youth, students, ex-servicemen and others and will spread the message of Ganga rejuvenation all over the country.

The meeting was also attended by Union Environment Minister Shri Prakash Javadekar, Union Surface Transport Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Power Minister Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Science and Technology Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, Chief Minister of Uttrakhand Shri Harish Rawat and Water Resources Ministers of UP, Bihar and West Bengal besides other senior officials and experts.

Title: Storage Status of 85 Important Reservoirs of the Country as on October 22, 2014 Date: 28th October, 2014)

The Water Storage available in 85 important reservoirs of the country as on October 22, 2014 was 114.267 BCM which is 74% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. This storage is 86% of the storage of corresponding period of last year and 98% of storage of average of last ten years. The present storage position during current year is less than the storage position of last year and also less than the average storage of last ten years.

Central Water Commission monitors live storage status of 85 important reservoirs of the country on weekly basis. These reservoirs include 37 reservoirs having hydropower benefit with installed capacity of more than 60 MW. The total storage capacity of these reservoirs is 155.046 BCM which is about 61% of the storage capacity of 253.388 BCM which is estimated to have been created in the country.

REGION WISE STORAGE STATUS:

NORTHERN REGION

The northern region includes States of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan. There are 6 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 18.01 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 12.44BCM which is 69% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 89% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 77% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year and also less than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

EASTERN REGION

The Eastern region includes States of Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Tripura. There are 15 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 18.83 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 15.50 BCM which is 82% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 91% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 78% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year but better than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

WESTERN REGION

The Western region includes States of Gujarat and Maharashtra. There are 22 reservoirs in this region having total live storage capacity of 24.54 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 18.73BCM which is 76% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 88% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 80% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the storage of last year and also less than the average storage of last ten years.

CENTRAL REGION

The Central region includes States of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. There are 12 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 42.30BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 34.75BCM which is 82% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 90% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 64% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the storage of last year but better than the average storage of last ten years.

SOUTHERN REGION

The Southern region includes States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. There are 30 reservoirs in this region having total live storage capacity of 51.37 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 32.85BCM which is 64% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 79% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 79% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year and also less than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

States having better storage than last year for corresponding period are Chattisgarh and Tamil Nadu. States having lesser storage than last year for corresponding period are Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Tripura, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala. Title: Uma Bharti to Visit Kanpur Tomorrow

Date: 30th October, 2014

Union Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Minister Sushri Uma Bharti will be visiting Kanpur tomorrow. She will inspect 25 major drains which fall into Ganga river and will have discussion with local officials. The Minister will be accompanied by a team of experts including Secretary of her Ministry.

Title: Storage Status of 85 Important Reservoirs of the Country as on October 30, 2014

Date: 31st October, 2014

The Water Storage available in 85 important reservoirs of the country as on October 30, 2014 was 114.345 BCM which is 74% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. This storage is 85% of the storage of corresponding period of last year and 100% of storage of average of last ten years. The present storage position during current year is less than the storage position of last year and equal to storage of average of last ten years.

Central Water Commission monitors live storage status of 85 important reservoirs of the country on weekly basis. These reservoirs include 37 reservoirs having hydropower benefit with installed capacity of more than 60 MW. The total storage capacity of these reservoirs is 155.046 BCM which is about 61% of the storage capacity of 253.388 BCM which is estimated to have been created in the country.

REGION WISE STORAGE STATUS:

NORTHERN REGION

The northern region includes States of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan. There are 6 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 18.01 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 12.92 BCM which is 72% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 88% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 76% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year and also less than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

EASTERN REGION

The Eastern region includes States of Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Tripura. There are 15 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 18.83 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 15.43 BCM which is 82% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 92% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 77% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year but better than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

WESTERN REGION

The Western region includes States of Gujarat and Maharashtra. There are 22 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 24.54 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 18.31 BCM which is 75% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 88% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was79% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the storage of last year and also less than the average storage of last ten years.

CENTRAL REGION

The Central region includes States of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. There are 12 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 42.30 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 34.44 BCM which is 81% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 90% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 63% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the storage of last year but better than the average storage of last ten years.

SOUTHERN REGION

The Southern region includes States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. There are 30 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 51.37 BCM. The total live storage available in these reservoirs is 33.25 BCM which is 65% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 81% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 78% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year and also less than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

States having better storage than last year for corresponding period is Tamil Nadu. States having lesser storage than last year for corresponding period are Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Tripura, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala. Ministry of Science & Technology Title: Mou Signed Between India & Canada in the Areas of Science and Technology

Date: 15th October, 2014

Dr. Jitendra Singh Launch’s A Joint Indo-Canadian Science Programme Focusing on Clean Water Technologies

Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, today launched a joint Indo-Canadian science programme focusing on clean water technologies.

During his meeting with the Canadian Minister for International Trade, Ed Fast and the Canadian Minister for National Revenue, Kerry Findlay, who called on at his Anusandhan Bhawan office here today, Dr Jitendra Singh said, it was a matter of great satisfaction with a sense of achievement that just about two months back he had mooted the idea with the Canadian High Commissioner when the latter called on him and today within this short period, we are able to conclude a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the presence of two senior members of the Canadian Council of Ministers.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that the new programme will be pursued through a joint collaboration between the Department of Science & Technology under his ministry and the National Science and Engineering Council of Canada. This joint venture would enable building up of ‘Safe and Sustainable Infrastructure’ and ‘Integrated Water Management’, thus addressing the vital aspects related to effective water management and clean water supply, he added, and observed that today’s joint declaration is a way forward to the recent joint call by India and Canada to work towards the goal of “Water for Health”.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that while on the one hand this new initiative is in keeping with the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s “Clean River Mission” and “Clean Ganga Mission”, on the other hand this joint participation will help develop a value based relationship and also enable to promote industrial research & development (R&D) projects with application potential through participation of scientific institutions and industrial units.

Dr Jitendra Singh further informed that the Department of Bio-Technology under his Ministry is already, in cooperation with Canadian agencies, working on a number of projects to develop a software product for non-invasive detection of tumours using MRI and PET images. This will also contribute in making India a manufacturing hub for affordable and innovative products taking cue from Prime Minister’s widely acclaimed “Make in India” call.

The visiting delegation of Canadian Ministers appreciated the initiative and the interest shown by Dr Jitendra Singh and felt happy to collaborate with the Indian Ministry of Science & Technology under his able and inspiring leadership.

Canadian Trade Minister, Ed Fast announced the hosting of India-Canada Science & Technology Meet in his country next year during spring season and also offered to provide all help in India’s Clean River Mission.

Other members of the Canadian delegation who accompanied the two Ministers included Nadir Patel, incoming High Commissioner of Canada in New Delhi, Bob Dechert, Parliamentary Secretary, Canadian Ministry of Justice, Lise-Ann Jackson, Director Operations, Rosaline Kwan, Senior Trade Commissioner and Tina Shih, Trade Commissioner while on the Indian side the Minister Dr Jitendra Singh was accompanied by Dr Arabinda Mitra, Advisor & Head, International Cooperation (Bilateral) and Dr Renu Swarup, Scientist ‘H’ & Senior Advisor of Ministry of Science and Technology. Ministry of Home Affairs Title: Smt. Sneh Lata Kumar says the involvement of the community is a key factor in Disaster Management

Date: 8th October, 2014

Smt. Sneh Lata Kumar, Secretary (Border Management), Ministry of Home Affairs said that the involvement of the community is a key factor in Disaster Management. She was giving inaugural address at the Disaster Reduction Day function, here today.

Smt. Kumar said that India is facing a lot of issues related to disaster management, and the community based disaster management is the solution to overcome this. Participation of community is vital in reducing the risk in disaster management and India is committed to improve the community resilience in disaster management, she added.

Prizes were distributed to the children who won in the national level poster completion held on disaster management. Ministry of Earth Science Title: Swachh Bharat Campaign at Ministry of Earth Sciences Launched by Dr. Jitendra Singh Amid A Call to Participate in the Cleanliness Drive Whole Heartedly

Date: 1st October, 2014

Dr.Jitendra Singh, Minister of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences today called upon the employee in the Ministry of Earth Sciences to participate whole heartedly in the Swachh Bharat campaign and to follow the tenets of cleanliness in their daily affairs too the Minister was formally launching the campaign of ‘Swatchh Bharat in the Ministry of Earth Sciences and here in New Delhi. He also participated in the cleanliness drive and reviewed the action plan for the entire month. Addressing the Scientists/Officers/Staff the Minister emphasized the need for cleanliness which would play a major role in bringing about major attitudinal change in one and all towards swatchhata. He exhorted all the employees of MoES to devote 2 hours a week/100 hours in a year as Shramdan to the nation for achieving Swatchhata Mission as envisaged by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, towards creating a “Swatchh Bharat” that was the dream of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi.

It may be noted that the SwatchhBharat Mission has already been commenced from 25th September, 2014 through conducting a cleanliness drive of the office premises/Offices/ toilets, disposing unserviceable items (e-watse/normal/malwa/debris etc.) from office campus to designated locations in which the Scientists, Officers and Officials of all levels are participating. Under the Mission, a dedicated team including senior officers has been detailed for supervising cleanliness drive and since 25th September, 2014 till date, sizeable quantum of waste including e-waste has been disposed off and effort is on to clean the entire premises of any kind of waste material.

Appreciating the efforts under the cleanliness drive so far, theMinister appealed to everybody to sustain the efforts to deliver a Swatchh Bharat which is visible to all in the next five years.

Title: Memorandum of Understanding Between ESSO-MoES And UCAR, USA for Cooperation in the Field of Earth System Science

Date: 7th October, 2014

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Earth System Science Organization-Ministry of Earth Sciences (ESSO-MoES) and the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), USA was signed here in New Delhi last month for cooperation in Earth System Sciences.

Dr Shailesh Nayak Secretary M/o Earth Sciences said on the occasion that since Weather and climate affects all our activities, this collaboration will act as a step to bring together academia and application scientists to come together. He was joined by UCAR president Thomas Bogdan saying “If we can help advance their forecast skill, it will save lives in India as well as improve our own forecasts for similar events at home,” and also there are some important synergies that can benefit both countries.”

The present MoU will provide a mechanism to jointly undertake research and developmental work to address Earth System Science issues of common concern through exchange of excellent scientific knowledge and technological know how existing in the two countries.

Collaborations are expected to include aircraft and radar technology, now casting of severe weather events, hydrometeorology, satellite data, oceanic and climate research, urban flooding as well as capacity building through scientific lectures and distance learning. A particularly important area is the long-range forecasting, which has extreme value to the Indian economy and caters to the need of the farmers with planting decisions and agricultural practices based on the projected intensity and timing of the next monsoon season.

The MoU covers scientists from a range of institutions from India, to be coordinated and funded by the ESSO-Ministry of Earth Sciences with the scientists from UCAR’s 104 member universities, as well as NCAR (National Centre for Atmospheric Research). Through the MoU, the regional expertise available with Indian scientists will be complemented by the domain expertise available with UCAR.

Title: Cyclonic Storm, ‘HUDHUD’ Over North Andaman Sea & Adjoining Southeast Bay of Bengal, Cyclone Warning for Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Cyclone Alert for North Coastal Andhra Pradesh & South Odisha Coasts

Date: 8th October, 2014

A low pressure area lay over north Andaman Sea on 6th October, 2014. It concentrated into a depression in the morning of 7th October and intensified into a deep depression in the evening of 7thOctober 2014 over the same region. It moved west northwestwards, intensified into a Cyclonic Storm ‘HUDHUD’ in the morning of 8th October 2014 over north Andaman Sea and crossed Andaman & Nicobar Islands close to Long island between 0830 and 0930 hrs IST of today. Moving northwestwards, it lay centered at 1130 hrs IST of 8th October 2014 near latitude 12.5ºN and longitude 92.5ºE about 1100 km southeast of Gopalpur and 1150 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam. The system would continue to move west- northwestwards, intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm during next 24 hours and into a very severe cyclonic storm during subsequent 36 hours. The system would cross north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur around noon of 12th October 2014. Title: Severe Cyclonic Storm, ‘Hudhud’ Over Westcentral Bay of Bengal, Cyclone Warning for North Andhra Pradesh & South Odisha Coasts (Orange Message)

Date:10th October, 2014

The Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘HUDHUD’ over westcentral Bay of Bengal moved northwestwards and intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm. It lay centered at 1130 hrs IST of 10th October 2014 near latitude 14.8 ºN and longitude 87.0 ºE about 500 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam and 550 km south- southeast of Gopalpur. The system would move west-northwestwards, intensify further into a very severe cyclonic storm during next 12 hours. Thereafter, it would cross north Andhra Pradesh coast around Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of 12th October 2014.

Date/Time(IST) Position Maximum sustained surface Category of cyclonic (Lat. 0N/ long. wind speed (kmph) disturbance 0E) 10-10-2014/1130 14.8/87.0 110-120 gusting to 130 Severe Cyclonic Storm 10-10-2014/1730 15.1/86.1 120-130 gusting to 145 Very Severe Cyclonic Storm 10-10-2014/2330 15.4/86.1 120-130 gusting to 145 Very Severe Cyclonic Storm 11-10-2014/0530 15.7/85.6 130-140 gusting to 155 Very Severe Cyclonic Storm 11-10-2014/1130 16.1/85.1 130-140 gusting to 155 Very Severe Cyclonic Storm 11-10-2014/2330 16.7/84.3 130-140 gusting to 155 Very Severe Cyclonic Storm 12-10-2014/1130 17.6/83.0 130-140 gusting to 155 Very Severe Cyclonic Storm 12-10-2014/2330 18.3/82.3 80-90 gusting to 100 Cyclonic Storm 13-10-2014/1130 19.0/81.5 50-60 gusting to 70 Deep Depression 13-10-2014/2330 19.8/80.5 30-40 gusting to 50 Depression

Warning for north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha

(i) Heavy rainfall warning: Under the influence of the system, rainfall at most places with heavy (6.5 – 12.4 cm) to very heavy falls (12.5 – 24.4 cm) at a few places and isolated extremely heavy falls (≥ 24.5 cm) would occur over west and east Godavari, Visakhapatnam, Vijayanagaram and Srikakulam districts of north Andhra Pradesh and Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Kalahandi, Phulbani districts of south Odisha commencing from 11th onwards. Rainfall would occur at most places with heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over Krishna, Guntur and Prakasham districts of Andhra Pradesh and north coastal Odisha during the same period.

(ii) Wind warning: Squally wind speed reaching 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph would commence along and off north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts from 11th morning onwards. The wind speed would gradually increase to 130-140 kmph gusting to 155 kmph from 12th morning along and off north Andhra Pradesh (East Godavari, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts) and 80-90 kmph along and off adjoining districts of south Andhra Pradesh (West Godavari, Krishna districts) and south Odisha (Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput and Malkangiri districts). (iii) Sea condition along and off north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts: Sea condition would be rough to very rough from 11th morning. It would gradually become phenomenal from 12th morning onwards along and off north Andhra Pradesh coast and very rough to high along and off south Odisha coast. (iv) Storm surge warning: Storm surge of about 1-2 meters above astronomical tide would inundate low lying areas of Visakhapatnam, Vijayanagaram and Srikakulam districts of north coastal Andhra Pradesh at the time of landfall.

(v) Damage expected:

A) North Andhra Pradesh (East Godavari, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts): Under the influence of system, extensive damage to kutcha houses. Uprooting of big trees. Partial disruption of power and communication lines. Minor disruption of rail and road traffic. Potential threat from flying debris. Flooding of escape routes. Damage to agricultural crops. Damage to agricultural crops. B) South Andhra Pradesh (West Godavari, Krishna districts) and south Odisha coasts (Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput and Malkangiri districts): Damage to thatched huts. Breaking of tree branches causing minor damage to power and communication lines. Uprooting of small trees. C) Action suggested: A) North Andhra Pradesh (East Godavari, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts): Suspension of fishing operations in area of influence of cyclone. Judicious regulation of aviation, navigation, rail and road traffic. People in affected areas to remain at safe places around landfall period. Mobilise evacuation from coastal areas. B) South Andhra Pradesh (West Godavari, Krishna districts) and south Odisha coasts (Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput and Malkangiri districts): Total suspension of fishing operations.

Kindly visit www.rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in for updates.

Click here to see Annexture: http://pib.nic.in/archieve/others/2014/oct/d2014101005.pdf

Title: 31st DAE Safety & Occupational Health Professionals Meet at Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd. (Bhavini), Kalpakkam

Date: 15th October, 2014

The three day long 31st Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) Safety & Occupational Health Professionals Meet today commenced at Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd. (BHAVINI), Kalpakkam Tamil Nadu). It was inaugurated by Shri S.S. Bajaj, Chairman, AERB. More than 200 delegates along with Chief Executives and Directors of various DAE Units are attending this Meet.

A Monograph on “Safety & Emergency Management at Coastal Site” & “Diabetes Mellitus & Metabolic Syndrome” was released by Shri R. Bhattacharya, Secretary, AERB followed by the briefing about the important milestones, significant achievements of the past Meets and highlights of this year’s Meet. Dr. Prabhat Kumar, Chairman & Managing Director, BHAVINI, Kalpakkam & Chairman, Steering Committee distributed prizes to winners of logo competitions conducted for the Meet and addressed the gathering. The AERB Environmental Protection Awards for the year 2013 were presented to the winners of DAE units, Narara Atomic Power Station (NAPS), NPCIL, Indian Rare Earths Ltd. (OSCOM) and Rajasthan Atomic Power Project 7&8, NPCIL. These units have performed commendable work for the protection, sustainability and preservation of the environment. Shri Bajaj gave away the awards, he also released the technical proceedings, commemorating the Meet and delivered the Inaugural Address. One of the major highlights of this year’s Meet was that the Dr. S.S. Ramaswamy Memorial Endowment Lecture was delivered by Dr. Baldev Raj, Director, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru & Former Director, IGCAR, Kalpakkam on “Tsunami Management at Kalpakkam Nuclear Site”. A Technical Exhibition on Nuclear Technology, Industrial and Fire Safety Appliances, Public Awareness & Safety and Regulatory aspects was organised during the Meet for the benefit of the participants and encourage interactions between industries and DAE units. Shri S.S. Bajaj, Chairman, AERB inaugurated the exhibition. About 10 exhibitors including AERB, BARC, BHAVINI and other manufacturers/suppliers have put up their stalls.

The inaugural session and three technical sessions covering “Safety & Emergency Management at Coastal Site”, “Regulatory Aspects in Safety and Emergency Management Aspects of Nuclear Facilities at Coastal Site”, Guidelines on Cyclone Management and Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome and other areas of interest were arranged . The talks / lectures in the sessions were delivered by renowned experts from DAE as well non-DAE facilities. The Meet will be concluded by a Valedictory Session on 17th October,2014, where in prizes for winners of Poster, Cartoon and Slogan Competitions conducted amongst DAE Employees would be distributed.

Organized jointly organized by Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), Mumbai and Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd. (BHAVINI), Kalpakkam is an occasion to promote and motivate Safety and Occupational Health aspects in DAE. Every year this meet has a different theme. Title: Acquisition of a Polar Research Vessel

Date:29th October, 2014

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the acquisition of Polar Research Vessel (Ice-breaker, Research cum Supply Vessel) by the Ministry of Earth Sciences at a total cost of Rs. 1051.13 crore within a period of 34 months.

The Ministry of Earth Sciences felt necessary to have the country`s own polar research vessel considering the need to sustain two Indian research bases in Antarctica (Maitri and Bharti); dovetailing research initiatives in the Southern Ocean domain with those in the proximal regions of the Antarctic continent; widen the thrust on Arctic research disciplines undertaken through Indian Station Himadri, and to provide a suitable research platform for other tropical sea programmes. Such a vessel, it is envisaged, can not only perform dual functions, research and logistics, in the polar region but can also serve as a research platform for scientists to undertake scientific research in the ocean realm including the Southern Ocean. In the context of India having expanded its scientific presence to the Arctic as well and the country`s growing strategic interests in the polar and ocean domain, a polar research vessel would certainly serve as the perfect vehicle for building up on India’s sustained presence and increased visibility in the ocean sector.

Background:

Indian Antarctic expeditions have been undertaken every year onboard ice-class vessels/ice-breakers chartered from the international market. These vessels have largely been cargo ships capable of transporting men and material and unable to serve as a research platform. With increased demand for cargo vessels and their dwindling availability, the charter charges of these vessels have been escalating over the years.

The First Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica was launched in 1981. From 2004, India embarked on its scientific endeavors in the Southern Ocean realm. In addition, since 2007, Indian scientists have had a sustained presence in the Arctic. With India`s entry into the Arctic Council as an Observer along with China, Singapore, Japan and South Korea, it has become strategically important to have increased visibility in the Arctic too. This will facilitate India to assume a lead role among Asian nations active in the polar regions.

ISSUES BASED DATABASE (NOVEMBER)

Department of Atomic Energy

Title: New Atomic Power Plants

Date: 27th November, 2014

The XII Five Year Plan proposals envisage start of work of nineteen new nuclear power reactors with a total capacity of 17400 MW. The details are as under:

Project Location Capacity (MW) Indigenous Reactors Gorakhpur Haryana Anu Vidyut Pariyojana Gorakhpur, Haryana 2 x 700 (GHAVP 1&2) Chutka Madhya Pradesh Atomic Power Chutka, Madhya 2 x 700 Project (CMPAPP 1&2) Pradesh Mahi Banswara, 1&2 Mahi Banswara, 2 x 700 Rajasthan Kaiga 5 &6 Kaiga, Karnataka 2 x 700 Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR 1&2) Kalpakkam, Tamil 2 x 500 Nadu Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR) Location to be decided 300 Reactors with Foreign Cooperation Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project Kudankulam, Tamil 2 x 1000 (KKNPP 3&4) Nadu Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project (JNPP 1&2) Jaitapur, Maharashtra 2 x 1650 Kovvada, 1&2 Kovvada, Andhra 2 x 1500 Pradesh Chhaya Mithi Virdi, 1&2 Chhaya Mithi Virdi, 2 x 1100 Gujarat

In respect of the reactors to be set up in the future with international cooperation, necessary provisions will be made in the commercial contracts to ensure fuel supply for the entire lifetime of the reactors. In respect of indigenous reactors, the fuel supply will be ensured from indigenous and imported sources (for reactors to be placed under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safeguards). Decisions on use of indigenous/ imported fuel (after placing them under IAEA Safeguards) in respect of new indigenous reactors will be taken by the government at an appropriate time.

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions and in the Prime Minister’s Office Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

Title: Power Generation Through Atomic Energy

Date: 27th November, 2014

There are 20 Nuclear Power Reactors in the country with a total installed capacity of 4780 MW. In addition, Unit-1 of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project, in Tamil Nadu with a capacity of 1000 MW was connected to grid in October 2013. It has so far generated 2825 Million Units (MUs) of electricity. The generation of electricity by the nuclear power reactors in the country was 35333 MUs in the year 2013-14, including 1106 Million units from Kudankulam-1.

The details are as follows:

(i) Additional Protocol with regard to safeguards.

(ii) Regional Cooperation Agreement (RCA) with 21 countries in the Asia Pacific Region and the International atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for collaboration in peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

(iii) Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP) of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) - for collaboration between IAEA and GCNEP for furthering the objectives of GCNEP.

Government plans/proposes to develop and carry forward the nuclear programme in the country.

The resources of xenotime, another rare-earth bearing mineral, are negligible in India. AMD has established about 2000 tonnes of xenotime-bearing heavy mineral concentrate containing 2% xenotime in the riverine heavy mineral placer deposits of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.

Monazite is a mineral mainly containing rare earths and thorium-a prescribed substance to be handled by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). Accordingly, Indian Rare Earths Ltd. (IREL) wholly owned by the Govt. of India, under the administrative control of the Dept. of Atomic Energy (DAE) utilises monazite mainly for production of rare earth compounds, and thorium, as needed in the Department of Atomic Energy.

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions and in the Prime Minister’s Office Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

Title: Thorium Reserves in Country

Date: 27th November, 2014

India has reserves of thorium in sufficient quantity as compared to other parts of world.

The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), a constituent unit of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), has so far established 11.93 million tonnes of in situ resources Monazite (Thorium bearing mineral) in the country, which contains about 1.07 million tonnes of thorium. The state- wise resources of in situ monazite established by AMD as of September 2014 are as follows:

State Monazite (Million tonnes) Odisha 2.41 Andhra Pradesh 3.72 Tamil Nadu 2.46 Kerala 1.90 West Bengal 1.22 Jharkhand 0.22 Total 11.93

Both Uranium and Thorium have got distinctive characteristics governing their utilisation in nuclear reactors. Unlike uranium, thorium alone cannot be directly used as nuclear fuel in a reactor. Utilisation of Thorium with either uranium or plutonium, without going through the second stage of Fast Breeder Reactors, to build sufficient inventory of plutonium first, will be counter-productive by limiting thorium utilisation to a very small fraction of the total available resources in the country. Utilisation of Thorium in the third stage makes it available as a sustainable energy resource for centuries. With this mode of utilisation, Thorium offers not only a sustainable energy resource, but also excellent fuel performance characteristic in a reactor, better than Uranium with respect to lower inventory of long lived nuclear waste.

The three stage Indian nuclear programme was formulated at the inception of the DAE and has as its main stay objective of utilisation of large resources of Thorium in a sustainable manner. As explained above, Thorium cannot be used for overcoming power crisis in the short term.

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions and in the Prime Minister’s Office Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

Title: Deposits of Rare Earths

Date: 27th November, 2014

Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), a constitute unit of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has estimated the presence of 11.93 million tonnes of monazite resources in the beach sand mineral placer deposits along the coastal tracts of India. Monazite in general, contains about 55 – 60% total Rare Earth Oxide. The state-wise resources of in situ monazite established by AMD so far are as follows:

State Monazite (Million tonne) Odisha 2.41 Andhra Pradesh 3.72 Tamil Nadu 2.46 Kerala 1.90 West Bengal 1.22 Jharkhand 0.22 Total 11.93

The resources of xenotime, another rare-earth bearing mineral, are negligible in India. AMD has established about 2000 tonnes of xenotime-bearing heavy mineral concentrate containing 2% xenotime in the riverine heavy mineral placer deposits of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.

Monazite is a mineral mainly containing rare earths and thorium-a prescribed substance to be handled by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). Accordingly, Indian Rare Earths Ltd. (IREL) wholly owned by the Govt. of India, under the administrative control of the Dept. of Atomic Energy (DAE) utilises monazite mainly for production of rare earth compounds, and thorium, as needed in the Department of Atomic Energy.

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions and in the Prime Minister’s Office Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

Title: Stagnation in Agricultural Production

Date: 28th November, 2014

Over the years, the production of major agricultural crops in the country has been generally increasing, except in the years of adverse conditions of monsoon rainfall such as drought, flood and extreme temperature conditions etc.

To increase agricultural production in the country to meet the needs of growing population and to curb the prices of agricultural commodities, Government of India has been implementing various Crop Development Schemes/Programmes such as National Food Security Mission (NFSM), Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP), Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India (BGREI), etc.

Further, to increase productivity and production of agricultural crops in the country, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is having research and development programmes in rice, wheat, maize, millets, fodder crops, oilseeds, pulses, sugarcane, cotton, etc. These research programmes are undertaken by 26 commodity/theme based Research Institutions and 33 All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRPs) & All India Network Projects (AINPs) to develop location-specific crop varieties and matching technologies as per the agro-ecological needs. The crop improvement programmes give emphasis on development of new crop varieties/hybrids with improved quality and tolerance/resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses.

Besides above, to encourage farmers to increase agricultural production by ensuring remunerative prices for their produce, the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) of agricultural commodities have also been increased over the years.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture Shri Mohanbhai Kundaria in the Rajya Sabha today.

GG: SB:CP: stagnation (rajya) 28.11.2014

Title: Decline in Sowing of Oilseed

Date: 28th November, 2014

In Maharashtra, the area coverage under oilseeds during kharif 2014 was higher than normal Kharif area under oilseeds in the State. However, at all India level, kharif coverage of oilseeds was lower than normal kharif area due to late onset of monsoon and drought like situation in various States. Rabi sowing of oilseeds is in progress. The normal and current year area coverage of oilseeds in respect of Maharashtra and all India are given below:-

(lakh hectare)

Year Maharashtra All India Kharif Rabi Kharif Rabi Normal 35.58 3.3 185.8 83.2 2014-15* 39.14 0.4 176.8 54.0

* Area coverage, as on 13/11/2014

As per the 1st advance estimates, all India oilseeds production during kharif 2014 is estimated to be 196.64 lakh tonnes against target of 218.30 lakh tonnes. The target of production of oilseeds in rabi season is 111.70 lakh tonnes. Sowing in rabi season is in progress.

The oilseeds production during kharif 2014 in Maharashtra is estimated to be 43.70 lakh tonnes against target of 49.82 lakh tonnes. The target of rabi oilseeds production is 2.68 lakh tonnes.

To increase production and productivity of oilseeds, National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP) is being implemented in the country from 2014-15.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture Shri Mohanbhai Kundaria in the Rajya Sabha today.

GG: SB:CP: decline (rajya) 28.11.2014

Title: Revival of Agriculture Sector

Date: 28th November, 2014

Agriculture being a State subject, State Governments take up several schemes and programmes in accordance with the agro-climatic conditions, felt needs of the State concerned for development of Agriculture and better income generation of farmers. In addition, Government of India also implements several schemes and provides financial assistance to States for the benefit of farmers for better planning, cultivation and marketing of their agricultural produce. Better extension support, timely agricultural and market information, best agricultural practices, etc. are provided to farmers through State Govts./ Agencies. States are being encouraged to modify their APMC Act and other statutory provisions so as to make those more conducive and beneficial to farmers. Government of India has also facilitates availability of institutional loans/finances to farmers with provisions for interest subvention for timely payment.

During 12th Five Year Plan period, existing fifty one (51) schemes have been stream lined and restructured to ten (10) Missions to improve quality of production and productivity of Agriculture and Allied Sector:

(i) National Food Security Mission (NFSM)

(ii) Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)

(iii) National Mission on Oilseeds & Oil Palm

(iv)National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) including Micro Irrigation

(iv) National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Technology (NMAET)

(v) Integrated Scheme for Farmers Income Security

(vi) Integrated Scheme on Agri. Census & Statistics

(vii) Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Marketing

(viii) Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Cooperation

(ix) Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)

In addition, schemes for promotion of export of agricultural and processed food products are being implemented by Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture Shri Mohanbhai Kundaria in the Rajya Sabha today.

GG: SB:CP: revival (rajya) 28.11.2014

Title: Illegal Sale Of Insecticides And Herbicides

Date: 25th November, 2014

In order to check illegal sale of pesticides in the country, the Central Insecticide Inspectors (168 nos.) and State Insecticide Inspectors (12,335 nos.) draw samples of pesticides for quality testing.

During 2013-14, a total of 63,557 samples of pesticides were drawn, of which 1,495 samples were found to be misbranded. Prosecution has been launched in 476 cases.

In the Pesticides Management Bill, 2008 pending in Parliament, punishments have been prescribed for ‘misbranded’, ‘sub-standard’ and ‘spurious’ pesticides.

This information was given today by Minister of State for Agriculture Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan in a written reply to a Lok Sabha question.

GG:CP : sale (lok) 25.11.2014

Title: Deduction Of Premium Of NAIS

Date: 25th November, 2014

National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) being compulsory for loanee farmers, the Banks are required to deduct the premium from the loan amount of farmers including Kisan Credit Card (KCC).

In fact, the experience has been that under NAIS the claims paid to farmers against crop loss are much more than the premium collected. As against the premium of Rs.10445.65 crore collected from farmers since inception of the scheme in the year 1999, the claims paid till Rabi 2013-14 (as on 20.11.2014) has been Rs.32860.84 crore. Whenever and wherever there is shortfall in yield as compared to threshold yield as per data provided by State Governments, the compensation as admissible under the scheme is paid to the farmers.

Government has recently revised the NAIS and introduced Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS) as one of the components of National Crop Insurance Programme (NCIP), which is comparatively more farmer’s friendly. Further, improvement in existing Crop Insurance Schemes is a continuing process to ensure that farmers are compensated adequately when they suffer damage to their crops due to any non-preventable risks.

The crop insurance is presently based on area approach. However, with a view to ensure that farmers do not suffer, the unit area of insurance has been reduced to village/village Panchayat level under Modified NAIS. Further, a provision has also been made to settle claims in case of localized calamities like hailstorm etc. at individual basis.

This information was given today by Minister of State for Agriculture Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan in a written reply to a Lok Sabha question.

GG:CP : premium (lok) 25.11.2014

Title: Wastage of Agricultural Commodities

Date: 25th November, 2014

Ministry of Agriculture closely and regularly monitors weather events, progress of sowing, crop health etc. in the country, in close coordination with India Meteorological Department (IMD) and State Governments. An inter-Ministerial Crop Weather Watch Group (CWWG) meets every week to review weather and rainfall pattern, crop conditions, water storage and input availability over the country. Weekly video conference with States is also held to get first-hand information about State’s preparedness in the wake of natural calamities and to advise States appropriately whenever needed.

Central Research Institute of Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA), in collaboration with State Agricultural Universities has prepared contingency plans for 576 districts in the country for implementing location specific interventions to sustain agriculture production in the eventuality of drought, flood etc.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has initiated a Network Project entitled ‘National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture’ (NICRA) to enhance resilience of Indian Agriculture to climate change and climate vulnerability through strategic research, technology demonstration, capacity building etc.

Ministry has also commenced near real-time drought assessment of the country since Kharif-2012. The assessment provides information on prevalence, severity level and persistence of agricultural drought at state/district/sub-district level.

In the eventuality of a notified natural calamity, State Governments are empowered to initiate necessary relief measures from State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) which is readily available with them. Additional financial assistance, over and above SDRF, is considered from National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) on receipt of relief memoranda from State Governments and in accordance with extant norms and procedures.

Revision of the list of items and norms of assistance under SDRF and NDRF is reviewed normally after the award of successive Finance Commissions. Taking into account various factors including inflations, Government has been revising items and norms of assistance under SDRF/NDRF from time to time, last being done on 28.11.2013.

The extent norms inter-alia provide for assistance to the farmers in the form of Agriculture input subsidy (where crop loss is 50% and above) for damage caused to all types of agriculture and horticulture crops due to the notified natural disasters. The level of assistances are Rs. 4,500/- per ha. for rainfed crops, Rs. 9,000/- per ha. for assured irrigated crops, subject to minimum assistance not less than Rs.750 and restricted to sown areas, and Rs. 12,000/- per ha. for all type of perennial crops, subject to minimum assistance not less than Rs. 1500/- and restricted to sown areas., where crop loss is more than 50% and above.

Financial assistance from SDRF and NDRF is for providing immediate relief and is not to be construed as compensation for loss/damage to crops. Farmers are entitled for compensation under the Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS) and National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS).

This information was given today by Minister of State for Agriculture Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan in a written reply to a Lok Sabha question.

GG:CP : commodities (lok) 25.11.2014

Title: Government to Launch Blue Revolution

Date: 21st November 2014

Government to launch Blue Revolution as a major thrust: announces Shri Radha Mohan Singh, Minister for Agriculture on World Fisheries Day.

Shri Radha Mohan Singh, Minister for Agriculture today on the occasion of World Fisheries Day informed that the Government is focused to usher in a Blue Revolution meaning increase in fish production and productivity in the country on the occasion of World Fisheries Day. National Fisheries Development Board under Ministry of Agriculture organized celebrations on World Fisheries Day at Pragati Maidan today.

The Minister informed that India ranks world number two in fish production and also the second highest aquaculture country in the world. India with a fishermen population of 14.5 million and a coastal line of 8118 kilometers can rise to be a major player in the world fisheries. India also has a fleet of 200,000 fishing vessels and last year has exported fish worth 5 billion US dollars. The Minister informed that India has a vast area of unutilized and untapped Inland water resources and is short of for quality fish seed and formulated fish feed and government will focus on filling the critical gaps. He informed that the Government has announced a new scheme “Blue Revolution-Inland Fisheries” in the last budget session and the Government is likely to launch very soon a programme to usher in Blue Revolution in the country. Even though the per capita income consumption in the world for fish is 18 kilograms per annum, India stands at 8 kilograms. India currently produces 9.58 million metric tonnes of fish out of which 64% of production is Inland and 36% is from marine sources. The Minister also informed that the fisheries can be an engine of growth due to high growth rates of 7.9% in Inland fisheries last year. He also informed that Fisheries sector in our country is a small scale nature with vast majorities of stakeholders along the value chain from production to consumption. In India, fisheries is recognized as a powerful income and employment generator as it stimulates growth of a number of subsidiary sectors. Fisheries in both inland and marine waters have been contributing as an important source of livelihood and supplies nutritious protein for the growing population. In fact, with exponential increase in human populations, the food demand, shrinkage of cultivable land and decline in the agricultural productivity, role of fisheries sector to fulfill the growing demand for food is of paramount importance for nutritional security. From a mere traditional activity years ago, the fisheries sector has transformed into a significant commercial enterprise with an impressive growth in recent times. As per the latest FAO statistics released in 2014 (The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2014), the global fish production has reached to 158 million tonnes, with food fish supply increasing at an average annual rate of 3.2 percent, outpacing world population growth at 1.6 percent.

GG:CP: fisheries (21.11.14)

Oil Seeds Sowing Records Increase as Per Preliminary Area Coverage Data (07-November 2014)

Oil Seeds Sowing Records Increase as Per Preliminary Area Coverage Data

Oil seeds area coverage during 2014-15 as per preliminary Rabi area coverage data is 31.36 lakh hactares while during the corresponding period of 2013-14, it was 28.41 lakh hactares. Area coverage of other Rabi crops during the period is as under –

Crop Area Sown in lakh hectare Area Sown in lakh hectare 2014-15 2013-14 Wheat 4.47 9.39 Gram 16.15 23.78 Pulses 23.98 30.86 GG:CP: weather watch (7.11.2014)

Ministry of Earth Science

Title: Monitoring of Variability of Weather Phenomena

Date: 27th November, 2014

The Government continuously monitors the variability of the weather phenomena, extremes and development of abnormal weather pattern potentially leading to drought, flood, flash flood, cyclone, rain induced landslides, heat cold wave, etc. on a continuous basis. Records of past weather events show that extreme values in respect of heavy rainfall, maximum and minimum temperatures, seasonal rainfall etc. remained unsurpassed in many cases.

Heavy rain events (>10 cm/day) over central India are found to have increased in the recent decades while weak and moderate events are decreasing. The extreme rain events which are becoming more intense in recent years are localized and could be part of the natural variability of the monsoon system.

The occurrence of heat wave conditions is found to be more frequent in May than in June, while very few heat waves occur in the months of March and April. The spatial changes in minimum temperature are found to be decreasing in most parts of Western Ghats and increasing in most parts of Himalayan region and certain parts of the north-eastern region and such warming is confined to winter and post-monsoon seasons. No such pattern is discerned in respect of other weather phenomena.

Spatial pattern of trend in mean annual temperature anomalies, for the period 1902-2012, suggests significant positive (increasing) trend (0.5 0C) in general with few pockets of 1.0 0C) over most parts of the country except some parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Bihar, where significant negative (decreasing) trend was observed. No significant long-term trends are reported in the frequencies of large-scale droughts or floods in the summer monsoon season. The total frequency of cyclonic storms that form over the Bay of Bengal has remained almost constant. Although, the monsoon rainfall at all India level does not show any trend but on regional scale, areas of increasing trend is discerned. It is not clear if this increasing trend in the heavy rainfall events is attributable to global warming.

This was stated by Union Minister of Science and Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences Dr. Harsh Vardhan in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

Title: Proposal to Conversion of Sea Water Into Potable Water

Date: 27th November, 2014

Proposal to Conversion of Sea Water Into Potable Water Ministry of Earth Sciences, through National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), has been working on the Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) Technology that utilizes the temperature difference available between surface water and deep sea water. In this methodology, the warmer surface sea water is evaporated at low pressures and the vapour obtained are condensed using the colder deep sea water. Three LTTD plants have been successfully commissioned in the country, one each at Kavaratti, Minicoy, and Agatti islands of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. The capacity of each of these LTTD plants is 1 lakh liter of potable water per day. The fresh water produced is supplied through local pipe network within the same Island. The Lakshadweep Administration requested NIOT for setting up similar plants in remaining six islands. NIOT has sent a detailed project report to the Lakshadweep Administration in this regard. Work has been initiated to set up a prototype LTTD plant with a capacity of generating 2 million litres of potable water per day at the Tuticorin Thermal Power station, Tamil Nadu.

This was stated by Union Minister of Science and Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences Dr. Harsh Vardhan in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

Title: Mapping of Multi-Hazard Coastal Vulnerability

Date: 27th November, 2014

Earth System Science Organization (ESSO) – Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad and ESSO-Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management (ICMAM), Chennai have carried out mapping and demarcating of multi-hazard coastal vulnerability for the states. The relative vulnerability of different coastal environments is essentially quantified at a regional to national scale using basic information on seven risk variables, viz. shoreline change rate, sea-level change rate, coastal slope, mean significant wave height, mean tidal range, coastal regional elevation and coastal geomorphology. Most of the above parameters are dynamic in nature and require a large amount of data from different sources to be acquired, analysed and processed, with an inbuilt updating mechanism.

The general trend in the vulnerability, demarcated in to four classes (very high, high, medium and low), carried out first time on macro-synoptic scales (at 1:1,00,000) covering the entire Indian coastline suggest varied degrees of vulnerability along coastal states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Kerala, Maharastra, Goa, Gujarat and islands of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. The Gulfs of Kambhat and Kachchh in Gujarat show very high vulnerability indices, with the inlets of Kachch showing localized vulnerability. Relatively low vulnerability indices are reported along the zones of Mangroves that help in breaking the large amplitude waves, dissipating the energy and hence act as a natural barrier. However, it is to be noted that coastal vulnerability aspects at a much local (micro) level are to be accounted with additional parameters such as cyclone, storm surge and coastal flooding so as to add an additional dimension to the current study.

Andhra Pradesh Coast line falls under the five risk classes. The Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) for the state of Andhra Pradesh reveals that the length of 6 km is under very high Vulnerable class. The majority of the coastal stretches belong to Low and Medium Vulnerable class recording a length of 465 km and 379 km, respectively. High vulnerable class was recorded along 224 km of coastline. The coast of Krishna, West Godavari, East Godavari, Visakhapatnam, Vizainagaram and Shrikakulam district were classified as medium to high vulnerable class. In general southern parts of Andhra Pradesh are more vulnerable when compared to northern parts.

This was stated by Union Minister of Science and Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences Dr. Harsh Vardhan in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

Title: NASA Aircraft for Prediction of Cyclones

Date: 27th November, 2014

Government does not proposes to buy a NASA aircraft for prediction of cyclones/calamities.

Earth System Science Organization –India Meteorological Department (ESSO-IMD) has installed Doppler Weather Radars network over the coastal areas of the country to identify zones of strong wind and heavy precipitation associated with cyclone as and when cyclone moves in to the 500 km radial coverage range. ESSO-IMD has established network of Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) and Automatic Rain Gauges (ARG) over the coastal districts to further authenticate the ground level impact associated with the cyclone landfall. High Performance Computing (HPC) systems have been used to enhance the weather forecasting capacities by assimilating all available global satellite data for forecast generation.

A full proof 24x7 operational cyclone detection and movement mechanism exists for the assessment of intensity, track and landfall over the coastal areas of the country. Details of such monitoring mechanism include genesis of the possible cyclonic circulation over the open seas is generated by the meso-scale short range (72hrs in advance) prediction models and global scale medium range (120hrs in advance) prediction models along with monitoring sea surface temperature and moisture convergence, satellite monitoring is pursued for detecting cyclogenesis and monitoring further intensity, movement and landfall of cyclones.

As far as the track and landfall forecasts of the tropical cyclones are concerned, the performance evaluation of the updated forecast systems for the past 5-years, have demonstrated enhanced forecast skill by about 18%.

This was stated by Union Minister of Science and Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences Dr. Harsh Vardhan in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

Title: Forecasting of Natural Calamities

Date: 26th November, 2014

The Government has latest scientific techniques to forecast the natural calamities in the country as far as the Hydro-meteorological hazards (Cyclones; heat wave/cold wave; Heavy rainfall events; Thunderstorms) and Tsunami are concerned.

Improvement of weather forecasting services is a continuous process. As part of its XI five year plan, Government had implemented a comprehensive modernization programme for Earth System Science Organization-India Meteorological Department (ESSO-IMD) covering upgradation of (i) observation systems (ii) advanced data assimilation tools (iii) advanced communication and IT infrastructure (iv) high performance computing systems and (v) intensive/sophisticated training of IMD personnel to facilitate the implementation of advanced global/regional/meso-scale prediction models for improving the accuracy of weather forecasts in all temporal and spatial scales and for quick dissemination of weather forecast assessments/warnings to the users.

Operational implementation of improved forecast suite of models after the commissioning of the High Performance Computing (HPC) systems have enhanced the weather forecasting capacities through assimilating all available global satellite radiance data for the production of forecast products at 22Km grid globally and 9Kms/3Kms grid over India/regional/mega city domains.

The performance evaluation of the updated global/meso-scale forecast systems for the past 5-7 years have demonstrated enhanced forecast skill by about 18% quantitatively as far as the track and landfall forecasts of the tropical cyclones are concerned.

As and when the cyclone systems move in to the 500Km surveillance range of DWRs, identification of strong wind zones and pockets of heavy rainfall within the core cyclone area is carried out and their rapid changes are monitored on continuous basis. IMD currently operates 5- Doppler Weather Radars (DWR) at Chennai, Machilipatnam, Visakhapatnam, Kolkata, Sriharikota on the east coast along with a network of Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) and Automatic Rain Gauges (ARG) for continuous weather surveillance over the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.

ESSO-IMD has operationalized its location specific nowcasting weather service across the country. This service activity currently covers 147 urban centres on experimental basis under which nowcast of severe weather (Thunderstorms; heavy rainfall from lows/depressions over the land) in 3-6h range is issued. Origin, development/movement of severe weather phenomena are regularly monitored through DWRs and with all available other observing systems (AWSs; ARGs; Automatic Weather Observing Systems- AWOS; satellite derived wind vectors, temperature, moisture fields etc. Integrated Agro-meteorological Advisory Service (AAS) is rendered now on twice-weekly basis in collaboration with State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), institutions of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) etc. Realized weather of the previous week and quantitative district level weather forecast for next 5-days in respect of rainfall, maximum temperature, minimum temperature, wind speed, wind direction, relative humidity and clouds as well as weekly cumulative rainfall forecast are provided. Further, crop specific advisories, generated in partnership with SAUs and ICAR, to help the farmers are issued and widely disseminated. The AAS of ESSO-IMD has been successful in providing the crop specific advisories to the farmers at the district/agro-climatic zone level twice weekly through different print/visual/Radio/ IT based wider dissemination media including short message service (SMS) and Interactive Voice Response Service (IVRS) facilitating for appropriate field level actions. Government feels that the upgradation of the observing system, high performance computing, communication, forecast/warning systems, product dissemination systems etc. should become a part of continuing process by which state-of-the art science and technology tools shall be made accessible to the scientists engaged in weather research and forecasting towards enhancing the service quality.

This information was given today by Minister of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Dr. Harsh Vardhan in a written reply to Lok Sabha question.

Title: Global Warming Date: 26th November, 2014

The Government has conducted a scientific study on climate change caused by global warming and its impact on monsoon.

Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), Govt of India had undertaken the Indian second National Communication to UNFCCC during 2009-2011(NATCOM-II). The communication had been a national effort which involved many multi-disciplinary scientific groups. Ministry of Earth Sciences carried out scientific studies on projected climate change and variability under Global and Regional Climate Change (GRCC) government programme under which programme a dedicated Centre for Climate Change Research (CCCR) within the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, was established.

Monsoon rainfall varies on different spatial and temporal scales. Extreme rainfall events that occur at some isolated places (viz. heavy rainfall over Mumbai or in Rajasthan) are highly localized and are part of the natural variability of the Indian monsoon system itself. Although, some recent studies hint at an increasing frequency and intensity of extremes in rainfall during the past 40-50 years, their attribution to global warming is yet to be established. Moreover, the report of the Inter- governmental Panel on Climate Change and our country`s own assessment using regional climate models indicate that the extremes rainfall events are likely to be more frequent in the later part of the 21st century all over the world including India. As regards other extreme weather phenomena, there are many other reasons for their occurrence, which cannot always be related to climate change.

Although, the monsoon rainfall at all India level does not show any trend but on regional scale, areas of increasing trend is discerned. It is not clear if this increasing trend in the heavy rainfall events is attributable to global warming. Summary of the observed long term changes so far include:

(i) Mean annual surface air temperatures show a significant warming of about 0.5 degree C/100 years during the last century.

(ii) No significant long-term trends are reported in the frequencies of large-scale droughts or floods in the summer monsoon season.

(iii) The average seasonal rainfall over India has shown decline in the last five decades, especially after 1970, that is not found to be statistically significant. Further over core monsoon zone, the contribution from increasing heavy rain events is offset by decreasing moderate events and hence on the long term the change is not appreciable. Many studies have discussed the possible reasons for recent weakening monsoon.

Studies were undertaken in four climate sensitive regions of the country, viz. Himalayan Region, Western Ghats, North Eastern Region, Coastal Areas to assess the possible impacts on the four sectors viz. agriculture, water, forests and health. A Report entitled, Climate Change & India: A 4X4 Assessment – A Sectoral and Regional Assessment of Impact of Climate Change in 2030s, has been released by the Government during November, 2010 under the aegis of the Indian Network of Climate Change Assessment (INCCA).

Global warming has been attributed largely to the increase in concentration of greenhouse gases mainly from anthropogenic activities. The Government has initiated the National Action Plan on Climate Change in specific areas for addressing long term and integrated strategies for achieving key goals of sustainable development in the context of climate change, so as to reduce its adverse impacts.

Government of India is setting up a National Institute for Climate Change Studies and Actions (NICCA) under Climate Change Action Programme (CCAP) of the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change with an objective to support all scientific, technical and analytical studies relating to climate change policy and implementing strategies. The institute has an outlay of Rs. 25 crores for the 12th Five Year Plan out of an allocated budget of Rs. 290 crores for CCAP.

This information was given today by Minister of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Dr. Harsh Vardhan in a written reply to Lok Sabha question.

Title: Letter of Intent Between ESSO-MOES and UNESCO for Cooperation in the Field of Reducing Disaster Risks and Capacity Building in Earth Sciences Signed

Date: 24th November, 2014

A Letter of Intent between Ministry of Earth Sciences and UNESCO was signed here in New Delhi today in the presence of Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences by Dr. Shailesh Nayak ,Secretary MoES and Ms. Irina Bokova, Director General, UNESCO in the field of Reducing Disaster Risks and Capacity Building In Earth Sciences .

Welcoming the agreement Dr Harsh Vardhan said it is a historic moment and will usher in opening new vista’s of cooperation in not only the Ocean related studies but other areas of cooperation in different fields of Scientific Acctivities.

The Minister said as a founder member of the International Oceanographic Congress (IOC), India has always been actively associated with the major endeavors of IOC such as Global and Regional Ocean Observing and Capacity Building programs. He said some of the active areas of cooperation are as under:

• India had played a pivotal role in establishing a Regional Alliance in the Indian Ocean (GOOS- IOGOOS) as a part of the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS). The Secretariat of IOGOOS is currently located at the Earth System Science Organization ESSO-Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (ESSO-INCOIS) Hyderabad.

• The oceanographic Data Centre located at ESSO-INCOIS, Hyderabad, has been recognized as Regional Argo Data Centre as well as Responsible National Oceanographic Data Centre (RNODC) of International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE) of IOC. India also serves as a regional node for the Northern Indian Ocean Biogeographic Information System (IndOBIS).

• Indian National Tsunami Warning System has also been recognized as Regional Tsunami Service Provider (RTSP) for the Indian Ocean.

• In response to ‘The Ocean Call’ from Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)/UNESCO in June 2010 to its Member States for contributions towards the IOC’s efforts on capacity building, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India decided to establish an International Training Centre for Operational Oceanography (ITC Ocean) at the Earth System Science Organisation-Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (ESSO-INCOIS), Hyderabad. Subsequent to singing an MOU between IOC and ESSO-INCOIS on 4thCentre for Operational Oceanography (ITCOO) at Hyderabad, India. ITC Ocean started functioning formally by conducting a two week training course on ‘Fundamentals of Ocean Climate Modeling at Global and Regional Scales’ together with CLIVAR and International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), Italy during 5-14 August 2013. Thirty participants drawn from the Indian Ocean rim countries attended that training course taught by the faculty participated from India, USA, Australia and Italy. Subsequently, ITCO ocean conducted another four training courses, covering different aspects of operational oceanography, for the trainees from Africa and Indian Ocean rim countries.

• India has also taken responsibility for coordination of activities relating to Celebration for articles for “Indian Ocean Bubble-2” has been issued along with a newsletter to now precipitate ideas for the successful execution of IIOE-2. International and national organizing committees have been setup for celebration of IIOE-2. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Title: Two day National Conference on “Alternatives to Animal use in Experimentation” held recently

Date: 25th November, 2014

A two day National Conference on “Alternatives to Animal use in Experimentation” organised by the CPCSEA (Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals), Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEFCC) was held recently.

Speaking on the occasion, Sh. Ashok Lavasa, Secretary MoEFCC said that the paths may be different for the scientific community and the people who work for animal welfare. But, both should strive for the development of science and animal welfare by their different paths. The inaugural function chaired by Shri Hem Pande, Additional Secretary, MoEFCC and Chairman, CPCSEA was attended, among others, by Chairman and members of Animal Welfare Board of India, members of CPCSEA, Drug Controller General of India and Animal Husbandry Commissioner, Government of India.

The Conference discussed the issue of whether valid alternatives could replace the use of animals for experimentation. During the discussions, some participants came out with some validated alternative methods which would be a good learning for other countries. Significanr participants from different countries were Mr. Nuke Jukes from England, Mr. Christina Pellevoisin from France, Mr. C.F.F. Hendriksen from the Netherlands, Mr. Jarrod Bailey from London, Dr. Jagat Kumar Roy from BHU, Varanasi, Dr. M.A. Akbarsha from Tiruchirapalli, TN, Dr. Sandhya Kaushika from TIFR, Mumbai. A wide spectrum of participants comprising scientists from various institutions, both from the Govt. as well as private sector who are involved in bio-medical research using animals like rats, mice, rabbits, guinea pigs, monkeys and equines and CPCSEA nominees from different parts of the country also attended the conference.

The CPCSEA is mandated to alleviate pain & suffering to the laboratory animals before, during and after experimentation through the principle of 4 Rs (Replace, Reduce, Refine and Rehabilitate). CPCSEA is trying to find appropriate alternatives to the use of animals in experiments in India. This Conference deliberated upon the ways to reduce and replace animals in experimentation through use of alternatives methods. Title: Text of the Speech delivered by Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar at High Level Segment of 26th Meeting of the Montreal Protocol, 20 Nov 2014

Date: 21st November, 2014

Mr. President, Excellencies, Distinguish delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Mr President, Please accept our heartiest felicitations on your election to the President of 26th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol (MOP) on substances that deplete the Ozone Layer. The Montreal protocol on substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer has been recognized as the most successful Multilateral Environment Agreements (MEAs) in the history. All countries of the world have ratified this landmark treaty with as Endeavour to protect the planet from ill-effects for depletion of the Ozone layer.

This is 325th anniversary of the French revolution that changed the world, and India hopes to see in Paris next year in 2015, yet another revolution on climate change to reset the world clock towards climate resilient society. India has made huge contribution to the success of the Montreal Protocol and I would like to thank the bilateral and multilateral agencies, industries and NGOs –and not least –Multilateral Fund of the Montreal Protocol. India successfully phased out CFCs and other oDS like CTC/CFC/Halon well in time and its phase out of HCFCs is proceeding with due diligence.We have already done this in foam . We have also helped other SAARC countries to come out of theses ODs.

We all know that all is not well with the Montreal Protocol .There are number of challenges still. We introduced HFCs as substitute for the CFCs and now for HCFCs. HFCs are Green House Gases ( GHG) and its Global Warming Potentials ( GWP) are thousands of time greater than CO2-commonly known GHG. The joint statement between our Prime Minister Narendra Modi and president Obama has emphasizes study the issue with priority and take appropriate action .

First of all we have to understand why did we land in this problem? We had help of thousands of experts, scientists who warned us on this for decades…then why we are in this problem? It is said that understanding the problem itself solves half of that problem! Its mainly because developing countries followed developed countries in implementation of the Montreal Protocol. Developing countries were given technologies and financial assistance to adopt the alternatives which were mainly HFC-dependent. So the questions we need to respond to : who are responsible to proliferation of HFCs today? I would like to remind you all that, HFCs is not the issue of elites and scientists. It is the issue of common man, farmers and emerging middle class who need refrigeration and AC at affordable cost and also energy security. HFCs is also the issue of poverty elimination. My government led by PM Modi is giving utmost priority to the needs of the poorest man in India. Hence it is not only emission of HFCs per se is the key problem, but energy use of the equipment and appliances using alternatives to HFCs is in fact more important. Lot of time is being wasted in debating, but we still do not know the statistics of what efforts are being done and how HFC phase down is occurring in the developed countries. I was told that developed world is still increasing their HFC consumption, and production facilities are moving to the developing countries. There are no specific offers of technology transfer, technology demonstrations and technology cooperation for the developing countries, except reports and presentations. IPR, Patents, Confidentiality are the arguments still used by the developed countries for the issues that would lead us to climate disaster. What is the use of those confidentiality and IPR issues if all of us are getting drowned together due to global warming? Do not use cards so close to your chest, that you yourself cannot see your future!!

My suggestions and proposal · UNEP Technical and Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP) should produce reports indicating : -Country wise production and consumption of HFCs over last 10 years. India does not want ‘estimates’. We need actual figures. That`s what we did in case of CFCs decades back. · India needs in every 29 states of India immediate demonstration projects for alternatives to HFCs in refrigeration and ACs to test the viability, affordability and energy efficiency. · We woud like the developed country industry and research institutes to initiate immediate collaboration to develop and improve the affordability of HFC alternatives. · The negotiations on HFCs should proceed on the principles of grace period ( CBRD) , financial assistance including that for research and development, technology transfer without clauses of confidentiality.

Title: TSR Subramanian Committee Submits Report to Shri Prakash Javadekar

Date: 18th November, 2014

The TSR Subramanian Committee headed by Shri TSR Subramanian today submitted its report to Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change. The Committee was constituted to review the processes, laws and Acts of the Ministry. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Javadekar said that the Report was a historic achievement that would strengthen processes to balance developmental commitments and environment protection. The recommendations of the Report would enhance Ministry’s efforts to avoid undue delays and ensure transparency in clearances and implementation of projects. Lauding the efforts of the Committee for submitting the report in a short span of time, the Minister stated that Ministry would expedite consultations with all stakeholders for the timely implementation of the recommendations of the Committee.

In his remarks, Shri TSR Subramanian, Chairman of the Committee, said that the committee had built on the existing mechanisms to optimize the efforts to balance developmental imperatives causing least possible damage to environment. The committee had undertaken wide-ranging consultations with stakeholders and formulated action points to streamline Ministry’s efforts to strengthen institutions and processes.

The Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change had appointed the High Level Committee (HLC) to review the following Acts administered by the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change.

(i) Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (ii) Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 (iii) Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (iv) The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 (v) The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981

The terms of reference were as follows:-

(i) To assess the status of implementation of each of the above Acts vis-a-vis the objectives; (ii) To examine and take into account various court orders and judicial pronouncements relating to these Acts; (iii) To recommend specific amendments needed in each of these Acts so as to bring them in line with current requirements to meet objectives; and (iv) To draft proposed amendments in each of the above Acts to give effect to the proposed recommendations.

The composition of the Committee was as follows:-

(1) Shri. T.S.R. Subramanian, Chairman (2) Shri Viswanath Anand, Member (3) Justice (Retd.) Sh. A.K. Srivastav, Member (4) Shri K.N. Bhat, Member

Title: First meeting of Reconstituted Executive Committee on Climate Change held

Date: 14th November, 2014

The first meeting of the reconstituted Executive Committee on Climate Change (ECCC) was held here today. The Committee reviewed the progress made by the eight National Missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).

The Committee noted that 29 states had prepared their State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC), allocation of additional 1500 MW power was made by the Ministry of Power to Ministry of New and Renewable Energy for bundling scheme and that a team for quantification of GHG emission reduction through the implementation of national missions was set up. The Committee was also apprised about the establishment of a unit to coordinate actions in all Himalayan States and an institutional mechanism in 7 Himalayan States by D/o Science & Technology (DST) etc.

The National Mission on Enhanced Energy Efficiency reported emissions reduction by around 98.55 million tons by 2015 and saving of 23 million tons of oil- equivalent of fuel savings and distribution of 2.58 million LED bulbs. The designated consumers in the PAT scheme would be enhancing energy efficiency by 4.05% per year which would reduce energy cost by 7500 crores per year. The Committee suggested that the Mission should enhance its targets in the next PAT cycle.

The Solar Mission reported the addition of grid solar power of 2870 MW and off -grid solar applications of 364.27 MW along with solar thermal collectors of 8.42 million sq. Mtr till 2013-14 and total CO2 reduction of 15.5 million tonnes. The Committee was apprised of the new projects of solar parks, solar PV power projects on canal top/canal banks and solar power driven agricultural pump sets and water pumping station in 2014-15 and implementation of green corridors transmission infrastructure.

While noting the progress made, the Committee expressed concern on lack of progress in allocation of sub-targets within the existing earmarking of 3 % for solar projects and implementation of Sustainable Habitat standards by the States. The lack of adequate funding was flagged by some of the missions. The committee discussed some other initiatives as envisaged in the NAPCC. These are Greenhouse Gas (GHG) mitigation in power generation; other Renewable Energy Technologies (RET) programmes; Disaster management links; Protection of coastal areas; Health sector; and creating capacity at different levels of government on climate change and suggested that relevant ministries may prepare a work programme on all these initiatives. It advised that Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) should coordinate these initiatives. Suggestions were also made to launch new national missions in the field of Wind Energy, Health, Waste to Energy conversion and Coastal management.

The committee appreciated the efforts of state governments in formulating SAPCCs and recommended launching of a new Central Sponsored Scheme (CSS), if required, for implementing some of their priority projects. The committee suggested expediting the finalisation of remaining 6 SAPCCs. The committee was apprised of the “Low Carbon Strategies for Inclusive Growth” by the Planning Commission.

Title: Environment Minister Shri Prakash Javadekar addresses school children and architecture students on green features of New Paryavaran Bhawan

Date: 14th November, 2014

Adopt habits and attitudes that protect earth and conserve environment: Shri Prakash Javadekar

On the occasion of Children’s Day, Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister of State (I/C) for Environment, Forests & Climate Change said that we need to adopt habits and attitudes which are mindful of the earth and environment. He was addressing children from Chougule Public School & students of School of Planning and Architecture, introducing them to the green features of New Paryavaran Bhawan. Welcoming them to the New Paryavaran Bhawan and wishing the children on the occasion of Children’s Day, the Minister talked of the need to adopt small steps like switching off lights and other devices when not in use, in order to save energy. Shri Javadekar emphasized that there is no contradiction between adopting such environment-friendly habits and the ability to lead a comfortable lifestyle. He added that children should also be aware of the origins of daily-use items like milk, paper as well as their production processes, the people involved in their production and the impact they have on the environment.

In a unique event, the school children and students were given a presentation on the features of the New Paryavaran Bhawan, followed by a conducted tour of the building.The Minister announced that such conducted tours of the green building for school children, shall be a regular feature. He said that school children are welcome and are encouraged to visit this unique building.

Background: New Paryavaran Bhawan, A Green Building

The New Paryavaran Bhawan is a ‘Green Building’ with state of art modern amenities and comfort with Intelligent Building Management System which optimizes energy consumption. It holds the unique distinction of being a "net zero energy" building, with 100% on-site power generation. It provides for 40% savings in electricity and 55% savings in water with zero discharge. It is the first building in Govt. sector with highest green ratings - 5 star GRIHA rating, and Platinum LEED India rating. The design of New Paryavaran Bhawan is focussed on increasing efficiency of resource usage & minimizing impact on human habitat and environment. This has been achieved through careful site planning, appropriate building form, material usage, easy maintenance, very low effluent disposal and onsite energy production.

Title: Information Technology-driven initiatives would ensure transparent, objective & expeditious decision making: Prakash Javadekar

Date: 11th November, 2014

GIS based Decision Support System to avoid undue delay in Clearances for Developmental Projects

Minister launches GIS based Decision Support System for Forest Clearances

Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change has said that merit-based and information technology-driven initiatives would facilitate transparent, objective and balanced policy decisions that would not only expedite processes but also help in striking a fine balance between environment protection and development. Shri Javadekar stated this while launching the first version of Geographical Information System (GIS) based Decision Support System for Forest Clearance here today. The Minister further added that this step was the latest in a series of key initiatives undertaken by the Ministry to fast-track efficient, expedite and transparent decision making pertaining to effective forest management, environment protection and biodiversity conservation.

Elaborating further, Shri Javadekar said that in order to facilitate the needs of the critical sectors necessary amendments had been carried out to balance environment protection, development, logistical needs and requirements. Such projects would be balanced with compensatory afforestation programmes. In order to decentralize the process of granting of Forest Clearances, the Ministry had constituted Empowered Committees at regional levels and delegated decision-making powers to these Committees for issuing Forest Clearances to Linear Projects like Railway Lines, Transmission Lines, Highways, and Pipelines. In a similar vein, development processes had been expedited in Left Wing Extremism affected areas.

Outlining the future course of action, the Minister said that information on Eco Sensitive Zones would be made available through the newly launched web based Decision Support System in its second phase. Hydrological layer, Net Present Value of Forest, Time Series of Forest Cover Map, Important Wildlife habitats outside Protected Area network, Recorded forest area boundaries would also be incorporated into the system, the Minister added.

Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change Shri Ashok Lavasa who was also present on the occasion said that in order to achieve afforestation targets, it is important to make available precise, accurate, and timely knowledge and information on forest resources to decision makers and other stakeholders.

The first version of the Decision Support System developed by the Forest Survey of India would provide qualitative, quantitative and administrative attributes of forests to facilitate efficient management and implementation of Forests Conservation Act. Designed with features like Search Layer Tool, Draw and Measure Tool, Identify Tool and Print Tool, the GIS based Decision Support System would help the government classify forests of the country into various classes and categories based on the ecological significance of each category. Availability of the database would also significantly improve accessibility of information and predictability of forest clearance applications. The new system contained information on geo-referenced layers of Forest Cover, Forest Types, Biological Richness, Landscape Integrity, Protected Areas, Tiger Reserves, and Tiger Corridors.

Title: Ashtamudi Estuary's short neck clam fishery becomes the first Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified fishery in India

Date: 7th November, 2014

Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change has congratulated the Clam Governing Council of Ashtamudi Lake in Kerala for becoming the first Marine Stewardship Council certified fishery in India. He was speaking at the Press Conference in New Delhi today.

Elaborating further Shri Javadekar said, Ashtamudi Estuary showcases to the world that development and environment protection go hand in hand and participatory approach at the local level in managing biodiversity is an important aspect of it. The achievement of MSC certification would mean that implementation of measures to ensure valuable resource was not overfished and its ecosystem was protected. Shri Javadekar further added that this achievement also opens up the scope for other fisheries in India to work towards MSC certification, which would enhance conservation and sustainability of the resource, while providing greater economic returns.

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an international non-profit organization set up to help transform the seafood market to a sustainable basis. The MSC runs the only certification and eco-labeling programme for wild-capture fisheries. Ashtamudi short neck clam fishery is only the third fishery in Asia to have received the recognition.

Background: · Ashtamudi Lake, a Ramsar Wetland of international importance, is the second largest estuarine system in Kerala. · The clam fishery in Ashtamudi dates back to 1981 and supports the livelihoods of around 3000 fisherpersons involved in collection, cleaning processing and trading clams. · The growth of Ashtamudi’s commercial fishery was driven by demand from Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia in the 1980s and 1990s. By 1991, the catch peaked at 10,000 tonnes a year, but declined 50 percent in 1993 due to overfishing. · Closed season fishing and mesh size restrictions for nets were introduced, along with a minimum export size and a prohibition on mechanical clam fishing. These measures showed immediate effects, and clam fishery has sustained landings of around 10,000 tonnes a year for the past decade. · Globally, over 11 percent of the annual global harvest of wild capture fisheries is engaged in the MSC programme. Certified fisheries currently land over seven million metric tonnes of seafood annually – close to eight percent of the total harvest from wild capture fisheries. Worldwide, more than 19,500 seafood products, which can be traced back to the certified sustainable fisheries, bear the blue MSC ecolabel.

Title: Government reconstitutes the Prime Minister's Council on Climate Change

Date: 5th November, 2014

The Government has decided to re-constitute the Prime Minister`s Council on Climate Changeto coordinate National Action for Assessment, Adaptation and Mitigation of Climate Change. The composition of the reconstituted Prime Minister`s Council on Climate Change, as approved by Prime Minister, is as follows: Prime Minister Chairperson Minister for External Affairs Member Finance Minister Member Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Member Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Member Minister for Agriculture Member Minister for Urban Development Member Minister for Science and Technology Member MoS (Power, Coal and NRE) Member Cabinet Secretary Member Foreign Secretary Member Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change Member Dr. R. K. Pachauri, Chairperson, TERI Member Dr. Nitin Desai Member Shri ChandrasekarDasgupta Member Shri Ajay Mathur, Chairperson, BEE Member Shri J.M. Mauskar Member Principal Secretary to PM Member convenor The Committee would focus on the following tasks: • Evolve a coordinated response to issues relating to climate change at the national level; • Provide oversight for formulation of action plans in the area of assessment, adaptation and mitigation of climate change; • Periodically monitor key policy decisions.

The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change will assist PMO in facilitating the work of this Committee.

Title: Government to establish Centre for Zoo Sciences soon - Prakash Javadekar

Date: 3rd November, 2014

Minister inaugurates the five day Conference of World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)

Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar has said that the Government of India would be establishing a Centre of Zoo Sciences at New Delhi in due course for which the modalities were being worked out. The purpose for establishing such an institution would be to bring about a turn around in the functioning of the zoos in the country, infuse scientific and technical culture in the present system and make the zoos more visitor friendly. The proposed institution would act as a Technical Advisor to the Central Zoo Authority and to provide expert help to the States and UTs in ex-situ conservation breeding of endangered species, and organize training courses for in-service zoo personnel and stakeholders in India as well as for zoo personnel of South Asian countries. The Minister stated this while delivering his inaugural address at the 69th Annual Conference of World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) here today.

Elaborating further, Shri Javadekar said the theme of the Conference “Bio-diversity is Us” was quite appropriate for India, a land of diverse habitat eco-system, culture, religion, tradition, language and food. This was also manifested in the country’s cultural tradition that preserved about 13,270 secret groves across the country by the people. India with only 2.4% of the World’s land area was home to 7-8% of the World’s bio-diversity spanning across 91,000 species of animals and 45,000 species of plants. It also had four of the 34 globally identified biodiversity hotspots, supports about 50% of the world’s tiger population and 60% of Asian elephant and rhino population including the only surviving population of the Asiatic lion.

Shri Javadekar also highlighted the initiatives undertaken by the Ministry for the conservation of endangered species. He mentioned the initiative for setting up of Laboratory for Conservation of Endangered Species at Hyderabad, National Stud Book Cell at Wildlife Institute of India, and major zoos of the country becoming member of the International Species Information System to utilize the web based Zoological Information Management System with the help of CZA had been undertaken to compliment the ongoing conservation breeding programme for various endangered species. The Government had also initiated a programme for disaster management in the zoos in order to deal with recent incidents involving visitors inadvertently falling into the animal enclosures. The Minister also mentioned that the action plan for the conservation of vultures had been a great success with support being offered for conservation breeding centre for 23 species which included various endangered species.

Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Shri Ashok Lavasa, who was also present on the occasion, said that preserving nature was our ethical responsibility and the prime symbol of development would be to successfully conserve nature and ecosystems. He further stated that the Ministry was in the process of bringing about comprehensive changes in the Wildlife Act to incorporate international conventions and practices on environment protection.

World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) has organized this five day Conference to initiate discussions and create public awareness about preserving bio-diversity and contributing towards achieving Aichi targets for Global Biodiversity Conservation.

Title: Government will not tolerate poaching & illegal trade of wildlife products

Date: 2nd November, 2014

Illegal trade of wildlife products poses serious threat to biodiversity: Prakash Javadekar

Illegal Wildlife Products incinerated at National Zoological Park

Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change has said that Government would not tolerate illegal trade of wildlife products as it posed serious threat to biodiversity and sustainable development. Reiterating the need for harmonious co-existence of all living organisms on earth, Shri Javadekar said that Government wanted to send a strong signal against unethical and unlawful trade of wildlife products by destroying the seized products publicly. The Minister added that money generated from illegal trafficking and trade of animals and poaching always found a way into illegal activities. Shri Javadekar stated this while presiding over the event of consigning the illegal wildlife products to flames in the incinerator at the National Zoological Park, here today.

Unethical use of products of various animals and plants, often based on unjustified reasons has been a factor flaming illegal activities like poaching, smuggling and illegal wildlife trade. In order to curb this unethical behavior, the law enforcing agencies all over the world including India have been putting in serious efforts in combating the wildlife crimes and have seized a large number of wildlife products.

The illegal wildlife products destroyed by the Ministry of Environment & Forests included those derived from tigers, elephants, leopards, lions, snakes, deer, mongoose, owls, shells etc. Few wildlife articles available in the National Zoological Park were also destroyed. The event was a step towards appreciating the efforts of various law enforcing agencies like forest and wildlife departments, wildlife crime control bureau, police, customs and many others for checking illegal trade of these products. The event also marked Government’s commitment to curb illegal trade of wildlife products, to protect wildlife and preserve biodiversity for the future generations.

Title: Illegal Wildlife Products to be incinerated at National Zoological Park tomorrow

Date: 1st November, 2014

Shri Prakash Javadekar to be present on the occasion

Sustainable use of biodiversity is essential for the survivalof mankind and is an imperative for sustainable development. Adhering to this perspective, as a step to encourage conservation of wildlife, Central Zoo Authority under the aegis of Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change will be destroying illegal wildlife articles tomorrow at National Zoological Park.Highlighting the importance of protection of biodiversity, particularly wildlife, illegal wildlife products will be consigned to flames in the incinerator at the National Zoological Park in the presence of Shri Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change.

Unethical and unjustified use of products of various animals and plants, often based on unjustified and unethical reasons has been a factor flaming illegal activities like poaching, smuggling and illegal wildlife trade.In order to curb this unethical behavior, the law enforcing agencies all over the world including India have been putting in serious efforts in combating the wildlife crimes and have seized a large number of wildlife products resulting from unlawful activities. The exercise is an attempt to deplore the unethical, indiscriminate and mostly unlawful activities of harvest and trade of wildlife products.

The illegal wildlife products to be destroyed by the Ministry of Environment & Forests included those derived from tigers, elephants, leopards, lions, snakes, deer, mongoose, owls, shells etc. Few wildlife articles available in the National Zoological Park will also be destroyed.It would be a step in appreciating the efforts of various law enforcing agencies like forest and wildlife departments, wildlife crime control bureau, police, customs and many others who have contributed immensely for the cause of protection of biodiversity.

Ministry of Mines Title: Study for Exploration of Rare Earth Element

Date: 26th November, 2014

Damage by Hudhud Cyclone

The Minister of State for Mines and Steel, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai has said that the operations in Visakhapatnam Steel Plant was stopped due to Cyclone Hudhud on 12th October, 2014 on account of failure of power supply. The preliminary estimate of impact of physical damage of property, loss of production and consequential loss of profits is about Rs.350 crores. However, provisional claim for damages to property was lodged with the Insurance Company and the claim for loss of profits is being worked out.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha today, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said that the matter was taken up with the Government of Andhra Pradesh for restoration of power supply to the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant and the same was restored in the early hours of 16th October, 2014. The progress of the revival of units in plant is being closely monitored by the Ministry of Steel. All the units have been brought back into operation in a phased manner.

Title: Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Bill

Date: 26th November, 2014

The Minister of State for Mines and Steel, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai has said that Ministry of Mines has prepared a draft of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (Amendment) Bill, 2014 seeking to amend the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. The draft Bill is presently put-up on the website of the Ministry of Mines inviting comments/suggestions as part of the pre-legislative consultation process. On the basis of the comments/suggestions received from the general public, state governments, and stakeholders, the draft Bill will be finalized in consultation with the Department of Legal Affairs. Thereafter, the Bill so finalized will be introduced in the Parliament after obtaining the approval of the Cabinet. No definite date for the introduction of the Bill has yet been finalized.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said that the thrust of the Bill would be to ensure: (i) improved transparency in the allocation of mineral resources; (ii) obtaining for the government its fair share of the value of such resources; (iii) attracting private investment and the latest technology; and (iv) eliminating delay in administration, so as to enable expeditious and optimum development of the mineral resources of the country. One of the proposed provisions in the Bill is for creation of District Mineral Foundation (DMF) in every district affected by mining, which will be funded by an additional levy related to royalty. The funds will be used for the benefit of persons affected by mining as also for the rebuilding of infrastructure in mining affected areas.

Title: Mines Ministry Seeks Suggestions to Amend Mines & Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957

Date: 21st November, 2014

The Ministry of Mines has prepared the draft Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (Amendment) Bill, 2014 seeking to amend the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.

The draft Bill along with an Explanatory Note explaining the provisions of the proposed draft Bill are available at the following web-link: http://mines.gov.in/writereaddata%5CContentlinks%5C339d181935cf425094eb82d1f626fc93.pdf

Comments/suggestions are invited from the general public, Governments of States and Union Territories, Mining Industry, Stake Holders, Industry Associations, and other persons and entities concerned, on the draft Bill. The last date for receipt of the comments/suggestions is 10th December 2014.

Title: “We must develop a time-bound action plan to complete geo-physical and geo-chemical mapping of national resources,” says Shri N S Tomar

Date: 12th November, 2014

4th meeting of Geo-science Advisory Council (GAC) was held under the Chairmanship of Union Steel and Mines Minister and Chairman, GAC Shri Narendra Singh Tomar at Vigyan Bhawan today.

In his inaugural address, Shri Tomar said, “India has about 8 lakh square kilometer area identified as Obvious Geological Potential (OGP). However, the geophysical and geochemical mapping has been achieved only to a limited extent. Since the field of mining is directly linked to country’s growth, we must develop a time-bound action plan to complete geo-physical and geo-chemical mapping of our national resources and share this data in public domain to attract investment in mining. Emphasis of action plan should be on speed and quality. GAC with its expertise and experience, should recommend solutions to fast-track the exploration activity in the country so that this resource base in utilized in the best possible manner.” He further observed that GAC’s recommendations should contain specific actionable points. Government is committed to provide every possible assistance in this effort, be it in terms of policy, personnel, technology or budget, he added.

The Union Minister of State for Steel and Mines, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai exhorted the council members to infuse new energy in geo-science field and to enable Research & Development of international standards.

The Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Vice Chairman of GAC, Shri Anup Kumar Pujari, senior government officers and members of GAC, drawn from various central ministries, scientific institutions including Geological Survey of India attended the meeting.

GAC provides a platform to the Administrators, Earth Scientists and academicians to deliberate and suggest the gap areas in existing system of pursuing geoscience and the direction which organizations, individually and collectively, should pursue to meet the future challenges.

Title: A Curtain Raiser on 4th Geoscience Advisory Council Meeting of the Ministry of Mines

Date: 11th November, 2014

Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Hon’ble Minister of Mines & Steel will chair the 4th Geoscience Advisory Council (GAC) meeting of the Ministry of Mines in New Delhi tomorrow.

The meeting shall be attended by the Minister of State for Mines Sri Vishnu Deo Sai, senior officers of the Ministry of Mines, members of GAC, drawn from various Central Ministries, Scientific Institutions, including the Geological Survey of India and other nominated non-official members.

MEMBERS

The ‘Geoscience Advisory Council’ functions under the Chairmanship of the Union Minister for Mines and Secretary, Ministry of Mines as Vice Chairman. It comprises following members -

Secretary/Additional Secretary(s) Ministry of Earth Science Department of Science & Technology (DST) Environment & Forest (MoEF0 Department of Atomic Energy Planning Commission Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Ministry of Water Resources Coal India Ltd. Steel Authority of India Ltd.

Heads of the following Scientific Institutions: Geological Survey of India (GSI) Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration & Research Indian Metrological Department (IMD) National Institute of Oceanography Central Arid Zone Research Institute Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany National Geophysical Research Institute Head of Geology Wing –ONGC Upto 12 non-officials nominated by the Ministry of Mines from amongst persons who have long experience and expertise on geoscientific policy and R&D. Additional/Dy. Director General, (Science Policy) GSI: Member Secretary.

GEOSCIENCE ADVISORY COUNCIL- PLATFORM

Geoscience Advisory Council provides a platform to the Administrators, Earth Scientists, and Academicians to deliberate and suggest the gap areas in our present system of pursuing Geoscience and the direction which organizations, individually and collectively, should pursue to meet the future challenges.

The GAC has already held three meetings till date. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

Title: Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission

Date: 27th November, 2014

The various schemes being implemented under the first and second phase of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) are:

Off-Grid and Decentralized Solar Applications New Grid Connected Solar Power Projects under Batch-I & II, Phase-I of JNNSM (Bundling with thermal power) Rooftop PV and Small Solar Power Generation Programme (RPSSGP) New Grid Connected Solar Power Projects under Batch-I, Phase-II of JNNSM (Viability Gap Fund)

This was stated by Sh. Piyush Goyal, Minister of state for Power, Coal & New and Renewable Energy (Independent Charge) in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

The Minister further stated that a statement showing state-wise status of the commissioned capacity of grid connected Solar Power Projects is given below:-

Commissioning Status of Grid Connected Solar Power Projects under JNNSM

Total commissioned Sr. No. State/UT capacity 1 Andhra Pradesh 234.86 2 Arunachal Pradesh 0.03 3 Chhattisgarh 7.6 4 Gujarat 919.05 5 Haryana 12.8 6 Jharkhand 16 7 Karnataka 57 8 Kerala 0.03 9 Madhya Pradesh 353.58 10 Maharashtra 286.9 11 Orissa 31.5 12 Punjab 55.77 13 Rajasthan 835.5 14 Tamil Nadu 104.2 15 Uttar Pradesh 29.51 16 Uttarakhand 5 17 West Bengal 7.21 Andaman & 18 Nicobar 5.1 19 Delhi 5.47 20 Lakshadweep 0.75 21 Puducherry 0.03 22 Chandigarh 2 23 Others 0.79 TOTAL 2970.66

The Minister further stated that ministry is providing 30% capital subsidy for installation of SPV applications like solar lighting systems, solar PV power plants and solar pumps under solar off-grid application scheme of JNNSM in rural as well as urban areas throughout India, the Minister added.

RM/RS- USQ719 – LS

Title: Setting Up of 25 Solar Parks

Date: 27th November, 2014

The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy has initiated scheme for setting up of 25 Solar Parks, each with the capacity of 500 MW and above, to be developed in next 5 years in various States. The Ministry has sent scheme for Development of Solar Park to various States along with MOU to all the state Governments against which 12 states have given consent for setting up of Solar Parks. This was stated by Sh. Piyush Goyal, Minister of state for Power, Coal & New and Renewable Energy (Independent Charge) in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

States which have sent written request for setting up Solar Power Park/Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects are given below:-

State Capacity of Solar Land Park (approximately Identified at

S. No. 1 Gujarat 750 MW Taluka- Vav, Distt.- Banaskantha 2 Madhya Pradesh 750 MW +750 MW Rewa-Distt. 3 Telangana 1000 MW Mehboob Nagar-Distt. 4 Andhra Pradesh 2500 MW Anantpur-Distt, Kadapa and Kurnool 5 Karnataka 1000 MW Mulwar, Bijapur (near Kargi) 6 Uttar Pradesh 600 MW District-Jalaun, Sonbhadra and Allahabad 7 Meghalaya 50 MW University of Science and Technology, 9thMile, near Guwahati, Meghalaya 8 Jammu & Kashmir 7500 MW Leh and Kargil 9 Punjab 1000 MW +1000 MW District-wise land identified 10 Rajasthan i. Bhadla 700 MW District - Phase-II Bhadla and Jaisalmer ii. Bhadla 1000 MW Phase-III iii. Jaisalmer 1000 MW Park Phase-I iv. Jaisalmer 1000 MW Park Phase-II 11 Tamil Nadu 500 MW Location yet to be identified 12 Odisha 1000 MW Location yet to be identified Total 22,100 MW

The Minister further stated that the estimated cost for development of solar park would be around Rs.0.95 Cr./MW. Solar Power Plants of various capacities would be set up by Solar Power Developers in the Park. The developers would be selected through bidding process under Central/State Schemes. As per tariff determined for the year 2014-15 by Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), the capital cost of Grid connected solar PV project is Rs. 6.91 Cr./MW.

RM/RS- USQ869 – LS

Title: Investment in Renewable Energy Sector

Date: 27th November, 2014

The Government is contemplating to seek international cooperation for importing technology to boost global investment in renewable energy sector of the country. To showcase India’s renewable energy potential globally, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is organizing the Global Renewable Energy Investment Promotion Meet (RE-INVEST) from 15-17 February, 2015 in New Delhi as a follow up to the ‘Make in India’ initiatives launched by the Prime Minister of India. This meet will give an opportunity to all states to showcase their policies to facilitate investment, progressive, initiatives and investor friendly climate to attract investments in renewable energy. This was stated by Sh. Piyush Goyal, Minister of state for Power, Coal & New and Renewable Energy (Independent Charge) in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

The Minister further stated that as per the “Global Status Report 2014” of Renewable Energy Policy Network (REN-21), about US Dollar 6.1 billion has been invested in renewable energy in India whereas, about US Dollar 56.3 billion has been invested in renewable energy in China during the year 2013-14. The investment was mainly for solar and wind power projects, the Minister added.

RM/RS- USQ778 – LS

Title: Balance of Trade in North-Eastern Region

Date: 26th November, 2014

The North East Region of India is endowed with natural resources. Also, due to continued focus on development of the region by the NE States supplemented by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Planning Commission and other Central Ministries has led to substantial improvement in intra-regional connectivity, social and other physical infrastructure and capacity of human resources. Further, 96% of the North Eastern Region has long international borders with four neighbouring countries with several old overland routes. Given its competitive advantages and considerable potential, close proximity and immediate linkages with Bangladesh, Myanmar and other South East Asian countries offer robust opportunities for the North Eastern Region to emerge as a major manufacturing, trading and logistics hub for trade with the ASEAN Region. The consequent benefits to the country are also likely to be substantial.

Keeping in view the above factors, Government of India has focused on expeditious and time bound completion of major infrastructure projects of Rail, Road, Telecom, Inland Water Transport, Airports and Power in the North Eastern Region. Government of India has also taken steps for the development of road and port projects in Myanmar, improvement of customs facilities at the Indo-Myanmar border, development of road and rail connectivity in Bangladesh for access to sea ports and appropriate customs facilities at the Indo-Bangladesh border. Implementation of these major projects is being regularly reviewed at various levels.

Ministry of DoNER and Planning Commission have also taken the initiative to project the recent developments made in North Eastern Region through The North East Business Summit by highlighting the potential and upcoming opportunities, with the objective to invite domestic and foreign entrepreneurs to engage with North Eastern markets and to trigger large scale economic activities in the North Eastern Region that will enhance livelihoods and employment opportunities in the region.

This was stated by Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North East Region in Lok Sabha today.

Title: IREDA & US-Exim Bank Signs MoU with Respect to Cooperation on Clean Energy Investment

Date: 18th November, 2014

US Exim Bank to Provide US $ 1 Billion Medium and Long-Term Loans

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd ( IREDA) and US Exim Bank with respect to cooperation on clean energy investment. The MoU was signed by Mr K.S. Popli, Chairman & Managing Director IREDA, and Mr Fred P Hochberg, Chairman and President, Export-Import Bank of the United States here today in the presence of Shri Upendra Tripathi, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), and other senior officials from MNRE, IREDA and US-Exim Bank.

This MoU is intended to establish a framework for cooperation in the financing of creditworthy entities for renewable energy projects and to facilitate the export of goods and services of U.S. origin or manufacture in India and various forms of collaboration between the IREDA & US-Exim Bank.

US Exim Bank shall provide US $ 1 Billion medium and long-term guaranteed and/or direct dollar loans to finance U.S. technologies, products and services utilized during commercial development activities within the clean energy sector by IREDA. The proposed credit facility carries no specific commitment on the part of IREDA and will depend on the import of US equipment to India and attractiveness of credit facility to the project developers in India. This US Exim Bank facility will be available for financing of imported US equipment, and in addition to financing of 30% of domestic component.

With the above proposed facility, IREDA will be providing a new window of credit facility to developers who would like to avail this facility to meet their specific requirement. The credit facility will be available for a repayment period of 18 years with the same fixed rate of interest. The other detailed terms and conditions shall be decided upon signing of MoU.

The following sectors have identified as priority areas of clean energy investment cooperation under this MoU: Solar (utility scale PV and CSP including solar tower); Wind; Hydro and any other Renewable Energy projects; Waste-to-Energy; Other areas of cooperation as agreed. A profile: IREDA ,a Central Public Sector Undertaking functioning under the administrative control of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, is a developmental financial institution in the field of Renewable Energy and provides financial assistance in the form of term loans to the eligible project developers for setting up new and renewable sources of energy and energy efficiency projects.

US-Exim Bank, an agency of the United States of America, was established with the mandate, among other things, to aid in the financing of creditworthy entities to facilitate the export of goods and services of U.S. origin or manufacture. RM/RS Title: Commercial Generation Commences From Muzzafarpur (110 Mw) & Ntpc- Barh (660mw)

Date: 15th November, 2014

The 110 MW unit II of Muzzafarpur Thermal Power station (Stage I ) of Kanti Bijlee Utpadan Nigam Limited and the first 660 MW unit of NTPC`s Barh Super Thermal Power Station commenced commercial generation with the declaration of Commercial Operation by Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of State ( Independent charge) for Power, Coal, New& Renewable Energy, in Bihar today. Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi, Chief Minister of Bihar presided over the functions. The Union Minister for Communications & Information Technology, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, the Union Minister for Agriculture, Shri Radha Mohan Singh, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, the Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (Independent Charge) and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy and Minister of State for Drinking Water and Sanitation Shri Ram Kripal Yadav were the guests of honour at the above functions. Leading dignitaries from the State of Bihar , officials from Ministry of Power, State Government and NTPC attended the functions.

Situated at Kanti in Distt. Muzzafarpur in Bihar Muzzafarpur Thermal Power Station belongs to Kanti Bijlee Utpadan Nigam a subsidiary of NTPC ( 65%) in Joint Venture with Bihar State Power Generation Company Ltd (35%). Leading dignitaries from the State of Bihar were present on the occasion. Muzzafarpur Thermal Power station with a capacity of 2X110 MW was owned by BSEB both the units were under shut down. In order to revive the station, Govt. of Bihar handed over the station to a JV company formed by BSEB and NTPC. Project has 2 X 195 MW capacity under construction at present. Bihar will get 484MW from the project (220 MW from stage-I and 264 MW from stage II) which is 80% of the project capacity.

NTPC - Barh shall have ultimate capacity of 3300 MW capacity in two stages ( Stage1 :3X660 MW and Stage II : 2X660 MW).Situated in Patna Distt of Bihar, the project is identified to benefit Bihar and eastern region states. The Ministry of Power, Govt of India has allocated 50% power of stage-II and 26.42% power of stage-I to home state Bihar, balance has been allocated to States of West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand and Sikkim.

NTPC presently has a capacity of over 3200 MW in Bihar from Kahalgaon( 2340MW) , Muzzafarpur I (220 MW) and Barh II (660MW). Total capacity under construction 6010 MW, from Barh-I, 1980 MW, Barh II – 660MW ( unit V), Nabinagar ( subsidiary of NTPC)- 1000MW, Muffaarpur II ( subsidiary of NTPC )- 390MW and Nabinagar I ( JV with BSEB) 1980MW. Current allocation of power to the state from NTPC 1864 MW, in coming years NTPC shall provide 3622 MW of power from its upcoming stations.

NTPC has an installed capacity of 43128 MW through 16 coal based, 7 gas based, 7 solar renewable and 7 Joint Venture power stations. The company has over 22,000 MW projects under construction at its various projects located across the country. NTPC has a vision to be the world’s largest and best power producer, powering India`s growth. NTPC contributes more than 25 percent of electricity in the country, with about 18% percent of India`s installed capacity. Long term Corporate Plan of the company envisages a vision of becoming a 128000MW company by 2032 with 28% capacity from non-fossil sources.

Title: Raising the authorized share capital of Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency

Date: 5th November, 2014

The Cabinet today at the meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi gave its approval to raise the authorized share capital of the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) from the existing level of Rs.1000 crore to Rs.6000 crore.

The approval does not involve any immediate requirement of funding. Infusion of equity, as and when required, would be based on level of operations.

During the 12th Five Year Plan, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has targeted 30,000 MW from various renewable energy projects out of which IREDA aims to finance projects of an aggregate capacity of 4800 MW. For this, IREDA would need to mobilize financial resources to the tune of Rs.14,000 crore. A higher level of authorised share capital would facilitate in leveraging higher levels of debt from the market.

The MNRE has recommended strengthening of the equity base of IREDA by infusion of Rs.5000 crore through rights issue and the IPO route during the 12th Five Year Plan, in line with the Integrated Energy Policy (IEP) of the Government.

Background :

IREDA is a public financial institution established in March, 1987 under the Company`s Act, 1956. IREDA is registered as a Non-Banking Financial Company with the Reserve Bank of India. Since its inception, IREDA has played a pioneering role in supporting and facilitating the policies and programs of the MNRE that has nurtured the renewable energy industry in the country. IREDA has primarily worked with private sector enterprises operating in the power sector. For over two and half decades, IREDA has been supporting the establishment of renewable energy projects and has greatly succeeded in the commercialization of sustainable energy technologies in the country. Subsequently, its business operations have been widened to extend term loans to energy efficiency and energy conservation projects as well. Ministry of Power

Title: Steps to Overcome the Shortcomings in Supply of Power

Date: 27th November, 2014

The Central Government is taking the following steps to overcome the shortcomings in supply of power.

(i) Generation capacity addition of 88,537 MW is targeted for the 12th Plan from conventional sources. As against this, 48,026 MW has already been achieved.

(ii) Transmission lines of 1,07,440 ckm and 2,82,740 MVA transformation capacity have been targeted for the 12th Plan. As against this, 45,570 ckm of transmission lines and 1,56,354 MVA of transformation capacity has been achieved.

(iii) Two new schemes have been approved by the Government, namely Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojna and Integrated Power Development Scheme for strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution networks and for segregation of agricultural feeders.

(iv) Government of India has taken initiative to prepare Action Plans for providing 24x7 Power For All (PFA) in partnership with the States.

(v) Renovation & Modernization (R&M) of old power plants is planned by the concerned State and Central Power Utilities for improving the Plant Load Factor of power stations.

(vi) The gap in coal availability is planned to be met through enhanced coal production and coal imports for increased generation by thermal plants.

(vii) Promotion of energy conservation, energy efficiency and demand side management measures.

(viii) In order to support financial viability of State Distribution Utilities (Discoms), the Central Government had notified a Financial Restructuring Plan (FRP). (ix) Expeditious resolution of issues relating to environmental and forest clearances.

The availability of power both in terms of energy and peak in the country during the current year 2014-15 (up to October, 2014) is 617.7 BU and 1,41,160 MW respectively. This was stated by Sh. Piyush Goyal, Minister of state for Power, Coal & New and Renewable Energy (Independent Charge) in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

The Minister further stated that the assessment of anticipated shortage of power in the current year 2014- 15 has been done and as per the assessment, the anticipated shortage of power in terms of energy and peak during the year would be 5.1% and 2.0% respectively.

The Minister further stated that the Assessment of anticipated shortage is done on annual basis.

RM/RS- USQ816 – LS

Title: Round the Clock Supply of Power

Date: 27th November, 2014

Government of India has taken a joint initiative with respective State Governments to provide 24 x 7 power to the non-agricultural consumers while ensuring sufficient supply to agricultural consumers. This initiative aims at ensuring uninterrupted power supply to the existing consumers and providing access to electricity to all un-connected consumers in the next five years. To begin with, state specific documents for Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan have been prepared in consultation with respective State Governments. This was stated by Sh. Piyush Goyal, Minister of state for Power, Coal & New and Renewable Energy (Independent Charge) in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

The Minister further stated that the following steps have been taken by the Union Government to increase the power generation capacity and to ensure round the clock power supply in the whole country:

(i) Government of India has now launched two new schemes viz. Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) & Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS). The first, aims to provide reliable and adequate power supply to farmers by separation of agriculture and non-agriculture feeders and strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution infrastructure in rural areas, among others. Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana for rural electrification will get subsumed in DDUGJY. The second scheme, Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS), aims to reduce AT &C losses and also to provide quality power by strengthening sub-transmission and distribution network in urban areas. RAPDRP will get subsumed in IPDS.

(ii) A capacity addition target of 88,537 MW has been fixed for the 12th Plan period, comprising 72,340 MW from Thermal, 10,897 MW from Hydro and 5,300 MW for Nuclear. The achievement against this target, as on 31.10.2014, is 48,026.3 MW, comprising 46199.9 MW from thermal and 1,826.4 MW from Hydro.

(iii) Central Electricity Authority (CEA) is monitoring the progress of construction of power projects through frequent site visits and interaction with the developers and equipment suppliers. In addition, CEA holds review meetings periodically with the developers and other stakeholders to identify issues critical to commissioning of projects and helps in resolving them.

(iv) A Power Project Monitoring Panel (PPMP) has been set up by the Ministry of Power for independent monitoring of Thermal and Hydro Generation projects targeted for commissioning during the 12th Plan and beyond along with the associated transmission systems.

RM/RS- USQ796 – LS

Title: Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana

Date: 27th November, 2014

The Government has decided to introduce and implement Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana in the country. Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) envisages feeder separation, strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution system including metering of distribution transformers/feeders/consumers and rural electrification with scheme cost of Rs.43033 crore during the entire implementation period. This was stated by Sh. Piyush Goyal, Minister of state for Power, Coal & New and Renewable Energy (Independent Charge) in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

The Minister further stated that the scheme implementation starts in current Financial Year 2014-15.

RM/RS- USQ920 – LS

Title: Approval for signing and ratifying SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Regional Railways Agreement

Date: 20th November, 2014

The Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today approved signing and ratifying the SAARC Regional Railways Agreement by India, as a member State of SAARC.

SAARC region is considered one of the least networked regions in terms of physical and soft connectivity leading to high costs and low volumes of trade recognizing which the leaders of the SAARC countries agreed that better transport infrastructure and linkages among the SAARC countries was necessary. A study viz. the SAARC Regional Multi Modal Transport Study (SRMTS) of 2005 undertaken by SAARC Secretariat had recommended multilateral agreements permitting free movement of people, goods and services within SAARC region in the Road and Rail sector and this was endorsed by the SAARC countries in the Summit level and Transport Ministers meetings. Accordingly, the Regional Rail Agreement (RRA) was drafted by India for SAARC countries in 2008. Since then, the draft Agreement has been discussed in the three meetings of the Expert Group on Regional Rail Agreement and in the meetings of Inter-Governmental Group on Transport (IGGT) and the text of the Agreement proposed now for signature was finalized in the 5th IGGT held in New Delhi on 30th September, 2014.

The SAARC Regional Railways Agreement will strengthen transport connectivity in the SAARC Region. Strengthened rail and transport connectivity will not only provide stimulus to the economic development in the region as a whole but also promote social and cultural contact and encourage tourism amongst the Member States. The Regional Rail Agreement will also enable low cost, energy efficient and environmentally sustainable transportation in the SAARC region and provide trade and economic links for the land locked countries and semi isolated regions.

Title: Integrated Power Development Scheme

Date: 20th November, 2014

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today gave its approval to launch "Integrated Power Development Scheme" (IPDS) with the objectives of:

1. Strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution network in the urban areas; 2. Metering of distribution transformers /feeders / consumers in the urban areas. 3. IT enablement of distribution sector and strengthening of distribution network as per CCEA approval dated 21.06.2013 for completion of targets laid down under Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (RAPDRP) for 12th and 13th Plans by carrying forward the approved outlay for RAPDRP to IPDS.

The scheme will help in reduction in AT&C losses, establishment of IT enabled energy accounting / auditing system, improvement in billed energy based on metered consumption and improvement in collection efficiency.

The estimated cost of the present scheme with the components of strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution networks, including metering of consumers in the urban areas is Rs. 32,612 crore which includes the requirement of budgetary support from Government of India of Rs. 25,354 crore over the entire implementation period.

The component of IT enablement of distribution sector and strengthening of distribution network approved by CCEA in June, 2013 in the form of RAPDRP for 12th and 13th Plans will get subsumed in this scheme and CCEA-approved scheme outlay of Rs.44,011 crore including a budgetary support of Rs. 22,727 crore will be carried over to the new scheme of IPDS.

The process of sanction of projects shall commence immediately. After sanction of projects, contracts for execution of projects are to be awarded by States Discoms / Power Departments. The projects shall be completed within 24 months from date of award. ------North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project for six (6) States (Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura and Nagaland) for strengthening of the Intra-State Transmission and Distribution System (20-November 2014)

North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project for six (6) States (Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura and Nagaland) for strengthening of the Intra-State Transmission and Distribution System

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today gave its approval for the North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project (NERPSlP) for six States (Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura and Nagaland) for strengthening of the Intra State Transmission and Distribution System at an estimated cost of Rs.5111.33 crore including capacity building expenditure of Rs.89 crore. The scheme is to be taken up under a new Central Sector Plan Scheme of Ministry of Power (MoP). The scheme is to be implemented with the assistance of World Bank loan and the budget of MoP. The project will be funded on 50:50 (World Bank loan: Gol) basis except the component of capacity building for Rs.89 crore for which GoI will bear entirely.

As the Intra-State Transmission and Distribution systems in the North-Eastern States have remained very weak, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) developed a comprehensive scheme for the North East Region (NER) in consultation with the Power Grid Corporation of the India Limited (PGCIL) and State Governments concerned. The project shall be implemented through PGCIL in association with six NER States in 48 months from the date of release of funds to PGCIL. After commissioning, the project will be owned and maintained by the State Governments.

Presently, all the six NER States are connected to transmission network at 132 KV and below. The 33 KV system is the backbone of power distribution system in the six NER States. In order to reduce the gap between the requirement and availability of the intra-state transmission and distribution system, it is necessary to provide 132 KV / 220 KV connectivity to all the six NER States for proper voltage management and lower distribution losses. Similarly, the distribution system in all six NER States which mainly relies on 33 KV network would be strengthened substantially.

Implementation of this project will create a reliable State power grid and improve its connectivity to the upcoming load centres, and thus extend the benefits of the grid connected power to all the consumers. The project would also provide the required grid connectivity to such villages and towns of the States, where development of distribution system at the downstream level has been taking place under Gol sponsored RGGVY/ APDRP/ R-APDRP schemes.

This project is a major step towards meeting the national objective of "Power to All" through enhancement in access of consumers to grid connected power supply through improving its availability and reliability, thereby facilitating inclusive growth. This shall also increase the per capita power consumption of these States, which is lagging behind the average national consumption and shall contribute to the economic development of the North-Eastern Region.

Title: Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana

Date: 20th November, 2014

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today approved the launch of Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) with components (i) to separate agriculture and non agriculture feeders facilitating judicious rostering of supply to agricultural and non-agricultural consumers in rural areas and (ii) strengthening and augmentation of sub transmission and distribution infrastructure in rural areas, including metering of distribution transformers/feeders/consumers.

The estimated cost of the scheme for above two components is Rs.43,033 crore which includes the requirement of budgetary support of Rs.33,453 crore from Government of India over the entire implementation period.

The Cabinet further approved, that the balance work relating to rural electrification as per CCEA’s approval in August, 2013 with the norms of the ongoing scheme of RGGVY in 12th and 13th Plans will get subsumed in DDUGJY as a distinct component for rural electrification, for which CCEA has already approved the scheme cost of Rs.39,275 crore including budgetary support of Rs.35,447 crore. This outlay will be carried forward to the new scheme of DDUGJY in addition to the outlay of Rs.43,033 crore.

The scheme would help in:

(i) Improvement in hours of power supply in rural areas, (ii) Reduction in peak load, (iii) Improvement in billed energy based on metered consumption and (iv) Providing access to electricity to rural households.

The process of sanction of projects shall commence immediately. After sanction of projects, contracts for execution of projects will be awarded by States Discoms / Power Departments. The projects shall be completed within 24 months from date of award.

Title: Signing of "SAARC Framework Agreement for Energy Cooperation (Electricity)" among the SAARC Member countries in the forthcoming 18th SAARC Summit

Date: 20th November, 2014

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today gave its approval for signing of "SAARC Framework Agreement for Energy Cooperation (Electricity)" among the SAARC Member States during the forthcoming 18th SAARC Summit scheduled to be held at Kathmandu, Nepal on 26-27 November, 2014.

The Agreement will enable greater cooperation in the power sector among SAARC countries. The Agreement is expected to improve the power availability in the entire SAARC region. It would facilitate integrated operation of the regional power grid.

Title: Shri Piyush Goyal Applauds Role of Appellate Tribunal for Electricity

Date: 19th November, 2014

Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of State for Power, Coal and New and Renewable Energy inaugurated here today anniversary celebration function of Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL). The Chairman and Members of the Central and State Electricity Regulatory Commissions across the country, Advocates of Bar Association and Power Utilities also attended the function.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Piyush Goyal applauded the role of the Appellate Tribunal in adjudicating complex, legal, technical and financial matters. In particular, he cited the landmark judgment of the Tribunal giving directions to the State Commissions to determine the Retail Supply Tariff every year and before the commencement of the Financial Year. This judgment strengthened the hands of the Regulators and the Distribution companies resulting in improving the financial health of the distribution companies and to improve the reliability of supply to their consumers, Shri Goyal added . He also emphasized on the role of Regulatory Commissions in framing of Regulations, so as to minimize the litigation. Shri Goyal reiterated Government’s commitment to ensure 24x7 power supply to the consumers in the days to come ahead and for which he sought co-operation of the Commissions and Tribunal.

Hon’ble Mr. Justice M. Karpaga Vinayagam, Chairperson, APTEL speaking on the occasion said that with the establishment of Circuit Benches of the Appellate Tribunal at Chennai, Mumbai and Kolkata, the objective of delivery of justice at the door step has been achieved to a large extent.

The Inaugural Function was followed by Interactive Session between the Chairperson and Members of the Appellate Tribunal and Central & State Commissions in which, issues relating to meet the Renewable Purchase Obligations from Renewable Sources of Energy, encourage development of Renewable Sources of Energy and other issues relating to expedite the delivery of justice were discussed.

Background:

The Appellate Tribunal has been constituted under the Electricity Act as an Appellate body to hear the Appeals arising out of the orders of the Central and State Electricity Regulatory Commissions. The Tribunal also has powers to give directions to the Central and State Commissions regarding the performance of their statutory functions.

Title: Shri Piyush Goyal Inaugurates NTPC'S Technology Summit

Date: 7th November, 2014

NTPC’s first International Technical Summit titled ‘Global Energy Technology Summit’ GETS 2014 was inaugurated today by Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister for Power, Coal, New & Renewable energy. In his address Shri Goyal said that Sustainability and Technology shall be the two main drivers of all energy related plans of the Government. He complimented NTPC for its initiatives in solar power generation & other renewable sources and its ability to think different. He appreciated NTPC’s efforts to organise the global technology summit every year and emphasised that research should be carried out with a focus on practical outcomes in mitigating energy requirements of the country.

The function was held at Manekshaw Center, New Delhi and was attended by Dr. R.Chidambram, Principal scientific advisor to GOI, Shri Upendra Tripathy, Secretary MNRE, senior officials of NTPC and national & international delegates.

In all 167 papers have been accepted and 72 papers have been selected for the presentation out of which 43 are international papers from about 10 different countries. Balance accepted papers forms part of the compendium which was released in the inauguration ceremony.

Dr. R. Chidambram in his address spoke about initiatives taken for introduction of Advanced Ultra Super Critical Technology and importance of Nuclear and renewable energy in India. He emphasised that India is looking forward to be an energy self-sufficient with sustainable power to all.

Secretary MNRE complimented NTPC on GETS initiative and suggested establishing a World Energy Museum where information on journey of energy technology from invention of a bulb to advance super cuticle & nuclear technologies as well as other sources could be showcased.

Speaking on the occasion Dr Arup Roy Choudhury, CMD NTPC requested all the delegates and authors to think & deliberate on ways to make better use of technology while keeping the local environment and available fuel condition in perspective. Dr. Roy Choudhury added that NTPC has 42 units under construction totalling 23,854MW capacity which is 55% of our present installed capacity and is probably the largest capacity under construction at one time by a single company.

Ministry of Water Resources

Title: Storage Status of 85 Important Reservoirs of the Country as on November 27, 2014

Date: 28th November, 2014

The Water Storage available in 85 important reservoirs of the country as on November 27, 2014 was 104.198 BCM which is 67% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. This storage is 85% of the storage of corresponding period of last year and 99% of storage of average of last ten years. The present storage position during current year is less than the storage position of last year and also less than the storage of average of last ten years. Central Water Commission monitors live storage status of 85 important reservoirs of the country on weekly basis. These reservoirs include 37 reservoirs having hydropower benefit with installed capacity of more than 60 MW. The total storage capacity of these reservoirs is 155.046 BCM which is about 61% of the storage capacity of 253.388 BCM which is estimated to have been created in the country.

REGION WISE STORAGE STATUS:

NORTHERN REGION The northern region includes States of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan. There are 6 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 18.01 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 11.21 BCM which is 62% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 78% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 67% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year and also less than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

EASTERN REGION The Eastern region includes States of Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Tripura. There are 15 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 18.83 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 14.94 BCM which is 79% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 91% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 74% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year but better than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

WESTERN REGION The Western region includes States of Gujarat and Maharashtra. There are 22 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 24.54 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 16.46 BCM which is 67% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 83% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was74% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the storage of last year and also less than the average storage of last ten years.

CENTRAL REGION The Central region includes States of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. There are 12 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 42.30BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 32.12 BCM which is 76% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 84% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 56% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the storage of last year but better than the average storage of last ten years.

SOUTHERN REGION The Southern region includes States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. There are 30 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 51.37 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 29.47 BCM which is 57% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 69% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 72% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year and also less than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

States having better storage than last year for corresponding period are Kerala and Tamil Nadu. States having lesser storage than last year for corresponding period are Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Tripura, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh,Karnataka.

Title: Cleaning of Yamuna River

Date: 27th November, 2014

Government of India has sanctioned Yamuna Action Plant (YAP)-I and YAP-II schemes for river Yamuna in Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and YAP-III in Delhi under financial assistance from Japan International Coorperation Agency (JICA) for taking up works for sewerage/interception and diversion of drains, Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), low cost sanitation/community toilet complexes, electric/ improved wood crematoria, etc. An expenditure of Rs. 1514.42 crore (including state share) has been incurred on YAP-I and YAP-II while YAP-III has been sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs. 1656.00 crore.

Government of India has also sanctioned two projects for Rs. 217.87 crore for pollution abatement of river Yamuna in towns of Sonepat and Panipat in Haryana.

In addition, under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) project of Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD), DJB is implementing an interceptor sewer project costing Rs. 1357.71 crore to intercept sewage flowing into river Yamuna from three major drains, namely Najafgarh, Supplementary and Shahdara in Delhi.

The timeframe for completion of YAP-III scheme, being funded by JICA for Delhi, is December, 2018 and for interceptor sewer project is June, 2015.

This information was given by Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Prof. Sanwar Lal Jat in Lok Sabha today.

Title: Cleaning Of Ganga

Date: 27th November, 2014

The Union Budget 2014-15 has set up an Integrated Ganga Conservation Mission namely “Namami Gange” with an allocation of Rs. 2037 crore for Ganga Rejuvenation. The plan formulated for Ganga Rejuvenation provides for ‘Short-term’, ‘Medium-term’, and a ‘Long-term’ action plan, incorporating the projects already sanctioned by National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBP). Presently, a World Bank assisted National Ganga River Basin Project (NGRBP) for Rs 7000 crore and a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) assisted Project at Varanasi for Rs. 496.90 crore are under implementation.

National Ganga Monitoring Centre (NGMC) is conceptualized as a Nodal Centre for monitoring the critical aspects of Ganga rejuvenation, such as water and effluent quality at identified suitable locations throughout Ganga, using IT enabled systems, etc.

The Government proposes to free all villages along the banks of the river from open defecation under Namami Gange project.

Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has prepared an Action Plan to make 1649 Gram Panchayats along the banks of river Ganga Open Defecation Free at an estimated cost of Rs. 1508.76 crore. Further, 118 urban habitations on both banks of river Ganga have been tentatively identified by the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) for extending suitable coverage of sewerage infrastructure

This information was given today by Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Prof. Sanwar Lal Jat in Lok Sabha.

Title: Groundwater in Rural Areas

Date: 27th November, 2014

Central Ground Water Board carried out assessment of replenishable ground water resources (as on March 2011), jointly with the respective State Ground Water Departments in the Country including rural and backward areas. It shows that 1071 Blocks/Mandals/Talukas in the Country are ‘Over-Exploited’; 217 are ‘Critical’ and 697 are ‘Semi-Critical’. 162 Blocks/Talukas/Areas for regulation of ground water development in the Country have been notified by CGWA, wherein, permission to construct new bore wells is not granted, except for drinking and domestic purposes.

The Central Sector Scheme of Ground Water Management and Regulation, under implementation during XII Plan, inter-alia, envisages participatory management of groundwater involving Panchayat Raj Institutions, local communities, NGOs and other Stakeholders for ensuring safe and sustainable management of groundwater resources in the Country including backward areas.

This information was given by Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Prof. Sanwar Lal Jat in Lok Sabha today.

Title: Uma Bharti will Review the Working of her Ministry on Weekly Basis

Date: 26th November, 2014

Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti has asked senior officials of her Ministry that they should complete all schemes and programmes of the Ministry in time bound manner. Addressing a meeting of the senior officials of her Ministry here today, the Minister expressed concern over slow progress of some schemes of the Ministry. She said, in future she will herself review the progress of all the schemes with the senior officials on weekly basis.

Sushri Bharti said that some States are implementing the schemes of her Ministry in a very proper manner while some other are lagging behind. The Minister said if needed, she will herself talk to the Chief Minister of concerned State to sort out their problems.

The Union Water Resources Minister said that this Government is first such Government since independence which has come to power on the agenda of the development. The Minister said “Because of this the responsibility of the Ministry has become more important so that it works for the development according to the aspirations of the people. The Ministry needs to give more attention to two of its major schemes viz. Mission Ganga and Inter-linking of rivers.” She said we need to give more attention to those State which are linked with Mission Gang and inter-linking of rivers.

Underlining the importance of flood forecasting, the Minister said the Ministry has to give more attention to this issue. We have to ensure that benefit of every scheme of the Ministry reaches the last man of the society, the Minister added.

Title: Storage Status of 85 Important Reservoirs of the Country as on November 20, 2014

Date: 24th November, 2014

The Water Storage available in 85 important reservoirs of the country as on November 20, 2014 was 106.822 BCM which is 69% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. This storage is 84% of the storage of corresponding period of last year and 99% of storage of average of last ten years. The present storage position during current year is less than the storage position of last year and also less than the storage of average of last ten years.

Central Water Commission monitors live storage status of 85 important reservoirs of the country on weekly basis. These reservoirs include 37 reservoirs having hydropower benefit with installed capacity of more than 60 MW. The total storage capacity of these reservoirs is 155.046 BCM which is about 61% of the storage capacity of 253.388 BCM which is estimated to have been created in the country.

REGION WISE STORAGE STATUS:

NORTHERN REGION The northern region includes States of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan. There are 6 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 18.01 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 11.60 BCM which is 64% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 81% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 70% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year and also less than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

EASTERN REGION The Eastern region includes States of Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Tripura. There are 15 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 18.83 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 15.08 BCM which is 80% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 92% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 75% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year but better than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

WESTERN REGION The Western region includes States of Gujarat and Maharashtra. There are 22 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 24.54 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 16.73 BCM which is 68% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 85% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was75% of live storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the storage of last year and also less than the average storage of last ten years.

CENTRAL REGION The Central region includes States of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. There are 12 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 42.30BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 32.84 BCM which is 78% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 86% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 58% of live storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the storage of last year but better than the average storage of last ten years.

SOUTHERN REGION The Southern region includes States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. There are 30 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 51.37 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 30.57 BCM which is 60% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 74% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 74% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year and also less than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

States having better storage than last year for corresponding period are Kerala and Tamil Nadu. States having equal storage than last year for corresponding period is Karnataka. States having lesser storage than last year for corresponding period are Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Tripura, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh.

Title: Government to Start Jal Gram Scheme in Every District Says Uma Bharti

Date: 22nd November, 2014

Three Day National Conference Jal Manthan on Issues for Optimal use of Water Resources Concludes

This centre will start Jal Gram (Water Village) scheme next year. Announcing this here today Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti said that initially the scheme will be implemented as a pilot project. The Minister was speaking at the concluding session of the three day national conference Jal Mathan on issues for optimal use of water resources. Sushri Bharti said that the village with utmost water scarcity in every district will be indentified as Jal Gram. She said the assistance of other central Government Ministries and voluntary organizations will also be taken in the scheme. The Minister said later the scheme will be implemented in every district of the country. She said her Ministry will celebrate next as water conservation year and during this various programmes will be organized by her Ministry in every district of the country to create awareness about water conservation.

Referring to the Ganga conservation programme the Minister said a lot of money was spent in the past in haste which did not give desired result. She said “We will do something solid on this which will have long lasting result.”

The Minister assured the participants that her Ministry will seriously consider each and every issue raised during the conference and its suggestions. She said “After two years I will invite all of you here again and explain the steps taken by my Ministry on your suggestions.”

The Minister also released a booklet about Ganga Manthan, a national dialogue on Ganga Rejuvenation which was held on 7th July this year in New Delhi. The booklet contains various suggestions and conclusions of deliberation held during the dialogue.

Title: Our District-Our Water Programme to be Launched to take the Message of Water Conservation to Every Village of the Country-Uma Bharti

Date: 22nd November, 2014

Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti has stressed the need for adopting modern technique in the field of water conversation and to make it a public movement. Addressing the third day of the national conference on issues for optimal use of water resources called “Jal Manthan” here today, the Minister said there is a need to take the issue of water conservation to every village of the country. She said “Our district-Our water” programme will be launched for this purpose during India water week which will be held from 13 to 17 January next year. The Minister said that apart from creating awareness towards water conservation, the programme will also focus on locating every such place in every district of the country which requires water conservation.

The Minister said Government is committed to provide irrigation facility to every agricultural field in the country and if necessary, acts will also be amended for this purpose. She said Government will take technological assistance from countries likes Israel and Germany in this task.

The water resources Minister said that she has observed that a large chunk of money allocated to State Governments remains unutilized due to strict Government rules and regulations. She said that she has directed her Ministry officials to find out solution to this problem at Ministry level itself. If required, we will go to the cabinet or even Parliament to seek amendments in the acts for this purpose, the Minister added.

Sushri Bharti said that yesterday she sat through the discussion on inter-linking of rivers. She said “Many good suggestions were made in this regard. There was not a single suggestion against inter-linking of rivers. People only expressed some apprehensions and problems which we me have to face. Except for one or two States, all other State were in agreement for this task. We will dispel the apprehensions of these States.”

The three day event was organized by the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation to take up wide ranging consultations with the state Water Resources/ Irrigation Ministers, Secretaries and a range of other stakeholders. The focus was on refining policies of the Ministry to make them more people friendly and responsive to the needs of the states.

The first day of the conference was devoted for deliberations on the three flagship schemes being implemented by the Union Government through Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, viz., Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme, Repair, Renovation and Restoration of Water Bodies and Flood Management Programme. New proposals, such as, Incentivizing States for Water Sector Reforms India Water Resources Information System and Hydrology Project III were also discussed.

The second day of the conference was devoted to issues related to inter-linking of rivers in the country. It is proposed to deliberate on various aspects of inter-linking as the programme has evoked strong reactions from civil societies and environmental groups.

On the third and last day of the conference, deliberations were held on broader issues of water conservation and management with civil societies, non-governmental organizations and water user communities. The focus was on water Security, Humane Face to Water Projects, Farm Water Management and Rejuvenation of Water Bodies.

Besides Union Agriculture Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh, Union Rural Development Minister Choudhary Birender Singh, Railway Minister Shri Suresh Prabhu, Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Prof. Sanwar Lal Jat, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Chandrababu Naidu about 300 delegates from various States and organizations attended the conference.

Title: River Linking Can Raise the Irrigation Capacity of the Country by 90 Per Cent Says Uma Bharti

Date: 20th November, 2014

Three Day National Conference on Issues of Optimal Use of Water Resources Begins

Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti has said that inter-linking of river will raise the irrigation capacity of the country by 90 percent. Inaugurating the national conference on issues for optimal use of water resources called “Jal Manthan” here today, the Minister said that there is no shortage of water in our country. She said excess rain water in our country flows in to seas through rivers. We need to conserve this water by inter-linking the rivers.

The Minister said, in our country irrigation schemes take lot of time and money to complete. She said only farmer can feel the pain of these delayed projects. The Minister said that when she became Minister in the centre, many Ministers and Secretaries from various States came to her and explained their problems about water resources and irrigation. The Minister promised that after going through the recommendations of Jal Manthan deliberation, she will make necessary amendments to the schemes and plans of the Ministry. She said that Prime Minister has desired that we should ensure that irrigation facility is provided to every field of each farmer without any extra cost.

Union Agriculture Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh, Union Rural Development Minister Choudhary Birender Singh and Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Prof. Sanwar Lal Jat also addressed the inaugural session. The three day event has been organized by the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation to take up wide ranging consultations with the state Water Resources/ Irrigation Ministers, Secretaries and a range of other stakeholders. The focus will be on refining policies of the Ministry to make them more people friendly and responsive to the needs of the states.

The first day of the conference was devoted for deliberations on the three flagship schemes being implemented by the Union Government through Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, viz., Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme, Repair, Renovation and Restoration of Water Bodies and Flood Management Programme. New proposals, such as, Incentivizing States for Water Sector Reforms India Water Resources Information System and Hydrology Project III were also discussed.

The second day of the conference will be devoted to issues related to inter-linking of rivers in the country. It is proposed to deliberate on various aspects of inter-linking as the programme has evoked strong reactions from civil societies and environmental groups. The event would provide a platform to address the concerns and clarify issues raised by them.

On the third day of conference, it is proposed to hold deliberations on broader issues of water conservation and management with civil societies, non-governmental organisations and water user communities. The focus will be on water Security, Humane Face to Water Projects, Farm Water Management and Rejuvenation of Water Bodies. Three Day National Conference on Issues for Optimal Use of Water Resources (15-November 2014)

Three Day National Conference on Issues for Optimal Use of Water Resources

Uma Bharti to Inaugurate Jal Manthan on November 20

Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti will inaugurate the national conference on issues for optimal use of water resources called “Jal Manthan”on November 20, 2014 in New Delhi. The three day event has been organized by the Minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation take up wide ranging consultations with the state irrigation ministers, Secretaries for Water Resources and a range of other stakeholders. The focus will be on refining policies of the Ministry to make them more people friendly and responsive to the needs of the states.

The first day of the conference will be devoted for deliberations on the three flagship schemes being implemented by the Union Government through Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, viz., Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme, Repair, Renovation and Restoration of Water Bodies and Flood Management Programme. New proposals, such as, Incentivizing States for Water Sector Reforms India Water Resources Information System and Hydrology Project III would also be introduced. The programme will involve participation from concerned Ministers and Principal Secretaries from the State Governments and provide them an opportunity to highlight their concerns and impediments being faced by them in effective implementation of these Schemes.

The second day will be devoted to issues related to inter-linking of rivers in the country. It is proposed to deliberate on various aspects of inter-linking as the programme has evoked strong reactions from civil societies and environmental groups. The Event would provide a platform to address the concerns and clarify issues raised by them. On the third day of Conference, it is proposed to hold deliberations on broader issues of water conservation and management with civil societies, non-governmental organisations and water user communities. The focus will be on water Security Humane Face to Water Projects Farm Water Management and Rejuvenation of Water Bodies.

It may be recalled that the Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharati has emphasized the need to hold wider consultations amongst various stakeholders engaged in water resource development and management to achieve synergy of water resource development with environment, wild-life and various social and cultural practices. About 300 experts are expected to attend the conference.

Title: Prof. Sanwar Lal Jat Inaugurates Pavilion of Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation at IITF-2014

Date: 14th November, 2014

Minister of state for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Prof. Sanwar Lal Jat inaugurated the pavilion of Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation at India International Trade Fair -2014 here today.

The theme of the pavilion for the year is: “CLEAN RIVER-BRIGHT FUTURE”. In view of expansion of the Ministry after inclusion of River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, the theme of the pavilion has been selected carefully to make the pavilion relevant in the present context. The Ganga river plays significant role in lives of the people living in cities on its banks. Accordingly, the message matching with the theme of the pavilion is being exhibited through interactive models and other means to spread awareness and education among visitors.

The central attraction of the pavilion is a large size (20’X10’) working model of Ganga at Allahabad, showing Ganga-Yamuna Sangam alongwith prominent landmarks of the Allahabad city. The subject of the central model has also been selected, depicting present day status of Ganga at Allahabad and efforts for its rejuvenation. Various models of Water Cycle, Gangotri Glaciers, River Yamuna at Delhi, Spillways Scrolling Display, Power Generation, Rain Water Harvesting, Lift Irrigation System. Evapo- retardation along with generation of clean solar electricity have also been exhibited.

The models and exhibitory materials are being explained to the visitors by resource persons of relevant fields. Display items and posters related to Effects of climate change on Hydrological cycle, Water and Disasters, Global Warming, Data Collection and management, River Engineering, Impacts of major pollutants in water on human body, Ground water flow in aquifers, Artificial recharge of ground water, Water resources potential in river basins of India, Flood forecasting, Glimpses of Rehabilitation and Resettlement works of Tehri Dam Project, Sardar Sarovar Project, Bargi Project, Indira Sagar Projects, Omkareshwar Project, Water Falls at Amarkantak, Water Conservation, Maps on interlinking of rivers and Film on Ken-Betwa Link Project have also been displayed.

Children represent the next generation and constitute one of the most important clientele groups in focus for awareness campaign of the Ministry. Accordingly a student corner has been provided in the pavilion where a pantomime show, which is a traditional art form and the quiz show on various aspects of water are also being organized throughout the duration of the fair to attract and educate children especially the students about issues relating to water resources management.

Various organizations under Ministry of Water Resources viz. Central Water Commission (CWC), Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), National Water Development Agency (NWDA), Central soil and Materials Research Station (CSMRS), National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Central Water & Power Research Station (CWPRS), Narmada Control Authority (NCA)and Public Sector undertakings viz. WAPCOS Ltd. and National Projects Construction Corporation Limited (NPCC) Ltd. are exhibiting their models and other exhibitory materials to showcase their activities and achievements.

Title: Official Facebook Page of Ministry of Water Resources Launched

Date: 12th November, 2014

In its efforts to reach to social media, the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation today launched its official facebook page. The page was launched by newly appointed Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Prof. Sanwar Lal Jat here today. Speaking on the occasion the Minister expressed the hope that with this launch the programmes and policies of the Ministy will reach to a wider audience. He said optimum utilization of water is very important for a drought and flood prone country like India. Prof. Jat also stressed on the need for proper waste water management.

The Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti was also present on the occasion. She introduced Prof. Jat to the senior officials of her Ministry. She expressed the hope that Prof. Jat who comes with a very long experience as irrigation Minister of Rajasthan will prove to be an asset to the Ministry of Water Resources.

Title: Uma Bharti calls for Fast Track mode for Inter-Linking of Rivers Consultative Committee meeting of Ministry of Water Resources Held

Date: 11th November, 2014

Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti has called for fast track measures to achieve the goal of inter-linking of rivers (ILR) in the country. Addressing the Parliamentary consultative meeting of her Ministry here today the Minister said that as per the National Perspective Plan of ILR, it would give additional benefits of 35 million hect. of irrigation (25 million hect. of irrigation from surface waters and 10 million hect. by increased use of ground waters) raising the ultimate irrigation potential from 140 million hect. to 175 million hect. and generation of 34000 MW of power, apart from the benefits of flood control, navigation, water supply, fisheries, salinity and pollution control etc. She said, “ILR is a project of national importance and its purpose is to provide equitable distribution of water in the country which will specially benefit flood and drought prone areas. I seek co-operation of all the States in this national task.”

Sushri Bharti informed members that National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has identified 30 links, 16 under Peninsular Component and 14 under Himalayan Component for preparation of Feasibility Reports. Out of this, feasibility reports of 14 links of peninsular component and two links (Indian portion) of Himalayan component have been prepared. Surveys and investigation in respect of seven other links is also complete and their draft feasibility reports have been compiled.

Sushri Bharti informed the meeting that DPR of Daman Ganga-Pinjal link has been prepared and it has been forwarded to the State Governments of Maharashtra and Gujrat for further necessary action in April this year. The DPR of Par-Tapi-Narmada link is under preparation and is likely to be complete by March next year. The Minister said that NWDA has received 46 proposals from States for intra-state links. Out of this, pre feasibility reports of 33 links have been prepared and sent to respective States. She said that on the request of Bihar Government, NWDA prepared DPRs for Burhi Gandak-Noon-Bya-Ganga and Kosi- Mechi river link in December 2013 and March 2013 respectively. These reports have been forwarded to the Bihar Government for the further necessary action. One DPR each is also under preparation for the States of Maharashtra, Tamilnadu and Jharkhand.

Members of Parliament who attended the meeting were unanimous in their support to the concept of inter- linking of rivers. They said that Government should take this programme in the mission mode and it should be completed in time bound manner. One member was of the view that due to apprehensions expressed in some sectors about this programme, a sense of seriousness is missing. Another member said that while taking up this programme we should not ignore ecological, social and environmental cost of the project. One member was of the view that centre should seriously consider nationalization of rivers. Some other suggestions like Krishna-Godavari link, Ganga-Gomti link, Sharda-Yamuna link, Pindari-Kosi link, construction of rubber dams during ILR, linking of Falgu river in Bihar were also made by the members.

Thanking the Members for their valuable suggestions the Minister urged them to raise issues and questions related to ILR in both houses of Parliament so that the attention of nation could be drawn to this important issue.

The following members attended the meeting:

Shri AT Nana Patil, Shri Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Shri Ajay Tamta, Smt Anju Bala, Shri Bahadur Singh Koli, Shri Dharambir Bhaleram, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Shri Hemant Tukaram Godse, Dr Krishn Pratap Singh, Shri Kristappa Nimmala, Smt Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Shri Sunil Kumar Mondal, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey (All from Lok Sabha) and Shri Ram Narain Dudi from Rajya Sabha.

Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Prof. Sanwar Lal Jat, Secretary Water Resources Shri AK Bishnoi and Senior officials of the Ministry were also present in the meeting.

Title: Prof Sanwar Lal Jat Takes Over As MoS Water Resources

Date: 10th November, 2014

Prof. Sanwar Lal Jat took over as Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation here today. Born on 01 January, 1955 in Village Gopalpura of Ajmer District in Rajasthan, he did his post graduation in Commerce and obtained Ph.D also. Shri Sanwar lal joined the faculty of Department of Accountancy and Business Statistics of University of Rajasthan in Jaipur in the year 1981 and took VRS from their in 2012.

He founded Gramin Shodh evam Vikas Parishad in 1990 and organized public awareness programmes in villages on various issues related farmers. Prof. Jat was elected to 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th Rajasthan legislative assembly from Bhinay constituency. He was elected to 14th Rajasthan Vidhan Sabha in 2013 from Nasirabad constituency. Prof. Jat was Minister of State for Relief and Rehabilitation (Independent Charge) in Bhairon Singh Shekhawat Government during 1993 to 1998. He was Minister of Water Resources in Vasundhara Raje Government from 2003 to 2013.

Prof. Sanwar Lal was elected to Lok Sabha this year from Ajmer Parliamentary constituency defeating Congress candidate and Union Minister Sachin Pilot. He has co-authored a three volume book on Government Audit besides contributing several research papers in journals of national and international repute.

Title: Storage Status of 85 Important Reservoirs of the Country as On November 5, 2014

Date: 9th November, 2014

The Water Storage available in 85 important reservoirs of the country as on November 5, 2014 was 111.957 BCMwhich is 72% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. This storage is 85% of the storage of corresponding period of last year and 100% of storage of average of last ten years. The present storage position during current year is less than the storage position of last year and equal to storage of average of last ten years.

Central Water Commission monitors live storage status of 85 important reservoirs of the country on weekly basis. These reservoirs include 37 reservoirs having hydropower benefit with installed capacity of more than 60 MW. The total storage capacity of these reservoirs is 155.046 BCM which is about 61% of the storage capacity of 253.388 BCM which is estimated to have been created in the country.

REGION WISE STORAGE STATUS

NORTHERN REGION The northern region includes States of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan. There are 6 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 18.01 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 12.57 BCM which is 70% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 86% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 74% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year and also less than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

EASTERN REGION The Eastern region includes States of Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Tripura. There are 15 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 18.83 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 14.71 BCM which is 78% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 88% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 76% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year but better than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

WESTERN REGION The Western region includes States of Gujarat and Maharashtra. There are 22 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 24.54 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 18.00 BCM which is 73% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 87% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was78% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the storage of last year and also less than the average storage of last ten years.

CENTRAL REGION The Central region includes States of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. There are 12 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 42.30BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 33.87 BCM which is 80% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 89% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 61% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the storage of last year but better than the average storage of last ten years.

SOUTHERN REGION The Southern region includes States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. There are 30 reservoirs in this region having total storage capacity of 51.37 BCM. The total storage available in these reservoirs is 32.80 BCM which is 64% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. The storage during corresponding period of last year was 79% and average storage of last ten years during corresponding period was 77% of storage capacity of these reservoirs. Thus, storage during current year is less than the corresponding period of last year and also less than the average storage of last ten years during the corresponding period.

States having better storage than last year for corresponding period is Tamil Nadu.States having lesser storage than last year for corresponding period are Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Tripura, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala.

Title: Every Agricultural Field in the Country to have Irrigation Facility in the Next Ten Years

Date: 7th November, 2014

Uma Bharti Inaugurates National Convention of Presidents of Water Users’ Associations on Participatory Irrigation Management

Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti has said that every agricultural field in the country will have irrigation facility in the next ten years. Inaugurating the National Convention of Presidents of Water Users’ Associations (WUAs) on Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) here today, the Minister said availability of water for utilization needs to be augmented to meet increasing demands through efficient use of water in all the sectors. She said the issue of Water Use Efficiency is recognized as being very important for water security in the coming years. Irrigation sector accounts for about 80% of total water use and therefore, it is imperative that water use efficiency is much more important in case of irrigation projects.

The Minister said shortage of water is one of the major problems of the country. She said we have to stop misuse of water if we want to conserve our water resources. Sushri Bharti called for public participation at a very large scale to conserve water resources of the country. The Minister said people should not depend on Government for everything and society should take initiatives on its own on sensitive issues like water conservation.

The Union Water Resources Minister said that an effective WUA will work towards an equitable and uniform distribution of available canal water among all users, will ensure adequate repair and maintenance of watercourses and keep it in running condition by clearing of the silt and vegetation. She said, “A functional WUA will ensure efficient and economical use of canal water and take assistance of agricultural extension programme to decide type of crop for optimum utilization of available water. This will not only lead to prosperity of the participating farmers and region but will also result in protection of environment and ecological balance by involving stakeholders in implementation of water budget and operational plan”.

She informed the convention that her Ministry has issued guidelines for farmers participation under Command Area Development & Water Management programme, recognizing the need for sound legal framework for PIM in the country. Sushri Bharti said that her Ministry has been promoting PIM and has requested the State Governments to enact legislation for involvement /participation of farmers in the irrigation management at different levels. She said though over 84000 WUAs have been formed in the country, their functional efficiency in ensuring efficient water use and equitable water allocation is far from satisfactory. Therefore, introspection at this juncture is vital, the Minister added.

The Minister expressed the hope that deliberations among the different stakeholders including farmer groups in this convention shall be very useful in the overall objective of increasing water use efficiency and provide necessary recommendations to find viable solution to the problems being faced in the irrigation sector.

The two day Convention has been convened with a vision to provide a platform for multiple stakeholders for consultation and to make them functionally effective, where they already exist and creating an environment for establishing WUAs where they are needed. The agenda of the convention has been so designed that it ensures providing a free voice to farmers and WUAs enabling them to raise their concerns, limitation and challenges for making WUAs effective. The Ministry envisages providing an open forum for the farmers and WUAs to discuss candidly the role of Union Ministry, State Governments and WUAs.

Shri Anuj Kumar Bishnoi, Secretary of the Water Resources Ministry, Additional Secretary Dr Amarjit Singh and Chairman Central Water Commission Shri AB Pandya also addressed the inaugural session.