Page 2 - Water Conservation

Water shortages feared as snow in Hindu Kush Himalaya hits record low

The Hindu Kush Himalaya is experiencing significantly lower snow persistence this year, raising serious concern over water security for downstream communities, according to a new report. Leading experts from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), a Nepal-based intergovernmental organisation, have urged water management officials to initiate drought management strategies and preemptive emergency water supply measures. The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region heavily depends on the cryosphere -- frozen water on the Earth's surface, including snow, permafrost, and ice from glaciers, lakes and rivers. This frozen water is a critical source of freshwater for around 240 million (24 crore) people living in the HKH region and has far-reaching benefits for around 1.65 billion (165 crore) people downstream. Snowmelt accounts for around 23 per cent of the total water flow of 12 major river basins originating in the HKH. However, its contribution varies from river to

Water level at India's main reservoirs declines to 23%, says CWC report

The water level of the country's 150 main reservoirs has dropped to 23 per cent and is also 77 per cent less than last year's levels at this time, according to Central Water Commission (CWC) data. Last week, the live storage of these reservoirs was at 24 per cent. The present storage is merely 77 per cent of last year's levels and 94 per cent of the normal storage, CWC data stated. In its latest weekly bulletin, released on Friday, the commission said that "the total live storage available is 41.705 billion cubic metres (BCM), equating to 23 per cent of the total capacity". "This is a significant decrease from the 53.832 BCM recorded during the same period last year and the normal storage level of 44.511 BCM. Consequently, the current storage is only 77 per cent of last year's levels and 94 per cent of the normal storage," the commission said. The 150 main reservoirs monitored by the CWC have a combined live storage capacity of 178.784 BCM, which is around 69.35 per cent of the to

K'taka bans use of drinking water for car washing, gardening, imposes fine

As per the Bengaluru district administration, for up to 5 km, a 6000-litre water tanker will cost Rs 600, an 8000-litre water tanker will cost Rs 700, and a 12,000-litre water tanker will cost Rs 1000

Water Act 2024: HP, Rajasthan and UTs first to decriminalise small offences

Experts have raised concern over central government overreach and the weakening of state autonomy, as well as the potential for leniency towards large units

In 2050, 33% of global river sub-basins could face water scarcity: Study

In 2050, one-third of global river sub-basins are projected to face severe scarcity of clean water due to nitrogen pollution, new research has found. Analysing more than 10,000 global river sub-basins, an international team of researchers found that nitrogen pollution dramatically increased the number of river basin systems considered scarce with regards to its water quality. The supply of clean water for all is one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030. They projected that nitrogen pollution could render many sub-basins in South China, Central Europe, North America, and Africa to become water scarcity hotspots. The team, led by Wageningen University in The Netherlands, has attributed the nitrogen pollution to urbanisation and agriculture. Their findings are published in the journal Nature Communications. River sub-basins are smaller working units of river basins, which are a large source of drinking water but also remain locations of large scale urban

California approves new rules for turning wastewater into drinking water

When a toilet is flushed in California, the water can end up in a lot of places: An ice skating rink near Disneyland, ski slopes around Lake Tahoe, farmland in the Central Valley. And coming soon kitchen faucets. California regulators on Tuesday approved new rules to let water agencies recycle wastewater and put it right back into the pipes that carry drinking water to homes, schools and businesses. It's a big step for a state that has struggled for decades to secure reliable sources of drinking water for its more than 39 million residents. And it signals a shift in public opinion on a subject that as recently as two decades ago prompted backlash that scuttled similar projects. Since then, California has been through multiple extreme droughts, including the most recent one that scientists say was the driest three-year period on record and left the state's reservoirs at dangerously low levels. Water is so precious in California. It is important that we use it more than once, said

From water conservation to cleanliness: PM puts forth 9 resolutions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday put forth nine resolutions ('sankalp') and as many requests ('aagraha') before people, urging them to work towards fulfilling them. The PM proposed these ideas while addressing the inaugural function of the Swarved Mahamandir on the second and final day of his visit to his parliamentary constituency Varanasi. "My first request is save every drop of water and make more and more people aware about water conservation. Second: Go from village-to-village and make people aware about digital transactions, teach them about online payment. Third: Work to make your village, your locality, your city number one in cleanliness." "Fourth - Promote local, local products as much as possible, use only Made in India products. Fifth - As much as possible, first see your own country, travel around in your own country and if you want to go to another country, then you should not feel like going abroad until you see the whole country. "And these days, I keep tellin

Reservoir levels have seldom been this low in September, shows data

Nearly 40 per cent of storage capacity is unutilised

Jal Jeevan Mission reaches 130 mn rural households with tap connections

Over the course of four years, this mission has increased rural tap connection coverage, soaring from 32 mn households in August 2019 to the current remarkable figure

Over 60,000 Amrit Sarovars shining examples of water conservation: PM Modi

PM Modi made the remarks while addressing countrymen during the 103rd edition of his monthly radio broadcast, 'Mann Ki Baat'

IPA inks MoU with Centre to work in area of water conservation, others

Indian Plumbing Association (IPA) will work with the government to sensitise public against water wastage, promote adoption of water saving gadgets and reclamation of used water under an agreement. In a statement on Monday, the industry body said it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with National Water Mission (NWM), Ministry of Jal Shakti to work on various parameters to minimize water wastage , and its re-usage in India. NWM is one of the eight missions of the government launched under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) for combating the threats of global warming, IPA said. Some of the objectives of the pact are "to impart and promote public education, awareness and outreach programmes and water stewardship. The focus will be on the circular economy of water including grey water use (5Rs: reduce,recycle,reuse,replenish and respect) in the built environment." Also to share knowledge-based information on water conservation and water use efficiency, ...

Vaishno Devi board wins 1st prize in National Water Awards for 3rd year

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has secured a hat-trick of winning the first prize in the 'National Water Awards' for the promotion of water conservation and proper management of water, officials said. The shrine board bagged the 'Best Institution for Campus Usage' award in the fourth National Water Awards, they said. An official said Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar conferred the National Water Awards 2023 during a ceremony organised at the Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation under the Jal Shakti Ministry. A total of 41 winners, including the Vaishno Devi shrine board, were selected for the awards under 11 categories. The National Water Awards were instituted to recognise and encourage exemplary work and efforts made by states, districts, individuals and organisations across the country in attaining the vision of 'Jal Samridh Bharat'. The award was received by the shrine board's Chief Executive

Delhi's water crisis to be resolved within 2-3 years: CM Arvind Kejriwal

Delhi's water crisis will be resolved within the next two-three years with the government taking steps to enhance the water supply capacity by up to 300 million gallons a day (MGD), Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has said. According to official estimates, around two crore residents of the capital need approximately 1,300 MGD of water for drinking and daily needs. But the Delhi Jal Board can supply only around 1,000 MGD, leaving many areas grappling with a shortage. Kejriwal said the DJB's water supply capacity has increased from 850 MGD in 2015 to 1,000 MGD now and that he has set an ambitious target to further enhance it to a range of 1,200-1,300 MGD within two to three years. Once this goal is achieved, Delhiites will no longer face water shortages, he added. To accomplish this, the government plans to install tubewells in areas with high water-tables, enabling the extraction of water on a large scale. Additionally, an innovative approach will be adopted to recharge groundwater b

62 newly discovered plants may help agricultural lands facing water crisis

A new study reveals 62 resilient plant species in India's western ghats that have high potential in agricultural and conservation applications

National campaign for conservation of biodiversity launched in Goa

The National Campaign for Updation and Verification of People's Biodiversity Register (PBR) was launched in Goa on Tuesday marking a significant step towards the documentation and preservation of India's rich biodiversity. The launch was organised by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in association with the Goa State Biodiversity Board, National Biodiversity Authority and Goa government. Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ashwini Kumar Choubey emphasised the importance of maintaining the delicate balance in nature. "It is important to maintain the delicate balance present in nature. One must return to it as much as one takes away from it," he said. He further highlighted the need for people's participation in successfully in implementing the provisions of the Biodiversity Act 2002. "It is important to not only spread awareness, but also ensure people's participation to make the idea behind these

Inventor of blue jeans Levi Strauss & Co channels a new water-saving idea

As part of a wider water-saving effort, the San Francisco-based company, which invented blue jeans in 1873, has become an early pioneer of a method known drily as "contextual water targets"

Revival of traditional methods of water management need of hour: Prez

Stressing on the need for water conservation and management, President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday called for revival of traditional methods along with using modern techniques for sustainable water supply. The president was addressing an event where she presented the 'Swachh Sujal Shakti Samman 2023' and witnessed the launch of 'Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch The Rain-2023'. Water and sanitation hold a special place in the life of every citizen but these issues affect women the most, as generally, it is the responsibility of women to arrange drinking water for their homes in rural areas, she said. In villages, they had to walk long distances to get drinking water and arranging for drinking water not only took a lot of their time but also put their safety and health at risk, Murmu said. Usually, school and college going girls were also engaged in arranging water along with their elders, which hindered their studies, the president noted. To overcome these problems, the government has take

World inspired by India's efforts in water conservation: Shekhawat

India has emerged as a leading country with a holistic and comprehensive water resources management and the world, in particular the developing countries, is inspired by this and is seeking New Delhi's help in addressing such issues, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has said. They (the world community) are amazed to see (the steps being taken by India in water conservation and resources management), Shekhawat, the Union Jal Shakti Minister, told PTI in an interview. The Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Jodhpur is here to attend the World Water Week event being held in person by the World Bank after a gap of three years and attended by more than 400 global experts on water-related issues. In his keynote address at the event, the minister presented some of the crucial steps taken by India in this field in the last few years. In a bilateral meeting, Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources from Ghana, Cecilia Abnea Dapaah, sought assistance from India in addressing the challeng

Farmers should make most out of water conservation schemes: Haryana CM

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said the 'Prati Boond-Adhik Fasal' scheme started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has brought focus on increasing water-use efficiency in farming, adding that micro irrigation led to a 52-per cent increase in the state's fruit and vegetable yields. Khattar said various schemes are being run through the Micro Irrigation and Command Area Development Authority (MICADA) for water conservation and its judicious and economical use, according to a statement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has started the 'Prati Boond-Adhik Fasal' scheme, Khattar said, and added, "The focus is on increasing water-use efficiency at the farm level through micro-irrigation -- that is drip and sprinkler irrigation systems. "Micro-irrigation systems are invaluable for farming. With this, there is a considerable increase in the area irrigated from the same source of water." The government is providing assistance at 70 per cent to individual applicants and 85 per cent to .

Over 8.1 mn tap connections provided in rural households by UP government

The Uttar Pradesh government has provided tap water connections to more than 81 lakh rural households in the state including over 8.30 lakh in Bundelkhand and around 3.50 lakh in Vindhya regions under the Jal Jeevan Mission, according to official data. The latest data sourced from the UP Jal Shakti Ministry showed that the state ranks fourth in the country in terms of providing functional household tap connections (FHTC) under the Jal Jeevan Mission - Har Ghar Jal initiative of the Centre. According to the data, as on February 21, Bihar tops among states having provided 1.59 crore tap water connections, whereas Maharashtra is second with 1.07 crore and Gujarat comes third with 91 lakh connections to rural households. The statistics showed that tap water connections have been provided to altogether 81,87,394 rural households in UP to date. More than 8.30 lakh FHTCs have been provided in Bundelkhand region of the state. This includes tap connections to 96,553 families in Mahoba, 1.41