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New Indian Express
an hour ago
- General
- New Indian Express
Punjab government unveils 14-point action plan to tackle groundwater crisis; boost canal water use
CHANDIGARH: In a first, the Punjab government on Friday approved a 14-point action plan under its Integrated State Water Plan to preserve and replenish groundwater, as the state faces an annual average water table decline of 0.7 metre. Chairing a meeting of the Water Resources Department regarding the Integrated State Water Plan, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the plan has been meticulously prepared by the department in consultation with all relevant government departments. He said the situation is already alarming, with 115 out of 153 blocks in the state categorised as over-exploited in terms of groundwater extraction. The plan, he said, focuses on conserving groundwater and increasing the use of canal water for various purposes. This will be achieved by reducing groundwater demand, lowering agricultural water usage, improving irrigation techniques, and replenishing and artificially augmenting groundwater. Mann added that efforts will also focus on identifying sustainable water sources, exploring deep aquifers, and promoting the use of surface water. He noted that the government has already restored 17,000 water courses covering approximately 6,300 km, which had been abandoned for 30 to 40 years. Additionally, 79 canals spanning 545 km have also been restored. Mann approved a 14-point action plan that includes an effective irrigation strategy to ensure optimal water use in fields. The plan aims to bring around 15,79,379 hectares under water-efficient techniques such as drip and sprinkler irrigation, moving away from conventional methods to reduce net water demand and increase efficiency.
The Hindu
18 hours ago
- General
- The Hindu
Residents welcome Corpn. move to revamp Otteri Nullah, demand steps to remove encroachments
Many people living near Otteri Nullah face a crisis everyday. As untreated sewage and garbage accumulate in the waterbody, residents find the air becoming increasingly toxic by the day. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has rolled out a ₹65-crore plan to desilt and raise the walls of the 10.8-km-long Otteri Nullah. The maintenance of the canal was transferred from the Water Resources Department (WRD) to the GCC in October 2024. Meanwhile, residents say that unless the effluent discharge is stopped and encroachments removed, floods will continue to plague the city during monsoon, and health risks abound. Welcoming the GCC project, Sandhya Vedullapallai of the Federation of Anna Nagar Residents' Association said, 'A study to analyse the air quality, as well as measures to curb the release of effluents, such as household sewage and wastewater from factories in Pattaravakkam and Ambattur Industrial Estate, into the waterbody are crucial.' People living close to the canal need to replace their air conditioners every three months as the air is toxic, she added. According to her, dredging and rejuvenation alone will not fully prevent inundation in Anna Nagar and Perambur, and flood diversions have been planned to address this. Surplus water 'Flooding is mainly because of surplus water received by Otteri Nullah from Ayapakkam, Ambattur, Kolathur, and Villivakkam lakes during the monsoon. This leads to backflow of water from the Buckingham Canal, which in turn results in overflow from the canal,' Ms. Vedullapalli further said. According to J.M.S. Nagarajan of the Alliance of Residents' Welfare Associations and Anna Nagar Western Extension Association, a Madras High Court ruling had directed the Corporation Commissioner to look for encroachments adjacent to the Otteri Nullah, and remove them. 'But this exercise is yet to be undertaken. Encroachments and the dumping of garbage reduce the width of the Nullah considerably,' he added. Detailed Project Report The GCC's project is planned to be taken up in Royapuram, Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar, and Anna Nagar Zones (V, VI and VIII) from near Padi Flyover to Buckingham Canal. The DPR proposed bridge and infrastructure improvements, canal maintenance and desilting, pollution control, prevention of encroachments, and the creation of a blue-green corridor. 'Bathymetry and drone LiDAR surveys have been conducted for topographical and hydraulic assessment. The tender for this project is expected to be finalised on July 7. Work will begin after this. Roughly ₹5 crore is allocated for cleaning waste and desilting alone. The project includes the removal of 2.95 lakh cubic metres of sludge, plastic waste, and weeds, using machines that can dig up to 8 metres,' an official in the Storm Water Drain Department of the Chennai Corporation said. 'Bathymetry and drone LiDAR surveys have been conducted for topographical and hydraulic assessment. The tender for this project is expected to be finalised on July 7. Work will begin after this. Roughly ₹5 crore is allocated only for cleaning waste and desilting. The project includes the removal of 2.95 lakh cubic metres of sludge, plastic waste, and weeds using machines that can dig up to 8 metres,' said an official in the Storm Water Drain Department of the Chennai Corporation. Otteri Nullah GCC overview Canal Name: Otteri Nullah Length: 10.8 km Longest drainage channel with multiple connecting drains, prone to encroachments. The Otteri Nullah begins at the 100 Feet Road near Anna Nagar 18th Street and flows through Anna Nagar, RV Nagar, VOC Nagar, Kilpauk Garden, Kellys, Perambur, and Kannigapuram, before discharging into the North Buckingham Canal near Basin Bridge The maximum depth of Otteri Nullah is 2.5 metres, according to Greater Chennai Corporation' DPR. It carries a flood discharge of 3,600 cusecs as per WRD records. The canal intersects with 32 cross culverts and has 27 existing bridges, of which seven are identified as major bottlenecks. Flooding issues in Chennai's Urban Drainage system GCC noted that there is an increasing frequency of urban flooding as experienced in 1943, 1976, 1985, 2005, 2015, 2017, 2021, and 2023 due to heavy rainfall and cyclonic activity. Hotspots After recurrent floods during the North-East Monsoon in 2017, 2021 and 2023, six flooding hotspots were identified along the canal: from Thirumangalam Road Bridge to GCC Park; along Anna Nagar 6th Avenue Road; near the K4 Police Station Bridge; in tree-lined street flanks; across the Avadi Road Bridge near a collection pond; and areas adjacent to SPR City and other high-rise developments, GCC's Detailed Project Report (DPR) stated.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Parched and dry, Goa's tourist belt struggles to keep its taps running
Panaji : Goa's famed coastal belt that has been grappling with a raft of issues has a new pain point: Water. With an unreliable and inefficient PWD adding to its woes, the hospitality sector has seen more money flow from its pockets than water flowing from the taps. From the tourist hotspots of Baga-Candolim belt to Assagao-Anjuna-Vagator area, chronic water shortage has forced residents and businesses to completely depend on tankers. So much so that some families have to resort to eating on the same plate to save water. In contrast, the adjacent constituency of Porvorim — represented by Goa's tourism minister Rohan Khaunte — receives piped water twice a day. The irony is not lost on stakeholders, who have raised concerns that without assured piped water supply, the state's tourism infrastructure could suffer long-term damage. They have knocked on govt doors seeking a steady flow of water, but all that they have received is empty promises and a lot of rhetoric. 'The PWD water is barely sufficient for drinking purposes. We can't use the open wells in Calangute because they are contaminated. Nearly 60-70% of our water requirement is met through tankers. In May, the tankers make solid business. The rate is Rs 650 per tanker, but it can go up to Rs 1,200,' said the owner of a chain of hotels from the Calangute-Baga area. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade With Our Capital FunderPro Try Now Undo A detailed list registered with the Water Resources Department (WRD) in Goa shows that there are 908 water tankers that are operating in the state, but a significant number of these tankers have not renewed their registrations, raising concerns about illegal water supply practices. Most of these tankers extract water from private wells and borewells to supply to residential colonies, hotels, commercial establishments and restaurants. 'The water pipeline in Arpora needs to be changed because there is no pressure. Right now, we require two-four tankers per day. Anjuna and Assagao are the worst hit,' said president of Small and Medium Hoteliers Association Santosh Divkar. Residents echo the distress. A Fernandes, a teacher from Assagao, said her family has struggled with water supply in May, with damaged pipelines being the culprit. The family now visits their relatives in Mapusa to bathe. Contaminated open wells in villages like Baga, Candolim, Calangute and Assagao have made residents and businesses alike wary of groundwater use. 'Half our wells are contaminated because of the new villas and hotels,' a local woman from Baga said. Divkar admits that many fly-by-night hoteliers cut corners when it comes to treating and reusing wastewater. 'There is no initiative taken for grey water treatment. Big hotels have STPs, but smaller hotels don't have the money to spend. We are asking govt to create a fund for grey water treatment so that the treated water is then used for gardening and other non-consumption purposes,' said Divkar. He said that small and medium hotels should also be given financial support to adopt rainwater harvesting. Interestingly, Porvorim, which used to suffer from water shortages, has had no complaints so far. 'We get water twice a day, in the morning and in the evening,' said a Porvorim resident. In 2020, Khaunte, who was not part of govt, had alleged that water meant for Porvorim was being diverted to hotels in Calangute and Saligao. Five years later, the tables appear to have turned.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Farmers request Udhayanidhi to order removal of all seemai karuvelam trees from Vaigai
Appealing to Deputy Chief Minister Udayanidhi Stalin to help remove seemai karuvelam trees (Prosopis juliflora) in the Vaigai river completely, farmers urged him to expedite ongoing 'anicut' work at Tirupuvanam Pudur at a cost of ₹40.27 crore. Mr. Udayanidhi, who was on a visit to Sivaganga district to review ongoing development works, was accorded a warm reception by Minister K.R. Periakaruppan, District Collector Asha Ajith, MLA Tamilarasi and officials of the Water Resources Department, led by Superintending Engineer Thangaraj and Executive Engineer Ramesh. The Deputy CM inspected Tirupuvanam Pudur anicut work which will provide water for irrigation to tail-end areas. After the farmers flagged the problems faced by them in getting water due to rampant sand mining in the river and other issues, the government had earmarked ₹40.27 crore for the construction of the 'anicut'. This, according to the engineers, will provide water to around 7,000 acres of cultivable land from Tirupuvanam to Kanur canal and Pazhayanoor canal, which feed about 20 tanks. Ayacut Vaigai Pasana Sangam State general secretary Adimoolam appealed to the Deputy CM to order removal of seemai karuvelam trees on a war footing. These trees had not only hindered the free flow of water in the river, but also affected the eco-system, he stressed. Visits sports hostel Later, Mr. Udayanidhi visited the sports hostel at the District Sports Stadium and tasted the food served to the boys there. He also sat along with them and interacted with them over lunch. Mr. Udayanidhi listened to the boys' grievances and posed for group photographs. Some of them were eager to take selfies with him and he readily obliged. District Sports Officer Ramesh Kanna explained the facilities available in the hostel. The Deputy CM then presided over a meeting, in which Ms. Asha Ajith explained various completed and ongoing projects in the district. Appreciating the district officials from multiple departments, Mr. Udayanidhi said the government had delivered its promises in the last four years. Still, he admitted that there might be expectations from the people and appealed to the officials to bring them (petitions) to the elected representatives for implementation. Additional Chief Secretary Pradeep Yadav, Additional Secretary R.V. Shajeevana, senior officials from various departments presented the status of the works at the meeting. The Deputy CM handed over welfare assistance to the tune of ₹24.24 crore to 1,512 beneficiaries on the occasion, according to a press release.
Business Standard
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Brahmaputra Infra climbs after bagging Rs 24-cr orders from NHAI & WRD Assam
Brahmaputra Infrastructure rallied 4.95% to Rs 69.35 after the company has received two separate orders totalling to Rs 24.33 crore from National Highway Authority of India and Water Resources Department (WRD) in Assam. The first order, valued at Rs 16.95 crore, was received from the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) for various infrastructure works on the four-laning of the JorabatShillong (Barapani) section of NH-40 (New NH-6). The scope of work includes the construction of rainwater drainage at 13th Mile near CASFOS, Byrnihat, a steel footpath along Bridge no. 59/4 on the LHS, foot-over bridges (FOBs) at various locations, service roads, truck lay-bys, and street light facilities along the project highway. The work will be executed on an item rate (percentage) basis and is expected to be completed within 12 months. The second order, valued at Rs 7.38 crore, was awarded by the Water Resource Department for The procurement involves works for Additional High Priority Underwater Riverbank Protection Works (Section 1) and Above Water Riverbank Protection Works (Section 2) in the Lakhimpur (Dhakuwakhana, Bonpuroi), Biswanath, and Sonitpur districts of Assam. This is under Package No. W9-LBS, Lot 3, as part of the ADBs Climate Resilient Brahmaputra Integrated Flood and Riverbank Erosion Risk Management Project. The project aims to address riverbank erosion issues and improve flood resilience in the region. The Letter of Acceptance (LoA) has been issued for the awarded contract, signaling the start of the project. The work is expected to be completed within 14 months. The promoter, promoter group, or group companies do not have any interest in the entity that awarded the orders. Additionally, contracts do not fall within related party transactions, and therefore, the question of them being conducted at arms length is not applicable. The companys consolidatded net zoomed 394.7% to Rs 22.21 crore on 91.6% rise in revenue from operations to Rs 103.10 crore in Q4 FY25 over Q4 FY24. Brahmaputra Infrastructure is engaged in provides infrastructure and construction services. The Company offers construction of airports, tunnels, bridges, expressways, highways, real estate, and provides mining and dredging services.
