#Cauvery Dispute

[gazetteweekly]

Today in Politics: CM Stalin Ramps Up Pressure on Karnataka Government Amid Cauvery Water Dispute

The longstanding Cauvery river water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka has flared up once again. With the Congress-led Karnataka government's decision to release less water to Tamil Nadu than directed, Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister and DMK leader, M.K. Stalin, has voiced strong condemnation. In response, Stalin has announced an all-party meeting to discuss the next steps in this ongoing inter-state water conflict.

Current Water Levels and Dispute

As of Monday, Karnataka's four main dams hold a total of 75.586 TMC ft of water, while Tamil Nadu's Mettur reservoir contains only 13.808 TMC ft. Stalin accused Karnataka of betraying Tamil Nadu's farmers by not adhering to the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee's (CWRC) directive to release a set amount of water. Despite this, Karnataka's CM, Siddaramaiah, stated that his government would release 8,000 cusecs of water daily, which is less than the one TMC ft specified by the CWRC.

Historical Context

Historically, Tamil Nadu utilized about 602 TMC of the Cauvery river's total yield, leaving about 138 TMC for Karnataka until the early 20th century. In 1924, the construction of the Mettur dam led to an agreement between the two states, effective for 50 years, allowing Tamil Nadu to expand its agricultural area significantly. When the agreement expired in 1974, Karnataka argued that it restricted their agricultural development and began building reservoirs, sparking a dispute.

In 2007, the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) issued an order that was later contested by both states in the Supreme Court. In 2018, the Supreme Court adjusted Karnataka's share, increasing it to 284.75 TMC ft and reducing Tamil Nadu's share slightly, while compensating with groundwater extraction rights. The court also established the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and the CWRC to manage and resolve disputes.

SKM to Resume Farmer Protests

In other political developments, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), a coalition of farmer unions, has announced plans to resume their agitation for pending demands, including legal guarantees for minimum support prices (MSP) and loan waivers. The SKM intends to submit a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi, seeking meetings with them between July 16 and July 18. While they have not planned another march to Delhi, they are organizing nationwide protests, citing BJP losses in rural constituencies as a consequence of the farmers' movement.

Congress Committee's Efforts in Himachal Pradesh

Meanwhile, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) continues its efforts to understand and rectify the reasons behind its defeat in Himachal Pradesh during the recent Lok Sabha elections. AICC leaders P L Punia and Rajani Patil will meet with local Congress leaders to investigate the factors contributing to the party's loss in all four of the state's seats. This is part of a broader initiative led by AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge to strengthen the party's grassroots connections.

[news-trust-india]

Cauvery water dispute : कावेरी जल विवाद को लेकर कर्नाटक बंद

Cauvery water dispute :  कर्नाटक और तमिलनाडु के बीच कावेरी जल विवाद को लेकर विवाद लगातार बढ़ता जा रहा है। उसी के विरोध में कई संगठनों सड़कों पर विरोध प्रदर्शन कर रहे हैं। विरोध प्रदर्शन के दौरान पुलिस ने कई लोगों को हिरासत में लिया है। Dengue : डेंगू संक्रमण के बढ़ते मरीजों को लेकर स्वास्थ्य मंत्रालय का अलर्ट- बरतें सावधानी कावेरी जल विवाद (cauvery water dispute) पर विभिन्न किसान संगठनों द्वारा…

[pebblegalaxy]

How to Resolve the Cauvery Water Dispute: A Case for Cooperation over Litigation

The Cauvery water dispute: A case of litigation over cooperation The Cauvery river is a lifeline for millions of people in the southern states of India, namely Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry. It originates in the Western Ghats in Karnataka and flows through Tamil Nadu before joining the Bay of Bengal. The river basin covers an area of about 81,000 square kilometers and supports…

[akshaymore]

The Cauvery Water Dispute: Resumed Conversations in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka Read More - https://t.ly/Flv_L The Cauvery water dispute has once again surged to the forefront of discussions, rekindling tensions between the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. As Tamil Nadu appeals to the Supreme Court of India, seeking intervention to ensure a steady flow of 24,000 cubic feet per second (cusec) from its reservoir, the dispute continues to captivate the nation's attention. This article delves into the recent developments, historical context, and the intricate details of the ongoing Cauvery water dispute.

[oyspa]

Cauvery Water Dispute: Protesters from Tamil Nadu headed for Delhi detained at Madhya Pradesh

Tamil Nadu and Karnataka see periodic protests over the decades-old Cauvery water dispute with farmers demanding a “fair share” of the river water. Narmadapuram: As many as 65 people, mostly farmers from Tamil Nadu, travelling to Delhi to stage a protest over the Cauvery water dispute were deboarded from GT Express train at Narmadapuram station in Madhya Pradesh on Sunday and detained, an…

[karuppuezhutthu-blog]

Cauvery Water Dispute | உச்ச நீதிமன்றத்தை நாடி வலிமையான ஆணையத்தை பெற வேண்டும் | Chennai | N18S

Cauvery Water Dispute | உச்ச நீதிமன்றத்தை நாடி வலிமையான ஆணையத்தை பெற வேண்டும் | Chennai | N18S செய்திகளை துல்லியமாகவும் துரிதமாகவும் வழங்கும் தமிழகத்தின் முதன்மை செய்தி தொலைக்காட்சி உங்கள் நியூஸ்18 தமிழ்நாடு.

[globallaunchbaseindia]

Water Scarcity and Drought: Challenges and Solutions

Written By: Jagriti Shahi

Water, the elixir of life, is becoming an increasingly precious commodity.  Drought and water scarcity are no longer distant threats, but a present reality for many regions worldwide.  This article explores the challenges of water scarcity and droughts, along with potential solutions, with a specific focus on the current situation in Bangalore, India.

Water Stress Level by Indian States

Figure: Indian States Facing Extreme to Low level of Water Scarcity - Source: World Resource Institute - 2019 Mapbox - OpenStreetMap

The Current Situation in India

India is currently classified as "water-stressed" by the World Resources Institute. This means that the country's available water resources need to be increased to meet its demands.  Some alarming signs include:

Decreasing per capita water availability: India's per capita water availability has been declining steadily for decades.

Drying Rivers: Several major rivers, including the Ganges and Cauvery, are experiencing reduced flows, impacting agriculture and livelihoods.

Urban Water Shortages: Many cities in India face regular water cuts, forcing residents to rely on expensive tankers for daily needs.

Figure: India’s water cost curve illustrates a number of available options - Source: 2030 Water Resources Group, Mckinsey

Bangalore's Water Worries

India's IT capital, Bangalore, is a stark example of a city facing water scarcity.  The city's rapid urbanization and population boom have outpaced the development of sustainable water management practices.  Groundwater reserves are rapidly depleting, and traditional sources like lakes and rivers are drying up.  This has resulted in water rationing, price hikes, and anxieties about the future.

India's IT capital, Bangalore, is a cautionary tale of a metropolis grappling with water scarcity.  The crisis in Bangalore is a confluence of several factors:

Unsustainable Growth: The city's phenomenal growth has been impressive, but not without consequences. Bangalore's population has exploded from around 4 million in 1991 to an estimated 14 million today. This rapid urbanization has outpaced the development of water infrastructure and resources.

Depleting Groundwater: Bangalore relies heavily on groundwater, but extraction rates far exceed recharge rates. Thousands of borewells have dried up, leaving residents dependent on erratic piped water supplies or expensive water tankers.

Vanishing Lakes: Once blessed with numerous lakes, Bangalore has lost many to encroachment and pollution. These lakes used to serve as natural reservoirs, replenishing groundwater and mitigating floods. Their loss has severely impacted the city's water security.

Strained River Relations: The Cauvery River, a primary water source for Bangalore, is at the center of a long-standing water dispute with neighboring Tamil Nadu. Uncertain water flows from the Cauvery further exacerbate Bangalore's water woes.

The consequences of water scarcity in Bangalore are dire.  Residents face water rationing, with some areas receiving water only for a few hours a day.  Water prices have skyrocketed, placing a burden on households and businesses.  The city's economic growth is threatened as water scarcity deters potential investors and disrupts essential services.

The Global Challenge of Water Scarcity

Freshwater resources are finite, and our demands are ever-growing.  Factors like population increase, climate change, and pollution are putting immense strain on our water supplies.  According to the World Resources Institute, around 1.7 billion people already experience water scarcity at least one month a year.  This scarcity has cascading effects, impacting agriculture, industry, and human health.

Figure: Global Gap Between existing accessible, reliable supply and 2030 water withdrawals - Source - Mckinsey

Innovative initiatives by countries to address water scarcity and drought:

Singapore has become a world leader in desalination technology,  which removes salt from seawater to produce fresh water. They also have NEWater, a high-purity reclaimed water used for industrial purposes and even drinking water supply.

Israel is a pioneer in drip irrigation, a method that efficiently delivers water directly to plant roots, minimizing waste. Additionally, they have developed advanced techniques for treating wastewater and recycling it for agriculture.

Australia is implementing water-efficient urban design practices, such as using drought-resistant plants and harvesting rainwater. They are also increasing their desalination capacity to meet growing water demands.

California, USA has implemented water rationing during droughts to restrict water use. They also have conservation programs that educate the public on water-saving practices.

Morocco: They've embraced fog harvesting, using large nets placed on mountaintops to capture moisture from fog and condense it into freshwater.

Netherlands: This country is known for its innovative water management systems. They are developing smart irrigation systems that use sensors to monitor soil moisture and deliver water only when needed.

China: They're utilizing large-scale water transfer projects, building canals and tunnels to divert water from wetter regions to drier ones.

Looking to the future:

Research into drought-resistant crops: Scientists are developing new crop varieties that require less water to thrive.

Wastewater treatment advancements: Technologies are being explored to further purify wastewater for broader applications, including drinking water.

Drought: A Symptom of a Larger Problem

Droughts are periods of abnormally dry weather that severely affect water availability.  They can be caused by natural climate cycles, but human activities like deforestation and excessive water use exacerbate their impact.  Droughts not only worsen water scarcity but also lead to crop failures, wildfires, and economic hardship.

Here's how human actions can worsen droughts:

Climate Change: The burning of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, trapping heat in the atmosphere. This alters weather patterns, leading to more extreme weather events, including droughts. Rising temperatures also increase evaporation rates, further drying out soils.

Deforestation: Forests play a crucial role in regulating the water cycle. Trees absorb and transpire water, releasing moisture back into the atmosphere. Deforestation disrupts this process, leading to decreased rainfall and increased drought severity.

Water mismanagement: Overuse of groundwater for agriculture and other purposes can deplete aquifers, leaving less water stored underground. Inefficient irrigation practices can also waste vast amounts of water.

The consequences of droughts are far-reaching:

Agricultural impacts: Droughts cripple crop yields, leading to food shortages and price hikes. This can have a devastating impact on food security, particularly in vulnerable regions.

Environmental damage: Droughts can cause desertification, soil erosion, and habitat loss. They can also contribute to wildfires, further exacerbating environmental damage.

Socioeconomic hardship: Droughts can displace communities, disrupt livelihoods, and lead to economic hardship. Water scarcity can also create social tensions and conflicts.

Understanding droughts as a symptom of a larger problem – climate change and water mismanagement – is crucial for developing effective solutions. By addressing these root causes, we can build resilience to droughts and ensure a more sustainable future for our water resources.

Finding Solutions: A Multi-pronged Approach

Addressing water scarcity requires a multi-pronged approach.  Here are some key solutions:

Conservation: Promoting water conservation efforts in homes, industries, and agriculture is crucial. This includes fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, and adopting smart irrigation practices.

Water reuse and recycling: Treated wastewater can be a valuable resource for irrigation and other non-potable uses. Investing in wastewater treatment and reuse infrastructure is essential.

Rainwater harvesting: Capturing rainwater during the monsoon season can significantly supplement water supplies. Encouraging rainwater harvesting in homes and communities can make a big difference.

Leakage reduction: Many water distribution systems suffer from significant leaks. Investing in infrastructure repairs and leak detection technologies can improve water efficiency.

Sustainable water management: Developing long-term water management plans that consider factors like climate change and population growth is vital.

Innovative Solutions: The Rise of WaterTech Startups

India's water crisis has spurred a wave of innovation, with startups developing cutting-edge technologies to address various aspects of water scarcity and drought. Here are a few examples:

Water ATMs: Companies like JanaJal and Swajal are setting up networks of water ATMs in rural areas. These user-friendly kiosks dispense purified drinking water at affordable prices, making clean water accessible to even the most remote communities.

Smart Irrigation Solutions: WEGoT and other startups are developing IoT-based irrigation systems that use sensors and data analytics to optimize water usage in agriculture. These systems can detect moisture levels in soil and deliver water precisely where and when it's needed, minimizing waste.

Atmospheric Water Generators: Uravu Labs is a pioneer in atmospheric water generation technology. Their solar-powered systems extract water vapor from the air, providing a sustainable source of clean drinking water in water-scarce regions.

Wastewater Treatment: Companies like Ion Exchange and Thermax are developing advanced wastewater treatment solutions. These technologies allow for the reuse of wastewater for irrigation and industrial purposes, reducing the reliance on freshwater sources.

Government Initiatives for Water Security and Startup Support

The Indian government recognizes the gravity of water scarcity and is implementing various initiatives to address the challenge. These initiatives can be broadly categorised into two areas:

1. Water Security Programs:

National Water Mission: Launched in 2011, this mission aims to conserve water, improve water use efficiency, and ensure equitable water distribution. It focuses on areas like rainwater harvesting, promoting efficient irrigation practices, and protecting water bodies.

Atal Jal Yojana: This flagship program focuses on water-stressed districts and aims to improve water availability and water security at the village level. It promotes community participation in water resource management.

Per Drop More Crop: This scheme encourages farmers to adopt micro-irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler irrigation to save water and increase agricultural productivity.

2. Startup Support Programs:

Start-Up India Initiative: This government initiative aims to create a robust startup ecosystem in India. It provides various benefits to startups, including tax breaks, funding opportunities, and mentorship programs. Several water-focused startups have benefited from this initiative.

Water Technology Mission: This mission aims to promote innovation and development in the water sector. It provides financial assistance and facilitates partnerships between startups, research institutions, and investors.

Innovation in Water Technologies Challenge: This challenge by the Department of Science and Technology encourages startups to develop innovative solutions for water scarcity and sanitation. It offers grants and incubation support to promising ventures.

The Road Ahead

Addressing water scarcity is a collective responsibility. Governmental policies, community-based initiatives, and individual actions are all essential for ensuring a sustainable water future for India. By adopting water-saving practices and investing in innovative solutions, India can overcome this looming crisis and secure its water resources for generations to come.

About Global Launch Base:

Global Launch Base helps international startups expand in India. Our services include market research, validation through surveys, developing a network, building partnerships, fundraising, and strategy revenue growth. Get in touch to learn more about us.

Contact Info:

Website: www.globallaunchbase.com

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[wikiuntamed]

Five steps of Wikipedia for Saturday, 17th February 2024

Welcome, bienvenue, أهلا بك (ahlan bika), welkom 🤗 Five steps of Wikipedia from "Molasi" to "American Civil War". 🪜👣

Start page 👣🏁: Molasi "Molasi is a village situated 16 km south of Tiruchengode in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It lies on the bank of the river Cauvery, which flows from Coorg hills...."

Step 1️⃣ 👣: Archive.today "archive.today (or archive.is) is a web archiving site, founded in 2012, that saves snapshots on demand, and has support for JavaScript-heavy sites such as Google Maps and progressive web apps such as X (formerly Twitter). archive.today records two snapshots: one replicates the original webpage..."

Step 2️⃣ 👣: Archive "An archive is an accumulation of historical records or materials – in any medium – or the physical facility in which they are located.Archives contain primary source documents that have accumulated over the course of an individual or organization's lifetime, and are kept to show the function of that..."

Image licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0? by Archivo-FSP

Step 3️⃣ 👣: African-American history "African American history started with the arrival of Africans to North America in the 16th and 17th centuries. Former Spanish slaves who had been freed by Francis Drake arrived aboard the Golden Hind at New Albion in California in 1579. The European colonization of the Americas, and the resulting..."

Image by American anti-slavery almanac.

Step 4️⃣ 👣: 1943 Detroit race riot "The 1943 Detroit race riot took place in Detroit, Michigan, from the evening of June 20 through to the early morning of June 22. It occurred in a period of dramatic population increase and social tensions associated with the military buildup of U.S. participation in World War II, as Detroit's..."

Step 5️⃣ 👣: American Civil War "The American Civil War (April 12, 1861 – May 26, 1865; also known by other names) was a civil war in the United States between the Union ("the North") and the Confederacy ("the South"), which had been formed by states that had seceded from the Union. The central cause of the war was the dispute over..."

Image licensed under CC0? by Excel23

[blogynewz]

"Tamil Nadu's High-Stakes Assembly Meeting: Unveiling the Countdown to Resolutions Amidst the Cauvery Turmoil"

The Tamil Nadu Assembly is scheduled to convene on Monday, addressing various local issues along with the ongoing dispute regarding the Cauvery river water with neighboring Karnataka. This session marks the first meeting following the termination of alliance between the AIADMK and BJP, who together had participated in the 2021 state elections as constituents of the NDA. With 66 MLAs, the AIADMK…

[iasguidance]

Institutional Responses for Mitigating Inter-State River Water Disputes

Context: Resolution of dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu can pave the way for addressing interstate river water conflicts. Background There exists a water dispute regarding the Inter-State river Cauvery and the river valley among the States of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Union territory of Puducherry. To adjudicate upon this issue, the Central Government had constituted the…

[blogynewsz]

"Unlocking the Key to Peace: Mekedatu Project Holds the Solution to Resolving the Heated Cauvery Dispute, Reveals Prasad"

Chamarajnagar MP and former Union Minister V. Srinivas Prasad expressed his belief on Monday that the Mekedatu project is the most viable solution to the ongoing water sharing dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. He stated that constructing another dam to store surplus Cauvery water would effectively resolve the issue that arises during monsoon failures. Speaking to protesters at the Cauvery…

[brutimes]

Karnataka Bandh Paralyzes State: 144 Flights Affected, Schools Shut in Cauvery Water Dispute Protests

[bharathidasanprabhu]

Why has the Cauvery water dispute flared up again? | The Hindu

[blogynews]

Unveiling the Mysteries: Unraveling the Cauvery Water Dispute's Resurgence

The Cauvery water dispute has once again sparked heated protests and demonstrations in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Farmers from both states have taken to the streets, and there have been observed bandhs in various districts of Karnataka, including the capital city of Bengaluru. This ongoing battle revolves around the waters of the Cauvery river, a long-standing dispute that has lasted for over 150…

[news-trust-india]

Manipur News : मणिपुर में छात्रों की हत्या को लेकर विधायकों का गृह मंत्री से अनुरोध

नई दिल्ली। Manipur News :  मणिपुर के 20 से अधिक विधायकों ने केंद्र सरकार से राज्य के दो छात्रों के अपहरण और हत्या में शामिल लोगों के खिलाफ कार्रवाई करने का आग्रह किया है। Cauvery water dispute : कावेरी जल विवाद को लेकर कर्नाटक बंद विधायकों ने शाह से किया अनुरोध विधायकों ने गृह मंत्री अमित शाह से यह सुनिश्चित करने का भी आग्रह किया है कि सीबीआई जांच में तेजी लाई जाए। इन विधायकों ने फिलहाल दिल्ली…

[common-man]

Letter.

LetterPublished in TheNational UAE on29Sep 23 River disputes in India need closure

I write in reference to Taniya Dutta's article Indian farmers protest at plan to transfer river water to neighbouring state (September 26): I can appreciate the plight of the farmers in the Indian state of Karnataka who have called for a strike against the recent decision to release 5,000 cubic metres of water daily from the Cauvery River to neighbouring Tamil Nadu for the next 15 days. I can also understand the need for Tamil Nadu to receive its fair share of water.

But this dispute has been going on for decades, and no government – state or federal – has been able to resolve it.

The one ray of hope is that the political parties running the two state governments are partners in the so-called INDIA alliance. Might they not have the political incentive to resolve the dispute ahead of the 2024 general election?

As climate change makes water an ever more precious commodity, it is time for all the stakeholders to come together and arrive at a lasting and amicable settlement. K.Ragavan, Bengaluru,India