June 2023 – SANDRP
10 posts published by SANDRP during June 2023| SANDRP
In an event which is seem like an emergency, in. the morning of Aug 27 2025, Chenab and its tributaries have crossed Highest Flood Levels (HFL) at three hydrological observation sites between the under-construction 850 MW Ratle Hydropower Project in Kishtwar District and 900 MW Baglihar Hydropower Project in Ramban District in Jammu. Similarly, River… Continue reading Aug 2025: Chenab, Tawi and tributaries cross Highest Flood Levels: Muck Dumping worsens the impacts| SANDRP
Interestingly only on Aug 18, villagers had organized a large gathering (Maha Panchayat) in Ghudasi village against raising of Surwal dam’s height from 11 to 15 feet without consultation and compensation. The villagers stated that increasing of the dam’s height has been submerging farmlands of dozens of upstream villages. They demanded reducing dam’s height back to 11 feet. They warned if the demand is not met, they would intensify the protest.| SANDRP
The Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister has rightly directed the HP Energy Department to file First Information Report against BBMB, others for violating the dam safety norms and BBMB & others must compensate for the resultant losses. We hope this is taken to its logical conclusion and more such action is taken up in case of other such avoidable water releases.| SANDRP
A flash flood in Kupara khad on the intervening night of June 28-29, 2025 had first partially blocked the flows of Yamuna River at the same location. About 9 workers had gone missing due to ‘cloudburst’ induced flash flood on that night at Silai Bend about 5 km downstream of Syana Chatti.| SANDRP
Indeed, the Nayar rivers are among the few still free flowing rivers in Ganga basin. The forest fed tributaries perennially feeding the National River also habitats endangered Mahseer fish species. However, now these back-to-back lake projects will dam and degrade the wild streams and cause significant damage to their aquatic diversity.| SANDRP
The team of authors does not include anyone from affected communities, indigenous people, non-government organisations, conservation groups or anyone else known to be critique of the hydropower projects. The paper opens with a statement from the International Hydropower Association.| SANDRP
A team of geologists observed that a large amount of debris and water came and accumulated in the stream (Tel gaad) at its point of confluence with the Bhagirathi River and formed a large fan-shaped deposit (alluvial fan) of sediments. This fan with saturated sediments obstructed the original channel of the Bhagirathi River and formed a temporary lake on the right bank of the river. The high moisture content in fan area prevented use of heavy machinery.| SANDRP
Last October, we were about 15 kms from Chasoti in the Paddar valley of Jammu when we met Dular Singh jee, Priest of Machail Mata Temple, accompanied by other members of the Temple Management Board…| SANDRP
A huge landslide[i] took place near Nalda village under Udaipur tehsil in Lauhl Spiti blocking the Chenab river flows in early hours of August 13, 2021. The exact location seems to be the left bank…| SANDRP
(Feature Image: Mud, debris following flashfloods at Dharali) The following Indian Express report highlights some key aspects of the Oct 2020 guidelines from the National Disaster Management Authority related to disasters caused by Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF). Unfortunately, as is clear from the recent Dharali disaster most key aspects of the guidelines remain unimplemented… Continue reading DRP 110825: Non-Implementation of NDMA’s 2020 GLOF Guidelines Worsened Dharali Disaster| SANDRP
The frightening debris-laden flash flood disaster at Dharali town along Kheer Gad-Bhagirathi river just 20 km downstream of Gangotri at around 1.30 pm on Tuesday, Aug 5 has demolished over 40 buildings, with scores of people, including nine army jawans, reported missing (the numbers could go up as per several geologists) and at least five… Continue reading Dharali Disaster in Uttarakhand: Amplified by Human Causes| SANDRP
When I first heard about a beautiful fish sanctuary right off the highway on Vaitarna river in Maharashtra, I was skeptical. Vaitarna river, despite flowing through dense Western Ghats forests, is …| SANDRP
The Chenab River Basin is the major part of IndusRiver Basin. This river is formed by the Chandra and Bhaga, which rises in Lahul. It flows through Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir and is known as Chan…| SANDRP
In the just concluded month of July 2022, the second month of India’s South West 2022 monsoon, India received 327.7 mm rainfall, 16.8% above the normal July rainfall of 280.5 mm as per India Meteor…| SANDRP
India received 957.6 mm rainfall in Just concluded South West Monsoon 2020, during the scheduled 4 month monsoon from June 1 to Sept 30, 2020. This is 8.74% above normal monsoon rainfall of 880.6 a…| SANDRP
No doubt, the permanent encroachments on river floodplains are among most possible reasons behind the July 2023 man-made flood disaster in the city. And presently, in the name of beautification and…| SANDRP
In the just concluded 2024 Winter Season (January 1 2024 to February 29 2024), as per India Meteorological Department (IMD), India received 33% below Normal Rainfall (it was 45% below normal in win…| SANDRP
In the just concluded South West Monsoon 2023, India received 820 mm (925 mm in SW Monsoon 2022[i]) rainfall, about 94.45 % (106.5% in 2022) of the Normal SW Monsoon rainfall of 868.6 mm or 5.55% (…| SANDRP
In the just concluded Winter Season 2023 (January 1 2023 to February 28 2023), as per India Meteorological Department (IMD), India received 45% below Normal Rainfall (it was 44% above normal rainfa…| SANDRP
In the just concluded Winter Season 2022 (Jan 1 2022 to Feb 28 2022), as per India Meteorological Department (IMD), India received 44% above Normal Rainfall (it was 32% below normal rainfall in win…| SANDRP
In the just concluded Winter Season (Jan 1 2021 to Feb 28 2021), as per India Meteorological Department (IMD), India received 32% below Normal Rainfall. The Normal rainfall in this two-month season…| SANDRP
The deluge has significantly damaged the private and public infrastructures along a 25 km stretch of Sainj and Larji area. Three people from Rehla Bihal village went missing after being washed away…| SANDRP
The first blog on just concluded South West Monsoon 2019, gave the national picture and broad picture of month wise, state wise, sub division wise and river wise rainfall. This blog provides some d…| SANDRP
Though South West Monsoon has not even started withdrawing from India, the IMD (India Meteorological Department) Press Release on Sept 30, 2019[i] has rather bureaucratically declared: “The 2019 so…| SANDRP
“The commissioning of the Subansiri Lower Hydro Electric Project (SLHEP) has been further delayed till May 2026” NHPC has now acknowledged. In a report filed by PTI, the project developer has ackno…| SANDRP
The principles of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) have been supported by practitioners, policy makers and stakeholders across the wor…| SANDRP
In the just concluded three month pre monsoon season (March 1 to May 31, 2023) India received 146.6 mm rainfall, 12% above the normal rainfall of 130.6 mm as per the India Meteorological Department…| SANDRP
In the just concluded three month pre monsoon season (March 1 to May 31, 2022) India received 130.6 mm rainfall, 1% below the normal rainfall of 131.7 mm as per the India Meteorological Department …| SANDRP
In the just concluded pre monsoon season (March 1 to May 31, 2021) India received 155.2 mm rainfall, 18% above the normal rainfall of 131.7 mm as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This…| SANDRP
The Karnah project has a long history of setbacks and delays. In the beginning, it was a 2 Mw small hydroelectric (SHEP) project commissioned in 1991 on Owari Nag near the actual line of control in…| SANDRP
As recent reports on SANDRP website by Parineeta Dandekar shows, the Himalayan areas are vulnerable to several kinds of disasters, made worse by climate change and mindless infrastructure developme…| SANDRP
This shows once again, that NHAI or the Ministry of Road Transport has no confidence inspiring system to firstly ensure that projects have adequate drainage component so that not only the road sust…| SANDRP
This apparent recommendation translates into abandonment of the Kaleshwaram project. This also gets strength from the huge delay by the NDSA to submit its report and then Ministry of Jal Shakti sit…| SANDRP
The available media reports clearly show that several extreme weather events fuelled by WDs have struck the Northwest and Northeast Himalayan states in pre-monsoon months in 2025, killing at least …| SANDRP
The Science and Myth surrounding a Himalayan Landslide Here, in this central spot where three valleys come togetherIs the triangle from which all phenomena originate,An abode of the yoginis of the …| SANDRP
The BBMB also publicly cited the need to follow the technical requirements based on rule curve while advocating water release for Haryana. This is also strange in early May when dam is at the lowes…| SANDRP
Undoubtedly, the government is sidelining the critical issues of environmental flows and stopping pollution in Yamuna and prioritizing commercialization of river floodplain. In fact, the Sabarmati …| SANDRP
The judiciary can only play its role in addressing the gaps in the policy or when there is a strong case built up against the illegal miners and violations in mining operations. Filing an FIR requi…| SANDRP
The discussion is still about source of funds and NDSA chairman has asked AP to initiate some work using AP’s own funds and get the expenses reimbursed afterwards. This is hardly confidence inspiri…| SANDRP
Guest Article by S P Ravi The share of hydro electricity in the energy mix of state of Kerala has come down sharply over the last three summers. Hydro share that used to be around 25-30 percent in …| SANDRP
((Above Photo of GMA office by Miss Shalini Jha) GUEST ARTICLE BY DR. RUCHI SHREE On 22-23 February, 2025, Ganga Mukti Andolan (GMA) celebrated its 43rd anniversary in Kahalgaon (Bhagalpur, Bihar).…| SANDRP
It reminds one of the Supreme Court remarks when the apex court said that the dam safety authorities at the Centre seemed to be in slumber, though it was in context of another project. The NDSA exp…| SANDRP
There are tales not just of despair but also of the inspirations coming from remarkable efforts being done by several experts, activists, community and civil society groups to protect and raise the…| SANDRP
The current developments around Indus Waters Treaty are deeply troubling. Following the heinous attack on tourists in Pehelgam, India has announced that Indus Waters Treaty, the only water sharing …| SANDRP
Guest Article by: Pradeep Purandare A PIL (152 / 2014) has been filed by this author before the Aurangabad bench of Mumbai High Court way back in 2014. Maharashtra Irrigation Act, 1976 (MIA 1976) i…| SANDRP
Many individual groups, experts and even the Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has rightly demanded to make such an assessment to decide about the decommissioning of the dam. This is because there …| SANDRP
At the village of Jasrath in Lahaul and Spiti, the River Chandrabhaga’s current is swift and strong like a rambunctious toddler. The river is new here, birthed just 16 kms upstream at the confluenc…| SANDRP
Chenab, which translates as the Moon River is the largest of the five tributaries of River Indus. It flows for about 974 kilometers from the High Himalayas of Lahaul to the forests of Jammu and Kas…| SANDRP
In the just concluded South West Monsoon 2022, India received 925 mm rainfall, about 106.5% of the Normal SW Monsoon rainfall of 868.6 mm or 6.5% more than the normal SW Monsoon rainfall as per Ind…| SANDRP
In the just concluded South West Monsoon 2021, India received 874.6 mm rainfall, about 99.32% of the Normal SW Monsoon rainfall or just 0.68% less than the normal SW Monsoon rainfall of 880.6 mm as…| SANDRP
Krishna River Basin is in for worst floods than the previous big flood of August 2005. Already at eight sites, the water level has already crossed the previous HFL – Highest Flood Level recorded by…| SANDRP
On a related subject the publication of research about greening of Thar in recent decades partly due to increased rainfall and partly due to increased groundwater use also raises question as to why…| SANDRP
Our study earlier showed that Mumbai does not need any additional dam including Gargai if it utilizes available local resources including rainfall, reuse of treated sewage, desalinization, demand s…| SANDRP
How a 15 MW project with 55 mts high dam threatens 5 villages and a fish sanctuary After an analysis of a particularly nasty dam, I felt like going back to flowing rivers. It is monsoon after all. …| SANDRP
As per experts, the area needs constant monitoring and comprehensive study to prepare mitigation plan including relocation of Kunwari village. While the persistent landslides have been threatening …| SANDRP
According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), during the just concluded Post Monsoon Rainfall for 2023, that included rainfall during the three Oct-Dec 2023 months, India received 110.7 mm ra…| SANDRP
According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), during the just concluded Post Monsoon Rainfall for 2022, that included rainfall during Oct-Dec 2022 months, India received 144.1 mm rainfall, 19…| SANDRP
According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), during the just concluded Post Monsoon Rainfall for 2021, that included rainfall during Oct-Dec months, India received 177.7 mm rainfall, 43.54% …| SANDRP
According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), during the just concluded Post Monsoon Rainfall for 2020, that included rainfall during Oct-Dec months, India received 124.6 mm rainfall, 0.64% a…| SANDRP
India Meteorological Department (IMD) divides a water year (June 1 to May 31) into four seasons: Monsoon: (June 1 to Sept 30), Post monsoon (Oct 1 to Dec 31), Winter (Jan 1 to Feb 28/9) and Pre Mon…| SANDRP
As far as wetlands protection in India is concerned, the events here have a mix of tragedy, comedy, tragicomedy, among other genres. It will be interesting to see where this sequence of events ends…| SANDRP
On the occasion of World Water Day 2025, SANDRP compiles ten studies and research papers revealing the various cost effective and efficient methods to treat sewage and recover nutrients from sewage…| SANDRP
Rains and sewage are biggest resources available to Indian cities which can be harvesting and treated to meet the ever-increasing water needs. This can not only help significantly in checking groun…| SANDRP
Marking World Water Day 2025, this compilation highlights top ten positive efforts made during last one year by village communities and women groups in India for restoration and protection of their…| SANDRP
Aiming to advocate sustainable management of freshwater resources, the day of March 22 is annually celebrated as World Water Day across the world since 1993. The theme for this year’s 33rd such eve…| SANDRP
There is a lot one can learn from Kham River Revival as a model if we want to. The key is to first understand the problem, create a plan to address various components of the issue, going systematic…| SANDRP
In Jammu & Kashmir, the impressive activism and advocacy work of Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat in safeguarding the Himalayan streams from mechanized and unsustainable mineral mining is going on. The r…| SANDRP
Here we present the rainfall figures from India Meteorological Department in the just concluded month of June 2020, the first month of SW Monsoon 2020. The overall rainfall at all India level in Ju…| SANDRP
In fact, despite NGT orders and huge amount spent by the govt, the restoration works of Bellandur, Varthur, Yele Mallappa Shetty, Madiwala and Hosakerehalli lakes have not been completed. On the ot…| SANDRP
“Floods are perfectly natural events that are essential for functioning, diverse and productive ecosystems”… these natural, productive floods can be viewed as “good floods… those good-flood-support…| SANDRP
In the just concluded 2025 Winter Season (January 1 2025 to February 28 2025), as per India Meteorological Department (IMD), India received 47% below Normal Rainfall (it was 33% below normal in win…| SANDRP
According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), during the Post Monsoon Rainfall for 2024, that included rainfall during the three Oct-Dec 2024 months, India received 117.4 mm rainfall, 3% belo…| SANDRP
The questions raised range from basic justifiability of the project, problematic decision-making process at each stage of the project violating the statutory processes, the severe long term adverse…| SANDRP
The overview shows that the judicial bodies, particularly the NGT, have been dealing with various cases concerning the violations of groundwater extraction norms, including permission, use of treat…| SANDRP
(Feature Image: A tubewell installed under JJM scheme along dried up Tons river bank in Sahaspur, Dehradun. B. S. Rawat/SANDRP/May 2024) This annual overview covers relevant media reports from ten …| SANDRP
The unabated unplanned urbanization on one side has been damaging the groundwater recharge functions, sources and on the other putting more pressure on surface and underground water resources. At t…| SANDRP
At state level, a study has found that Punjab and Haryana have lost about 64.6 BCM groundwater in 17 years. Other reports also reveal that these states have extracted groundwater in unsustainable w…| SANDRP
The Srisailam, dam one of the biggest dams of India, is facing a serious dam safety issue since over a decade, and yet, strangely, there is no resolution of this in sight. All attempts seem to down…| SANDRP
Continuing the hearing into plea against the use of groundwater in 13 cricket stadiums across the country without considering alternative sources like rainwater and STP treated water, the NGT on No…| SANDRP
(Feature Image: A water conservation message painted on a wall in Dehradun. BS Rawat/SANDRP, May 2024) The fourth part of annual overview covers the top ten actions taken by central and various sta…| SANDRP
It is good to see that both BJP and Congress’s Sikkim state units have opposed the clearance, in addition to the opposition from Affected Citizens of Teesta and others. Even editorials in more than…| SANDRP
In fact, sewage is a resource and can provide multiple benefits if treated properly. The STP treated water can be used for secondary purposes. The city also needs to seriously work on harvesting ra…| SANDRP
The top ten stories come from five metros: Delhi (3), Mumbai (2), Bengaluru (2), Chennai (2) and Kolkata (1). We are sure such positive actions also happened in other cities in 2024, but we could n…| SANDRP
In scathing criticism of the government, the insider also said that for two decades Gujarat has NOT been releasing the annual figures of area irrigated in different taluka/s districts using Narmada…| SANDRP
The contaminants reported in groundwater include nitrates, fluorides, arsenic, uranium, heavy metals (Chromium, cadmium, nickel, manganese, selenium, among others), Iron, salinity, among others. Si…| SANDRP
While the groundwater greatly contributes to river baseflows during lean period, its role in flooding is miniscule comparatively with surface flows in Peninsular India. In North India the drying no…| SANDRP
In SW monsoon 2022, the HFL crossing incidents have occurred at 57 sites consisting of 42 LM and 15 LF sites in 8 river basins. The Ganga basin has seen maximum HFL breach incidents-21 followed by …| SANDRP
In pre-monsoon month of May 2022 and first month of south west monsoon season June 2022, there have been Highest Flood Level (HFL) breach incidents at 6 sites on rivers in North East and North Indi…| SANDRP
In just two months of October and November 2021, rivers have breached old HFLs at least at 30 sites including 5 sites (Kodaiyar river at Thiruvarambu, Kosasthalaiyar river at Monnavedu, Kallar riv…| SANDRP
