Improved inflows into reservoirs in the Cauvery basin on Saturday, due to heavy rain in catchment areas, brought temporary relief to Karnataka amidst its ongoing dispute with Tamil Nadu over water release. The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) had directed Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs daily for 15 days, which had triggered protests from farmers citing poor storage levels. With the southwest monsoon becoming active, the situation has improved, and reservoir levels are expected to rise if rains continue, potentially easing the inter-state tension.
- Heavy rainfall in the Cauvery catchment areas improved reservoir inflows in Karnataka.
- This eased tensions regarding the Cauvery water sharing dispute with Tamil Nadu.
- The CWRC had previously directed Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs daily for 15 days, causing farmer protests.
Kerala experienced intense rainfall from Friday night into Saturday, resulting in eight deaths, including three children, due to rain-related incidents like landslips and electrocution. Major landslips occurred in Idukki and Kottayam districts, and water levels rose in rivers, prompting authorities to open dam shutters. The State government has opened 65 relief camps, sheltering 1,465 people, and reported 17 houses completely destroyed. A red alert was issued for nine districts on Saturday, with an orange alert for 12 districts on Sunday, indicating more heavy rainfall.
- Intense rainfall in Kerala led to eight deaths and widespread destruction, particularly in hilly regions.
- Landslips in Idukki and Kottayam, flash-floods, and rising river levels necessitated opening dam shutters.
- The State government established 65 relief camps, accommodating 1,465 people, and reported significant housing damage.
The Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana, a ₹5,070-crore scheme to accelerate floating solar power development. The scheme aims to achieve 5,000 MW of floating solar capacity by 2030-31, providing central financial assistance of up to ₹1 crore per MW. Projects under this scheme must include battery energy storage equivalent to at least two hours (10,000 MWh) to help states meet peak demand and manage renewable power fluctuations. This initiative seeks to diversify solar installations beyond land-intensive regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat, leveraging water bodies in states with limited land availability.
- Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana for floating solar power.
- The scheme has an outlay of ₹5,070 crore and targets 5,000 MW capacity by 2030-31.
- It provides central financial assistance of up to ₹1 crore per MW.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted below-normal rainfall for August, with precipitation expected to be less than 94% of the long period average. This forecast also extends to the second half of the southwest monsoon season (August-September). While some parts of peninsular, central, eastern, and northwestern India might receive normal to above-normal rainfall, maximum temperatures are expected to remain above normal across most of the country. Moderate El Niño conditions are likely to strengthen, though a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) could develop in September, potentially aiding monsoon rains.
- IMD predicts below-normal rainfall for August, less than 94% of the long period average.
- The forecast also indicates below-normal rainfall for the second half of the southwest monsoon season.
- Maximum temperatures are expected to be above normal across most of the country.
The article emphasizes the urgent need for a science-based and dialogue-driven approach to conserve the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot facing significant threats. It notes that despite being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the region lacks a comprehensive legal framework for conservation. The author highlights the failure to implement recommendations from expert committees like Gadgil (WGEEP) and Kasturirangan (HLWG) due to political resistance and lack of consensus. The article advocates for a participatory approach, integrating local communities and scientific expertise, to develop sustainable conservation strategies that balance development and ecological protection.
- The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and biodiversity hotspot, requires urgent conservation efforts.
- Existing conservation efforts are hampered by political resistance and lack of a comprehensive legal framework.
- Recommendations from expert committees like Gadgil and Kasturirangan have faced implementation challenges.
Activists in Bhopal alleged that 68% of drinking water samples supplied by the civic body in areas affected by the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy were contaminated with faecal coliform. Out of 63 samples taken from 30 localities, 43 showed sewage contamination. Activists warned that this situation is similar to Indore's Bhagirathpura, where contaminated water caused over 35 deaths. They claimed that 90% of samples from the city's upper lake and 25% from Kolar dam were also contaminated. The Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC), however, stated that its own tests in July found no impurities in 61 samples.
- Activists reported 68% of drinking water samples near the Bhopal gas tragedy site were contaminated with faecal coliform.
- The contamination poses a health risk, drawing parallels to a similar incident in Indore that caused multiple deaths.
- Activists also claimed high contamination rates in water from Bhopal's upper lake and Kolar dam.
Environmental activist Pranab Doley, who supported protests against a luxury hotel project near Kaziranga National Park, has been detained under the National Security Act (NSA) by the Assam government. This occurred just a day after he was granted bail by a local court, which had noted that criminal law should not suppress local anxieties about ecological preservation. The NSA order cites 13 police cases against Doley since 2017, alleging his activities were "prejudicial to public order and security of the State," involving foreign funding, foreign trips, road blockades, and damage to public property.
- Environmental activist Pranab Doley was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) by the Assam government.
- Doley was supporting protests against a luxury hotel project near Kaziranga National Park.
- His detention came a day after a local court granted him bail, acknowledging concerns about ecological preservation.
The death toll from floods in Assam has risen to 80, with two new fatalities reported from Sivasagar district. Over 2.12 lakh people in eight districts remain affected. The State government announced a six-month moratorium on repaying all types of loans for flood-affected people and sought a support package from the Centre. Twenty-one revenue circles and 437 villages are still impacted, with 75,583 people in 112 relief camps. Multiple agencies are engaged in rescue and relief work, and significant crop area and infrastructure have been damaged.
- Assam floods have caused 80 deaths and affected over 2.12 lakh people across eight districts.
- The State government declared a six-month moratorium on loan repayments for flood victims.
- A support package from the Centre has been requested for relief and rehabilitation.
The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) endorsed the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee's (CWRC) order for Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for 15 days, starting July 29. This decision comes amidst scanty rainfall in the Cauvery catchment, leading to a significant shortfall in inflows. The CWRC, which monitors water levels and flows in reservoirs, considered hydro-meteorological conditions, storage positions, and an unoptimistic forecast. Both Karnataka, which has not commenced irrigation, and Tamil Nadu, which deems the quantum insufficient for kuruvai cultivation, are dissatisfied, highlighting the need for a distress-sharing formula.
- The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) endorsed the CWRC's order for Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs to Tamil Nadu.
- The decision was made due to scanty rainfall and significant shortfall in water inflows in the Cauvery catchment.
- The CWRC monitors hydro-meteorological conditions, reservoir storage, and inflows/outflows to make such decisions.
This explainer defines a cloudburst as a highly localized weather event where a small area receives 10 cm or more of rain in an hour. While relatively rare, global warming is increasing their frequency. Cloudbursts are difficult to forecast due to their small scale, rapid development, and challenging mountainous terrain which blocks radar signals. The article highlights that the term 'cloudburst' is often misused, potentially obscuring human negligence related to poor planning, illegal construction, deforestation, and inadequate drainage, as seen in past tragedies. India is working on 'nowcasting' and expanding its radar network to improve predictions.
- A cloudburst is defined by the IMD as 10 cm or more of rain in an hour over a small area (20-30 sq. km).
- Global warming is increasing the frequency of cloudbursts, especially in mountainous regions like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and J&K.
- Forecasting cloudbursts is challenging due to their localized nature, rapid formation, and radar limitations in rugged terrain.
Nepal's tiger population has risen by approximately 20% in the past four years, reaching an estimated 429, according to a recent nationwide survey. This reinforces Nepal's reputation as a success story in big-cat conservation, despite challenges from human-wildlife conflict. The survey, conducted between December and July, covered over 7,300 square kilometers of southern plains. Nepal had pledged in 2010 to double its tiger numbers by 2022 and became the first nation to meet this goal, boosting its population from 121 in 2009 to 355 in 2022. However, this success brings challenges, with at least 38 people killed in tiger attacks between 2019 and 2023, highlighting the need for effective co-existence programs.
- Nepal's tiger population increased by 20% in four years, reaching an estimated 429.
- Nepal was the first nation to achieve the goal of doubling tiger numbers by 2022, from 121 in 2009 to 355 in 2022.
- The conservation success is attributed to secure habitats but has led to increased human-wildlife conflict.
Amid concerns over E20 fuel's impact on vehicles, citizens' advocacy group Team Bharat met Petroleum Ministry officials. They urged the government to continue supplying E10 petrol for vehicles designed for it, while also demanding pure petrol with no ethanol blending be available at all fuel stations at affordable prices. Team Bharat also requested E20 fuel be sold at a 20% discount and sought public disclosure of relevant documents and reports on E20 fuel. They also called for a mechanism to assess and address grievances for vehicles damaged by blended fuel, and raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest involving Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari in the blending programme.
- Team Bharat advocated for continued supply of E10 petrol and availability of pure petrol at fuel stations.
- They requested a 20% discount for E20 fuel compared to pure petrol.
- The group demanded public disclosure of studies and reports related to E20 fuel's impact.
Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) chairperson Vineet Gupta urged Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to develop their own distress-sharing formula for Cauvery water. He rejected criticisms against CWRC and Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), stating that their calculation of 3,500 cusecs to be released by Karnataka to Tamil Nadu for 15 days was based on all relevant data, including rainfall patterns, net inflow into reservoirs, and meteorological inputs. Gupta highlighted that the intermediate catchment between Krishnaraja Sagar and Kabini dams and Biligundlu was 'very dry' this year, leading to a 60% deficit in Karnataka's reservoir net inflow compared to the long-term average.
- CWRC chairperson urged Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to formulate their own Cauvery water distress-sharing plan.
- The CWRC's decision to release 3,500 cusecs was based on comprehensive data, including rainfall and reservoir inflows.
- Intermediate catchment areas are experiencing 'very dry' conditions, leading to significant deficits in Karnataka's reservoir inflows.
The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and adjoining areas (CAQM) has urged Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Punjab to use drone surveillance for effective monitoring of stubble burning. Drones offer a reliable and efficient solution by providing rapid deployment, high-resolution, real-time imaging, and flexible flight patterns, complementing satellite imagery and ground inspections. This technology can accurately detect active fire locations, identify smoke plumes, map affected agricultural fields, and generate time-stamped evidence for prompt enforcement action, particularly in hotspot villages and fire-prone locations.
- CAQM urged states in the NCR and adjoining areas to deploy drones for monitoring stubble burning.
- Drones provide rapid deployment, high-resolution imaging, and real-time data for effective surveillance.
- The technology helps in accurately detecting active fire locations and generating evidence for enforcement.
The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has approved Yamuna rejuvenation projects totaling nearly ₹4,500 crore. These projects include 15 new decentralized sewage treatment plants (DSTPs), expansion of sewer networks, upgrading existing STPs, and sludge management facilities. Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh stated that these approvals would increase Delhi's sewage treatment capacity from 749 million gallons per day (MGD) to 1,041 MGD. Additionally, a project to revive and restore the Wazirabad pondage area to enhance raw water storage capacity was cleared, increasing its holding capacity from one to two-three days.
- Delhi Jal Board (DJB) approved Yamuna rejuvenation projects worth nearly ₹4,500 crore.
- Projects include 15 new decentralized sewage treatment plants (DSTPs) and upgrades to existing infrastructure.
- The aim is to increase Delhi's sewage treatment capacity from 749 MGD to 1,041 MGD.
The Union government informed Parliament that some rubber parts and gaskets in BS-III vehicles might require replacement when using E20 fuel (a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol). This information comes from a study, not yet made public, conducted by Indian Oil Corporation, Indian Institute of Petroleum, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, and Automotive Research Association of India. For vehicles other than BS-III, the study found no need for engine modifications. The Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, stated that these replacements could be managed during routine servicing.
- BS-III vehicles may require replacement of certain rubber parts and gaskets when using E20 fuel.
- E20 fuel is a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol.
- A study by various Indian organizations found no need for engine modifications in non-BS-III vehicles for E20 fuel.
The Supreme Court quashed a 2021 Office Memorandum (OM) that granted ex post facto environmental clearances to infrastructure projects, stating that the Union government cannot alter protective environmental checks through administrative instructions. The court emphasized that an 'amnesty' measure should be a rare exception, finite in duration, and confined to its class, not a perpetual parallel route. It upheld the power for amnesty schemes but through proper notifications, not administrative orders, to avoid supplanting delegated legislation like the 2006 notification. The ruling has prospective effect, not affecting ongoing projects or past clearances unless individually challenged.
- The Supreme Court quashed the 2021 Office Memorandum (OM) that allowed ex post facto environmental clearances for infrastructure projects.
- The court ruled that the Union government cannot substantially alter environmental checks via administrative instructions, requiring proper notifications for such changes.
- An 'amnesty' measure for environmental clearance must be a rare exception, finite, and class-confined, not a perpetual parallel route.
India curtailed 8,133 gigawatt-hour (GWh) of solar power during the April-June quarter of this year to maintain grid security. The curtailment was also attributed to a mismatch between the commissioning of transmission lines and renewable energy projects, according to Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik. The Grid Controller of India reported curtailments of 2,417 GWh in April, 3,235 GWh in May, and 2,481 GWh in June. As of June 30, India's installed solar capacity stood at 162.15 GW, including utility-scale, rooftop, and off-grid projects.
- India curtailed 8,133 GWh of solar power in Q1 2026 (April-June).
- Curtailment was primarily to maintain grid security and due to transmission line mismatches.
- The Grid Controller of India provided the data on curtailment.
The Union Environment Ministry has reissued, for the seventh time in over a decade, its draft notification proposing an ecologically sensitive area (ESA) across the Western Ghats. The notification, open for public objections for 60 days, prohibits mining, quarrying, new thermal power plants, and certain industries within the ESA, while regulating hydel power generation. This move comes amid persistent differences with the six Western Ghats States (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu) over the precise villages and areas to be included, with states concerned about impacts on agriculture, infrastructure, and development. The proposed ESA remains at 56,825.7 sq. km.
- Union Environment Ministry reissued the draft notification for Western Ghats Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA) for the seventh time.
- The notification prohibits mining, quarrying, new thermal power plants, and certain industries in the ESA.
- States have ongoing concerns about the impact on agriculture, infrastructure, and development.
India's tiger conservation success has led to a growing number of tigers living outside protected areas, creating a new conservation frontier. This dispersal results in increased human-tiger conflict, prompting the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to launch the Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves (TOTR) initiative. The TOTR aims to establish a scientifically grounded, landscape-based framework for conserving tigers outside reserves while safeguarding human lives. It shifts from reactive crisis management to a proactive approach, focusing on technology, preparedness, and community participation, with pilot projects in 40 forest divisions across nine states.
- India's tiger population growth has led to a significant number of tigers living outside protected areas.
- This dispersal increases human-tiger conflict, necessitating new conservation strategies.
- The Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves (TOTR) initiative aims for proactive, science-driven human-tiger coexistence.
The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) has directed Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days, totaling 4 tmcft. This decision was made after reviewing the drought situation in the Cauvery basin and anticipated El Nino conditions. Karnataka's Water Resources Minister K. Ramalinga Reddy stated the state would examine appealing the order, maintaining that current reservoir storage is only sufficient for drinking water needs. Tamil Nadu had received only 3.543 tmcft against a prescribed 35.391 tmcft until July 26, indicating a significant shortfall.
- CWRC ordered Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of Cauvery water daily for 15 days to Tamil Nadu.
- The decision was based on drought conditions and anticipated El Nino effects in the Cauvery basin.
- Karnataka plans to appeal the order, citing insufficient water for its own drinking needs.
India's urban growth and development depend critically on effective water management, yet many city water systems are fragile, marked by high non-revenue water, low wastewater treatment, and poor cost recovery. A focused agenda within a single political term can stabilize urban water services. This involves rethinking water sources by treating rainwater and treated wastewater as mainstream supplies, improving efficiency through clear responsibilities, better measurement, and modernized customer services. Additionally, it requires redesigning tariffs and subsidies for equity and reforming investment appraisal to consider full lifetime costs and environmental impacts. The goal is to shift from counting connections to managing performance and resilience, investing in operations and local capacity.
- Urban India's water systems are fragile, characterized by high non-revenue water, inadequate wastewater treatment, and poor cost recovery.
- A single political term can significantly improve urban water services through a focused agenda.
- Rethinking water sources to include rainwater harvesting and treated wastewater as mainstream supplies is crucial.
India's proposed Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) III norms are crucial for the global shift to electrified powertrains and addressing India's dependence on imported crude oil. While the draft notification aims for ambitious emission reductions (113 gCO2/km to 77 gCO2/km by FY2031-32), several flexibility mechanisms, like the Carbon Neutrality Factor and super credits for hybrids/EVs, reduce its effective stringency. Unlike China's Dual Credit System that mandates NEV credits, India's system allows manufacturers to buy credits from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency at low prices, potentially hindering genuine technological transformation. Stronger, market-shaping regulations are needed to align with India's energy security and climate goals.
- India's CAFE III norms are vital for transitioning to cleaner mobility and reducing reliance on imported crude oil.
- The proposed norms aim for significant emission reductions but include flexibility mechanisms that may dilute their effective stringency.
- Unlike China's Dual Credit System, India's framework allows credit purchases from BEE at low prices, potentially hindering genuine electrification efforts.
Kerala has nominated Ashutosh Dash, a former Chief Engineer and Special Secretary to the Odisha government's Water Resources department, as its nominee to the Independent Panel of Experts (IPOE) on the Mullaperiyar dam. This nomination follows Kerala's protests over the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA)'s "unilateral" decision to remove its previous nominee, T.K. Sivarajan, from the panel. The NDSA had requested Kerala to nominate a new expert on June 25. The IPOE, created under the Dam Safety Act, 2021, comprises five members for a comprehensive dam safety evaluation of the Mullaperiyar dam.
- Kerala nominated Ashutosh Dash as its expert on the Independent Panel of Experts (IPOE) for the Mullaperiyar dam.
- The nomination came after Kerala protested the removal of its previous nominee, T.K. Sivarajan, by the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA).
- The IPOE was established under the Dam Safety Act, 2021, to conduct a comprehensive dam safety evaluation.