In Focus: Water issues, land disputes, farming struggles

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Hey everyone! Welcome back to our weekly roundup! Since it's Friday, that means it's time for our weekly roundup of ground reports! This week, we're bringing you stories from different corners of India, shedding light on important issues affecting communities.

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Ground Report Started Podcast series Mind Your Earth on the World Earth Day. In the first episode a series by Ground Report, host Diwash Gahatraj explores the groundbreaking recognition of a fundamental right against the adverse effects of climate change by the Supreme Court of India. Joining him is lawyer and environmental activist Ritwick Dutta, as they delve into the implications of this landmark decision.

Jal Jeevan Mission: Reality Check

Let's start with the Jal Jeevan Mission in Bundelkhand, India. Jyotsna Richhariya's report uncovers a troubling reality: despite the government's claims of providing tap connections to schools, many villages, like Hanuman Sagar, are still struggling with water scarcity. When our team visited, we found dry taps and broken infrastructure, painting a starkly different picture from what the government dashboard shows.

Dikhsha Yadav fills her containers, while other women wait for her turn

Furthermore, Jyotsna spoke with residents of Hanuman Sagar village, who shared heartbreaking stories of how the lack of water has impacted their daily lives. Mamta, a concerned mother, expressed her frustration over the closure of school washrooms due to the water shortage, forcing children to run back home during school hours. This not only disrupts their education but also poses health risks.

Moreover, the situation is exacerbated by the region's vulnerability to droughts, as highlighted by a study published in Current Science in 2019. With declining rainfall trends and insufficient groundwater recharge, Bundelkhand faces an uphill battle in addressing its water crisis. Despite government initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission, the ground reality remains bleak for many communities, underscoring the need for urgent action to ensure access to clean and reliable water sources. Want to read full report Click here

Kashmir orchards face railway threat

Next, we turn to Kashmir, where Aiman Fayaz's report delves into the controversy surrounding a railway project in apple orchards. Orchard owners like Sajad Ahmad Reshi fear losing their land and livelihoods to the expansion plans. With concerns over environmental impact and land acquisition, the project has sparked protests and raised questions about its long-term consequences.

Moreover, the proposed railway lines in Kashmir, as outlined by Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, have stirred anxiety among local farmers and activists. Dr. Raja Muzaffar, an environmental advocate, warns against the potential ecological damage, particularly in sensitive areas like Shopian and Pahalgam. These concerns highlight the delicate balance between development and environmental conservation in the region.

Reshipora residents in Shopian protest, reaffirming their demand for the land allocated for the railway line. Photo Credit: Irfan Ahmad

Furthermore, the lack of clarity surrounding land acquisition and compensation has fueled tensions in affected villages like Reshipora Zainapora. Farmers like Abdul Gani express frustration over the uncertainty surrounding their livelihoods and the government's opaque approach to the project. Want to read full report right? click here

Bhopal farmers face challenges ahead

And finally, we head to Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, where Shishir Agrawal's report highlights the challenges faced by local farmers. From crop failures to inadequate support from the government, farmers like Gajraj Singh Rajput and Arvind Patel are struggling to make ends meet. Lengthy waits at agricultural procurement centers and declining crop yields add to their woes, raising concerns about their future.

The farmers in Bhopal express disappointment over the lack of assistance and resources from the government to address their agricultural challenges. Despite the promises of minimum support prices and procurement centers, many like Dwarkadas Bairagi feel let down by the discrepancies between assurances and reality. The rising costs of farming inputs, coupled with stagnant crop prices, contribute to their financial burdens, leaving them feeling neglected and disillusioned.

Furthermore, the situation is exacerbated by environmental factors such as declining water resources and reduced crop productivity due to excessive chemical fertilizer use. Farmers like Chhaganlal highlight the urgent need for alternative farming practices and government support to mitigate these challenges.

So, as we wrap up another week of ground reporting, let's keep these stories in mind and continue advocating for meaningful change in our communities. Together, we can make a difference and build a brighter future for all. Until next time, stay informed and stay engaged!

TOP ENVIRONMENT NEWS

India's solar potential declined over past three decades: IMD study

A recent study conducted by experts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the country is experiencing a notable decline in solar power generation potential. The study identifies a significant decline in global radiation (GR) across various cities including New Delhi, Shillong, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Nagpur, Mumbai, Pune, Vishakhapatnam, Goa, Chennai, and Thiruvananthapuram. New Delhi experiences the most pronounced decrease (0.7%), while Pune shows the least decline (0.1%). Read full story here

5 lakh deaths due to brain stroke are linked to climate change: Study

Climate change is increasingly recognized as a threat to public health, with recent research highlighting its connection to a higher risk of stroke. Study reveals a significant link between changing climate patterns and the incidence of strokes globally.

The study, based on data from the past three decades (1990 to 2019) and covering over 200 countries, analyzed the correlation between health and temperature. The results showed a strong association between strokes and adverse temperatures. Read full report here

Study finds toxic chemicals in recycled plastic

In a recent study, alarming findings have emerged regarding the pervasive presence of toxic chemicals in recycled plastic pellets. The study highlights the presence of toxic chemicals in recycled plastic pellets, which are used to create recycled plastic products.

According to the study, none of the samples collected from various recycling facilities across 24 countries were free from chemical contamination. More than half of the samples contained 11 or more of the 18 targeted chemicals, with 17 samples harbouring five or more endocrine-disrupting chemicals. This widespread contamination raises significant concerns about the safety of recycled plastic products. Read full report here

130 glacier lakes expanded in India, heightened risk of devastating floods

Rising temperatures are causing rapid melting of snow in the Himalayas, leading to an increase in the size of glacier lakes, according to the latest trend, highlighted in a new report by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). The report suggests a heightened risk of devastating floods if the process continues unchecked. ISRO's report reveals that over 27% of glacier-formed lakes in the Himalayas have expanded since 1984, with 130 of them located in India. Long-term satellite images covering the catchments of Indian Himalayan river basins from 1984 to 2023 show significant changes in these lakes. Read full report here

Climate change and extreme weather impacts hit Asia hard

Asia retained its title as the world's most disaster-prone region in 2023, facing a barrage of weather, climate, and water-related hazards. Floods and storms inflicted the highest number of casualties and economic losses, while the impact of heatwaves intensified, according to the latest report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

The "State of the Climate in Asia 2023" report underscored the alarming acceleration of key climate change indicators, including rising surface temperatures, glacier retreats, and sea level rise. These trends spell significant implications for societies, economies, and ecosystems across the region. Read full report here

That’s all for today’s environmental news. If you found these stories interesting and want to stay updated, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter. You can also follow us on our social media channels for more environment-related news and updates.

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Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding story. Until next time, this is Wahid Bhat signing off!

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