24-Mar-2022: Fluoride in Drinking Water

As reported by Rajasthan State, 11 habitations of Banswara district and 1 habitation of Chittaurgarh district under Udaipur division have fluoride contamination in drinking water sources.

To make provision of potable tap water supply in adequate quantity, of prescribed quality and on regular & long-term basis to every rural household in the country by 2024, since August, 2019, Government of India in partnership with States/ UTs, is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) – Har Ghar Jal. Under JJM, while allocating the funds to States/ UTs, 10% weightage is given to the population residing in habitations affected by chemical contaminants including Fluoride.

Under JJM, States/ UTs have been advised to plan schemes for bulk water transfer from long distance in villages with water quality issues and non-availability of suitable surface water source in nearby areas.

Under JJM, while planning for potable water supply to household through tap water connection, priority is given to quality-affected habitations. Since, planning, implementation and commissioning of piped water supply scheme based on a safe water source is likely to take time, purely as an interim measure, States/ UTs have been advised to install community water purification plants (CWPPs) especially in Arsenic and Fluoride affected habitations to provide potable water to every household at the rate of 8–10 litre per capita per day (lpcd) to meet their drinking and cooking requirements.

Rural drinking water supply is a State subject. Powers to plan, approve, and implement rural water supply schemes is vested with States.

21-Mar-2022: Steps to decrease chances of accidental Electrocution of Wild Animals

The steps taken by the Government to manage human-animal conflict and decrease the chances of accidental electrocution of wild animals, include the following:

1. Financial assistance is provided by the Ministry to States/Union Territories under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes of Development of Wildlife Habitats, Project Tiger and Project Elephant for activities like creation and maintenance of water holes for wild animals in Protected Areas, soil and moisture conservation measures, establishment of anti-poaching camps, strengthening wildlife veterinary care, eradication of weeds, creation and maintenance of fire lines, deployment of Tiger Protection Force and special Tiger Protection Force etc.
2. The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016 and the Rules made thereunder also provide for use of the Fund for development of wildlife habitats, establishment of animal rescue centers, etc.
3. Wildlife Institute of India, in consultation with the Ministry of Environment Forest & Climate Change, National Highway Authority, National Tiger Conservation Authority and World Bank Group, has published guidelines on eco-friendly measures to mitigate the impacts of linear infrastructure to assist project agencies in designing linear infrastructure, including electric transmission lines.
4. User agencies have been requested to comply with electricity rules and regulations and to maintain minimum ground clearance for electric transmission lines in order to minimize deaths of elephants due to electrocution.
5. The National Tiger Conservation Authority has issued generic guidelines for formulating a Security Plan for each tiger reserve which is operationalized in the overarching Tiger Conservation Plan which is legally mandated under section 38 V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
6. WCCB has issued advisories to States/UTs to prevent deaths of wild animals due to electrocution.