Yavatmal district administration ready to tackle water shortage

YAVATMAL: Despite heavy rainfall in last monsoon, remote villages and high altitude areas in Yavatmal district are likely to face an acute drinking water shortage this summer. Considering this, the district administration is ready with a few measures. According to district collector Ashwin Mudgal, water tankers have already been deployed in three villages.

Mudgal told TOI that he has sanctioned seven short-term works for which Rs30 lakh has been given to Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran." He added that the fund would be utilized for removing topographic problems including repairing of defunct water supply schemes.

The city is supplied water from Nilona tank. Though the treatment plant's capacity is 7.5 lakh litres per day but it is treating only 3 lakh litres per day. "The filtration plant is not working to its full capacity due to water shortage," Mudgal said, adding that the administration has also sanctioned another scheme to lay pipeline between Nilona jackwell and the Chapdoh dam reservoir so that adequate water would be made available to the Nilona plant. "Another Rs30 lakh were sanctioned for this work," Mudgal said.

Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Yavatmal-district-administration-ready-to-tackle-water-shortage/articleshow/34176873.cms

Heath sub-centres equipped sans power, water supply

KARAULI: A lot of efforts have been made to improve healthcare facilities in the rural areas, but most of the health sub-centres do not have proper water supply and electricity.

The sub-centres in the rural areas have facilities to help women give birth but there is no electricity and water supply, which leave the facility unused. One such sub-centre is at Mahmadpur. The sub-centre is located in Karauli district on the Sawai Madhopur-Karauli road catering to a population of more than 6,000 people. But it has no electricity and water supply.

Staff members including GNMs and ANMs have to collect water for drinking purposes from houses in the nearby areas. "We have a labour table and other facilities for delivery and there is a trained ANM in the maternal care," said Nand Kishore, a GNM of the sub-centre.

Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Heath-sub-centres-equipped-sans-power-water-supply/articleshow/34175747.cms

Forest fire hits water supply in Itanagar

ITANAGAR: A massive forest fire suspected to have been caused by miscreants or illegal timber dealers has disrupted water supply to the state capital.

The fire in the Mopung Mike Hills on Sunday caused severe damage to Itanagar's main water supply line that provides 11 MLD potable water daily to the water treatment plant at Gekar Putung, Itanagar public health engineering and water supply division executive engineer Tadar Mangku said here on Thursday.

Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/Forest-fire-hits-water-supply-in-Itanagar/articleshow/34171065.cms

18 villages and colonies will get canal water

CHANDIGARH: Following a detailed study of areas in the city, the municipal corporation's engineering wing has resolved to supply Kajauli canal water to over one-and-a-half dozen villages and colonies having a population between 1.5 and 2 lakh. The study suggested that direct canal supply would be a better means to balance the existing water supply in these areas.

Following its study report, MC has proposed to connect Dhanas village, Sarangpur adjoining colonies, institutional areas with the existing water works situated in Sector 39. Village Khuda Lahora and Khuda Jassu have been proposed to be connected to the water works, situated in Sector 12. Village Khuda Ali Sher and Kamibwala have been proposed to be connected with the existing distribution line near capitol complex.

The report further proposed connecting villages Kishangarh and IT Park with the existing main line near IT Park, and village Raipur Kalan, Mauli Jagran and adjoining colonies with water works situated in Manimajra area. Lastly, Makhan Majra, Raipu Khurd, Behlana would be connected with water works situated in Sector 32.

Read More Here - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/18-villages-and-colonies-will-get-canal-water/articleshow/34169966.cms

Water supply schedule on DJB website

NEW DELHI: Now, residents can log on to Delhi Jal Board's website to know what time water is supplied in their area. In a bid to streamline the water distribution system in the capital, DJB has uploaded the water supply schedule on its website, and has also uploaded numbers of officials concerned.

"This will help in quick redressal of water and sewerage related complaints and will also bring transparency in the water distribution system," a DJB official said.

New Delhi: Now, you can just log on to Delhi Jal Board's (DJB) website to know the timing of water supply in your area. In a bid to streamline the water distribution system in the city, the DJB has uploaded the schedule of timing of water supply in different zones on its website.

Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Water-supply-schedule-on-DJB-website/articleshow/34169384.cms

Lose weight with water exercise

Working out and staying fit is a lifestyle many people desire, but many of them just find the environment of the gym intimidating and boring. An expert suggests that water exercises can be a nice variation to loose weight and stay active.

Cristiana Pipoli, aqua aerobics trainer at Jaypee Vasant Continental, feels that aqua aerobics can work wonders for those who do not believe in "working out" in the conventional way.

"This water workout reduces the weight of a person by up to 90 per cent, thus reducing the stress burden on your body's joints. The water also provides a natural resistance to your movements, making your aerobatics workout intense without you realising it. Aqua Aerobics also provides you with cardiovascular and strength training," Pipoli said in a statement.

Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/fitness/Lose-weight-with-water-exercise/articleshow/34051623.cms

Pope in hot water over 'personal' phone calls

VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis's habit of picking up the phone and cold calling people who write to him is landing the Vatican in hot water and spokesman Federico Lombardi has had enough.
Lombardi said on Thursday the calls were part of the pope's "personal pastoral relationships" and "do not in any way form a part of the pope's public activities".

The spokesman said media reports about the phone calls have been "a source of misunderstanding and confusion".

"Consequences relating to the teaching of the Church are not to be inferred from these occurrences," he said.

Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/Pope-in-hot-water-over-personal-phone-calls/articleshow/34167132.cms

Allahabad high court orders inquiry into underground water crisis

ALLAHABAD: Hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking preservation of underground water and implementation of the rainwater harvesting system, the Allahabad high court on Wednesday directed the district magistrate, Allahabad and vice chairman of Allahabad Development Authority to set up an inquiry committee and submit a report before the court on May 28. The committee will submit a report on the underground water crisis at Allahabad and also the implementation of rainwater harvesting system.

The above order was passed by a division bench comprising Justice Dilip Gupta and Justice Suneet Kumar on a PIL filed by the team of law interns working with the Human Rights Law Network, Allahabad Adarsh Srivastava and others.

The petitioners' counsel Smriti Kartikeya assisted by Vishal Kashyap argued that underground water is fast going down in the city and as a result, there is going to be a serious problem of underground water in the city in future.

Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/allahabad/Allahabad-high-court-orders-inquiry-into-underground-water-crisis/articleshow/34148071.cms

Severe water crisis grips Imphal

drying up owing to scanty rainfall, Imphal valley is witnessing a mad rush for potable water even as the government is contemplating pumping water from the Loktak lake in Bishnupur district to combat the growing crisis.

Water levels in Singda dam, Imphal and Iril rivers, which provide drinking water to the state capital after being routed through several treatment plants, have drastically decreased, compelling the state public health engineering department (PHED) to cut down on the normal supply rate of drinking water.

Imphal residents are coughing up Rs 1,000 for 5,000 litres of water from private suppliers. Despite paying such exorbitant rates, residents are being forced to wait for a couple of days for the water to reach them, with demand overtaking supply.

"After waiting for two days, I purchased 5,000 litres of water from a private supplier today. But this will last only for a week and I have already booked for the next delivery," said SG Sharma, an Imphal resident on Wednesday.

Earlier this year, Rs 1,000 would have fetched 12,000 litres of water, he added.

Doubts remain about the quality of water being sold by private companies as no government agency has checked whether it is suitable for human consumption.

Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Severe-water-crisis-grips-Imphal/articleshow/34144729.cms

On Bangalore outskirts, water price doubles

BANGALORE: Water is GS Ramanna's biggest headache. The 65-year-old resident of Sidedahalli, north-west Bangalore, buys water from private operators who supply through tankers. Ramanna's water bill has doubled in the past 12 months. He paid Rs 250-300 for a tankerful of water, about 4,000 litres, last year; he shells out Rs 600 now. And summer demand will push prices higher.

Ramanna says: "Cauvery water is still a distant dream. The groundwater level has fallen to 1,100 feet. Those who dig borewells get contaminated water. Supply through BWSSB tankers is just once a week."

Amrutha G Katte of Channasandra in the Mahadevapura zone says residents depend on private tankers despite exorbitant rates. "Those who can't afford tankers buy water in pots. A pot costs Rs 3-5. We are in no man's land. While erstwhile panchayat representatives are not bothered because we are not their voters, the corporators are yet to connect with our problems. We don't come under the erstwhile CMCs either."

Private suppliers have jacked up rates because the demand is high. Ramesh S of Siddalingeshwara Water Supply in the Byatarayanapura zone says: "If the destination is close by, we charge Rs 350-400. As the distance increases, the rate goes up."

The 110 villages (covering 225 sqkm) added to Greater Bangalore are spread across different zones: Bommanahalli, Mahadevapura, Byatarayanapura, Rajarajeshwarinagar and Dasarahalli. The IT City tag holds no meaning for them because they lack one of the most basic facilities.

Of the 490 borewells maintained by the BWSSB, 169 have been declared contaminated; the level of dissolved solids in them has crossed the permissible 500 mg/litre. Eighty other borewells are defunct. Water from the remaining 241 borewells is just not enough.

Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/On-Bangalore-outskirts-water-price-doubles/articleshow/34132760.cms

New technique converts astronaut pee into fuel, drinking water

LONDON: Researchers are developing a technique that can convert human waste aboard space stations into fuel and much-needed drinking water that would otherwise have to be delivered from earth at a tremendous cost. Space organisations have been pondering over the challenge of what to do with astronaut pee, other than ejecting it into space.

Researchers Eduardo Nicolau and Carlos Cabrera from the University of Puerto Rico and NASA'S Ames Research Centre point out that human waste on long-term journeys into space makes up about half of a mission's total waste. Recycling it is critical to keeping a clean environment for astronauts, especially when onboard water supplies run low.

Previous research has shown a wastewater treatment process called forward osmosis in combination with a fuel cell can generate power. Nicolau's team decided to build on these initial findings to meet the challenges of dealing with urine in space. They collected urine and shower wastewater and processed it using forward osmosis, a way to filter contaminants from urea, a major component of urine and water.

Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/New-technique-converts-astronaut-pee-into-fuel-drinking-water/articleshow/33581681.cms

Moon may not have much water

LOS ANGELES: The amount of water present on the Moon may have been overestimated by scientists studying the lunar rock samples, a new study has claimed.

Researchers led by Jeremy Boyce from the University of California - Los Angeles created a computer model to accurately predict how mineral apatite would have crystallized from cooling bodies of lunar magma early in the Moon's history.

Their simulations showed that the unusually hydrogen-rich apatite crystals observed in many lunar rock samples may not have formed within a water-rich environment, as was originally expected.

This discovery has overturned the long-held assumption that the hydrogen in apatite is a good indicator of overall lunar water content.

"The mineral apatite is the most widely used method for estimating the amount of water in lunar rocks, but it cannot be trusted," said Boyce.

"Our new results show that there is not as much water in lunar magma as apatite would have us believe," said Boyce.

For decades, scientists believed the Moon was almost entirely devoid of water.

However, the discovery of hydrogen-rich apatite within lunar rocks in 2010 seemed to hint at a more watery past.

Scientists originally assumed that information obtained from a small sample of apatite could predict the original water content of a large body of magma, or even the entire Moon, but Boyce's study indicates that apatite may, in fact, be deceptive.

Boyce believes the high water content within lunar apatite results from a quirk in the crystallisation process rather than a water-rich lunar environment.

When water is present as molten rock cools, apatite can form by incorporating hydrogen atoms into its crystal structure.

However, hydrogen will be included in the newly crystallising mineral only if apatite's preferred building blocks, fluorine and chlorine, have been mostly exhausted.

Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/Moon-may-not-have-much-water/articleshow/33140979.cms

Civic body to promote rain water harvesting

AURANGABAD: The civic body on Tuesday said it would conduct regular seminars in the city to motivate people to adopt rain water harvesting. City engineer Sakhram Panzade said such seminars would encourage people to go for it and eventually increase the ground water level in the water-starved region.

The civic body has not yet finalized schedule for the seminars, but said that it would be done very soon. "We will organise it for the builders, architects, plumbers and general masses. Experts in the field will guide the participants. Besides, the AMC engineers will also elaborate on the topic and promote the concept," Panzade said.

He said the civic body is also encouraging people for rain water harvesting by way of offering special concessions in tax payment. People going for it can claim rebate of 5% on general tax, a sub-head in the civic body's property tax format.

Nearly 8,000 properties in the city have opted for rain water harvesting so far. However, sources said that very few of them have claimed the rebate. "The AMC offers only one time rebate in property tax. Moreover, it is very a small amount and hence, most of the people do not claim it," sources said.

However, Panzade said focusing on new properties alone would not yield positive results. "There are more than 1.87 lakh property owners in the city and there is need to create awareness among them," he said.

Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/aurangabad/Civic-body-to-promote-rain-water-harvesting/articleshow/33095514.cms

Finally, work begins on phase-II of Common Effluent Treatment Plant

AURANGABAD: The much-awaited work of the second phase of conveyance system for carrying the effluent from individual industry to Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) facility in MIDC area at Waluj has finally started. The Rs 9-crore project, which was supposed to be completed in December 2011, will connect around 125 industries in Waluj.

Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) executive engineer Rajendra Gawde said, "The phase-II project having a capacity of 5 MLD includes construction of four effluent water tanks and laying of a pipeline. The project would cover about 80% of the Waluj industrial belt."

He said, "Four tanks for collection of effluent would be constructed bearing 600 cubic metre capacity each. A 23-km pipeline would be laid to which about 125 industries would be connected. We are aiming to complete the work of critical components before monsoon and the deadline to complete the entire work is within 18 months."

Sources said that about 1,200 industries exist in the Waluj industrial belt generating around 10 MLD effluent every day. The first phase of CETP, which was functional in 2011, is also under-utilised. "The capacity of phase-I CETP facility is 5 MLD," said authorities of the Waluj Industries Association (WIA).

They said that the plant is receiving only 1.5 to 2 MLD effluent. At present, the industries are supplied with 22 MLD water. About 50% is used as raw material and the rest is used for domestic purpose.

Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/aurangabad/Finally-work-begins-on-phase-II-of-Common-Effluent-Treatment-Plant/articleshow/31810458.cms

TNAU denies discharging effluents, PCB to detect nature of pollution

COIMBATORE: Officials from Pollution Control Board and TNAU took samples of sewage water and soil from the open canal at Gokulam Colony at PN Pudur in the city on Saturday to detect the nature of the pollution and the origin of the stench that caused panic in the area on Friday.

They are yet to ascertain the origin of chemical pollution. "We have taken sewage water and soil samples from the canal. It will be tested at our laboratory and the result will be known in four days. There are no chemical-related factories and we are trying to understand the nature of pollution," said K Ravichandran, district environmental engineer, TNPCB, Coimbatore. He added that some unidentified persons might have dumped chemicals in the canal in Gokulam Colony area.

TNAU officials denied the allegations that effluents were released from the varsity campus. "There is no possibility of the effluents coming from the varsity," said K Ramasamy, vice-chancellor, TNAU. At the same time, they have taken the samples of water and soil from the place. The results of the test will be released in a few days, he added.

Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/TNAU-denies-discharging-effluents-PCB-to-detect-nature-of-pollution/articleshow/31700547.cms

Safe or unsafe water?

Tucked away in nature's lap, Uguem, a small village housing South Goa's lifeline, Selaulim dam, should have been a paradise in the hinterland. Lying in the foothills of the verdant Sahyadri range, the village has been devastated by mining activities in the past and now industrial activity is polluting its main water source.

Uguem panchayat is surrounded by Bhati panchayat on the eastern side, Sanguem municipality from the western side, Calem panchayat from the northern side and Rivona panchayat from the southern side.

Selaulim water reservoir supplies water for drinking as well as for irrigation projects in major talukas of South Goa. This was achieved by the state's biggest irrigation project which was estimated to cost Rs 8.5 crore in 1970s, but shot up to Rs 153 crore when it was completed. The serene surroundings of the dam in the village with a population of 4,812 in the seven-member panchayat attracts visitors from other parts of the state and tourists, but undesired development is affecting its natural resources.

The famous dam and the botanical garden nearby attracts thousands of tourists and rakes in revenue for the government, but Uguem panchayat is not receiving even a few rupees from this source. The collection of entry ticket fees is taken by the forest department. The only income Uguem panchayat can rely on is around Rs 50,000 from house tax collections.

The Selaulim dam has four big water treatment plants atop the hill on the south-western side of the dam atop the hill. Water is being chemically treated in these reservoirs and the water get filtered and goes in the reservoir tank for distribution. It supplies drinking water to places as far as Cavelossim in Salcete and Vasco in Mormugao taluka and other surrounding areas.

All the four treatment plants have a diameter of around 70m. But what shocks residents is the apathy and disinterest shown for many years by the local bodies, pollution control board and the state government to the presence of an ore processing steel plant in the close proximity of the treatment plant. "The plant is barely 150m away and is polluting the drinking water teatment plant, reservoirs and the surrounding area with hazardous gas," a local resident alleged.

Francis Carvalho a social activist and president of 'Farmers Club- Uguem' said that the ore-processing steel plant is not more than 200m from the main Selaulim water treatment plant and reservoirs. "Due to the pollution done by this factory, the drinking water from the reservoirs gets contaminated with dust and hazardous gas pollution. Major part of South Goa which connects to the Selaulim drinking water pipeline gets polluted water because of the factory's pollution," Carvalho stated.

"I have raised this issue in many gram sabhas, even the panchayat had taken a resolution which I proposed and sent to the pollution control board to take necessary action against the factory owner. Pollution control board failed to do the inspection till date," stated Carvalho.

Another resident John Sequeira from Uguem said that people of Uguem and Sanguem town came onto the streets and several morchas were staged at Sanguem bus stand in protest against the factory polluting drinking water reservoirs. "The previous panchayat members including the sarpanch lent support to the people's agitation, even the then parish priest of Sanguem church joined hands with the agitators against the rampant pollution done by the factory," stated Sequeira.

"Why is the mines department numb on this issue? How can the pollution control board give no objection clearance to this factory when the reservoirs are located at mere distance of 200m," asked Carvalho.

Diogo Fernandes, a farmer from Uguem, said that the government must come up with a solution to solve this problem. A major part of South Goa is being affected by the pollution from the factory. "I had opposed this pollution issue several times during gram sabhas but no action has been initiated yet. How can Goa state pollution control board (GSPCB) allow a factory near Selaulim dam," said Fernandes.

Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Safe-or-unsafe-water/articleshow/33038925.cms

Water costlier from today

NAGPUR: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation has announced a 5% increase in water tariff from April 1. The tariff has now gone up by 20% in the last four years. TOI was the first to report about the expected hike on March 31.

The water tariff has increased to Rs 6.07 per unit/1,000 litres for residential consumers. The rate will be applicable for consumption up to 20 units. The tariff will steeply increase to Rs 9.73 per unit for water consumption up to 30 units. The new tariff would be Rs 17.37 per unit to Rs 23.15 per unit for commercial consumers.

"There is a huge gap between the expense and revenue in water works. NMC is supplying 600 million litres per day (MLD) but billing stands below 250 MLD. Reducing losses is a solution but we need to ensure meters in all houses. Around 6 lakh families reside in the city but there are only 1.80L with water connections. Besides, the payment to private water operator Orange City Water Private Limited (OCW) has to be made according to contract conditions," said municipal commissioner Shyam Wardhane justifying the hike.

Read More Here - TOI - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Water-costlier-from-today/articleshow/33038361.cms