The Hindu Editorial Summary

Editorial Topic : Delhi’s Water Crisis

 GS-2 Mains Exam : Governance

Revision Notes

 

Question : Examine the steps taken by the Supreme Court in addressing Delhi’s water crisis and their effectiveness

Why the Shortage?

• Delhi relies on neighbouring states (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh) for 40% of its drinking water.
• The capital receives raw water via four sources, with the Yamuna River (Haryana) contributing the most (40%).
• Delhi blames Haryana for blocking its share of water through the Munak Canal, a crucial source.
• Private water tankers, allegedly using illegal sources and selling at high prices, worsen the situation.

Court’s Intervention

• On May 31st, Delhi approached the Supreme Court seeking more water from Haryana.
• The Supreme Court directed the Central government to hold an emergency meeting with Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi to address the crisis (June 3rd).
• Himachal Pradesh initially agreed to share water (June 6th) but later retracted their statement.
• Haryana also objected to releasing more water.
• The Supreme Court stepped back, leaving the issue to the Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB).

Path Forward

• Delhi needs to prioritize solutions beyond political disputes.
• Water conservationist Rajendra Singh suggests:
  • Prioritize drinking water over other uses.
  • Re-examine water resources and adopt “retreat, recycle, reuse” principles.
  • Improve Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) and implement water reuse models.
• Explore water harvesting methods within Delhi.
• Utilize Asola Bhatti mines for water storage.
• Restore the Aravalli belt and Yamuna floodplains as water sanctuaries.

 

 

The Hindu Editorial Summary

Editorial Topic : India’s Geological Heritage

 GS-1 Mains Exam : Art and Culture

Revision Notes

Question : Discuss the scientific and cultural significance of India’s diverse geological heritage

Rich Geological History

• India boasts a diverse geological landscape, including the world’s highest peaks and low-lying coastal plains.
• Rocks, minerals, and fossils tell the story of India’s formation over billions of years.
• Geological features offer a scientific perspective on India’s origins, complementing mythology.

Challenges to Geo-Heritage

• Geo-conservation efforts lag behind international progress.
• Fossil-bearing sites are destroyed by development and real estate projects.
• Stone mining operations cover over 10% of India’s land.
• Important geological sites like the Dhala meteorite crater (1.5-2.5 billion years old) are relatively unknown.

Global Efforts in Geo-Conservation

• The importance of geological heritage was recognized at a 1991 UNESCO event.
• Geo-parks commemorate unique geological features and educate the public.
• Countries like Canada, China, and Spain have established geo-parks as national parks.
• Over 169 Global Geoparks exist across 44 countries.
• Thailand and Vietnam have implemented geo-heritage conservation laws.

India’s Lack of Legislation

• Despite being a signatory to international agreements, India lacks domestic geo-conservation legislation.
• The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has identified 34 geological monuments but lacks enforcement power.
• The Biological Diversity Act (2002) successfully protects biodiversity sites, offering a model for geo-heritage.

Half-Hearted Attempts at Improvement

• A 2009 attempt to establish a National Commission for Heritage Sites was withdrawn.
• A 2022 draft Bill for geo-heritage preservation has seen no progress.
• The draft Bill highlights the lack of dedicated legislation compared to protections for cultural heritage.

Recommendations for Improvement

• Create an inventory of potential geo-sites across India.
• Implement geo-conservation legislation similar to the Biological Diversity Act.
• Establish a National Geo-Conservation Authority with independent oversight.
• Ensure the new system avoids bureaucratic hurdles and respects academic research.