Survey reveals MGNREGA failed to curb migration
As per the survey conducted by the Institute of Economic Growth, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has been able to create livelihood assets but failed to have significant impact on migration. Reducing migration is one of the main objectives of the scheme. The survey, that was conducted in 21 states spread over 14 agro-climatic zones, has revealed that despite 11 percent increase in rural incomes, nearly 80 percent of the surveyed districts did not show any change in migration.
Narmada–Parvati river linking project gets approved
The Madhya Pradesh government has given its approval to the Narmada–Parvati river linking project worth Rs 7,546 crore. The project, that will be completed in four phases, aims to create irrigation facilities on two lakh hectares of agricultural land in Malwa region of the state and would benefit farmers of 369 villages of Sehore and Shajapur districts. The project envisages lifting 1.08 million acre feet of water from Indira Sagar Reservoir that will be supplied through underground pipelines. However, the project would need acquisition of about eight hectares of land.
Kaleshwaram irrigation project gets green nod
The expert appraisal committee of the environment ministry has given its go ahead to Telangana's Kaleshwaram irrigation project worth Rs 80,499 crore. However, the committee has set several conditions on the project which includes the state's responsibilty to take care of changes in the micro-climatic conditions in the project area during the construction and post construction period and the plan for a greenbelt and reservoir rim treatment. The project across the Godavari river aims to provide irrigation facility to seven districts across the state.
Committee formed to review Isha Foundation’s recommendations on river rejuvenation
The water ministry has constituted a committee under the chairmanship of Sharad Kumar Jain, director, National Institute of Hydrology to assess Isha Foundation’s 'Revitalization of Rivers in India – Draft Policy Recommendation'. As part of the Rally for Rivers campaign that was organised from September 3 to October 2 to create awareness about the condition of rivers in the country, the foundation has submitted its draft policy document to the government. The campaign, however, has been criticised by Rajendra Singh, the Waterman of India, who alleges that it is just for land, money, power, fame and name.
Environment ministry comes up with new guidelines for rail projects in forest areas
In the wake of repeated confusion regarding green rules for railway projects in forest areas, the environment ministry has issued new guidelines that will be applicable to new rail track and gauge conversion projects. As per the new laws, any new railway track or doubling project passing through a forest will be applicable for both Forest (Conservation) Act, (FCA) 1980 and Wildlife Protection Act, (WPA)1972. The new rules will also be applicable to the ongoing projects in four districts of Karnataka--Mysuru, Chamarajnagar, Kodagu and Uttar Kannada.
This is a roundup of important policy matters from December 13 - 19, 2017. Also, read the news this week.