WWF-India urges tourists traveling to the Himalayas to go green!

WWF- India’s Green Hiker campaign launched

New Delhi: In its efforts to encourage responsible tourism in the Himalayas, the World Wide Fund for Nature- India launched its Green Hiker Campaign today in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The campaign aims at raising awareness about the vulnerability of the Himalayan ecosystem, by encouraging tourists and tour operators to adopt responsible practices towards reducing the impact of tourism on this fragile ecosystem. The campaign stands on the positive, direct message of Nature leaves a mark on you, don’t leave one behind. The campaign corresponds with the tourist season in the Himalayas and links with the Incredible India initiative of the Ministry of Tourism.

WWF's Green Hiker Campaign launched in Delhi by Mr. Sujit Banerjee, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism (3rd from left) - © Anil Cherukupalli/WWF-India

The launch saw the participation of various officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India in addition to many other organizations and individuals. Arjun Vajpai, the youngest Indian to conquer Mount Everest at the age of 16 was also present to lend his support for this campaign. He also shared the overwhelming experience of his recent expedition and the importance of being a responsible hiker.

Mr. Maninder Singh Kohli, veteran Himalayan hiker, presented a short account of his experiences in the Himalayas, the problems and possible solutions. A Green Hiker Animation Film targeting the tourists and service providers in the industry and encouraging them to watch their footprint was released and screened at the launch.

Mr. Sujit Banerjee, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, while launching the campaign said, “…The Himalayas are the pride of our nation. The Ministry of Tourism is glad to support this campaign, since the conservation of the majestic Himalayan ecosystem is a common goal which we have to achieve together. It is important that we start now ….”

On the occasion, Mr. Ravi Singh, Secretary General & CEO, WWF-India said, “Irresponsible tourism is increasingly rendering the high altitude regions and its fragile wetlands vulnerable. Appropriate mechanisms need to be put in place so that tourism can carry on without negative consequences on this ecosystem. The impact of travel in the Himalayan region needs to be dealt with by the travelers themselves. They should be both responsible practitioners and delivery mechanisms of the conservation message. The Himalayas need our care and protection.”

From WWF-INDIA

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Heavy rains lash Nagpur, throw life out of gear

NAGPUR: The heavy showers that lashed the city on Tuesday disrupted traffic on several thoroughfares and arterial roads leading to chaos. Many of those returning home after work were caught in traffic jams as the roads were waterlogged.

The main roads at Sadar, Cotton Market, Narendra Nagar and Shankar Nagar square were the worst hit, with vehicles stuck in a gridlock. Road users were angry as NMC had failed to clean storm water drains across the city. The traffic police had a tough time regulating traffic in the affected areas. In a few areas, traffic constables were seen opening manhole covers to enable free flow of rainwater into the drains.

A few trees were also uprooted in areas such as Khare Town in Dharampeth and Mate Chowk. Rain water gushed into houses in many low-lying area, said fire officials. Many areas including Dharampeth were also plunged into darkness after electric cables were snapped due to the falling trees.

From TOI

Release Kandaleru water from July 1

State government writes to Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh has to provide 8 thousand million cubic feet of water between July and October

Officials also plan to visit Andhra Pradesh requesting discharge of Krishna water

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday wrote to Andhra Pradesh seeking release of water from the Kandaleru reservoir from July 1 to offset the depleting resources in the reservoirs that supply to Chennai.

According to sources in the Water Resources Department, Tamil Nadu requested for release of the water as per the agreement between the two States under the Krishna water supply project. Andhra Pradesh has to provide 8 thousand million cubic feet of water between July and October.

A team of WRD officials also plan to visit Andhra Pradesh requesting discharge of Krishna water. The inter-State border of Kandaleru Poondi canal received 2.87 tmcft of water between February and April this year.

Combined storage

Officials of the Chennai Metrowater said the combined storage of the four reservoirs – Poondi, Cholavaram, Red Hills and Chembarambakkam – stood at 4.6 tmcft, which is only 43 per cent of their total capacity.

However, the Metrowater is able to manage the daily supply of 650 million litres a day with additional resources from Veeranam lake. The waterbody has 700 million cubic feet against its capacity of 1,465 mcft, which is a better storage compared to last year.

The recent showers were also favourable in reducing the evaporation loss in the reservoirs. Normally, about 30 mcft of water daily is lost due to evaporation and drawal. But, it was reduced to 20 mcft this month owing to showers, an official said.

With the available resources, the Metrowater would be able to sustain water supply till October. The release of Krishna water would help in stepping up the water storage, the official said.

K. Lakshmi – From THE HINDU

Siruvani water position improving

COIMBATORE: Though there has been heavy drawal of drinking water from the Siruvani Dam during the World Classical Tamil Conference (June 23-27), moderate rainfall is helping in improving the situation now, Mayor R. Venkatachalam said on Tuesday.

Rain God's blessing:Rain helps in maintaining a comfortable water level in Siruvani Dam.

There was no heavy rain in the catchments during the conference period, but whatever was given by the South West Monsoon enabled the Coimbatore Corporation draw 80 million litres a day, as against the 62 mld to 70 mld prior to the monsoon setting in, the Mayor said.

“This is why we are able to supply Siruvani water to some eastern and northern wards in the city that face shortage under the Pilloor Scheme,” he pointed out.

From 20.34 ft (as against the full reservoir level of nearly 51 ft) on June 24, the water level in the dam dipped to 19.35 ft on June 29.

“With lakhs of people visiting the conference venue, there was a huge need for drinking water,” the Mayor explained. “Now, whatever the monsoon offers will increase the level steadily as there will be less pressure on the supply front,” he said.

The Mayor also said: “We have already restored the alternate day supply. This points at the comfortable situation we are in.

Between June 24 and 29, the catchments received rainfall ranging from 3 mm to 16 mm.

The monsoon is expected to turn vigorous in the first or second week of July. There will be further improvement in the supply position,” he said.

The Mayor assured the people in the city that the last anxiety-filled summer was over.

“The Pilloor Phase II scheme will be completed before the next summer and the city will have enough water from three schemes: Siruvani, Pilloor I and Pilloor II. The Bhavani and Aliyar schemes for the suburbs will remove the pressure on these schemes,” he said.

From THE HINDU