The Hindu (Thiruvananthapuram)
CWRDM to formulate new methodology to calculate minimum E-€ow in rivers
35 sovereigns of gold stolen from house
The government has entrusted the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) to develop a new methodology to calculate the minimum environmental ¡ow (E-¡ow) required in rivers.
A new methodology is being proposed based on the inference that an earlier directive of the Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in New Delhi that States need to maintain a minimum E¡ow of 15-20% of the average lean season course in their rivers is not practical. E-¡ow denes the quantity, timing and quality of water ¡ow required to sustain freshwater and estuarine ecosystems, besides human livelihood. As per the existing NGT order, the minimum E-¡ow calculation required is 15-20% that is based on ¡ow of Himalayan-fed rivers. As the method cannot be applied to rivers in the southern States that are monsoonfed, a new methodology is required, according to the River Rejuvenation Committee, Kerala.
To implement a new methodology and validate the calculated E-¡ow, the CWRDM requires 25 years of sheries data from the Fisheries department and hydraulic and cross-sectional data from the Hydrographic Wing. A request has been submitted to the respective departments and active follow-ups are being done by the Department of Water Resources, according to the minutes of the committee meeting held on February 17, 2024.
Approach Ministry
Though the NGT had recommended an E-¡ow of 15-20% of the average lean season course in rivers, it had permitted the States concerned to approach the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, if they are unable to adhere to this. The Secretary of the Ministry could examine such a representation in consultation with the Ministry of Water Resources, it said.
A major burglary was reported from Kazhakuttam on Tuesday after assailants targeted a vacant house, broke into it and stole jewellery.
Around 35 sovereigns of gold is reported to be stolen. Shyamlal, the owner of the house, and his family had been out of the State for two days. The burglary came to light when the family returned from Mookambika on Tuesday afternoon. They had left for the trip on Friday.
On returning home, the family found the front door broken. Inside, they found that gold jewellery and some other valuables stored in a main cupboard have been stolen. Cupboards in other rooms too have been emptied out.