Delhi's water crisis, the Great Nicobar Project, and BJP on the Emergency
Jun 26, 2024
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Journalists Abhinaya Harigovind and Nikhil Ghanekar discuss Delhi's water crisis and the Great Nicobar Project. They cover the sources of Delhi's water, Supreme Court orders, government's Rs 72,000 crore project for Great Nicobar, opposition faced by conservationists, and BJP's social media posts on Emergency.
Delhi's water crisis is exacerbated by reduced rainfall and high temperatures, necessitating alternative water sources and conservation measures.
The Great Nicobar Project faces opposition due to ecological concerns, potential displacement of tribal communities, and environmental risks.
Deep dives
Water Supply Sources and Shortage in Delhi
Delhi faces an acute water shortage due to various factors, including decreased rainfall and high temperatures, leading to strain on water treatment plants. The city primarily sources water from the Yamuna and Ravi Vyasa rivers, along with groundwater reserves. Despite recurrent crises, the government has implemented measures like imposing fines for water wastage and appealing to upstream states for additional supply.
Impact of the Great Nicobar Island Project
The Great Nicobar Island Project, a major infrastructure initiative, aims to develop a transshipment port, airport, metro system, and power plant, with an estimated budget of 72,000 crores. However, concerns arise over its ecological and social implications, including deforestation and disruption to tribal communities. The project's scale and location near fault lines raise significant environmental and cultural preservation challenges.
Political Reactions to the Great Nicobar Island Project
The proposal of the Great Nicobar Island Project has sparked political debates, with the Congress party raising objections regarding potential environmental damage, insufficient tribal consultations, and seismic risks. In contrast, BJP leaders have critiqued Congress, highlighting historical events like the state of emergency imposed in 1975. The political discourse around the project reflects broader ideological clashes and accusations of constitutional transgressions.
First, Indian Express' Abhinaya Harigovind talks to us about the Delhi water crisis and the reasons behind it. She shares the sources through which Delhi gets its water and the Supreme Court's order according to which Delhi should receive water from Himachal Pradesh and Haryana.
Next, Indian Express’ Nikhil Ghanekar speaks to us about the government's plan to develop Great Nicobar through the Great Nicobar Project. This is a Rs 72,000 crore worth infrastructure upgrade project that is facing opposition by conservationists and researchers. (8:38)
And in the end, we talk about BJP leaders launching a series of posts on social media site X about the imposition of Emergency in 1975 on its 49th anniversary. (17:53)
Hosted by Niharika Nanda Produced and written by Niharika Nanda and Shashank Bhargava Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
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