#transboundary river

[echoesoftime-heritagechronicles]

An Ode to Gandak

he year of 2022 brought with itself a little surprise for me; a surprise that helped me embark on a journey that I will cherish for a lifetime. In the month of August, as I was scrolling through the posts of Instagram, I came across a post by SPRF (Social Policy Research Foundation), inviting applications for the third edition of Water Seekers’ Fellowship. The fellowship is a brainchild of SPRF…

[pebblegalaxy]

Taliban's Chitral River Dam: Unraveling Regional Water Security and Relations in South and Central Asia

Taliban's Chitral River Dam: Unraveling Regional Water Security and Relations in South and Central Asia #TalibanDam #WaterSecurity #Geopolitics #ChitralRiver #KunarRiver #Diplomacy #RegionalRelations #SouthAsia #CentralAsia #IndusWatersTreaty #Taliban

The very essence of South Asia and Central Asia’s water security pivots on the lifeblood provided by transboundary rivers such as the Indus, the Ganges, the Brahmaputra, and the Amu Darya. These vital arteries sustain the lives, livelihoods, and ecological equilibrium of millions across Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, China, Nepal, Bangladesh, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan.…

[reasonsforhope]

"One of the last wild rivers in Europe, home to more than 1,000 animal and plant species, has been declared a national park by the Albanian government, making the Vjosa the first of its kind on the continent.

The Vjosa River flows 168 miles (270kms) from the Pindus mountains in Greece through narrow canyons, plains and forests in Albania to the Adriatic coast. Free from dams or other artificial barriers, it is rich in aquatic species and supports myriad wildlife, including otters, the endangered Egyptian vulture and the critically endangered Balkan lynx, of which only 15 are estimated to remain in Albania.

For years, the Vjosa’s fragile ecosystem has been under threat: at one point as many as 45 hydropower plants were planned across the region.

But on Wednesday, after an almost decade-long campaign by environmental NGOs, Vjosa was declared the first wild river national park in Europe. Environmentalists described it as a historic decision that has placed the tiny Balkan nation at the forefront of river protection...

A Model for Conservation

Mirela Kumbaro Furxhi, Albania’s tourism and environment minister, said the creation of the park was part of the country’s evolution and continuing emancipation three decades on from communist rule.

“Vjosa is a symbol of human history and also a very important part of the history of our country,” she said. “Maybe Albania does not have the power to change the world, but it can create successful models of protecting biodiversity and natural assets, and we are proud to announce the creation of this first national park on one of the last wild rivers in Europe.”

The country, which attracted 7.5 million visitors last year, more than twice its 2.8m population, hopes to regenerate villages in the Vjosa region through ecotourism.

Details of the National Park

... The 12,727 hectare (31,500 acre) park aims to ensure the Vjosa and its unique ecosystems are safeguarded. It has been given IUCN category II park status, a high level of protection similar to that of a wilderness. The categorisation covers “large-scale ecological processes”, species and ecosystems, crucial to ensuring dams and gravel extraction are banned. It is expected to be operational in 2024...

The park will encompass the 118 miles of the Vjosa in Albania, three main tributaries, and some land, including areas at risk of flooding. Phase II will add other tributaries. Unlike the IUCN’s Wilderness Protected Areas, which limit the number of visitors, it will allow recreational tourism and some other activities such as local fishing, particularly for 60,000 residents in the catchment.

The Albanian government is starting a joint process with the Greek authorities to create the Aoos-Vjosa transboundary park, aiming to protect the entire river across both countries, who agreed in January to sign a memorandum of understanding specifying the next actions.

Wild Rivers in Europe

Europe has the most obstructed river landscape in the world, with barriers such as dams, weirs and fords, estimated to number more than a million, according to a 2020 EU study in 28 countries. Such fragmenting of rivers affects their ability to support life.

Ulrich Eichelmann, a conservationist and founder of Riverwatch and part of the Save the Blue Heart of Europe campaign, said: “Most people in central Europe have never ever seen a wild, living river, free from the impacts of human interference, that isn’t diverted or dammed or built up with embankments and where biodiversity is low as a result. But here, you have a wild river, full of complexity and without interference.”"

-via The Guardian (US), 3/15/23

[thedalatribune]

© Paolo Dala

Water And Nations

Water separates and connects states. By serving as a boundary or flowing across man-made borders, surface and ground waters require states to interact. With issues including navigation, the quantity and quality of water flowing from one country to another, or the environmental, economic and social impacts of infrastructure like dams or vast irrigation schemes beyond borders, such topics often become part of diplomatic interactions between countries. Results of such diplomatic interactions have yielded numerous bilateral and basin-wide agreements in recent decades, such as the '1964 Lake Chad Convention', the '1972 Senegal Agreement', the '1994 Danube River Protection Convention', or the '1995 Mekong Agreement', aiming at institutionalizing cooperative relations over time. Moreover, diplomatic efforts at the global level have led to two global conventions1 that codify generally accepted principles of international water law. At the same time, the role of water as trigger, amplifier or cause for interstate hostilities or even violent interaction has been widely discussed in academia and has placed it on the agenda of global actors. Historical records and contemporary experiences show that shared water resources can be both a source of conflict and of cooperation.

In spite of significant progress made on cooperation over shared water resources, they (similar to other environmental issues) pose some peculiar challenges to diplomats and diplomatic processes: First, water is mobile. Water flows, evaporates, and precipitates. It can be stored, but only in limited quantities and not permanently. Flows of surface and groundwater therefore often transcend borders while also maintaining a physical presence in different territories which challenges traditional claims of sovereignty. Water cannot be “owned” by one country as can coal reserves, oil, or forests.

Second, water is variable and the volume of water in a transboundary river, lake, wetland, or aquifer varies from year to year depending on precipitation and weather patterns, increasingly impacted by climate change. Exact measurements of water availability and forecasts are difficult and expensive to conduct, even with modern technologies. All planning and negotiations therefore take place with some, and sometimes high, uncertainty over the object of negotiation.

Third, humans and nature depend on water as the basis of life. This does not only concern survival of the individual, but also of the social fabric and the way economic and political systems have developed. In addition, water has a substantive spiritual significance for many people and societies, for example related to its holy status in many religions or indigenous cultures. Thus, governments making decisions about water have to consider many stakeholders, needs, interests, and values.

As a consequence, those responsible for addressing transboundary water problems have and still do struggle in addressing the complexity of shared water resources in an equitable, effective, and sustainable way. Likewise, research that analyzes these attempts has faced challenges in adequately addressing the multi-disciplinarity of the problem.

Jenniver Sehring, Susanne Schemeir, Rozemarijn ter Horst, Alyssa Offutt, and Bota Sharipova Diving into Water Diplomacy - Exploring the Emergence of a Concept

[laksebarn]

Ⲓ ⲥⲇⲛ ⳽ⲉⲉ ⲧⲏⲅⲟⳙⳋⲏ ⲩⲟⳙ Ⲱⲉ ⲇⲅⲉ ⲧⲏⲉ ⳽ⲇⲙⲉ Ⲓⲧ'⳽ ⲣⲉⲅ⳨ⲉⲥⲧⳑⲩ ⳽ⲧⲅⲇⲛⳋⲉ Ⲩⲟⳙ ⲅⳙⲛ ⲓⲛ ⲙⲩ ⳳⲉⲓⲛ⳽ Ⲏⲟⲱ ⲥⲇⲛ Ⲓ ⲕⲉⲉⲣ ⲩⲟⳙ Ⲓⲛ⳽ⲓ𝖽ⲉ ⲙⲩ ⳑⳙⲛⳋ⳽ Ⲓ ⲃⲅⲉⲇⲧⲏⲉ ⲱⲏⲇⲧ ⲓ⳽ ⲩⲟⳙⲅ⳽ Ⲩⲟⳙ ⲃⲅⲉⲇⲧⲏⲉ ⲱⲏⲇⲧ ⲓ⳽ ⲙⲓⲛⲉ... 𝖫𝖺𝗄𝗌𝖾𝖻𝖺𝗋𝗇

ᴵᶰᵈᵉᵖᵉᶰᵈᵉᶰᵗ ᶰᵒᶰ⁻ˢᵉˡᵉᶜᵗᶤᵛᵉ ᴺᵉʷ ᴬᵍᵉᶰᵗ ��ʰʳᵉᵉ ᴿᴾ/ᴬˢᵏ ᵇˡᵒᵍ ᶠᵒʳ ˢᵖˡᵃᵗᵒᵒᶰ   ᴹᵒʳᵉ ᵇᵉˡᵒʷ ↴↴

For Mobile Users: 『Laksebarn』 Independent non-selective New Agent Three RP/Ask blog for Splatoon  ✺SFW (More info below) ✺A bit nervous! ✺Multiship w/ chem! ✺DMS (should be) open! ~~~☁☁☁~~~

【Credits】

➷Icon: Me <3

➷Banner/Background: https://www.usgs.gov/centers/alaska-science-center/science/usgs-transboundary-river-monitoring-southeast-alaska#multimedia

➷Pinned: Splatoon 3 ~~~☁☁☁~~~ RP Rules etc.

🍣Very Friendly🍣-  Mun and Muse are very friendly! Come on a drop an ask or something! We will rp with almost anyone! I will accept OCs and multifandom. Though if I feel uncomfortable I will politely refuse the offer. Also, I will rp crack. Dms (should be) open! 

🍣Group Threads🍣- I love group threads, however, I am very strict with them since they’re somewhat hard to pull off. First off, you need to communicate with me and the other person that you want to rp with. Another thing is, is that you cannot just, “jump in.” Unless stated otherwise.

🍣Multifandom🍣- I am a multifandom Agent 3, which means I will RP with characters that are not of my own fandom. Though again, if I am uncomfortable I will refuse the offer. 

🍣OCs🍣 - Regarding OCs, I will not RP with any oc that I do not think is fit. Though I am very open to OCs.  All I request is an adequate, “about page.“ 

🍣Respectful🍣 - Just cus’ I’m friendly doesn’t mean I don’t deserve respect! Please respect both Mun and Muse. 

🍣Non-NSFW🍣 - Please do not send anything NSFW in (but violence is okay. And there’re some exceptions. It’s mostly up to mun tbh.)

🍣Ships🍣 - This is a multi-ship blog. Ships will not overlap unless requested. 

🍣Things you should know🍣 - Just be aware that this is a secondary blog and I’m not always on point and might reblog to my main account, Midori’s RPs (BUT DON’T WORRY I USUALLY CATCH IT AND FIX IT.) Another thing, if a post gets lost please come and tell me, I promise I won’t bite. It also takes a long ass time for me to respond so be wary of that. If there’s anything we need to chat about please contact me. 

🍣Contact and Tagging🍣 - If you want to contact me just pm me or use the @ function to tag me. However, please do not tag me in the tags if you want me to see something since I do not want to have to dig through everything. 【Mannerisms】

[[ - Mun talking

CrackRP:

** - An action

Without quotations - speaking

Serious:

“” - In character

Without quotations - (Either an action or a description)

Crack RP will not be canonical to the account unless I want it to be. 

Most times it won’t be so if you bring it up to Sal in character she might not know what you’re talking about! ~~~☁☁☁~~~ Muse

【Name:】 Sal

【Agent:】 New Three

【Species:】 Inkling

【Pronouns:】 They/Them She/her

【Age:】 19

【About: A rather feral inkling, She has trouble talking and is prone to being quiet. They are similar to Captain 3 in that they’re work-focused and take their missions very seriously. They don’t really care for any conversation or formalities. Except when it comes to their salmonid brethren. Around Little Buddy and co, they are often seen following orders or helping out. Sometimes even conversing or playing with them. She’s a lot more sociable when it comes to salmonids, this is probably due to their past. They’re also a lot louder and more exuberant in their speech. They don’t really seem to like the others that much. Even if others seem to like them. 

They also have a small school of salmonid, comprised of three smallfry; Pineapple, Grubb, and Little Buddy.

[valmarkint]

Waste Inspection Services in India: A Key to Sustainable Waste Management

Waste management is one of the most pressing environmental issues in today's world. With growing populations and rapid industrialization, waste generation has increased exponentially. Proper waste management is crucial for minimizing environmental damage and ensuring the sustainability of our ecosystems. Among the various solutions, waste inspection services play a vital role in ensuring that waste is handled, processed, and disposed of in compliance with environmental laws and standards. In this blog, we will explore the importance of waste inspection services in India, along with a brief comparison of similar services in the USA and the UK.

What Are Waste Inspection Services?

Waste inspection services involve the systematic monitoring and assessment of waste handling and management processes. The goal of these services is to ensure that all types of waste, whether municipal, industrial, or hazardous, are disposed of safely and by environmental regulations. Waste inspectors examine the collection, segregation, recycling, and disposal processes to identify any violations, risks, or inefficiencies. These inspections help to maintain environmental safety, public health, and operational efficiency in waste management.

Importance of Waste Inspection Services in India

India generates a staggering 62 million tons of waste annually, of which only about 75-80% is collected, and less than 25% is processed or treated. The rest ends up in landfills or open spaces, creating serious environmental hazards. In this context, waste inspection services are crucial for ensuring that waste management practices adhere to proper standards.

Here are some key reasons why waste inspection services are essential in India:

 1. Compliance with Environmental Regulations

India has established various laws and regulations to manage waste, including the Solid Waste Management Rules (2016), Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules (2016), and the Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016). Waste inspection services help ensure that municipalities, industries, and private waste handlers comply with these regulations. Non-compliance can lead to fines, legal actions, and environmental degradation.

 2. Prevention of Environmental Pollution

Improper waste disposal leads to water contamination, air pollution, and soil degradation. For instance, the unregulated disposal of hazardous chemicals into rivers can result in serious health issues for communities that rely on these water sources. Waste inspectors monitor the entire waste disposal chain to identify such violations and ensure corrective actions are taken.

 3. Promoting Efficient Recycling and Resource Recovery

Recycling is one of the most effective ways to reduce the environmental impact of waste. However, the recycling rate in India remains low due to inefficient segregation practices and lack of proper systems. Waste inspection services help promote efficient recycling by ensuring that waste is properly segregated at the source and directing recyclable materials to appropriate facilities.

 4. Reduction of Landfill Overflows

India’s landfills are overflowing, and many have reached or exceeded their capacity. In cities like Delhi, landfills have become major contributors to air and water pollution. Waste inspection services help reduce the burden on landfills by encouraging waste diversion to recycling and composting facilities and by identifying alternative disposal methods for non-recyclable waste.

 5. Ensuring Public Health and Safety

Improper waste disposal and management are linked to various public health issues, including respiratory problems, vector-borne diseases, and infections caused by exposure to hazardous materials. Waste inspectors play a vital role in ensuring that waste is handled in a way that minimizes risks to public health.

 Challenges Facing Waste Inspection Services in India

Despite their importance, waste inspection services in India face several challenges. These include:

- Lack of Resources: Many municipalities lack the funding, equipment, and personnel necessary to carry out regular waste inspections.

- Inadequate Training: Waste management is a highly specialized field, and proper training is essential for inspectors to identify violations and enforce regulations effectively.

- Corruption and Non-compliance: In some cases, industries and waste handlers may evade inspections through bribery or other forms of corruption, leading to unchecked environmental harm.

- Public Awareness: Waste inspection services alone cannot solve the waste management crisis in India. Public awareness and cooperation are also critical for ensuring that waste is properly segregated and disposed of at the household and community levels.

 Comparison with Waste Inspection Services in the USA and the UK

Waste inspection services are not unique to India; similar practices are implemented worldwide, including in the USA and the UK. However, these countries have different approaches due to varying regulations, resources, and waste management systems.

 1. Waste Inspection Services in the USA

In the USA, waste inspection services are more standardized and often linked to stringent federal and state-level regulations, such as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and the Clean Water Act. Inspections in the USA focus heavily on hazardous waste management and compliance with stringent landfill operation standards. The country's advanced waste treatment and recycling infrastructure ensure that a significant portion of waste is recycled or repurposed.

 2. Waste Inspection Services in the UK

The UK follows a highly organized waste management system, with the Environment Agency overseeing waste inspections. The UK government also implements strict regulations around waste segregation, recycling, and disposal. Inspections in the UK are often conducted in coordination with private waste management companies and focus on minimizing landfill use while maximizing recycling efforts. The UK’s "zero waste" targets and circular economy initiatives have resulted in a more sustainable approach to waste management.

 Conclusion

Waste inspection services play a critical role in sustainable waste management, particularly in a country like India, where waste generation is growing rapidly, and mismanagement poses significant environmental and public health risks. Ensuring compliance with regulations, reducing pollution, and promoting recycling are just a few of the benefits these services provide.

As waste inspection practices evolve, they are becoming more vital in shaping the future of waste management, both in India and globally. With advancements in technology, data-driven waste tracking systems, and increasing public awareness, the effectiveness of waste inspections will only improve over time.

For comprehensive waste inspection services that adhere to global standards and ensure compliance with regulations in India, USA, and UK, Valmark International is a trusted name in the field. Contact Valmark International today to learn more about their expert solutions for waste inspections and sustainable waste management practices across the globe.

[warningsine]

A large section of Bangladesh’s people has been exhibiting strong anti-India sentiments over the past few years, owing mostly to the public perception that India was helping Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s regime hold power by hook or crook. After floods in northeast India’s Tripura state spilled over to Bangladesh on August 21, India quickly emerged as the villain.

The interim government in Bangladesh and its political establishment blamed India for releasing water from a dam in Tripura without notifying Bangladesh, while students staged protests on many university campuses chanting anti-India slogans.

“India displayed inhumanity by opening the dam without warning,” Nahid Islam, one of the two student representatives in Bangladesh’s interim government headed by Peace Nobel Laureate economist Muhammad Yunus, told journalists in Dhaka.

In a Facebook post, he wrote: “The generation that understands India as our enemy is made of the best children of the nation.” It is an often-repeated quotation from one of Bangladesh’s legendary politicians, the late Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, one of the first Bangladeshi politicians to allege that India was depriving Bangladesh of waters from transboundary rivers.

India and Bangladesh share 54 transboundary rivers, including the Ganga (Padma), Teesta, and Brahmaputra (Jamuna).

Islam, the student representative in the Yunus administration, even accused India of “water terrorism” in a social media post. In another post, Islam wrote, “India can be fixed if we give the Teesta project to China.”

Teesta water sharing has long been an issue of conflict and tension between India and Bangladesh. The Diplomat had earlier reported how China was trying to utilize to its advantage India’s indecisiveness in accepting Bangladesh’s Teesta water-sharing proposals due to India’s internal compulsions.

Islam’s comments hold weight, as he was one of the key organizers of the student protests that overthrew Hasina’s 15-year rule a fortnight ago. He currently heads the Information Technology Ministry.

On Thursday, sensing the gravity of the situation, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement, clarifying what caused the flood.

“We have seen concerns being expressed in Bangladesh that the current situation of flood in districts on the eastern borders of Bangladesh has been caused by the opening of the Dumbur dam upstream of the Gumti River in Tripura. This is factually not correct,” the MEA said.

The statement said that the catchment areas of the Gumti river that flows through India and Bangladesh “witnessed heaviest rains of this year over the last few days” and that the flood in Bangladesh is primarily due to waters from these large catchments downstream of the dam.

The statement said that the Dumbur dam is located over 120 kilometers upstream of Bangladesh and is a low-height dam, about 30 meters tall. In the event of heavy flow, water is released automatically. India kept notifying Bangladesh about the trend of rising water levels until 3 p.m. on August 21, but a power outage due to the flooding at around 6 p.m. snapped all communications.

The statement highlighted river water cooperation as “an important part of our bilateral engagement” and stressed that India remains committed “to resolving issues and mutual concerns in water resources and river water management through bilateral consultations and technical discussions.”

In the evening, Pranay Verma, the Indian high commissioner in Dhaka, met Yunus. Some of India’s leading English dailies initially reported that Verma had been summoned, but the Bangladesh media reported it as a courtesy call.

According to people in Dhaka familiar with the developments, Verma proactively met Yunus to address the complications created by misinformation. He also raised the issue of security of the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.

During the meeting, Yunus proposed forming a high-level committee between Bangladesh and India to manage floods jointly, according to Bangladesh Sangbad Sanstha, the state-run news agency. The agency said Yunus hoped that disputes over water-sharing of transboundary rivers would be resolved soon.

Complicated Problem 

Resolving the disputes would not be easy, though. There are conflicts about multiple river waters, Ganga and Teesta being the main ones.

Bhasani’s last major political program was the Farakka Long March in May 1976. The 96-year-old led the historic march seeking the demolition of the Farakka Barrage that India set up on the Ganga River in 1975. He alleged that the barrage would deprive Bangladesh of its fair share of the river’s water (Ganga is known as Padma in Bangladesh).

Though India entered a water-sharing agreement with Bangladesh in 1996 (following ad-hoc measures between 1977 and 1988), Bangladesh continues to remember Bhasani’s march every year. Over the past few years, the significance of the Farakka Long March Commemoration Day has visibly increased. In May 2024, multiple programs happened in Dhaka commemorating the 48th year of the march. Organizers of most of the events had demanded that Bangladesh should fight for its fair share of all 54 transboundary rivers.

Such sentiments grew over the past two to three years, as Bangladesh agreed in 2019 to allow India to lift water from the Feni River but failed to get the Teesta water-sharing agreement signed.

After the August 21 flood, student activists flooded social media platforms repeating Bhasani’s demand for decommissioning the Farakka Barrage in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal.

An Indian politician, who did not want to be named, said that after being caught unprepared and ill-equipped to face such a natural disaster, Bangladesh’s new political leadership was turning India into a scapegoat

The Indo-Bangladesh Water-Sharing Treaty’s 30-year-term ends in 2026. While the overthrown Prime Minister Hasina had been trying to negotiate with India the renewal of the agreement in 2026, the new government in Bangladesh is also weighing other options.

Economist and Dhaka-based public intellectual Anu Muhammad accused India of blocking water flow in transboundary rivers with dams upstream, the repeated sudden release of water during monsoon season, and unilateral actions on water distribution.

“To get out of this situation, Bangladesh should immediately decide to approach the United Nations Water Convention. India’s arbitrariness must be countered with international law,” Muhammad said.

According to a Dhaka University professor who did not want to be identified, the Water-Sharing Treaty of 1996 improved the water situation from how it was before the treaty was signed. But overall, the Farakka Barrage caused Bangladesh great pain.

“It’s time Bangladesh demands that India decommissions the Farakka Barrage. It will not be an irrational demand. In the past, Nitish Kumar, the chief minister of India’s Bihar state, criticized the Farakka Barrage and called for its decommissioning,” the professor said.

Solving the Teesta water-sharing crisis would not be easy either. This is one of Bangladesh’s biggest demands before India but West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been opposing this agreement, alleging that her state will be deprived.

The West Bengal government argues that it cannot agree to share Teesta water with Bangladesh as long as the Himalayan state of Sikkim keeps restricting Teesta water flow through its series of hydroelectric dams. Northern West Bengal will be left high and dry if Teesta water is shared with Bangladesh without freeing its flow upstream.

Since hydroelectric dams are among Sikkim’s major sources of income, it wouldn’t be easy for India’s federal government to convince Sikkim to let Teesta flow freely.

Climate Concerns  

To complicate the issues concerning transboundary rivers, climate changes in India’s Northeast have made the rain pattern unpredictable.

Waters from rivers in four Indian states flow into Bangladesh. These states are West Bengal in eastern India and Assam, Tripura, and Meghalaya in India’s Northeast. Major floods in Meghalaya, Assam, Tripura, and northern West Bengal usually impact the downstream areas in Bangladesh.

In a column for Bangladesh’s leading newspaper, Prothom Alo, meteorologist Mostafa Kamal nearly echoed India’s point that heavy rainfall caused the flood. He showed that the rain that the districts of Feni and Kumilla in Bangladesh and the neighboring Tripura state in India received in three days was equal to the average rainfall for the entire month of August. “This record rainfall caused this unprecedented flood,” he said.

However, he also blamed Bangladesh’s meteorologists’ failure to predict the heavy rainfall and India’s inability to communicate about the opening of gates in dams.

Going by the recent trends of climate changes, the frequency of both drought and flood is likely to increase in India’s Northeast. There is a rapid, overall drying, meaning a decrease in overall rainfall, and at the same time a steep increase in events of extreme rainfall. The Teesta’s average discharge has also been drastically decreasing. This can impact water availability in downstream areas in Bangladesh.

The new weather pattern indicates longer dry spells to be interrupted by heavy rains in short spells. If Northeast India witnesses increased flood and drought events, the downstream areas in Bangladesh would need to prepare.

[aidenleepingwei]

Aiden Lee Ping Wei - How to Stop Water Pollution

Stopping water pollution requires a multi-faceted approach involving individuals, communities, industries, and governments. Here are some key strategies shared by Aiden Lee Ping Wei:

1. Education and Awareness

Educate the public about the sources and effects of water pollution.

Promote the importance of clean water for health, ecosystems, and the economy.

2. Proper Waste Disposal

Ensure proper disposal of household waste, avoiding dumping trash in rivers, lakes, or oceans.

Recycle and reuse materials to reduce waste.

3. Reduce Plastic Use

Minimize the use of single-use plastics.

Participate in or organize clean-up drives to remove plastic waste from water bodies.

4. Sustainable Agricultural Practices

Use eco-friendly fertilizers and pesticides.

Implement soil conservation techniques to prevent runoff.

5. Industrial Regulations

Enforce strict regulations on industrial discharge.

Encourage industries to treat wastewater before releasing it into water bodies.

6. Wastewater Treatment

Invest in and maintain efficient wastewater treatment plants.

Encourage the use of septic systems in areas without centralized sewage treatment.

7. Protect Wetlands

Preserve and restore wetlands, which act as natural filters for pollutants.

Implement wetland conservation programs.

8. Reduce Chemical Use

Limit the use of harmful chemicals in households and industries.

Promote the use of biodegradable products.

9. Green Infrastructure

Develop green infrastructure like rain gardens and green roofs to reduce stormwater runoff.

Use permeable pavements to allow water to seep into the ground.

10. Legislation and Enforcement

Implement and enforce laws aimed at reducing water pollution.

Monitor water quality regularly to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

11. Community Involvement

Encourage community participation in water conservation and pollution prevention programs.

Support local initiatives and organizations dedicated to protecting water resources.

12. Innovative Technologies

Invest in research and development of new technologies for water purification and pollution control.

Utilize advanced methods for detecting and cleaning up pollutants.

13. Global Cooperation

Collaborate with international organizations to address transboundary water pollution.

Share best practices and technologies across borders.

By taking these steps, we can significantly reduce water pollution and protect this vital resource for future generations. Follow Aiden Lee Ping Wei for more such posts!

[zelda-larsson]

Tackling the Urgent Crisis of Environmental Pollution

Environmental pollution stands as one of the most critical challenges of our era, with far-reaching impacts on human health, ecosystems, and the global climate. This complex issue includes air, water, and soil pollution, largely driven by industrial activities, improper waste disposal, deforestation, and the overexploitation of natural resources. The repercussions are severe, leading to the degradation of natural habitats, the loss of biodiversity, and the contamination of essential resources like clean air and water.

The Scope of Environmental Pollution:

· Air Pollution: Emissions from factories, vehicles, and agricultural activities release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to respiratory diseases, climate change, and acid rain. Urban areas are particularly affected, where smog and particulate matter pose significant health risks to residents.

· Water Pollution: Industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and plastic waste are major contributors to water pollution, contaminating rivers, lakes, and oceans. This not only harms aquatic life but also threatens the availability of clean drinking water for communities worldwide.

· Soil Pollution: The use of pesticides, industrial waste disposal, and deforestation lead to soil contamination, affecting crop production and leading to food insecurity. Polluted soil can also carry harmful chemicals into the water supply, compounding the problem.

The impact of pollution on health and ecosystems is profound. Human health is directly affected by exposure to pollutants, resulting in a range of illnesses from respiratory problems to cardiovascular diseases and cancers. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to these health risks.

Ecosystems suffer as well, with pollution leading to the loss of biodiversity and the disruption of natural processes. Marine life, for example, is severely affected by plastic pollution, with countless marine animals ingesting plastic debris or becoming entangled in it. Forests, too, are degraded by acid rain and deforestation, reducing their ability to act as carbon sinks and exacerbating climate change.

Combating environmental pollution requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society. Here are some critical steps to take:

· Adopting Sustainable Practices: Businesses and industries must adopt greener practices, reducing emissions, and minimizing waste. This includes investing in renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and adopting sustainable manufacturing processes.

· Enforcing Stricter Regulations: Governments play a crucial role in setting and enforcing environmental standards. Stricter regulations on emissions, waste disposal, and the use of chemicals can significantly reduce pollution levels.

· Promoting Awareness and Education: Public awareness campaigns and educational programs can help people understand the importance of protecting the environment. Encouraging individual actions like recycling, using public transportation, and reducing single-use plastics can collectively make a significant impact.

· Supporting Conservation Initiatives: Protecting natural habitats and ecosystems is essential. Initiatives aimed at reforestation, marine conservation, and wildlife protection help preserve biodiversity and restore ecological balance.

· International Cooperation: Environmental pollution is a global issue that requires international cooperation. Countries must work together to address transboundary pollution and share technologies and strategies for pollution reduction.

Every individual has a role to play in combating environmental pollution. Simple actions like reducing energy consumption, participating in local clean-up efforts, and supporting eco-friendly products can collectively lead to significant positive changes. Advocacy for stronger environmental policies and support for organizations dedicated to environmental protection can also amplify efforts to combat pollution.

The fight against environmental pollution is crucial not only for preserving the planet for future generations but also for ensuring a healthier, more sustainable world for all living beings today. By adopting sustainable practices, enforcing stricter regulations, and raising awareness, we can mitigate the effects of pollution and foster a more resilient and thriving planet. Working together, we have the power to address this pressing issue and create a better environment for all.

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[crimechannels]

By • Olalekan Fagbade Nigerian Navy deploys 10 warships, 500 Ballistic boats, helicopters to waters to fight Oil theft The Nigerian Navy on Wednesday deployed 10 warships, two attack helicopters and 500 ballistic boats in a special amphibious exercise to curb crude oil theft and sea robbery in Nigeria’s waters. Rear Adm. Umar Chugali, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Central Naval Command (CNC), headquartered in Bayelsa flagged-off the exercise code-named “Exercise Sea Guardian” in a short ceremony in Onne, Rivers. He said the joint military exercise conducted by both the Navy’s CNC and Eastern Naval Command (ENC), Calabar, was launched to reduce insecurity to its barest in the nation’s territorial waters. “So, this joint exercise covering both the defence and the policy roles of the navy consists of 10 ships, two helicopters and over 500 boats for four-days at sea. “This exercise will be used to exercise and demonstrate the capacity and capability of our ships at sea, to secure Nigeria’s maritime space and the Gulf of Guinea (GoG). “Overtime, our maritime space has been inundated by some threats both onshore and offshore, hence this joint exercise that was last conducted in 2021,” he said. Chugali said the objective of the exercise was to ensure that the maritime environment remained safe, secured, and conducive for socio-economic activities to thrive. “The deployment of our capital ships and other assets will complement the gains recorded in curbing sea piracy, sea robbery, crude oil theft and other illegalities on our waters. “Every operation presents new sets if challenges considering that security challenges in the maritime environment have become dynamic, emerging, and complex. “So, with the emerging complexities in the waterways, the navy is evolving its tactics and strategies to ensure the insecurities are reduced to the barest minimum,” he added. Chugali said, “although the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) had on March 2022 exited Nigeria from countries with sea piracy incidences, but that the navy cannot afford to drop its guards.” The FOC said the country was able to record zero piracy and subsequent exit from the IMB piracy list due to changes in the navy’s tactics and support from the government. According to him, maritime crime was transboundary, hence collaboration with GoG countries to ensure that fleeing maritime criminals from Nigeria’s waters were not allowed entry into those nations. “To this end, this exercise is not going to be any other exercises conducted in the past as we have learnt from previous exercises. “Every exercise or operation is an improvement over the previous one, and so, we are ready and willing to ensure that criminals no longer have space in our maritime space. “We are sending a very strong message to the remnant of criminals lurking around our maritime environment to disappear as we push to secure our waters,” Chugali said. On his part, the FOC ENC, Rear Adm. Olusola Oluwagbire, debunked claims that some of the navy’s personnel were involved in complexities surrounding crude oil theft in the country. He said the allegations were unfounded considering that those who made the accusations have not come forward to present any evidence to buttress their claims. “However, we are constantly policing ourselves, and as such, any erring officer caught engaging in such illicit activities is disciplined and dismissed from service accordingly. “We are doing our best to present the best foot (personnel) in our deployments – both in terms of personnel and assets,” Oluwagbire said. (NAN) #500Balisticboatstowaterwaystofightoiltheft #Navydeploys10warships

[duranbrenda]

MODERN HISTORY

2BGU B ANALYSIS/HISTORICAL EVENTS

The U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty of 1944

The 1944 U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty, also known as the International Boundary Treaty, marked a milestone in the shared management of water resources between two neighboring nations. This binational treaty addressed the allocation of waters in international rivers, setting a precedent for cooperation in transboundary water resource management. In this essay, we will explore the historical context, the key figures and actions, the results and impact, as well as the contemporary relevance of this treaty.

The 20th century witnessed an increase in industrialization and agriculture in both nations, which led to an increased demand for water from the rivers that cross the U.S.-Mexico border. Previous lack of regulation and agreements had resulted in disputes and challenges for both nations. The Great Depression and World War II provided the political and economic context that eventually led to the negotiation of a treaty to address water allocation on shared rivers.

Notable figures such as Mexican Foreign Relations Commissioner Manuel C. Tellez and U.S. Commissioner of Public Works Glenn L. Martin played essential roles in negotiating the treaty. In addition, the treaty established the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) to oversee and enforce the provisions of the agreement.

The U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty of 1944 contributed significantly to stability in the allocation of shared waters. It defined water quotas for both countries on the Colorado and Tijuana rivers, as well as on the Rio Grande. This paved the way for the construction of hydroelectric projects and irrigation systems that benefited both nations. In addition, the treaty promoted greater cooperation in the management of water resources along the border.

The U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty of 1944 continues to be relevant today, as it highlights the importance of cooperation in transboundary water resource management. Equitable allocation of shared waters is a critical issue in a world where water scarcity and sustainable resource management are global concerns. This treaty serves as an example of successful international cooperation in water resources management.

The 1944 U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty is a testament to the ability of two nations to resolve transboundary challenges through cooperation and diplomacy. Over the decades, it has been a model for sustainable management of shared water resources. The contemporary relevance of this treaty lies in its example of cooperation in a world seeking solutions to growing water scarcity and the need for sustainable water resource management.

[amit0707]

Why is there water scarcity in the world?

Earth is called a ‘Blue Planet’, because it seems blue from space as 2/3rd of the earth is water. The question here is, if the earth is more water, why is there a scarcity of water. Well, there is more water than land on earth, but 97% of all water is salty, which is unsafe for consumption. It leaves us with 3% of fresh water, of which 2.7% is locked away in glaciers, and the rest is available in lakes and rivers. Water is life’s most precious resource, but not all of us have equal access to it. Water scarcity, a global crisis that affects millions, is not just a local issue — it has far-reaching consequences for both local communities and the world at large. In this blog post, we will explore the regions facing severe water scarcity and the potential consequences of this crisis.

Understanding Water Scarcity

Water scarcity occurs when the demand for freshwater exceeds its availability. This imbalance is driven by several factors, including population growth, climate change, and poor water management practices.

Regions Facing Severe Water Scarcity

A. Sub-Saharan Africa Sub-Saharan Africa is home to some of the world’s most water-scarce countries. Specific nations like Ethiopia and Somalia face acute water scarcity, leading to food shortages and challenges for local ecosystems.

B. Middle East and North Africa Countries in this region, including Yemen and Egypt, grapple with severe water scarcity. The consequences extend beyond agriculture to affect economies and political stability.

C. South Asia India and Pakistan, two of the most populous countries globally, are also facing significant water scarcity challenges. Water disputes and conflicts over shared resources are a growing concern.

D. California, USA California and the Western United States have been experiencing water scarcity issues, leading to reduced crop yields and increased water costs for urban areas.

E. Australia Australia, particularly in recent years, has struggled with water scarcity due to prolonged droughts. Ecosystems and wildlife have been adversely affected, showcasing the ripple effects of this crisis.

Consequences of Water Scarcity

A. Impact on Agriculture Severe water scarcity leads to reduced crop yields and food insecurity, emphasizing the need for water-efficient farming techniques.

B. Economic Ramifications Industrial productivity declines and businesses face higher water-related costs, impacting economic growth.

C. Human Health and Well-being Lack of access to clean drinking water contributes to health issues related to waterborne diseases, affecting vulnerable populations.

D. Environmental Degradation Ecosystems collapse, and biodiversity is lost, disrupting aquatic habitats and further exacerbating environmental issues.

E. Potential for Conflict Water-related conflicts and geopolitical tensions are on the rise. Diplomacy and international cooperation are crucial in preventing conflicts over shared water resources.

Solutions and Mitigation Strategies

A. Sustainable Water Management Implementing efficient irrigation practices, rainwater harvesting, and groundwater recharge are vital for managing water sustainably.

B. Conservation and Education Promoting water conservation behaviors and educating communities on water’s importance can help reduce demand.

C. Technological Innovations Advances in desalination and water purification technologies, along with smart water management systems, can alleviate water scarcity.

D. International Cooperation Transboundary water agreements and the involvement of organizations like the United Nations are critical for addressing water scarcity on a global scale.

Water scarcity is a pressing global crisis with far-reaching consequences for communities, economies, and ecosystems. Addressing this issue requires concerted efforts at the individual, community, and governmental levels. It’s imperative that we act now to ensure a sustainable future where water remains a resource accessible to all. Buy https://azoicwater.com/product/agua-natural-mineral-water/ for best pure alkaline water.