Latest news with #AnjalPrakash
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Pakistan will be hit hard by Indus water pause, especially in politically important Punjab: Prof Anjal Prakash
Prof Anjal Prakash Water is in the headlines again, not just as a resource but as a strategic asset. Prof Anjal Prakash, research director at the Bharti Institute of Public Policy, ISB, has closely studied these issues and been lead author on multiple IPCC reports. In an interview with Sunday Times, he discusses the use of water as a weapon, impact of melting glaciers , and how to cut annual flood risks in Indian cities In the past, you've advocated for water to be deployed as a bridge, not a weapon. What is your view on the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) pause? On the contrary, I wrote about water to be used as a weapon way back in 2023 when India sought its revision on the basis of new realities of the Indus Basin. The IWT is one of the most unfair treaties India has signed with around 80% of the flow of the river going to Pakistan. In the past, I did advocate for the IWT to be a bridge for peace but looking at recent developments: water should be used as a strategic weapon in our national interest. Suspending it will have severe short and long-term ramifications for Pakistan's economy. A major proportion of Pakistan's Punjabi and Sindhi farmers depend on Indus for irrigation, and agriculture contributes to around one-fourth of the country's GDP. Blocking its flow will help counter its Punjab-based politics that wields terrorism as a strategic weapon against India. India might experience some international criticism and strained relations with nations such as China, but it has a logic for keeping it in abeyance as the upper riparian country. Simultaneously, India should maximise water utilisation for development, particularly in J&K and downstream states. This includes infrastructure projects to divert Indus Basin river water for irrigation, hydropower, and other uses. Building canals and storage enhances water security and boosts regional economies. However, it is important that projects don't disturb the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayas. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 40대 이상이고 PC가 있으세요? 그럼 이 게임을 정말 좋아하실 거예요! Sea of Conquest 플레이하기 Undo In addition to the political pressures exerted on the Indus river basin are the slow-unfolding environmental forces acting on it from melting glaciers. How does water variability affect the Indus Basin? Melting glaciers in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) significantly affect the Indus Basin's water variability. In fact, amongst the three major rivers that feed south Asia — Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra — Indus relies very heavily on the glaciers for its base water flow. Due to climate change, the increased meltwater leads to higher river flows, potentially causing floods and erosion. However, as glaciers shrink, this eventually leads to reduced water availability, especially during dry seasons. This variability impacts agriculture, water supply, hydropower generation and ecosystems. Mitigating the adverse effects of glacial melt on the Indus Basin is essential. Nepal recently held a funeral for a dying glacier. How effective are such events in galvanising climate action? Ice funerals, like the one for Yala, do capture public attention through emotional storytelling and visual representation of loss, making the abstract concept of climate change more relatable and immediate. However, their long-term impact on galvanising climate action is debatable. To be truly effective, these events need to be coupled with clear calls to action, such as supporting specific policies, reducing carbon emissions, or promoting sustainable practices. Without that, the potential for meaningful change could be lost. An increase in heavy rainfall days, coupled with poor urban planning, leads to flooding in cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi every year. Describe three policies you would frame to mitigate this annual occurrence. A multi-pronged policy approach is crucial. First, prioritise integrated urban watershed management, mandating holistic planning that preserves natural drainage, creates retention ponds, and implements permeable pavements to enhance water infiltration and reduce runoff. Second, enforce stringent zoning regulations that restrict construction in floodplains and ecologically sensitive zones. Building codes must prioritise flood resilience through elevated foundations and water-resistant materials. Third, invest in advanced drainage infrastructure, upgrading existing systems, incorporating real-time monitoring and early warning systems, and implementing nature-based solutions like urban forests to enhance water absorption. These policies, implemented in tandem, will significantly reduce urban flood risks. Unfortunately, these are known facts, and I am not stating anything new. What we need is a political force to get this knowledge into action. The Aravallis are in the process of being formally defined. One of the parameters proposed by the Haryana govt is that only hills with a relative height of 100m be classified as part of the range. Why is this problematic? The Haryana proposal could lead to a significant underestimation of the range's actual extent. This arbitrary height limit disregards the geological continuity and ecological importance of lower-lying features that are integral to the Aravali ecosystem. Many crucial habitats and recharge zones may be excluded, fragmenting the range and weakening its overall resilience. Properly defining, mapping, and measuring natural systems like the Aravallis is vital for several reasons. Accurate demarcation enables effective conservation strategies, preventing encroachment and unregulated development. It also leads to informed land-use planning, ensuring that economic activities align with environmental protection, and allows for better monitoring of ecological changes, like erosion or deforestation, and supports efforts to mitigate their impacts. Ultimately, this comprehensive approach is essential for preserving biodiversity, maintaining ecosystem services, and promoting sustainable development.
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Climate change to hit agriculture hardest, warns weather expert
Significant climate change is expected in the coming years with temperatures projected to rise by 3 degrees Celsius by 2050 and this alarming trend is set to impact agriculture the most, warned an expert and researcher on Monday. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack Pakistan's economy has much more to lose than India's due to the ongoing tensions, warns Moody's Ratings The day Pakistan got the power to poke India India demands ADB to stop funds to Pakistan as fallout of Pahalgam terror attack deepens Dr Anjal Prakash , Associate Professor (Research) and Research Director at the Bharti Institute of Public Policy, the Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad, stressed that every individual has a role in mitigating climate impacts. A key contributor to the UN's climate reports for the past two years, he noted that climate change, a phenomenon that refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, will have the most severe effects on the agriculture sector. While urban areas and coastal cities will also face risks, rural farming communities will bear the brunt of this crisis. Among the 20 most polluted cities in the world, 14 cities are in India, he said at a press conference in Latur. Prakash urged citizens to take steps to safeguard the environment and added "In the future, we will have to face drought, heavy rainfall, storms." Maharashtra, he said, has nearly 750-km-long coastline and due to rise in temperatures, there is a threat to many countries and cities located in coastal areas. Live Events During the press conference, Prakash presented scientific findings and emphasized the need for urgent climate responsive planning . Former MLC and chairperson of the Maharashtra State Agriculture Price Commission Pasha Patel, who was also present at the press meet, said the government is raising awareness among farmers about bamboo cultivation and encouraging its large-scale adoption. Highlighting the state government's ambitious 'Green Maharashtra' declaration, which targets plantation on 21 lakh hectares, Patel emphasized that special efforts will be made to boost bamboo cultivation as part of this drive. Awareness programmes will be held to educate farmers about the benefits of bamboo, known for its environmental and economic value, the former legislator maintained.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
How India can still punish Pakistan by controlling water flow even with limited infrastructure
India currently faces infrastructural limitations in stopping water flow to Pakistan, but it can regulate the flow of the western rivers - Indus, Jhelum and Chenab - during winter through existing upstream facilities, according to a report of Times of India. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack PM Modi-led 'Super Cabinet' reviews J&K security arrangements Pakistan's General Asim Munir is itching for a fight. Are his soldiers willing? India planning to launch military strike against Pakistan within 24 to 36 hours, claims Pak minister Experts told the paper that during April-September, high water flow occurs due to Himalayan snow melt. India thus must allow this water to flow to Pakistan, owing to insufficient storage capacity. "India doesn't have the infrastructure to divert the water from the western rivers because it was not allowed under the Indus Water Treaty (IWT)," Anjal Prakash, expert on Hindu Kush-Himalayas water system and research director of the Hyderabad-based Indian School of Business (ISB), told TOI. However, in the winter months, low flow could allow India to regulate water flow timing using Baglihar and Kishanganga dam infrastructure. Although these dams cannot retain water, flow regulation could affect Pakistan's winter wheat sowing during October-March. To implement more effective measures against Pakistan, India needs to develop additional storage capacity and expedite ongoing hydropower project construction, which requires considerable time. Live Events "To utilise the water, India must fast-track hydroelectric and irrigation projects on the western rivers, while enhancing storage and diversion infrastructure on the eastern rivers. Projects like Shahpur Kandi, Ujh, and Ratle can be prioritised. Rapid construction, political will, and inter-agency coordination are crucial," said Prakash. He noted that India's decision to suspend the Treaty enables strategic water resource control , stating, "Within two years, with streamlined approvals and emergency execution powers, India can significantly reduce water flow to Pakistan and redirect it to its own states, bolstering water security and asserting its strategic and hydrological sovereignty." Previously, India shared flood data with Pakistan from July 1 to October 10 annually as a goodwill gesture, helping them prepare flood relief measures. "India will now not share such data with Pakistan," said an official.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Infra constraints limit India's capacity to stop river water to Pakistan, but it can control resources
A view of the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project built on the Chenab River as India suspends the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam Terrorist Attack. (Pic credit: ANI) NEW DELHI: It may not be immediately possible for India to stop the flow of river water to Pakistan due to infrastructural constraints on the ground, but the neighbouring country will feel the pinch during winter when it would be possible for New Delhi to regulate water flow of the western rivers - Indus, Jhelum and Chenab - through its existing upstream infrastructure. Observers say that the current phase (April-September) is a period of 'high flow' due to the melting snow in the Himalayas and it, in fact, makes it a necessity for India to let water flow to Pakistan as it does not have adequate storage capacity. 'India doesn't have the infrastructure to divert the water from the western rivers because it was not allowed under the Indus Water Treaty (IWT),' Anjal Prakash, expert on Hindu Kush-Himalayas water system and research director of the Hyderabad-based Indian School of Business (ISB), told TOI . During the 'low flow' season of winter, New Delhi may somehow regulate the river water flow and its timing using infrastructure of Baglihar and Kishanganga dam . Though these dams are not designed to hold back water, the flow timing can be regulated, impacting Pakistan's winter crop sowing cycle, mainly wheat, somewhat and that too during the Oct-March period. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Prince William & Kate Met Princess Diana's Secret Daughter. Plays Star Undo In order to punish Pakistan more effectively, India will have to increase its water storage capacity and speed up works on under construction hydropower projects. But it will take time to have such infrastructure on the ground. 'To utilise the water, India must fast-track hydroelectric and irrigation projects on the western rivers, while enhancing storage and diversion infrastructure on the eastern rivers. Projects like Shahpur Kandi, Ujh, and Ratle can be prioritised. Rapid construction, political will, and inter-agency coordination are crucial,' said Prakash. Noting that India's decision to keep the Treaty in abeyance opens the door for strategic control over its river resources, he said, 'Within two years, with streamlined approvals and emergency execution powers, India can significantly reduce water flow to Pakistan and redirect it to its own states, bolstering water security and asserting its strategic and hydrological sovereignty.'
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Forest authorities sound alarm as unexpected species spreads at alarming rate: 'Immediate intervention is crucial'
The Indian state of Haryana is facing a silent takeover. Experts are sounding the alarm as invasive plant species, especially one called Lantana camara, have spread uncontrollably through the region, pushing out native plants and threatening the health of the entire ecosystem. According to a report from the Times of India, 12% of the state's forest land has been overtaken by invasive species, with Lantana camara being one of the biggest challenges. This tropical American shrub, originally imported by the British, is now crowding out native vegetation across local forests. Experts warn that "immediate intervention is crucial," as the invasive spread is choking native plant growth, altering soil chemistry, increasing fire risks, and disrupting the ecosystem. If left unchecked, the damage could become irreversible. Invasive species like Lantana aren't just bad for the environment — they are a major headache for nearby communities. These plants are incredibly difficult to remove, regrow quickly, and suffocate native plant life that local wildlife and people depend on. Managing these invaders is labor-intensive and expensive. Poorly managed landscapes also increase fire hazards and human-wildlife encounters. For example, the Times of India has previously reported how Lantana camara infested tiger habitats. Not only did this threaten the tigers' survival, it increased chances they might wander outside the habitat to find space and resources — which is dangerous for people. Native plants help keep ecosystems in balance. They support pollinators, regulate water cycles, prevent soil erosion, and support food chains. As these species are overtaken, biodiversity and pollinators struggle — putting crops and food security at risk. Scientists are exploring innovative techniques to control invasive species such as targeted genetic technology and restoring biodiversity. In previous instances of Lantana camara invasion in India, ecologists developed a new method to get rid of them. The "cut rootstock method" introduces a hormonal imbalance to the plant, and once they're removed, conservationists can reintroduce native plants. Not only is the method effective, the remaining dried wood can be used as firewood. Homeowners can also make a difference by rewilding their yards and choosing native plants or eco-friendly landscaping. Swapping traditional turf for buffalo grass, clover lawns, or xeriscaping not only saves water and money, but also supports pollinators and reduces maintenance. In Haryana, experts are urging the government to prioritize removal initiatives to deal with invasive species. Should we be actively working to kill invasive species? Absolutely It depends on the species I don't know No — leave nature alone Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "Also, implementing strict monitoring and introducing educational campaigns can raise awareness about these ecological challenges," Professor Anjal Prakash said to the Times. "Such comprehensive policy measures are essential to preserve ecological balance and ensure long-term health of forest ecosystems." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
