Punjab Demands ₹1.44 Lakh Crore from Rajasthan for Sutlej River Water Diversion Under Indus Waters Treaty Framework

Bihar, Jharkhand Sign Sone River Water MoU; Marks 4th Inter-State Water Agreement in 2026 under Cooperative Federalism

Bihar and Jharkhand signed an MoU for sharing Sone river water, resolving a long-pending dispute. This is the fourth inter-state water agreement in 2026, highlighting the government's push for cooperative federalism. The agreement will benefit lakhs of farmers in Bihar and Jharkhand districts.

Bombay HC: Private Forest Vesting Under 1975 Act Not Automatic, State Must Follow Procedure

The Bombay High Court ruled that the Maharashtra government cannot automatically declare private lands as 'private forests' under the 1975 Act without following due procedure, overriding the presumption that any forest land vested in the State on August 30, 1975. This judgment, based on Supreme Court precedents, affects hundreds of landholders and clarifies a recurring legal dispute between property rights and forest conservation.

1996 India-Bangladesh Farakka Water Treaty Faces Non-Renewal as Bihar Demands Scrapping, Centre in Diplomatic Bind

The 1996 India-Bangladesh Ganges Water Sharing Treaty (Farakka treaty) is set to expire in December 2026. Bihar's ruling NDA coalition, led by JD(U), is demanding non-renewal, citing severe floods, siltation, and water scarcity. This puts the BJP-led Centre in a tight spot between regional domestic pressures and strategic neighbourhood diplomacy.

SC Mandates Minimum 1 km ESZ: Assam Notifies 1 km Buffer for Kaziranga, Defends Against 10 km Default

This news clarifies the legal framework for Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) around national parks – a key topic for UPSC Environment and Ecology. The Supreme Court's 2022 order mandating a minimum 1 km ESZ is a landmark judgment. Assam's move to notify 1 km for Kaziranga (UNESCO site) and the debate over the 10 km default highlights the balance between conservation and development, often tested in prelims (MCQ on ESZ minimum distance, SC order year) and mains (environmental governance, buffer zones).

Assam Seeks 1 km Eco-Sensitive Zone for Kaziranga: SC Allows Flexible Buffer Zone

The Assam government's proposal to reduce the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga National Park from the default 10 km to just 1 km has ignited a debate on conservation vs. development. This news is critical for understanding ESZ regulations under the Environment Protection Act, the Supreme Court's 2023 ruling on flexible buffer zones, and the implications for wildlife corridors. Prelims focus: ESZ definition, MoEFCC guidelines, SC orders. Mains angle: environment vs. development trade-off, wildlife conservation policies.

SC Directs Disconnection of Power/Water for Non-Compliant Bulk Waste Generators Under SWM Rules 2026

The Supreme Court has empowered District Collectors to order temporary disconnection of power and water supply for Bulk Waste Generators (BWGs) that fail to comply with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026. This landmark directive also mandates integrating waste management education into school and college curricula, making students 'household-level supervisors' for rule implementation.

AP Assembly Adopts Water Amendment Act 2024: Penalties of ₹10K-₹15L for Minor Violations

Andhra Pradesh has adopted the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024, decriminalising minor technical violations by replacing criminal penalties with financial fines (₹10,000–₹15 lakh). This is a key shift toward trust-based governance and ease of doing business, and a potential Prelims/Mains topic on environmental law reforms.

Bombay HC Imposes Total Ban on Street Firecrackers, Orders Noise Pollution Curbs During Festivities

Bombay High Court has imposed a total ban on bursting firecrackers on public streets in Maharashtra and issued 14 directives to curb noise and air pollution during festive processions. The court emphasized the need for dignified celebrations and strict enforcement against violators, rejecting the state's 'all is well' stance.