The Manjeera Wildlife Sanctuary in Telangana is being studied to potentially become the state’s first Ramsar site. Located in the Medak district, it was originally a crocodile sanctuary and now hosts over 70 bird species, including the vulnerable mugger crocodile. Following the Manjeera River, the man-made reservoir supports irrigation and drinking water for Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Its nine islands feature marshy fringes, serving as crucial nesting sites for waterbirds.

The Kolkata bench of the National Green Tribunal has directed the Central Ground Water Board to investigate severe chromium contamination in groundwater in Sukinda Valley, Odisha. Chromium is highly soluble, leading to widespread contamination. It exists in two forms: trivalent chromium (Cr(III)), which is biologically essential, and hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), which is toxic and carcinogenic. The permissible limit for Cr(VI) in drinking water is 50 µg/L, according to Indian standards (IS 10500).

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) sanctioned seven new private sector projects under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme. Established to promote self-reliance in defence technology under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the TDF is a Ministry of Defence program executed by DRDO. It supports MSMEs and startups, providing up to 90% funding for projects costing up to INR 50 crore, with a maximum development period of four years.