The Stream, May 5: Dam Protesters Killed in Northern India

The Global Rundown

Two protestors against dams on the Brahmaputra River were killed by police during demonstrations in northeast India. President Obama visited Flint, Michigan to raise awareness about the city’s lead-contaminated drinking water crisis, while regulators in Ohio warned of toxic sediment in Lake Erie approaching a drinking water intake for Cleveland. U.S. environmental groups filed a lawsuit demanding that the government enact stricter rules for the storage and disposal of fracking wastewater. In Malaysia, officials noted that seven of the country’s water supply dams are less than half full due to an ongoing drought.

“Like you, I’ll use my voice to call for change and help lift up your community.” –U.S. President Barack Obama, writing to an 8-year-old girl in Flint, Michigan ahead of his visit to the city Wednesday. Residents have been living with lead-contaminated water for the last two years. (Reuters)

By The Numbers

2 activists Number killed by police in northeast India during protests against hydropower dams on the Brahmaputra River. The demonstrators were demanding the release of a Buddhist monk jailed for leading previous protests. The Third Pole

7 dams Number in Malaysia that are less than half full amid a drought that has dried up water supplies in key rice producing regions. Among the affected dams, there is enough water to last between 20 days and three months, according to government officials. Channel News Asia

Science, Studies, and Reports

Environmental regulators in Ohio have warned that toxic sediments dumped into Lake Erie may be moving toward one of the city of Cleveland’s drinking water intakes. The sediment is currently 8 kilometers from the intake pipe, and officials say the city’s water is safe. Associated Press

On The Radar

Environmental groups in the United States filed a lawsuit Wednesday against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, asking the agency to create standards for the safe transportation, storage, and disposal of fracking wastewater. Current methods to deal with the water, which is a byproduct of the hydraulic fracturing drilling process for oil and gas, have been linked to earthquakes and pollution in a number of states. Guardian

Codi Kozacek

A news correspondent for Circle of Blue based out of Hawaii. She writes The Stream, Circle of Blue’s daily digest of international water news trends. Her interests include food security, ecology and the Great Lakes.
Contact Codi Kozacek