Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
2013
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has banned digging of earth acrossIndia for making bricks and roads without prior environment clearance. It directed the Chief Secretaries of all states and union territories to ensure that its interim order is implemented. The tribunal issued notice to Uttar Pradesh seeking its response on a plea to direct the state government to stop extraction of earth for making bricks and roads, allegedly going on in violation of a Supreme Court decision and directions of the Environment Ministry to all states. Around a month back, the National Green Tribunal banned sand mining from river beds, without environment clearance, across the country.
About National Green Tribunal (NGT)
Established: October 18, 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010. Aim: Effective and speedy disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources including enforcement of any legal right relating to environment and giving relief and compensation for damages to persons and property and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. The NGT is: Specialized body equipped with the necessary expertise to handle environmental disputes involving multi-disciplinary issues. Not bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but shall be guided by principles of natural justice. Mandated to make and endeavor for disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of filing of the same.
Rock Wrens a species makes comeback from extinction through Conservation Project
September 29th, 2013
New Zealands Department of Conservation (DOC) project yielded positive result as Rock Wrens, one of the oldest as well as the most distinct songbird species retuned from extinction. The relocation project of DOC involved relocation of 41 tiny alpine Rock Wrens from around Fiordland in the far southwest of New Zealands South Island to Secretary Island from 2008 to 2011. Now, the number of Rock Wrens has increased to 66. It is the only true alpine bird in New Zealand and one of the most ancient bird species in the world which evolved from a species present more than 80 million years ago. The Rock Wren and the Rifleman are the only two wren species surviving today.
The government has begun the process of building 4,000 MW ultra mega green solar power project near Sambhar lake in Rajasthan. The project which has been named as Sambhar Ultra Mega Green Solar Power Project is being set under the Department of Heavy Industry (DHI) in the 23,000 acre area of Sambhar Salts Limited (SSL), subsidiary of Hindustan Salts Limited (HSL) located in Rajasthan. It will be the worlds largest solar based power project
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In the first phase the project will generate 1,000 MW which will be commissioned in 3 years i.e. by the end of 2016. Partners in the development of the first phase are BHEL, Solar Energy Corporation of India, Power Grid Corporation, Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam and Rajasthan Electronics and Instruments Ltd. The development of the later phases will be based on the experience gained during implementation of the first phase of project.
Indian scientists undertake earthquake prediction research, measure the Deccan Trap
September 6th, 2013
Researchers from the Hyderabad-based National Geophysical Research Institute are conducting deep-earth study in the Koyna-Warna region of Maharashtra with the aim to enhance understanding of seismic activities and improve earthquake prediction.
What is special about this study?
The study is first of its kind in India which involves drilling deep holes of up to 8 km into the earth to directly visualize and measure rock changes during earthquakes. NGRI recently concluded airborne gravity gradeometery studies to get a closer look at Earths interior, again a fir st of its kind in the country. Recently, when scientists drilled 1.5 km into the earth during a test of drilling technology they accurately measured the Deccan Trap in the study region.
What are Deccan Traps?
The Deccan Traps are large volcanic deposits located on the Deccan Plateau of west-central India and one of the largest volcanic features on Earth formed due to eruptions about 65 million years ago at the end of the Cretaceous period.
How would this study help?
As per scientists, the project would take 5 to 10 years during which they expect to have a better understanding of below-the-surface phenomena during and after an earthquake. The Koyna-Warna region is known for frequent seismic activity, linked to changes in water levels in water reservoirs present in the region. Researchers will try to determine how the changes in water-reservoirs exactly triggers earthquake. In addition to that, drilling will also allow them to plant underground earthquake detection devices which will lead to creation of highly efficient warning systems.
According to experts at University of Canterbury, the hole in the earths stratospheric ozone layer over Antarctica is recovering slowly and should close completely in the latter half of this century. However, its effect on global climate change is still uncertain. As per researchers, the Montreal Protocol, which effectively banned chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), had aided in reducing the size of the hole in the ozone layer. The protocol, which came into existence in 1989, is aninternational treaty to phase out substances believed to be responsible for ozone depletion. The scientists are of the view that if the protocol is adhered to, the ozone layer is expected to recover by 2050.
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A committee, established by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, under the chairmanship of Sunita Narain, director general of Centre for Science and Environment, has slapped a penalty of Rs 200 crore on the Adani Groups Mundra Port and Special Economic Zone for inflicting harm to mangroves, creeks and the local environment at the project site. In addition to the fine, a part of the project could face suspension after a more detailed probe into the alleged violation of environmental clearance norms. The money from the fine will go into an environment restoration fund for the area.
Why did the environment ministry impose fine on Adani Group?
As per the report submitted by Sunita Narain panel, it was found the Adani Group infringed environmental norms in the countrys largest private port in Mundra and special trade zone that it operates in the Kutch district in Gujarat. The penalty has been slapped fordamaging mangroves, creeks and the local environment at the project site. During its investigation the panel found widespread destruction of mangroves-75 hectares of mangroves have been lost in Bocha Island, which was declared as a conservation zone under the environmental clearance conditions. The panel stated in its report that the company has not taken precautions to guard against blocking of creeks because of construction activities; satellite imagery shows signs of deterioration and loss of creeks close to the proposed North Port.
As per an official data, Sikkim is Indias Greenest State with a forest cover 47.3% of its total geographical area and is more than double the national average of 21 %. The state government has fixed a target of bringing an additional 1,000 hectares of land under forest cover during the 12th Five Year Plan period (201217).
A Comparison of Sikkim in Green terms:
The state has 500 sq km area under very dense forests which is 7.05 %. It has 2,161 sq km area under moderately dense which is30.45% 698 sq km of its area is under open forests which is 9.84% The above figures are significantly higher than the national average of 2.54 % very dense forests, 9.76% moderately dense and 8.73 %open forests.
Who owns the credit of keeping Sikkim green?
Sikkim has achieved the distinction of being the greenest state in the country mainly due to various protection and conservation measures like Sikkim Green Mission, Ten Minutes to Earth and Smriti Vans.
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As per a latest studies, large animals acted as carriers of key nutrients to plants and animals over thousands of years. According to the findings, large animals which scientists call Megafaunaworked as key nutrient distributing arteries which spread vital nutrient substances like phosphorous which are essential for the growth of plants. The studies show that the extinction of the megafauna 12,000 years back wiped out one of the main means of transporting nutrients far from the rivers creating a nutrient deficiency which continues to affect plant and animal life in parts of the region today.
What is Megafauna?
As per researchers, South America was crowded with large animals which are named as megafauna a term for animals with a body mass of more than 44kg (the size of a large dog).
How did Megafauna play role in distributing nutrients?
Due to the large size of the megafauna, they eat and move more than small animals, they have a particularly important role in transporting nutrients into areas where the soil is infertile otherwise. For example: In South America, most nutrients originate in the Andes mountain range and are washed into the forests through the river system. On dry land these nutrients are in short supply unless they are transported through animal dung and bodies. While small animals distribute nutrients over small distances large animals have a much greater range. These megafauna which ate in high quantity and absorbing more phosphorous acted as a key reserve of phosphorous which they transported dry areas through their excretory products or through their bodies after death, thus, playing a significant role in nutrient distribution.
Environment Ministrys panel finds illegal sand mining in Gautam Buddh Nagar
August 18th, 2013
The environment ministry team found facts of the widespread illegal sand mining in Gautam Buddh Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh. The team was set up by the ministry in the backdrop of the suspension of the districts sub divisional magistrate Durga Shakti Nagpal who took on the illegal mining in the area.
The Environment and Forests Ministry introduced in the Rajya Sabhamajor amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 that seek heavier penalties to check wildlife-related crimes and aim to make Indian laws consistent with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild flora and fauna (CITES).
Salient features of the Wildlife Protection Amendment Bill 2013:
The amended legislation aims to ban the use of animal traps except under certain conditions. It also looks forward to engage gram sabhas and gram panchayats in management of protected areas, and to grant hunting rights to hunter-gatherer Scheduled Tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
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Environmental activists in Gujarat are against the proposed Rs. 6,000 crore Mithi Virdi nuclear power plant in Saurashtra regions Bhavnagar district to be set up by NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited). They have written to the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) that alleging the Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) clearance by the State government was given without any site visits and documentation of ground realities.
Why Environmental activists opposing the Mithi Virdi nuclear power plant?
As per the activists, clearance for the project has been given by overlooking safety aspects, site clearance report, and without undertaking any site visits. They argue that the basics like population increase in the immediate vicinity of the proposed plant have not been taken into account. According to the activists CRZ clearance is an act of endorsing the illegal and unconstitutional act of NPCIL and Engineers India Limited (EIL). Activists earlier alleged that the EIL were not authorized to conduct an environment impact assessment for a nuclear power plant.
China Network Television has launched an internet channel ipanda.comdedicated to the conservation of Giant Panda. The website will show live 24-hour high-definition (HD) Internet broadcasts of the daily activities of the 80 endangered Pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of the Giant Panda Breeding in the southwest Sichuan Province which is Chinas premier panda breeding facility. Documentaries and a 30-minute panda-themed programme will also be broadcast everyday on the siteipanda.com.
What is the status of Giant Pandas?
Giant Pandas are one of the worlds most endangered species. About 1,600 pandas live in the wild, mostly in the mountains of Sichuan, while more than 300 live in captivity.
As per a latest study from University of California, Berkeley which analysed 60 studies on climate change, by 2050, human conflict could rise by 50% due to the rising temperatures. The study covered all major types of violence and revealed large and clear changes in human behavior in response to climate.
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The Marshall Islands has sought support to ward-off a future Pacific climate catastrophe that, it says, will expunge it from the map without critical action on global warming. The government of the Marshall Island has called for decisive action on climate change and has insisted US Secretary of State John Kerry to attend the 16-member Pacific Islands Forum to be hosted by Australia in September 2013 where a major climate declaration is likely to be made. Marshall Island seeks to present Majuro Declaration to the United Nations General Assembly to help renew global efforts on emissions reduction as the Pacific region battles rising seas and growing numbers of so-called climate refugees. The tiny Pacific atoll of 55,000 people, which is located at an average of just two metres above sea level, was already feeling the heat of global warming with an unprecedented seven-month drought in the north and a devastating king tide earlier this year triggering disaster declarations. The Marshalls government was already ferrying food and drinking water to 13 outer island communities due to drought-linked shortages that were threatening the export of copra, the dried-out flesh of coconuts from which oil is extracted, which underpinned its economy. The island is also facing immigration as climate refugees from neighbouring Kiribati and Tuvalu are taking refuge in the island. The government fears a two-metre sea level rise predicted by the World Bankbefore the end of the century.
Where are the Marshall Islands?
The Marshall Islands, officially the Republic of the Marshall Islands, is an island country located in the northern Pacific Ocean. Geographically, the country is part of the larger island group of Micronesia, with the population of 68,480 people spread out over 34 low-lying coral atolls, comprising 1,156 individual islands and islets. The islands share maritime boundaries with the Federated States of Micronesia to the west, Wake Island to the north, Kiribati to the south-east, and Nauru to the south. The most populous atoll is Majuro, which also acts as the capital.
India plans to start electronic surveillance of some of the tiger habitats using high definition cameras as the tiger deaths each year are increasing mainly due to poaching and poisoning. With the E-surveillance the pilot study in the Kalagarh range of the Corbett National Park was quite satisfactory so the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has decided to expand E-
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Pradeshs
Ratapani
Wildlife
The surveillance involves putting into use high resolution thermal and infrared cameras mounted on towers to capture image of objects weighing more than 20 kg in a range of 3-5 km and generate alerts if the boundary is crossed. It will also keep an eye on unauthorized people entering into the tiger habitat areas and tigers straying into human habitat. It is a fool-proof anti-poaching system that gathers information, does processing, filtering and then sends alerts.
Ford becomes the first automaker to join India Greenhouse Gas Reporting (GHG) Program
July 30th, 2013
Detroit giant Ford has became the first automaker to join a voluntary greenhouse gas reporting program (a carbon reporting programme) newly established in India. The company already participates in similar programs in the United States, China, Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina. Voluntary reporting provides overall transparency regarding the companys CO2 emissions and the company hold importance to reduce CO2 emissions at its global facilities, including two in Chennai, by 30% per vehicle by 2025. Fords role in this programme will be to assist in the establishment of credi ble and verifiable greenhouse gas inventories.
What is India Greenhouse Gas Program (India GHG Program):
It is the joint effort between the World Resources Institute(WRI), The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). A voluntary initiative to standardize measurement and management of GHG emissions in India.
Program Partners for India Greenhouse Gas Program (India GHG Program)
1. CII Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) 2. TERI The Energy and Resources Institute 3. WRI World Resources Institute
Founding Members for India Greenhouse Gas Program (India GHG Program)
1. Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd. 2. Hindustan Construction Co. Limited (HCC Limited) 3. ACC Cement 4. Ford Motor Company (Ford India) 5. Jet Airways (India) Limited 6. Mahindra Sanyo Steel 7. Tata Teleservices Limited 8. Bayer Group of Companies India 9. Akzo Nobel 10. Shree Cements 11. United Technologies 12. Tata Chemicals 13. National Thermal Power Company (NTPC) Limited 14. Infosys Technologies 15. Ambuja Cement
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To help companies in the country monitor their progress towards voluntary reduction goals consistently and credibly. Aimed at promoting profitable, sustainable, and competitivebusiness. Under this programme, companies will be provided with tools and technical assistance to build inventories, identify reduction opportunities, establish annual and long-term reduction goals, and track their progress based on the most widely used emissions accounting and reporting standard in the world, the GHG (Green House Gases) Protocol. The India GHG Program will also facilitate engagement of the business sector with policy makers, supporting progress and advancement towards national goals on carbon intensity and GHG emissions mitigation. The program will build a pool of trained and certified GHG practitioners and GHG measurement and management professionals.
What is : The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol)?
The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) is a global collaboration led by WBCSD and WRI. It is the most widely used international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify, and manage greenhouse gas emissions. GHG Protocol provides the foundation for sustainable climate strategies and more efficient, resilient and profitable organizations. GHG Protocol standards are the most widely used accounting tools to measure, manage and report on greenhouse gas emissions. It serves as the foundation for nearly every GHG standard and program in the world from the International Standards Organization to The Climate Registry as well as hundreds of GHG inventories prepared by individual companies. Offers developing countries an internationally accepted management tool to help their businesses to compete in the global marketplace and their governments to make informed decisions about climate change.
Who Uses The GHG Protocol?
Since the publication of the first edition of The Greenhouse Gas Protocol: A Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard (Corporate Standard) in 2001, more than 1,000 businesses and organizations worldwide have developed their GHG inventories using the GHG Protocol. o o Some of the worlds largest companies are using the GHG Protocols Corporate Standard. The 2007 Corporate Climate Communications Report of the Fortune 500 companies by corporateregister.com reported 63 percent of companies use the GHG Protocol.
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The World Heritage Site, Taj Mahal has been adopted by ONGC as part of its corporate social responsibilities through the Campaign CleanIndia being run under Ministry of Tourism. Taj Mahal a world heritage site and is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is the Crown Jewel among the tourist destinations in India and naturally is a priority destination under the Campaign Clean India programme.
Background of Campaign Clean India:
At the initiative of Ministry of Tourism, the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) has agreed to the initiative for permitting ONGC for adopting six monuments under Campaign Clean India. The six monuments/tourist destinations are: Taj Mahal at Agra, Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, Elephanta Caves in Maharashtra, Red Fort in Delhi, Golkonda Fort Hyderabad and Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu. ONGC is adopting these monuments as part of their corporate social responsibilities and it is the endeavor of Ministry of Tourism that Campaign Clean India is carried out for maximum number of monuments/tourist destinations so that tourists instill the feelings and spirit of cleanliness and respect for such monuments.
What is Campaign Clean India?
The Campaign Clean India is a programme being run by the Ministry of Tourism aimed at undertaking both sensitization and action at field level on bringing our tourism destinations and their surroundings to an acceptable level of cleanliness and hygiene. The Campaign will ensure that these levels are sustained through ownership and involvement of private and public sector stakeholders. The campaign will be part of Governments strategy of the 12 th five year plan for improving the quality of services and environs in and around tourist destinations across India.
The two AV-8B Harrier jets launched from aircraft carrier USS Bonhomme Richard dropped four unarmed bomb in the World Heritage listed Marine Park off the coast of Queensland state when the training exercise went wrong. The four bombs were dropped in more than 50 meters of water away from coral to diminish possible damage to the reef. Originally, the jets were to drop the ordnances on the Townshend Island bombing range but they cut off the mission as controllers stated that the area was not clear of hazards. The pilots did the emergency jettison as they were low on fuel and could not land with their bomb loaded. About The Great Barrier Reef: The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is the worlds largest coral reef system composed of over 2,900 individual reef sand 900 islands spanned over 2,600 kilometers over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometers. The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia.
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India and ADB Sign an Agreement for Gujarat Solar Power Transmission System
July 24th, 2013
With the rapid growing electricity demand, and increasing reliance on imported sources of fossil fuel the Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed an agreement for a $100 million ADB loan (A LIBOR based loan from ADBs Ordinary Capital Resources which has a term of 25 years including 5 years of grace period ) to develop a transmission system that will distribute 500 megawatts of solar power from the Charanka Solar Park in Gujarat. ADB is committed to generating 3,000 MW of solar power by 2013 under its Asia Solar Energy Initiative. Key Objectives of the Project: Using an inventive Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, the project will create job opportunities, improve social services and contribute to poverty reduction locally. It will also support power distribution companies in Gujarat and other Indian power utilities to meet part of their energy needs through solar energy. It will not only benefit Gujarat, but will also help develop the PPP solar park model under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission. An associated Technical Assistance (TA) funded by theDepartment for International Development of the United Kingdom and administered by ADB will provide professional training in energy-related skills and livelihood opportunities to local people. At least half of the participants will be women. Note: The Indian Government is aiming to generate 20,000 MW of solar power by 2022 . It has launched the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) in 2010, which is expected to generate 1,000 MW by 2013 by expanding grid-connected solar power generation.
As per the report released by the Environment Ministry of Australia, the conditions at the Great Barrier Reef were poor as it faces UNESCOthreats to downgrade its heritage status over concerns about pollution and development.
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The report shows that the reefs health has declined since 2009 due to cyclones and floods, despite progress on reducing agricultural runoff. Despite decrease in nitrogen (by 7%); pesticides (by 15%); sediment (by 6%); and pollutants key to outbreaks of devastating crown-of-thorns starfish that prey on corals (by 13%), the reef is in trouble. As per the report, intense flooding in 2010-2011 followed by powerful cyclone Yasi had badly damaged the worlds largest coral reef, degrading water quality and depleting overall cover by 15% and full recovery of the reef will take decades. A study published in 2012 had revealed that coral cover had more than halved due to storms, predatory starfish outbreaks and bleaching linked to climate change over the past 27 years. Intense tropical cyclones were responsible for much of the damage, accounting for 48%, with the coral-feeding starfish linked to 42%. It is noticeable that UNESCO has warned to downgrade the reefs world heritage status to declare it at risk in 2014 if there is no significant action on rampant coastal and resources development seen as a danger to its survival.
Experts participating in the International Conference on Tropical Roots and Tubers organized by the Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) and the Indian Society for Root Crops (ISRC) have highlighted the evolving potential of cassava as feedstock for the production of bioethanol as fuel.
What is Cassava?
Cassava is a crop cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions for its edible starchy, tuberous root, a major source of carbohydrates. It is the third-largest source of food carbohydrates in the tropics, after rice and maize. Cassava is a major staple food in the developing world, providing a basic diet for over half a billion people. It is one of the most drought-tolerant crops, capable of growing on marginal soils. Nigeria is the worlds largest producer of cassava.
How Cassava can be used as a bio-fuel?
Cassava has a high energy content, low maintenance and ability to grow under a wide range of climatic conditions, cassava. All these qualities render it a potential for production of bio-ethanol. The technology for cassava alcohol, patented by the CTCRI in the 1980s, requires refinement for commercial scale production. Bioethanol based on the lignocellulosic residue of cassava and sweet potato could be combined with starch-based options to make biofuel production cost effective. The high productivity of cassava crop in Indiawould make production of bioethanol cost- competitive. The step to bring comparatively less fertile land in the semi-arid areas ofMaharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and high rainfall regions in the northeastern region under cassava cultivation would ensure supply of raw material for ethanol production.
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Himachal Pradesh has been declared the first smoke-free State in the country in compliance with Section 4 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. The State has achieved 85.45% compliance with the relevant parameters. The State government intends to eliminate tobacco products and has hiked taxes on bidis and cigarettes from 11 and 18% to 22 and 36%, respectively in the 2013-14 Budget. What is the scope COTPA 2003? The Act is applicable to all products containing tobacco in any form i.e. cigarettes, cigars, cheroots, bidis, gutka, pan masala (containing tobacco) khaini, mawa, mishri, snuff etc. as detailed in the Schedule to the Act. The Act extends to the whole of India including the state ofJammu and Kashmir. What does Section 4 of COTPA provide for? Section 4: Prohibition Of Smoking In Public Places The Government of India passed new rules on May 30, 2008 for effective realization of the objectives of smoke free environments as stipulated under the Indian law. No person shall smoke in any public place Public Place means any place to which the public have access, whether as of right or not, and includes auditorium, hospital buildings, railway waiting room, amusement centres, restaurants, public offices, court buildings, work places, shopping malls, cinema halls, educational institutions, libraries, public conveyances and the like which are visited by general public but does not include any open space. Mandates display of board containing the warning No Smoking Area- Smoking Here is an Offence Hotels & Restaurants should ensure physical segregation of smoking and non-smoking area. Hotels having thirty rooms or a restaurant having seating capacity of thirty persons or more and in the airports, a separate provision for smoking area or space may be made.
In a recent survey conducted by Delhi-based Centre for Science andEnvironment (CSE) it was found that Ghaziabad and Allahabad are the two most air polluted cities in Uttar Pradesh. As per the survey: Pollutants of the size of 10 micron was found in Ghaziabad, Allahabad, Kanpur and Bareilly, which was four times the acceptable size of particulates in urban areas. Air pollution levels were thrice as high as the prescribed limits in Lucknow, Firozabad, Agra, Mathura, Khurja, Saharanpur, Moradabad and Gajraula. Unnao has come out as the cleanest air quality despite a heavy presence of tanneries in the town. Nitrogen-di-oxide pollutant is found to be increasing dangerously in Meerut, Gorakhpur, Ghaziabad and Kanpur. It is the highest in Meerut and lowest in Rae Bareilly. Khurja and Ghaziabad have dangerous levels of sulphur-di-oxide mixed in the air.
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The devastating floods of Uttarakhand which ravaged the region by killing thousands and leaving hundreds of other stranded has more man-made factors and less natural cause behind it. As per Environmentalists the uncontrolled development and poor disaster planning has aggravated flood damage. How is it a man-made disaster? As per experts indiscriminate development in hill towns and along rivers has blocked the natural flow of water and exacerbated flood damage. They place the blame on successive governments who have prioritized large scale infrastructure construction and neglected disaster prevention. The unbridled growth of tourism accompanied with proliferation of roads, hotels, shops and multistory housing in ecologically fragile areas and above all mushrooming hydroelectricity dams that disrupt water balances are the underlying causes of this catastrophe. It was not unprecedented that Uttarakhand region witnessed such heavy rainfalls as the records show that Uttarakhand has recorded single-day rainfall in excess of 400mm several times, including 450mm in 1995 and 900mm in 1965. Cloudbursts, floods and rapid swelling of fast-flowing rivers arent uncommon. But this time the floodwaters, loaded with tens of thousands of tonnes of silt, boulders and debris from dam construction, found no outlet. The routes they took in the past, including ravines and streams, were blocked with sand and rocks. The waters deluged towns and villages, submerging some buildings under several feet of mud, asphyxiating life. It is highly probable that the floods were exacerbated by Glacier Lake Outbursts Floods (GLOFs) which inundated the Kedarnath temple. GLOFs, or the explosive bursting of glacier lakes, are thought to be a result of human-induced climate change, which is causing rapid melting of glaciers in the Himalayas, themselves warming at twice the global rate. Lack of an early warning system, effective evacuation plans and a responsive disaster management system added to the calamity. Modestly priced radar-based technology to forecast cloudbursts would have saved lives. But it wasnt installed. There was failure on the level of local governance too. Sloppy, unregulated construction of roads and bridges was permitted on crumbling, landslide-prone ridges and steep slopes, overlooking the regions delicate geology and high earthquake vulnerability. Large scale deforestation and construction of hundreds of buildings in the flood plains of rivers have taken place. Riverbeds were recklessly mined for sand. As construction debris accumulated, land contours and flows of streams and rivers changed. Indiscriminate construction of hydroelectric dams was the biggest mistake. These involve drilling huge tunnels in the hills by blasting rocks, placing enormous turbines in the tunnels, destroying soil-binding vegetation to build water channels and other infrastructure, laying transmission lines and carelessly dumping excavated muck. Many dams have been built on the same river so close to one another that they leave no scope for its regeneration.
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In a remarkable decision intended to prevent cruelty to animals, India has decided to ban the testing of cosmetics and its ingredients on animals. This has made India the first country in South Asia to impose such a ban. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Cosmetics Sectional Committee, chaired by the Drugs Controller General of India and is in line with the European Unions stand. The step follows appeals from various quarters, including that from the National Advisory Council Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and campaigner for animal rights Maneka Gandhi and the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), to prevent cruelty to animals. What is the ban? Any cosmetic product which performs animal testing will face action as per provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and the Animal Cruelty Act. Infringement of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act by any person or corporate manager or owner is liable for punishment for a term which may extend from 3-10 years and shall also be liable to fine which could be Rs.500 to Rs.10,000, or with both. The law also makes it mandatory to use modern non-animal alternative tests, replacing invasive tests on animals. It implies that any manufacturer interested in testing new cosmetic ingredients or finished products must first get the approval from Indias regulator Central Drug Standards Control Organization. A manufacturer will be given approval to test only after complying with the BIS nonanimal standards.
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Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS): NASA launches satellite to study Suns atmosphere
July 2nd, 2013
The U.S. space agency NASA launched a satellite to uncover the s ecrets of the Suns lower atmosphere. NASAs Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) was launched aboard an Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL rocket off the California coast. About IRIS mission: Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) is a $182 million mission which will continue for two years. It aims to observe the movement of solar material. It will try to know how it gathers energy and heats up as it makes its way through a mysterious region in the suns lower atmosphere. IRIS will help in knowing not only the causes the ejection of solar material, including solar wind, but also solar eruptions that can disrupt human technology. What is this mysterious region? This is a region b/w the suns photosphere and corona where most of the suns ultraviolet e mission is generated, which impact the near-Earth space environment and Earths climate.
V K Duggal appointed as nodal officer for relief & rescue operations in Uttarakhand
June 24th, 2013
The government appointed former top Union home secretary V K Duggal as the nodal officer for relief and rescue operations in flood hit Uttarakhand, saying lack of proper coordination was hindering its mitigation efforts. The relief and rescue operations are going on in the flood-ravaged areas of Uttarakhand with the combined efforts of the Army units along withAirforce and ITBP. There was an impression that lack of coordination among different agencies involved in the relief and rescue operations was hampering the governments mitigation efforts.
In order to make Centrally-sponsored programmes condensed, the Cabinet has approved Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) as a flagship programme of the government. Why IWMP? Around 60% of cultivated area across India is rain-fed. Besides, these areas are also blighted by poverty, water scarcity, low productivity, malnutrition and prone to severe land degradation. The watershed development programme has been adopted as a tool to address problems of the rain-fed or degraded areas in the country.
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As per a new study conducted in collaboration with World Wildlife Fund For Nature (WWF) and Wildlife Institute of India, the number of Royal Bengal tigers in the four ranges of the Sundarban Tiger Reserve (STR) and the adjoining South 24 Parganas districts is 103 which is more than the estimates of the 2011 census. As per Study: Of the 3,500 sq km of the Indian side of Sundarbans, about 40-45 per cent is water. This leaves about 2,000 sq km for the tigers. There was presence of a tiger in every 20 sq km of the delta. The density of tiger population varied for a tiger from 14 sq km to 18 sq km in a mainland forest. Sundarbans is still a healthy habitat despite shortage of the prey base for the animal. Factbox : Sunderbans Largest single block of tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning across parts ofBangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal. Bangladesh controls 2/3rd of the Sundarbans India manages 1/3rd which is in West Bengal Sundarbans National Park is a National Park, Tiger Reserve, and a Biosphere Reserve located in the Sundarbans delta in the Indian state of West Bengal. Sundarbans South, East and West are three protected forests in Bangladesh.
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World Ocean Day was observed across the globe on 8 June 2013. The theme for this year is: Together, we have the Power to Protect the Oceans. Although World Ocean Day was introduced in 1992 at Rio de Janeiro, it was in 2008 when United Nations General Assembly decided to designate June 8 as the World Oceans Day from 2009 onwards with its resolution number 63/111, Paragraph 171. Importance: The day focuses on raising global awareness of the current challenges faced by the international community in connection with the oceans.
World Environment Day Observed globally with the theme: Think. Eat. Save- Reduce Your Foodprint
June 7th, 2013
World Environment Day was observed in India and across the globe on June 5. The day was dedicated by the UN Conference on Human Environment in 1972 for the cause of spreading awareness about environment protection. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) disseminates environmental awareness through the celebration of World Environment Day to get citizens support for environment protection across the globe. This years World Environment Day theme: Think. Eat. Save- Reduce Your Foodprint The campaign bespeaks minimizing waste of food at all stages of the food chain, from farm to fork. This is to increase awareness about the environmental consequences of our food choices and find solutions to reduce our environmental foodprint, as food production has heavy impact on environmental resources.
The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) has agreed to the initiative ofMinistry of Tourism for permitting ONGC for adopting six monuments under Campaign Clean India. The six monuments/tourist destinations are: Taj Mahal at Agra, Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, Elephanta Caves in Maharashtra, Red Fort in Delhi, Golkonda Fort Hyderabad and Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu. ONGC is adopting these monuments as part of their corporate social responsibilities and it is the endeavor of Ministry of Tourism that Campaign Clean India is carried out for maximum number of monuments/tourist destinations so that tourists instill the feelings and spirit of cleanliness and respect for such monuments. What is Campaign Clean India? The Campaign Clean India is a programme being run by the Ministry of Tourism aimed at undertaking both sensitization and action at field level on bringing our tourism destinations and their surroundings to an acceptable level of cleanliness and hygiene. The Campaign will ensure that these levels are sustained through ownership and involvement of private and public sector stakeholders. The campaign
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Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna has urged the Centre to review the recent notification declaring the 100 km stretch from Gomukh to Uttarkashi as an eco-sensitive zone. The declaration is being opposed by the locals in that area who are saying that if the notification is implemented it would adversely affect the infrastructuredevelopment in the border district. As per the Chief Minister, the locals are hopeful that the power projects under construction or planned there would help in developing the backward economy of the region. Besides, he is also of the view that if the notification is implemented then it will impede Border road projects which is also needed to be constructed at the earliest keeping in mind the infrastructure development being carried out by China close to the Indian border.
In order to mitigate the impact of oil spills on the marine environment the Union Government has approved the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSDCP). The central objective behind this plan is to reduce the impact of all oil spills on the environment by setting specific standards for oil spill equipment stockpiles, establishing time frames for oil spill response and enhancing collaboration among partner agencies. Massive efforts were put in by the various resource agencies and stakeholders for cleaning of oiled mangroves at Sikka and Sarmat in the Gulf of Kutchchh, capping of gas leak from the ONGC well off Kakinada, and response to the fire onboard M.V Amsterdam Bridge off the Mumbai harbour. The government feels the need for periodical review of contingency plans in order to ensure speedy and efficient mobilisation of critical resources in the event of any oil spill exigency.
The MP government has decided to hear out the issues of the oustees of the Omkareshwar dam project who have been protesting standing in waist to neck-deep water, for the last two weeks as part of their jal satyagraha. Why this protest? The jal satyagraha was started by the oustees in May 2013 to at Ghogalgaon village in M.P.s East Nimaar region to protest against the state governments decision to raise the water level in the dam to 193 metres from 189 without ensuring prior relief and rehabilitation, including land for land, to the oustees. The Omkareshwar Project: The 520 MW Omkareshwar project is one of the several big dams in the Narmada Valley, built by the Narmada Hydroelectric Development Corporation, a joint venture between NHPC Ltd and the government ofMadhya Pradesh.
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NSL Renewable Power which develops and operates renewable energy projects across India, will be provided funding of of $5 million by theInternational Finance Corporation (IFC) a member of the World BankGroup (not to be confused with World Bank). This financing will support the company to double its power generation capacity over the next 18 months. This is for the second time the company is receiving funds from the IFC after getting a $20-million equity investment that IFC had made in the company in 2011. About NSL Renewable Power: NSL Renewable Power develops and operates renewable energy projects using biomass, wind, hydro, and solar technologies. It has an operational capacity of 185 MW across India. What is the difference b/w World Bank and World Bank Group? The World Bank was created at the 1944 Bretton Woods Conference, along with three other institutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The World Bank and the IMF are both based in Washington DC, and work closely with each other. Difference: World Bank Group is a large group which comprises of five institutions collectively: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) International Development Association (IDA) International Finance Corporation (IFC) Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) Whereas, World Bank is comprised of only two institutions: 1. International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) 2. International Development Association (IDA)
Fossil creature Archaeopteryx that lived about 150 million years ago is back on its perch. It has again been brought in the class of Birds. Background: Archaeopteryx fossil was discovered in 1861 in Germany. It possessed part-bird, part-reptile traits with broad wings and feathers like a bird, but it also had three-fingered claws, sharp teeth and a long bony tail similar to a dinosaur. Classified as most primitive bird and as a transition b/w feathered dinosaurs and modern birds. Some fossil discoveries of feathered dinosaurs in northeasternChina over the past two decades have challenged Archaeopteryxs place in bird evolution.
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Three nations- India, the United States and Australia have come together to collaborate on developing new climate-resilient varieties of rice and wheat, two of the big three primary crops essential to feed the world. The key agencies/organizations which are part of this effort are the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is backing a new public-private research partnership b/w the Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics (ACPFG) and Indias Vibha Agrotech. How it will be done?
The effort will put to use the unique specialties of ACPFG (gene technologies and expertise in cereal stress tolerance) and Vibha Agrotechs field evaluation and rice transformation capabilities to develop new rice and wheat varieties with greater tolerance to drought and salinity, allowing farmers more stable production in the event of sudden drought and evolving salt water intrusion. The new lines will be evaluated under representative field conditions and the most successful will be transferred into the varieties that farmers grow. Initially, the work will begin in Australia and India, but the technologies will be made available to developing countries in South Asia and globally where climate stresses impact cereal yields, so that farmers can be more confident that they will have a good harvest, even as climate change creates more unpredictable growing environments. What are Big Three Crops? Big Three crops are: 1. 2. 3. Rice Wheat Maize
Why this endeavor? As the climate is changing it has become imperative to develop varieties of key crops which can sustain this change as well as provide high yield in the event of adverse climatic conditions like drought and salinity. With expanding population and reduction in the availability of land for agricultural purpose there will be the necessity to introduce such crops to mitigate global hunger and address food security.
Scientists were amazed to find that the 400-year-old plants known as bryophytes showed new growth under laboratory conditions.
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Fact Box: Green Energy Corridor Project; Government plans to invest Rs 43,000 Crore in the project
May 28th, 2013
Rs 43,000-cr green energy corridor plan for renewable energy The Government plans to launch a Rs 43,000-crore Green Energy Corridor project to facilitate the flow of renewable energy into the national grid. The project will be implemented with the assistance of Germany who has promised provide developmental and technical assistance of 1 billion for the project. The government has taken lessons from the massive power grid failure that hit the North, East and North-East regions of the country on July 30-31 in 2012 which called for attention to strengthen the electricity distribution network in the country. What is Green Energy Corridor Project? The Green Energy Corridor Project is an upcoming project which aims at synchronising electricity produced from renewable sources, such as solar and wind, with conventional power stations in the grid. The Project: Objective: Synchronising electricity produced from renewable sources, such as solar and wind, with conventional power stations in the grid. Cost: Rs 43,000-crore The whole project has been divided into two parts:
1. Inter State: To be developed by State utilities 2. Intra State: To be developed by Power Grid Corporation of India(PGCIL)
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Scientists from Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT),Hyderabad, have synthesized ecofriendly gold nanoparticles using bio-resources which could be used as carriers for delivering anticancer drugs and also for diagnosing the disease. How it was done? Scientists used leaves of some herbal plants like Bhringaraj ( Eclipta alba ) to extract the biocompatible nanoparticles. This plant extract contains some anti-cancer bio-molecules which are conjugated with gold nanoparticles during synthesis. How it can help? The gold nanoparticle is bio-compatible, easy to synthesise and multiple cancer drugs could be loaded. It could reduce the toxicity of the anti-cancer drug, increase its efficacy and ensure better retention of the drug in the blood system. When conjugated with gold nanoparticle, the anti-cancer drug could stay for more time in the tumour and enhance the therapeutic efficacy.
Kerala against creation of buffer zone in any populated area suggested in Western Ghats Report
May 13th, 2013
Kerala Cabinet will oppose declaration of any populated area on the Western Ghats in the State as ecologically sensitive area. The Kerala government clarified that it was not opposed to protection ofenvironment or buffer zones. However, it wanted the buffer zone to be brought down to zero kilometers, if the area is populated. Depending on the presence of population, the buffer zone should be zero to 12 kmfrom the sensitive area. Western Ghats Report: Background:
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As per a new scientific report, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the Arctic Ocean is rapidly escalating which is making its water more acidic. It was assessed by the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) that the ocean chemistry of the region is undergoing widespread changes. What is Ocean Acidification? Ocean acidification is the name given to the ongoing decrease in the pH of the Earths oceans, caused by the uptake of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. About 3040% of the carbon dioxide released by humans into the atmosphere dissolves into the oceans, rivers and lakes. To maintain chemical equilibrium, some of it reacts with the water to form carbonic acid. Some of these extra carbonic acid molecules react with a water molecule to give a bicarbonate ion and a hydronium ion, thus increasing the oceans acidity (H+ ion concentration). Absorbed CO2 in seawater (H2O) forms carbonic acid (H2CO3), lowering the waters pH level and making it mo re acidic
The government is considering banning the trade of peacock feathers to protect the national bird. The population of peacock is said to be declining because of its poaching for feathers, which fetch a good price in national and international markets. In 1991, World Wide Fund for nature had revealed that India was left with only 50% of the total peacock population that existed at the time of Independence. As per experts, the number has come down further since 1991 because of habitat loss and poaching.
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Vice-President of India Hamid Ansari inaugurated the InternationalCentre for Environment Audit and Sustainable Development (iCED)in Kant Kalwar on the outskirts of Jaipur, Rajastahan. About iCED It is Rs 250 crore mega project commissioned by the CAG of India, after the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) chose India as the centre for imparting environmental and sustainable development audit. It is amongst the first government buildings in India to have a 5 star green rating as per Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment norms. The project, spread over 16.5 acres, has been developed on the GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment)principles and is based on the sustainable design concept. The Institute aims to harness Indias expertise in conducting over a 100 environment audits in the last 20 years to provide extensive training and an international forum for experience sharing in this field. iCED is also the Global Training Facility for The International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions which is an organization of Supreme Audit Institutions worldwide.
The apex court has allowed the functioning of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNP) with a view of safe and secure plant by issuing 15 guidelines on commissioning, safety, security and environmental issues. Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is a nuclear power station in Koodankulam in Tamil Nadu with a capacity of generating 2000 MW with 2 reactors but this was agitated by Anti- Nuclear activists due to fear of radiation and Fukushima nuclear disaster occurred in Japan in 2011. Advantages of KNPP Its a technologically proven design, Inbuilt safety features to minimize the risk of any radiation leaks, The location is least earthquake prone area, Its height ensures safety from potential tsunamis. Issues raised in protests The coolant water and low-grade waste from the KKNPP are going to be dumped in to the sea which will have a severe impact on fish production and affect the food security of southern Tamil Nadu and southern Kerala. Functioning of KKNP will remit Iodine 131, 132, 133, Cesium 134, 136, 137 isotopes, strontium, tritium, tellurium and other such radioactive particles into air, land, crops, cattle, sea, seafood and ground water which in turn lead to risk of diseases and defective births.
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Rank
Country
Oil Reserves
Saudi Arabia Venezuela Iran Iraq Kuwait UAE RussiaFederation Libya Kazakhstan Nigeria Canada USA Qatar China Brazil
265 billion barrels (19.1%) 211 billion barrels (15.3%) 137 billion barrels (9.9%) 115 billion barrels (8.3%) 102 billion barrels (7.3%) 98 billion barrels (7.1%) 77 billion barrels (5.6%) 46 billion barrels (3.4%) 40 billion barrels (2.9%) 37 billion barrels (2.7%) 32 billion barrels (2.3%) 31 billion barrels (2.2%) 26 billion barrels (1.9%) 15 billion barrels (1.1%) 14 billion barrels (1%)
Years of remaining reserves 11.75 million Barrels 72.4 years daily (13.2%) 2.47 million Barrels 234.1 years daily (2.8%) 4.13 million Barrels 88.4 years (4.7%) 2.7 million Barrels 128.1 years daily (3.1%) 2.75 million Barrels 110.9 years daily (3.1%) 3.23 million Barrels 94.1 years daily (3.6%) 10.33 million Barrels 20.6 years daily (11.6%) 834,000 barrels 76.7 years (0.9%) 1.61 million Barrels 62.1 years daily (1.8%) 2.4 million Barrels 42.4 years daily (2.7%) 3.92 million Barrels 26.3 years daily (4.4%) 10.59 million Barrels 11.3 years daily (11.9%) 1.64 million Barrels 45.2 years daily (1.9%) 4.19 million Barrels a 9.9 years day (4.7%) 2.8 million Barrels a 18.3 years day (3.2%)
Oil Supply
Bombay High Court has ordered the Maharashtra government to release water from upstream reservoirs into the Jayakwadi dam in the region.
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The European Commission will restrict the use of Neonicotinoid chemicals in pesticides which is linked to reduce bee population by researchers. Neonicotinoid chemicals in pesticides are believed to harm bees and as per the European Commission they should be restricted to crops not attractive to bees and other pollinators What is a Neonicotinoid chemical? Neonicotinoid pesticides are new nicotine-like chemicals and act on the nervous systems of insects, with a lower threat to mammals and the environment. They are water soluble and hence are absorbed by soil which in turn make a plant toxic. Restricted Pesticides: Clothianidin Imidacloprid Thiamethoxam Objective this restriction: To control decline in bee population as it is believed that bees are responsible for pollinating around one-third of the worlds crop production. To protect bees which contribute over 22 Billion Euros annually to European agriculture.
As per a recent report by the Environment Ministry submitted to theUnited Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, more than one-fourth of Indias geographical area is undergoing the process of desertification despite ongoing efforts to tackle the problem.
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Expert committee: exact co-relation between radiation of communication towers and health of wildlife is so far not established
April 26th, 2013
In August 2010 an expert committee under the chairmanship of Dr. Asad Rahmani (Director Bombay Natural Society) was constituted by Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) to study the probable effects of communication towers on wildlife including Birds and Bees. The Expert committee submitted it report to the MoEF. The key findings of the report were as follows: The report confirmed that the EMRs (Electro-Magnetic Radiations) from the mobile phone and communication towers have an adverse effect on the health of human beings. The precise co-relation between EMR and health of wildlife is so far not established. Albeit existent literature describes undesirable effects of EMR on the biological systems of living beings, more research is called for to evaluate the proper affects of EMR on free-living floral and faunal species, including birds and bees in India.
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K. Kasturirangan-led 10-member panel High-Level Working Group (HLWG) Presented its report on Western Ghats to MoEF (Ministry ofEnvironment and Forests) K. Kasturirangan-led 10-member panel High-Level Working Group (HLWG) has prepared a report on Western Ghats which suggests for ban on development activities in 60,000 sq km ecologically sensitive area spread over Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Objective: K.Kasturirangan panel was formed to study and advise Govt on the earlier report of ecologist Madhav Gadgil-led Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP). Some Facts: Around 37% of the total area defined as the boundary of the Western Ghats is ecologically sensitive. This area is of about 60,000 sq km and it spreads over the states of Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. What were the key suggestions made by the K. Kasturirangan led HLWG? K.Kasturirangan panel has moved away from the suggestions of the Gadgil panel. The HLWG has suggested a prohibitive regimen on those activities which have the most interference and harmful impact on the environment. The report notes, environmentally sound development cannot preclude livelihood and economic options for this region the answer (to the question of how to manage and conserve the Ghats) will not lie in removing these economic options, but in providing better incentives to move them towards greener and more sustainable practices. Promotion of Ecotourism along the ecologically-volatile Western Ghats to preserve the depleting natural wealth of the area Economically empower the local population Incentivize green growth in the Western Ghats i.e. supervising forests and bettering their productivity to ascertaininclusive growth and economical gains for local communities ; integrating forest accounts into state and national economic assessments; initiating an ecosystem service fund to help villages around the forests; promotingsustainable agriculture and; encouraging ecotourism for local benefits.
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Supreme Court orders transfer of some Asiatic Lions from Gujarats Gir to MPs Kuno
April 17th, 2013
The Supreme Court directed concerned organizations to forest to in Madhya Pradeshs Kuno wildlife sanctuary.
shift Asiatic
Gir
The Supreme Court rejected Gujarat governments plea against trans -location of lions as Gujarat held that these animals were pride of Gujarat. Whilst, Madhya Pradesh in 2012 had sought translocation of lions to Kuno Palpur sanctuary, laying claim it has the entire means to ensure pleasantsounding environment to the endangered species. The number of lions to be transferred would be decided by a group of wildlife experts. At present there are approx. 400 Asiatic lions in Gujarats Gir sanctuary.
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Bio Flame-Biogas and Energy Pvt. Ltd. installed a biogas plant on the Government Secretariat campus in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The plant can process up to 100 kg of biowaste an hour and produce eight to 10 kg equivalent of fuel. The fuel generated from the plant will be used for cooking and the slurry directed into the garden as manure.
As per the latest census, the Great Indian one-horned Rhinoceros population in the Kaziranga National Park (KNP) - world heritage site has seen a rise. There number rose by 39 from previous 2,290 to 2329 at present. In 1999, the figure was 1,672, which increased to 2,048 in 2009.
Subsequent to a proposal initiated by Tajikistan, in 2010 UN General Assembly (UNGA) declared 2013 as the UNInternational Year of Water Cooperation via its resolution : A/RES/65/154. UN-Water has asked UNESCO to lead the initiative keeping in view of the UNESCOs multi-dimensional potency in the region of natural and social sciences, culture, educationand communication, and its substantial and long-standing contribution to the management of the worlds freshwater resources. What is the objective of designating 2013 as International Year of Water Co-operation ? In assigning 2013 as the UN International Year of Water Cooperation, the UNGA has actually made out that cooperation is necessary to attain a balance between the various needs and priorities and share this valued resource equitably, using water as an instrument of peace. Encouraging water cooperation means an interdisciplinary approach bringing in cultural, educational and scientific factors, as well as religious, ethical, social, political, legal, institutional and economic dimensions. The UNGA designating March 22, 1993 as the first World Water Day.
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The National Green Tribunal has ordered ban on construction of roads and cutting of trees in the Aravallis directing the parties concerned to restore the area to its original condition. The Tribunal also set up a three-member panel comprising Haryana Pollution Control Board environmental engineer, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate concerned and a senior forest officer to ensure execution of the order. What was the case? An applicant had filed a plea on violation of provisions of the notification issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forests on May 7, 1992 that prohibited certain activities in the Aravalli Hills in Gurgaon. As per the plea, illegal activities were being carried by marble traders and others on a particular khasra of Sikandarpur Ghosi village. The encroachers were felling trees, adversely affecting the environment. The Bench lambasted the Haryana administrative bodies for erring on their part in proper implementation of the provisions of the notification. It further ordered that each of the non-applicants would plant at least 50 trees and take care of them. It also directed demolition of all sheds of temporary or permanent nature within two weeks from the pronouncement of the order and restricted people from throwing debris at the site.
The Japanese utility that owns the tsunami-damaged nuclear power plant has found a record 740,000 becquerels per kilogram of radioactive cesium in a fish caught close to the plant. This level is 7,400 times higher than the Government limit for safe human consumption. Radiation was spread into the surroundings of the Fukushima nuclear plant after it was damaged in the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami. Most fish along the Fukushima coast are barred from market.
CITES concludes, eight nations escape sanctions The 16th meeting of the Conference of Parties to CITES (Convention onInternational Trade in Endangered Species), concluded in Bangkok,Thailand, after granting better protection to hundreds of threatened animal and plant species. The eight countries accused of failing to do enough to tackle the illegal trade in elephant ivory escaped sanctions. The conference found thatKenya, Tanzania and Uganda, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, and top markets China and Thailand are making insufficient efforts to curb the trade. However, the nations avoided sanctions after 6 of them submitted draft action plans in response and China and Tanzania committed to do so by a specific date. Possible punishment option: Under the convention, member states can halt trading with offender countries in the 35,000 species covered by the convention.
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A drought has been announced in the entire North Island of New Zealand. The government has described it as the worst drought in 30 years spell. The capital Wellington is assumed to have just 18 days of water left, and parts of the South Island could expected to be hit.
The Union Government will provide a financial assistance of Rs 41.21 crore to protect Pashmina goat which produces world-famous fine luxury fibre. The government is concerned over the recent deaths of thousands of Pashmina goats in the Ladakh region. As per the assistance, there is plan which envisages a new Pashmina Wool Development Scheme with a special package and a financial allocation of Rs 41.21 crore.
Compost Plant in New Delhi is first composting plant in India to get carbon credits from UNFCCC
March 6th, 2013
The composting plant in Okhla, New Delhi has become the first inIndia to receive the carbon credits from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The plant has received Rs 25 lakh as an advance against the Carbon Emission Reduction (CER) earnings from this plant. What are carbon credits? Carbon credit is a generic term for any tradable certificate or permit representing the right to emit One Tonne of Carbon dioxide or the mass of another greenhouse gas with a carbon dioxide equivalent equivalent to one tonne of carbon dioxide. The concept of carbon credits came into existence as a result of increasing awareness of the need for controlling emissions. The mechanism was formalized in the Kyoto Protocol, aninternational agreement between more than 170 countries, and the market mechanisms were agreed through the subsequent Marrakesh Accords. Carbon credit facility has been introduced with an aim to allow market mechanisms to drive industrial and commercial processes in the direction of low emissions or less carbon intensive approaches than
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A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed b/w India and UK to strengthen their cooperation inEarth Sciences and environmental research by sharing information on meteorology, hydrology and climate variability. The MoU was inked b/w the Earth System Science Organisation (ESSO) of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) Govt. of India andUKs Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). How would it help? It will help in improving the forecasting capability of various weather and climate related phenomena and natural hazards through sharing of knowledge, expertise and experience. About Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Earth System Science Organization (ESSO) and Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Continue reading
Delhi placed lowest in pollution survey Indias national capital Delhi has been ranked last in the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) evolved by the Planning Commissionwhich makes it worst performer in the country when it comes to all key environmental parameters. The city-state has slipped to 32nd in 2012 from 26th position in 2011. Delhi scored 0.4246 compared to 0.7696 achieved by top ranker, Andhra Pradesh. Environmental Performance Index Started by Planning Commission
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MoEF justifies cancellation of environmental clearance to Vedanta The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has held that its decision of cancellation of the environmental clearance granted toVedanta for the Lanjigarh Bauxite mining project in Odisha was right and that forest land cannot be diverted under the provisions of theScheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006. As per MoEF, the diversion of forest land on the proposed mining site of the Lanjigarh bauxite mining lease is violative of the fundamental rights of the Dongria Kondh tribals as well as the spirit of Forest
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A panel has been set up by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) with the objective to review how elephant reserves and corridors across the country can get a higher level of legal protection under existing green laws. Objective: The step has been taken comes after the National Board for Wildlife raised concerns about lack of legal cover for elephant reserves and corridors against changes in the vast landscapes that pachyderms occupy in the country. What are the problems faced by environment ministry to bring legal safeguards for Elephant habitats? What is the job assigned to the committee?
As per a latest study, a hole in the Antarctic ozone layer has changed the way waters in the southern oceans mix, which researchers say could impact global climate change. As per scientists this phenomenon has the potential to alter the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. It has been found that subtropical intermediate waters in the southern oceans have become "younger" as the upwelling, circumpolar waters have gotten "older" changes that are consistent with the fact that surface winds have strengthened as the ozone layer has thinned. How is it important? How did the researchers found this?
Rare migratory bird Whooper Swan was spotted inPong Dam lake of Kangra valley in Himachal Pradesh after 113 years. Whooper Swans, which migrate from Central Asia and Europe and are rare migrants to India, were last seen in the country in 1900 near river Beas.
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A secretary level committee has been constituted by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to assist the PMs council on climate change in implementing the 8 missions of the National Action Plan of Climate Change (NAPCC). The absence of Inter-ministerial coordination has crippled the implementation of the missions resulting in the setting up of the executive panel on climate change to be headed by principal secretary to Prime Minister Pulok Chatterji. What is the job of the panel? The committee will regularly monitor the implementation of the eight missions, other climate change initiatives and advise the Prime Ministers council on modifications in the objectives, strategies and structure of the missions. The Prime Ministers council on climate change was formed in 2007, in order to co-ordinate national action for assessment, adaptation and mitigation of climate change. What is NAPCC and what are its 8 missions?
A new campaign called Green Kumbh is going hand in hand with the onging Maha Kumbh Mela in Allahabad. The green initiative which is being lead by Swami Chidanand Saraswati of Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh who is also the force behind the Clean Ganga campaign, is being volunteered by hundreds of participants from around 45 countries. Objective: The initiative is designed to beautify the grounds of Kumbh and its environs, while protecting the health and well-being of festival attendees. Besides, this program will spread awareness and educationabout the importance of being green, thus informing and motivating festivals -goers from all over the world to become stewards of theenvironment around them. Under this campaign various programs like tree plantation, providing free eco friendly toilets, and solid waste management are being organized at Kumbh Mela and its surroundings.
The Vulture Population Estimation-2013 has been concluded in thePanna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh.Counting found 867 vultures including 160 migratory and 48 of unidentified origins. The number of vultures found this year is less compared to last year. The reason could be the sudden increase in temperature in the area during the estimation week. Seven out of nine vulture species in the Indian sub-continent were found in Panna. Another survey will be conducted in April-May 2013 to assess success rate of vulture breeding in Panna Tiger Reserve. Vulture Population Estimation Vulture Population Estimation is being conducted in Panna Tiger Reserve annually in January since 2010. It is carried out with public private participation with the co-operation of bird watchers from
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National Green Tribunal orders halt to all constructions going in Noida and Greater Noida
January 20th, 2013
The National Green Tribunal has ordered an interim injunction on all the construction activities running in Noida and Greater Noida. Why this ban? The Tribunal noticed that construction activities have violated environmental standards as it will require huge underground water drawing for construction which will further deplete and pollute water table in this area which has already gone down tremendously. The Tribunal also noted that the underground water used by builders for construction hardly re-percolates into earth for the fact that it is a tree-free zone, has a concrete base, and water largely is wasted as it flows into the drains. The constructions have also violated the guidelines by the Central Ground Water Authority and builders had no proof of receiving environmental clearance from the state government as it is necessary for builders who are raising the construction of 20,000 square metres and above to take environmental clearance under the relevant rules from the State Government.
A yellow alert was issued by Chinese meteorological authority indicating dangerous levels of smog in Chinas northern and western regions, including major cities like Beijing and Chengdu. The density of PM2.5 particulates had surpassed 700 micrograms per cubic meter in many parts of the city, much above than the daily safety level of 25 micrograms per cubic meter as considered by the World HealthOrganization. What is PM2.5? PM is the short of Particulate Matter which describes condensed phase (solid or liquid) particles suspended in the atmosphere. Their potential for causing health problems is directly associated with the size of the particles. As per WHO standards, PM less than 2.5 m in diameter (PM2.5), are more closely linked to adverse health effects than other metrics such as PM10 (particles with a diameter less than 10 m).
Source of Iodine oxide gas responsible for destruction of ozone over oceans identified
January 17th, 2013
Scientists at the University of York and Leeds in Britain have established that the majority of ozonedepleting gas iodine oxide observed over the remote ocean comes from a previously unknown marine source. As per researchers, the main source of iodine oxide can be explained by emissions of hypoiodous acid (HOI) a gas not yet considered as being released from the ocean along with a contribution from molecular iodine.
MoEF asks all states to declare eco sensitive zones around national parks, sanctuaries by Feb 15, 2013
January 15th, 2013
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The state forest department of Madhya Pradesh has identified 17 eco-sensitive zones around its wild life sanctuaries and parks, where illegal commercial activities including mining will be prohibited. The department has approved a site specific proposal of identifying eco sensitive zones around Kanha National Park (Mandla), Pench National Park (Seoni), Bandhavgarh National Park (Umaria), Panna National Park (Panna) and Kuno Palpur sanctury (Seopur) among others. Madhya Pradesh has 8 national parks and 25 wildlife sanctuaries. Why this move? The decision by the MP govt has come after the Ministry of Environmentand Forests to send a site specific proposal to identify eco sensitive zone. After it is approved by the cabinet, the state government would send the proposal to the Environment Ministry which would declare the eco sensitive zones. What is an eco-sensitive zone and what are the norms under it? Eco-sensitive zone is land falling within 10 km of a park or sanctuary. As per norms, commercial activities and other activities harmful to environment like setting up of industries, hotels and resorts, mining activities among others will be prohibited.
As per a latest report published in journal Environmental Science & Technology, Internet and other components of information communication and technology (ICT) industry annually produces more than 830 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2), the main greenhouse gas, and is likely to double by 2020. How does ICT industry produce CO2? that the information communications and technology (ICT) industry, which delivers Internet, video, voice and other cloud services accounts for around 2% of global CO2 emissions which is equivalent to what emitted by the aviation industry. The calculation for CO2 emission was done by taking into account the data traffic, energy use and CO2 production in networks and other elements of the ICT industry. How it can be controlled? Introduction and use of more efficient power usage of facilities, more efficient use of energy-efficient equipment and renewable energy sources are three major ways to slash ICT emissions of CO2.
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