NGT announces heavy fines, bans farming to clean up Yamuna

Under its judgement 'Maili se Nirmal Yamuna Project 2017', the National Green Tribunal has announced a fine ranging from Rs 5000-50,000 for anyone found throwing waste into the Yamuna river. Also, the Tribunal has ordered the Delhi Jal Board to make the 23 existing Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) functional by 2015 while also adding 32 STPs on major and minor drains at locations recommended by the Expert Committee. Along with this, the Tribunal has put a ban on cultivating edible crops on the floodplains of Yamuna and has ordered authorities to build special ghats on the Yamuna's banks for immersing religious items.

SC reprimands Centre yet again over Ganga clean up

Supreme Court has once again pulled up the Centre for the poor progress of the Ganga Action Plan. It now seeks the Centre's response on whether the river will be rejuvenated within this term or the next. However, the Centre has assured the SC that the Ganga Rejuvenation project will be completed by 2018. Also, to accelerate the process of reviving the Ganga, the Centre is mulling plans to involve the private sector in the clean-up process by introducing the IIT's suggested revenue model for sewage treatment in all the 118 towns along the river banks.

10 years on, Maharashtra Government finally activates the State Water Council

The State Water Council has finally held its first meeting last week, with the Chief Minister of Maharashtra as its president. For the last 10 years, the Council has not met despite a provision in the Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority Act, 2005. Introducing discipline in water distribution to various geographical regions and interest groups, monitoring the irrigation sector and ensuring river basin-wise water management, are among the various responsibilities that the Council holds.

Farmers in India to have Soil Health Cards soon

Under the 'Mera Gaon, Mera Gaurav' campaign, the Ministry of Agriculture has allocated Rs 568 crore to provide Soil Health Cards to more than 14 crore farmers in the next 3 years. The move is aimed at boosting the agricultural sector by expanding the water and land resources for agriculture in the country. Also, the Ministry has requested agriculture scientists and students to spread awareness about the initiative.

NGT orders electrical and electronic firms in MP, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan to handle their e-waste

The National Green Tribunal has ordered all producers and manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan to set up collection centres and systems to handle discarded electronic products. Also, the panel has ordered manufacturers to set aside 10% of their advertisement expenditure to spread awareness among consumers about proper management of e-waste. All the firms in the three states have to comply to the Tribunal's order by May 26, 2015.

This is a roundup of important policy matters from January 12 - 18, 2015. Also read last week's news updates.