No environment clearance in eight critically polluted areas

The Environment Ministry will not grant clearance to any more projects in eight critically polluted industrial areas of the country. In january 2010, the Ministry had imposed a ban on project clearance in 43 industrial clusters, which was later lifted in 26 locations. However, eight of these have registered an alarming rise in pollution as per a Central Pollution Control Board study. Industry lobbyists claim that the move will hurt industrial growth

Amma bottled water hits the market

The Tamil Nadu state government-owned bottled water, Amma mineral water, was launched this week. Priced at Rs 10 for a litre, 'Amma' drinking water is said to be the cheapest available bottled water in the country, next only to the 'Rail Neer' brand of the Railways that sells at Rs 15 per litre. Carrying a picture of state Chief Minister Jayalalitha, the mineral water will be marketed by the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation and sold in long route buses and at bus stations.

24*7 water supply for Guwahati

A new project by the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority aims to provide round-the-clock treated water supply with adequate pressure in the capital town of Assam. A new grievance redressal cell and a customer care centre have been set up to address the residents' complaints and queries regarding the scheme.

Survey to catch Periyar polluters

The Kerala state Pollution Control Board will carry out a survey of residential buildings and canals around the Periyar river to identify the agents that are polluting the river, which is one of Kochi district's main source of drinking water. The river is plagued by organic waste that has reduced its dissolved oxygen and thus affected its aquatic life. Environmentalists however feel that industrial effluents are the cause of the pollution and not household waste.

Tamil Nadu government orders probe into beach mineral mining

The state government has suspended mining operations in 71 quarries where mining of beach minerals like Garnet, Illmenite and Rutile takes place. The government has also ordered an investigation into allegations of illegal mining in Kanyakumari, Tiruchi, Madurai and Tirunelveli districts. A committee set up to investigate the complaints of illegal mining in Tuticorin district earlier will conduct the probe in these districts.

This is a weekly roundup of policy matters from September 16-22. Also read last week's news roundup.