NGT asks CPCB to monitor industrial waste discharge of states

Following a petition passed against industrial pollution in the country, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to come up with a mechanism for continuously monitoring the industrial waste discharge in all states and union territories. Through the mechanism, the NGT wants the board to monitor the functioning of the effluent treatment plants in the industrial units and take action against the erring units. Also, the tribunal has directed the CPCB to appoint a nodal officer for this purpose who will work closely with the environment ministry.

Maharashtra gears up efforts to promote micro-irrigation

The Maharashtra government will be offering a subsidised loan of Rs 85,000 per hectare to farmers for installing drip irrigation system. As per the new scheme, an interest of 5.5 percent will be offered on the loan which can be availed for a period of five years and for up to five hectares of land. Only 24 percent of sugarcane plantation in the state is under the micro-irrigation system. With the new scheme, however, the government aims to bring the remaining 7.18 lakh hectares of land under drip irrigation by 2019. With the implementation of the new scheme, the state government also expects to reduce 30 to 50 percent of water consumption for sugarcane cultivation.

Disposal of e-waste on Ramganga banks: NGT irked over noncompliance

Taking note of noncompliance of its earlier order on the removal of e-waste from Ramganga riverbanks in Moradabad, the National Green Tribunal has ordered the Uttar Pradesh chief secretary to appear before it on October 10 and apprise it of the matter. The tribunal has been informed that despite its strict orders against illegal processing of electronic waste along the Ramganga river, a number of sealed e-waste industries are operating illegally in densely populated residential areas of Moradabad. The administration has also failed to take any action against people involved in unscientific dismantling and washing of metal-rich residue on the banks of the Ramganga. 

Special task force to check pollution in Ghaggar tributaries formed

On August 7, 2018, the National Green Tribunal had ordered the chief secretaries of Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh to form special task forces (STFs) to tackle pollution in the Ghaggar river within a month. Abiding by the tribunal's order, the Himachal Pradesh government has constituted a special task force at both state and district levels. The district level task force will be responsible for keeping a check on the discharge of industrial and municipal effluents in Ghaggar river and its tributaries and will submit a monthly action-taken report to the state-level task force.

World Bank nod to Shimla drinking water scheme

The World Bank has approved the detailed project report (DPR) of the Rs 325-crore drinking water scheme for Shimla, a major tourist destination. The proposed scheme envisages lifting of Satluj river water at Shakrodi in Shimla district and supplying 70 MLD of water to Shimla town and residential areas adjoining Shimla planning area. The project, that is expected to get completed in the next three years, aims to provide round-the-clock water to residents. 

This is a roundup of important policy matters from September 12 - 18, 2018. Also read the news this week.