BJP should learn from Congress' defeat: Environmentalists

BJP should learn from Congress' defeat: Environmentalists

Environmentalists suggest that the new government should focus on urbanisation, air and water pollution. Blame the ealrier government for ignoring the environmental and social concerns of the people, which has led to its defeat.

New hopes for Ganga: Activists

As per a 2012 Central Pollution Control Board, government has spent more than Rs 20,000 crore on cleaning Ganga river. However, new hopes have aroused for the river, with the advent of the new government. 

UNICEF's hand washing drive shows its results

Within a year of implementation, UNICEF's WASH programme shows remarkable results in terms of improvement in attendance and reduction in infectious diseases among children in a school in Assam. 

Illegal beach sand mining continues unabated in Ratnagiri

Labourers in Ratnagiri district in Maharashtra continues to illegally mine beach sand, despite NGT's ban on the activity. The rampant mining is removing the buffer between ocean and human habitation. 

Vegetables grown on Yamuna's bed are contaminated: Activists

According to the two applications filed in Delhi High Court and NGT, the vegetables and fruits grown on Yamuna's bed are highly toxic due to the large scale pollution of Yamuna with industrial effluent and sewage.

Pune all set to tackle floods this monsoon

Even before the onset of monsoon, Pune Municipal Corporaton activates its disaster management cell. Has identified 11 low lying locations in the city for directing the floodwaters.

SC withdraws ban on iron ore mining in Goa

Supreme Court has put an end to the 18-month long ban on iron ore mining in Goa that has severly affected the state's econmoy. Allows conditional resumption of the activity in the state.

NGT gets strict with Singrauli polluters

NGT directs industries in Singrauli region to install and commission reverse osmosis units for catering to the drinking water needs of the locals. Industries ordered to stop dumping of industrial waste in Rihand reservoir and connected reservoirs. 

Adan's mega coal mine project in Australia gets a nod

Australian authorities approve Adani's mega coal mine project in Queensland. The project, meant to cater India's power needs, gets clearance despite experts projecting it to be a threat to the environment and economy. 

No clear future for Lakhwar-Vyasi hydel projects

MoEF violates Supreme Court's order by giving clearance to Lakhwar and Vyasi hydro projects in Uttarakhand, reports expert panel. 

Court seeks fresh study on Brahmani

Dissatisfied with the report by state authorities on pollution in Brahmani river, Odisha High Court orders Central Pollution Control Board to conduct a fresh probe.

High fish mortality observed in Himachal wetlands

Hundreds of fish dying in Rewalsar wetlands in Himacha Pradesh. Experts blame water contamination for the high fish mortality.

NCPNR opposes ongoing construction on Hanumagiri hill

The National Committee for Protection of Natural Resources (NCPNR) and other organisations woking against land grabbers have requested the government to stop the construction works by a private developer on Hanumangiri hills in Bangalore.

Meghalaya prepares to file appeal against NGT ban

The Meghalaya government is setting up details of an appeal againt the National Green Tribunal ban on illegal sand mining in the state. Forms committee to work on the guidelines and implementation of the State Mining Policy. 

Chennai to have vertical drains soon

Chennai Corporation are constructing vertical grating on roads this monsoon, instead of stromwater drains. The vertical inlet arrangements will help in reduction of solid waste entering the drains.

This is the roundup of important news of May  15 -17, 2014.