Addressing arsenic in food chain: NGT orders inquiry

Concerned about arsenic in food, NGT seeks government response

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) in India has taken notice of a media report suggesting the presence of arsenic in food, particularly rice. Prompted by this report, the tribunal has issued notices to the central government's ministries of agriculture and environment & forests, along with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). These notices request detailed responses on the issue.

The NGT's concern stems from the potential health risks associated with arsenic exposure. The media report cited by the tribunal highlights how arsenic, a naturally occurring toxin in soil and water, can enter the food chain. The report further points out that human activities like using pesticides and fertilizers can worsen this contamination. Rice, due to its high-water absorption, is especially susceptible.

Experts recommend washing and soaking rice thoroughly before cooking as a way to reduce arsenic content. The NGT order acknowledges the regional variations in arsenic contamination and its natural presence in the environment. However, it also raises concerns about lax environmental regulations and enforcement based on the WHO's warnings about the long-term health risks of arsenic exposure. The tribunal has scheduled a follow-up hearing for September 2nd to further address this issue. (Deccan Herald)

NGT cracks down on illegal sandmining in Sharavathi River

The NGT took action against illegal sand mining in the Sharavathi river's coastal zone. In response to an application highlighting the damage to wildlife caused by this activity, the NGT's southern zone bench (led by Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and expert member Satyagopal Korlapati) directed the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and the mines and geology department to stop all unlawful mining.

The investigation revealed a lack of proper permits. The SEIAA confirmed that no environmental clearances had been granted for sand mining in the area. The department also couldn't clarify whether permits issued for transporting sand were for existing stockpiles or fresh mining.

To address this, the NGT ordered inspections and a report. The tribunal directed both government departments to inspect the sites and submit a report by July 26th, ensuring proper regulation and protection of the Sharavathi river ecosystem. (Deccan Herald)

India's Climate Policy: New survey reveals deep concern and action readiness

A nationwide survey conducted in September-October 2023 highlights India's growing anxieties and readiness for action regarding climate change. The "Climate Change in the Indian Mind, 2023" report, a collaboration between the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication and CVoter, reveals that 91% of respondents acknowledge global warming as a real and immediate threat. A significant 59% are "very worried," indicating a heightened sense of urgency.

The survey uncovers the public's understanding of climate change causes, with 52% attributing it primarily to human activities, while 38% blame natural changes. The remaining 10% are either unsure or deny its existence. The perceived risks are substantial, with over 80% believing climate change will harm flora and fauna (83%), people in India (82%), future generations (81%), their communities (78%), and even their families (74%).

More than half (53%) of Indians believe they are already experiencing the effects of global warming, with extreme heat, droughts, rising sea levels, and floods causing relocation considerations for 34% of the population. Looking forward, a majority foresee increased severe heat waves (60%), species extinctions (57%), droughts (56%), severe cyclones (54%), famines (50%), and floods (46%).

A significant 71% report feeling climate change's impact on local weather, and 76% on India's monsoons, highlighting the immediate weather fluctuations attributed to global warming. Despite these concerns, there is a strong willingness to act: 79% express a desire to change their daily routines for environmental protection, with 25% already making changes and 54% "definitely" willing to do so.

Public expectations for government action are high, with 78% urging for increased efforts to address climate change, and only 10% deeming current efforts sufficient. With substantial support for ambitious goals like Net Zero emissions, India is poised to tackle climate change head-on. (Down To Earth)

India's tree cover loss under scrutiny: NGT demands answers

Alarmed by a report highlighting a significant decline in India's tree cover, the NGT has taken a strong stance. The report, based on data from Global Forest Watch, claims a worrying loss of 2.33 million hectares (around 6% of the total) over the past two decades.

Concerned about potential violations of environmental laws due to deforestation, the NGT has issued notices to key government bodies such as the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Survey of India (SoI), and the Central Pollution Control Board.

The report itself raises several specific concerns. One particularly worrying aspect is the loss of primary forest. These untouched, old-growth forests are vital for storing carbon dioxide, and the report indicates that 18% of the total tree cover loss falls under this category. This raises serious concerns about the long-term impact on India's ability to absorb carbon emissions. While the report does acknowledge that Indian forests act as a net carbon sink overall, absorbing more CO2 than they emit, deforestation still contributes to the overall problem.

Another key point highlighted by the report is the uneven distribution of forest loss. Five northeastern states, led by Assam, bore the brunt of the decline, accounting for a collective 60% of the lost tree cover. This regional disparity suggests potential environmental imbalances and underlines the need for targeted conservation efforts in these specific areas.

The NGT's response to the report has been swift and decisive. They have demanded a detailed report from the Survey of India, specifically focusing on changes in forest cover since 2000, with a particular emphasis on the northeastern region. This thorough assessment will provide crucial data to understand the full extent of the problem. Additionally, the NGT has scheduled the next hearing for August 28th, 2024, indicating a commitment to investigate the matter thoroughly. (CNBC TV18)

NGT raises concerns over Silandhi check dam construction in Kerala

The NGT has directed the Kerala government to halt construction of the Silandhi check dam across the Silandhi River, a tributary of the Amaravathi River, if it hasn't secured the mandatory approvals. This directive comes after reports in The Times of India on May 20th, 2024, raised concerns about the dam's potential impact on water flow to the Amaravathi dam in Tamil Nadu.

The Amaravathi dam serves as a crucial source of irrigation for over 55,000 acres of agricultural land in Tirupur and Karur districts of Tamil Nadu. The NGT's southern zone in Chennai took suo motu cognizance (acting on its own initiative) of the news report due to the potential interstate water dispute arising from construction on a river flowing between two states.

Fuelled by concerns and media reports, including pictures of the construction in vernacular dailies (local newspapers), the NGT issued notices to the governments of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, along with the respective district collectors.

The crux of the NGT's directive lies in ensuring proper environmental clearances and approvals for the project. The tribunal has directed Kerala's water resources and forest departments to verify the existence of all mandatory approvals. Construction must be halted if these approvals are absent.

The next hearing for this case is scheduled for July 23rd, 2024. This timeframe suggests the NGT's intent to thoroughly investigate the matter and potentially mediate between the concerned states regarding water rights and environmental considerations. (The Times of India)

Dissatisfied with DPCC report, NGT demands new one on Yamuna floodplain encroachment

The NGT expressed strong disapproval of a report submitted by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) regarding encroachment on the Yamuna floodplain (O-zone). The tribunal has requested a new report within four weeks.

Earlier this year, the NGT took suo motu cognizance (acted independently) based on a Times of India report titled "161 illegal colonies in O zone making river water toxic." This prompted them to seek explanations from various departments, including the DPCC.

The O-zone is a designated area along the Yamuna riverfront, crucial for the environment and prone to flooding. Despite these factors, it faces widespread encroachment and construction activity.

The NGT bench, headed by Justice Prakash Shrivastava, criticised the lack of response from several parties. These included the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and district magistrates from various North Delhi districts. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) representative requested a four-week extension to file their response due to ongoing Parliamentary Elections.

The tribunal expressed particular dissatisfaction with the DPCC report, filed in May 2024. They stated the report lacked substantive content and merely deferred responsibility to a high-level committee.

In March 2024, the NGT sought explanations regarding the issue based on the Times of India report. The report highlighted that over 230,000 households across 161 O-zone colonies lack sewage infrastructure. As a result, untreated sewage is discharged directly into the Yamuna, severely polluting the river.

The DJB acknowledged the lack of sewage infrastructure in these unauthorised colonies and estimated that 318 colonies require connection. However, they stated they haven't obtained the necessary clearances and it would take another 18 months to complete the project once approved.

This revised passage clarifies the timeline, highlights the specific issues with the DPCC report, and provides context for the urgency of addressing the Yamuna floodplain encroachment. (The Times of India)

This is a roundup of important policy updates from 16th May to 31st May, 2024. Read our news updates here.