Accelerating biofuel adoption worldwide
The Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) is an initiative launched by India as the G20 Chair with the aim of expediting the global uptake of biofuels through facilitating technological advancements, intensifying utilization of sustainable biofuels, and shaping robust standard setting and certification through the participation of a wide spectrum of stakeholders. The alliance will also act as a central repository of knowledge and an expert hub.
It was launched on September 9, 2023, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi, with the leaders of Singapore, Bangladesh, Italy, the USA, Brazil, Argentina, Mauritius, and the UAE in attendance. The GBA is a grouping of more than 30 countries and international institutions formed to facilitate the adoption of biofuels in order to unlock bioenergy access in emerging economies.
The GBA focuses on promoting sustainable biofuels, especially in the transportation sector, and aims to enhance markets, support global biofuel trade, share policy insights, and provide technical assistance to national biofuel programs worldwide. The GBA is committed to accelerating shipping decarbonisation and is working towards setting standards for the same. India’s presidency has directed the spotlight onto the Global South, where the world’s majority live, and has urged the GBA to focus on R&D investment and technology transfer. (CNBC)
Meghalaya cabinet approves establishment of State Water Informatics Centre
The Meghalaya Cabinet has granted its approval for the creation of the State Water Informatics Centre, designating the Department of Water Resources as its principal overseeing authority.
The State Water Informatics Centre will serve as the designated entity tasked with the compilation and maintenance of data pertaining to waterbodies, encompassing watersheds and spring sheds, and its ongoing monitoring year-round.
Furthermore, it will be responsible for disseminating this valuable data to relevant departments in alignment with the directives set forth by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, facilitating well-informed decision-making. (India Today NE)
No boats in Bhopal's Upper Lake, orders Green Tribunal
The National Green Tribunal has issued an order to cease the operations of cruise boats and other motorised vessels on Bhopal's Upper Lake. This directive came in response to environmentalist Subhash Pandey's petition to the tribunal, wherein he highlighted the Madhya Pradesh government's authorization of a cruise vessel in the 'Bhoj wetland.' Notably, this wetland is internationally recognised as a Ramsar site, encompassing two lakes—Upper Lake (also known as Bhojtal or Bada Talaab) and Lower Lake (Chhota Talaab). Covering approximately 31 square kilometres, the Upper Lake serves as a critical source of drinking water for the city, upon which around 1.2 million Bhopal residents depend.
Moreover, the Upper Lake holds substantial significance for the local climate, vegetation, groundwater levels, and groundwater quality in the surrounding region. It houses more than 15 fish species, along with several vulnerable species such as turtles, amphibians, and aquatic invertebrates. Additionally, over 2,500 migratory birds from around the world frequently visit this wetland for breeding and seed dispersal, contributing to the preservation of biodiversity along their migration routes.
The tribunal has explicitly stipulated that no permanent structures will be permitted within the 'zone of influence' of water bodies and wetlands. Any existing permanent construction within this area must be demolished.
Dr Subhash C Pandey, an environmentalist, has raised concerns about the severe damage and degradation of the 'Bhoj Wetland' and other water bodies due to the operation of motorised boats and cruise vessels. He has pointed out that small cruise ships carrying passengers effectively act as floating communities that contaminate water bodies with sewage, wastewater, and other pollutants. A medium-sized cruise vessel can consume up to 150 tonnes of fuel daily and discharge toxic waste into the water.
Notably, the Bhopal Master Plan of 2005 explicitly stated that recreational activities should not be permitted in the Upper Lake's waters, as it primarily serves as a source of drinking water. Such recreational activities could potentially compromise water quality. (NDTV)
Report refutes claims of water contamination due to gypsum mining in Jammu and Kashmir
According to the district mineral officer of Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, as of September 11, 2023, gypsum mining in the region had not had adverse effects on the health of local residents or the environment. The officer reported that environmental clearances were granted to lease holders with specific conditions designed to address the environmental impacts of gypsum mining.
Furthermore, it was stated that competent authorities are regularly monitoring each mining lease holder to ensure their compliance with the conditions outlined in the mining plan, environmental clearances, and consent to operate.
The report specifically refuted claims of water contamination due to gypsum mining and its association with tuberculosis. It emphasized that air and particulate matter pollution in the gypsum mining area of Baramulla district is being effectively controlled by mining lease holders, who use water sprinklers for dust suppression in and around the mining sites.
Additionally, the report highlighted that the mineral gypsum is only partially water-soluble and does not readily dissolve in water. Therefore, there are limited chances of minerals being washed out during the rainy season. Moreover, water is not utilised in the mining process of this mineral, as indicated in the submission to the tribunal.
The report further explained that the Jammu and Kashmir government granted 15 mining leases to project proponents in the region after completing all necessary formalities. These formalities included obtaining no objection certificates from various stakeholder departments, such as Wildlife and Forest, and the approval of mining plans by the Indian Bureau of Mines.
Since 2016, the gypsum mining leases have been subject to monitoring and regulation under "The Jammu & Kashmir Minor Mineral Concession, Storage, Transportation of Minerals, and Prevention of Illegal Mining Rules, 2016," as outlined in the report. (India Environment Portal)
NGT’s directives on dumping of silt from irrigation canals in Kolkata
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Irrigation and Waterways Department, West Bengal, to respond to the allegations of silt dumping from irrigation canals on a piece of land, creating a temporary dumping ground in Kolkata.
The NGT observed that the inspection report revealed that approximately 1.5 bigha of land had been used for the dumping of silt dredged from various irrigation canals. This improper dumping, along with the use of machinery, had resulted in the formation of potholes within the designated area (temporary dumping ground), leading to the accumulation of stagnant water. According to the inspection report, the entity responsible for these dumping activities is the Irrigation and Waterways Department of West Bengal.
The NGT issued directives instructing the Principal Secretary of the Irrigation and Waterways Department, West Bengal, to submit a personal affidavit within a span of two weeks. This affidavit should address the allegations outlined in the application and the committee report. Furthermore, the NGT also mandated that the Principal Secretary, Irrigation and Waterways Department, West Bengal, submit an affidavit confirming the complete removal of all muck and dumped materials from the specified area and the restoration of the land to its original condition by the next scheduled hearing date, which is September 22, 2023. (India Environment Portal)
This is a roundup of important policy matters from September 1 - September 14, 2023.
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