Forest panel rejects highly opposed dam projects in the Northeast

Forest Advisory Committee rejects the controversial Tipaimukh and Dibang hydro-electric projects

In its meeting held on July 11 and 12, the Committee cites large scale tree-felling, diversion of a large tract of forest land and impact on wildlife and people's livelihood as reasons for rejection of both the projects in the Northeast. Despite the rejection however, the Prime Minister on July 27, offered Bangladesh a stake in the Tipaimukh project. The Minister of Environment and Forests has to take a decision on the projects now.

Only 22% of India is poor now

As per the new poverty estimate report of the Planning Commission, only 22% people in India are poor now, down from the 37.2% figure in 2004-05. The new poverty line stands at Rs 27 a day for rural areas and Rs 30 a day for urban areas. The methodology used to define poverty on the basis of consumption has come under criticism again after two years.

Vedanta mining gets sixth rejection in a row

Out of the 12 Gram Sabhas to be held in the Niyamgiri hill range on the issue of Vedanta Aluminium Limited's proposed mining project, tribals from six villages have said a strict no to the project. The Gram Sabhas started on July 18 and the district magistrate of Kalahandi and Rayagadha districts in which the hills fall, are visiting villages as per a Supreme Court order to record the decision of the Dongria Kondh tribals who reside in the hills.

24*7 water supply promise goes awry

Citizens of Nagpur protest against a private water supply company by stalling pipeline work in a part of the city. The residents, who say the scheme has been forced upon them, have been receiving inflated water bills even though no water has reached them yet under the new scheme.

Green Tribunal clears OPG power plant in Kutch district of Gujarat

Despite being strongly opposed by the fishing community of Kutch, the National Green Tribunal has cleared the 300-Mega watt OPG power plant. Fishermen are concerned that the power plant will discharge its used hot water into the sea, affecting the fish catch. The Tribunal has also slapped a fine of Rs 10,000 on the appellant, a fisherman.

This is a roundup of important news from July 22-28, 2013.