India accelerates pollution complaint resolution
The Indian government is taking decisive steps to address the pressing issue of air and water pollution. The Environment Ministry has proposed new rules aimed at expediting the resolution of pollution complaints. This initiative involves establishing a dedicated team of adjudicating officers who will handle these cases directly, bypassing the often-lengthy court processes. Additionally, the ministry plans to appoint presenting officers to gather evidence and present cases to the adjudicators, streamlining the process further.
To foster a more business-friendly environment, the ministry is also considering exempting certain non-polluting industries from obtaining prior operational consent. This measure is expected to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and boost economic activity. The government is seeking public feedback on these proposed changes within the next 60 days.
By implementing these reforms, the government aims to significantly improve air and water quality while promoting a more efficient and transparent regulatory environment. These measures are crucial for safeguarding public health and protecting the environment. (The Times of India)
Jharkhand High Court demands water body conservation plan
The Jharkhand High Court has expressed dissatisfaction with the state government's efforts to protect and conserve water bodies in Ranchi. The court has ordered the government to present a detailed long-term plan for the upkeep of lakes and reservoirs in the capital.
This development follows a public interest litigation highlighting the alarming encroachment and degradation of water bodies in the city. Despite the government submitting an initial report, the court deemed it insufficient and demanded a comprehensive strategy.
The case will be revisited on August 28th, when the government is expected to outline its plans for preserving these vital water resources. (The Times of India)
Gujarat lags in marine conservation
Gujarat has been ranked at the bottom of India for its performance in protecting marine life, according to the SDG India Index. The state's mangrove cover has decreased, and water quality remains poor. Experts blame industrial activity, lack of conservation efforts, and government policies for the deteriorating marine ecosystem.
While the government claims to have increased mangrove cover, data contradicts this, and concerns about treated effluents being discharged into the sea persist. Despite ambitious national targets for marine protection, Gujarat appears to be falling short. The state's failure to establish effective coastal management committees has compounded the issue.
Experts urge immediate action to address these challenges and safeguard the state's marine environment. (The Times of India)
India expands Ramsar sites to 85
India has significantly expanded its network of Ramsar wetlands, which are crucial ecosystems for biodiversity and water conservation. On the eve of Independence Day, the country added three new sites — Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary and Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, and Tawa Reservoir in Madhya Pradesh — bringing the total number of Ramsar sites to 85.
This achievement reflects the government’s commitment to environmental protection and aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of harmonious coexistence with nature. The expansion of Ramsar sites is a testament to India’s growing efforts in wetland conservation and management.
With Tamil Nadu now leading the nation in the number of Ramsar sites, the country has made substantial progress in safeguarding these vital ecosystems. (PIB)
After repeated bridge collapses, Bihar introduces new SOP
In response to the collapse of 15 bridges, both small and large, since June, the Bihar government has introduced a new standard operating procedure (SOP) for bridge construction. Under this SOP, agencies responsible for building bridges and culverts are required to obtain no-objection certificates (NOCs) from the state's water resources department (WRD).
The new SOP is designed to guide departments such as road construction, rural works, panchayat raj, and even the WRD itself. It mandates that the WRD assess and approve the structure and design of bridges before construction begins, particularly for bridges over rivers, rivulets, or canals.
Since June, 15 bridges have collapsed across six districts: Araria, Kishanganj, Madhubani, East Champaran, Saran, and Siwan. More recently, a small bridge in Paharpur village, Vaishali district, collapsed due to flood damage sustained four years ago.
State water resources minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary explained that the removal of silt around bridge pillars led to these failures, as the silt did not settle below the natural soil level (NSL), causing instability. The new policy aims to prevent such incidents by ensuring bridge foundations rest on stable natural soil.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also took note of the issue, holding a high-level meeting with senior officials from the relevant departments. Following the CM's review, the government introduced a state bridge maintenance policy and decided to issue health cards for all bridges to facilitate timely technical maintenance and repairs. Additionally, a committee of senior engineers was formed to conduct on-site assessments of bridges. (The Wire)
NGT to investigate illegal tree felling for Kanwar route
The National Green Tribunal has ordered an investigation into allegations of widespread illegal tree felling for the construction of a 111-kilometer road dedicated to the Kanwar Yatra pilgrimage in Uttar Pradesh. It is alleged that over one lakh trees were cut down across three forest divisions of Ghaziabad, Meerut, and Muzaffarnagar for the construction of the Kanwar road from Muradnagar (Ghaziabad district) to Purkaji (Muzaffarnagar district) near Uttarakhand border.
A four-member panel, including experts from the Forest Survey of India and the environment ministry, will probe the matter. The NGT has also directed the Uttar Pradesh government to assure that no illegal tree felling has occurred. This development comes after the tribunal rejected a previous proposal to build an eight-lane expressway on the same route due to environmental concerns. (Hindustan Times)
NGT keeps stay on Kerala Water Project
The National Green Tribunal has maintained a stay on Kerala's Idukki water project following objections raised by Tamil Nadu farmers. Tamil Nadu fears that the project will reduce water flow to the Amaravathy dam, which is crucial for irrigation and drinking water supply in the region.
Kerala has defended the project, claiming it is a small-scale initiative aimed at providing drinking water to tribal communities. However, the NGT has ordered Kerala to provide detailed information about all water usage in the Pambar river basin. Tamil Nadu has also raised concerns about potential environmental damage to the Anamalai Tiger Reserve.
The dispute between the two states over water sharing continues, with the NGT set to hear the case again in September. (The Times of India)
This is a roundup of important policy updates from August 1 to August 15, 2024. Read our news updates here
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