National Green Tribunal urges Coastal Zone Management Authorities to address rising sea levels and island submergence
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken a significant step in addressing the growing concerns related to sea-level rise and the submergence of low-lying lands in India's coastal regions. In response to an expert panel's recommendations, the NGT has directed the Coastal Zone Management Authorities (CZMAs) in coastal States and Union Territories to consider incorporating these suggestions into their Integrated Island Management Plans (IIMPs). The panel's recommendations emphasise the need for island-specific sustainable development and tourism policies, with a focus on climate-related risks.
This initiative stems from the NGT's suo motu cognisance of a report published in The Hindu on March 19, 2023, which highlighted the vulnerabilities of India's 1,382 islands to unseasonal cyclonic storms, sea erosion, and various development projects. The NGT acknowledges the reality of rising sea levels and the consequent submergence of island areas, as underlined in the panel's report. The decision to issue notices to CZMAs is driven by the seriousness of the matter and the broader implications highlighted in the original application.
These notices are set to be directed to the Secretaries of the Ministries of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Earth Sciences, and the Island Development Authority. The expert panel's recommendations encompass a multifaceted approach to addressing the challenges posed by sea-level rise. They advocate diversified economic development, controlled growth in natural resources, and the promotion of blue economy activities along marine and coastal fronts. Furthermore, the panel encourages alternative climate-resilient livelihood practices on the islands and initiatives to explore ecosystem restoration to combat the adverse impacts of climate change.
This action by the NGT represents a critical step toward integrating climate change adaptation and sustainable development into the planning and management of India's vulnerable coastal islands. The focus on island-specific policies and economic strategies underscores the urgency of addressing these pressing environmental concerns. (The Hindu)
NGT forms panel to address floodplain encroachments on Yamuna River
In response to a news report linking unauthorised construction to flooding in Delhi, the NGT has established a committee with the Delhi Chief Secretary at the helm to propose strategies for removing encroachments from the Yamuna floodplains. The NGT has set a deadline for the committee to submit its findings by January 30 of the following year. The severe floods experienced in Delhi in July, which resulted in the displacement of numerous individuals and inundation of various areas, have prompted experts to attribute the floods, at least in part, to floodplain encroachments.
The NGT's principal bench, in an order dated October 17, has emphasised the need to identify, delineate, and formally designate the Yamuna floodplains in alignment with the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order of 2016. Consequently, the NGT has decided to form a high-level committee under the leadership of the Delhi Chief Secretary to visit the floodplains, oversee their demarcation, and propose strategies for averting and eliminating encroachments and unauthorised constructions. (The New Indian Express)
The NGT clears water supply project on Sikharchandi Hills in Bhubaneswar
The NGT has granted approval for the water supply project proposed by the Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO) on Sikharchandi Hills in Bhubaneswar. The project had faced a previous suspension by the tribunal following a complaint from Sachin Mohapatra, a resident of Daruthenga village. Mohapatra alleged that trees had been felled and large boulders removed from Sikharchandi Hills without the necessary permissions from the forest department and other relevant authorities.
In its order, the NGT directed WATCO to adhere to a specific land area. Although the Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) had allocated four acres of land for the water tank's construction, the joint committee overseeing the project determined that, according to the layout plan, only three acres should be utilised. The NGT's order emphasises that WATCO must not exceed this designated area.
To further assess the situation, a joint inspection committee conducted an examination of the construction site and engaged in discussions with local residents, the divisional forest officer of Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary, and various stakeholders involved in the case.
Following these evaluations, the NGT reached the conclusion that the Sikharchandi Hills area does not fall within any officially designated forest land. Additionally, the hills are situated outside the eco-sensitive zone of the Chandaka Sanctuary. Moreover, as the total construction area will remain within 12,140.6 square meters, the NGT determined that there is no requirement for environmental clearance for the project. (Pragativadi)
Arunachal Pradesh State Cabinet approves Operation and Maintenance Policy for rural and urban water supply system
The State Cabinet of Arunachal Pradesh played a significant role in environmental management by approving three vital bylaws related to solid waste management – Arunachal Pradesh Solid Waste (Management & Handling) Byelaws 2023, Plastic Waste Management Byelaws 2023, and Construction & Demolition Waste Management Byelaws 2023. Moreover, the Cabinet endorsed an Operation and Maintenance Policy for rural and urban water supply systems, aiming to ensure the sustainable management of water supply across the state.
Also, the Cabinet approved the constitution of the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) for Arunachal Pradesh, in line with National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) guidelines, for the protection of tiger reserves in Namdapha, Pakke, and Kamlang.
This STPF creation will not only safeguard tigers and their habitats but also help in preventing wildlife trafficking, preserving the assets of the Department of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, and supporting the scientific management of forests. The STPF will consist of 336 regular posts, divided into three companies, each assigned to one of the tiger reserves. (NE India Broadcast)
President of India launches the fourth Agriculture Road Map of Bihar
The President of India, Droupadi Murmu launched the fourth Agriculture Road Map (2023-2028) of Bihar at Patna recently. The President emphasised the significance of agriculture in Bihar's culture and economy during her address. She praised the state's Agriculture Road Map, which has boosted agricultural productivity and positioned Bihar as a leader in various agricultural sectors. She noted that as a result of the implementation of the last three agricultural road maps, the productivity of paddy, wheat and maize in the state has almost doubled in Bihar.
She noted that Bihar's farmers are known for their innovation and ability to blend traditional and modern farming practices, emphasising the harmony of tradition with modernity. The President encouraged Bihar's farmers to tap into the growing demand for organic products, highlighting the benefits of organic farming in reducing costs, conserving the environment, and increasing income. She commended the creation of an organic corridor along the Ganga's banks by the Bihar government to promote organic farming.
Addressing the challenges posed by global warming and climate change, the President stressed the importance of water conservation, given Bihar's dwindling rainfall. She emphasised the role of climate-resilient agriculture in tackling climate change, promoting biodiversity, conserving water resources, and delivering balanced food to the people.
The President also praised the production of ethanol from maize in Bihar, recognising it as a step toward reducing dependence on fossil fuels, environmental protection, and energy security.
In conclusion, the President called for holistic development in Bihar, urging policymakers and the people to set a roadmap for progress in various development parameters, including health, education, per capita income, and the Happiness Index. She expressed her hope that Bihar would continuously progress on the path of development across all these parameters. (Agriculture Post)
This is a roundup on important policy updates from 16th October to 31st October 2023.
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