MoEF for dropping seven hydel projects in Arunachal

Environment ministry recommends dropping seven hydel projects in Arunachal Pradesh

Based on the result of the cumulative impact assessment and carrying capacity study of the Kameng river basin, the environment ministry has recommended dropping seven hydropower projects with a total capacity of 2,337 MW from the basin in Arunachal Pradesh. The recommendations have been made due to the proximity of the projects to the Pakke Tiger Reserve and unviable project locations. The ministry has also suggested that no further power projects should be planned or allotted in the entire Kameng basin even if they are smaller than 25 MW and do not fall under the purview of EIA notification, 2006.

Illegal miners in Odisha to attract 100 percent penalty: SC

Following the writ petition filed for action against illegal mining leases in Odisha, the Supreme Court has ordered that the mining companies operating without necessary clearances in the state would be subject to a 100 percent penalty on the price of the ore extracted illegally. The apex court has also stated that the government’s policy on mining is outdated and has directed it to frame a new policy by December 31, 2017. 

Formulate a national policy on tackling forest fires: NGT to MoEFCC

The National Green Tribunal has reprimanded the environment ministry for not taking necessary steps to tackle forest fires in the hilly states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. As per the tribunal, advanced planning and implementation of the fire management and crisis management plan for forest fires could have prevented massive fires that engulfed the Himalayan states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh last year. The panel has also ordered the ministry to formulate a national policy for forest fires within three months.

Has Karnataka taken green nod for the Kalasa-Banduri project? NGT asks Centre

The Supreme Court has ordered the Centre to find out if Karnataka has sought green clearance for the Kalasa-Banduri project on the Mahadayi river in the Western Ghats. The Karnataka government has also been ordered to file an affidavit about the status of the clearance application within a week. The project, that will divert nearly 258 hectares of forest land, is being opposed by the Goa government which has even called it an "ecological bomb". 

CPCB order states to close brick kilns violating norms

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has ordered all state pollution control boards and committees to immediately close down the brick kilns causing a violation of emission standards. The order has come after the CPCB noted that no significant progress has been observed towards pollution reduction. The authority has also asked the states to provide the status of conversion of natural draft to induced draft brick kilns, which controls emissions.

This is a roundup of important policy matters from August 1 - 7, 2017. Also, read the news this week.