NGT takes action against illegal sand mining in Muzaffarnagar

NGT initiates measures to address unauthorised sand mining in Muzaffarnagar

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken action against alleged illegal sand mining in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, issuing notices to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and others. The NGT formed a panel to thoroughly investigate the matter and tasked it with uncovering insights into the scope of illegal mining operations. The tribunal responded to a media report highlighting unauthorised sand mining in Nanglarai village, causing trenches up to thirty feet deep and damaging fields and infrastructure like a check dam.

NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member A Senthil Vel acknowledged the gravity of the issue, deeming it a "substantial issue" relevant to environmental regulations. In an order, the bench called for responses from CPCB, Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB), Muzaffarnagar's District Magistrate (DM), and the regional officer of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).

The tribunal issued notices for responses one week before the next hearing on April 24. It established a joint committee with the DM of Muzaffarnagar and the member secretary of the CPCB, tasking them with visiting the site, assessing the situation, determining the extent of illegal mining, identifying responsible parties, and submitting a status report ahead of the next hearing. (ABP Live)

Fifty-three cities to provide comprehensive reports on the sources of pollution and measures taken to NGT

The NGT has directed 53 cities experiencing declining air quality to submit comprehensive reports on the contribution of each pollution source and the steps taken to mitigate pollution. The NGT addressed the issue of air quality deterioration across India, as indicated by the Air Quality Index (AQI) maintained by the CPCB.

After reviewing reports from various states on December 5, the NGT observed that funds from the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and the 15th Finance Commission were underutilised.

NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava noted that 19 cities among the identified 53 falls under non-attainment, with allocated funds of Rs 1644.4025 crore for air quality improvement. The NGT urged the MoEF&CC to ensure proper utilisation of these funds. The tribunal's February 19 order highlighted road dust as a major contributor to air pollution, emphasising the need for road dust mitigating activities.

The NGT mandated all 53 cities to disclose the contribution of each pollutant source and demonstrate progressive reductions resulting from implemented measures. A comprehensive report must be submitted at least one week before the next hearing scheduled for May 3. (The Indian Express)

Ganga pollution oversight: Jharkhand faces fine from NGT

The NGT has penalised the state of Jharkhand with a Rs 25,000 fine for its failure to submit a report on pollution prevention and control in the Ganga River. The NGT has taken a comprehensive approach to address pollution abatement in the Ganga and its tributaries nationwide. In November of the previous year, the tribunal had requested specific information on Ganga pollution from the chief secretaries of West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

Jharkhand, encompassing the districts of Sahibganj, Bokaro, Dhanbad, and Ramgarh along the Ganga's path, did not comply with the directive. The NGT Chairperson, Justice Prakash Shrivastava, expressed disappointment, emphasising the lack of response from district magistrates, who head the district Ganga protection committees. The NGT imposed a Rs 25,000 fine, considering it a lenient measure at this stage, with the stipulation that the amount be deposited by Jharkhand within a week.

The state is given the authority to recover this sum from the defaulting District Magistrates and report back to the tribunal. The NGT granted an additional four weeks for the concerned District Magistrates to submit the required information, and the next hearing is scheduled for April 10. (Money Control)

Uttar Pradesh's green hydrogen ambitions: Policy, innovation, and global leadership in sustainable energy

The Uttar Pradesh Government is set to implement the Green Hydrogen Policy 2023, aiming to establish a one million tonne per annum green hydrogen production capacity, generating 120,000 jobs. Crafted to promote large-scale green hydrogen production, the policy offers financial incentives and streamlines business processes. Minister of Energy and Urban Development, Arvind Sharma, leads this initiative, initiated during the UP Global Investors Summit in February 2023, where investment proposals totalling Rs 2.73 trillion were received for green hydrogen plants.

Green hydrogen, produced through renewable energy-driven electrolysis, aligns with global climate efforts. Leveraging its extensive river network, Uttar Pradesh seeks to tap into the estimated $90 billion global green hydrogen market by 2030. The state aims not only to lead in sustainable energy but also emerge as a significant player globally. Plans include establishing two centres of excellence for green hydrogen research, with the policy offering comprehensive investment incentives in capital, land, and power infrastructure.

The state is also progressing in Pumped Storage Hydro Plant projects, identifying sites for the initial 12,000 MW capacity. Uttar Pradesh is enhancing project approval transparency through online portals, facilitating developer registration and NOC issuance for biodiesel projects. The policy envisions increased hydrogen blending in consumption regions and the establishment of carbon dioxide recovery units, utilising carbon from biogas and other industries. (The Week)

Shahpur Kandi Barrage: Transforming water dynamics

The Shahpur Kandi barrage's completion marks a pivotal shift in water dynamics, halting the flow from the Ravi River to Pakistan and redirecting 1150 cusecs to the Jammu and Kashmir region. The project, initiated in 1995 but marred by disputes, is now on the verge of fulfilment, promising benefits for irrigation and hydropower in the area.

Under the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, India has exclusive rights to the Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas rivers, while Pakistan controls the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. The successful implementation of Shahpur Kandi empowers India to optimise Ravi's waters, reallocating resources from the old Lakhanpur dam to Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.

In 2026, PM Modi pledged efficient water use for Indian farmers, leading to the establishment of a task force. India's water management initiatives, including dams on the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi, have utilized 95% of eastern river waters. However, the Shahpur Kandi barrage now enables harnessing of 2 million acre-feet from the Ravi, fostering growth in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.

The Indus Waters Treaty, a 1960 accord, governs the Indus River system, granting India control over the eastern rivers and Pakistan over the western ones. India's strategic water projects enhance its management capabilities within the treaty's framework. (The Economic Times)

This is a roundup of important policy updates from 15th February to 29th February 2024. Read our news updates here.