Oceans and Coasts

Funds allocated for MGNREGA in the Budget 2023-24 adequate for just 17 days of work

The Budget 2023-24 has earmarked Rs 60,000 crore for MGNREGS, that promises a minimum of 100 days of work.  This allocation has been found to be the lowest in the history of MGNREGA in terms of Gross Domestic Product, and has been down to 0.198 percent of the GDP.

North-East India, home to the wettest place on the planet (Mawsynram), is a major biodiversity hotspot.

India launches a floating wet lab for water quality tests in the Indian Ocean

In recent years, the impact of the wastes discharged in the Bay of Bengal has been significant due to high effluent inflow from secured sources. It was observed that the heavy metal concentrations in the Bay coast sediments were considerately high and varied among sampling points.

Sundarbans delta is the largest mangrove forest reserve in the world with distinct species of wild flora and fauna. It is a source of livelihood for several communities residing in the vicinity. The indigenous plants, extraction of honey and catching fish from rivers, lakes and rivulets have good economic value in surroundings markets.

Restoring coastal vegetation – so called ‘blue carbon’ habitats – may not be the nature-based climate solution it is claimed to be, according to a new study. 

NGT panel raises concern about two project proposals that could affect Yamuna floodplains

West Bengal's coastline suffers the worst erosion while Goa's remains stable

Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022: Centre notifies guidelines on EPR for plastic packaging

Environment Ministry reports reduction in environmental clearance time from 150 to 90 days