MoEF grants green clearance to multi-development projects in Greater Nicobar Island
The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has given the green nod to the Centre’s ambitious Rs 72,000 crore multi-development projects in Greater Nicobar Island. The project includes the development of an international container transhipment terminal, a military-civil dual-use airport, a solar power plant and an integrated township.
The project envisages diversion of just over 130 square kilometres of forest land and felling of around 8.5 lakh trees and is likely to affect the mangrove cover and coral reef in the area.
This is the Stage-1 environmental clearance for the project and the project proponent will have to apply for Stage II clearance – which will involve examination of several compliances. (The Indian Express)
India and Denmark to sign MoU for water resource management
The Union Cabinet has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Denmark on cooperation in the field of Water Resources Development and Management.
The areas of cooperation envisaged in the MoU are digitalization and ease of information access; integrated and smart water resources development and management; aquifer mapping, groundwater modelling, monitoring and recharge; efficient and sustainable water supply at household level; river and water body rejuvenation; water quality monitoring and management; climate change mitigation and adaptation among others. (Livemint)
Strictly enforce the single-use plastic ban: CPCB to states
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has ordered chief secretaries of all states to enforce the ban on single-use plastic (SUP) strictly.
The ban on single-use plastic came into effect on July 1, this year, however, the use of SUP items, specifically thin carry-bags continues unabated in the low-end section of the economy, notes CPCB.
It has directed the states for strict enforcement of the ban, with a focus on street vendors, vegetable markets and local markets, along with checks at borders and inspection of concerned industries. Along with this, the inspecting teams have been ordered to identify the suppliers and manufacturers of SUP items through backtracking. (Livemint)
Maharashtra launches a river revival programme to revitalize 103 rivers
In conjunction with a Nadi Samvad Yatra, Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Cultural Affairs of Maharashtra have launched a programme to revive state’s rivers and spread awareness about them among the people.
The programme known as ‘Chala Januya Nadila’ (Know our Rivers) envisages reviving a total of 103 rivers across the state, which are part of the river basins of Krishna, Godavari, Tapi and Narmada as well as 27 west-flowing rivers.
The aim of the initiative is to map the condition of these rivers from their source till the end, study cultural interactions of communities with the rivers around them, take time-bound measures to mitigate river pollution, map encroachments and educate the communities interacting with the rivers. (The Indian Express)
This is a roundup of important policy matters from November 1 - 15, 2022. Also, read the news this fortnight.