Centre gives nod to 170 eco- sensitive zones in the country
The Environment Ministry has cleared 170 eco-sensitive zones in the country and by the end of the year plans to wrap up the entire business of such zones. With the completion of the mandatory 60-day period of public comments that were displayed on the MoEFCC website, the Governement is all set to issue the final notification. Also, among the states in the Western Ghats, only Kerala has submitted its report on the recommendations made by the Kasturirangan Committee while the others are expected to submit their reports by June 15.
NGT allows Kanpur tanneries to run on a trial basis
The National Green Tribunal has given consent to the closed tanneries located on the banks of the Ganga at Kanpur to operate on a trial basis for 19 days in June. During this period -- from June 7 to June 25 -- the levels of effluents discharged from these units will be checked by a team of experts. Also, these units have been asked to submit the details of steps undertaken by them to reduce pollution level to the inspection team by June 6.
NGT wraps up MP Government for illegal mining in Narmada & Ken rivers
The National Green Tribunal has slammed the Madhya Pradesh Government for rampant illegal sand mining in the state, despite the ban. Two cases of illegal mining have been reported, one in the Narmada in Narsinghpur district and the other in the Ken in Panna district. Following the reporting, the inspection committee has found some pits that confirms that sand mining activities are indeed being carried out in the region. Cases have been registered against 11 violators.
Centre agrees amendment to the Land Ordinance 2015
Centre has given its consent to the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Amendment) Ordinance, 2015. This is the third time that the ordinance will be amended, before this amendments to the ordinance were first made in December and then in March. As mentioned, the Government had decided to amend the controversial Land Ordinance for maintaining continuity and providing a framework to compensate people whose land is acquired.
MoEF restores right to appeal against forest clearances for linear projects
The Environment Ministry once again allows the right to appeal against forest clearances in case of linear projects. Following a rebuke from the National Green Tribunal, the Ministry has decided to change its guidelines which had earlier made it practically impossible for anyone to legally challenge clearances given to the diversion of forest lands for infrastructure projects. Per the fresh guidelines, permission to fell trees in forests will be given only after all the compensatory levies are provided.
This is a roundup of important policy matters from May 26 to June 1, 2015. Also read last week's news updates.