Submit complete list of wetlands: NGT to States
The National Green Tribunal has ordered all the State Governments to submit a complete list of wetlands under their jurisdiction. The order has come following a petition that has been filed which claimed that large areas which are ecologically important are being lost, as wetlands have not been notified as protected under law. Along with this, the Environment Ministry has been directed to submit the record to the Tribunal within two weeks, as to which of the States have submitted their plans regarding wetlands.
Compensatory Afforestation Bill receives Cabinet nod
The Cabinet has given its nod to the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Bill, 2015. The Bill provides a mechanism for both the Centre and States, to utilize the massive national fund towards afforestation. The Bill is yet to be passed in the Parliament, following which almost Rs 36,000 crore will be transferred to States immediately for increasing forest cover in the country.
Panel convinced with plan-II of Ken-Betwa project
The panel of the National Board of Wildlife has given its nod to the Madhya Pradesh Government's alternative action plan of Ken-Betwa river interlinking project on Panna Tiger Reserve. Per the new plan, 8,000 hectares of buffer area would be converted into a core area against 4,141 hectares of Panna Tiger Reserve land that will submerge in this project. A clearance to the project would mean that 7% of the tiger reserve will be taken away.
Bengaluru lakes recieves Central aid of Rs 665 crore
The Centre has announced the financial aid of Rs 665 crore to the Karnataka Government for cleaning of the Bengaluru lakes. The funds will be utilised for setting up of a 74 km long trunk sewage line and four sewage treatment plants. The decision has come following a massive campaign by the residents of Whitefield Rising against the pollution in Bellandur and Varthur lakes.
Odisha earmarks Rs 300 crore to provide potable water to urban poor
The Odisha Government has allocated a total of Rs 300 crore for development of infrastructure for potable water. The District Collectors have been directed to use the funds under MGNREGA and Gopabandhu Gramin Yojana and create check dams and water harvesting projects in their respective areas. To ensure timely completion of the project, the order of leave cancellation of all rural water supply and sanitation employees, including engineers, till the end of summer has been approved.
This is a roundup of important policy matters from April 19 - 25, 2016. Also read last week's news roundup.