Railways using groundwater 'indiscriminately and illegally': NGT
The National Green Tribunal has issued notices to the Ministries of Railways and Environment and Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) for groundwater extraction by the Railways without getting permission from concerned authorities. The NGT has also taken notice of the Railways failing to install rooftop rainwater harvesting systems on their premises. However, to prevent the misuse of groundwater, the Centre is mulling plans to bring out a model Bill to manage this freshwater resource.
CAG slams Gujarat Government over wetland conservation
CAG has gotten strict with the Gujarat Government for failing to constitute an authority to conserve wetlands in the state and for not bringing 19 wetlands to national importance. The State Government has also been slammed for not providing adequate funds for wetland conservation activities and failing to maintain data on migratory birds. Additionally, the State has also failed in setting up Bird Rescue Centres at three of the largest wetlands, and controlling bird poaching at Nalsarovar and Wadhwana Lake.
Delhi Budget 2016-17: Free water scheme to continue
While presenting the budget for the year 2016-17, the Delhi Government has announced that it will continue with its free water scheme. Per its claims, the scheme has benefited 10 lakh families in the capital. The main focus of the Government this year will be expansion of the piped water network for which Rs 676 crore has been allocated. Along with this, the Government has advanced its sewerage network deadline and has announced that the entire city will be connected in eight to 10 years. Soon, the Delhi Jal Board will be coming up with a comprehensive rainwater harvesting scheme for the capital.
MoEF frames country's first Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016
The Environment Ministry has come out with the Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016 that prohibits the dumping of such waste on the sides of roads and drains. The rules mandate Authorities to commission C&D waste plants in million-plus population cities within 18 months, cities with a population of 5-10 lakhs within two years and cities having less than 5 lakh people within three years. Along with this, the rules have also mandated that large builders or waste generators submit their waste management plan along with their building plan before getting clearance.
Rs 222 crore sanctioned for Kochi Barrage on Kanhan river in Nagpur
The Government has sanctioned Rs 222 crore for the Kochi Barrage on the Kanhan river. Considering the importance of the project, the Government has allocated more than the required amount of Rs 162 crore for the year 2016-17. The total cost of the project is Rs 362 crore which includes the amount required for land acquisition and construction.
This is a roundup of important policy matters from March 29 - April 4, 2016. Also read last week's news roundup.
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