Meghalaya

Powerless by choice

This policy document by the Department of Mining and Geology of Government of Meghalaya, aims to facilitate systematic, scientific and planned utilization of mineral resources in the state.

The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) under the Ministry of Water Resources has released a publication entitled “Aquifer systems of India” apart from aquifer atlas for six states viz. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh and Meghalaya.

The paper published in the journal Applied and Environmental Soil Science discusses the need for a viable option for ecorestoration and maintenance of soil resources to sustain long-term soil productivity and improve food security for the region.

Aaranyak is a registered society working in the field of biodiversity conservation in North East India since 1989. Its strength lies in applied research in biological and social field and its thrust area of work is the North East India and Eastern Himalayas.

Photo Courtesy: NewsofAP.com

. The apex court also upheld the revised environmental clearances given to Lafarge by the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) and invoking the principles of sustainable development, inter-generational equity and the doctrine of proportionality the Bench stated “The word “development” is a relative term.  One cannot assume that the tribals are not aware of principles of conservation of forest. In the present case, we are satisfied that limestone mining has been going on for centuries in the area and that it is an activity which is intertwined with the culture and the unique land holding and tenure system of the Nongtrai village. On the facts of this case, we are satisfied with the diligence exercise undertaken by MoEF in the matter of forest diversion.”

Newsletter of South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People (SANDRP) for April - May 2011 (Volume 9 Issue 3-4), focuses on the following topics.

• Analysis of TAC guidelines and decisions in recent meetings
  The Advisory Committee in the Union Ministry of Water Resources for consideration of techno-economic viability of Irrigation, Flood Control and Multi Purpose Project Proposals (TAC in short) is supposed to discuss the techno-economic viability of the irrigation, flood control and multi-purpose project proposals as per the Resolution published in the Union of India Gazette Notification No. 12/5/86-P-II dated Nov 27, 1987.

Main highlights in this update:

• NREGA implementation in State not satisfactory: The report card on implementation of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is a mix bag for Assam, with at least 62 per cent households being provided employment under the flagship schemes, while ombudsman has not been constituted for any district and State fund.