News and Articles
Pollution of River Ganga, its control and preservation
Posted on 01 Mar, 2010 03:54 PMI recall the day two months before, when I had the opportunity to attend a seminar at the outskirt of Delhi. The hot topics, to be bothered and discussed in the gathering was: “Pollution of River Ganga & its Control and Preservation” (i.e. Ganga ka Pradushan … Ganga Bachao”).
And so, so early reached at the venue ignoring the shivering cold weather. However, it happened so, probably due to the chilly cold situations, that VIPs- honourable guests and invited respected audience reached one by one…. at last to conclude it to be ‘a late affair’!
The Himalayan glaciers controversy - An article in Ground Report India
Posted on 01 Mar, 2010 03:36 PMA huge controversy has been generated in recent days over the much quoted lines in the IPCC’s 2007 report: “Glaciers in the Himalaya are receding faster than in any part of the world and, if the present rate continues, the likelihood of them disappearing by the year 2035 and perhaps sooner is very high if the Earth keeps warming at the current rate” (Working Group 2, page 493). We do need to question how a statement of such magnitude, without peer review, made its way into the IPCC report. That it was discovered,externally, more than two years later raises concerns about both the mindset and the weakness of the processes of the IPCC in checking and correcting information they collate, information that is so vital in the global debate. However, to question the credibility of the science of the global warming, supported as it is by a wealth of empirical evidence, or to question IPCC’s work, as is happening in some quarters, is gross exaggeration and sometimes driven by dubious and malafide intentions.
Food Distribution in Aila Affected K-plot
Posted on 22 Feb, 2010 10:39 AMFood Distribution in K-Plot on Feb 17th
In face of the dire situation in Aila Affected areas, AID EB approved Rs. 1,50,000 for distribution of food in the remote island of K-plot and Nagenabad area of Moipith island. AID has been working with Baikanthapur Tarun Sangh (BTS) since Aila, on relief/rehabilitation and the revival of agriculture in the area.
Near-Famine Conditions in Aila Affected K-plot in Sundarbans
Posted on 17 Feb, 2010 10:17 AMGuest post by Somnath Mukherji
Ganga Yamuna Panchayat held on February 2010 at the Nehru Memorial Museum
Posted on 15 Feb, 2010 03:24 PMCharter of All India Ganga Yamuna Panchayat submitted to Minister of Environment8-10 February 2010
In its concluding session on 10th February, the all India Ganga Yamuna Panchayat organized by Tarun Bharat Sangh and Manushi Sangathan presented a Charter of Demands to Minister of Environment, Mr Jairam Ramesh for the effective implementation of the New Ganga and Yamuna Action Plans. The Panchayat was inaugurated on February 8th by Shri Digvijay Singh, General Secretary, All India Congress Committee at Nehru Memorial Museum and Library which hosted the Panchayat.
Policy brief for the water sector regarding the privatisation & reform processes in India- Manthan Adhyayan Kendra (2009)
Posted on 12 Feb, 2010 05:04 PMThis policy brief, prepared by Manthan Adhyayan Kendra, provides a bird’s eye view of the privatisation and reforms processes in the country.
Analysis of the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Dam in the Amazon rainforest
Posted on 07 Feb, 2010 10:34 PM
Photo from International Rivers
Nature Conservancy a decade ago estimated the value of earth’s ecosystem services to be at least $33trillion a year. At the time of estimation it was close to gross world product. Something about that figure wasn’t quite clear and I always wondered how they managed to come up with the number.
The plight of the Yamuna river
Posted on 24 Jan, 2010 03:12 PM(Last to last year in frustration, this letter came out. Now when Commonwealth Games are at the door Mother Yamuna is asking for justice on her death bed)
Revered Citizens of India,
I am mother of one sixth of humanity, But now a stigma on my own sons. My own sons are raping me for their own prosperity and development. I want to tell you what is my story and what are my ideas while sitting on the death bed.
My story starts from a myth and a reality. My sons believe that I came from heaven while scientists say that I have originated from the glaciers of Himalayas. I believe in both. My father is Himalaya and I originate from Yamunotari glacier, now in state of Uttarakhand. My birth was considered as the end of vows of Aryan civilization. The oldest civilization started flourishing on my banks and sister Ganges also supported this cause. World’s greatest religion was founded in my territory.
Help revoke the faulty environmental clearance for the proposed Athirappilly HEP
Posted on 24 Jan, 2010 12:19 PMGuest Post by Dr.A.Latha, River Research Centre
The Athirappilly Dam Issue in Kerala, India has reached a very critical stage. You must be aware that the MoEF had issued a show cause notice to Kerala State Electricity Board asking reasons for not revoking the environmental clearance granted in 2007 (Ltr No. J - 12011 / 6/ 97 - IA 1 dated 4th January 2010 attached) giving 15 days for responding. The KSEB has submitted its reply few days back. The KSEB has again tried to dilute and distort the real facts regarding this project as a desperate last minute attempt. The Honorable Minister for Environment and Forests has already made his stance clear that the MoEF will revoke the environmental clearance granted in 2007. However there is a need to expose the falsity and distortion of facts by the concerned officials and the continuous efforts to thwart the consistent public opposition to this project. The just decision taken by Sri.Jairam Ramesh also needs to be appreciated.
Kosi Tragedy should be inquired by CBI
Posted on 22 Jan, 2010 02:05 PMPMO FORWARDS PETITION ON KOSI TRAGEDY TO HOME MINISTRY FOR APPROPRIATE ACTION
Prof.Suraj Yadav, Assistant Professor in Delhi University reports