Page 189 - Environment

Delhi: Rajnath chairs fifth meeting of Island Development Agency

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday chaired the fifth meeting of the Island Development Agency (IDA). The meeting was called to review the progress made towards the "Holistic development of islands" program.Bids for private sector participation in three tourism-based projects have already been invited by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration. They include eco-tourism projects in Smith Island and Long Island and tent city project in Aves Island. Bids will be invited shortly for one more project in Neil island of Andaman and Nicobar, read a statement.In Lakshadweep, three projects have been identified for the issue of bids. These include tourism projects in the islands of Kadmat, Minicoy and Suheli Cheriyakara. Environmental Clearance (EC), Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Clearance and all other clearances required for these projects are being obtained upfront, on priority, to attract more number of reputed bidders, the statement added.Moreover, the Ministry of Commerce has ...

Cabinet okays new rural livelihood scheme

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. on Tuesday approved the implementation of the National Rural Economic Transformation Project (NRETP).

Cabinet approves new solar energy scheme for farmers

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday approved the launch of Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan with the objective of providing financial and water security to farmers.

Cabinet clears Phase-II of Ahemdabad Metro Rail Project

The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved implementation of Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project Phase-II.

CCEA approves phase-II of Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Programme

The government on Tuesday approved the Rs 11,814 crore phase-II of Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Programme.

South Africa needs to invest to rebuild confidence in power sector: minister

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa needs to invest more to rebuild confidence in its ability to supply power, its energy minister said on Tuesday, after its state-run power firm was forced to implement some of the worst blackouts in years.

More than 100 people booked for blocking NH-9

More than 100 people blocked National Highway-9 here, following which a police case was registered against them on Tuesday, officials said. SP (city) Shlok Kumar said a candlelight march was carried out on Monday night remembering the killed soldiers in the recent Pulwama terror attack. After the march, those who participated in it blocked the highway due to which traffic near Khoda and Indira Puram was affected for two hours. Commuters alerted the police on dial 100 service who reached the spot and disbursed the public and restored traffic movement. An FIR was registered against more than 100 unknown persons at Indira Puram police station for blocking the highway under sections 283, 147 of IPC. An advisory has also been issued by the police, asking the public to not create traffic hassles.

UGC asks varsities to use recycled paper

In a move towards inculcation of eco-friendly practices, the University Grants Commission (UGC) here on Tuesday asked the higher education institutions to promote use of recycled paper and not to make demand of certain kinds of papers in their tenders.

Cabinet approves Phase-2 of PM Awaas scheme

The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the implementation of Phase-2 of the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), under which the government has set a target of constructing 1.95 crore houses by 2022.

CCEA approves 2nd phase of rooftop solar programme

The government Tuesday approved the second phase of grid-connected rooftop solar programme for achieving cumulative capacity of 40,000 MW from such projects by 2022. The programme will be implemented with total central financial support of Rs 11,814 crore, an official release said. The Phase-II Programme Central Financial Assistance for the residential sector has been restructured with availability of 40 per cent support for rooftop solar (RTS) systems up to 3 kW capacity and 20 per cent for RTS system capacity beyond 3 kW and up to 10 kW. For Group Housing Societies/Residential Welfare Associations (GHS/RAW), the assistance will be limited to 20 per cent for RTS plants for supply of power to common facilities, however, the capacity eligible for support for GHS/RAW will be limited to 10 kW per house with maximum total capacity up to 500 kWp, inclusive of RTS put in individual houses in the GHS/RWA. The CFA under residential category will be provided for 4000 MW capacity and the same ..

Cabinet approves creation of secretary-level posts in fisheries department

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday approved one post of Secretary and another post of Joint Secretary in the newly created Department of Fisheries on a permanent basis.

Cabinet approves Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor

The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the construction of Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), a first-of-its-kind, covering a distance of 82.15 km at a cost of Rs 30,274 crore.

Rajnath for holistic development of islands

Home Minister Rajnath Singh here on Tuesday reviewed the progress on the "Holistic Development of Islands" programme and said expeditious implementation of various projects will provide high economic return to the private sector, satisfactory jobs, additional income to islanders and enhance revenue to the government.

Gadkari to inaugurate, lay foundation stone of Rs 11,595-cr highway projects in UP

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of Rs 11,595-crore highway projects in Uttar Pradesh, the government said Tuesday. In addition, the minister will also lay the foundation stone of several projects under the Namami Gange programme, accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. "Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Nitin Gadkari will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for 527 km length of NH (national highway) works amounting to Rs 11,595 crore in Moradabad, Meerut and Baghpat in Western Uttar Pradesh tomorrow," the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said in a statement. It said the minister will inaugurate in Moradabad the 146-km Aligarh-Moradabad stretch on NH-93 built at Rs 950 crore, and will lay the foundation stone of the 100-km long six-lane Hapur Bypass-Moradabad section of NH-24 to be constructed at a cost of Rs ...

Delhi govt suspends 2 forest officers for failing to stop encroachment near Chattarpur

Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain Tuesday ordered suspension of two forest officers for their alleged failure to protect forest land from encroachment after he made a surprise inspection of the forest ridge near Chattarpur Enclave. Later in a tweet, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the government is committed to eliminating 'mafias', who he alleged, were functioning in collusion with the BJP and the Congress governments. Hussain conducted a surprise inspection of the forest ridge adjoining Chattarpur Enclave Part-2. During inspection, large chunk of ridge and forest land was found under encroachment and illegal occupation of private persons, the Delhi government said in a statement. Some of the recently-built structures on the ridge land were also noticed by the minister. The minister directed Forest Department to remove the encroachment at once and free the encroached land, the statement said, adding a bulldozer was called and immediately pressed into service. The ...

Govt clears Rs 30,274 cr Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transport System

The government Tuesday approved construction of a Rs 30,274 crore worth Regional Rapid Transport System (RRTS) to connect the national capital with Meerut through Ghaziabad. The decision was taken during the Cabinet meeting here. "The Cabinet has approved construction of Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) covering a distance of 82.15 kilometres," Finance Minisgter Arun Jaitley said after the meeting. Of the 82.15 kms, 68.03 kms would be elevated and 14.12 kms would be underground. The project cost would be Rs 30,274 crore, he said. Meerut and Ghaziabad are in Uttar Pradesh.

Repsol unveils biggest gas discovery in Indonesia in 18 years

MADRID (Reuters) - A consortium led by Repsol has found new gas resources in Indonesia estimated at at least 2 trillion cubic feet, the Spanish oil and gas firm said on Tuesday, equivalent to around two years' worth of Spanish demand.

Making toast can cause air pollution: Study

Making a simple breakfast toast could contribute to a high level of indoor air pollution, say researchers.

Pradhan lays foundation stone for LPG bottling plant in Odisha

Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday laid the foundation stone of HPCL's LPG bottling plant in Odisha's Rayagada.

2 Delhi officials suspended over encroachment of forest land

Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain on Tuesday ordered suspension of two Forest Department officials after finding large-scale encroachment on forest land in south Delhi during a surprise inspection.