Page 671 - Environment
Canada extends inquiry into slain, missing aboriginal women
Canada's government today granted a six month extension for a national inquiry into the high rate of killings and disappearances of indigenous women and girls in this country. Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett told a news conference the inquiry would now conclude its probe and submit its recommendations to Ottawa on April 30, 2019. "We want to understand the root causes of this social epidemic of missing and murdered indigenous girls and women," she said. Based on discussions with survivors and their families, indigenous groups and others, the minister said, "We found support for giving the inquiry more time to submit its final report." In the meantime, she said, Ottawa will act on recommendations in an interim report including bolstering health, housing and education in indigenous communities, reforming child and family services, and earmarking funds for commemorations. Since its launch in September 2016, the National Inquiry into Missing and ...
Nipah virus alert issued to Animal Husbandry staff in MP
Madhya Pradesh's Department of Animal Husbandry has issued advisory against Nipah virus, asking its field officials to be on alert. Animal Husbandry Department's director Dr R K Rokde said, "Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus and it can equally cause diseases in both - human and animal. In view of the Nipah virus spread and deaths in Kerala, we have alerted our field officials." Rokde said the field staff was told to notice the symptom of this virus and take the preventive measures to stop its spread. The field staff has been told that if the symptoms of Nipah virus are visible in animals, then implement all biological measures to stop its spread, Dr Rokde said. As may as 15 deaths were recorded due to Nipah virus in Kerala till May 31. The outbreak of the Nipah virus infection, a newly emerging zoonosis that causes severe disease in both animals and humans, is suspected to be from an unused well in Perambra (Kerala) which was infested with bats. The natural host of the ...
Changing colour of Taj, other environment concerns keep SC busy
From the changing colour of Taj Mahal , to the suffocating air in cities and the toxic mountains of waste at landfill sites, a plethora of environment issues have kept the Supreme Court busy. The apex court's searching questions on why authorities have failed to protect the Taj reflect its anguish over how environment issues have been handled in the country, which marked the 'World Environment Day' today. During the previous hearings, the court came down heavily on the authorities, including the Archeological Survey of India, for failure to take appropriate steps for the conservation of the 17th century white marble mausoleum in Agra The apex court had recently mooted the suggestion of having international experts to look into the issue of protection of Taj Mahal which is being considered by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). The top court had last month expressed its concern over the historic monument being infected by insects and observed that Taj ...
Assam govt to take measures to increase forest cover
Assam government would take innovative measures to increase the forest cover of the state, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said today. The government is also committed to protect the environment by eliminating plastic pollution, he said on the occasion of World Environment Day. "The government has made commitments in the state budget to increase the already depleted forest cover. Innovative measures will be initiated for the purpose," Sonowal said at Digboi. He urged parents and teachers to motivate the young minds to plant more saplings. The chief minister the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' has contributed greatly in making our environment clean. After planting saplings at another function in Digboi, Sonowal said low grade single-use plastics posed a grave challenge to the environment and a collective approach is required to overcome this challenge. "Plastic is not bio-degradable and use of low grade plastics reduces soil fertility. I appeal to all sections of the society to
Odisha committee to study legislative councils of Bihar, AP
A committee set up by the Odisha government will soon visit Andhra Pradesh and Bihar to study the functioning of the legislative councils in those states, officials said today. The provision for legislative councils does not exist in Odisha at present and the committee will formulate modalities for its formation along the lines of other states where it exists, the officials said. A resolution on the setting up of the legislative council was introduced in the Odisha Legislative Assembly in 2015 and the committee was set up that year with five members - three from the ruling BJD and two from the opposition. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today gave his nod to the committee's visit to Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, a release issued by the CMO here said adding it will submit its report on its return. It had visited Maharashtra and Karnataka in 2015 to learn about the ways of formation and functioning of the legislative councils in those states, the officials said. The members to .
Made in India Li-Ion batteries soon: Geete
India will soon be able to manufacture lithium-ion batteries and will not be dependent on China for importing the key component used in electric vehicles as the government accords "top priority" to pushing e-mobility, Union Minister Anant Geete said today. The minister said steps have already been taken up by the government to start manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries in India. At present the world needs to import lithium ion batteries from China and Rs 50-60 lakh is only the cost of the battery (for buses). If the battery cost is reduced the total cost of electric vehicles will become affordable and commuters will also have to pay less," Geete told reporters here on the sidelines of launch of electric bus by Goldstone-BYD. He further said, "My ministry has made efforts in this direction and soon we will be able to manufacture lithium-ion batteries in India. The minister launched Goldstone-BYD's eBuzz K6' electric feeder bus, the first made in India electric bus to be exported to ..
Top firms pledge to cut plastics use in biz on World Environment Day
Major companies across sectors, including ITC, RB, PepsiCo, Nestle and Hyundai, have pledged to reduce usage of plastics in their businesses and enhance recycling on the World Environment Day. Homegrown FMCG major ITC said over the next decade it would deploy solutions so that 100 per cent of its product packaging will be reusable and recyclable besides scaling up its solid waste management programmes. Similarly, another FMCG firm RB also committed to make 100 per cent of its plastic packaging to be recyclable or reusable by 2025. Food and beverages major PepsiCo India also pledged that it would explore ways to scale up recovery and recycling, equivalent to 100 per cent of its post-consumer plastic waste in the next few years. The company will also pilot first-ever plant-based, 100 per cent compostable packaging for Lay's and Kurkure snacks products in India. "The problem of solid waste management is one of epic proportions and requires each organ of the society and more so, ...
India's traditions have stressed on living in harmony with nature: PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that development can be environment friendly and may not come at the cost of green assets, while asserting that India's traditions long stressed the importance of living in harmony with nature. Speaking at the plenary session of an event organised at Vigyan Bhavan here on World Environment Day, which India is hosting this year with the theme - 'beat plastic pollution', he said plastic now threatens to become a menace for humanity. "Plastic pollution is now entering into our food chain. Per capita plastic consumption in India is much lower than many parts of the developed world. Our national mission on cleanliness and 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' has a special focus on plastic waste management," he said. "Our experience shows that development can be environment friendly and it need not come come at the cost of our green assets," he pointed out Noting that India is the fastest growing economy in the world today, he said, "We are committed to rising the
NASA chief in talks with companies about running ISS: report
The head of the US space agency is in talks with several global companies about taking over day-to-day operations at the International Space Station in the coming years, US media said today. NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine made the comments in an interview with the Washington Post. "We're in a position now where there are people out there that can do commercial management of the International Space Station," said the former Oklahoma congressman who was sworn in as leader of the space agency in April. "I've talked to many large corporations that are interested in getting involved in that through a consortium, if you will." He did not reveal which companies he has spoken with. The White House said earlier this year it would end direct funding of the orbiting outpost by 2025, a position that raised fierce opposition among some lawmakers. The annual US investment in the space lab ranges from $3 to $4 billion. The football-field-sized space lab -- which includes Russia, Japan, Canada ...
TN, Nagaland, Jharkhand, Maha set to become plastic-free; Ukhand bans polythene
Rising to the grave environmental challenge posed by rampant use of plastics, states of Tamil Nadu, Nagaland, Maharashtra and Jharkhand today announced that they are set to become plastic-free, while Uttarakhand banned the use of polythene from July 31. The state governments expressed their resolve to end the menace as India played global host to 2018 World Environment Day celebrations with the theme "Beat Plastic Pollution". Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami's told the state assembly that his government would ban the use of plastic items, including non-biodegradable carry bags, from January 2019 to "gift a plastic-free" state to future generations. "Considering the damage caused by plastic, and to ensure this is not left behind for future generations, the Amma government has decided to ban non-biodegradable plastic covers, plates, cups, water packets, straws and bags," he said. However, plastic sachets used to pack milk, curd and oil, besides those used to wrap medical ...
Major environmental problems facing India
India, the global host of World Environment Day being observed today, continues to grapple with several environmental issues like air and water pollution, and those related to plastic and solid waste management, which demand swift action to protect nature. India's top environment watchdog National Green Tribunal, which has been a hub of environmental litigations since 2010, is flooded with cases relating to cleaning and rejuvenation of Ganga and Yamuna rivers, air pollution from various sources, burning of agricultural residue in fields, management of solid and plastic waste, cutting of trees and deforestation, groundwater extraction and others. Ganga rejuvenation *The green panel has divided the work of cleaning the river into different segments -- Gomukh to Haridwar, Haridwar to Kanpur, Kanpur to the border of Uttar Pradesh, the border of UP to the border of Jharkhand and from the border of Jharkhand to the Bay of Bengal. *A slew of directions to rejuvenate Ganga like declaring 100 .
On World Environment Day, 25,000 Champa saplings planted
Over 25,000 saplings of the fragrant champa flower were planted in Bihar's East Champaran district today on the occasion of World Environment Day. There are plans to spread out to neighbouring West Champaran district as well as both the districts derive their names from the off-white mildly scented flower, said the organisers. "We will work to develop a champa city which would attract visitors from across the world", said Sunil Kumar, a jackpot winner of the popular quiz show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati', who presided over today's programme. The district administration and the municipal corporation have also associated themselves with the drive. We had launched the drive for planting Champa saplings on April 22, when environment activist Medha Patkar d visited our district. Till yesterday, 10,000 saplings had been planted in East Champaran. Today, we added another 25,000 by getting people from Motihari town and also remote villages to volunteer for the cause, Kumar said. He .
World Environment Day: Rally against plastic use held in Mathura
A large number of schoolchildren and employees of the Indian Oil refinery participated in a rally here today to raise awareness about the harmful effects of plastic. The rally was organised to commemorate the World Environment Day. Dressed in green, the participants wielded placards and braved the scorching sun as they wound through the roads of the Refinery Nagar area. We have started a crusade against plastic, Executive Director of Mathura Refinery L W Khongwir said. It will not only be limited to the refinery and Refinery Nagar; adjoining villages will also be covered, he added. The rally terminated at the ecological park of the refinery, where a programme highlighting the significance of the World Environment Day was held. Joint Chief Controller of Explosives, Agra region, P Kumar, also attended the event. He lauded the initiative and said he expected the people would show their commitment towards eliminating plastic.
NITI Aayog preparing roadmap for full-scale methanol economy
The NITI Aayog on Tuesday said it was working on a roadmap for full-scale implementation of methanol economy in the country in near future, which would not only curb pollution, but reduce India's dependence on oil imports as well.
Raj Bhavans may be developed as model green buildings: President
The Raj Bhavans, or the official accommodations of the state Governors, may be developed as the ideal premises for environment conservation and as model green buildings, President Ram Nath Kovind said here on Tuesday.
Let's do our bit: Celebs on World Environment Day
Bollywood celebrities like Madhuri Dixit-Nene, Dia Mirza and Jackie Shroff have urged people to save planet Earth on World Environment Day on Tuesday.
Say no to plastic, plant trees: Delhi HC Justice Gita Mittal
Emphasising on the need for preserving environment, Delhi High Court Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal today called for planting more trees and doing away with use of plastic. On the occasion of World Environment Day, she called upon the younger generation to participate in tree plantation and nurture them not only for themselves but also for a "better future for the coming generation". Justice Mittal, while taking forward the Greening Delhi initiative of the Delhi State Legal Services Authority, educated people on ecology and laws relating to environment and emphasised on "not to use plastic glasses, bottles, plates, etc. as it is very difficult to decompose" and that "we should have a better earth behind us than we got". The high court too has taken up the initiative to protect the environment by actively making efforts to improve the air quality in the national capital with its tough stand against illegal and unauthorised constructions as well as authorities failure to maintain ...
NRL forms bio-refinery JV with Finnish, Dutch firms
The Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) has formed a JV with the Chempolis Oy of Finland and the Fortum 3 BV of Netherlands to build and operate the first of its kind bio-refinery in India, an NRL statement said here today. The new company, Assam Bio-Refinery Pvt Ltd (ABRPL) was incorporated yesterday and it would generate renewable green fuel-bioethanol, other chemicals and green power from bamboo biomass. The statement said 50 per cent of equity holding of the ABRPL will be held by the NRL, 28 per cent by the Fortum 3 BV and 22 per cent by the Chempolis Oy. The joint venture agreement was signed by NRL Managing Director S K Barua, authorised representative of Fortum 3 BV Sanjay Agarwal Chempolis Oy's Chief Executive Officer Tomi Honkala at New Delhi recently. The ABRPL shall produce 62 million litres of bio-ethanol by using around 0.5 million MT bamboo per annum and will help bamboo farmers get additional income through sustainable cultivation, extraction and ...
Select CITYWALK becomes first mall to pledge support towards reducing plastic straws
India's most admired shopping centre Select CITYWALK, today demonstrated exemplary leadership by announcing their campaign to try and eliminate the use of plastic straws in partnership with 35 food outlets within their premises. These include leading food chains such as Punjab Grill, Cafe Delhi Heights, Burma Burma, L'opera among others.Select CITYWALK has been in the forefront of caring for the environment and established a mechanism towards insuring zero discharge of waste and water.Speaking on the occasion Yogeshwar Sharma, ED and CEO, Select CITYWALK said, "It is our fundamental philosophy to care for our planet. Several initiatives have already been taken by us to safeguard our environment and many more are in the pipeline. The campaign is another significant step towards this commitment and our aim to drastically reduce plastic usage at the shopping centre. We believe that this landmark step will pave the way to substantial and significant results and we will be contributing ...
Ban on polythene in U'khand from July 31: CM
On the occasion of World Environment Day, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat today said there would be a complete ban on use of polythene throughout the state from July 31. The theme for this year's World Environment Day is beat plastic pollution. Rawat said all polythene wholesalers have been asked to exhaust their stocks by the given date and sought people's cooperation to make Uttarakhand free of plastic. One week before the ban, a mass awareness campaign about environmental damage caused by polythene would be undertaken in the entire state, he said. A massive tree plantation drive will be launched along the Rispana river next month to rejuvenate it. As part of a mission called Rispana to Rishiparna, the ancient name of the river, 3.5 lakh trees will be planted along the river in a single day right from its origin at Landhaur ShikharFall to Motharwala-Daudwala in the city where it merges with Bindal, the chief minister said. He said the Rispana to Rishiparna mission ..
