Page 711 - Environment
RIL gets green nod for Rs 2,338cr expansion project in Maharashtra
Reliance Industries (RIL) has received environment clearance for the expansion and optimisation of its petrochemical complex at Nagothane in Raigad district of Maharashtra at an estimated cost of Rs 2,338 crore. "The environment clearance has been given to the RIL's expansion and debottlenecking of petrochemical project at Nagothane," a senior Environment Ministry official said. The approval, given based on the recommendations of an expert panel, is subject to compliance of certain conditions, the official said. The proposal is to expand the gas cracker and downstream plants located at Nagothane village in Raigad district by way of debottlenecking, expansion and change of fuel in captive power plant (CPP) along with expansion and rebuilding of residential township. The cost of the proposed project, expected to be commissioned in stages, is estimated to be Rs 2,338 crore, the official added. As per the proposal, no additional land and manpower is required for the proposed project. It ..
China-US agree to abandon trade war: Chinese vice premier
Chinese Vice Premier Liu He on Sunday said the United States (US) and China have vowed not to engage in a trade war and have pledged to stop increasing tariffs on each other's items.Liu visited Washington on May 15 at the invitation of the U.S. government for economic and trade consultations.Liu said the US and China will strengthen their trade cooperation in areas like energy, agriculture products, healthcare, high-tech products, and finance, as per Xinhua.This will help China promote the high-quality development of its economy and contribute to the US effort to reduce its trade deficit, he added.He also said the two countries will also enhance their cooperation in mutual investment and intellectual property protection.The first China International Import Expo is to be held in Shanghai in November this year, Liu said, adding, all the countries are welcome to attend it.
Need to develop new seeds, plants compatible with changing climatic patterns: J-K Guv
Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra today suggested all agriculture universities in the hill states to collaborate in developing new seeds and plants compatible with the changing climatic patterns in the country. Vohra was addressing the sixth convocation of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) here. "Time has come for agriculture universities in the hill states to collaborate and undertake joint research efforts in the identified areas for timely developing new seeds and plants which will be compatible with the rapidly changing climatic patterns, he said. Vohra, who is also chancellor of the university, highlighted the agricultural scenario of the state and observed that nearly two-third of the population is directly or indirectly dependent for its livelihood on agriculture and its allied sectors. However, the average size of our farm holdings is only 0.66 ha, which is about one-third the national average size, he said. While tackling our ...
HP plans to set up power sale control room
Himachal Pradesh is planning to set up a power sale control room to monitor real time electricity generation and revenue of the state government. Himachal Pradesh Additional Chief Secretary (MPP and Power) Tarun Kapoor today directed Director Energy to set up the control room. Reviewing the progress of power generation, he said that it would be appropriate that monitoring of all projects, including up to 5 MW Projects be carried out by one agency, the Directorate of Energy and the monitoring of all HEPs (hydro electricity projects) be web based. For capacity building of the office of Directorate of Energy regarding power sale, monitoring, safety authority and quality and social environment aspects, a proposal will be prepared and accordingly the best firms in the field will be contacted for this purpose, he said, adding that an MoU will be signed with the world leader in power sector. The Directorate of Energy will also conduct study to reduce the cost of major financing components, ..
Goa Cong should make its stand clear on Mahadayi dispute: Sena
The Shiv Sena in Goa has asked the Congress to spell out its stand on the Mahadayi water dispute since the party, in alliance with the Janata Dal (Secular), was slated to form a government in neighbouring Karnataka. Goa and Karnataka are at loggerheads over the sharing of the river's water and a case is currently being heard by the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal. The river, which originates in Karnataka, flows down to Goa, where it is popularly known as Mandovi. "Goa cannot be oblivious to the politics in Karnataka. The question now remains is whether we can really heave a sigh of relief over the Mahadayi issue? The BJP had promised water diversion (to Karnataka) if they were voted to power in Karnataka," said Senas Goa spokesman Rakhi Prabhudesai Naik. "The Shiv Sena demands that the Congress party in Goa make a categorical statement on the issue of Mahadayi now that they have their government in Karnataka. We will not tolerate any compromise on this issue by the ...
China lands bomber on South China Sea island for first time
The Chinese air force has landed long-range bombers for the first time at an airport in the South China Sea, a state newspaper said today, in a move likely to further fuel concerns about Beijing's expansive claims over the disputed region. The China Daily newspaper reported that the People's Liberation Army Air Force conducted takeoff and landing training with the H-6K bomber in the South China Sea. China is pitted against smaller neighbours in multiple disputes in the South China Sea over islands, coral reefs and lagoons in waters crucial for global commerce and rich in fish and potential oil and gas reserves. A statement from the Defense Ministry late Friday said the exercise was conducted on an island reef, but it did not specify when or where, saying only that it took place recently at a "southern sea area." It involved several H-6Ks taking off from an air base and making a simulated strike against sea targets before landing, the ministry said. Wang Mingliang, a military expert, ..
PM Modi inaugurates important J&K hydropower projects
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday laid the foundation stone of Pakal Dul hydroelectric project, also inaugurated Kishanganga hydroelectric project in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar District.The 1000 MW Pakal Dul hydroelectric project, located in Kishtwar district, will be the largest Hydro Power Project in Jammu and Kashmir after it is constructed.The 330 MW Kishanganga Hydro Electric Project, located in Bandipora District of Jammu and Kashmir a run of river scheme.All units of the project have been synchronised earlier on March 30 and the annual generation of the main project is 1712.96 MU.Both the projects are going to be beneficial to the people of Jammu and Kashmir as it is touted to improve power supply, and in turn, generate more employment.According to an official release, Kishanganga project will provide free power to 13 percent to the hilly state. It is also estimated that the project engaged around 1850 locals during the construction stage and 750 when the operations ...
U'khand CM launches tree plantation drive for river rejuvenation
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat today launched the first phase of a massive tree plantation drive along Rispana river here as a step to revive it by initiating pit-digging work for the campaign. Attending the pit-digging work as part of the drive, he said the massive response from people was an indication of its success. Mission Rispana to Rishiparna is not a government programme, but a social initiative and every individual has to make their contribution to it, the chief minister said, adding, "A mission like this cannot be successful without people's participation." District Magistrate of Dehradun S A Murugeshan said under the Rishiparna rejuvenation mission, a target of digging about 2.5 lakh pits from Landhaur Shikhar Fall to Motharwala-Daudwala area by the end of June has been fixed. More than 40 government and non-government organisations, and over 8,000 volunteers, school students and people participated in today's programme, he said.
Pakal Dul hydro power project to provide 12 pc free power to J&K
The proposed 1,000 megawatt Pakal Dul hydroelectric power project on Marusadar River, a tributary of Chenab River, in Jammu and Kashmir will be completed in 66 months and will provide 12 per cent free power to the state, according to the power ministry. A foundation stone for construction of the proposed hydroelectric power project in the state was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today. In a statement issued in the national capital, the ministry said all clearances have been obtained for the Pakal Dul project, which aims to generate 3,330.18 million units of electricity annually. The proposed Rs 8,112.12 crore project will not only be the largest hydroelectric power project in the state but also the first storage unit. The project, to be completed in 66 months, is expected to generate employment for 3,000 persons during construction phase and to 500 persons during operation stage. "It has been agreed that the government of J&K shall be getting 12 per cent free power after 10 .
EESL distributes 30 cr LED bulbs, to save Rs 15,000 cr per year
Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) said on Saturday that it has distributed over 30 crore light emitting diode (LED) bulbs across the country under the Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA) programme.
PPCB orders inspection of all sugar mills, distilleries
The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) today ordered the inspection of all sugar mills and distilleries in the wake of the death of a large number of fish caused by molasses leakage from a sugar factory into Beas river. The directions in this regard were issued to all the concerned officials of the board in the state by PPCB chairman K S Pannu. "There are many sugar mills and distilleries units in Punjab which are storing molasses in their premises. Therefore, you (officials) are directed to undertake inspections of all these mills immediately with a view to sensitise the management of these mills for safe and upkeep of molasses storage points. "In case any deficiency is found in the proper upkeep of molasses storage facilities, necessary action should be taken on the spot," as per the order issued by the PPCB chairman. The officials have been asked to submit their inspection reports by May 21. A large number of fish were found dead in Beas on May 17 after molasses from a ...
Nitish flags off Beej Vahan Vikas Vahan Rath for every dist
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today flagged off the 'Krishi Mahabhiyan-cum-Beej Vikas Vahan Rath' to create alertness among farmers about government schemes for them during Kharif season. Kumar, who was accompanied by state agriculture minister Prem Kumar and other senior officials on the occasion, flagged off two ''raths' each for every district of the state at a function here on the occasion of 'Kharif Mahabhiyan-cum-Mahotsav 2018', an official release said. The 'raths' would travel to blocks, gram panchayats and villages to tell the farmers about the schemes being run during kharif season. Of the two raths, one is 'Kharif Mahabhiyan-cum-Mahotsav Rath' while the nother is 'Beej (Seed)Vahan Vikas Rath' which would have Kharif seeds and pesticides for the treatment of kharif seeds.
MP man thrusts axe handle into tiger's mouth, survives attack
A man was today attacked by a tiger in the buffer zone of Madhya Pradesh's Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, forest officials said, adding that he survived after thrusting the wooden handle of his axe into the animal's mouth. The incident occurred today morning in the forest near Barbaspur under Dhamokhar range in the tiger reserve's buffer zone, said Forest Ranger Vijay Shankar Shrivastava. "Rakesh Baiga (40) had gone to the area to pick tendu leaves along with other villagers. The tiger attacked him but he managed to save himself by thrusting the axe handle into its mouth," the official said. He said that the tiger fled into the forest after hearing the screams of the victim and others accompanying him. He added that Baiga sustained serious injuries to his body and also suffered a fracture in the jaw. "He has been shifted to Jabalpur for specialised treatment," the official said.
Venkaiah Naidu calls for increased investments in agriculture
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu today said the country's farmers should be provided with knowledge and essential resources to make farming viable and attractive. He was interacting with scientists, faculty members and research fellows at the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE) here, an official release said. The Vice President said there was a need to make agriculture sustainable, viable and attractive by creating required infrastructure, providing timely credit and value addition to farm produce. The central government's e-NAM project is the way forward for proper marketing. "Agrarian distress is mainly due to high costs of inputs, small and tenant farmers, production loss, instability in yields, low prices, climate change, droughts, rain-fed cultivation, poor irrigation and debts...." "In order to address these key areas, I think that the most critical need is to establish a dialogue with farmers and provide them with knowledge and material
China lands bombers on South China Sea island
China has landed bombers, for the first time, on disputed territory in the South China Sea prompting fresh US warnings that it is destabilising the region, said China's air force.
J&K has potential to provide electricity to country: PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said Jammu and Kashmir has the potential not only to generate electricity to meet its own needs, but also to provide power to other parts of the country. The government is making efforts to ensure that all households in the state are electrified, as the focus is to improve the existing power distribution system, the prime minister said. "Jammu and Kashmir has many rivers that have potential for electricity generation. This state has the potential not only to meet its own requirements, but can also produce power for the rest of the country," he said. "Keeping this in mind, we have been working on several projects for the past four years," Modi said after inaugurating the 330-MW Kishanganga power project here. He said that work on the 1,000-MW Pakal Dul power project in Kishtwar district will start soon. "We are also making efforts to provide uninterrupted electricity supply to every household in Jammu and Kashmir, and advanced technologies such as ...
BRICS to include 'Green Good Deeds' movement in next ministerials
The BRICS ministerial on Environment has agreed to include "Green Good Deeds", a societal movement to protect environment and promote good living, in its official agenda in the next ministerials of the grouping in Brazil and Russia, an official statement said today. Earlier this year, Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan had launched the nationwide social movement to protect the environment and promote healthy living. The environment minister had drawn up a list of over 500 'green good deeds' and asked people to alter their behaviour to green good behaviour to fulfil their green social responsibility. These small positive actions to be performed by individuals or organisations to strengthen the cause of environmental protection, were put on a mobile application named Dr Harsh Vardhan App. BRICS comprises of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. "Green Good Deeds, the societal movement launched by Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan to protect environment and promote good living
Goa waste treatment plant set to expand its capacity: Official
A waste treatment plant, inaugurated in May 2016, is all set to expand its capacity due to an increase in the inflow of garbage from the tourism belt of north Goa, a senior official said today. The plant, located in Saligao village, 15 kilometres from here, has a capacity of handling 100 tonnes of garbage every month. "The inflow of garbage has been increasing, especially during the peak tourism season. There is awareness about garbage collection and segregation which has also led to more panchayat bodies requesting us to treat their waste," Sanjith Rodrigues, managing director, Solid Waste Management Corporation, a state run body, told PTI. He said garbage arrives from 26 village panchayats, mostly from north Goas tourism belt. Rodrigues said that the capacity of the plant would be increased up to 250 tonnes per month which can be expanded to 300 tonnes per month. The capacity of the plant is currently expandable to 150 tonnes a month with the existing infrastructure, ..
Dolphins yet not visible in Beas after molasses leak incident
Indus Dolphin, one of the world's rarest mammals, has not been sighted in Beas river ever since molasses from a sugar factory leaked into it, leaving a large number of fish dead, officials said today. About 40 sq km area from Goindwal Sahib to Harike is the natural habitat of the critically endangered dolphins which are found only in India and Pakistan. The officials said there was considerable damage to the aquatic life after molasses from a sugar factory leaked into the river in Beas town, about 40 km from Amritsar, on May 17. "We have been searching for dolphins in Beas river but they have not been sighted yet by our teams which have been looking for them after the incident," Punjab Chief Wildlife Warden Kuldeep Kumar said today. Around 30 members of the World Wide Fund for Nature-India (WWF) along with teams of district forest officials have been searching for dolphins in Beas. The visibility was also low because the water had turned rusty brown due to pollutants. "We are ...
Russia unveils world's first floating nuclear power station
Russia today unveiled the world's first floating nuclear power station at a ceremony in the port of the far northern city of Murmansk where it will be loaded with nuclear fuel before heading to eastern Siberia. Built in Saint Petersburg, the Akademik Lomonosov arrived in Murmansk on Thursday where it was moored in the port and presented to the media today. Constructed by the state nuclear power firm Rosatom, the 144 by 30 metre (472 by 98 foot) ship holds two reactors with two 35 megawatt nuclear reactors that are similar to those used to power icebreaker ships. The 21,000-tonne barge will be towed in the summer of 2019 to the port of Pevek in the autonomous Chukotka region in Russia's extreme northeast, 350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle. The barge can produce enough electricity to power a town of 200,000 residents, far more than the 5,000 live in Pevek, Russia's northernmost town. It will be primarily used to power oil rigs as Russia pushes further north into the Arctic to ...
