Page 970 - Environment
World Environment Day; let's clean air we breathe to stay healthy and alert
According to new WHO figures, 16 of the world's 30 most polluted cities are in India. Further, levels are growing of ultra-fine particles of less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5s), which can penetrate deep into the lungs and can cause serious health problems for people who live in India's cities.Additionally, Blueair underlined how the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has calculated that air pollution, responsible for 10,000 to 30,000 deaths annually in Delhi alone, is the fifth leading cause of death in the country.Constant eruption of man-caused fires is making the situation worst. This includes the major Bhalswa dumpsite fire in Delhi and the Deonar dumpsite fire in Mumbai, which has seriously endangered air quality in both cities. Additionally, the entire northern part of India is still suffering from recent forest fires in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh."Air pollution increases the risk of stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and severe respiratory diseases. For a city-dweller, .
Hundreds of mines lay closed down following NGT Order
Hundreds of minor minerals mines, which failed to obtain the NGT-mandated environment clearance (EC) in Kota region were forced to discontinue operations, leaving thousands of labourers without work. The National Green Tribunal (NGT), vide its order dated January 13, 2015 had directed the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) to draft a policy on environmental clearance (EC) for mining leases in cluster for minor minerals, including building stones, gravel, ordinary clay, ordinary sand, among others. Initially the NGT had set a time limit of six months for the mines to obtain EC and later extended it till January this year. Thereafter, seeking another extension on the time limit, the Rajasthan government had approached the NGT, which declined the request and made it clear for the mine owners to apply for EC and obtain it latest by May 31, 2016. In Bundi district alone, more than 900 mines remained shut, while only 23 which obtained the EC continued to function, officials ...
Widening of Mithi river: NGT slaps Rs 25 lakh on MMRDA
The National Green Tribunal has imposed a cost of Rs 25 lakh on Mumbai Metropolitan Region and Development Authority (MMRDA) for not following due procedure to obtain coastal regulation zone (CRZ) clearance and causing environmental degradation while widening of Mithi river. The green panel said MMRDA carried on with the widening of the river, construction and other allied activities on their project "without sanction of law" and was liable to pay environmental compensation. "The project proponent MMRDA has started the project without compliance to the relevant provisions of law. It caused environmental degradation and even the blasting work was carried in violation to the relevant laws in force. "Consequently, the respondent is liable to pay environmental compensation. At this initial stage, it is directed that the project proponent shall pay Rs 25 lakh as environmental compensation...," NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar said. The panel also asked State Level Environment ...