Environmental News and Media Roundup for Week 19, 2012
Weekly environmental news roundup from across different media networks for week 19 (starting May 7, 2012) 2012.
1. Rest of Delhi leaves behind south
Is Delhi a better place to live in than a decade ago? The latest census report 2011 shows it definitely is. And the growing quality of life is not limited to just the ‘posh’ south Delhi.
2. E-waste volume set to reach eight lakh metric tonnes: Government
E-waste generated in the country is expected to reach eight lakh metric tonnes, marking an increase of nearly five-and-half times of the same generated in 2005, the government told the Rajya Sabha today.
3. South Delhi wants more parking lots, multi-storey flats
The Master Plan of Delhi 2021 is under review and it was the turn of south Delhi residents on Tuesday to give their suggestions on how the Capital should grow in the next decade. Underground parking lots in parks, community centres, multi-storey flats in place of old Delhi Development Authority flats and covering open drains to build cycle tracks were some of the innovative ideas that were placed on the discussion table at an open house organised by the DDA in south Delhi.
4. Green Tribunal seeks ‘specific action plan’ on Noida from MoEF
The National Green Tribunal today directed the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) to submit a “specific action plan” for controlling pollution in Noida and steps to be taken for its implementation.
5. 3-year-old plastic bag ban fails, govt drafts new law
In 2009, the Delhi government launched an ambitious programme to rid the city of plastic bags. Having failed to tackle its municipal waste problem, the city was ordered by the high court to address the plastic issue.
6. BRT’s trial run opens to chaos, violations
For those driving through the 5.8-km Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) corridor in south Delhi on Saturday, it was a drive full of confusion as the dedicated lanes for buses were opened for all vehicles.
7. Three-times increase in parking rates proposed
In an effort to reduce congestion on city roads and encourage people to use public transport, parking charges may soon become three-times more expensive in Delhi. The transport department is planning to increase minimum parking charges from Rs. 10 to Rs. 30 during non-peak hours and R50
8. Plastic bag threat more serious than atom bomb: Supreme Court
Excessive use of plastic bags and their unregulated disposal has been choking lakes, ponds and urban sewerage systems, the Supreme Court said on Monday while warning that it posed a threat more serious than the atom bomb for the next generation.
9. SC stays Cheetah Re-introduction Project
The Supreme Court today stayed the implementation of the Cheetah Reintroduction Programme by which the ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) had proposed to import the African large-sized feline to India.
10. Climate change could affect wheat production: Govt report
A one degree celsius rise in temperature associated with increase in carbondioxide in atmosphere could hit wheat production in India unless “adaptation” strategies are adopted, according to a government report on climate change.
11. India’s first zero waste toilet system inaugurated
Aiming to encourage public to follow environment-friendly solid waste management practices and end open defecation, a Zero Waste Toilet System (ZWTS), claiming to be the first in the country, was inaugurated on Friday.
