Weekly Green News Update for Week 27 (June 29 to July 5), 2015
Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar addressing a press conference on measures for pollution control monitoring, in New Delhi on June 30, 2015.
Weekly environmental news roundup from across different media networks for week 27 (between June 29 to July 5) 2015.
1. Funds unused as air pollution peaks in Delhi
The Delhi government, in the last seven years, collected Rs 385 crore to fund its war on air pollution, but around 87% of this money has remained unspent, a planning department report has said.
2. Stormwater drains missing in Delhi
A committee formed by the NGT surveyed the city using Delhi’s drainage map of 1976 and found 44 of the 201 natural drains missing.
3. 95% of check booths can’t measure vehicle pollution in Delhi
As Delhi chokes on its foul air, the cars on its roads continue to spew poison while getting a clean bill of health every three months from the 661 pollution check centres dotting the city.
4. Pick up seeds to save trees
The monsoon has reached the city, and the environmental groups are gearing up to make the most of it.
5. E Corpn seeks NGT nod to build road on drain
Despite an NGT order restricting covering of drains in Delhi, the East Delhi Municipal Corporation has moved the tribunal on Friday appealing for a permission to build a road over a drain stretching from Mandoli to Jafrabad in Shahdara.
6. Ahead of NGT order, no clarity: Delhi willing, Centre opposes
In a couple of weeks, the National Green Tribunal will deliver an order which is likely to have a major impact on Delhi’s air quality.
7. Farmers move NGT on agri ban along Yamuna
A farmers’ collective, Delhi Peasants Multipurpose Society, representing more than a thousand farmers have filed an application in National Green Tribunal on Wednesday against the tribunal’s earlier order prohibiting cultivation of any edible crops along the Yamuna floodplains.
8. NGT seeks Centre’s reply on radio taxi operators violating laws
The apex body of radio taxi operators on Wednesday moved the National Green Tribunal alleging that diesel-powered taxis operating in the capital are violating Supreme Court order prompting the green panel to seek the response of the environment ministry in the matter.
9. No sanction to any new dam on Ganga if it impedes uninterrupted flow of water: Ministry
Construction of any new dam across the Ganga may now be very difficult.
10. ISRO to zoom in on Ganga filth through clean-up app
The Indian Space Research Organization has teamed up with the National Mission for Clean Ganga to bring out mobile applications for citizens and satellite tracking of the entire river basin.
11. Ganga mission to strengthen livelihood of bankside dwellers
As part of its mission to clean the Ganges, the Centre will spend Rs 30,000 crore in the next four years on conservation by strengthening the livelihood of the people living along the banks of the river.
12. Adventure sports on Ganga should follow the rules
The National Green Tribunal is now asking: are the activities of the rafting industry adversely impacting the ecology of the Ganga and surrounding forests.
13. Endangered white-rumped vultures make comeback in Himachal
The Pong Dam Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh saw a comeback of endangered white-rumped vultures with reported sighting of around 175 birds, the state Forest and Wildlife department today said.
14. Carcass of Rare Whale Found in Sadras Beach
A rare nine-ft long female shortfin pilot whale was found stranded in Sadras Kuppam beach on Thursday evening.
