Environmental News and Media Roundup for Week 28, 2013
Weekly environmental news roundup from across different media networks for Week 28 (starting July 8, 2013) 2013.
1. Conflict of interest alleged in deciding fate of trees
Govind Singh, director of NGO Delhi Greens, said, “The tree officers are from Indian Forest Service and are well trained in protecting trees. The transfer of power to the environment secretary (an Indian Administrative Service officer) does create doubts regarding the government’s intent and also raises a valid question of conflict of interest.”
2. Fate of elevated road project to be decided on July 23
On the direction of the tribunal, the petitioner got an EIA study done by NGO Delhi Greens. “The study has been placed on record. It’s a 3.3-km stretch. We did not find any EIA done through proper channel. It’s part of a larger project to make the 20-km stretch between Vikaspuri and Wazirabad signal-free. A comprehensive EIA needs to be carried out,” said Govind Singh of Delhi Greens.
3. More trees cut in Delhi despite National Green Tribunal’s order
A preliminary report on the ecological impact of the project, prepared by NGO Delhi Greens, was also submitted to the tribunal.
4. PWD gets clearance to fell trees for elevated corridor project
Furthermore, a preliminary report on the ecological impact of the elevated project prepared by Delhi Greens, an environment NGO, was also placed on record. The Tribunal ordered reply to be filed and listed the matter for July 23 while ordering that status quo with respect to the standing trees be maintained.
5. More green buildings for a better Delhi
Union Minister for Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Girija Vyas on Friday urged the Central Public Works Department to meet the challenges and aspirations of a growing economy with “efficient technology, transparency and dedication”.
6. Green tribunal warns against groundwater extraction
The National Green Tribunal has warned various central and Delhi government agencies to come clean on illegal extraction of groundwater in the Capital or face action.
7. PWD illegally cut 267 trees in Vasant Kunj, says report
For its road widening project in Vasant Kunj, the Public Works Department illegally removed 267 trees and damaged 154 more, said the Dehradun-based Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education.
8. No govt agency ready to deliver on promise to save Yamuna
Who is responsible for the upkeep of the Yamuna and keeping its floodplains from turning into a concrete jungle? The answer is nobody.
9. Deadline over, concrete around trees stays
Road-owning agencies were supposed to have completed the work of de-concretization around trees in Delhi by Friday but, when National Green Tribunal enquired after its progress, they claimed that it was still going on.
10. Contaminated water kills 1 in SW Delhi
A 26-year-old daily wager died and 40 of his neighbours were hospitalised on Wednesday after allegedly drinking contaminated water in Rajokari in south-west Delhi.
11. Vanishing city greens show up in villages
About 40km from the heart of Delhi, mini forests thrive inside the Rewla Khanpur village. When TOI visited the area, we were treated to the sight of nilgai grazing and birds chirping; the trees, though not fully grown, were luxuriant enough to provide shade.
12. Study reveals Delhi air is full of cancer-causing particles leading to respiratory ailments
Residents of the national Capital, who were breathing easy after the introduction of CNG and green vehicles in the past few years, have reason to worry about the air they inhale. A recent study by Jawaharlal Nehru University has revealed that the air in Delhi is full of carcinogenic (cancer causing) particles.
13. CPWD says sorry, blames contractors for choking Yamuna with debris
The central public works department , which builds and maintains most central government’s properties, has apologised to the national green tribunal for dumping of debris in the Yamuna riverbed. But it has also shifted the blame to its contractors.
14. Govt sits over pleas to fill vacant posts in forest dept
The forest department has been repeatedly asking the Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board to expedite the process of recruitment of 36 forest guards to fill vacant posts.
