Vol. No. 16 • Issue No. 2 • April - June 2013

From the Co-ordinator’s desk

Dear all,

Climate change is no longer a contested phenomenon rising temperatures, errant rainfall, dirtier rivers and streets and ever-growing mountains of garbage are all obvious manifestations and causes of this phenomenon. But having acknowledged that our actions in the name of development are irreversibly damaging the planet, how far are we willing and able to actually do something to contain the situation?

The ENVIS Quarterly Newsletter on Parliament, NGOs and Media highlights all this information like about the activities by concerned government departments, Parliamentary pondering on environmental issues and important environmental conservation activities/workshops carried out by various non-governmental organization, institutions/ universities/ corporations etc.

All upcoming workshops/symposia/seminars and other events on environmental issues for the next quarter of April- June, 2013 are also highlighted in this newsletter.

We are please to share this information with you and look forward to your suggestions and feedback on the content published in this newsletter.

Dr. G. Areendran Coordinator-ENVIS Programme WWF- For further details, visit our website www.wwfenvis.nic.in

Overview on Environment 2

Subject wise analysis of Decisions taken by the Government on Environment 3

Subject wise analysis of concern of Parliamentarians on Environment 13

Subject wise analysis of activities carried out by various NGO's 17

Uttarakhand : A heavy price for reckless destruction of the Himalayas 23

Research & Studies on Environment 24

Events on Environment 26 OO VV EE RR VV II EE WW

It is the time of the year again when the spotlight falls on World Environment Day Celebrations. The theme for this year's World Environment Day celebrations is “Think. Eat. Save.” 'Think. Eat. Save.' Is an anti-food waste and food loss campaign that encourages you to reduce your footprint. For last so many years, one can witness a strange and multi dimensional approach for environmental cleaning and security. Environmental scientists, policy makers, non-governmental organizations, and citizen cooperatives bodies all focused their attentions on one single issue of environmental conservation.

This newsletter gives a quick glace at the activities of Environmental Non Governmental Organizations, initiatives taken up by the various government departments and Parliamentarians concern for Environmental Conservation. In this quarter, important days like International Biodiversity Day, World Environment Day and Save the Frog Day were celebrated all over India with a great zeal by NGOs, Government departments, schools and colleges etc. Awareness programs, tree plantations, Competions on Environment, Quizes and poster competions etc, marked the celebrations. On this day, TERI unveiled their first environmental survey across six cities in India covering air and water quality, waste management, climate change and green cover.

Germany lends India a soft loan of one billion euros to create infrastructure for green energy projects in the country. Environment ministry revised fire-safety norms and forest clearance process. Thirty-two five-star hotels in signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the department of environment, Delhi government, for compliance of Green Hotel Guidelines. In this quarter, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture invited public comments on Agriculture Biosecurity Bill, 2013 and Planning Minister Rajeev Shukla announced the ratings of States on Environmental Performance Index (EPI) etc. Several political leaders participated in a joint campaign with civil society groups and farmers' organizations against GM crops and BRAI Bill at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.

Mangroves in the Maharashtra state have been accorded the status of reserved forests through a government resolution released in this quarter. The environment department of the Delhi government re-launched the Tree helpline with a new toll- free number (1800-118600) on the World Environment Day. India became the first country in South Asia to ban the testing of cosmetics and its ingredients on animals. Vice president Hamid Ansari inaugurated the country's first ever government five- star rated green building, the International Centre for Environment Audit and Sustainable Development (iCED) in Jaipur. This section represents the initiatives taken up by the various government departments for environmental conservation. In this quarter, India, USA and Australia joined Hands to develop Climate Resilient crops. Germany lends India a soft loan of one billion euros to create infrastructure for green energy projects in the country. Environment ministry revised fire-safety norms and forest clearance process. Thirty-two five-star hotels in Delhi signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the department of environment, Delhi government, for compliance of Green Hotel Guidelines. In addition, important days like International Biodiversity Day, World Environment Day and Save the Frog Day were celebrated all over India with a great zeal in this quarter.

AGRICULTURE DISASTER MANAGEMENT CLIMATE-RESILIENT CROPS- India, USA and Australia join Zone O rewrite for regularization of colonies on floodplains : Hands : India, United States and Australia in the third week of May The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is looking to redefine "Zone 2013 came together to develop new climate-resilient varieties of rice O", under which falls the riverbed, so that colonies like and wheat, two of the major crops in the world. The United States Sonia Vihar and Jaitpur, which have come up on the floodplains, can Agency for International Development (USAID) will work in be excluded from the zone and regularized. This exercise has been collaboration with the Australian Centre for Plant Functional undertaken after directions from L-G's office. Genomics (ACPFG) and India's Vibha Agrotech. This collaboration The Indian Express, New Delhi, 17 April will seek to develop new rice and wheat varieties having greater tolerance to drought and salinity. The ambitious program is part of Revised Fire Safety Norms : The environment ministry has revised Feed the Future, the US Government's global hunger and food fire-safety norms that linked the height of high-rise buildings to the security initiative. width of streets, yielding to pressure from states and developers who have been citing it as hurdle to urban development. Relaxing Eastern Chronicle, New Delhi, 24 May guidelines issued last year, the ministry has allowed states to determine the width of roads in accordance with local requirements, ALTERNATE TECHNOLOGY as recommended by the Kasturirangan Committee, which was set One billion Euro soft credit for green energy projects : Germany up in December to look into the representations made by some lends India a soft loan of one billion euros to create infrastructure for states. The committee submitted its recommendations late last green energy projects in the country. The Union Ministry for New and month. The modified guidelines also require states to ensure that fire Renewable Energy (MNRE) and Germany's Ministry for Economic service infrastructure is located such that the response time is quick, Co-operation inked a deal in this regard. The agreement will be part say, within 10 minutes of the incident in urban areas. As per these of a joint declaration on co-operation in the energy sector. norms, a 15-18 m wide road was required for buildings with heights ranging from 15m to 30m.Similarly, buildings 30-45 m high had to be Deccan Herald, Bangalore,11 April located on roads at least 18m wide, though a 24m wide road was Investment subsidy for solar power plants : In a bid to encourage desirable. These parameters were set to ensure that fire trucks have more households to set up solar power plants, Tamil Nadu Chief easy access in the event of an emergency. The guidelines also Minister Jayalalithaa announced an investment subsidy of Rs. stipulated the maximum distance from a fire station. The rule set 10 20,000 per KW as part of her government's plan to make solar power km as the maximum distance between 30-45 m high buildings and a generation a mass movement. fire station, while for 45-60 m tall structures, it was mandatory to have a fire station two-five km away. The Hindu, Chennai, 26 April Economic Times, New Delhi, 10 June BIOSAFETY Disaster : The National Disaster Management NOD to GM crop research : In a Major Development, the Ministry of Authority (NDMA) declared Uttarakhand devastation a "severe Environment and Forests has green signaled field research in a natural disaster" and requested leaders not to politicize the issue. variety of GM crops. These include GM castor, rice, maize, cotton The authority also sent a team to trace survivors under the debris. and wheat. NDMA has requested to all the members of parliament from all states to contribute Rs 50 lakh each from their funds for the relief work. Asian Age, New Delhi, 19 June Hundreds of people have been killed in the heavy rains and floods that hit Uttarakhand, especially the temple town of Kedarnath, in CLIMATE CHANGE AND METEOROLOGY June 2013. Thousands of stranded people, including pilgrims, have India, Switzerland to study Himalayan glaciers : Glaciologists been rescued from the area. from India and Switzerland kickstarted a joint effort towards building Eastern Chronicle, DNA, New Delhi,25, 26 June a comprehensive network to monitor Himalayan glaciers. As many as 28 scientists from research institutes across India and ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION Switzerland Participated in a four-week capacity-building MoEF panel recommends Rs200cr fine on Adani Group : An programme on Himalayan Glaciology. The programme is an environment ministry committee has recommended a fine of Rs. 200 opportunity for Swiss scientists and experts to collaborate with their crore on Gujarat based Adani group for damaging local mangroves Indian counterparts to seek and identify areas of mutual interest for and creeks while developing its Mundra port project and asked the research. The programme provided an opportunity for strengthening ministry to cancel the environment clearance to the northern part of capacities of Indian researchers and institutions involved in research the project. In a report submitted to environment minister Jayanthi on climate change and glaciology. The four-week programme is Natarajan, committee has found that there have been instances to being organised by the School of Environmental Sciences, circumvent statutory procedures by using different agencies, at the Jawaharlal Nehru University. Centre and state, for obtaining clearances for the same project. Eastern Chronicles, New Delhi, 02 April Hindustan Times, New Delhi, 19 April

3 Bio-diversity galore : A publication on water management, ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION, NGO AND MEDIA Watering Biodiversity, Ecosystem, released by the National Biodiversity Authority, calls on the government to take up Biodiversity express : During this quarter, the second phase of ecologically viable water management strategies to help bring down Science Express Biodiversity Special (SEBS) Train flagged off to the cost of water. Releasing the book veteran scientist M S increase awareness among youths and masses on the varied flora Swaminathan highlighted the importance of putting to use and fauna of the country. The Ministry of Environment and Forests ecologically sustainable techniques to face the challenges of climate (MoEF) took this initiative in collaboration with Department of change. Science & Technology (DST) and Indian Railways. The first phase of this programme was launched last year on World Environment Day New Indian Express, Chennai, 23 May and concluded on December 22. After flag off ceremony, the train Mangroves in Maharashtra granted status of reserved forests left for Pragati Maidan Railway Station where it was stationed during 10-13 April and opened to visitors from 1000hrs till 1700hrs and entry Mangroves in the Maharashtra state have been accorded the was free. Of the 16 coaches of Science Express- Biodiversity status of reserved forests through a government resolution Special, 8 are solely for showcasing the myriad biodiversity spread released in this quarter. This provides added statutory provisions across all the bio-geographical zones of the country. It will be for the protection of the highly vulnerable coastal vegetation that splashed through a variety of interactive exhibits as short films , has faced a continuous onslaught from development projects, big- videos etc, shown on Plasma & LED TV screens, large format ticket infrastructure projects and regular dumping of debris. displays, kiosks, backlit panels, and so on. The rest of coaches have Previously, mangroves were protected forests as per an October exhibits on Climate Change, Energy and Water conservation and 2005 ruling of the Bombay high court. The state is home to 186 sq topical issues in science. The popular Joy of Science Lab is mounted km of mangroves spread across the under protected forests tag, in an exclusive coach in which students are guided to perform rights of the local population regarding activities such as fishing various experiments & activities to understand concepts of various were only recorded. Mangroves would have to be accorded the themes projected in the train. 'reserved forests' tag under section 4 of the Indian Forest Act, The Pioneer, New Delhi, 8 April 1927. Cycle rally in support to low carbon lifestyle : Tata Power Delhi Hindustan Times, Times of India, Mumbai, 28 June Distribution Limited organized a Cycle Rally in its distribution network of North & North West Delhi to create awareness about Civic body has no concern for environment: HC : The Bombay adoption of low carbon lifestyle and for conservation of environment. high court came down heavily on the Brihanmumbai Municipal Around 200 people participated in the cycle rally, which was held in Corporation (BMC) for allegedly violating several norms pertaining the Delhi University area. to Costal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and disturbing wetlands and mangroves at its Kanjurmarg dumping ground site. The bench was Hindustan Times, New Delhi, 9 April informed by the petitioner Vanshakti, an NGO fighting against the Every drop counts for university students : In a bid to sensitize irregularities, about the report of the Maharashtra State Coastal Mumbaikars about the importance of water conservation, Zone Management Authority, which has mentioned that the BMC is considering the current draught situation in Maharashtra, the using more than the allotted 65.96 hectares of land for dumping and University of Mumbai has initiated the 'The Rain Water Harvesting filling activities. It is also claiming wetland and mangrove patches at and Save Water' campaign. Under this project, more than 300 some locations are being affected due to the dumping. National Service Scheme (NSS) students of various city colleges will DNA, Mumbai, 10 May be taught methods to conserve water through short films, Hotels sign green pact with govt : Thirty-two five-star hotels in presentations and posters. Delhi signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Hindustan Times, Mumbai, 10 April department of environment, Delhi government, for compliance of Green Hotel Guidelines. The MoU fixed various deadlines for Save the Frogs Day - April 27 : The Department of Zoology, compliance of different parameters. The Green Hotel Guidelines are University of Lucknow, and the State Biodiversity an effort at optimising the use of resources. As per the MoU, these Board in joint collaboration with the Regional Science City observed hotels are supposed to: the 'Save the Frogs Day' on April 27 at the Regional Science City, Lucknow. On the occasion, a number of competitions like frog leap a) Set up a dedicated sewage treatment plant/biological competition, a competition for designing and printing a pond for the effluent treatment plant for treatment of waste waste frog and a quiz on it etc was organized with the aim of creating b) explore the possibility for re-utilization of treated waste awareness regarding frogs (amphibians) among the students. water to achieve the objective of zero discharge; The Pioneer, Lucknow, 16 April c) install solar water heating system for water heating; d) provide decentralized facilities and equipment for INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY - 22 MAY conversion of organic solid waste into compost with bio- Uttar Pradesh: Regional Science City, Aliganj, Lucknow, fuel (all by September 30); Directorate of Environment and Department of Zoology, University e) convert over from oil-fired boiler to natural gas boiler of Lucknow celebrated international Day for Biological Diversity by wherever gas is available by June 30 , flagging off a biodiversity awareness car. This awareness car f) develop green belt to create buffer zone from main roads distributed nine types of pamphlets on sparrow, amphibians, birds, by September 30, vultures, wetlands, eagles, turtles, butterflies, Biodiversity Day and g) comply with other issues such as energy auditing, water medicinal plants in Lucknow covering the major areas like auditing, application of renewable energy, etc. Gomtinagar, Hazratganj, Chowk, Sahara Mall, near the Zoological and Botanical Gardens and Charbagh from 9:30 am till 4:00 pm. A Hindustan Times, New Delhi, 4 June

4 Biodiversity Festival Quiz will also be floated among the masses. Dhirenpara Prathamik Vidyalaya. The All Guwahati Students Union (AGSU) organized a day-long sapling plantation drive in various The UP State Biodiversity Board celebrated the International Day for schools, colleges and public places across the city on the occasion. Biological Diversity at a conference organized at the Ram Manohar South Guwahati Students Union, East Guwahati Students Union, Lohia National Law University. The theme of the conference was Central Guwahati Students Union and West Guwahati Students 'Water and Biodiversity.' Union, along with the Guwahati University unit of All Assam Students The Pioneer, Lucknow,17, 23 May Union (AASU) took part in the programme. Jammu and Kashmir : Three-Day awareness camp on The Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) in Golaghat district also “Biodiversity Conservation” was organized by Government Girls celebrated the Day. A weeklong schedule was drawn up which Middle school Aghar Ballian (Zone Riasi) and was sponsored by included programmes aimed at raising awareness about Ministry of Environment and forests and WWF India state office preservation and conservation of the environment among Jammu. A grand rally was taken out by the students that went round employees and people living in the vicinity of the refinery. Banners the village chanting slogans on importance of trees and forests in displaying this year's World Environment Day theme were put up at maintaining the environment. A painting competition was also strategic locations on the refinery premises. The NRL, in association organized. with Aaranyak, a society for biodiversity conservation in NE India, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University's Centre for Biodiversity organized programmes on the World Environment Day in the vicinity Studies (CBS) celebrated the Day for the promotion of biodiversity of the Kaziranga National Park. Programmes such as audio-visual issues. The day long activities included theme-based poster and awareness talks, games and street plays on environmental pollution collage making competitions, brief speeches by the scholars and and depletion of natural resources due to irresponsible behavior of awareness programme on the conservation of biodiversity and human beings were held in 11 locations simultaneously. water resources. Tura town also celebrated the World Environment Day with an Kashmir Times, Jammu, 22, 24 May official meeting in the morning as a part of two-day conclave on sustainable development. Assam: A workshop on Biodiversity Conservation was organized on May 21 by the post Graduate department of Zoology under the Along with the rest of the world, the World Environment Day, 2013 National Awareness Campaign 2012-13. The workshop was was observed in different places across the district in Kokrajhar organized under the auspices of Union Ministry of Environment and where saplings were planted and meetings were held on the Forests and Assam Science Society. The programme started with necessity of protecting Mother Nature. As part of the celebration, the sapling Plantation in the Botanical Garden of the College. DFO, Haltugaon and 135th Battalion of Eco Task Force, planted slapping at Sripur village under Nayekgaon Range in Kokrajhar. The Ferengadau Eco Club of Nahorpara Borbill High School, Kenduguri plantation was funded by the Power Grid Corporation of India under in Tinsukia District, as part of the National Green Crops (NGC) their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project for planting programme of Ministry of Environment and Forests, also observed 65,000 seedlings. the day. The Daylong programme included an awareness drive, quiz and debate competition-highlighting importance of North East as an World Environment Day was celebrated by the BSF troops by Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot. organizing various programmes including plantation of various types of saplings like fruit bearing trees and flower trees, cleanliness of Assam Tribune, Guwahati, 26 May BSF campus including surrounding areas of family quarters, Meghalaya: Jowai, shillong also celebrated the Day at a well- cleanliness of lakes situated inside the BSF campus. Lectures on attended gathering at District Library Auditorium. Prominent citizens, environment awareness of the BSF troops, lecture on hygiene and District government officials, Teachers and hundreds of Students sanitation of BSF family and children. At BSF campus Masimpur, the attended the program. The program was organized by the tree plantation programme was organized. Meghalaya State Biodiversity Board jointly with the Department of World Environment Day (WED) is also observed at Kaziranga Forest and Environment at the District Library Auditorium, organized by Assam Forest Department. The Forest Department also organized a drawing competition between the students of the WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY - JUNE - 5 schools nearby Kaziranga. They also distributed seedling between the students. Assam: Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Limited (BCPL) observed World Environment Day (WED) at Dibrugarh at its project On the occasion, Indian Oil Corporation Limited IOCL (AOD) also site at Lepetkata under Barbaruah Block. A number of programmes organizes several activities in and around Digboi to spread like plantation of saplings in and around the project sites, slogan and awareness regarding the importance of protecting the environment essay writing, drawing competitions were organized at the campus for future generations. IOC (AOD) Digboi together with others from of the mega project to spread the message among the employees, various strata of the society organized an 'Earth Walk' this morning at staff and local people. Digboi in a meaningful way to create environment based awareness among the people at large. Students of Sarala Birla Gyan Jyoti in the school campus at Amingaon also hosted competitions including poster making and The Dibrugarh District Pollution Control Board and various other face painting, along with a photo exhibition to mark the day. Around organizations and institutions observed the environment day on hundred students participated in the various events, with special June 5 this year meaningfully by organizing art competitions. The focus on Gibbons. A documentary “And The Friends of Kaziranga” Dibrugarh Auto Pollution Testing Center, located just opposite to the produced and directed by renowned film-maker and sound engineer Dibrugarh Police Reserve, organized free Motor Vehicle pollution Kaaju was also shown on the occasion. test from 9 A.M to 2 P.M. Hindusthan Lever Limited , Doomdooma in Tinsukia district, organized training camp on hand washing and The inmates of Guwahati Central jail observed the day with a sanitary hygiene at three different schools of the town to mark the plantation drive. The student and youth welfare cell of Assam occasion. Pradesh Congress Committee organized plantation drive at The Sentinel, Assam Tribune, Guwahati, 1, 4, 6, 7, 9, 12 June

5 Delhi: Indian Oil celebrated the day to pledge its commitment to KRISHI VIGYAN KENDRA : Meanwhile, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) sustainable development by balancing economic growth with Clean East Khasi Hills under the Department of Agriculture, Meghalaya Environment. celebrated the World Environment Day 2013 on 5th June under the The Pioneer, New Delhi, 6 June theme “Think, Eat, Save”. On this occasion, an Inter School Drawing/ Painting Competition was organized. Orissa: World Environment day was celebrated at NTPC Talcher Kaniha on June 5, 2013. Environment Management Group (EMG) FERRANDO SECONDARY SCHOOL : Ferrando Secondary Department, NTPC Kaniha, organized the programme. On this School, Sawsymper celebrated the world Environment Day on in a occasion, a mass sapling plantation programme was organized very unique way, with plantation of saplings that Rev. Fr. Nolibar inside the plant campus. Khongshun, Headmaster obtained from the Range Officer, Forest Department, Mawsynram Division. www.orissadiary.com, 5 June UMTYNGAR : World Environment Day was also observed jointly by Jammu and Kashmir: Gandhi Global Family (GGF) celebrated the the office of the Divisional Forest Officer, Social Forestry Division, day at forest information centre hall to aware the public about the East Khasi Hills District and the Meghalaya Bharat Scout & Guides environmental needs and also to strengthen the commitment of by organizing a simple function held at the Bharat Scout and Guides GGF in this noble cause. The day was also celebrated at family lines Training Centre, Umtyngar. premises BSF camp Indreshwar Nagar, Miran Sahib. Hindustan Coca Cola Beverages also celebrated the day in collaboration with SENG SAMLA MALKI : The world environment day was also the state pollution control Board, J&K to promote awareness on the observed by the Seng Samla Malki who celebrated this day by importance of preserving our biodiversity. conducting a cleaning drive at the Malki Bazar. Kashmir Times, Jammu, 6 June The Shillong Times, Shillong, 6 June Uttar Pradesh: Lucknow branch of The Institute of Chartered Army conducts afforestation drive : Under the aegis of Red Horns Accountants of India and students' wing CICASA, as a part of “Go Division of the Indian Army, the Kalamatibased Army camp Green” initiative, organised a workshop on waste management and conducted an extensive plantation drive, involving local populace took out an anti-polythene awareness march in Hazratganj on the and schoolchildren of neighboring villages. The unit also distributed occasion of World Environment Day. Handmade paper bags were saplings to all the locals and schoolchildren to plant in and around distributed among the people and shopkeepers. Kalamati to make the surrounding 'green'. About 562 saplings of fruit bearing and commercial trees were planted with active The CSIR- Indian Institute of Toxicology research (IITR), Lucknow participation of students from approximately 15 schools of the area. also celebrated the day with a moto, 'Safety to Environment and Health and Service to Industry. The Sentinel, Guwahati, 16 June The Pioneer, Lucknow, 6,7 June Training programme on biomedical waste management : A daylong training programme on biomedical waste management held Meghalaya: The World Environment Day was celebrated across the at the auditorium of Little Palace Hotel at Dibrugarh concluded with a State with commemorative programmes organized by various units call to incorporate waste management system from the designing and departments. stage of any medical institution, clinic or laboratory. The training NEHU : The regional centre of National Afforestation and Eco- programme organized by the Regional Office of Pollution Control Development Board, NEHU in collaboration with Kendriya Board (PCB) in collaboration with Ministry of Environment and Vidyalaya, NEHU celebrated world environment day. Important Forest (MoEF), New Delhi was basically held for the effective activities of the celebration include plantation of plant sampling by implementation of various provision of Bio Medical Waste the school students in the school campus and drawing competition (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998. on environmental issues for the students The Sentinel, Guwahati, 28 June BSF: Border Security Force Meghalaya Frontier also joined in the celebration of World Environmental day as many events were ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT organized to mark the occasion at Frontier HQ BSF Umpling Shillong State wildlife board clears several projects near sanctuaries : and at various other BSF locations in Meghalaya. In order to meet The Gujarat Wildlife Board cleared several proposals for reference the challenges of global warming posed by rapid and unplanned to the National Board for Wildlife. Among them plans to build the modernization, a Tree Plantation drive in and around BSF campus Narmada canal through parts of the Wild Ass Sanctuary in the Little area was carried out by troops of BSF and students of BSF senior Rann of Kutch so water can be supplied to Kutch district, is a hot secondary school. The BSF also took cleanliness drive in Campus political issue. Among other proposals cleared by the board are area to help residents live in clean environment besides a rally was plans for mining operations and chemical factories within 10 kms of organized by children of BSF Senior Secondary School to highlight the borders of Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Junagadh district, proposals this noble cause and promote awareness about the environment to start limestone mines in more than 700 hectares about 5 kms from among local population. the borders of the Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kutch, as NEEDS: Meanwhile, with a view to impart Environmental awareness well as the expansion of an existing thermal near the to the future generation of leaders and citizens, the North East Marine National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary off Jamnagar. Educational & Development Society (NEEDS) on Wednesday The Times of India, Ahmadabad, 4 May interacted with 800 students from Hubert Memorial School Umpling, Environment Ministry rejects proposal to expand Bhopal- Sharon Memorial School Mawdiangdiang, Glakyn Academy School Nagpur highway : The Environment Ministry has rejected a Rynjah and Hill Crest School Rynjah on the occasion of World National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) proposal seeking Environment Day. expansion of a road connecting Bhopal and Nagpur that cuts The NSS Unit of Government Girl's Higher Secondary School through a proposed tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh. The Standing observed the World Environment Day by organising a cleaning drive Committee of National Board for Wildlife, chaired by Environment at Jail Road. Minister Jayanthi Natarajan, has accepted an expert panel report

6 which said that four-laning of NH-69 within the Ratapani Wildlife DJB treats just 54% of sewage, the rest flows into Yamuna: CAG Sanctuary "cannot be permitted currently" as tigers and other wild : Forty-six per cent of sewage generated in Delhi is flowing into the animals will be "more vulnerable" to be killed on the road. The NHAI Yamuna untreated through storm water drains, said a report by the had sought denotification of 58.5 hectares of forest land in Ratapani Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India that was tabled in Wildlife Sanctuary to upgrade the two-lane NH-69 to four lanes to the House meeting of Delhi Assembly. Out of the total 680 MGD facilitate "higher, faster and night time" traffic between the cities of sewage produced in the city, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) collected only Bhopal and Nagpur. 367 MGD of sewage for treatment. The reason for such a shortfall in Political & Business Daily, New Delhi, 8 April collection is that only 54 per cent population in Delhi is covered Ban lifted on K'taka mining : The long wait by the steel industry to through sewage lines which collect sewage and carry it to various get its raw material got over as the Supreme Court lifted ban over 90 Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). iron ore mining leases in Karnataka, closed on account of serious The Hindu, The Tribune, New Delhi, 2 April violations of lease agreement and forest conservation provisions. At Ganga Action Plan stuck due to fund crunch : The much-hyped the same time the SC cancelled 49 leases and directed the State Ganga and Yamuna Action Plans, part of the National River Government to forfeit the extracted ore. Powerful political leaders Conservation Plan, are facing serious hurdles due to a fund crunch. who will be contesting the Karnataka Assembly polls hold many of While the country needs 38,000 million litres a day (MLD) of sewage these licenses. treatment capacity, at present, it is only 12,000 MLD. The The Pioneer, Deccan Herald, New Delhi, 19 April environment ministry does not have the resources to take forward Sethu project hits TN hurdle : The Sethusamudram Shipping river conservation plans as an estimated Rs 25,000 crore are Canal Project has run into a legal complication with the Tamil Nadu required for the additional 26,000 MLD of sewage treatment Government questioning how the project could commence without capacity. According to the ministry, the project has so far covered 39 the mandatory clearance being taken from the State Coastal Zone rivers across 20 states. According to reports, the fund requirement Management Authority. The project had earlier failed to get for the Ganga alone till 2020 will be more than Rs 10,000 crores. clearance from an expert committee, headed by renowned With financial assistance from Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and , environmental scientist RK Pachauri, which termed it “economically the Yamuna Action Plan in its phase-I and II, came up with 40 and ecologically unviable”. Rejecting the committee report, the sewage treatment plants with a total capacity of 902.25 MLD, Centre informed the Supreme Court that the project was still on. It covering 21 towns. The phase III of this project is now being pointed out that under the Coastal Regulatory Zone Notification implemented at a cost of Rs 1,656 crore, with assistance from Japan 2011, if any activity is to be undertaken within 12 nautical miles of the International Cooperation Agency. coastal zone, the TN Coastal Zone Management Authority's Business Standard, New Delhi, 17 June clearance is mandatory. The State sought a direction to the Centre not to take any action to implement the project considering eco- SC notice to Centre over PIL on failure to protect Ganga : A fragility of surrounding area, questionable economic value, and its Supreme Court Bench issued notices to the Centre, National Ganga impact on lakhs of fishermen who have earned a livelihood from this River Basin Authority (NGRBA) and others on a PIL that contended trade for decades together. The Centre has been granted 12 weeks that the authorities have failed to enforce laws to protect the Ganga to respond to TN's charge and the matter has been posted for and provide ecological flow for the river. The NGRBA is headed by hearing in August. the Prime Minister. The Pioneer New Delhi, 30 April The Indian Express, Mumbai, 25 April Structured forest clearance system - on its way : Environment IIT Roorkee seeks Rs. 2 cr fee for Yamuna restoration plan : ministry has described "monitoring" as the "weakest link" in the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee has sought six months "entire forest clearance process". It has provided the structure for a and Rs. 2 crore as consultancy charges to prepare a complete plan "transparent, effective and unbiased" system to facilitate expeditious for the restoration of Yamuna river. The Supreme Court had in follow up in the event that clearance conditions have not been met. December, last year, asked the directors of IIT, Delhi and Roorkee to The proposed monitoring system includes self-monitoring by project prepare a new project for cleaning the Yamuna. In response to the proponents and the forest administration. The system also relies on SC order, the Ministry of Environment and Forest constituted a third-party monitoring by the accredited institutions and experts, as committee following which IIT- Roorkee submitted a conceptual plan well as the use of remote sensing satellite for real time data. The to clean the river. The Ministry has submitted the plan before SC committee has suggested using real-time satellite imagery for this along with an affidavit informing the court about IIT's demand for purpose. The committee's most far-reaching suggestions are in the consultancy charges. area of monitoring. The proposed system requires that project developers using more than 100 hectares of forest land to prepare Hindustan Times, New Delhi, 3 April status reports of compliance of clearance conditions, which will have NGT: Remove all illegal structures on Yamuna : The National to be reviewed by the company's executive head and published in Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the governments of Haryana, Delhi both the company's annual report and its website. and Uttar Pradesh to clear all concrete illegal structures from the Economic Times, New Delhi, 17 June notified no-development zones on the Yamuna river floodplains, including the Hindon River. The tribunal also directed officials to FRESH WATER AND MARINE CONSERVATION immediately stop any ongoing construction or development work. It asked the state governments to submit a 25-year plan on HC seeks report on lake protection : The Andhra Pradesh High rejuvenating the Yamuna. Court expressed its displeasure at the apathy of the authorities in protecting the Osmansagar and Himayatsagar lakes the main Hindustan Times, New Delhi, 21 May drinking water sources for the state capital from encroachments and Lifeline for Chetpet Lake : A sports fishing-cum-eco park will soon pollution. The court sought an action taken report from the be developed in Chetpet. The State government will restore Chetpet authorities. Lake and develop tourism infrastructure in a 15-acre area in the Deccan Chronicle, Hyderabad, 23 April vicinity. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa made a statement in

7 the Assembly on the eco development project that will cost nearly Tree helpline re-launched Rs. 42 crore. The project will facilitate rejuvenation of the 9-acre with new number SAVE A TREE waterbody, development of a restaurant with sea food, joggers' track, walkways, a play area for children and construction of a multi- The environment department of level parking lot for visitors. the Delhi government re- launched the Tree helpline with a The Hindu, Chennai, 6 April new toll-free number on the The river in ruins World Environment Day. The helpline is also aimed at Along the ghats in Banaras, there are two mortuaries, streamlining the response to the Harishchandra and Manikarnika. Every year, they burn approximately 32,000 bodies using around 16,000 tonnes of complaints received, which means, the officials would have to logwood. It produces 700- 800 tonnes of ash which flows to the adhere to a time-bound compliance. Ganga. Also, parts of the bodies remain un-burnt. Year after year, Hindustan Times New Delhi, 6 June such parts are also thrown into the river. This amounts to approximately 300 tonnes a year! This fact has been highlighted Towards a greener Environment : Delhi's Chief Minister Sheila by Professor B.D. Tripathi of Banaras Hindu University's Dikshit conducted a review meeting in May in preparation for the Department of Botany in a documentary on the Ganga titled next greening drive to increase the green cover of Delhi, wherein she Ganga, A Life Line. The 48-minute film in Hindi, made by instructed the Delhi Government's Department of Environment to writer/researcher Dr. Rajeev Shrivastava, is part of the Ministry of keep a close eye on the Delhi Metro as roughly 15,000 trees are Environment and Forests' initiative to clean the Ganga and other expected to be felled under Phase-III of constructions. She rivers under the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA). The film documents the sorry state of affairs of Indian rivers launched the green drive in June by planting saplings at Ujwa village comparing them with Thames in London, the Nile in Egypt and the in west Delhi and said that about 15 lakh saplings will be planted Zara in Dubai. All these flow through densely populated cities, yet across the city in the next two months. The chief minister announced are crystal clean. The film tells that 90 per cent of the Ganga water the forest department and 20 other government agencies have been is contaminated. There were suggestions to break down some of directed to plant about 15 lakh saplings. Dikshit added that the the to increase the water flow, which would halt siltation. It saplings will be distributed to the public at petrol pumps and the was suggested that the income of State governments from premises of government offices for free. organising Kumbh Melas should be spent on cleaning up the rivers. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who is also NGRBA The National Green Tribunal (NGT) served notice to 14 authorities Chairman, released the documentary film formally at the Maha directing them to remove all boards, nails, advertisements etc. and Kumb Mela. CDs of the film will be distributed to schools and to de-concretize the trees falling under their jurisdictions. The colleges for free and put on sale at nominal rates. Tribunal issued notices to three Union Ministries Ministry of The Hindu, New Delhi, 2 June Environment and Forests, Ministry of Human Resources Development and the Ministry of Urban Development and Poverty Green tribunal's notice to MoEF, UP : The National Green Tribunal Alleviation and to the Central Public Works Department, the Delhi issued notices to UP government and the Union ministry of Development Authority, National Highways Authority of India and the environment and forests, among others, over allegations of massive Delhi Cantonment Board- seeking their response in the matter. encroachment on the floodplains of Yamuna and Hindon by the land The Hindu, Hindustan Times, Times of India, Millennium Post, mafia. New Delhi, 24, 25 April; The Hindu, 22 May; Times of India, 23 The Times of India, New Delhi 2 April June; New Delhi Green cause: Houseboats get a new address in Dal Lake : Decline in green cover in Andhra Pradesh Waking up to the environmental crisis, the Jammu and Kashmir high court directed the state government to shift the houseboats gracing Green cover is dwindling rapidly in the state and Hyderabad is the Boulevard road to Doldum area in a bid to save the Dal Lake from worst hit when compared to other cities, according to data pollutants. Doldum is a 300 kanal (20 kanal make one hectare) land released by the Forest Survey of India and the AP Forest mass inside Dal Lake marked by J&K Lakes and Waterways department. AP State of Forests 2012, a recent report by the state Development Authority (LAWDA) as an exclusive site for the government, disclosed that moderate dense, scrub forest and houseboats with eco-friendly amenities. The plan will be the part of open forest areas are being converted into non-forest areas. It is Rs654 crore 'Save Dal Project' to conserve the lake for posterity. revealed that there is degradation of forests from higher canopy density class to lower canopy density class in 70 sq km. Around DNA, Mumbai, 11 May; The Telegraph, Kolkata, 3 June 36.44 sq km of forests was lost due to encroachments and 16.29 FOREST CONSERVATION sq km due to clearance of jungles for raising plantations and diversion of forest land for other purposes. Forest Regeneration : In May, National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the government to settle forest rights in the notified reserved Deccan Chronicle, Hyderabad, 22 April forest areas of Delhi within Six months and issue a final notification within nine months. Also, as per their directions, Wooden poles will Green India Mission is this possible? : Green India Mission, the be replaced by concrete posts for fencing to effectively protect forest Rs 46,000-crore ambitious project meant to increase the country's areas and green buffers will be created to check the spread of fires. forest cover, is struggling to keep itself rolling due to fund crunch. The mission was struggling with a meager Rs 100 crore budgetary NGT ordered a status quo on tree and vine felling on the site of support in 2011-12. Posco's steel plant in Odisha until a decision is taken on its lapsed environmental clearance. On the other hand, according to recent data acquired through RTI Times of India, The Tribune, 16 May; Economic Times, 29 May; from the ministry of environment and forests by a group of New Delhi environmentalists, the extent of forestland being diverted across the

8 country on an average stands at 135 hectares (around 333 acres) POLLUTION per day. Such diversions are done on various pretexts; say for coal mines, thermal power plants, industrial or river valley projects. Solid Waste Management : In this quarter, audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) alleged that the State bodies -- Delhi Jal Business Standard, Financial World, Eastern Chronicle, New Board and Delhi State Industrial Infrastructure Development Delhi, 6 June; Times of India, New Delhi, 11 June Corporation (DSIIDC) -- could not utilize the funds provided under various schemes for effective sewage treatment. HEALTH AND SANITATION The Supreme Court gave four weeks to Health Secretaries of 23 Step towards Bio-Medical Waste Management : Central Pollution states and 5 Union Territories to file compliance report on the Control Board (CPCB) inspection team has revealed that five implementation of ban on sale of gutka and pan masala containing hospitals in the city have not been strictly adhering to prescribed tobacco. States who have failed to implement the ban, as per standards of collection and disposal of bio-medical waste according Centre's directive, too stand on notice and have to explain for not to the Bio-Medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998. doing so. After the results of the report, National Green Tribunal has issued Delhi government commissioned IIT-Kanpur to conduct a notices to the five hospitals in Delhi “to show cause why appropriate comprehensive study of pollution levels and causes. The order and directions be not passed against them and they be government plans to use data to formulate a policy to control and directed to pay compensation on the principle of polluter pays”. The reduce air pollution, and initiate a second-generation air action plan. order further instructed the team to inspect other hospitals including private clinics and nursing homes. The Bench also instructed that The North Delhi Corporation is all set to introduce new software to bring about transparency in waste management and garbage similar inspections be carried out by the Haryana Pollution Control collection systems through which pictures of the municipal waste Board for Haryana and the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board for collection centres (dhalaos) would be uploaded on real time basis Uttar Pradesh. and will be accessible to everybody. The corporation has signed an The Hindu, New Delhi, 25 April agreement with the Ramky Group which has assured robust garbage management and collection systems. 33 city hospitals face flak over biomedical waste The National Green Tribunal has asked for installation of scanners at The National Green Tribunal found that a majority of private and the Mayapuri scrap market to ensure that no radioactive waste is government hospitals in Delhi are not complying with Biomedical stored in the premises. waste handling rules and are thus posing a "very serious threat" to Maharashtra Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan said a Special human health and environment. A joint team of the Central Investigation Team (SIT) would be formed to investigate Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Delhi Pollution Control controversial solid waste management projects at Deonar, Mulund Committee (DPCC), constituted by the tribunal, inspected 28 and Kanjurmarg, which are being implemented by the civic body hospitals in the Capital and found that biomedical waste was being through private firms. disposed in the most unscientific manner. The tribunal issued The Bruhat Bangalore Hotels Association (BBHA) on May 28 signed notices, asking all these hospitals to set things right in four weeks a memorandum of understanding with the BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru or face action. The tribunal also ordered the CPCB and the DPCC Mahanagara Palike or Greater Bangalore City Corporation) and a to inspect all these 33 hospitals once the deadline for compliance private firm, Noble Exchange Environment Solutions (NEX), "for ends and submit a status report. scientific waste management of garbage generated by bulk Hindustan Times, Times of India, New Delhi, 23 May customers".

Clean water for Rs 120-a-year : A water purification technology Hindustan Times, The Pioneer, Times of India, Indian Express, Deccan Herald, New Delhi, 3, 4 April; Times of India, New Delhi, based on a synthetic sand-like material developed by scientists IIT 11 May; Hindustan Times, Mumbai, 4 April; Indian Express, New Madras could, they say, provide clean drinking water to a household Delhi, 27 May; The Statesman, New Delhi, 5 June; Eastern for less than Rs 120 a year. Scientists say the purification Chronicle, New Delhi; The Sentinel, Guwahati, 7 June technology, based on their “synthetic granular nanocomposite”, has been shown to remove arsenic, lead, E. coli bacteria and a virus Log in to dispose e-waste called bacteriophage from water. The technology described in the In Tamil Nadu, if you have e-waste in your neighborhood and do US journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, is not know how to dispose it without causing any damage to the ready for commercialization. environment, just log in to www.ewaste.in. Recently, members of The Telegraph, Kolkata, 8 May the Green Brigade club in Anna University pitched in to raise awareness of the website and the benefits of recycling e-waste. A MEDICINAL PLANTS company called SIMS recycling solutions runs the website. This is 93% of wild medicinal plants in endangered list : Ninety three per a free website and anyone can register. The waste is recycled at cent of wild medicinal plants used for making ayurvedic medicines in MEPZ in Tambaram, Tamil Nadu. The users have to provide them with their bank account number or that of the residents' welfare the country are endangered and the government is trying to relocate association. Then they will send them the money after recycling. them from their usual habitat to protect them. The threat to the plants This money can be used to set up facilities for proper collection of came to the fore in an assessment exercise in different states carried e-waste. out by the Botanical Survey of India. The assessments were done for a total of 359 prioritized wild medicinal plant species. Out of this, The Hindu, Chennai, 25 April 335 have been assigned Red List status ranging from critically Noise pollution - Indira Gandhi International Airport : The endangered, endangered, vulnerable to near-threatened. National Green Tribunal has asked the Central Pollution Control The Times of India, New Delhi, 4 April Board and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee to respond, by May

9 28, to a bunch of petitions that claimed noise created by aircrafts is the-art technologies. States will have to establish Water Regulatory affecting the lives of residents living near the Indira Gandhi Authorities for overseeing water pricing and mandatory water audits. International Airport. The Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, a super- The Hindi, Chennai, 13 May speciality hospital located near the airport, and residents of Vasant Kunj and Bijwasan had earlier moved the high court and demanded the government take measures to mitigate noise pollution created by CAG and the parched state planes. The petitions say the noise created by aircraft range The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) tabled a between 75 and 94 decibels, much beyond the permissible limits report on the various irrigation projects in the state of Maharashtra fixed for residential areas and silent zones and it violated the Noise in the Vidhan Sabha. The report contains details on hundreds of Pollution Rules, 2000. small and large projects that were undertaken over past several Hindustan Times, New Delhi, 17 May decades. The CAG report is much more than an audit report. Here Air pollution- Okhla waste-to-energy plant : The process of are some of the main points: (a) Rs 43,270 crore currently spent burning solid waste to convert it to energy at a recycling plant in on 426 incomplete irrigation projects (b) Collective cost of projects South Delhi has made the air near the unit 25 times more polluted shot up from Rs 7215 crore to Rs 33,832 crore, a cost escalation of than the permissible limit, a surprise check of the Okhla waste-to- 469 per cent. (c) Projects have commenced between 5 to 45 years energy plant has revealed. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had ago. Maharashtra has two different ministries to deal with water: asked Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to conduct a check on irrigation and water resources, and water supply and sanitation. Okhla plant that whether the plant is causing air pollution in that area Irrigation and water resources ministry, surprisingly, do not cover or not. According to the report, the levels of dioxin, furan and the topic of drinking water. The state is literally getting parched, not particulate matter around the Okhla plant is far beyond limits. just by lack of rainfall, but by policy and implementation failure as well. Hindustan Times, 6 April; Indian Express, 4 June; New DelhI Mumbai Mirror, Mumbai, 20 April WATER MANAGEMENT WATER TO ALL WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit approved the budget New technologies to save animals : E-tagging for Jumbos: proposals worth Rs.3,951.78 crore of the Delhi Jal Board, a bulk of Electronic solution is in the offing to stop elephant deaths on railway which will be spent on improving water supply and sewerage facility tracks by speeding trains. WII and IIT Delhi jointly are developing the in the city, especially in regularized colonies, and on improving pilot project of e-tagging jumbos. The efficacy of the project will be revenue collection by installing new meters across the city. tested in Rajaji National Park in Uttarakhand in April 2013.The technique is aimed to forewarn the rail driver through infrared signals Ahead of the approaching monsoon, Delhi's lieutenant governor Tejendra Khanna ordered formation of a monitoring committee of emitted from the e-collars. Wildlife and forest staff, who in turn will residents and activists for conservation of water bodies across warn nearest railway control room in time to enable them to avoid Dwarka. He ordered regular and proper cleaning of the stormwater accidents, would monitor the movement of electronically tagged drains; diversion of storm water drains from the area into the water elephants. bodies, de-silting of water bodies and ponds as well as preservation The Pioneer, New Delhi, 9 April of areas around the water bodies. Drones for Assam rhinos: India has deployed aerial drones over Punjab: Punjab chief minister Prakash Singh Badal announced Kaziranga National Park in Assam state in a bid to protect setting up of a Drinking Water quality Testing Regulatory Authority in endangered one-horned rhinos from poachers. Security officers the state to provide safe drinking water to rural masses. conducted flights of the unmanned aircraft over the Kaziranga Maharashtra: The Union environment and forest ministry has given National Park and will fly drones at regular intervals to prevent the BMC the go-ahead to create a rainwater harvesting system on rampant poaching in the park. The drones are equipped with the 28-acre ground, whose maintenance drains the civic supply of 1 cameras and will be monitored by security guards, who find it difficult lakh litres of potable water every day. to guard the whole 480-square km reserve. The drones can fly a pre- Hindustan Times, New Delhi, 10 June programmed route at a maximum elevation of 200m (656ft) for up to The Hindu, Times of India, Hindustan Times, Indian Express, New 90 minutes. The drones will also be useful during the annual Delhi, 12 April. Deccan Herald, New Delhi, 11 May, Mumbai Mirror, monsoon season when the mighty Brahmaputra River and three Mumbai, 13 May other rivers that flow through the game park flood large areas in the Authority to regulate and control water uses coming Kaziranga reserve. The park is home to two-thirds of the world's one- horned rhino population and also has a large number of elephants, At the first meeting of the Advisory Board of the National Water tigers and other wildlife. In recent months, rhinos have been killed in Mission that was established as part of the National Action Plan on large numbers by poachers. Drones and other successful anti- Climate Change, it was decided that the Centre will establish a poaching measures have also been used by the WWF in nearby National Bureau of Water Use Efficiency. This “authority” will be established for “promotion, regulation and control of efficient use of Chitwan National Park in Nepal, where the hunting of one-horned water in irrigation, municipal and industrial uses.” It was also decided rhinos has been drastically reduced. that for improving “water use efficiency” by 20 per cent, the Mission Eastern Chronicle, Mail Today, Times of India, The Pioneer, will review the National and State Water Policies and prepare Sate- Deccan Chronicles, Millennium Post; Hyderabad, New Delhi,9, specific Action Plans for water sector “through consultation process”. 10 April; New Indian Express, Chennai, 12 April; Deccan The Bureau will take up five benchmarking irrigation projects in parts Chronicle, Hyderabad, 8,13 April of the country to demonstrate water use efficiency through water Digital Forensics technique: The Central Bureau of Investigations supply on volumetric basis, empowering Water Users Associations (CBI) is going to use a unique admixture of information regarding the to price water and collect water charges and demonstrating state-of-

10 place of defecation by animals and movement of mobile phones in Sunderbans has 77 tigers its vicinity to counter poaching of endangered rhinoceros in A recent camera-trap study by WWF-India and the West Bengal Kaziranga national park. The Central Bureau of Investigations is forest department has detected the presence of at least 77 tigers planning to use Digital Forensics technique to investigate the recent in the mangroves, much higher than the lower limit of 64 thrown up killings of Rhinos in Assam. by the national tiger census in 2011. This proves that the number Asian Age, The Tribune, Asain Age, Rashtriya Sahara, Indian of big cats in the Sunderbans is much higher than official Express, Hindustan Times, Eastern Chronicle, Naya India, The estimates. While the cameras captured 57 big cats in the Statesman, New Delhi; Statesman Kolkata, DNA, Mumbai, 8, 9 Sunderbans Tiger Reserve (STR) region,a similar study in areas April; Millennium Post, New Delhi; Shillong times, Shillong; 18 outside the tiger reserve last year had spotted 20 animals. April The Times of India, New Delhi; The Hindu, New Delhi, Chennai; Journey of Lion- From Gujarat to Madhya Pradesh : In this 25 May quarter, Supreme Court allowed translocation of Asiatic lions from Gujarat to Madhya Pradesh, saying the species is under threat of Big Cat Conservation : Following the adoption of refined protocols extinction and needs a second home. The pride of Gujarat will have for intensive annual monitoring of source populations of tiger, to be shared with Madhya Pradesh within six months. However, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is now working Centre's dreams of bringing another big cat to India the extinct towards establishing a country-wide database of wild tigers cheetah have been further deflated, with the apex court slamming captured in camera trap surveys conducted by multiple research any attempt to import African cheetahs. Welcoming the ruling, and Governmental institutions. The database will be officially called wildlife experts pointed out that it is vital to safeguard the long-term National Repository of Camera Trap Photographs of Tigers future of the king of beasts in India. Reacting to this SC order, while (NRCTPT). the Gujarat Government was contemplating to file a review petition In a bid to provide the national animal and its cubs a safer and quieter in the Supreme Court challenging its verdict on shifting of some lions habitat, the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) management has from Gir to Madhya Pradesh, the villagers and pastoral people declared the Upper Barahkamuda and Jenabil ranges as No Go around the sanctuary called for a bandh in the area. Areas after sighting of the big cats and their newborn cubs. Later, the Gujarat State Board of Wildlife met to prepare a strong Collection of minor forest produce and research activity has been review petition to be filed in the Supreme Court to oppose the prohibited along with the vehicular movements after dusk. decision to shift some Gir lions to Palpur Kuno sanctuary in Madhya Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) has apprehended eight Pradesh. While studying the decision carefully, the authorities persons including a police constable for illegal wildlife trade primarily realized that this is not a one-time transfer of lions. The SC decision possession of leopard parts in extensive raids conducted during states that the gene pool in MP would be kept healthy by sending recent months. These raids were conducted with assistance from fresh male lions from Gujarat every three to five years. The wildlife Wildlife Trust of India and Maharashtra forest department. The board and the forest department felt that sending males from Gir to accused have been booked under the Wild Life (Protection) Act Kuno will disturb the social fabric of the prides. The Gujarat 1972. According to figures obtained from Wildlife Protection Society government, then, filed a review petition against the order at the of India, there were 331 leopard deaths in 2012. The States of Supreme Court in May. Uttarakhand, Himachal and Uttar Pradesh are amongst the worst hit Meanwhile, the MP government dashed off a letter to the union in leopard mortality. The Pioneer, New Delhi, Lucknow, 22 April, The Pioneer, New ministry of environment and forests asking it to ensure compliance Delhi, 28 June of the April 15 order of the Supreme Court that cleared the transfer of New Indian Express, Chennai, 29 April lions from Gujarat to MP. The MP government seized this opportunity to demand a compliance of the order after which the New wildlife sanctuaries : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa union ministry set up a 12 member committee to oversee the announced that the State government would establish four more transfer of lions. The first meeting of the committee has been fixed wildlife sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu in addition to the existing 10. The for July 29 at Delhi. new sanctuaries are Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary covering forest areas in Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts, a special one for The Hindu, Hindustan Times, Times of India, The Pioneer, New spotted deers at Gangaikondan in Tirunelveli district, Kodiyakkarai Delhi, 15, 16, 18, 25 April; Telegraph, Kolkata, 16 April, Times of Wildlife Sanctuary covering forest areas in Nagapattinam, Thanjavur India, Ahmadabad, 16 April and Tiruvarur districts and Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary covering Online smuggling has wildlife bureau hiring cyber detectives : areas in Dindigul and Theni districts. Almost a thousand websites, many of them Indian, are at the centre Karnataka state government has also declared a part of Kolligala of a new-age illegal trade in wildlife, promising home delivery of live range Forest as Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary. Off the animals, prized animal parts and rare medicinal plants from across 1224 Sq km of the range Forest, 906.18 sq km has been declared as nations through simple internet banking formats. Finding itself in the sanctuary. midst of this transnational crime ring, India's Wildlife Crime Control Bureau has begun hiring cyber crime specialists to trail online The New Indian Express, Chennai, 3 May; Deccan Herald, wildlife smugglers. Specialists on hire come to the Wildlife Crime Bangalore, 17 May Control Bureau (WCCB) backed with a Master's in computer Rs. 3L each for 2 bat conservation projects : Alarmed by science/ applications and specialisation in cyber crime forensics. A dwindling number of bat colonies in Maharashtra, the state preliminary inquiry by the bureau's cyber crime specialists has government has sanctioned Rs 3 lakh each for two unique indicated that nearly a thousand websites are advertising sale and conservation projects, under its call for green ideas initiative. The delivery of live animals and animal products protected under the projects will involve using GPS and bat detector devices to assess Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and the global Convention on roosting places for various bat species. A unique ID will be assigned International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). to the roosting spots to implement conservation actions. With loss of Indian Express, Chandigarh, 22 April habitat and rampant hunting seen as two main reasons for the

11 decline of the bat population, the project will involve conducting action plan for the recovery of it's state bird, known locally as the rallies, workshops, dramas and lectures to spread awareness Godavan. The state is currently home to the largest global among the public. It will also involve studying and recording population of the bird. The bird also survives in Gujarat, economic advantages of bat conservation for the society. Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. In Times of India, Mumbai, 20 May November 2011, the ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) convened an emergency workshop where non-governmental India bans testing of cosmetics on animals organizations (NGOs) and experts were asked to submit an urgent India is the first country in South Asia to ban the testing of bustard-recovery programme. In July 2012, the ministry finalized the cosmetics and its ingredients on animals. The decision was taken guidelines for a state action plan for a bustard-recovery programme at a meeting of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Cosmetics after extensive consultation with stakeholders including the Sectional Committee, chaired by the Drugs Controller General of government, NGOs, national and international scientists and civil India and is in line with the European Union's stand. The decision society. In this document, conservationists and experts proposed follows appeals from various quarters, including that from the grassland conservation plans with bustards as the “umbrella” National Advisory Council Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and species, as part of a species-recovery plan (SRP). The main campaigner for animal rights Maneka Gandhi, to prevent cruelty to purpose of the SRP is to secure the long-term persistence of the animals. The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, India, Great Indian Bustard and its habitat. It broadly advocates: (a) has also been campaigning to end the testing of household research and monitoring, (b) protection, management and restricted products and their ingredients on animals. Any cosmetic product human use of core GIB breeding areas, (c) linking local livelihood which carries out animal testing will face action as per provisions of with bustard conservation by consolidating government and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and the Animal Cruelty Act. Violation community institutions in GIB landscapes, (d) conservation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act by any person or corporate education and awareness of local communities, (e) training of manager or owner is liable for punishment for a term which may managers, and (f) a conservation breeding programme as security. extend from 3-10 years and shall also be liable to fine which could be Rs.500 to Rs.10,000, or with both. In one another move, Wildlife Institute of India has decided to track this critically endangered flying bird species by satellite to The Hindu, New Delhi, 29 June understand the movement of this rare bird and its preferred habitat. Dolphins are meant to be free : An order against keeping dolphins The move is viewed as a major push towards saving the dwindling in captivity has now been passed by the Union ministry of population of the species by hunting and loss of its habitat (dry environment and forests. A circular issued in May 2013 has termed grasslands), primarily in Gujarat and , besides few other dolphins as "non-human persons" because of their unusually high Indian states like Maharashtra, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. intelligence when compared to other animals. The MoEF circular Mint, New Delhi, 7 June; Eastern Chronicle, New Delhi; Assam has also categorically stated that dophinariums or captive dophin tribune, Guwahati; 18 June parks will not be permitted in the country. This could affect the upcoming SeaWorld marine project in Sindhudurg and a dolphin Attempt to bring sparrow back : After brightly colored nests and park planned in Kerala. boxes were put up at chief minister Sheila Dikshit's residence to attract sparrows, the Rashtrapati Bhawan has also shown interest in Times of India, Mumbai, 22 May getting the bird back to Lutyens' Delhi. President Pranab Mukherjee MoU with Nepal : To ensure the well-being of animals in captivity invited activists of Nature Forever Society (of India), which launched and to keep its staff in tune with the latest in the field of animal World Sparrow Day in 2010, and discussed plans to revive the management, the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) which is in-charge of sparrow population. The NFS also explained to the President how complementing the national effort in wildlife conservation signed a the CBMI is helping in collecting vital data regarding the bird's memorandum of understanding with the National Trust for Nature population. The Delhi government notified sparrow as Delhi's state Conservation, Nepal. Authority has similar tie-ups with Singapore bird in October last year. and Germany and is in the process of entering into collaboration with the National Primate Centre, California. The entire exercise is aimed The zoology department of Lucknow University in Collaboration with at bringing in fresh blood into animals breeding in captivity and the Uttar Pradesh Biodiversity Board will Identify the rural and urban ensuring that the zoo staff is in tune with the latest developments in areas which have maximum number of Sparrows, study their the field of animal conservation. preferences for food and their endeavor to use this scientific data for The Hindu, Times Of India, New Delhi, 28 May bringing the sparrow back from the areas from where they have disappeared. Save Great Indian Bustard : Rajasthan became the first state in the country to launch a campaign to save the Great Indian Bustard, Hindustan Times, New Delhi, 3 April; The Pioneer, Lucknow, 29 which is on the brink of extinction. It will implement a state-level June

12 PARLIAMENT

This section represents the Parliamentarians concern towards environmental conservation, their statements on various Environmental issues in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and their initiatives for environment etc. In this quarter, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture invited public comments on Agriculture Biosecurity Bill, 2013, Minister for Electricity, Prohibition and Excise, Tamil Nadu, Natham R Viswanathan inaugurated country's largest Renewable Energy event RENERGY 2013, Minister of Environment and Forests celebrated World Environment Day, Planning Minister Rajeev Shukla announced the ratings of States on Environmental Performance Index (EPI) etc. Several political leaders participated in a joint campaign with civil society groups and farmers' organizations against GM crops and BRAI Bill at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Water Resources Minister M B Patil announced that the department would set up a forest bank to address land acquisition woes. In this quarter, Environment Minister Jayanthi Natarajan convened a meeting with railway officials, stressing on five-point strategy to minimize train killings of animals.

AGRICULTURE farmers' organizations against Genetically Modified crops and the Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India (BRAI) Bill at Jantar Climate Change is affecting agriculture : Climate change is likely Mantar in Delhi. Participating in the campaign CPI(M) leader to bring down the production of key foodgrain crops like wheat and Sitaram Yechury declared that he would support the organizers rice in the country by up to 18% in 2020, agriculture Minister Sharad Coalition for GM-free India on the streets and oppose the Bill in Pawar said in the Rajya Sabha. Further reduction by up to 25% in Parliament. Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal said his crop yields are projected in 2080, he noted. Similarly, a 4% fall in party was opposed to genetically modified crops and his colleague crop yield of irrigated rice and 6% in rain-fed rice is seen due to Prashant Bhushan had filed a PIL in the Supreme Court against it. climate changes by 2020. The forecast are made by the The former BJP ideologue, Govindacharya, was quick to come out government's agricultural research body ICAR using crop simulation with a suggestion that the coalition form small groups of people who models incorporating future projections for 2020, 2050 and 2080, he could fan out in the country to spread awareness about genetically added. In case of maize and sorghum, Pawar said yields are modified organisms and BRAI. CPI's National Council member projected to dip by about 18% and 2.5% in 2020. Dinesh Vasnik said his party would fight on these issues inside and Free Press Journal, Mumbai, 27 April outside Parliament. He warned against foreign aids and grants for agriculture research, seminars and such programmes that were Biosecurity Bill : The Parliamentary Standing Committee on meant to promote the agenda of multi-national companies. Gurnam Agriculture invited public comments on Agriculture Biosecurity Bill, Singh of the Bhartiya Kisan Union in Haryana wondered why the 2013 that provides for the establishment of an integrated national government was in a hurry to promote GM seeds when farmers and biosecurity system, covering plant, animal, marine and farm consumers were opposing it. While Nikhil De of Mazdoor Kisan microorganisms to combat threats of bioterrorism from pests and Shakti Sangathan bemoaned the lack of Right to Information on GM weeds. An agriculture Biosecurity authority is proposed to be set up crops, Devendra Sharma said BRAI and GM crops were being for prevention, control, eradication and management of pests and opposed as “prevention is better than cure.” Among others who diseases of plants and animals and unwanted organisms. The participated in the campaign were Bharat Krishak Sangh's Biosecurity Bill that was introduced in the Lok Sabha in March is also Krishnabir Choudhary, farmer leaders Laxman Singh, Naresh Sirohi, meant to meet India's international obligations to facilitate import former journalist Ved Pratap Vaidik and Greenpeace activist and export of plants, plant products, animals, animal products, Rachna. aquatic organisms and regulation of agriculturally important microorganisms. The proposed Authority will regulate the export and The Hindu, Statesman, New Delhi, 26 June import of plants, animals and related products prevent entry of quarantine pests from outside India and take steps for post-entry CLIMATE CHANGE AND METEOROLOGY quarantine measures. Slow climate talks : Voicing concern over "painfully slow" progress The Hindu, New Delhi, 4 June in climate talks, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the goal of stabilizing global temperatures was "nowhere in sight" and called for ALTERNATE TECHNOLOGY individual countries to take action to increase energy efficiency. While inaugurating the Fourth Clean Energy Ministerial, Singh also Need For Renewable Energy : As part of the country's largest made it clear that rich nations, who were responsible for a bulk of Renewable Energy event RENERGY 2013, the Tamil Nadu Energy greenhouse gas emissions, were best placed to provide workable Development Agency (TEDA) put up a sand sculpture on the Marina solutions to mitigate climate change. At the same time, Singh said Beach. The sculpture created by renowned sand artist Ranjan issues of financing mitigation actions to tackle climate change have Kumar Ganguly stressed on the future of humans, which is dependent on renewable energy sources. The event was been a focus of intense discussion in negotiations under the inaugurated by Minister for Electricity, Prohibition and Excise auspices of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Natham R Viswanathan. RENERGY 2013 comprised of expert Singh said while it must be ensured that the UNFCCC process sessions on solar power, wind, bio-energy, green buildings and reaches some acceptable outcome, individual countries have to energy efficiency; panel discussions with industry frontrunners; take action to increase energy efficiency and to promote clean launch of the Wind Independent Power Producers Association; energy. The PM said India is taking steps to exploit non-conventional workshops by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, TEDA, clean energy sources like solar and wind power and has proposed to SunEdison, L&T and Juwi; a session on international clean double renewable energy capacity in the country from 25,000 mw in technology collaboration, an R&D and Innovation session and a 2012 to 55,000 mw by 2017. Solar Purchase Obligation Workshop. The Financial Express, Hindustan Times, Asian Age, Mint, New New Indian Express, Chennai, 9 May Delhi, 18 April BIOSAFETY DISASTER MANAGEMENT Protest against GM crops, Biotechnology Bill : Several political Chinese dams on Brahmaputra : Minister of Water Resources leaders participated in a joint campaign with civil society groups and Harish Rawat believes India should not panic about China's decision

13 to construct three dams on the Brahmaputra river, especially in lieu forest cover. While the southern state remained on top for adopting of the Chinese government having given an “assurance that they will best green practices to protect environment, it was followed by take no such step” to adversely impact the downstream flow of the Sikkim and , Planning Minister Rajeev Shukla Brahmaputra. said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha. According the minister, no decision has been taken on the proposed EPI so far for using these The Asian Age, New Delhi, 6 April rating parameters for deciding budgetary allocation for states by the Commission. There are five parameters for tabulating the EPI score ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT including quality of air and water, increase in quality of forest cover, No fly ash unit near Kota sanctuary : The National Board of waste management and climate change, he said. The worst Wildlife (NBWL) chaired by Environment Minister Jayanthi performers under the index is Lakshadweep which was ranked 35th Natarajan shot down a proposal to set up a Clinker Grinding and followed by Andaman & Nicobar, Daman & Diu, Delhi and Arunachal Flash Mixing Unit in close proximity to the Chambal Crocodile Pradesh. Among the larger states, the worst performer is Bihar Sanctuary in Kota, Rajasthan. The NBWL also overturned the which is ranked at 30th followed by Haryana (27th), West Bengal Rajasthan State Board of Wildlife stating that the "Chambal river is (25th), Uttar Pradesh (24th) and Punjab (23th). the only safe habitat for Ghariyals and river dolphins". The National Financial world, New Delhi, 9 May Chambal Sanctuary is the main area for the species reintroduction programme of the crocodilian species Gavialis gangeticus (Gharial) ENERGY STUDIES and is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Separate regulators for water, power : The government is Indian Express, Mumbai, 27 May considering taking steps to set up separate regulators for power and water sectors after unshackling their distribution from public sector ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION monopoly. Finance Minister P Chidambaram has stressed the need for the same for these sectors, days after asserting that independent Biodiversity conservation : At a seminar on “Biodiversity regulators for road and coal sectors will come up by August- Conservation and Sustainable Development” organized by Indian September this year. Such measures can tackle problems faced by Institute of Public Administration(IIPA) and World Wide Fund for the public utilities, including their tardy distribution. Nature India (WWF-India) at Jammu, the state Minister for Forests and Environment, Mian Altaf said that biodiversity conservation can Deccan Herald, Bangalore, 22 May be ensured when forests are protected. He said that lifting of ban on ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION, NGO AND MEDIA timber import has considerably reduced pressure on the forests. Biodiversity Botanical Park in Jammu : In a joint meeting of Ecologist Madhav Gadgil has criticized former ISRO head K officers of IIIM, UEED and Jammu Municipal Corporation, Minister Kasturirangan's high-level working group (HLWG) report on the for Urban Development Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora declared that Indian environmentally sensitive Western Ghats, saying it endorses an Institute of Integrative Medicines (IIIM) has framed a plan to restore imperialist mindset. Madhav Gadgil, who has put together a report and revive the Fishpond spread over an area of 11.17 acres near on how to preserve the biodiversity of the Western Ghats, claims this RRL Laboratory, Canal Road, Jammu. He said a Biodiversity panel is now sullying his report. After Madhav Gadgil's report, Botanical Park is to be in the area surrounding the water body, which Central Government constituted another a 10-member HLWG, to would have rare species of medicinal and herbal plants. advise the Government on the recommendations made by the Daily Excelsior, Jammu, 26 may Gadgil-led expert panel. Daily Excelsior, Kashmir Horizon, Kashmir times, Jammu, 31 Earth Week Celebration March, 1 April A grand carnival organized at chief minister Sheila Dikshit's DNA, Mumbai; Pioneer, Lucknow;20 May residence marked the culmination of the Earth Week 2013. The event saw 5,000 children from 400 schools come together to Jaipur gets country's greenest govt building, houses celebrate the theme of re-use, recycle and reduce. The environment centre programme, organized by Delhi's environment department, also The country's first ever government five-star rated green building, saw the release of a poster on 'The common butterflies of Delhi' by the International Centre for Environment Audit and Sustainable WWF, a book on the 'Asola Wildlife Sanctuary' by the Bombay Development (iCED), was inaugurated by vice president Hamid Natural History Society and a book on 'Flora & Fauna at 3, Motilal Ansari. Located about 50 Km from the city on Jaipur-Delhi road, Nehru Place' prepared by the environment department. A nature the institute was commissioned by the Comptroller and Auditor trail, first made functional in 2006, was also upgraded and re- General of India, after the International Organization of Supreme launched. The trail now boasts of a watch tower, tree and shrub Audit Institutions chose India as the centre for imparting signage, badges and a new illustrated booklet. A thematic environmental and sustainable development audit. The project exhibition, 'You can Make a Difference', was also set up by WWF- has been developed on the GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated India to raise awareness about the earth's natural resources and Habitat Assessment) principles, and is based on a sustainable encouraged the students present there to move towards green- design concept. Other features of the building include minimum living in the urban environment. Each student calculated their own environmental footprint, use of fly ash, overhangs and fins to 'Earthy Day Quotient' and signed a pledge to do their bit for Mother enhance building envelope, LED and efficient lighting with 100 per Earth. cent external lighting on solar PV cells and self-contained solid Times of India, The Hindu, Hindustan Times, The Tribune, waste management system, among others. Minnennium Post, Deccan Herald, The Pioneer, Political and sdgsadgsdgsdg Business Daily, Business Line, New Delhi, 27 April

Environmental Index for Green Practices : Andhra Pradesh Reducing food wastage will help save environment : When one topped Environmental Performance Index (EPI) during 2012 for thinks of the environment, the cost of generating food and wastage is adopting best green practices to maintain quality of air, water and hardly ever considered. That is why the theme for this year's World

14 Environment Day is Think. Eat. Save. Reduce our Foodprint, which Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment is especially pertinent for India where 40 per cent of food is wasted Mian Altaf Ahmad while expressing displeasure over the slow every year, while millions go hungry. At a function to mark the Day, progress of works instructed the officers of Wullar Conservation and Jayanthi Natarajan, Minister of Environment and Forests, Management Authority to accelerate the pace of work on the project emphasized the need to stop pitting environment and development and ensure that the targets fixed for current year are achieved well in against one another as there could be no development without time. Minister asked the officers to follow up the proposal approved environment. She added that India's development had to be for procurement of high-end dredging machine costing Rs 5 crore to sustainable and environment concerns span across the boundaries supplement slit removal operation from the lake. He instructed the of ministries and departments. officers to identify spots for plantation outside the Bandipota town Business Line, New Delhi, 6 June and ensure protection of forestland in the district. Assam Tribune, Guwahati, 7 April; ENVIRONMENT DAY CELEBRATION Daily Excelsior, Jammu, 30 June Jammu and Kashmir: A rally was taken out by tourist trade CLEAN UP ACT organizations of Srinagar hotelier, travel and tour operators, houseboat owners, transporters and shikara owners. It was flagged The rivers Ganga, Yamuna, Satluj, Beas, Godavari and Kaveri off by the Minister for Tourism and culture, Ghulam Ahmad Mir in are among those that have been undergoing a conservation presence of Director Tourism Kashmit Talat Parvez and other exercise lead by the Ministry of Environment and Forests for the officials of Tourism departments. past three years. The government has release Rs 1088.91 crore Assam: Programme on the day was organized by Forest to States under the National River Conservation Plan (NCRP) till Department, Pollution Control Board and Assam Science date. This is for abatement of pollution in identified stretches of technology and Environment council at the International Convention various rivers across the country. Sewage treatment capacity of Centre, Srimanta Shankardev Kalakshetra. Forest Minister Rakibul 4704 mega litre per day has been created in the country under Hussain planted a tree on the occasion. NRCP so far, informed Jayanthi Natarajan, the Union Minister in Lok Sabha. The Yamuna, Ganga, Gomti, , Damodar Kashmir Times, Jammu; Eastern Chronicle, New Delhi; 6 June and Mahanadi have attracted the maximum funds in the past FOREST CONSERVATION three years. Centre funds conservation of polluted rivers. Forest bank to address land acquisition woes : The Water Resources department hit upon a novel plan to solve the problem of acquiring forestlands for its projects as the Water Resources Minister M B Patil announced that the department would set up a forest bank. The department will acquire land only after obtaining the consent of farmers. Market price will be given for acquired land and the displaced people will be rehabilitated. Reservation in jobs and higher education will also be given to the project-affected people, the Minister said. Deccan Herald, Bangalore, 27 June

Green India The national Wetland Inventory and Assessment released in this quarter said that Jammu and Kashmir has 2104 lakes, followed by 1672 in Arunachal Pradesh and 534 in Sikkim. Indian Himalayas is home to 4699 high altitude lakes, covering an area of 126125 hectares. Of them, 1996 are considered small lakes with size less than 2.25 hectares. India's coastline also presents a rosy picture. Latest maps based on Indian Remote Satellite data show that the country's mangrove cover-key to protect coastal areas from high tides- has increased by about 10% between 1989-92 and 2004- 07. The data on coastal zones of India also shows that coral reefs area increased about 5% during the period. Environment ministry also informed that 175 new plant species were discovered in India in 2012. The Ministry also reported an increase in few animal species, including amphibians. Hindustan Times, New Delhi, 6 June

FRESHWATER AND MARINE CONSERVATION The Hindu, New Delhi, 2 May Wetland conservation : Arunachal Pradesh Water Resources Development Minister Newlai Tingkhatra during a meeting at WATER MANAGEMENT Itanagar with visiting Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Tariq Water for animals : In light of recent incidents of animals straying A Khan discussed ways to tackle the problem of siltation through into human habits for water, steps are being initiated to create river dredging and building embankments so that proper water depth temporary and permanent water sources in forest areas, according was developed for inland water transportation. Khan advocated an to the Tamil Nadu minister for forests, K.T. Pachaimal. The minister, integrated and holistic management of the flood problem in who inspected the Vedanthangal bird sanctuary, said the animals' Arunachal Pradesh as well as the Brahmaputra basin. search for drinking water was the prime reason behind the recent

15 incidents reported in different parts of the Tamil Nadu State. prevention of poaching or felling of trees inside the interior, Inspecting the steps initiated by the wildlife department to retain a inaccessible forest areas. At present they are being paid a minimum level of water in the Vedanthangal lake, the minister consolidated wages of Rs 4,000 a month. Mr Patchaimal said discussed various steps to ensure maintenance of an adequate considering the amount of wages they were drawing and the hard level of water in the lake during the migration period as well as during work they have put in, their monthly wages had been increased from the extended period of stay of migratory birds. the current financial year. Mr Patchaimal said a total of 175 animal keepers, risking their lives, handle the captive-bred wildlife every The Hindu, Chennai, 25 April day. Therefore, the government decided to provide them risk Mineral water Supply : Delhi Education Minister and area MLA allowance of Rs 270 per animal keeper per month. Apart from this, Kiran Walia visited NCERT colony and directed the Central Public 257 employees in the Vandalur Zoo would get basic pay plus 10 per Works Department (CPWD) to clean the underground reservoirs. cent of the grade pay put together as incentive allowance, which She also directed the agency to supply mineral water to the families would work out to Rs 32 crore, he announced. living in the area. She said a number of residents were rushed to The Hindu, Chennai, 11 April nearby hospitals and nursing homes on three ambulances arranged by the Delhi government. Three CATS ambulances had been stationed within the locality to ferry affected persons. Innovative solutions needed to tackle conservation issues Hindustan Times, New Delhi, 26 June Three senior representatives from WWF-India's Assam team met Forest Minister Rockybul Hussain, discussed various WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT conservation issues of the State, and stressed the need for working together for addressing the challenges confronting Mitigating Man animal Conflict : Environment Minister Jayanthi conservation. WWF-India's representatives brought up the need Natarajan convened a meeting with railway officials, stressing on for smooth fund flow to the different Forest divisions enabling them five point strategy to minimise such incidents. She has focused on to take up various man-elephant conflict mitigation measures. The facilitating e-surveillance of tiger movement using thermal cameras minister asked WWF-India to submit a tentative operational plan installed at sensitive points besides reiterating on restriction the for man-elephant conflict mitigation for various Forest divisions in speed limit of trains among others. The meeting called for facilitating Assam. He promised to take it up with the divisional forest officers round the clock e-surveillance of tiger movement using intelligent (DFOs) concerned and the Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW) and thermal cameras at sensitive points. Tiger/wildlife sensitisation ensure better fund flow to improve the conflict management workshops would also be organised by the National Tiger interventions. For the next phase of India Rhino Vision (IRV)-2020 Conservation Authority (NTCA) for Railway personnel. programme, the minister expressed his interest in undertaking translocation of rhinos to the Laokhowa-Burhachapori wildlife The West Bengal State Forest Minister Hiten Barman said the state sanctuaries at the earliest possible time. would take necessary steps to check elephant deaths due to Assam Tribune, Guwahati, 27 June collision with trains in the Dooars.

Assam Environment and Forest Minister Rockybul Hussain has MLA against lion shifting : Congress MLA from Manavadar asked World Wildlife Fund-India to submit an operational plan for Jawahar Chavda urged Gujarat chief minister via a Human Elephant Conflict (HEC) mitigation in the state's forest letter to convene a one-day session of the Gujarat assembly to chalk divisions. Hussain told a delegation of WWF-India that after the plan was submitted, he would take it up with the concerned Divisional out an action plan to save the lions from being shifted to Madhya Forest Officers (DFOs) and Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW) and Pradesh. ensure better fund flow to improve HEC management intervention. The Times of India, Ahmadabad, 18 April The minister stressed on the need to ensure that some visible Protest over rhino killing : Protesting against the poaching of modifications are implemented during the expansion to manage the adverse impact. rhinos at Kaziranga National Park, Asomiya Yuba Mancha (AYM) Shillong Times, Shillong, 18 June burnt the effigy of Assam Forest Minister Rokybul Hussain and The Pioneer, New Delhi, 20 April; The Statesman, Kolkata, 4 June demanded his resignation. Terming him a 'failure' in protecting the world famous one horn rhino from the clutches of the poachers, the Pay hike for Anti-Poaching Watchers : Tamil Nadu State Forest AYM secretary Jitul Deka said that the entire matter of rhino killing is Minister K.T. Patchaimal announced enhanced monthly wages of Rs 6,750 to Anti-Poaching Watchers (APWs). Tabling the demands of very mysterious. He said if the killing of rhinos continue, then the grants for his department, Mr Patchaimal said that at present, 908 day is not far when one day Assam will be famous for rhino poaching. APWs were working across the State. They were involved in the The Sentinel, Guwahati, Business Standard, Delhi, 14, 19 May

16 NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION

This section highlights the activities of Non Governmental Organizations involved in the field of Environmental Conservation. NGOs like TERI, WWF, Greenpeace are three most active organizations working for Environment since ages. In this quarter, TERI with the support from other Organizations worked for certification of solar lighting systems for off-grid applications and for preparing a report for green development in Uttarakhand. People and nature-loving organizations celebrated World Environment Day on June 5 with the usual fanfare. Awareness programs, tree plantations, Competions on Environment, Quizes and poster competions etc, marked the celebrations. On this day, TERI unveiled their first environmental survey across six cities in India covering air and water quality, waste management, climate change and green cover. In this quarter, WWF-India launched a study highlighting low carbon policies and interventions across various sectors in 10 states of India. Greenpeace India protested poor electricity supply in the city, demonstrating outside the Vidhan Sabha on the penultimate day of the budget session. The two NGOs Indian National Trust for Arts and Culture (INTACH) and Force would help the Delhi Jal Board in implementing the much-needed RWH action plan.

ALTERNATE TECHNOLOGY and warned of serious ecological ramifications. The project is aimed at constructing a shorter navigational route around India's southern Off-grid solar appliances Certification : International Finance tip by breaching the Ram Sethu. The Prime Minister had appointed Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group and TERI (The the RK Pachauri Committee after the apex court had asked the Energy and Resources Institute) have joined hands to certify solar government to explore an alternative alignment for the shipping lighting systems for off-grid applications through a state-of-the-art channel to prevent any damage to the mythological bridge. testing facility at latter's campus in New Delhi. Under the proposed Mr. Pachauri also warned against attempts at promoting eco- plan, the solar lighting laboratory in TERI University, New Delhi will tourism in the Sunderbans, which the West Bengal chief minister be upgraded into a state-of-the art testing facility for ensuring quality Mamata Banerjee has promised to put on the global tourism map. solar lighting products, produced for people who have no access to Pachauri's observation follows a detailed climate assessment report grid power. on the Sunderbans prepared by TERI. The study, funded by the state Financial Chronicles, New Delhi, 18 April government, has mentioned the likely consequences of climate change in the Sunderbans, which include a dangerous rise in the BIOSAFETY sea level, high-intensity storms and water surge. Online petition against GM crops : Volunteers of Greenpeace The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) said it will work towards submitted an online petition against genetically modified (GM) crops making 15 million sq. m in both government and private buildings after Greenpeace India conducted a nation-wide online poll in which GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment)-compliant the environmental NGO found that 97 per cent people surveyed felt in the next three years. The energy savings through the GRIHA that GM crops were not the answer for food security. initiatives will be sufficient to light up at least 200,000 urban homes The Statesman, New Delhi, 8 April and provide solar water heating to 67,500 urban homes cumulatively. According to the TERI release, The Central Public CLIMATE CHANGE AND METEOROLOGY Works Department (CPWD) for compliance in all its future projects WWF develops carbon tracker : A study highlighting low carbon has adopted GRIHA. TERI has also signed an agreement with the policies and interventions across various sectors in 10 states of India government of Assam to adopt GRIHA standards in all construction was launched by WWF-India on April 30, 2013 in New Delhi. WWF- projects. India has developed the Low-Carbon Growth Policy Tracker for Eastern Chronicle, The Hindu, The Asian Age, New Delhi; New Indian states with technical inputs from Ernst & Young LLP. It Indian Express, Chennai; 8 April assesses low-carbon policies across states in the country, evaluates The Telegraphs, Kolkata, 8 April; The Statesman, New Delhi, 9 their effectiveness in reducing GHG emissions across all major April sectors and encourages new policies promoting overall low-carbon Mint, New Delhi, 25 April transformation and development at the state level. High Court scolds Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Eastern Chronicle, The Asian Age, New Delhi, 23, 24 May (BMC) over CRZ : The Bombay high court came down heavily on the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for allegedly DISASTER MANAGEMENT violating several norms pertaining to Costal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Green Development for Uttarakhand : TERI and Ganga Action and disturbing wetlands and mangroves at its Kanjurmarg dumping Parivar came together to prepare a report for green development in ground site. The bench was informed by the petitioner Vanshakti, an Uttarakhand, with the help of foreign experts, who have earlier NGO fighting against the irregularities, about the report of the worked in rebuilding tsunami-affected areas in Japan. The Maharashtra State Coastal Zone Management Authority, which has representative of TERI, Ganga Action Parivar and Parmarth Niketan mentioned that the BMC is using more than the allotted 65.96 Ashram met in Rishikesh on June 26 to finalize the modalities. The hectares of land for dumping and filling activities. organizations will prepare a report in a month and hand it over to the DNA, Mumbai, 10 May central and the Uttarakhand governments. They are focusing upon TERI survey reveals people's ignorance of ecological issues : the pilgrimage and tourism without disturbing local environment. On World Environment Day, The Energy and Resources Institute Deccan Herald, New Delhi, 29 June (TERI) unveiled their first environmental survey. Conducted on a sample of 4039 respondents across six cities Bengaluru, Chennai, ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Mumbai this revealing survey TERI 's efforts for saving Biodiversity of India : With the Centre covered air and water quality, waste management, climate change ignoring the Pachauri Committee report advising against and green cover. It aimed at gauging people's behaviour, perception implementation of the controversial Sethusamundram project, and public opinion about environmental changes over the past five eminent scientist R.K. Pachauri has said that he stands by the report years.

17 Findings: Ramganga river the first major tributary of the Ganga. 1. 70-80% of the respondents are unaware of government Delhi NCR: The American centre in collaboration with Cinedarbaar policies on air and water pollution, water availability, waste organized a four-day action oriented program to generate management, forest conservation and climate change awareness about the climate. The programme included a plethora of 2. 94% of the respondents in Delhi felt that water is being educational and entertainment based activities like film screenings, wasted in Delhi quizzes, a music concert, a puppet making, an art-music-imaging workshop and display of Eco-friendly products; followed by a live 3. In Delhi, 90% said that they had never participated in the Question answer session about the environment- headed by management of parks and that a large number of them had Founder and Director of NGO-SWECCHA. never even planted a tree. 4. A majority of the respondents in Delhi (59%) felt that Select Citywalk Mall organized an event called 'Tomorrow's Earth is environment concerns and development have to go hand-in- Today's Responsibility'. The line-up of activities included a flash hand. mob, candle holding and slogan contests organized by IEEE to spread awareness about the environment. There will be an 5. In all cities apart from Kolkata, the survey revealed an exclusive art installation done by artist Arun Verma, which was made unwillingness to segregate waste at source out of 200kg of old rusting scraps. The show ended with a dance 6. While 61% of the respondents in Kolkata noted that the water performance by Shiamak Davar's dance group. quality available to them had improved, 73% felt water was Delhi Public School (DPS), Mathura Road in collaboration with Heart being wasted due to excessive consumption. care Foundation of India (HCFI) a national NGO and Supported by 7. 52% felt that parts of Kolkata should be declared protected Ministry of Earth Sciences, observed World Earth day by hosting a pockets to help the city improve its green cover series of events. The theme of the event was Future Earth. 8. About a fourth of the sample in all cities suggested improved Several IT and BPO companies in Gurgaon pledged to the public transport infrastructure as the best way to reduce air campaign of using public transport for commuting to their office and pollution. over 40 companies walked as part of this campaign on April 22 at 9. In Chennai, a significant 38% of the respondents felt that several places in Gurgaon. there was no change in climate. Gujarat: Centre for Environment Education (CEE) organized a Times Of India, Mail Today, Hindustan Times, Mint, Sunday painting competition for children of 5 - 12 years. The children were Guardian, Statesman, Eastern Chronicle, Indian Express, free to paint on what they wished to see of the otherwise dry and Business Daily, New Delhi; Assam Tribune, Guwahati; Indian polluted Sabarmati riverbed. The TOI-CEE initiative also saw Express, Chandigarh, Chennai; 4,5,9 June hundreds of Amdavadis taking a pledge to save rivers in the state as part of 'My City My River' campaign. Teenagers and adults ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION, NGO AND MEDIA participated in drawing, debate, quiz competitions and other activities organized on the campus. An interesting nature EARTH DAY CELEBRATIONS photography workshop was also organized on the occasion. In an attempt to save mother earth, and with the idea to promote Hindustan Times, New Delhi, Times of India, Ahmadabad, 22 awareness and education to save our planet from various man made April, 2 May; www.wwfindia.net evils like pollution, global warming, deforestation and more, Earth Day is being celebrated on April 22. First conceptualized at the 1969 WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY CELEBRATIONS UNESCO Conference in San Fransisco, the date, April 22, was People and nature-loving organizations celebrated World formally adopted three years ago by the United Nations. Environment Day on June 5 with the usual fanfare. Awareness Jammu and Kashmir: A series of Paryavaran Mitra Melas were programs, tree plantations, Competions on Environment, Quizes organized in three districts Doda, Ramban and Kishtwar to and poster competions etc, marked the celebrations. commemorate Earth Day 2012. The Melas started from Zone Ukhral Assam: A plantation drive was held where Nearly 600 students, in district Ramban on 2nd April and ended on 20th April at Zone teachers from Kalaigaon College authority, forest personnel of Inderwal in district Kishtwar covering total 18 Education Zones. Dhansiri Forest Division and media persons planted nearly 200 These were organised jointly by Paryavarn Mitra partners in Jammu saplings. region - WWF-India (J&K), Arjun youth Club Dessa Doda and CEET with support from Education Department. Nearly 400 tree saplings also distributed among students. A quiz competition on nature and wildlife was conducted. Pratishruti... Anya Uttar Pradesh: Moradabad District Administration along with World Ek Yatra, an NGO of Saragaon, celebrated World Environment Day Wide Fund for Nature-India's (WWF-India) Rivers for Life, Life for with plantation of indigenous medicinal plants in the schools. The Rivers Programme, organized a momentous Ramganga walk to IOCL-AOD observed the World Environment Day at Digboi with raise awareness about the degrading state of the river and to events like 'Earth-Walk' among the schoolchildren, quiz competition, understand the challenges faced by it. The purpose of the walk was an on-the- spot art competition, marathon race etc from May 31 to also to actively engage the citizen's of Moradabad in the planned June 5. The Digboi College community in association with NGO upcoming Ramganga conservation activities in the city. At Kali Aranyak and Digboi Division of Forest observed the Day with talks Mandir, one witnessed hundreds of participants taking pledge and and presentations on environment-related issues. The Green Bud' signing-up to become 'Ramganga Mitra'. WWF-India's Rivers for an NGO formed also celebrated the day with plantation of tree Life, Life for Rivers programme has been working on Ganga saplings and a handicraft competition. A street play was held at conservation since 2007 and envisions it as a healthy river system Kohora Chariali road organised by Aaranyak, an NGO in association that is rich in biodiversity, and aims to provide long term water with Numaligarh Refinery Ltd. security to communities, businesses and nature; and is supported People's Science Society, a nascent NGO of this town, has decided by HSBC Water Programme. The programme also endeavors to to observe 'World Environment Day' in its own unique way. Anti maximize and implement effective basin management in the tobacco and cancer awareness programme and discussion on it,

18 held in the premises of Cachar Cancer Hospital. Another highlight of flow). the day was a presentation on 'Tree Host Mission Project' in The Statesman, New Delhi, 10 May cooperation with Sreepalli Development Committee and its objective would be to motivate people for plantations of trees of Photo exhibition on environment awareness : People's Friend varied species and create around a greener and cleaner Foundation, a leading sociocultural organization is organizing an all environment. The daylong programme concluded with a film show Assam environment photo exhibitioncumcompetition titled Nature on the theme of the World Environment Day. Arunodoy Sangha, the Through the lens2013 from July 812 at State Art Gallery. The well known NGO, working in diverse fields for the welfare of common exhibitioncumcompetition is a bid to bring about awareness on masses, has taken up tree plantation at specific locations in order to environment and nature among all section of the society, both young make people aware of the significance of the day and give a thought and old. to the preservation and protection of flora and fauna. The Sentinel, Guwahati, 18 June Help Earth- a society for Biodiversity conservation, organized a Lessons painted in green : The National Council of Educational seminar on turtle conservation for fisherman community of Research and Training (NCERT) and WWF have joined hands to Uzanbazar, Guwahati. In a separate occasion, Birjhora Higher help teachers impart value education on conservation to students. Secondary School of Bongaigaon organized an environmental study Towards this end, WWF-India launched an audio-visual Master programme with the association of Nature's foster, an NGO working Trainer Kit on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). The for Environment and Wildlife at the school premises. NGOs like kit contains resource materials in five languages. The kit will enable Oozaru and Gharoa organized awareness programmes at different teachers to embed the ESD approach in their teaching. The NCERT educational organizations at Lumding. and WWF-India is focusing on schools in Assam, West Bengal, Delhi: In a unique initiative on World Environment Day, NGO Swechha inaugurated its office made of waste in Khirkee Extension Greens salute evangelist Prasad on environment day in South Delhi. Everything in the office, ranging from storage space and partitions to lamp shades, are made out of trash. Hundreds of activists, students and members of NGOs joined India's leading ecologists in saluting conservation evangelist M.K. World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF)- India launched their new Prasad to mark the World Environment Day at Kerala. campaign “seize Your Power” on the occasion of World Environment Octogenarian Prasad, popularly known as MKP, was instrumental Day with an aim of seeking increased investment and better policies in saving the Silent Valley tropical rain forest in this southern state for Renewable energy. during the 1970s by spearheading a national movement against a Deccan Herald, New Delhi, 6 June hydro-power project in the fragile bio-diverse hotspot in Idukki district, about 140 km from this port city on the Malabar coast. In a Jammu and Kashmir: On World Environment day, J&K NGO fitting tribute to the yeomen services Prasad rendered to protect Sainiks, Agriculturists, and Intellectuals, Society for Total Agrarian the rich flora and fauna heritage in the state, 98-year-old former Rural Reforms (SAI STAR) Society celebrated this Day by launching Supreme Court judge and constitutional expert V.R. Krishna Iyer Environment Awareness campaign among rural public on Dhar honoured the evangelist on his 80th birthday and released a Udhampur road. Festschrift, a collection of articles and essays on environment and The Sangam Theater Group (STG) Reasi, a partner of NGO WWF- society, by green experts. Among the experts, who participated in India also celebrated World Environment Day under national the event and spoke on Prasad's dedication to the noble cause, environment awareness campaign 2012-13 on the theme of Bio- were Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) director general Diversity conservation at Reasi in collaboration with WWF-India. Sunita Narain, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) India's former chief The Sentinel, Assam Tribune, Guwahati; Kashmir Times, Jammu; executive Dilnavaz Variava, Sanctuary Asia editor and veteran 23 May; 7,8, 9, 19 June naturalist Bittu Sahgal, Western Ghats ecology expert panel chairman Madhva Gadgil and former chief conservator of forests Young biologist wins Green Oscar for saving Arunachal M. Manoharan. hornbills : A young wildlife biologist who converted bird hunters into their saviours in remote forests of Arunachal Pradesh was awarded The Sentinel, Guwahati; Free Press Journal, Mumbai, 5 June the 2013 Whitley Award, also known as Green Oscar, in London. Aparajit Datta was among the eight conservationists from across the Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. world to win the prestigious award and shared 2,95,000 pounds as the prize money. Datta leads a programme to conserve hornbills in The Financial Express, Mumbai, New Delhi; Times of India, The the Indian Eastern Himalaya at the Nature Conservation Foundation Hindu, New Delhi, 10, 12 June (NCF), an NGO established in 1996 to promote science-based NGO wins award : The Indian Chamber of Commerce's Ladies wildlife conservation in India. Study Group awarded Kolkata-based NGO People United for Better Hindustan Times, New Delhi, 02 May Living in Calcutta (Public) the LSG Charitable Trust Award for “its contribution towards protection of wetlands, open spaces, air and Green energy is not necessarily green : The Centre for Science noise pollution, conservation of heritage buildings”. and Environment (CSE) organised a conference on 'Green Norms Environmentalist and Nobel laureate RK Pachauri presented the for Green Energy' and brought together different stakeholders to award to Public President Bonani Kakkar at a ceremony this discuss environmental impacts of these sectors and modes of morning at the ICCR in Kolkata. monitoring and regulating them. It focused on the wind and small hydro sectors. On this occasion, Ms Sunita Narain, director general, The Statesman, New Delhi, 6 April CSE said that “Green energy” is not necessarily green, and small Carton creations : Kalki Koechlin came to Delhi for promoting the hydro power is not really for small people with small needs. She use of recycled products, including stationery and furniture, made highlighted that the plight of the Ganga -- 70 hydropower projects out Tetra Pak cartons, for school children. The actress was here for with a capacity of 9,580.3 MW have “affected” 60-80 per cent of the Your Cartons. My Classroom, an initiative jointly promoted by The river, without taking into consideration the river's ecological flow (e- Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and food packaging and

19 processing company Tetra Pak. The initiative was aimed to department said a committee of the Maharashtra Coastal Zone encourage the efforts of Project SEARCH (Sensitization, Education Management Authority (MCZMA) would visit the site soon. and Awareness on Recycling for a Cleaner Habitat), a nationwide Vanashakti in its complaint had drawn attention to the “reclamation programme to create awareness among school students, teachers of water bodies and wetlands outside the 65 hectares granted for and the school community at large about recycling and reusing of dumping waste.” The Kanjurmarg dumping ground is located on an waste. School students associated with Project SEARCH collected area of 141 hectares, out of which, 65 hectares has been granted for around 200,000 used Tetra Pak cartons for recycling. dumping while the rest of the land is comprised of protected The Pioneer, New Delhi, 22 April mangroves, space for a road around the landfill and a waste composting unit. WWF 's Education for Sustainable Development (ESD): The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has now started working for the Citing government failure to protect precious wetland ecosystems in environmental upliftment of State schools. Under its project the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) from illegal reclamation 'Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), it has decided to and dumping, NGO's like Vanashakti, Harit Naisargik Vasai Bachao cover 18 districts. Under this project, the WWF in collaboration with Abhiyan along with one another NGO and citizens filed a public the District Institute of Educational Training (DIET) will adopt one interest litigation in Bombay high court (HC). In, the petitioners have school in each district. The adopted school will be turned into a asked for setting up a state wetland authority comprised of forest model school on environmental awareness. In Nalbari district, the officers, scientists, citizen groups, environmental NGO's and other WWF has adopted Bijulighat MV School for this environmental and concerned government and non-government persons to check socio-economic project. The principal of Nalbari DIET, Munindra destruction of wetlands. Barman formally inaugurated the project in a function held at the Hindustan Times, Mumbai, 25, 30 April Parks to save river? : Even as the Delhi Development Authority ENERGY STUDIES (DDA) unravels its plans of building a bio-diversity park along the Greenpeace protests power cuts in Delhi : Greenpeace India Yamuna River, a section of environmentalists have started raising protested poor electricity supply in the city, demonstrating outside objections, claiming that the move could well be counter-productive. the Vidhan Sabha on the penultimate day of the budget session. Manoj Misra of NGO Yamuna Jiye Abhiyan, on whose petition the Delhi's Power Minister Haroon Yusuf was in for a shock when National Green Tribunal is monitoring removal of debris from the Greenpeace activists decided to deliver a powerful message to him. riverbed, said that DDA must think beyond landscaping and The activists were protesting against Delhi's dull performance on its concrete Structures. Misra has already written to Delhi Lt Governor renewable energy targets as highlighted in the Greenpeace report, Tejendra Khanna, who is also DDA chairman, saying that the 'Powering Ahead with Renewables: Leaders and Laggards'. development authority should not evict farmers but renegotiate the Greenpeace demanded the power minister to enforce a policy on terms of the lease with a provision that only subsistence and strictly renewable energy. It also organized a renewable energy community natural, organic farming shall be permissible in an agro-bio-diverse fair 'Switch on the Sun' in association with the Sukhdev Vihar (Pocket manner. B) Residents' Welfare Association in Delhi to address the energy Hindustan Times, New Delhi, 24 April crisis. POLLUTION At the world Environment Day, NGO Greenpeace organized a “Switch on the Sun” programme at Dilli Haat to highlight that Tapping trash for landfill gas : A new technology for recovering Delhi'ites can generate their own uninterrupted and clean supply of landfill gas may reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions from electricity by installing solar panels on their rooftops. landfills by a great extent. If commercialized, the gas recovered can be used for cooking, heating, electricity generation and even Eastern chronicles, HT Edge, The Hindu, Deccan Herald, 2, 13, transportation. The technology was introduced in 2011 in a pilot 16 May; The Statesman, 6 June; New Delhi project at the Okhla landfill by The Energy and Resource Institute, FRESH WATER AND MARINE CONSERVATION MoEF and Jamia Milia Islamia University. After two years of monitoring it, scientists who worked on the project on Thursday Yamuna River Conservation : Citing the fragility and seismic declared that the project has the potential to be successfully nature of the Yamuna catchment as one of the reasons for not going commercialized. ahead with the construction of dams, a Delhi-based non-government organisation, Yamuna Jiye Abhiyan, has written to the Planning The Times of India, New Delhi, 6 April Commission to refrain from funding construction of the proposed Efforts on to make stations garbage-free : In a bid to clean railway Lakhwar Byasi hydroelectric project over the river. Based on its stations in the Capital, the Northern Railway has helped NGO research findings, the YJA has put forth that the Yamuna basin with Chintan to set up a bottle-crushing machine (6,000 bottles a day) at very fragile hills as its catchment, and sitting as it does in Zone V the New Delhi station. NGO is also running a garbage segregation seismic belt is “unsuited” for construction of man-made structures. facility at the station. The Northern Railway has provided a site for Intern, the NGO has proposed carrying out “massive reforestation waste segregation to the NGO, where 135 waste-pickers help campaign” in the catchment area. recycle about 30 per cent of the total waste. On Earth Day, 54 NGOs and Environmentalists wrote to Prime Hindustan Times, Times of India, New Delhi, 23 April Minister Manmohan Singh warning that construction of the proposed Ground water pollution : Forty two per cent of the respondents in Lakhwar dam on the Yamuna river will destroy the river. Mumbai feel that the ground water availability has worsened over The Hindu, 8 April; Asian Age, 23 April; New Delhi the last five years. The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) Wetland Conservation at Maharashtra : Non-government released the finding in a survey report of the Mumbai chapter. The organisation Vanashakti filed a complaint that raised concerns about report, however, said that 39 per cent of the people perceived that destruction of wetlands inside the Kanjurmarg dumping ground. there has been an improvement in the drinking water quality and After which the officials from the Maharashtra state environment availability, besides improvement in waste and waste management (46 per cent). On the ever-increasing air pollution leading to

20 diseases such as asthma, lung cancer and other respiratory by UNESCO. The birth of Dharati is a milestone in the Rhino diseases, 99 per cent respondents perceived that there has been Rehabilitation Project, kickstarted in 2006, which is a joint venture of deterioration of urban air quality due to pollution. the Assam Forest Department and International Fund for Animal Welfare Wildlife Trust of India (IFAWWTI). Dharati's mother Ganga The Hindu, Business Line, New Delhi, 8 May is a rhino handreared by people and rehabilitated in Manas National On a warpath against Capital's noise pollution : Ravi Kalra is Park (MNP). happy to be dubbed as the No-Honking Man of India. This Delhiite, A male wild buffalo was released to the forest after over two years of along with 100-odd volunteers, has been carrying out a 'Do Not human care by Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation Honk' campaign for the past five years to educate drivers not to honk (CWRC) . The buffalo had been found as a week-old calf separated unnecessarily and help control noise pollution. The 44-year-old from its mother near the Rajiv Gandhi National Park at Orang. It was activist started his fight against honking way back in 2008. He moved to Laokhowa Burasapori Wildlife Sanctuary from the started an NGO, The Earth Saviors Foundation, and with the help of International Fund for Animal Welfare-Wildlife Trust of India (IFAW- 100 volunteers carried out a drive at the Gurgaon tollgate by wiping WTI)-run CWRC where it was hand-reared. out 'Horn Please' signs from the back of over one lakh commercial vehicles. Volunteers of The Earth Savers Foundation go out and Hand-raised for months, four orphaned asiatic black bears (Ursus stick "Do Not Honk" stickers on vehicles all over the Capital. thibetanus) were set free in the wild in Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh by the officials of the International Fund for Hindustan Times, New Delhi, 13 May Animal Welfare-Wildlife trust of India (IFAW-WTI). It was said that WATER MANAGEMENT three of the released animals were also radio-collared to facilitate post-release monitoring. Vow to save water in Gondal, Gujarat : Thousands of people from 4,800 villages across the water-starved Saurashtra took pledge at a The Sentinal, Guwahati; Eastern Chronicle, The Pioneer, New 'mahayagna', organized by Saurashtra Jaldhara Trust, near Bhadar Delhi, 23, 28 April Dam at Devla village in Gondal taluka of Rajkot district to work for Assam Tribune, Guwahati, 15 June; The Pioneer, New Delhi, water conservation. The Saurashtra Narmada Jal Avataran Jan Lucknow, 17 June Jagruti Mahayagna is working to create awareness about water conservation, drip irrigation and unused borewells and also Bijlee's owners: Real animals : A female pachyderm was rescued pressurize the state government to bring Narmada water to a fortnight back in Mulund suburb of north-east Mumbai by the Saurashtra. NGOs - Animals Matter to Me, Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW), Jagdish Shetty of Swabhiman Sangthan and Raju Times of India, Allahabad, 6 May Iyer of Thane. The Ailing and hurt, 58-year-old female elephant DJB set to tap rainwater : The two NGOs Indian National Trust for Bijlee was undergoing treatment for fatigue, a severe, maggot- Arts and Culture (INTACH) and Force would help the Delhi Jal infested injury and bruises in her hind legs near Fortis hospital in Board in implementing the much-needed RWH action plan, with a Mulund from the volunteers of an NGO called Animals Matter To Me special focus on south and southwest districts, that have seen one of (AMTM). These NGOs bear all the expenses for the elephant cure the worse declines in groundwater levels. The two NGOs will help like for its medicines, food and for bringing down experts from people identify the site for rainwater harvesting unit, provide Guwahati, Bhopal, Pune and Bangalore etc. The elephant was technical know-how and also engage in follow-up. The Delhi Jal forced to beg, work at weddings and other religious ceremonies by Board will act as the facilitator and the two NGOs would liaise for their owners without a break for more than 50 years. The NGO also getting permissions for the land for RWH units etc. filed an FIR against the mahout. The overworked and overweight elephant in Mumbai whose plight illustrated the mistreatment of the Hindustan Times, New Delhi, 10 June animals as street performers died after fighting for her life for weeks. WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT DNA, Mumbai Mirror, Outlook India, Times of India, Mumbai, 19, Wildlife management through Education : Aranyak, a Guwahati- 30 June based conservation organization, in collaboration with Digboi Big cat conservation : NGO 'Prayatna' opposes move to shift tigers Division of Forest, Assam organized a three-day wildlife from Madhya Pradesh to Sariska Reserve in Rajasthan by writing a conservation training camp in the Saraipung Forest Range Office letter to Union environment and forest minister Jayanti Natrajan. The premises near Guwahati from March 25 to 28. The objective of the NGO highlighted documents sourced through RTI stating that NTCA camp was to enthuse the younger generation to take up the mantra under some political pressure has instructed the Madhya Pradesh of wildlife conservation and develop them into committed government to shift tigers from the state to Sariska Tiger Reserve in conservationists and naturalists. Rajasthan, terming the move as "very disturbing". On the other The International Fund for Animal Welfare Wildlife Trust of India hand, NGO Empower Foundation has opposed the move on (IFAWWTI) in collaboration with Arunachal Pradesh forest various grounds, including the fact that most of earlier translocation department organized an awareness programme on Hoolock attempts carried out in independent India had failed, often Gibbon conservation among schoolchildren at Dello Village in Lower endangering the animals. The NGO's analysis titled 'Failure of the Dibang Valley district in Itanagar, Assam. IFAWWTI had recently proposed lion translocation to Kuno Palpur, Madhya Pradesh' also launched a Gibbon and Bear Rescue project in Dello Village to found that the government has not strongly positioned the fact that conserve and protect Gibbon from certain extinction. the lion habitat in Gujarat goes much beyond Gir. Assam Tribune, The Sentinel, Guwahati, 2, 6 April In Kolkata, La Martiniere for Girls hosted a fest “Kids for Tigers”, Born to be wild: Rekindling hopes from Hand raised animals : presented by Aircel and Sanctuary Asia and supported by NGO Manas had lost all its rhinos by the 1990s as the area reeled under Faces. The fest saw students of around 300 students from 20 severe civil conflict. It was also declared a World Heritage Site in schools besides the hosts, turning up to pledge their support for the danger. A number of initiatives, including the Rhino Reintroduction save the stripes. From reciting poems on tigers to taking part in an Programme, have been implemented in MNP since peace was open quiz on environment and designing posters with save-tiger largely restored in early 2000s. In 2011, the 'in danger' tag was lifted messages, the students went all out to protect tigers.

21 A Mumbai based NGO Empower Foundation conducted a study on In view of the worsening scenario vis-à-vis rhino poaching in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park's man-animal conflict. The report State, the Assam Environmental NGO Forum has recommended a submitted to the government by the NGO stated that South Africa number of measures to the forest department and the Kaziranga has been supplying a considerable volume of lion bones to mainly National Park authorities to ensure wildlife protection. The Laos, Vietnam and China. A warning against such trade has been recommendations were presented to Forest Minister Rockybul issued by LionAid, an organisation which is into lion conservation. Hussain at a meeting at the Assam State Zoo. Underscoring the LionAid has warned that such trade could well stimulate a demand need to impart knowledge/practical training about KNP to the staff, that would increasingly involve poaching of lions. As per LionAid, in the Forum said that the newly recruited forest guards, although well- India, all carcasses of tigers are considered poaching incidents and equipped, find it hard to adjust in the difficult terrains without proper same treatment has to be given to lion carcasses. knowledge about the park. Deccan Herald, Bhopal, 12 April; The new Indian Express, Delhi: A member of NGO Welfare and Protection of Animals Chennai, 25 June; The Telegraph, Kolkata, 29 April; Times of informed the forest department, fire brigade and Wildlife Trust of India, Ahmadabad, 25, 28 June India about the Nilgai, which fell into a 30-foot deep pit in the Vasant Rhino translocation on the cards: As part of the ambitious India Kunj ridge. The team rescued the Nilgai after a four-hour long rescue Rhino Vision (IRV)-2020 that seeks to increase Assam's rhino operation. population to 3,000 by the year 2020, 18 rhinos have already been relocated to Manas National Park from Kaziranga and Pobitora. The Uttarakhand: A team from Wildlife SOS and Friendicoes with the Assam Forest Department, WWF-India and International Rhino help of AWBI rescued a mule named HOPE near Kedarnath during Foundation are jointly implementing the translocation project. A flash floods. female rhino calf Purabi - was translocated from Kaziranga National Assam Tribune, Guwahati, 2, 11 April; The Times of India, New Park (KNP) by the Assam Forest Department to join an orphaned Delhi, 19 April; Hindustan Times, New Delhi, 17 June rhino calf being handreared in MNP. Purabi, a rescued rhino calf (around one year old) was under care at the Centre for Wildlife Studies on birds and animals: The Gujarat Forest department, Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) in the KNP. The CWRC Wetland International, International Union for Conservation of was established in 2002 in a joint initiative of Assam Forest Nature (IUCN) and Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) will Department and Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) International Fund for carry out a detailed study of the migratory routes from Central Asia Animal Welfare (IFAW) partnership. After successful re-introduction and Europe of birds that frequent Nalsarovar. The department has of famous one-horned rhinos in the Manas National Park, the Assam decided to ring birds for the study. Forest department in association with the WWF-India and To find out the condition of turtles found in some of the historical International Rhino Foundation are now planning to translocate the temple ponds in the Assam State, Guwahatibased wildlife first batch of rhinos to the contiguous Laokhowa and Burhachapori conservation NGO Help Earth conducted a survey. The NGO wildlife sanctuaries. recently surveyed eight historical temple ponds in Guwahati where The Assam Tribune, Guwahati, 17 June; The Pioneer, New Delhi, some endangered turtle species are found. Besides these historical 19 June; Free Press Journal, New Delhi, 21 June; The Assam temple ponds, the NGO also surveyed two of the biggest wetlands of Tribune, The Sentinel, Guwahati; The Tribune, Eastern Chronicle, the State Chandubi Beel and Deepor Beel. During the survey, 12 New Delhi, 29 June turtle species were cited in eight temple ponds. Ten turtle species we NGOs to save wildlife have found are endangered while for two no data on their status are Assam: An initiative taken by the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and available. A very less number of turtles were found in Chandubi Beel International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is going to ensure a and Deepor Beel during the survey, which is really disturbing. The safe corridor for the elephants in Kalapahar-Doigrong, touching reason: Largescale capturing of turtles by the local people for their Golaghat and Karbi Anglong. WTI is working with the people living in meat.” The survey also found breeding problems faced by the turtles the elephant corridors to ensure implementation of the best solution in these temple ponds. that benefits all. This initiative also includes a group accident Times of India, Ahmadabad, 27 April; The Sentinel, Guwahati, 28 insurance scheme providing insurance cover to 1936 frontline forest April staff in Assam.

QUICK GLANCE TO ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS (APRIL-JUNE 2013)

• 4.39 Cr saplings to be planted in Lucknow this year: Principle Secretary, Forest • South Asian Countries to develop strategy to curb wildlife crime, Delhi to host the meet • Many parts of Similipal Tiger Reserve declared Inviolate to save the national animal • Himachal on Monkey Strilization Spree • Regional Waste Treatment Plant to come up by 2015 at Taloja, Mumbai • Special Protection force to deal with anti-Wildlife activities at Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary • To protect National bird, govt to ban trade of peacock feathers • Rajasthan sets up tiger reserve at Mukundra Hill • India to host first global ministerial meet on Elephants in November • Sathyamangalam, Tamil Nadu gets Tiger reserve tag • Gujarat's 1st Leopard Park to come up in Sasan Gir • Two new genera of Tree Frogs found in Western Ghats

22 UTTARAKHAND: A HEAVY PRICE FOR RECKLESS DESTRUCTION OF THE HIMALAYAS

It is India's biggest natural Disaster since 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. We still are not able to overcome the pain of unusually heavy pre-monsoon showers flooded the upper reaches of the mighty Ganga and Yamuna rivers destroying life and property in the scenic and serene Garhwal hills in Uttarakhand.

The disaster that was witnessed at the beginning of the 2013 monsoon season is a consequence of ignorance and greed -- ignorance of the ecological systems that hold up the fragile Himalayas, and greed to profit from the exploitation of the rich natural and cultural heritage of the region. Uttarakhand is the source of the sacred Ganga and its tributaries, the lifeline of India.

The sacred mountains have sustained local communities and pilgrims for thousands of years because they have been treated with reverence and respect. Today the ecologically fragile Himalayas and our sacred rivers are being ruthlessly exploited. The disaster which has led to around 5,000 deaths on current estimates and the disappearance of nearly 1 lakh people is a wake up call to stop the rape. Politicians, decision makers and civic bodies responsible for causing the disaster through their shortsightedness, need to take responsibility for what has happened. The 'polluter pays principle' needs to be expanded to cover the scale of ecological devastation we are witnessing.

The national Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), which was set up in the aftermath of the tsunami so that the government could respond decisively to the next natural disaster, failed miserably in its first major challenge. The authority seemed to be caught in a state of inertia, despite receiving advance warnings from the Met department on unusually heavy rainfall. The state government, led by Chief Minister Vijay Bhauguna, seemed to be clueless. The rescue efforts only began in earnest once the Army and Air Force stepped in. In many cases, the damage is irreversible and immeasurable.

Around 500 dams are planned in this region on the Ganga system. Swami Gyanswarup Sanand of Ganga Sewa Abhiyanam has been repeatedly going on fast to save the Ganga. His efforts forced the Central government to declare the area from Uttarkashi to Gaumukh an ecologically fragile zone. The present chief minister, Vijay Bahuguna, has been blocking the declaration of this area as an eco sensitive zone in the name of 'development.' Hopefully, the disaster of 2013 will make him realize the value of protection of the Himalayas as an ecologically fragile zone.

The 2013 disaster should wake us up to the social, ecological and economic costs of destructive policies that have devastated our fragile and beautiful mountain ecosystems. The Himalayas are the youngest mountain system in the world. They cannot bear the violence of deforestation and dam building. They need gentleness and respect.

23 REPORTS & STUDIES

ALTERNATE TECHNOLOGY herbicide glyphosate and glufosinate ammonium. These have been linked to spontaneous abortions, birth defects and other serious Greenpeace lauds emphasis on renewable energy : In a report health problems for human beings, animals and soil-organisms. GM released by NGO Greenpeace, titled 'Powering ahead with varieties are unstable, with the potential to create new viruses and Renewables leaders and laggards,' it is revealed that Tamil Nadu bacteria that cause diseases, and to disrupt gene function in animal had clearly taken the lead in not only meeting its RPO (renewable and human cells. Of greatest concern is that studies show negative purchase obligation) target but also generated power over and health effects with GM crops that have already been approved and above that. The state generated 213 per cent of its set RPO target, which have been grown commercially for 10-13 years. which the report noted, was largely due to policy support and The Hindu, New Delhi, 5 May investment in wind energy. The other two States that achieved their RPO target for 2012 are Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. Among CLIMATE CHANGE AND METEOROLOGY the low performers, Delhi, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra failed to achieve their RPOs despite setting very low Global warming to dry up rivers, inundate cities : India's summer targets, the report noted. The report concluded that the RPO monsoon will become highly unpredictable if the world's average framework failed to deliver its mandate. temperature rises by 2ºC in the next two-three decades, a scientific report commissioned by the World Bank says. The report titled “Turn The Hindu, Chennai; The Hindu, HT Edge, New Delhi, 23 April Down the Heat: Climate Extremes, Regional Impacts and Case for Green Energy and Beyond : A report titled “The Policy Climate” on Resilience” focuses on the likely impacts of warming between 2ºC the country's national climate policy by Climate Policy Initiative, a and 4ºC on agricultural production, water resources, coastal US-based global policy effectiveness analysis and advisory ecosystems and cities across South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and organization revealed that India has aggressive renewable energy South East Asia. The report warns that by the 2040s, India will see a targets and industry energy efficiency policies. However, it faces significant reduction in crop yields because of extreme heat. It is significant infrastructure challenges which may derail otherwise estimated that by the 2050s, with a temperature increase of 2ºC- good policy. The report notes that despite challenges, the past 2.5ºC, water for agricultural production in the river basins of the decade saw a huge growth in the country's renewable energy Indus, and Brahmaputra will reduce further and may impact generation especially wind, which grew 1250% from 2000-2010. food adequacy for 63 million people. The Policy Climate includes summaries of emissions, economic Financial World, The Tribune, New Delhi, Deccan Chronicle, trends and key policies in sectors like buildings, power, industry, Hyderabad; Assam Tribune, Guwahati; The Economic Times, transport and land use. Criticizing the government's role, the report Financial Express, The Pioneer, Hindu, Business line, New Delhi, states that although agriculture and forestry are important emission 20 June sources in India, there is little policy focus on these sectors. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION The Hindu, New Delhi, 21 April; DNA, Mumbai, 24 April; Business Standard, New Delhi, 6 May Serious threat to coral reef colonies, mangrove forests in Palk Bay : A study taken up by a team of researchers from the Zoological R'than aggressive in tapping, promoting green energy : A report Survey of India (ZSI), Chennai, brought to light the serious threat of by Greenpeace India on 'Powering ahead with Renewable- Leaders extinction the coral reef colonies and mangrove forests in the Palk and Laggards' has revealed that Rajasthan has emerged as one of Bay are facing. At present, only two per cent of the coral reefs survive the top states in promoting 'green energy' in the country. The report in the area. Global warming, siltation, release of untreated raw said Rajasthan was among the top states to achieve the targets sewage into the water bodies and overgrowth of algae were stated to (renewal purchase obligation) set to harness renewable energy be the three important reasons for the possible disappearance of including solar, wind and biomass energy. As against the state target coral colonies and its associated organisms from the Palk Bay area. set by various regulators fixed at five per cent and national target at The study showed that release of untreated raw sewage from the seven per cent, Rajasthan achieved six percent as target, the report nearby areas into the water bodies, which ultimately drained into the stated. sea, led to diseases in coral colonies, due to which they died. In an Deccan Herald, New Delhi, 25 April attempt to restore the dying coral colonies, the ZSI researchers are attempting to transplant live coral colonies from other parts of the BIOSAFETY Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve and plant them at Palk Bay. Risk on a platter : A research on the safety of GM (genetically The Hindu, Chennai, 8 April modified) foods has exposed the folly of limiting earlier researches to Industrial waste polluting Sundarbans ecosystem: Report : A just 90 days as it found that many of the serious health problems research, conducted by a group of scientists from Calcutta appear after 90 days. This research was conducted by a team led by University and Techno India University, says that Industries located Gilles-Eric Seralini, Professor of Microbiology at the University of along the Gangetic delta in Haldia, Kolkata and its outskirts are Caen in France. polluting the fragile ecosystem of Sundarbans, home to 40 lakh The significance of Seralini's research was that it was conducted people and the Royal Bengal Tiger. The study shows that there has over a period of two years. The results of this research, published in been a steady increase in the percentage of toxic heavy metals the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology, have shown that among leading to the gradual deterioration of water there. In the study, the rats fed on GM food (maize), female rats died two to three times heavy metals in the body of a shellfish species, Indian white shrimp more compared to female rats not fed GM food (controls). Similarly, exhibit a more or less similar order as that in water. Found health problems relating to liver, kidney and tumors were much more abundantly in the water of Sundarbans, which has the largest severe in female rats fed on GM crop compared to controls. Male mangrove forest in the world; Indian white shrimp is commercially rats fed on GM food also had much higher incidence of tumors. important too. Herbicides tolerant GM crops are tied to the broad-spectrum Asian Age, New Delhi; The Assam Tribune, Guwahati, 12 April

24 ENERGY STUDIES POLLUTION Earth was warmest between 1971 and 2000, says new study : Sewage kills half of city's water bodies : Delhi has 629 officially The Earth was the warmest between 1971 and 2000 in 1,400 years, recognized water bodies. A public interest litigation (PIL) filed by a new study published in Nature Geoscience has revealed. Vinod Kumar Jain of NGO Tapas has prompted the Delhi Pollution According to the first continental-scale reconstruction of the Control Committee (DPCC) to take care of the water bodies. The temperatures over the past 2,000 years by an international team of DPCC inspection has revealed that as many as 304 (58%) of the 527 inspections showed dry water bodies. Only 111 (46%) of the scientists, the Earth's climate warmed more during these years than remaining 223 samples showed water meeting the quality criterion. any other three-decade interval in 1,400 years. The study states that The water quality criterion is ascertained by checking whether it is greenhouse gases emitted from industries were responsible for the suitable for propagation of wildlife and fisheries. increase in temperatures, which continues even today. Conducted by more than 80 scientists from 24 countries including the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology at Pune, the study analysed climate data from tree rings, pollen, cave formations, ice cores, lake and ocean sediments, and historical records from around the world. Hindustan Times, Mumbai, 24 April FRESH WATER AND MARINE CONSERVATION Rise in sea level to adversely affect Thane creek : The Thane creek, designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA), will be impacted with a sea-level rise of 0.5 to 1m, states a study published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa in May. The study conducted by a four- member international team of scientists revealed that an estimated 13,973sqkm of land in coastal areas will be lost across the country because of intrusion of sea water. Major causes of rising sea levels include thermal expansion of the ocean, mountain glacier melting, and discharge of ice from ice sheets. The study stated that the Sewri mudflats would be affected with a 6m rise in sea level. Hindustan Times, New Delhi, 5 May Hindustan Times, Mumbai, 21 June Cycle tracks can help prevent pollution: Study : A city-based NGO at Ahmadabad conducted a survey of various modes of FOREST CONSERVATION transport and the share it is given in model roads developed by Deforestation cost govt Rs. 2000 cr : A new government report, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and came up with the released by PM Manmohan Singh, for the first time, attempts to finding that better infrastructure for pedestrians and bicycle riders can help in reducing pollution from vehicle fumes. Centre for Green analyse impact of economic growth on nature forests, eco-systems, Mobility conducted the survey on 100 feet ring road at three agriculture and human health and provide a number for policy- locations-Gujarat University, Memnagar Fire Station and Indian Oil makers for proper “economic evaluation”. It says that the destruction petrol pump. As per the survey findings, 83 per cent of existing road of forests for economic growth has resulted in loss of around Rs. space is used for motorized vehicle. Out of the total, 55 per cent are 2,000 crore to India in three years. Despite the limitations of the data, private vehicles causing the most pollution and traffic accidents. In the report said loss to the economy was around Rs. 1900 crore on contrast,30 per cent users are pedestrians and cyclists that get 13 just two accounts carbon sequestration and non-timber forest per cent of the total road space, said an analyst with the produce. During 2009 and 2011, India lost around 5,339 sq kms of organization. forestland owing to the diversion of forestland for economic activities Times of India, Ahmadabad, 23 April even though 4,972 sq km of green cover was added as compensation. Mining poisons drinking water in Bhandara, Gondia : A study published in the Hyderabad-based International Journal Life Hindustan Times, New Delhi, 06 April Sciences Biotechnology and Pharma Research (IJLBPR) reveals Forests disappearing, water channels drying up in Himachal : that mining activities in Bhandara and Gondia districts in Green activists have long protested the hydropower projects in Maharashtra are adversely affecting the groundwater and poisoning Himachal Pradesh that have been gobbling up forests and drying up the water supply with harmful chemicals. The opencast some and water channels. Now a report from the Comptroller and Auditor mine active and abandoned quarries have not complied with mining norms and standards of the country. There is extreme deforestation General (CAG) too backs the claims of the greens saying that and exploitation of natural resources due to unscientific mining, says compensatory afforestation was highly deficient, as 58 percent of the the Study. 12 surveyed hydropower projects reported no afforestation at all. The CAG pointed out that lack of re-greening of hills poses severe DNA, Mumbai, 30 May hazards, both for the region's natural ecology and for stabilization of Kids, the worst victims of pollution : In a report published in World hill slopes. According to forest department estimates, over 9,000 Allergy Organization Journal, it has been revealed that children aged hectares of forest land has so far been diverted to non-forest use. Of 10-14, dwelling in commercial areas of Delhi are most susceptible to this, 7,000 hectares were used for hydel projects. respiratory ailments followed by industrial and residential areas. The Allergy and Immunology Section of the Institute of Genomics and The Hindu, Business Line, New Delhi, 23 April The Sentinel, Integrative Biology (IGIB), the National Environmental Engineering Guwahati; Eastern Chronicle, New Delhi, 23 April Research Institute and Directorate of Education conducted the

25 survey, on 2000 children residing in Chandni Chowk, Mayapuri and along with the reserves that have their own unique gene Sarojini Nagar. Results found that 66 percent children in Chandni combinations, which might be useful for future breeding Chownk (commercial area) suffered from pulmonary obstruction programmes, the study points out. followed by 59 percent in Mayapuri (industrial) and 46 percent in The Hindu, Financial world, Business line, The Pioneer, New Sarojini Nagar (residential). Delhi; New Indian Express, Chennai, 20 May Deccan Herald, New Delhi, 30 May Tiger, tiger burning white? : A study, published in the journal Water pollution in M'laya coal belt areas : A report released by Current Biology, has revealed that the strikingly beautiful, milky Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) highlighted that surface coats of white Bengal tigers are caused by a single change in a water in the coal belt areas of Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district known pigment gene. The study was conducted at China's Peking is highly polluted due to unscientific coal mining. It also University. The variant found in the white tiger primarily inhibits the recommended filling of mine pits, channeling of seepage water for synthesis of red and yellow pigments but has little to no effect on checking “Acid Mines Drainage” contamination of water bodies. black, which explains why white tigers still show characteristic dark Eastern Chronicle, New Delhi, 9 June stripes. Business Standard, The Pioneer, New Delhi, 24, 25 May WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT Sunderbans has more tigers than official estimate : A recent Inbreeding major threat to tigers : While the country may be camera-trap study by WWF-India and the West Bengal forest rejoicing that the numbers of tigers has stabilised in recent years, an department has detected the presence of at least 77 tigers in the international study says that the threat of inbreeding amongst the mangroves, much higher than the lower limit of 64 thrown up by the Indian tigers is being overlooked. The study titled “Demographic national tiger census in 2011. While the cameras captured 57 big loss, genetic structure and conservation implications for Indian cats in the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve (STR) region, a similar study tigers,” is a joint effort between the scientists from the School of in areas outside the tiger reserve last year had spotted 20 animals. Biosciences in Cardiff University of Britain and the National Centre for Biological Sciences in Bangalore. Scientists have compared Times of India, New Delhi, 25 May genetic data from modern tigers with historical tigers shot during the Spotted! Leopards crowd western India : As per a new study “Big time of the British Raj (1858-1947: the period of British rule over Cats in Our Backyards” conducted by Wildlife Conservation Society India) in order to gain a historical perspective of genetic diversity. (WCS) in western Maharashtra, the landscapes of western India, Researchers identified a very high number of DNA variants in the completely devoid of wilderness and high density of human tigers shot during the British Raj - 93 percent of which were not population, are teeming with leopards. As many as five adult large present in the Indian tigers of today. The study was published in the carnivores, including leopards and striped hyenas, exist in every 100 Proceedings of The Royal Society B journal. The experts pointed square kilometers of area a density never before reported in a out that this genetic crisis is due to loss of habitat and fragmentation. human-dominated landscape. The new study is thus aimed at providing a scientific pedestal to plan The Pioneer, New Delhi, 01 April out conservation strategies. The idea is to conserve the landscape ENVIRONMENTAL EVENTS IN THE COUNTRY DURING APRIL-JUNE, 2013

The IEEE conference is meant to provide a forum, where eminent researchers from AGRICULTURE around the globe are brought under one roof so that the next generation can be shaped. Title : Global Vision 2020 The main tracks are microelectronics, communication and renewable energy rd th Date : 3 4 May 2013 CLIMATE CHANGE AND METEOROLOGY Venue : St. Ignatius' College of Education, Palayamkottai, Tamilnadu Website : http://www.eastrust.org/ Title : 8th International Congress on Climatic Change, Territorial Classification & Socio-economical Crisis Organized by : NGO Date : 23rd - 27th April 2013 ALTERNATE TECHNOLOGY Venue : Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu Title : Hydro Power Market in India Website : http://www.icclimatechange.com th Date : 26 April 2013 Organized by : Center for Remote Sensing, Bharathidasan University Venue : NCRT, New Delhi The international conference is mainly focused to review and interpret the new research Website : http://inframarketindia.com/events/index.php?event_id=2 results for effective implementation in the field of environmental science, sustainable Organized by : Infra Market India development & political progress focusing on multidisciplinary aspects. Well Structured Technical sessions with respect to current development in hydro sector, the “Hydropower Market in India-2013” will create a common platform for Indian ENERGY STUDIES government senior officials, Industry leaders, Innovators, experts etc. Title : IEEE International Conference on Energy Efficient Technologies Title : Solar Market in India-2013 for Sustainability ICEETS-2013 Date : 7th - 8th April 2013 Date : 10th -12th April 2013 Venue : New Delhi Venue : Kanyakumari, Tamilnadu Website : http://www.ibkmedia.com Website : http://iceets13.com/ Organized by : IBK Media Organized by : Environmental Advisory for Sustainable Trust (EAST) "Solar Market in India -2013" conference will bring implementing agency heads in the central and state governments, industry leaders, policymakers, O&M service providers, Energy is the major driving force for the economy of any nation. The challenge for Technology providers, Equipment providers, Solar project developers together. continuous generation of power to meet the ever-growing demand is a daunting task, especially due to the availability of limited resources. Title : IEEE International Conference on Microelectronics, Communications and Renewable Energy (AICERA 2013- Title : National Conference on Methods Enriching Power & Energy ICMiCR) Developments (MEPED'13) th Date : 4th - 6th June 2013 Date : 12 April 2013 Venue : Kanjirapally, Kerala Venue : Chennai, Tamil Nadu Website : http://ajce.in/aicera2013/ Website : http://www.meped13.com/ Organized by : Amal Jyothi College of Engineering Organized by : Department of EEE and Power Electronics & Drives division

26 Title : International Conference on Computation of Power, Energy, is expected to be a medium of communication and information exchanges, particularly in Information and Communication-ICCPEIC-2013 the progress of researches and developments of science. th th Date : 17 -18 April 2013 Title : 8th International Congress on Climatic Change, Territorial Venue : Chennai, Tamil Nadu Classification & Socio-economical Crisis Website : http://adhiparasakthi.in/sites/eee/iccpeic/ Date : 23rd -27th April 2013 Organized by : Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Venue : Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu This is Second International Conference on Computation of Power, Energy, Information Website : http://www.icclimatechange.com and Communication, ICCPEIC- 2013 aims at bringing together the researchers, Organized by : Center for Remote Sensing, Bharathidasan University scientists, engineers, industrial professionals and scholar students in their domain. The international conference is mainly focused to review and interpret the new research Title : International Conference on Power System Operation & Energy results for effective implementation in the field of environmental science, sustainable Management (ICPSOEM - IOAJ Bhopal) development & political progress focusing on multidisciplinary aspects. th Date : 28 April 2013 Title : International Conference On “Sustainable Innovative Venue : Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh Techniques In Civil and Environmental Engineering” (SITCEE - Website : http://www.interscience.in/Conference/Bhopal/ICPSOEM/index.php 2013) Organized by : IOAJ INDIA Date : 5th - 6th June 2013 ICPSOEM shall provide a new forum for dissemination of knowledge on both theoretical Venue : New Delhi and applied research spreading over various fundamental and application fields of Website : http://krishisanskriti.bravesites.com/ electric power systems. Organized by : Krishi-Sanskriti ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION WATER MANAGEMENT Title : B4E Global Summit 2013 Title : India Water Week 2013 th th Date : 15 -16 April 2013 Date : 8th -12th April 2013 Venue : Ashok Hotel, New Delhi Venue : New Delhi Website : http://www.b4esummit.com/ Website : http://www.indiawaterweek.in Organized by : Confederation of India Industries (CII) and Indian National Association Organized by : Ministry of Water Resources B4E, Business for the Environment, is the leading international platform for dialogue and partnership solutions for the environment. Under the theme 'Emerging Market Ministry of Water Resources, have established a key annual policy Leadership for Global Green Growth', the 7th annual B4E Global Summit will look at the and technology showcase event “India Water Week”. India water week 2013 theme is role of emerging markets in driving the world's transition to a global green economy. “Efficient Water Management: Opportunities and Challenges". Title : International summit on Waste Water Technology for Green ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION, NGO AND MEDIA Economy 2013 Title : National Seminar on Recent Trends in Environmental Date : 6th - 7th May 2013 Engineering Venue : Pune, Maharashtra th Date : 9 April 2013 Website : http://www.seeram.org Venue : Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh Organized by : Society for Environment,Education,Research & Management Website : http://nricem.com/National%20Seminar.htm Waste Water Technology for Green Economy a Comprehensive Conference & Organized by : NRI College of Engineering and Management, Gwalior Catalogue show on solutions, services and technologies available for improvement of National seminar on Recent Trends in Environmental Engineering - 2012 (RTES-2012) water use efficiency in all the spheres of water use. UPCOMING ENVIRONMENTAL EVENTS IN THE COUNTRY DURING JULY-SEPTEMBER, 2013

ALTERNATE TECHNOLOGY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION, NGO AND MEDIA Title : International Conference and Exhibition on Solar Energy & Power Title : 6th International Conference on Environmental and Computer Generation Technologies Science ICECS 2013 Date : 26th -28th September 2013 Date : 14th - 15th September 2013 Venue : Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh Venue : New Delhi, India Website : http://www.omicsgroup.com/conferences/solar-power-generation- Website : http://www.icecs.org/ technologies-2013/index.php Organized by : CBEES Organized by : OMICS Publishing Online Pvt Limited Title : 3rd International Conference on Biotechnolgy and Environment Title : Sustainable Power through Renewable Energy Sources (SPRES-13) Management ICBEM 2013 th th Date : 23rd - 24th August 2013 Date : 14 - 15 September 2013 Venue : Jaipur, Rajasthan Venue : New Delhi, India Website : http://spres.rcew.ac.in Website : http://www.icbem.org Organized by : Rajasthan College of Engineering for Women Organized by : CBEES Title : 5th International Conference on Chemical, Biological and ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION Environmental Engineering ICBEE 2013 Date : 14th - 15th September 2013 Title : International Conference on Green Technology Venue : New Delhi, India Date : 26th- 27th, July 2013 Website : http://www.icbee.org/ Venue : Thanjavur, Tamilnadu Organized by : CBEES Website : http://www.sastra.edu/icget13/ Title : National Conference on Advances in Chemical, Biological and Organized by : SASTRA University Environmental Sciences Title : 3rd International Conference on Biotechnolgy and Environment Date : 22nd September 2013 Management ICBEM 2013 Venue : Pune, Maharashtra th th Date : 14 -15 September 2013 Website : http://inaar.co.in/22-September-2013-Conference-1.html Venue : New Delhi Organized by : PDEA's Ramkrishna More College of Arts, Commerce and Science, Website : http://www.icbem.org/ Pune Organized by : CBEES POLLUTION Title : 3rd International Conference on Biotechnolgy and Environment Management ICBEM 2013 Title : MNRE-Sponsored National Level Seminar on “Energy from Waste” th th Date : 14th - 15th September 2013 Date : 17 - 18 , July 2013 Venue : New Delhi, India Venue : Tiruchengode 637 205, Namakkal Dt., Tamil Nadu Website : http://www.icbem.org/ Website : http://www.vietw.org/mnre%20Brouchre.pdf Organized by : CBEES Organized by : Vivekanandha Institute of Engineering and Technology for Women The seminar objective is to create awareness of biomass/biofuels (from food waste, wood chips, waste oils etc), in a way that is understood by the public. It is also about linking existing small -medium size businesses to an interested audience. 27 Title : National Seminar on E-Waste Sustainability and Management Venue : Bangalore, Karnataka Date : 28th July 2013 Website : http://www.ijwwish.com/iwwish-2013.pdf Venue : Pune, Maharashtra Title : National Conference on Recent Advances in Membrane Processes Website : http://www.seeram.org/ewaste.html for Water Treatment Organized by : Society for Environment Education Research And Management Date : 26th - 27th, July 2013 (SEERAM) Venue : Coimbatore, Tamilnadu Based on the 4R principles of recycle, refurbish, re-use and reduce the Seminar Website : http://www.psgtech.edu/Recent%20Advances%20in%20 attempts to discuss and cover various themes by inviting papers by research Membrane%20Processes.pdf scholars and panel discussions having experts from the domain of e-waste Organized by : PSG College of Technology management. Title : National Seminar on Advances in Waste Water Treatment and Title : Eco-Productive Cities Reuse th th Date : 5 - 7 September 2013 Date : 27th- 28th September 2013 Venue : Auroville, Tamil Nadu Venue : Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh Website : http://www.agpworkshops.com Website : http://satiengg.org/SDP_BM/Brochure%20NS.pdf Organized by : Auroville Consulting Organized by : Department of Chemical Engineering 'Human habitats essentially are centres of waste generation. Eco-productive Title : Sustainable Water Resources Development and Management townships work with closed-loop systems utilizing waste outputs as raw material (SWARDAM-2013) inputs for ecologically regenerative development.' Date : 30th September - 1st October 2013 WATER MANAGEMENT Venue : Aurangabad, Maharashtra Title : Water, Wastewater & Isotope Hydrology Website : http://www.geca.ac.in/national-conference-on-swardam-2013 Date : 25th - 27th, July 2013 Organized by : Government College of Engineering, Aurangabad

EDITORIAL BOARD ENVIS TEAM

Mr. Rajeev Kumar Sr. Programme Officer, ENVIS Centre, WWF India

Ms. Preeti Bathla Programme Officer, ENVIS Centre, WWF India

Mr. Sandeep Kumar Programme Assistant, ENVIS Centre, WWF India

Mr. Ranjeet Bisht IT Officer, ENVIS Centre, WWF India

CONTRIBUTORS Rohan Arya Consultant - IGCMC