4-Feb-2018: Centre Sanctions New Project to Control Pollution of River Sal at Navelim, Goa
The Centre sanctioned a new project to control pollution in River Sal at Navelim town in Goa. The project was sanctioned by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change under the National River Conservation Plan and would cost of Rs. 61.74 cr.. Both the Centre and State will share the cost on 60:40 basis.
Under the project, around 32 kms of sewers will be laid and sewage treatment plant of 3 million litres per day (MLD) constructed. The project is scheduled for completion by January, 2021.
The project will help in reduction of pollution load in the river and improvement in its water quality, besides improving the environment and sanitation in the town.
24-Jan-2018: Environment ministry to start ‘Himalayan Research Fellowships scheme’
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has decided to start a ‘Himalayan Research Fellowships scheme’.
The Himalayan Research Fellowship Scheme is among the series of programmes that MoEFCC is running for conservation and protection of Himalayas.
The scheme aims scheme’ to create a young pool of trained environmental managers, ecologists and socio-economists. This pool will help generate information on physical, biological, managerial and human aspects of Himalayan environment and development.
The financial support will be provided under the National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS) and the fellowships will be awarded for a maximum period of three years and last date for submitting fellowship proposals is 12 February.
The fellowship scheme will be executed through various universities and Institutions working in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) and preference will be given to the Institutions from north-eastern states.
The research may be undertaken in any of the identified broad thematic areas (BTAs) of the NMHS. Some of the broad thematic areas that are being focused on for research under the NMHS are water resource management including rejuvenation of springs and catchments, hydropower development, assessment and prediction of water-induced hazards, livelihood options including ecotourism opportunities, biodiversity management including recovery of threatened species and skill development.
11-Jan-2018: UK's 25 Year Environment Plan
UK has launched its long-awaited 25 Year Environment Plan. The Plan sets out comprehensive and long-term approach to protecting and enhancing the environment in England for the next generation. The Plan is far-reaching, touching on topics ranging from plastics recycling, biodiversity and habitats to climate change and air pollution.
Independent green watchdog: The plan proposes a consultation on a new independent body to hold government to account post-Brexit, alongside a new set of green principles to underpin policy-making. A new set of metrics will also help assess progress against the 25 Year goals.
Green business council: A new council is to be established to advise government on setting the right conditions to stimulate environmental entrepreneurism and innovation. The group would also promote the business case for companies to address and report on natural capital risks and green opportunities in their supply chains.
2019 Year of Green Action: The government has promised to launch a year-long youth-focused promotional campaign to engage people with environmental issues. Using #iwill hashtag the campaign will aim to increase action and engagement on the environment among 10 to 20 year old people. Meanwhile, a range of events and activities will be staged to coincide with the 70th anniversary of National Parks and centenary of the Forestry Commission.
‘Natural Environment for Health and Wellbeing’ programme: A cross-government alliance will establish a three-year programme promoting natural environment as a path for improving health and wellbeing.
Green infrastructure standards: Natural England will lead on new cross-government project to review and update existing standards for green infrastructure by summer 2019, with government supporting local councils to assess developments against these new standards.
Tree planting: The government reiterates goals to plant one million trees in England’s towns and cities by 2022, and endorses proposals for a new Northern Forest. It will also appoint a national Tree Champion and design a new woodland creation grant scheme. A Tree health Resilience Plan is also scheduled for 2018.
Plastic waste targets and taxes: The government said it aims to eliminate all “avoidable” waste by 2050, and all “avoidable plastic waste” by the end of 2042. A call for evidence on using the tax system to eradicate single-use plastics is also on its way this year, while government says it will “explore whether we can ban other problematic materials where suitable alternatives exist”.
Water refill points: To cut plastic bottle waste, the government wants to help retailers and transport hubs to offer up free water refill points in every major city and town in England, while the water industry will be encouraged to create nationwide network of refill points.
International Natural Capital Conference: The UK plans to host major event to “discuss new ways of incorporating natural capital approaches to long-term policy making”.
Global deforestation initiative: A cross-government global resource initiative is to be set up this year that will work with businesses, NGOs, producer countries, and intermediary countries to identify supply chain actions to boost the sustainability of products and reduce deforestation.