The Prime Minister formally launched the nationwide cleanliness campaign, the 'Swachh Bharat Mission' or 'Clean India Campaign' on October 2. On the same day, the Minister of State, Social Justice and Empowerment launched the 'Swachhta Udyami Yojana - Swachhta Se Sampannta Ki Aur', the scheme that aims to provide financial assistance to safai karamcharis and identified manual scavengers for construction, operation and maintenance of community toilets and for purchasing sanitation-related vehicles.
The Maharahstra Environment Department has relaxed the river regulation zone of the Nag river in favor of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation. Green activists allege that the decision has been taken following pressure from industrialists in the region. Also, the denotification of the river will have an impact on the Ambazari Lake. Like the Nag river, the Kasaradi river in Navi Mumbai has also been taken off from the protected list, thereby, allowing the expansion of industries around the river.
The Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority (MWRRA) has reprimanded the Maharashtra Government for not being able to control the illegal lifting of water from the Jayakwadi dam to irrigate land in drought-prone Marathwada. The authority's decision is in line with the findings of the Godavari Study Group, according to which the clauses of "equitable water distribution" in MWRRA Act is not applicable to Jayakwadi dam.
The National Green Tribunal slams Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan for poor municipal solid waste management. It has sought explanation from these states on action taken by them following the advisories issued by the Government in October 2013. It has also called up the Bhopal Municipal Corporation for failing to shift the Bhanpur dumping site to a new landfill site.
Environmental NGO Toxic Links, has claimed that illegal dumping of tonnes of second-hand or used goods are taking place in India in violation of E-waste Rules, 2011. The NGO has also urged the National Green Tribunal to order the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to submit a report on the quantities of goods being disposed off in India. It has also sought information on whether the e-waste is getting recycled and what methods of recycling are being used.
This is a weekly roundup of policy matters from September 29- October 6, 2014. Also read last week's news roundup.
Lead Image Source: The Economic Times