The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has revealed that Kerala's offshore areas have 2,030 million tonnes of sand that can cater to the needs of the construction industry in the state for about 50 years. Ponnani, Chavakkad, Alappuzha, Kollam North, and Kollam South are the five areas indentified as being rich in marine sand. The study anticipates no significant impact on the sea floor, if marine sand is exploited scientifically.
Jaiprakash Power Ventures Limited has sold two of its hydropwer projects, Karchhwam Wangtoo aand Baspa-II in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, to Abu Dhabi National Energy Company. The project-affected tribals in the region have opposed the deal as their issues with the company still remains unsettled. As per the tribal laws, the company must have taken a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the concerned gram sabhas before selling the project, says Kinnaur-based Him Lok Jagriti Manch convener R S Negi.
Illegal sand mining, fishing and stone quarrying in the Chambal Sanctuary across Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan is destroying the eggs laid by ghariyals under the sand beds and is posing danger to them. The complaint has been filed in the National Green Tribunal as the natural habitat of the ghariyals is also being affected as the villages staying alongside the Chambal river are flattening the ravines inside the sanctuary for agricultural purposes.
Kolhapur Municipal Corporation has cut water connections of 803 water defaulters, including government establishments, in a bid to recover dues worth Rs. 7 crore. The civic body has given the defaulters one week notice or to face action as per Article 439 of the Bombay Provincial Municipal Corporations Act, 1949, which allows the civic body to sieze immovable properties of defaulters. Even the city police has not paid its water dues, amounting to Rs. 1.23 crore, since the last 20 years.
Kashipatna in Dakshin Kannada, is a unique village where people dig open wells to meet the drinking water needs and discourage the digging of borewells. Since 2010-11 nearly 180 open wells have been dug as the villagers have realised the advantages of an open well over a borewell. Therefore, the latter are dug only when water is needed for both agriculture and drinking.
This is a weekly roundup of important news from March 3-8, 2014. Also read last week's policy matters updates.