The National Green Tribunal has ordered the Bengaluru Civic Authorities to stop any further construction within 50 to 75 metres around any primary storm water drain in the city. Following the orders, environment nod to Mantri Techzone and Coremind, buildings coming around Bellandur-Agara lakes, has also been cancelled. Along with this, a big sigh of relief has come to the Whitefield residents as the officials have demolished the half-constructed building built by one of the popular builders on the Kundanahalli lake bed along with some houses built on the same.
Under the Namami Gange Programme, Centre has sponsored projects, worth Rs 2,446 crore for the development of ghats and crematoria along the banks of the Ganga river. Along with this, a Detailed Project Report on 'Forestry Intervention in Ganga River' has also been appraised in order to augment the water flow in the river. Also, a new Mission Director has also been appointed in National Mission for Clean Ganga, a post that was lying vacant for the past few months.
The Centre and Delhi Governments have joined hands to rejuvenate the Yamuna river. Eight schemes have been announced under phase three of the Yamuna Action Plan which will include schemes from rehabilitating the old sewer network to a trash skimmer. The deadline for the Yamuna revival has been kept as 36 months this time. Once implemented, the Yamuna Action Plan-3 will be the first plan to comprehensively help with sewage treatment and solid waste management along with river front development and providing proper ghats for religious activities.
Finally the much awaited, Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF) Bill, 2015 has been passed by Lok Sabha. The Bill aims to ensure expeditious utilization of accumulated unspent amount of Rs 40,000 crore for increasing the forest cover in India. However, the Bill will now facilitate timely execution of measures to mitigate impact of diversion of forest land in the country along with the creation of productive assets and generation of huge employment opportunities in the rural and tribal areas.
The Odisha Government has raised objection to the draft notification on river regulation zone issued by the Environment Ministry. Per the former, the draft notification is a hindrance to the progress of developmental activities in the State as approximately 70% area of the State's total area will be affected with its implementation. The State Government has requested the Prime Minister to ask the Environment Ministry to consult with it before the implementation of the notification.
This is a roundup of important policy matters from May 3-9, 2016. Also read last week's news roundup.