Sunderbans and Siachen glacier to become trans-boundary protected area

Sunderbans and Siachen glacier proposed to be recognised as a trans-boundary protected area

The Sunderbans between India and Bangladesh and the Siachen Glacier between India and Pakistan have been proposed as a trans-boundary protected area. This will ease the share in information between the two countries about its management and maximise benefits on both sides. A trans-boundary protected area is a protected area between the boundaries of more than one country where the enclosed political border sections within its area are abolished. 

Environment Ministry and India’s Chief Economic Advisor at crossroads over climate change suggestion

The Environment Ministry has shown its disagreement to the suggestion proposed by Arvind Subramanian, India’s Chief Economic Advisor. The latter has suggested that India should align with coal-rich countries and distance itself from poor and developing countries. However, the Environment Ministry maintains its stand on climate change and states that rich nations should take responsibility for environmental degradation and pay more for their dominant role in climate change over 200 years of industrial development. 

FIR against Sheila Dikshit and others for Rs. 400 crore water tanker scam

Per the Delhi Law Minister's claims, former CM Sheila Dikshit and others have been involved in Rs. 400 crore water tanker scams. The fact-finding committee has found irregularities in the tendering process of 385 stainless steel water tankers from private companies during the Sheila Dikshit Government in 2012, which has led to the loss of Rs 400 crore to the State Exchequer. The Minister has asked the Delhi CM to lodge an FIR against Sheila Dikshit and others involved in the case. 

Telangana promises 100 litres of water to its citizens

Telangana Government has announced a supply of 100 litres of water per capita per day (lpcd) through the State Drinking Water Supply Water Project. The water quota set by the State Government is over and above the World Health Organisation’s stipulated quota of 55 lpcd of water. Along with this, the Government plans to provide tap water connections to every household in the State by tapping water from the Krishna and Godavari rivers for the Water Supply Project. 

J&K launches beautification of Dal Lake 

J&K Government has launched a beautification and cleaning drive of the Dal Lake shoreline. The aim of the drive is to attract more tourists to the Kashmir valley. The Government has allocated USD 275 million for restoration of the lake which is an important source of commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting. Apart from the lake, the Government is also undergoing intensive restoration measures for the Mughal gardens, Shalimar Bagh and the Nishat Bagh situated on the lake's periphery.

This is a roundup of important policy matters from August 25 - 31, 2015. Also read last week's news updates.