SC rebukes Central and State Pollution Control Boards over Ganga pollution

Pollution Control Board is a story of complete failure, frustration and disaster: SC

The Supreme Court has reprimanded the Central and State Pollution Control Boards for failing to take action againt the 200 polluting industries operating along the Ganga's banks and has now transfered this reponsibility to the National Green Tribunal. Environmentalists are happy with the Court's decision but worried that the NGT alone may not be able to tackle these industries. Following the Court's order, the NGT has asked CPCB to upload on its website the criteria for classifying polluting industries.

Centre includes Gangasagar under the 'Clean Ganga Project'

Following the West Bengal Government's request, the Ministry of Water Resources has agreed to include the Sagar Islands and Ganga river stretch that flow through the state, under the Clean Ganga Project. The decision was taken during the meeting of the National Ganga River Basin Authority held last week. For implementation of the scheme, the Centre and State will be sharing a cost at the ratio of 70:30 with the Bengal Government receiving a fund of Rs. 500 crore for the same.

Kerala to study the hygiene of slaughterhouses

The Kerala State Sanitation Mission has decided to conduct a study on the hygiene status of the existing slaughterhouses in the state and prepare a detailed project report for the modernisation of the abattoirs. The move will help the state ensure the hygiene standards of the meat being sold. The Mission will cover 5 corporations and 12 municipal corporations in the State. The Mission is currently searching for a suitable agency to conduct the study, which is expected to start by November 15.

SIT formed to check illegal sand mining in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand police has constituted the first of its kind Special Investigation Team of 21 professionally trained members, to keep a check on illegal mining and quarrying along the state's rivers. The team was formed following the direction from the State's Chief Minister to the police to keep a check on all land-related crimes in the state. SIT will also be responsible to keep an eye on the land mafia who enter the state from western Uttar Pradesh.

Do not grant mining permission in Odisha's Keonjhar district: NGT to Centre

The National Green Tribunal has ordered the Centre to not to give permission for fresh mining or expansion of existing iron ore mines in Keonjhar, Odisha. The decision has come in the wake of drinking water pollution observed in the district. Also, the forests in the area have been severly destroyed due to excessive extraction and illegal mining.

This is a weekly roundup of policy matters from October 28 - November 3, 2014. Also read last week's news roundup.