Developmental Issues-Environment-The Economic Times

Green think-tank slams SC panel for letting off 'guilty' in Karnataka mining scam

Fri, 17 May 2013 22:28:47 GMT

The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) made a scathing attack against the Supreme Court's Centrally Empowered Committee (CEC) for letting off the most corrupt without any or little punishment in the Karnataka mining scam.

Environment ministry panel flouts rules to clear mining projects within Saranda forest

Thu, 16 May 2013 22:18:40 GMT

The latest of the three projects to be cleared belongs to Rungta Mines Limited, threatening to ravage the virgin forestland that is nestled between its existing old mines.

Most resource-rich countries mismanage natural resources: Report

Wed, 15 May 2013 06:31:34 GMT

Over 80 per cent of the world's major oil and gas-producing and mining countries fail to meet "satisfactory standards" for managing their natural resources.

Puducherry zoologist wins three international awards for boost to biopesticides

Sun, 12 May 2013 20:06:34 GMT

The Economic Growth Society of India (EGSI) has now bestowed N Vijayakumar with the Indo-Nepal friendship award' and 'Gold Star Asia International Award'.

Scientists develop 'superwheat' to increase yield by 30%

Sun, 12 May 2013 11:05:42 GMT

Cambridge-based scientists claim to have developed a new type of 'superwheat' which could boost productivity by 30 per cent.

Rooftop solar systems to be graded : MNRE

Fri, 10 May 2013 14:48:51 GMT

All rooftop solar systems will soon have be rated for quality before they are installed. This will be done for all solar products that will be used for residential rooftop installations.

Villagers’ bid to decide Vedanta project fate puts Niyamgiri hills on radar

Thu, 09 May 2013 23:12:43 GMT

The villages of Dongriya Kondh tribals around Odisha’s Niyamgiri hills are set to become a flash point again, with the Centre and the state government along with civil society groups planning to converge on the site of the proposed Vedanta bauxite mine.

Shahanoor shows the way to eco-tourism

Thu, 09 May 2013 11:44:05 GMT

Shahanoor, a tiny village on the foothills of Narnala fort and wildlife sanctuary in Melghat Tiger Reserve (MTR), is a classic case how ecotourism should be practised. The Shahanoor village eco-development committee (EDC) has become the first to buy its own Gypsy and earn Rs 25,000 during the tourism season in Melghat.

Engineering college near Agra bird sanctuary to be closed

Thu, 09 May 2013 09:50:46 GMT

Agra district authorities have ordered the closure of an engineering college near a bird sanctuary for violating environmental laws.

PM to seriously consider Bhagirathi notification: Bahuguna

Thu, 09 May 2013 01:56:15 GMT

ttarakhand chief minister Vijay Bahuguna said on Wednesday that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had assured him that the central government will seriously consider the April 21 Gazette notification declaring 100 km on both sides of the Bhagirathi as an eco-sensitive zone.

CIL arm plans solar project

Mon, 06 May 2013 01:47:35 GMT

Central Mine Planning and Design Institute, a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, has plans to use solar energy to light up offices and residential colonies of different subsidiaries of its parent organization. It will also extend to mining areas later.

Canada announces funding for clean energy projects

Sat, 04 May 2013 13:44:13 GMT

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced 82 million Canadian dollars in funding for 55 new clean-energy projects, ranging from electric vehicles to wind power.

CAG should offer suggestions to improve environment, Ansari says

Sat, 04 May 2013 07:07:13 GMT

Vice-President Hamid Ansari on Saturday said CAG has an important role to play in efforts towards improving environment by not only commenting on the effectiveness of the rules and regulations in this regard but also by offering suggestions to the government for the purpose.

Training programme on passive solar design for green buildings

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 17:17:58 GMT

Connaught Place, Pune from May 4 -5, 2013. Daylighting is an.

EU politicians back compromise on car emission targets

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:54:39 GMT

EU politicians on Wednesday backed a compromise deal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles from 2020 and also called for a 2025 target that would make cars even more fuel efficient.

Bollywood actor Kalki Koechlin supports 'Your Cartons. My Classroom'

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:32:41 GMT

Bollywood actor Kalki Koechlin supports "Your Cartons. My Classroom" an initiative by TERI, Tetra Pak and The Times of India to recycle empty tetra pak cartons into classroom furniture.

Greenpeace launches Arctic 'whistleblower' site for oil workers

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:36:12 GMT

Greenpeace wants governments to ban oil and gas firms from the fragile Arctic environment.

‘Take your ads off trees or face legal action’

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 21:10:26 GMT

The bench observed that based on facts presented before it on Tuesday, “it is clear that all the public authorities have failed to discharge their duties and statutory obligations.

CM Vijay Bahuguna opposes Centre's decision on eco-sensitive zone near Bhagirathi river

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:56:27 GMT

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna today strongly opposed the Centre's recent notification declaring a vast stretch of land from Gaumukh to Uttarkashi on either side of the Bhagirathi river as an eco-sensitive zone, saying it would adversely affect the infrastructure development projects in the area.

Being vegetarian is the only way to save the planet: Maneka Gandhi

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 11:50:50 GMT

Holding responsible the many fallacies that are associated with a vegetarian diet for the rise in the number of meat eaters, Maneka Gandhi, the founder of People for Animals, said that even medical practitioners were not aware of how well a vegetarian diet can work for physical well being.

Since 2004, 6 lakh hectares of forest cleared for mining

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 23:09:00 GMT

The UPA has given clearance to cut a whopping six lakh hectares of forests — of these more than 2.5 lakh hectares were for mining — since it came to power in mid-2004.

Govt's bid to water down tribal rights takes a hit

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:42:18 GMT

A report prepared by the PMO in December 2012 had recommended that the rights of gram sabhas under the Forest Rights Act to give prior consent to projects should be watered down to operate only in cases of exception.

SC allows resumption of iron ore mining in Karnataka

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 22:34:46 GMT

The Supreme Court on Thursday lifted the omnibus ban on iron ore mines in Bellary, Chitradurga and Tumkur districts of Karnataka.

SC leaves Vedanta's fate in tribal deity's hands

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 20:31:28 GMT

"If the bauxite mining project, in any way, affects their right to worship their deity, known as Niyam Raja, in the hilltop of the Niyamgiri range of hills, that right has to be protected," the SC said.

Campaigning for Water: 'jal jan jodo'

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 14:47:57 GMT

Activists and experts working on water issues from eleven states have launched a 'jal jan jodo' campaign under the leadership of Rajendra Singh, Magsaysay award winner, to connect people with water conservation issues.