Construction of Polavaram project's ECRF dam commenced parallel to new diaphram wall works, says Water Resource Minister Nimmala Rama Naidu
Speaking to newsmen at a press conference here on Monday, Mr. Rama Naidu has claimed that the construction of the diaphragm wall would be completed by the year-end.
'The diaphragm wall works worth ₹990 crore are in full swing while ₹1,200 crore has been allocated to complete the Left Main Canal (LMC) of the Polavaram irrigation project to provide irrigation and drinking water for the North Andhra region, including Visakhapatnam city, for industrial needs', said Mr. Rama Naidu.
On completion of the Polavaram project, Mr. Rama Naidu has said, 'Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has appealed to the engineers to complete the construction by June 2027, marking the Godavari Pushkarams. Otherwise, the project is set to be commissioned by the end of 2027'.
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Indian Express
4 hours ago
- Indian Express
Plastic pollution treaty talks in Geneva end without an agreement
Talks on a treaty to address the global crisis of plastic pollution in Geneva ended without an agreement Friday as the session was adjourned with plans to resume at a later date. Nations were meeting for an 11th day at the United Nations office to try to complete a landmark treaty to end the plastic pollution crisis. They remain deadlocked over whether the treaty should reduce exponential growth of plastic production and put global, legally binding controls on toxic chemicals used to make plastics. Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme, said despite challenges and disappointment, 'we have to accept that significant progress was made.' This process won't stop, she said, but it's too soon to say how long it will take to get a treaty now. The Youth Plastic Action Network was the only organization to speak at the closing meeting Friday. Comments from observers were cut off at the request of the US and Kuwait after 24 hours of meetings and negotiating. The negotiations at the UN hub were supposed to be the last round and produce the first legally binding treaty on plastic pollution, including in the oceans. But just like at the meeting in South Korea last year, they're leaving without a treaty. Luis Vayas Valdivieso, the chair of the negotiating committee, wrote and presented two drafts of treaty text in Geneva based on the views expressed by the nations. The representatives from 184 countries did not agree to use either one as the basis for their negotiations. Valdivieso said Friday morning as the delegates reconvened in the assembly hall that no further action is being proposed at this stage on the latest draft. After a three-hour meeting, he banged a gavel made of recycled plastic bottle tops from a Nairobi landfill. Representatives of Norway, Australia, Tuvalu and other nations said they were deeply disappointed to be leaving Geneva without a treaty. Madagascar said the world is 'expecting action, not reports from us.' European Commissioner Jessika Roswall said the European Union and its member states had higher expectations for this meeting and while the draft falls short on their demands, it's a good basis for another negotiating session. 'The Earth is not ours only. We are stewards for those who come after us. Let us fulfill that duty,' she said. China's delegation said the fight against plastic pollution is a long marathon and that this temporary setback is a new starting point to forge consensus. It urged nations to work together to offer future generations a blue planet without plastic pollution. The biggest issue of the talks has been whether the treaty should impose caps on producing new plastic or focus instead on things like better design, recycling and reuse. Powerful oil- and gas-producing nations and the plastics industry oppose production limits. They want a treaty focused on better waste management and reuse. Saudi Arabia said both drafts lacked balance, and Saudi and Kuwaiti negotiators said the latest proposal takes other states' views more into account. It addressed plastic production, which they consider outside the scope of the treaty. That draft, released early Friday, did not include a limit on plastic production, but recognized that current levels of production and consumption are 'unsustainable' and global action is needed. New language had been added to say these levels exceed current waste management capacities and are projected to increase further, 'thereby necessitating a coordinated global response to halt and reverse such trends.' The objective of the treaty was revamped to state that the accord would be based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full lifecycle of plastics. It talked about reducing plastic products containing 'a chemical or chemicals of concern to human health or the environment,' as well as reducing single-use or short-lived plastic products. It was a much better, more ambitious text, though not perfect. But each country came to Geneva with a lot of 'red lines,' said Magnus Heunicke, the Danish environment minister. Denmark holds the rotating presidency of the Council of Europe. 'To be very clear, a compromise means that we have to bend our red lines,' he said. For its part, Iran said it's a disappointing moment and faulted 'nontransparent and non-inclusive processes on unrealistic elements,' particularly chemicals. The plastics industry also urged compromise. The Global Partners for Plastics Circularity said in a statement that governments must move past entrenched positions to finalize an agreement reflecting their shared priorities. For any proposal to make it into the treaty, every nation must agree. India, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Kuwait, Vietnam and others have said that consensus is vital to an effective treaty. Some countries want to change the process so decisions may be made by a vote if necessary. Graham Forbes, head of the Greenpeace delegation in Geneva, urged delegates in that direction. 'We are going in circles. We cannot continue to do the same thing and expect a different result,' he said as Friday's meeting was ending. Thursday was the last scheduled day of negotiations, but work on the revised draft continued into Friday. Every year, the world makes more than 400 million tons of new plastic, and that could grow by about 70% by 2040 without policy changes. About 100 countries want to limit production. Many have said it's also essential to address toxic chemicals used to make plastics. Science shows what it will take to end pollution and protect human health, said Bethanie Carney Almroth, an ecotoxicology professor at Sweden's University of Gothenburg who co-leads the Scientists' Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty. The science supports addressing the full lifecycle of plastics, beginning with extraction and production, and restricting some chemicals to ensure plastics are safer and more sustainable, she added. 'The science has not changed,' she said. 'It cannot be down negotiated.' Environmentalists, waste pickers, Indigenous leaders and many business executives traveled to the talks to make their voices heard. Some used creative tactics, but are leaving disappointed. Indigenous leaders sought a treaty that recognizes their rights and knowledge. Frankie Orona, executive director of the Texas-based Society of Native Nations, said the best option now is to move forward with more negotiations to 'fight for a treaty that truly safeguards people and the planet.'
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Plastic pollution treaty talks in Geneva end without an agreement
Plastic pollution treaty talks in Geneva end without an agreement GENEVA : Talks on a treaty to address the global crisis of plastic pollution in Geneva ended without an agreement Friday as the session was adjourned with plans to resume at a later date. Nations were meeting for an 11th day at the United Nations office to try to complete a landmark treaty to end the plastic pollution crisis. They remain deadlocked over whether the treaty should reduce exponential growth of plastic production and put global, legally binding controls on toxic chemicals used to make plastics. Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme, said despite challenges, despite the disappointment, "we have to accept that significant progress was made." This process won't stop, she said, but it's too soon to say how long it will take to get a treaty now. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo The Youth Plastic Action Network was the only organization to speak at the closing meeting Friday. Comments from observers were cut off at the request of the U.S. and Kuwait after 24 hours of meetings and negotiating. The negotiations at the U.N. hub were supposed to be the last round and produce the first legally binding treaty on plastic pollution, including in the oceans. But just like at the meeting in South Korea last year, they're leaving without a treaty. Luis Vayas Valdivieso , the chair of the negotiating committee, wrote and presented two drafts of treaty text in Geneva based on the views expressed by the nations. The representatives from 184 countries did not agree to use either one as the basis for their negotiations. Valdivieso said Friday morning as the delegates reconvened in the assembly hall that no further action is being proposed at this stage on the latest draft. After a three-hour meeting, he banged a gavel made of recycled plastic bottle tops from a Nairobi landfill. A 'deeply disappointing' outcome Representatives of Norway, Australia, Tuvalu and others nations said they were deeply disappointed to be leaving Geneva without a treaty. Madagascar said the world is "expecting action, not reports from us." European Commissioner Jessika Roswall said the European Union and its member states had higher expectations for this meeting and while the draft falls short on their demands, it's a good basis for another negotiating session. "The Earth is not ours only. We are stewards for those who come after us. Let us fulfill that duty," she said. China's delegation said the fight against plastic pollution is a long marathon and that this temporary setback is a new starting point to forge consensus. It urged nations to work together to offer future generations a blue planet without plastic pollution. Lots of red lines The biggest issue of the talks has been whether the treaty should impose caps on producing new plastic or focus instead on things like better design, recycling and reuse. Powerful oil- and gas-producing nations and the plastics industry oppose production limits. They want a treaty focused on better waste management and reuse. Saudi Arabia said both drafts lacked balance, and Saudi and Kuwaiti negotiators said the latest proposal takes other states' views more into account. It addressed plastic production, which they consider outside the scope of the treaty. That draft, released early Friday, did not include a limit on plastic production, but recognized that current levels of production and consumption are "unsustainable" and global action is needed. New language had been added to say these levels exceed current waste management capacities and are projected to increase further, "thereby necessitating a coordinated global response to halt and reverse such trends." The objective of the treaty was revamped to state that the accord would be based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full lifecycle of plastics. It talked about reducing plastic products containing "a chemical or chemicals of concern to human health or the environment," as well as reducing of single-use or short-lived plastic products. It was a much better, more ambitious text, though not perfect. But each country came to Geneva with a lot of "red lines," said Magnus Heunicke , the Danish environment minister. Denmark holds the rotating presidency of the Council of Europe. "To be very clear, a compromise means that we have to bend our red lines," he said. For its part, Iran said it's a disappointing moment and faulted "nontransparent and non-inclusive processes on unrealistic elements," particularly chemicals. No consensus For any proposal to make it into the treaty, every nation must agree. India, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Kuwait, Vietnam and others have said that consensus is vital to an effective treaty. Some countries want to change the process so decisions may be made by a vote if necessary. Graham Forbes, head of the Greenpeace delegation in Geneva, urged delegates in that direction. "We are going in circles. We cannot continue to do the same thing and expect a different result," he said as Friday's meeting was ending. Thursday was the last scheduled day of negotiations, but work on the revised draft continued into Friday. Every year, the world makes more than 400 million tons of new plastic, and that could grow by about 70% by 2040 without policy changes. About 100 countries want to limit production. Many have said it's also essential to address toxic chemicals used to make plastics. Science shows what it will take to end pollution and protect human health, said Bethanie Carney Almroth, an ecotoxicology professor at Sweden's University of Gothenburg who coleads the Scientists' Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty. The science supports addressing the full lifecycle of plastics, beginning with extraction and production, and restricting some chemicals to ensure plastics are safer and more sustainable, she added. "The science has not changed," she said. "It cannot be down negotiated." Environmentalists, waste pickers and Indigenous leaders and many business executives traveled to the talks to make their voices heard. Some used creative tactics, but are leaving disappointed. Indigenous leaders sought a treaty that recognizes their rights and knowledge. Frankie Orona, executive director of the Texas-based Society of Native Nations, said the best option now is to move forward with more negotiations to "fight for a treaty that truly safeguards people and the planet."
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Bastar sees revival amid decline in Maoism, says Chhattisgarh CM Sai on Independence Day; announces police commissionerate system
Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai pledges to eliminate Maoist insurgency in Bastar by March 2026, crediting aggressive operations and surrender policies for neutralizing hundreds of rebels RAIPUR: Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday vowed to eradicate Maoist insurgency from Chhattisgarh's Bastar region by 31 March 2026, saluting the state's security forces for 'striking rebels in their own hideouts' and noting a sharp drop in Left Wing Extremism over the past one-and-a-half years. Speaking after hoisting the national flag and taking the salute at the 79th Independence Day parade at the Police Parade Ground in Raipur, Sai announced that the Police Commissionerate system would soon be introduced in the state. According to the chief minister, aggressive anti-Naxal operations and an attractive surrender policy since December 2023 have led to 450 Maoists being neutralised, 1,578 arrested, and 1,589 surrendering. Top commanders, including Basavaraju and Sudhakar Reddy, were among those killed. Sai highlighted the transformation of Tadmetla — the site of the 2010 Maoist attack that killed 76 jawans — where the Chintagufa health centre now serves thousands and handles about 20 childbirths a month. With Maoist influence receding, 50 closed schools have reopened in Bastar, electricity has reached remote hamlets, and a bank branch has opened in former rebel stronghold Pamed. Under the Niyad Nella Naar – Your Good Village scheme, 327 villages have received basic amenities. The chief minister inaugurated the Chhattisgarh Rajat Mahotsav, marking 25 years of statehood, and paid tribute to freedom fighters Shaheed Gend Singh, Veer Narayan Singh, Hanuman Singh, and Veer Gundadhur. Sai also stressed Chhattisgarh's role in the Prime Minister's Vocal for Local campaign, urging citizens to adopt swadeshi products and MSMEs to focus on quality. He called for promoting khadi, millets, pulses, oilseeds, and environmentally friendly farming. On welfare, Sai said the Mahatari Vandana Yojana provides Rs 1,000 per month to 70 lakh women, totalling Rs 11,728 crore so far. Farmers' schemes, including the Krishak Unnati Yojana, have promoted crop diversification, livestock rearing, and cooperative growth. He announced plans for an Education City and Science City in Nava Raipur, skill development centres in all 32 Bastar blocks, and a startup policy to support 150 startups and 50,000 students. Infrastructure projects include the Rs 50,000 crore Bodhghat Multipurpose Project, producing 200 MW of power and expanding irrigation to 7 lakh hectares, new rail lines in Bastar, expressways, and solar energy initiatives. Investment proposals worth over Rs 6.65 lakh crore have been received. Cultural projects include a Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Tribal Freedom Fighters Memorial-cum-Museum and initiatives to promote Bastar tourism. Environmental measures include increasing tree cover by 683 sq km and planting over 3.5 crore saplings under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign. Concluding, Sai urged citizens to work towards a developed and self-reliant Chhattisgarh, invoking the ideals of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay, and the spirit of the freedom struggle. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
