Latest news with #EnvironmentalImpactAssessment
Hindustan Times
10 hours ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Tree loss due to Bengaluru metro construction less than feared, at 6,800: Report
Bengaluru's Metro expansion plans have sparked intense debate over the impact on the city's greenery, but new figures indicate the loss of trees may not be as severe as once anticipated. Officials with the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) announced on Monday that, after a detailed internal review, approximately 6,800 trees are expected to be affected by the Phase 3 construction, down significantly from the earlier projection of 11,000, The Times of India reported. An aerial view shows the Namma Metro train of Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), riding over a flyover in Bengaluru.(AFP) Kanakaraj MH, BMRCL's assistant environment engineer, spoke to the publication and clarified that not every tree identified will necessarily be removed. He explained that some trees will be cut down, others will be transplanted to new locations, and several are likely to remain in place, depending on the developments encountered during building. READ | BJP's R Ashoka backs SIT for Dharmasthala burial claims, urges neutrality in investigation: Report The reassessment follows heightened pressure from local environmental advocates, who voiced concerns about the broader ecological toll of the metro's growth. Monday's public consultation meeting became a forum for activists to demand precise accounts of tree felling, pruning, relocation, as well as details about where transplanted trees will go and which species and tree ages are involved, the report stated. An environmental campaigner emphasized the need for concrete data rather than general assurances. She demanded to know the exact numbers — how many will be preserved, how many pruned or relocated, and the specifics on species and age, while reacting to the meeting's discussions. READ | Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025 set for Nov 18-20 at BIEC with theme 'Futurise': Report Questions were also raised about the cumulative effects of metro-related construction on Bengaluru's air and noise quality, especially following earlier phases. Kanakaraj conceded that metro developments contribute to these challenges, though he noted other sources also play a role and the impact is not uniformly high. Responding to calls for accountability, BMRCL reaffirmed its commitment to reforestation, promising to plant 10 saplings for every tree removed. These new trees will be planted within city limits and maintained for a minimum of three years. Nonetheless, activists remain doubtful — seeking updates on the success of earlier compensatory planting and data about the survival rate of relocated trees, the report said. BMRCL's Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the new construction phase is nearing completion, according to officials. Input from residents and non-governmental organizations is being gathered, with publication of the EIA anticipated by October following final reviews.
The Star
17 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Governance slip found in Felcra's RM241mil plantation acquisitions
PETALING JAYA: The Auditor-General's Report 2/2025 found governance weaknesses in the implementation of leasing procurements for Felcra Berhad involving one oil palm plantation in Sandakan, Sabah, and three in Gua Musang, Kelantan, with acquisitions worth RM241.76mil from 2022 to 2024. Felcra Berhad went ahead with the RM62.29mil procurement for one oil palm plantation, known as the Telupid estate, despite a feasibility study concluding that the land was not economically viable due to poor soil and uneven terrain. The report also said that the non-executive director representing the Finance Ministry had disagreed with the acquisition, citing the feasibility study's findings that the soil series and topography were only moderately suitable for development. It also highlighted that another independent non-executive director believed that external consultants should have been appointed to provide a professional assessment of the proposed acquisition. 'The acquisition was nonetheless proceeded with, even though the feasibility report indicated that the Telupid estate was not economically viable,' said the report that was released yesterday. The board of directors had agreed to defer the procurement and to issue a request for proposal to appoint external consultants to conduct a new feasibility study and cost-benefit analysis of the investment, the report said. 'The board member representing the Economy Ministry also expressed the view that management should obtain confirmation from the Finance Ministry regarding the investment approval procedures for Ministry of Finance Incorporated companies,' it said. In response, Felcra Berhad said it estimated the Telupid estate's yield for 2025 at 12 metric tonnes per hectare (mt/ha), with a projected gross profit of RM1.37mil. Following the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report approval, Felcra Berhad said it had implemented several plans to improve the viability of the estate and optimise palm oil production. These included a phased replanting programme from 2025 to 2028, approved by the board on Feb 20, 2025, starting with 215ha under Phase 1. Felcra Berhad also said it had taken steps to increase income and control expenditure to ensure the estate would generate profit following recovery efforts. The AG report recommended Felcra improve its governance processes to ensure that all decisions related to plantation acquisitions are made collectively, align with previous resolutions and follow the company's constitution, rules and regulations.
Time of India
20 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Bengaluru Metro Phase 3: Operator brings down tree loss estimate to 6,000
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) officials Monday clarified that the tree loss during the construction of Namma Metro Phase 3 will likely be much lower than feared earlier. While the initial figure stood at around 11,000, BMRCL's environment wing has now revised this to approximately 6,800 trees after an internal assessment. "All 6,000-plus trees will not be removed. Some will be cut, some transplanted, and some retained," said Kanakaraj MH, assistant engineer (environment), BMRCL, adding that the exact number would depend on the ground situation during construction. The statement came after environmentalists raised serious concerns about the impact of Metro expansion on Bengaluru's green cover. Activists demanded greater transparency and access to data on how many trees will be felled, pruned, or relocated, and the exact locations of transplantation efforts. A public consultation meeting on the matter was held Monday. Parvathi Srirama, an environmental activist present at the meeting, said: "They are telling everything orally. We want statistics. How many trees are going to be saved correctly? How many trees are going to be pruned? How many are they relocating and where? What are the species? What is the age of the trees?" You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru Responding to concerns about rising air and noise pollution following previous construction phases, Kanakaraj acknowledged that Metro work does contribute to the city's air quality issues. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Many Are Watching Tariffs - Few Are Watching What Nvidia Just Launched Seeking Alpha Read More Undo "But there are multiple sectors adding to pollution. It's not always high," he added. BMRCL officials reiterated their commitment to compensating for the loss of green cover. For every tree removed, the agency has pledged to plant 10 new saplings within city limits and maintain them for at least three years. However, environmentalists questioned the status of compensatory plantations carried out for earlier Metro phases and sought data on the survival rates of transplanted trees. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report on Phase 3 is currently being finalised. "We have asked the public and NGOs for their point of view. We are noting it down. The EIA report is on the verge of completion," Kanakaraj said. According to sources, the report is expected to be ready for review by Aug and will likely be published in Oct. Phase 3 of Metro will add 44km to the network, providing new connections to the traffic-heavy western section of the Outer Ring Road.
The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Centre seeks environmental impact assessment on MSC Elsa 3 shipwreck
The Centre has requested the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), Tamil Nadu, to undertake a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the sinking of the container ship MSC Elsa 3 off the Alappuzha coast on May 25. The Centre's decision was conveyed by Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh, in the Lok Sabha on Monday (July 21, 2025). He was replying to a question raised by Hibi Eden, MP, on whether the government had conducted or initiated a detailed EIA into the back-to-back ship accidents off the Kerala coast, including the sinking of MSC Elsa 3 and the explosion on the Singapore-flagged vessel Wan Hai 503 off the Beypore coast on June 9. 'The EIA on the MSC Elsa 3 incident will be carried out in coordination with the State government. A total of 66 containers had washed ashore and have since been recovered by the agency appointed by the owners of MSC Elsa 3. None of the containers contained hazardous cargo, and no damage or hazard has been reported. Around 540 metric tonnes of plastic nurdles have been collected from the Kerala coast and the southern coast of Tamil Nadu,' Mr. Singh said. In the case of Wan Hai 503, the Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, Directorate General of Shipping, and other authorities concerned took proactive measures to contain and mitigate any potential environmental risks, according to the Minister.
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
Melaka to build inland port in Taboh Naning, says CM Ab Rauf
MELAKA: A new inland port in Taboh Naning here is poised to boost regional logistics capability without compromising environmental or public safety, says Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh. He said the Melaka Inland Port (MIP), a development plan on 52.89ha of land owned by Perbadanan Melaka (MCORP), is set to become a secure and sustainable logistics hub that will exclude the handling of hazardous materials. "It's being designed to streamline cargo movement via railway, particularly supporting industries in Johor, Negri Sembilan and here. "The port will cater exclusively to container cargo, palletised goods, commercial items in full compliance with environmental, health and safety standards," he said during the second session of the 15th Melaka State Legislative Assembly on Monday (July 21). Ab Rauf said the planned port will focus solely on non-hazardous cargo and its development reflects our commitment to sustainable and responsible infrastructure. He said the project will adopt a full environmental, social and governance (ESG) approach, incorporating green technology, low-carbon rail connectivity, community empowerment and transparent governance. 'It aligns with Melaka's sustainability roadmap and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). "We want this to be a benchmark for future developments that place both community welfare and environmental protection at the forefront,' he added. Phase One of the project, Ab Rauf revealed, will involve a gross development cost (GDC) of RM230.8mil, following a formal agreement signed between MCORP and DS Rail Mobility Sdn Bhd on June 13. He said the MIP is part of a wider development strategy for the MCORP Hi-Tech Park, which spans approximately 2.02ha and the planning for the port began in November last year. He said currently, the company is preparing documentation for planning permission from the local authorities, including an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the port. "Phase One of the project is expected to commence operations by October 2026, featuring components such as a spur line to the KTMB main railway, enclosed warehouses, a container yard, depot services, a Customs inspection centre and an operations office building," he said.
