Latest news with #EnvironmentalProtectionAct1986
West Australian
5 days ago
- Business
- West Australian
Broome solar energy project given green light by Environmental Protection Authority
A solar energy project for Broome has been given the green light by the Environmental Protection Authority after finding the project will have little impact on local flora. The proposal comprises 4m-tall solar panels up to 90MW, battery energy storage systems, and a 16km transmission line from a site about 10km north of Broome. EPA chair Darren Walsh said the EPA had published its decision not to assess the Horizon Power project under Part IV of the Environmental Protection Act 1986. 'After considering public submissions and conducting a preliminary investigation, we consider that the likely environmental effects of the proposal are not so significant to warrant formal assessment by the EPA,' he said. 'This doesn't mean environmental impacts of the project won't be considered at all, merely that they will be mitigated and licensed through other statutory decision-making processes.' As part of its determination, the EPA found vegetation types in the proposal area were typical and widespread within the region and there were no threatened flora species in the development envelope. 'This means that the types of impacts associated with the clearing of native vegetation can be regulated under Part V of the EP Act,' Mr Walsh said. The network connection route would follow the Broome-Cape Leveque Road, Broome Highway, Old Broome Road and Frederick Street to the existing substation in town. The EPA also noted that while there were no registered Aboriginal heritage sites in the development area, the proponent had engaged with Yawuru Aboriginal Corporation and would establish a Heritage Protection Agreement with them. If any Aboriginal heritage sites are identified, the potential impact could be assessed and regulated under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972.
The Hindu
31-05-2025
- The Hindu
Police crack the whip on sale and distribution of spurious seeds
Telangana Police have launched a state-wide crackdown on sale and distribution of spurious seeds, including the banned herbicide-tolerant cotton varieties, amid concerns over the impact on farmers' livelihoods and crop productivity. According to Director General of Police (DGP) Jitender, a joint task force comprising police personnel, agriculture officials and seed corporation officials has been activated at the district level to identify and prosecute those selling fake, substandard, or expired seeds. The offenders are being booked under multiple laws, including the Seeds Act, Environmental Protection Act and even the BNS Act. Police are also targeting vendors peddling illegal B.G. III (herbicide tolerant) cotton seeds, which are banned under the Environmental Protection Act 1986. 'These sellers are playing with the lives of innocent farmers. When crops fail due to spurious seeds, farmers pay a heavy price,' the officer said, referring to the rise in farmer suicides linked to poor yields. The offences range from selling low-germination seeds to passing off grains as seeds, relabelling expired stock and operating without licences. Some have been caught distributing seeds in torn or unlabelled containers, while others have diverted government-subsidised seeds for private sale. Cases under relevant laws, some carrying prison terms of up to seven years, are being registered. As a deterrent, authorities are seizing assets used in the manufacture and sale of these fake seeds by invoking provisions of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police are also not hesitating to invoke the Preventive Detention Act in severe cases. In recent weeks, raids in Vikarabad, Gadwal, and the commissionerates of Rachakonda, Warangal and Ramagundam, have led to significant seizures of illegal seeds and pesticides. Farmers have been urged to procure seeds only from authorised dealers and report any suspicious activities related to seeds, fertilizers or pesticides, to the nearest police station.
New Indian Express
22-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Farmers move Karnataka HC against Brindavan Garden makeover
BENGALURU: Farmers of Mandya district have moved the Karnataka High Court against the state government's decision to transform Brindavan Garden at the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) dam into a Disneyland-like space. Their public interest litigation alleged that the project is detrimental to the farming community. A vacation division bench of Justices BM Shyam Prasad and KV Aravind issued notices to various authorities of the state and central governments, including the Jal Shakti ministry, National Dam Authority, state chief secretary, water resources, agriculture, forest and ecology departments, Kaveri Neeravari Nigam Ltd and other authorities of Mandya district. This was after they heard the petition filed by K Boraiah and four others from KRS village and other surrounding villages, questioning the tenders issued to set up the amusement park in the name of Brindavan Garden Upgradation without statutory clearance, including from the gram panchayat. The government's decision is contrary to Articles 48-A and 53A of the constitution, Karnataka Forest Act, Environmental Protection Act 1986, and Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, they said.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Calangute forum files plaint over beach vegetation damage
Calangute: Calangute Constituency Forum (CCF) on Thursday lodged a complaint before the chief secretary and other authorities against a developer for destroying beach vegetation on a property. Beach vegetation on the property bearing survey no. 208/1C of Calangute village has been destroyed, violating the Environmental Protection Act and a high court order. CCF president Premanand Divkar said, 'It is evident that these actions not only threaten the biodiversity and ecological balance of our coastal areas but also undermine community efforts to promote sustainability and protect our natural resources.' Destroying beach vegetation can cause erosion, loss of habitat, and reduce recreational options for locals and tourists. 'As per the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1986, it is imperative that immediate action is taken to investigate this matter and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. Additionally, measures must be implemented to prevent further destruction of beach vegetation and restore damaged areas,' Divkar said in the complaint.
