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Time of India
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Union ministry seeks report on wildlife sanctuary violations in Raj
Jaipur: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has demanded a detailed report from the Rajasthan govt regarding alleged irregularities in Sariska and Nahargarh sanctuary areas, following concerns raised by Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The development came to light when Beniwal shared the ministry's communication on social media platform X on Monday. The letter to the Nagaur MP, dated May 7, 2025, was sent by Union minister Bhupender Yadav in response to issues raised during Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha earlier this year. The controversy stems from allegations made by Beniwal during the March 12 parliamentary session, where he accused the state authorities of manipulating sanctuary boundaries under political patronage to favour hotel owners and mining operators, in direct violation of Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal (NGT) directives. According to Beniwal, over two dozen hotels are currently operating in violation of court rulings - approximately twelve in Alwar's Siliserh area and another dozen in the Ajabgarh–Jamwaramgarh range. The MP claimed these commercial activities continue unchecked in eco-sensitive zones, with state officials limiting their response to merely issuing notices. In its communication to the Rajasthan forest department, the ministry has directed prompt examination of the matter and appropriate action, demanding updates on measures taken. While acknowledging that wildlife and habitat management primarily falls under state jurisdiction, the ministry's intervention signals growing concern over the alleged violations.
India Gazette
2 days ago
- Science
- India Gazette
India reaffirms commitment to glacier preservation at high-level international conference in Dushanbe
New Delhi [India], May 31 (ANI): Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (EFCC), addressed the Plenary Session of the High-Level International Conference on Glaciers' Preservation, held from May 29-31 in Dushanbe, Republic of Tajikistan. According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the event brought together international experts, policymakers, and Ministers to deliberate on urgent actions needed to safeguard glaciers, which serve as critical freshwater reservoirs and indicators of climate change. In his address, Singh emphasised that the retreat of glaciers represents not only a warning but an immediate reality with far-reaching implications for water security, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of billions of people. Highlighting the global and regional consequences of glacial retreat, the Minister underscored that the phenomenon is accelerating, with disproportionate impacts on mountain regions such as the Himalayas. He reiterated India's deep-rooted concern, as a country intrinsically connected to the Himalayan ecosystem, and outlined a series of ongoing initiatives aimed at glacial monitoring and climate adaptation. Singh highlighted that India is undertaking strategic actions under the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) - a key component of India's National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) - as well as the establishment of a Centre for Cryosphere and Climate Change Studies, designed to advance research and monitoring of glaciers and glacial lakes in the Indian Himalayan Region. Further, it was stated that India is leveraging advanced Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies, led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), to systematically monitor changes in glacier mass, extent, and dynamics. These efforts are further strengthened through coordinated research by key national institutions, including the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, and the G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE). These initiatives are crucial to advancing scientific understanding of glacier systems and supporting data-driven policy formulation for the sustainable management of India's water resources. India has strengthened disaster preparedness in the Himalayan region through improved early warning systems and Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) risk mapping, coordinated by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Regional cooperation was underscored as vital for strengthening resilience, improving data-sharing frameworks, and fostering coordinated responses to the challenges facing mountain ecosystems, Singh informed. Addressing the global context, the Minister reaffirmed India's commitment to equity and the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) in international climate action. He emphasized that while South Asia contributes minimally to global cumulative emissions, it remains highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India continues to pursue an ambitious and balanced climate strategy. The country has made significant progress toward its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, achieving major milestones. It was emphasised that the need for differentiated and context-specific approaches to climate adaptation and mitigation, recognizing varying national circumstances, development needs, and historical responsibilities, is imperative. Concluding his address, the Minister welcomed the declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation and the Decade (2025-2034) of Action for Cryospheric Sciences, and called for enhanced global cooperation, shared scientific research and increased financial and technological support for developing countries. India stands ready to strengthen partnerships, share expertise, and contribute meaningfully to collective efforts to safeguard glaciers and ensure the resilience of our shared future. (ANI)
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Kochi shipwreck: CM Stalin holds review meeting on environmental impact along T.N. coast
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin held a review meeting with officials at the State Secretariat on Friday (May 30, 2025) to discuss steps for the removal of materials that washed ashore along the coastal areas of Kanniyakumari district from the cargo ship MSC Elsa 3, which capsized nearly 38 nautical miles off the Kerala coast on May 24. Mr. Stalin held discussions with officials from the Departments of Revenue, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Fisheries, and the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board regarding the safe removal of plastic and other materials washing ashore in Tamil Nadu's coastal regions. The objective was to prevent any harmful effects on the public and to assess potential impacts on marine organisms and other resources. According to the official release, though no hazardous materials have washed ashore on the Tamil Nadu coast so far, Mr. Stalin directed officials to ensure coordination among various departments and volunteers for the safe removal of the objects, and to conduct studies on both the short-term and long-term environmental impacts on marine life. He also urged the public to report any suspicious objects found near the coast to the district administration or the police. Additionally, he directed the State Disaster Management Authority to continuously monitor the situation and take all necessary precautionary measures to safeguard the public. Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam; Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Supriya Sahu; Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Revenue and Disaster Management, P. Amudha, and other senior government officials participated in the meeting.
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- General
- New Indian Express
EAC clears CRRR stretch through Kapilash sanctuary, conservationists raise alarm
BHUBANESWAR: The expert appraisal committee (EAC) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has approved the proposed six-lane Capital Region Ring Road (CRRR)'s Gobindpur-Tangi stretch with at least 1 km passing through the core zone of Kapilash wildlife sanctuary, raising concern among conservationists. Kapilash is a major elephant habitat and at the same time, a flash-point for man-animal conflict. Sources said the EAC in its meeting held on May 14 and 15 recommended the grant of environmental clearance for 'construction of the Gobindpur-Tangi stretch' of the 111 km CRRR to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the Bharatmala scheme. The project seeks to link Rameswar in Khurda to Tangi under Cuttack district. The stretch from Gobindpur village in Dhenkanal to Bandalo toll plaza near Tangi in Cuttack under CRRR will have a total length of about 40.33 km. However, at least 1 km of the alignment of the road project will pass through Kapilash wildlife sanctuary in Dhenkanal. The proposed alignment will also pass through 45 waterbodies including five canals, nine ponds and 31 nullahs. The Gobindpur-Tangi stretch of the road will require about 4,180 hectare area for implementation of which approximately 146.90 hectare will be forest area, while 97.95 hectares will be water body and 625.26 hectare have tree cover (all under tree). Diversion of around 39 hectare forest land will also be required. The EAC, sources said, has asked the NHAI to follow the recommendation of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), based on the study of the consultancy agency CEMC Bhubaneswar, that suggests construction of two elephant underpasses, one of about 1.65 km length and the other of 850 metre length with a minimum height of about 10 metre from the ground level, for easy movement of the jumbos. It has also proposed 56 culverts for movement of smaller animals in the project stretch which has remained one of the hotspots of human-wildlife conflict in the state.
Deccan Herald
4 days ago
- General
- Deccan Herald
Amended C&D waste rules set recycling targets, stiff penalty
The C&D Rules were notified in 2016. However, considering the lack of compliance, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified amended rules recently.
