Latest news with #RajendraSingh
Time of India
an hour ago
- Climate
- Time of India
NDMA to probe rising extreme weather events in U'khand, Himachal
Dehradun: In the wake of back-to-back extreme weather events in the Himalayan states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has announced that a team of experts will soon be sent to Uttarakhand to study the recent flash flood-disaster in Dharali and assess the growing threat of such climate-linked incidents in the region. Rajendra Singh, member secretary of NDMA, said on Friday that a similar team recently completed a field assessment in Himachal Pradesh following a series of deadly landslides and floods last month. "The findings from both states will help us better understand why such high-impact events are occurring more frequently in both states," Singh said. He added that the visit to Uttarakhand will be undertaken after the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) and a scheduled tour of the affected region by an inter-ministerial expert group. Dharali village in Uttarkashi was devastated earlier this week after a massive flash flood — triggered by a suspected glacial debris collapse — flattened dozens of buildings and cut off road access. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with over 90 helicopter sorties flown to evacuate the stranded. O by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Simple Morning Habit for a Flatter Belly After 50! Lulutox Undo fficials said the goal is to examine the underlying climatic and geological factors driving these disasters in the region. Experts say rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and fragile mountain geology are creating a dangerous combination, adding that "NDMA's findings must feed into new guidelines for disaster preparedness, infrastructure planning and climate adaptation for Himalayan states." 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 Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Eco concern raised over bulk drug park in Andhra's Anakapalli
VISAKHAPATNAM: The State government's proposal to set up a Bulk Drug Park at Nakkapalli in Anakapalli has drawn mixed reactions. While industry leaders welcomed the move as a step toward industrial development and job creation, environmental groups have raised red flags about the potential ecological and public health risks. Jal Biradari, a water conservation network founded by environmentalist Dr Rajendra Singh, issued a statement urging the government and the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) to proceed cautiously and responsibly. Drawing on experiences from Telangana's Patancheru, Bollaram, Sangareddy, and Jeedimetla, the group warned of the long-term consequences of unchecked bulk drug manufacturing. These include chemical contamination of rivers and groundwater, farmland degradation, rising chronic illnesses, and industrial accidents affecting workers and local communities. Biradari stressed that these examples should serve as warnings to AP. To mitigate risks, the organisation proposed a series of safeguards. It called for independent Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) conducted by credible, transparent institutions and truly inclusive public hearings to ensure local voices are heard. The group advocated for mandatory Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems, frequent audits of effluent treatment, and real-time environmental monitoring with public data access. It cautioned against permitting such projects in ecologically sensitive areas without thorough risk assessments. Jal Biradari emphasised the importance of balancing industrial growth with environmental sustainability and urged active citizen, media, and political engagement to ensure accountability.
Time of India
01-08-2025
- General
- Time of India
Beyond policy: Citizens take lead in India's green movement
Representative image Across India, individuals are emerging as key players in the country's growing environmental movement. From restoring forests to organising clean-up drives, these citizens are leading community-based efforts to address pressing ecological challenges through practical action and sustained commitment. Among them is Rajendra Singh, also known as the "Waterman of India" who is recognised for his work in water conservation. Similarly, Jadav Payeng, often referred to as the "Forest Man of India," has been planting trees for decades, transforming barren land into green cover. Sumaira Abdulali has consistently raised awareness about the environmental impacts of sand mining, focusing on the protection of coastal and riverbed ecosystems. I by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like What's my car worth? Take a look here (you might be surprised) Cars Value Click Here Undo n Tamil Nadu, bus conductor Marimuthu Yoganathan has planted over 3 lakh saplings. His early efforts to report illegal tree cutting in the Nilgiris district during his school years went unheeded, but he persisted. His work was also acknowledged by the Prime Minister in his 'Mann Ki Baat' address. Yoganathan was invited to the Independence Day celebrations at Rashtrapati Bhavan in 2023 and met the Prime Minister. Other individuals focus on sustainable living practices. Pankti Pandey promotes zero-waste lifestyles, and Aakash Ranison combines travel with climate awareness campaigns. Pandey has built an online community of over 4 lakh followers and advises companies on sustainability practices. Her work has earned her national awards, including recognition from the Prime Minister. In urban areas, citizens are creating awareness through platforms like social media. Bengaluru-based Vani Murthy is promoting composting and home gardening. Architect Nayana Premnath has designed sustainable homes and works with communities to promote greener living. Community clean-up efforts are another major area of focus. Ripudaman Bevli and Malhar Kalambe have led multiple clean-up drives across Mumbai, focusing on public spaces and coastal zones, respectively. Their consistent efforts highlight the role of civic engagement in addressing urban waste and pollution. Entrepreneurship and environmental media also feature in the movement. Prerna Prasad works in the sustainable business space, while Mike Pandey creates films focused on wildlife and nature conservation. Pradeep Sangwan has been leading mountain trail clean-up campaigns in northern India through his organisation Healing Himalayas. Since 2016, the initiative has removed over 1,600 tonnes of waste across 1,000 drives and established eight recovery facilities. It is now expanding its reach to the Chardham region to further responsible tourism. Tree-planting initiatives continue to gain traction through efforts such as the Give Me Trees Trust, founded by Peepal Baba (Swami Prem Parivartan). Starting as a personal initiative in 1977, the trust has evolved into one of India's larger community-based tree-planting movements. Environmental education and creative outreach are also part of the landscape. Pravin Mishra conducts workshops on terrace gardening and operates a nursery that supplies saplings to Delhi residents. His workshops and public campaigns aim to build awareness about the importance of urban greenery. Technological solutions are also being developed. Prachi Shevgaonkar launched the Cool The Globe platform, which enables users to track and reduce their carbon footprint. The initiative has reached over 110 countries and helped cut more than 2 million kilograms of emissions. Her work has been recognised by the finance minister under the "Young Changemaker of the Year" honour. The Times of India is all set to host the Ecopreneur Honours on August 4—a celebration of green champions! From eco-warrior individuals to planet-positive startups and visionary organisations, it's time to spotlight those making sustainability their mission . Know more
Time of India
29-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
PRSU reopens PhD admissions for newly qualified UGC NET candidates
Prayagraj: Prof Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiya) State University has reopened applications for PhD admissions to include candidates who recently qualified for the UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) 2025. The decision was officially made on July 28, and a fresh notification was issued by registrar Sanjay Kumar on Monday, announcing that the new deadline for PhD applications is now August 8. Previously, the last date to apply was July 26. The move comes after several candidates approached the university administration requesting another opportunity to apply. These students were awaiting the results of the UGC NET exam, which was declared on July 21. As a result, they were unable to submit their applications during the initial window. Responding to this concern, the university allowed all newly qualified NET candidates to apply for PhD programmes. The university has also made it clear that PhD admissions will be granted strictly on the basis of the UGC NET 2025 score. No separate entrance exam will be conducted, ensuring a streamlined and merit-based selection process. This decision is expected to benefit hundreds of research aspirants who have long awaited an opportunity to pursue doctoral studies.
The Hindu
27-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Moulika Arabhi on shaping India's environmental laws
The next in the monthly series by WWF-India that highlights niche and unconventional green careers through the stories of well-known personalities from the field of environment and conservation Some of our deepest values take root in childhood. For me, it began in the lush green spaces of the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad, a peaceful space where native flowering trees thrive, and bird songs are more common than traffic noise. The constant presence of rich biodiversity instilled in me the value of coexisting with Nature and sparked a desire to conserve it from a young age. Law wasn't an accidental choice. In the late 1990s, I pursued the five-year Integreated LLB (Hons.) from Andhra University, Visakhapatnam. Environmental law wasn't offered as a subject then. We only touched upon it briefly through laws like the Air Act and the Water Act. This early exposure sparked my interest and I found myself drawn to issues around natural resources, governance, and sustainability. Inspiration Reading Down to Earth magazine during my student years only deepened that curiosity and made me aware about environmental concerns. This led me to apply for an internship at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) in Delhi. What began as a three-month internship turned into several transformative years, as I was introduced to the grassroots dimensions of environmental justice and met inspiring figures like Rajendra Singh, the 'Waterman of India'. My early work in the development sector focused on human rights, gender, and natural resource management and gave me valuable field exposure and insights into how laws play out in real life. Soon, I began engaging with questions around sustainable development, governance, and how law could be used as a tool to promote environmental responsibility. This eventually led me to the field of environmental law, not just as an academic subject, but as a dynamic and evolving space where real impact was possible. Connecting environment and law I advise other organisations, develop curricula, teach at multiple institutions, and conduct training for forest officers, civil servants, and members of the judiciary. Through the Centre for Environmental Law (CEL), WWF-India, we've tried to strengthen environmental law education in the country. I've designed and launched several online courses such as the Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Law and Policy, developed jointly with National Law University, Delhi, and the LL.M. in Environmental Law, Energy and Climate Change, in collaboration with O.P. Jindal Global University, which have opened new avenues for students to pursue specialised legal careers in environmental issues. What makes this journey rewarding is the ability to work for the voiceless wildlife and ecosystems that cannot advocate for themselves. One of the most exhilarating cases I followed was the Nyamjang Chhu case in Arunachal Pradesh, where the return of the endangered Black-necked Crane to its threatened breeding ground, just in time for the final court hearing, led to the halting of a hydropower project. It was as though Nature itself had spoken! I often say that environmental law is not something that can be practised in isolation. You need to bring in science, economics, politics, even ethics. One of the biggest challenges is how to communicate complex environmental issues to diverse stakeholders; from communities to corporations to judges. That's where law can act as a bridge. To anyone considering a green career in law, I'd say: identify problems but focus equally on creating solutions. Use your skills to advocate, to innovate, and to act. Our generation has done its part but it's your voice that will shape the future. Be that voice for the voiceless. The writer is Advisor at the Centre for Environmental Law (CEL), WWF-India, and Academic Advisor to WWF-India and National Law University Delhi's environmental law programmes.
