THE NEWS IN
PROPORTION
26 January 2020
26 January 2020
CRITICALLY POLLUTED AREAS
Crying out for strong environmental regulator
Crying out for strong environmental regulator
Himanshu Upadhyaya takes a close look at the Critically Polluted Areas mentioned in a recent CAG audit report on the environmental clearances and post clearance monitoring process of Ministry of Environment.
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
New regulations welcome, but the proof will be in the eatingNew regulations from the environment ministry require coal-based thermal power plants to stick to legally binding limits for water consumption. Shripad Dharmadhikary examines the implications of these rules.
RISK FROM TOXIC CHEMICALS
The poisons we play with everydayFrom the paints in our homes to the discarded CFL tubes, the sources of toxic chemicals that pose a serious threat to our health and safety are omnipresent. Darryl D’Monte highlights why it is imperative for India to move faster and more determinedly in tackling this problem.
MUNDRA STORY
How non-compliance is condoned: A short storyEvidence of violation of environment regulation by the Adani group in their Mundra Port and SEZ Ltd and the Waterfront Development Project have been found. Kanchi Kohli reports on why both the projects are still moving ahead.
MINING IN HASDEO ARAND
Too many questions? Take away the right to ask!The Chhattisgarh government has nullified the community rights of a section of villagers under the Forest Rights Act, as it was being used by them to oppose mining in the region. But why are the local people up against mining? Shripad Dharmadhikary reports.
COASTAL REGULATION ZONES
Easing building regulations: Where’s the groundwork?The recent amendment to the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification relaxes building norms for CRZ areas. There are certain necessary measures that should have preceded it, says Meenakshi Kapoor as she brings out the implications of the amendment.
ANALYSIS
Coal-based power plants: What is the government missing?The draft notification specifying emission standards for coal-based thermal power plants is a welcome first step towards regulation, but needs much greater attention to detail and further calibration, writes Debadityo Sinha.
COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT
The holes that make our coasts vulnerableFrom delayed reconstitutions of critical state and national level institutions to glaring loopholes in procedures, Meenakshi Kapoor identifies all that stands in the way of effective plans to manage conservation and sustainable coastal development.
DECENTRALISED COASTAL GOVERNANCE
Ignoring the institutions that can save our coastal regionsEffective District Level Coastal Committees, provided for by the CRZ notification of 2011, could have been the key link in ensuring legal environmental protection for coastal regions and communities. Manju Menon, Kanchi Kohli and Meenakshi Kapoor discuss how these have been continuously disregarded.
WHITHER ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE?
How Karnataka's mega port project is bending the rulesLegal and procedural lapses as well as disregard of critical public submissions mar the environmental impact assessment of the proposed Tadadi Port in Karnataka. Kanchi Kohli reports.
WHITHER DEMOCRACY
When people are merely roadblocksA series of recent executive orders, amendments to law and ministerial directives either seek to curtail avenues of public participation and consent over projects of critical impact, or do away with them altogether. Kanchi Kohli tracks the trend.
HLC REPORT ON ENVIRONMENT
Missing the woods and the treesEver since the report of the Subramanian Committee, set up to review and amend key environmental legislation, was leaked, several questions have been raised regarding its real implications for the environment. Darryl D’Monte explains some of the most critical concerns.
BHADRESHWAR THERMAL POWER PROJECT
A continuous struggle between ‘power’ and the peopleIn yet another contested environmental approval decision, a 300-MW power plant in Gujarat has been granted changes in technology, relaxing certain original conditions, without any public consultation. Kanchi Kohli reports on the grievances of the local people.
India Together offers an excellent forum for people from diverse fields of expertise to present their views, share their experiences and raise questions about where our country and society are headed in the future.
Amitabha Basu
- Retired Scientist
- National Physical
- Laboratory
- India Together reader
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From Aug 2013, published with support from Oorvani Foundation, a champion of public-funded media for the new India.
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