Statement of fact sent to Puducherry government

It appears to be a strange case of a private firm spurring a government body to seek a captive coal mine. In December 2006, the government body — the 38-year-old Pondicherry Industrial Promotion Development and Investment Corporation (PIPDIC) – had apparently no idea to seek a coal block until it received an “unsolicited offer” from the private firm — J R Power Generation Private Limited (JRP), which had no prior experience in coal mining or power generation — for a coal mine development project.

Land acquired was not used for intended purpose

The Comptroller and Auditor General report has found several procedural lapses in the acquisition of private land for public purpose and non-utilisation of the land, acquired for the intended purpose, causing additional liabilities to the Puducherry government. The CAG report, which was tabled in the Assembly on Monday, has also pointed out instances of revenue loss , wasteful expenditure and other irregularities in several departments.

The pollution control committee lays down 23 conditions to be followed

The Puducherry Pollution Control Committee has given green signal for the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) to be constructed near Kanaganeri at Kadirgamam. After studying the Rapid Environment Impact Assessment report prepared by two private firms appointed by Public Health Division of the Public Works Department, PPCC has given its nod for the project.

With the available waste management policies, including e-waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011 silent on handling of used fluorescent tubelights (FTLs), which contain mercury, the Puducherry Pollution Control Committee is in the process of framing a draft policy for safe management of FTLs.

The core element of the policy, according to a PPCC official, was to encourage manufacturers to set up plants to recycle used FTLs and dealers, both wholesalers and retailers to provide special disposal bins in their outlets to collect the lamps. The organisation was also mulling to provide a small sum as incentive to get back the used FTLs.

Consultants have submitted report to Pollution Control Committee

The Puducherry Pollution Control Committee (PPCC) will shortly take a decision on clearance for setting up a sewage treatment plant near ‘Kanaganeri' at Kadirgamam. The consultants — Green Chem Solutions Private Limited and Creative Environmental Consultants — appointed by Public Health Division of the Public Works Department have submitted a Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment (REIA) report to the PPCC.

It is scheduled for December 29; firm completes Environmental Impact Assessment study