Mercury, a highly toxic heavy metal, has contaminated the environment of Sonbhadra in Uttar Pradesh. This new lab study by Centre for Science and Environment found the metal in not just soil and water samples, but also in people's blood.

Shows cold response to recommendations on curbing illegal mining of iron, manganese

THE UNION Ministry of Mines has responded coldly to the recommendations of the M B Shah Commission on curbing illegal mining of iron and manganese ores. In its response, filed in December last year, the ministry also seemed at loggerheads with the state mining departments over their suggestion to ban export of the minerals to check illegal mining. The commission was set up by the Centre in November 2010 to look into the growing illegal mining of the minerals and suggest remedial measures.

ON SEPTEMBER 9, the Supreme Court ordered detergent company Nirma to file its reply to the show cause notice issued by the Union ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) within three months.

The new Mines and Mineral Development and Regulation (MMDR) Bill, 2011 will ensure that the industry shares its profits with affected people. This is a special report by Down To Earth on this bill that will make mining companies shell out Rs 10,500 crore a year for affected people.

Read this special report published in Down To Earth on Nirma, the detergent company that gave false information to obtain clearance for its cement plant in coastal Saurashtra.

Sponge iron industry is set to drive future steel production of India. But poorly regulated factories are highly polluting. Protests are frequent, often turning violent. Down To Earth reports on the status of the sponge iron industry and its challenges.

The Posco steel plant and port planned in Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur district have run into fresh trouble. An expert appraisal committee (EAC) of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests deferred its decision on clearing the port project, saying the South Korean steel giant did not furnish sufficient details.

The Union environment ministry is all set to approve the Navi Mumbai international airport. The ministry

As Chhattisgarh advances to become the largest producer of thermal power, cement and sponge iron, this special report in Down To Earth finds out what affect this fast-paced industrialisation will have on the state and its people.