From being a much sought-after delicacy found in abundance in the Godavari and Krishna rivers, to figuring in the global IUCN Red List of threatened species, the fringed-lipped carp (Labeo fimbriatus) has been hunted almost to extinction, thanks to unscientific overharvesting.

A serious effort is hence being made by the Andhra Pradesh Biodiversity Board to revive the once-popular fish species by introducing fingerlings this monsoon, to start with, in the Godavari river system in Adilabad district.

Twenty-three suicides reported in Adilabad district since November 2011

In a scenario dominated by Bt cotton, only those farmers in Adilabad seem to be safe and happy who have practically given up cotton cultivation. Many farmers, especially those with smaller holdings, are finding the economics of Bt cotton to be really deadly. Some 23 suicides by cotton farmers have been reported in the district since November last year. In a majority of these instances, the farmers were caught in debt traps.

Industries and private users will have to hereafter purchase five per cent power from renewable energy sources compulsorily while buying power from sources other than AP Transco and distribution co

West Godavari district, irrigated by two mighty rivers, is on the road to agricultural prosperity thanks to various schemes.

Even though e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules have come into force from Tuesday, the AP Pollution Control Board is still gearing up for implementation and strict enforcement of these rules with a framework of guidelines to be followed by manufacturers of e-products.

The Union ministry of environment and forests had announced e-waste rules way back in June 2011 under the Environment Protection Act. This would be implemented in letter and spirit only after the APPCB prepares a draft explaining “how to ensure implementation and check violation” of the norms.

Solid wastes being discarded in open dumping grounds or used as land fill in low-lying areas is causing soil run-off and groundwater pollution.

State cites delay in project execution, cancels allotment of 1,500 acres

In a setback to state-owned HPCL, the Andhra Pradesh government has cancelled the land allotted to the company for setting up its proposed Rs 45,000-crore petrochemical complex at Visakhapatnam, due to delay in executing the project, a government official has said. Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) was allotted 1,500 acres in 2007 for setting up the petrochemical complex in the proposed Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Region (PCPIR) coming up between Kakinada and Visakhapatnam on the east coast.

The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board has leveled allegations of pollution against various bulk drug units manufacturing drugs in excess of the permitted quantities.

The charges also include pharmaceutical firms responsible for unauthorised manufacture of these drugs. Despite permission being taken to manufacture a certain quantity and category of drugs, these units allegedly exceed the prescribed limit, by more than 30 per cent in certain cases. The huge amount of resultant effluents are not treated and the excess drugs, according to the APPCB, add to the pollution in the city.

According to the 2010 Wildlife Institute census, the state had 72 tigers and this excluded an estimated 15 tiger cubs. The state, on the other hand, boasted of a much larger figure — 105 tigers just a decade ago.

Speaking to media persons here on Thursday, the principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF), Mr Hitesh Malhotra, said that the tiger population is reducing in the Godavari region due to widespread destruction of their habitat.

Citizens of the peripheral areas in Hyderabad will continue to suffer drinking water shortage for at least two more years due to a delay in the implementation of the Krishna Phase-III, as the state government has sanctioned a meagre Rs 30 crore for execution of the Rs 1,670 crore project.

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board has little money to take up works on the Krishna Phase-III, and the Water Board is already mortgaging its properties to raise loans for the execution of the Godavari drinking water project for Hyderabad city.