KOLKATA, 28 MAY: At a time when about 60 per cent rural households in the state do not have electricity, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) is setting up 50,000 trident lamps just to decorate

With the mercury going up in the hills, the momentum of protests are also going in the same direction in Uttarakhand over the issue of hydel projects.

India’s top Public Sector Undertakings and private companies like L&T, Lanco, GMR, GVK, NTPC, THDCIL and UJVN are constructing hydel projects on the Ganga and its tributaries in Garhwal region with potential to generate 10,000 megawatts (mw) of power. These days, there are two different and contradictory protests going on in the hill state — one led by Avdhash Kaushal, a social activist, who wants the early completion of all dams on the Ganga and its tributaries where clearances had already been made.

New Delhi: Even as chief minister Sheila Dikshit hinted at marginal relief for Delhiites from the petrol price hike, environmentalists are not amused.

Guwahati: A Kaziranga Green Marathon, coinciding with World Environment Day on June 5, has been planned at the world famous national park by environmentalists and district administration.

Aaranyak, a society for biodiversity conservation in northeast India, which is collaborating with Bokakhat District Master Athletic Association, Assam Forest Department and Bokakhat Civil Administration to organise the run, said here on Wednesday the half Marathon from Bokakhat to Kohora will be held in the early morning of June 5.

Calling the Rs.7.50 increase per litre in petrol price shocking, Delhiites on Wednesday expressed their outrage at the Central Government's “inconsiderate” move.

“The Government has clearly not taken into consideration the already sky-rocketing cost of living. Rising fuel costs and the lack of adequate, safe public transport system adds to the problems of the common man. The worst hit are two-wheeler users,” said Jatin Gandhi from Janakpuri who uses his bike to come to Connaught Place and works as a marketing executive.

The National Green Tribunal, under the aegis of ministry of environment and forests, on Wednesday cancelled the environmental clearances granted to the 2,640MW coal-fired power project of Nagarjuna

KOCHI: The District Collector has ordered the setting up of an empowered committee to recommend long-term programmes for the conservation of the Periyar river. The committee will consist of engineers, green activists and members from the panchayat.

“A number of studies on the river have been undertaken, however, none of them focused on the projects that can be taken up for its conservation. This committee will specifically focus on the projects that can be implemented in the area. The committee will also draw upon the earlier studies on the river,” said District Collector P I Sheik Pareeth.

Maharatna major NTPC’s maiden overseas venture at Khulna in Bangladesh has now run into an environment hurdle due to its proximity to the world’s largest mangrove forest Sunderbans.

Environmentalists in Bangladesh have already moved court asking the project to be scrapped as it comes within 14 kilometres of Sunderbans. The 1320MW (2X660MW) project is a 50/50 joint venture between NTPC and Bangladesh Power Development Board and both the parties have signed a memorandum of understanding recently.

JOWAI: Unscientific limestone mining in War-Jaintia, Amlarem Sub-Division in Jaintia Hills has become a cause of concern for residents of Nongtalang village and its surrounding villages who are facing an impending water scarcity in the area.

A huge quantity of limestone is exported to Bangladesh via Tamabil on a daily basis which has encouraged individuals in the area to start limestone mining. The Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council has so far issued 21 numbers of NOCs (No Objection Certificates) for extraction of limestone, 25 NOCs to exporters and another 12 to transporters.

JAIPUR: As heat is mounting on the state government about its failure in checking rampant illegal mining, chief minister Ashok Gehlot held a meeting with his cabinet colleagues on Sunday. However, the meeting ended up with a few customary words of "strong action" against officials responsible for the menace.

"Take action against the collector or district police chief where illegal mining is taking place and ensure that safety measures for workers are in place in the recognized mines," the chief minister instructed chief secretary CK Mathew after meeting was over.