This paper analyses the current state of regulatory law and the associated institutional framework in India applicable to some of the key infrastructure sectors. Because the system in each sector has been put in place as policies have evolved at different times, there is an uneven approach to regulation across and at time even within different sectors of the economy.

Coal based thermal power plants with generation capacity of 500 MW or more are listed under Category A of Schedule I of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification of Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) dated 14.09.2006 published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part-II and Section 3, Sub-section (II), Ministry of Environment and Forests and requires Environmental Clearanc

Public hearing details for Nirma Cement Plant held at Padhiarka, Mahuva Dist, Bhavnagar.

The Australian government is set to introduce an emission trading scheme (ETS) which it plans to commence in 2010. Although the government has released a Green Paper outlining the parameters for the design of an emission trading scheme, one of the key debating points is around the caps on emissions, particularly over the medium term.

The theory that global warming may be contributing to stronger hurricanes in the Atlantic over the past 30 years is bolstered by a new study led by a Florida State University researcher. The study is published in the Sept. 4 edition of the journal Nature.

In view of the intersectorality of NREGA, the need to create durable assets and the fact that NREGA workforce constitutes the target group of most development programme, a Task Force has been set up to explore more comprehensive and effective possibilities of convergence, latent in NREGA. The Task Force is reviewing convergence strategies for NREGA.

Green organisations have instigated legal action over the new maximum legal limits on the level of pesticides allowed in food items sold in the European Union.

The second round of community water pollution monitoring was organizing in Bandi and Luni basins during September 16-18, 2008. The SKPSS Samiti and CSE decided to carry out the monitoring not only in Pali but also in Balotra. The members of the SKPSSS undertook sampling and testing of treated effluents from CETP 1, 2 and 3, river water at Sumerpur bridge and well water from Jetpur village.

The rapid environmental impact assessment (EIA) and environmental management plan is beiing prepared for Gare IV/1 coal mine extension, for which MOEF had given permission for three years according to approved mine plan by Ministry of Coal, GOI to meet the increased requirement of sponge iron plant to which this coal blok is captive.

Recent efforts to raise fuel efficiency for automobiles in the United States is a welcome first step for reducing carbon emissions from the transport sector. Schipper also suggests that fuel efficiency is not the only step that should be stimulated by national or local policies. Measures that reduce or even eliminate the need for driving must be promoted. These include transit oriented development, mixed-use, high-density neighborhoods, parking and road fees, mass transportation systems and congestion pricing schemes, like the one Mayor Bloomberg has proposed for New York City.