Environmental Governance Newsletter - Sept 2016

TOP STORY
 
Rajya Sabha paves way for Compensatory Afforestation Fund Bill to become an Act
The bill was passed unanimously by the house after much discussion and withdrawal of amendments by opposition members on assurance by the government to address their concerns while framing upcoming rules
REGULATORY WATCH
 
Will Adani ever pay for the destruction at Mundra?
The environment ministry says it cannot impose a fine but the company is not let off the hook. Lawyers say it can approach NGT
 
Under continuous check
The continuous emission monitoring system to curb air and water pollution can herald a new era in India's environmental regime
 
Challenges for Anil Madhav Dave, India's new environment minister
Dave inherits a ministry that is being criticised for diluting environmental laws to facilitate quick industrial growth
 
 
 
Court Watch
 
NGT slaps Rs 15 crore 'fine' on Delhi hospital
The hospital had started construction work without obtaining environmental clearance
 
2011 Mumbai oil spill: NGT slaps Rs 100-crore fine on shipping company
The compensation amount might go up in future depending on restoration measures the new committee recommends
 
Return Singur land acquired for Tata Nano to farmers: SC
The land was acquired in the name of public purpose. The court also said that those who received compensation will not have to return the money
Forest Governance
Real state of India's forests
India has been trying to achieve to put 33 per cent of its geographical area under forest, but the latest report shows that it is yet to reach 22 per cent
 
Chhattisgarh communities assert forest rights
The Chhattisgarh Rajya Van Vikas Nigam was carrying out "thinning" inside the forests adjacent to the village, Sanauli, when a resistance led by women started
 
A forest drought no one is talking about
Severe dry spells in Indian forests have hit the livelihood of more than 100 million people. But India simply does not acknowledge this drought
 
A village in Maharashtra stands up for its rights
Residents of Lavari have blocked the construction of a transmission line to demand compensation for livelihood loss
Mining
 
Odisha DMF's budget allocation lacks focus on health, other basic services
Mining-affected people in Kendujhar district will get only Rs 5 crore for basic health facilities, while Rs 4 crore will be spent on a swimming pool
 
CAG picks holes in coal auctions
The report highlights that there are inaccuracies and inconsistencies in valuation of auctioned mines
 
 

Editor's Note
chandra_bhushanDear Friends,
We are back with the September issue of the Environmental Governance bimonthly newsletter. The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change is now headed by the new minister, Mr. Anil Madhav Dave, at a time when the ministry faces allegations for diluting environmental laws and community consent in favour of industries. It remains to be seen how the new minister will strike a balance between the environmental concerns and the developmental needs of the country...
- Chandra Bhushan
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Studies & Publications
 
Trainings
A. Upcoming Trainings
Training programme on SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
December 12-16, 2016
Training programme for environmental regulators
(2016 - 2017)
Training programme on CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY - PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION
November 14-16, 2016
READ MORE >>
B.Trainings Archive
Brief note on workshop on Cumulative Impact Assessment: Need for better assessment tool: Time to deliberate
June 29-30, 2016
READ MORE >>
Waste Management
CSE releases first-of-a-kind study on waste management in India
Assam Chief Minister releases CSE's new book on solid waste management in Indian cities
Read more >>
 
Waste smart cities
A survey by the Centre for Science and Environment shows how Indian cities are turning over a new leaf in solid waste management
Read more >>
Global News
Forestry should be tied with agriculture for socio-economic development
Myanmar will import timber to save its own forests
Brazilian government cancels mega dam on the Amazon's Tapajos River