The district administration is planning to develop a toll-free helpline to collect the e- waste from doorsteps. The e-waste includes damaged laptops mobile phones etc. Volunteers will be collecting these e-waste.
The initiative is part of efforts by District Collector K. Mohammed Y. Safirulla to make Kochi e-waste-free.
The Ernakulam District Residents’ Association Apex Council (EDRAAC) will be partnering with the district administration.
The objective of this movement is to ensure eco-friendly recycling and scientific collection and disposal of e-waste.
The country temporarily lost about 20 per cent of its hydropower capacity and more than 30 hydropower projects were damaged. The projects, which were affected by earthquake‐triggered landslides, were the worst hit. The team also analysed 273 hydropower projects that are already in operation, under construction or are being planned in the Indian, Nepalese and Bhutanese Himalayas. They found that about 25 per cent of them are likely to face severe damage from quake-triggered landslides. The researchers point to an urgent need to re-evaluate hydropower development in the region. According to reports, the Himalayas would have the highest dam density in the world, with over a thousand water reservoirs dotting the mountain range in India, Bhutan, Nepal and Pakistan, over the next few years.
Coorg, rightly called as the Scotland of India, is the most ideal place for a trip from Bangalore. If you’re someone who dreams of lush greenery, breathtaking waterfalls, hills covered with forests, and spectacular misty landscapes, Coorg is meant just for you!
Sir Robert Swan was the first person to walk to both Poles. An environmental leader and an advocate for the protection of Antarctica and renewable energy, Swan is also the founder of the 2041 Foundation which is dedicated to building the next generation of informed and engaged climate change leaders who can design policy for a more sustainable future. Following his polar expedition, Sir Swan set up the world’s first E-base in Antarctica in 2008 — an education station to teach people about global climate change issues while addressing local sustainability challenges.
Subsequently, 4 other e-bases were set up across the world, two of which are in India — one in Pench, Madhya Pradesh and the other in Leh, Ladakh.
E-base Kodagu(Coorg) educates students about sustainable development to develop empowered future leaders who can drive public policy and change.One of my friends happened to visit the school as well.The one in Karnataka is the5th E-base in the world, to provide quality sustainability education combined with environmental ethics and practical learning about sustainable development practices.
Best Time To Plan Your Coorg Trip From Bangalore
While Coorg is a perfect year round destination, the best time to take a trip to Coorg from Bangalore is from September to March. The weather during this time is pleasant, refreshing, and quite welcoming. This is also the peak season for tourists, so high tariff is an issue you might definitely face when booking a hotel. But, the experience is complete value for money. A trip to Coorg from Bangalore during this time will also help you witness the gorgeous rainfall that this town experiences.
How To Reach Coorg From Bangalore
Coorg is located some 260 kms away from Bangalore. If you’re looking for ways for how to reach Coorg from Bangalore, here are the three most convenient options that you can consider:
Coorg Trip From Bangalore By Car
Since there are no direct flights or trains from Bangalore to Coorg, the best way to reach is by your own car or a cab. It’s not only a convenient option, but also great if you plan to take a road trip from Bangalore to Coorg. And while Bangalore to Coorg by car takes around five hours, it completely depends on your car and speed.
Coorg Trip From Bangalore By Bus
You can also take your Coorg trip from Bangalore via a bus. There are private buses as well as a direct Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus. It takes around six hours to reach Coorg from Bangalore by a bus.
Coorg Trip From Bangalore By Train
While there are no direct Bangalore to Coorg trains, the Mysore Railway Station is the nearest you can get to if you plan to travel via a train. After a train journey of three hours, you can take a bus or hire a taxi from the station to Coorg.
Wanderlust
I did not consider any of these options ,infact i drove all the way in my KTM Race Competition , my bike was fresh from an accident just the week before,lol.
It was December 29, the climate was really really cold, and it rained in between ,it felt like a wonderful drive with my close buddies around.There were 6 of us in 3 bikes ,the trip turned out to be a memorable one indeed. The E-base The E-base is located at the Tithimati Ashram School, nestled in the rich bio-diverse region of the Western Ghats.The school is a residential school run only for local, tribal children.
" With a capacity to house 500 children, Tithimathi is itself an epitome of sustainability."
E-base Kodagu also runs a 5-month Fellowship Program twice a year, bringing bright, young, motivated individuals to the school to understand the local grassroots level challenges pertaining to development, education, wildlife conservation, local governance and biodiversity. Fellows also lay the foundation of the E-base by helping to design an activity-based sustainability and life-skills curriculum besides working with the children using a multi-dimensional approach. They receive a fixed budget to procure resources deemed necessary for conducting the sessions and are expected to innovate and work frugally to optimise available resources.
Stunned by the deaths of 23 lions(4 lions died of Canine Distemper Virus infection, while 17 died of Babesiosis Protozona infection), the Gujarat government, which initially insisted that the lions had died due to infighting for territorial domination.
They launched not only rescue efforts but also called experts from outside and imported a vaccine from the US.
At present 33 lions are under treatment.
Government's plans for the holistic development of the islands.
NITI Aayog wants to set up island water villas in Lakshadweep.
NITI Aayog along with Island Development Agency is conducting a technical feasibility study.
They ensured that there will be no damage to the ecosystem.
This project is mainly to attract tourists.
SC stays construction of resorts in Nainital in Uttarakhand
The supreme court has stayed the ultra modern project in Nainital of Uttarakhand in high altitude forest area.
construction was going on in the forest area in violation of law and no statutory clearance was taken by the company Devanya Private Ltd from concerned authorities before embarking on the project for constructing 50 resorts/ cottages with swimming pools and helipad in ecologically sensitive zone.
massive construction involving earth moving machinery were operating in the area causes damage in biodiversity and ecosystem, and also this area is hoe for various species of birds and animals including threatened species like leopard and cheer pheasant
Source : The Times Of India
Kerala State Pollution Control Board holds talks with cement companies
The Kerala pollution board held discussion with the cement companies about the waste arises of household items arises from recent flood in Kerala. Recently, the KSPCB held talks with a few cement companies over using waste like damaged beds, sofa cushions and pillows for manufacturing cement. The damaged beds, sofa cushions and pillows can be used by the cement companies for co-incineration purpose at their factories.The damaged beds, sofa cushions and pillows can be used by the cement companies for co-incineration purpose at their factories.More than 500 tonnes of waste was collected daily from various localities under 22 local bodies in Ernakulam district alone.
SOURCE : INDIAN EXPRESS
PCB for mobile units to treat waste water
To reduce pollution in Kappithode, one of the most polluted water bodies in Ambalapuha, the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has mooted mobile waste-water treatment plants for peeling sheds and meat-processing centres on the banks of the canal. Each mobile unit cost 20 to 25 lakh. The units work on two different concepts. One plant has technologies like centrifugation, sedimentation, filtration and ultra filtration and is better suited for meat-processing centres.The second plant has electro-coagulation, sedimentation and filtration technologies, which can be used for treating waste generated in peeling sheds. The wastes are mainly coming from fish oeeling shed and meat processing centre.
Renewable energy major Suzlon Wednesday said it has commissioned the first prototype of what it claimed was the country's tallest hybrid concrete tubular wind Turbine Generator . The 140 metre tall tower in Tirunelveli district is a combination of concrete base and foundation , supporting a tubular steel tower and avoids exponential increase in weight and costs of steel tubular towers.
The HCT tower is a perfect fit in the new competitive bidding regime , where large scale utility projects of 200 -500 MW are being commissioned in the industry .The S120 rotor incorporates fourth generation rotor aerodynamics and enhanced pitch control systems to reduce overall loads.The Indian wind energy market is evolving due to the transition to competitive bidding .
Suzlon has made over 11.9 GW of the group's installation of wind power in the country. They also continue to invest in Research and Development with an aim to develop innovative products that reduce the cost of energy.
The Confederation of Indian Industry and UN Environment has signed memorandum for the implementation of sustainable development.
The MoU provides a framework of cooperation and facilitates cooperation in issues of environment,climate change, water sanitation, renewable energy smart cities and so on.
Major activity planned under MoU is Un-plastic initiative of CII AND UN Environment.
Trucks don't cover fly ash, pollution rap on NTPC plant
The regional officer of Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) in Ghaziabad has sent a notice to the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) plant at Dadri with an order to abide by rules while disposing of fly ash. The Pollution control board has pointed out violations by trucks carrying fly ash from the factory premises.
Fly ash is very fine material produced during burning of pulverised coal in a thermal power plan. On a daily basis ,NTPC supplies fly ash to cement and brick factories in the region .The Dadri factory has at least 25 vendors listed for the same. Even if the factory is sending out covered tricks or material being dumped without any care, which pollutes the entire area.
Two letters have been sent to NTPC because fly ash is highly polluting and its disposal should be carried out as per guidelines of the National Green Tribunal. Commenting on the notices sent by UPPCB, Dari factory had sent out letters to all vendors asking them to cover their trucks from end to end and to keep it like that from the start point till the end destination. They make sure that trucks are covered while leaving the factory and also they are trying to make the vendors accountable for keeping the trucks covered till the final destination, so that the environmental pollution is not caused in the process.
Increased emissions of aerosol into atmosphere due to pollution are are beginning ti have definite cooling effect of 1degree Celsius during Indian Summer Monsoon period.
The increased cooling is seen during the day while the night time temperature is increasing thus shrinking the diurnal temperature difference. This difference drives the convection process (where water evaporates and reached atmosphere as water vapour) and development of cloud.
As the diurnal temperature difference decreases the lower layer of atmosphere will reduce in height and come closer to the earth's surface. This will cause more aerosols to get into atmosphere thus impacting the lower atmospheric turbulence which may effect the distribution of moisture and rainfall.
Sep 4, 2018 - ET This article talks about how the use of cigarettes affect the ocean. According to the Cigarette Butt Pollution Project, the cigarette wastes are one of the most abundant types of human-produced garbage in the world's oceans. Sources said that every year 5.5 trillion cigarettes are manufactured globally which contains a element known as cellulose acetate, a plastic-based filter. These filters can take decades to decompose after the cigarette butt has been discarded. As this plastic breaks down, the chemical which is inside it can be consumed by wildlife.
According to Environmental Researchers, they found traces of these chemicals present in almost 70% of seabirds and 30% of sea turtles. They also said that these micro plastics and other kind of related wastes have direct impact on oceans and other water bodies.
As a tribute to poet Laureate Kuvempu known for vivid descriptions for forest and biodiversity of Western Ghats, the University in Malanad region of Karnataka named after him has introduced the concept of 'Green Graduation' from present academic year. It is mandatory for students who have enrolled for PG to participate in the green endeavours.
The students who enroll for PG courses should plant a saplings,students should visit villages in the vicinity and present talks on the evils of deforestation and environmental pollution and stage street plays on theme related to conservation and enhancement on green cover. Students are being trained on activities related to village visit.
At the end of academic year the performance of students will be evaluated for credits for maintaining saplings,the activities conducted during village visit etc.
This article talks about some of the issues related to environment. Cleaning of the polluted river Yamuna, which is considered holy by Hindus, has been a campaign issue for political parties for over decades. The Central government planned to cut over 16,500 trees in Delhi for the redevelopment of goverment colonies. Moreover, there was a clash between AAP, BJP and Congress parties regarding who allowed to cut off the trees. Environment has been a part of the maifestos of other major national parties. Congress also had several environment protection related promises regarding the cleaning of river Ganga. As far as environment issues are concerned, it will gain the centre stage in the 2019 election campaign. As pollution is an equal oppotunity killer and it does not discriminate between rich and poor.
States ask for subsidies, support, protection, right policies to boost clean energy in India
States on Wednesday urged the Centre to provide a level - playing field for domestic investors in the renewable energy sector and categories large hydro projects as clean energy projects. Chief ministers and representatives of various states at the second Global RE - Invest Summit here demanded that subsidiaries and easy credit should be provided to domestic investors as well as feasible and acceptable policies.
There should be a level - playing field because foreign investors come with huge investments. The government should provide bank support and bank subsidy for harnessing clean energy sources. States also asked government to protect the domestic industry for improving renewable energy equipment manufacturing particularly of solar energy and reducing huge import dependence.
Uttar Pradesh minister said that, there is lot of scope of investing of solar energy in Uttar Pradesh and they will extend all support for investments. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister suggested that all hydro power projects should be included in the category of renewable energy so that they could also avail the benefits being given to renewable energy projects and also this project generate green energy which was fulfilled green energy which was eco friendly, if this demand was fulfilled then more investors would be attracted to the state and economy would be strengthened further.
( Business Standard - Oct 03)
Railways told to file action plan on maintaining cleanliness in station
The National Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Railways to file an action plan pertaining to maintenance of cleanliness on platforms and the track. The Green panel further asked the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) to carry out regular performance audits.
Updated action plans at all levels need to be framed on or before November 30,2018.For preparing such action plans, the Railway Board must call a meeting of all general managers within 4 weeks. Immediate steps be taken for displaying dos and don't for passengers in all helpline. Steps be taken for removal of graffiti inside as well as outside trains and on the railway statins within 24 hours of their being made or displayed .
The directions came while the green panel was hearing a plea filled by lawyers Saloni Singh and Arush Pathania seeking directions to reduce pollution on railway properties,including track. The Railways have also been directed to constitute a Special Task force to ensure removal of encroachments from its properties ,and construct biodiversity parks ,plant trees and beautify the areas. The Railway administration shall also plan afforestation and plantation along such land parcels in the countryside area with the help of Forest Departments of respective State governments.
The recent events like floods in Kerala, wildfire in Uttarakhand etc shows India's vulnerability to climate changes.
On October 8, 2018 a new report in going to be released by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). This report mainly is an assessment on the effectiveness of various initiatives taken by different nations in mitigating the climate change.
In 10 years the carbon pollution is going to reach to it threshold.As per the report India being the second largest producer of coal after China is going to risk around 600 million Indians due to climate change.
As part of the Paris Agreement, India has agreed to cut down the carbon pollution by rising the renewable power capacity to 40% by 2030 ( currently 20% as on 2018).
The major issue India is going to face due to climate change are:
Increase in heat waves
Water crisis
Lower living standards due various disasters resulting from climate changes
Nutrition crisis
186-Km cycling to create environmental awareness
Around 80 people cycled 186km from here to the Gateway of India in Mumbai on October 1 and 2 to spread the message of environment conservation. They have also appealed to the government to declare October 2 as India Cycle Day. They also appealed to Mumbaikars to reduce the use of vehicles on Sunday. This is the third year of the rally.
The Nashik Cyclists foundation, Citizens Nagri Pathasanstha.Maharastra Tourism Development Corporation and India Tourism(Atulya Bharat ) jointly organised the event with the help of vedika Welfare Foundation ,Grape Country ,A shok Medicover Hospitals and Datar switchgear.
The cyclists thanked the Mumbai police for manning the traffic and helping them reach their destination in time and also the citizens for their encouragement.at noon the cyclists reached the Gateway of India .Special IG, VIP security, Krishna Prakash and joint managing director of MTDC Ashutosh Rathod welcomed the cyclists.
Along with Nashik Cyclists , Municipal commission Tukaram Mundhe is trying to make the cycling culture stronger in Nashik.At more than 100 places ,including bus stands and railway station ,cycle stands are being set up and cycles will be made available on rent .Besides citizens, tourists should also see places on these bicycles. The MTDC should try to promote this.
