Cigarette butts one of the biggest ocean pollutants

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.

Kuvempu University introduces Green Graduation to award marks for Green Initiatives.

• 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. 

The Hindu October 4th 2018

Are environmental issues finally an important part of India's election discourse ?

Dated : Aug 7, 2018 ; Economic Times

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 Hindu  - Oct 5)

India, world's second-largest coal consumer, awaits grim climate report

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.

                                                                                                                          ( Times of India )