Biochar is a product of thermo-chemical pyrolysis of biomass, having tremendous potential to improve soil fertility and remediate heavy metal contamination from soil. After pyrolysis of biomass, the organic matter is broken into a highly stable form of carbon, which renders it to act as a slow release fertilizer and retain moisture and nutrients in soil. Addition of biochar from different organic feed stocks (e.g., wood biomass, coconut husk, poultry waste) into soil improves the physico-chemical and biological properties of soil, leading to enhanced fertility and productivity. Apart from its soil amending properties, biochar has attracted the interest of researchers to explore its carbon sequestration potential in soil. Therefore, the use of biochar as an additive with fertilizers or as a soil amendment may emerge as a cleaner and cost-effective technique ensuring food security and environmental safety.
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Dear All,
I have been fortunate to attend this important tribal gathering in the foothills of Niyamgiri, Rayagada District Odisha, to make a documentary film on the proceedings.
Please find attached detailed report and article on the Adivasi Food Festival, Feb 2014
Couple of Photos attached. Feel free to translate, distribute and share among friends and network and if possible publish in vernacular and local languages.
Film screenings can be done, with sharing of experiences, do connect with me as required- Many thanks RagunathanTribal%20Food%20Festival%20Odisha%20Feb%202014.pdf
Without a doubt, environmental activism is one of the most important option for making people aware on environmental issues. Most of us are actively involved in this process of creating environmental awareness, either directly or indirectly.Reaching the masses, is of course not a very easy task. It needs lots of pain, hard work and research if somebody really wants to reach the heart of the people. Many times, people resist to listen, to assimilate or to imbibe things that are good for them as well as good for the environment. It is during that time, the environmental activists has to face the acid test of making them understand the importance of what is being told.
While, environmental activism in India has become successful enough to reach the people, many times we have also experienced certain bitter things.It is painful to see some people creating noise from an empty vessel. For them, media reports, properly taken photographs, attractive leaflets and catalogs, good food counts much more than reaching the target, the people. They stay inside well furnished, well equipped conference halls, discuss some typical things and publish the reports in media in an attractive way and give it the name of "awareness programme" or "sensitization programme". But, sadly, in reality that never reach the people, who need it the most. To add to this, many of them even get accolades for the same, forget about the financial benefits they are earning in the name of these programmes. So, at last, the realities of environmental ignorance does not change at all.
Moreover, many times, we have seen some pseudo-activists(let me use this word for them!), who take out a "bike-rally" to create awareness on biodiversity conservation! An awareness programme with the cost of environmental pollution! Should we not think about these type of agendas? Atleast, the people who are working for the environment or pretends to be so, should thnik clearly on these aspects.
For me, environmental activism is all about being honest to your surroundings. A person,may not even spoke a single word in public on protecting the environment; but the person has never indulged in any activity knowingly, that is harming the environment, then I will prefer to call that person an environmental activist. Because, he or she is the person whose "actions speak louder than words". But sadly, in the scenario of environmental activism, number of pseudo-activists are quite high and that is the reason why we are still one of the most polluting countries. Sadly, these feelings or the realities of environmental activism holds good for every sector- government, public, private or non-governmental ones.
The truth is that we have only one earth and its environment is very very sensitive. Already, we have reached the peak of environmental destruction. So, amidst all these, if we still remain dishonest to ourselves or promote such negative activism in the society, it will harm no one but ourselves only. So, it is the time we work for our environment, promote and proliferate positive environmental activism.
VISITING FACULTY REQUIRED FOR THE DURATION FOR 1ST AUGUST 2014 TO 19 TH NOV 2014........
ENVIRONMENT SCIENCE
AT MANET PUNE {LONI KALBHOR CAMPUS} NAVAL COLLEGE
PLEASE CONTACT - nilambari.jadhav@manetpune.edu.in
Splendor_Landbase_Ltd_vs_Delhi_Pollution_Control_..._on_30_September%2C_2010.pdf
DB%20JUDGMENT%20ON%20SPLENDOR%20VS%20DPCC.pdf
Brief Synopsis of Delhi Pollution Control Committee Vs. Splendor Landbase Ltd. Judgment passed by Hon’ble Division Bench of Delhi High Court.
Issue: Whether the Developers need to obtain a prior “consent to establish” as required under the Water Act, 1974 and “Consent to operate” as required under Air Act, 1981 while developing (i) Residential Housing complex (ii) Commercial Complex (iii) Shopping Malls?
Relevant Sections: Ss.2(g), (gg), (k), S 25 and S 33A of the Water Act.
: Ss. 2(a)(j)(k), S. 21 and S. 31A of the Air Act.
Observation of the Hon’ble Court:
Meaning of words ‘Operation’ and ‘Process’ as used in Sec. 25(1)(a) of the water Act.
Operation: The word operation as used in the relevant section means activity or an act of a practical or technical nature, with emphasis of the acts forming “a step in a Process”. An operation would be a working or an activity, where the core of the act constituting the activity is of a practical or technical nature especially one forming a step in a process, and since process is an on going on action or a continuous series of action directed at a particular end.
Process: The word Process as used in the relevant section goes on to mean is a going on action or a continuous series of actions “directed at a particular end”.
The conjoint reading of an operation and a process or even if the two have to be read disjunctively would mean to take steps to establish any industry, establishment or undertaking where the operation or process i.e. activity is of a practical or technical nature, at the core of which are on going acts, in a series, directed at a particular end. Thus, the act of ablution in the toilet or washing vegetables and dishes in the kitchen of a residential complex, within the precincts of residential flats, by no stretch of imagination can be called or labelled as an operation or a process.
Findings of the Hon’ble Court qua Residential Housing Complex under Water Act and Air Act:
The Hon’ble Court held that the provisions of Sec 25(1) of the water Act would not apply to the buildings housing residential apartments/units but would apply to all other buildings where effluent or trade effluent is discharged (Commercial Complex and Shopping Malls).
Similarly, the Hon’ble Court also held that the provisions of Sec 21 of the Air Act are not applicable to Residential Housing Complex. The Developers are not required any permission under the Air Act. The Court went to the extent of holding that the concept of “to operate” is not even applicable to a residential Complex.
Findings of the Hon’ble Court qua Commercial Complex and Shopping Malls under Water Act and Air Act:
The Hon’ble Court reached to a different conclusion in respect of Commercial Complex and Shopping Malls. The Hon’ble Court giving an expansive meaning to the word “industrial plant” (as used in sec 21 of the Air Act) held that prior consent, both under the Water Act and the Air Act, would be required when a commercial shopping complex and shopping malls are established.
Observation of the Hon’ble Court qua powers of the State Pollution Board:
The Hon’ble Court held that neither the language of Sec 33A of the Water Act nor the language of the Sec 31A of the Air Act contemplates the power on the State Pollution Control Boards to levy any penalty.
The Court further observed that the power to issue directions under Section 33A of the Water Act and the power to issue directions under Section 31A of the Air Act, does not confer the power to levy any penalty. Under Chapter VII of the Water Act, and under Chapter VI of the Air Act penalties and procedure to levy the same have been set out. A perusal of the provisions under the Water Act would reveal that penalties can be levied as per procedure prescribed and only Courts can take cognizance of offences under the Act and levy penalties, whether by way of imprisonment or fine. Similar is the position under the Air Act. The legislature having enacted specific provisions for levy of penalties and procedures to be followed has specifically made the offences cognizable by Courts and the power to levy penalties under both Acts has been vested in the Courts. The role of the Pollution Control Boards is to initiate proceedings before the Court of Competent Jurisdiction and no more.
The language of Sub-Section 5 of Section 25 of the Water Act makes it plain clear that the only solution to a situation of a building being constructed to establish an industry, operation or process without obtaining prior consent of the State Pollution Control Board is the power of the Board to serve upon the person concerned a notice imposing such conditions as might have been imposed on an application seeking prior consent; DPCC is permitted to inspect the shopping malls and the shopping commercial complexes and if it is found that pertaining to discharge of sewage from these buildings any steps are required to prevent water pollution, DPCC would be authorized to issue notices requiring the owner of the building to take steps in terms of the notice issued. Pertaining to the Air Act, notwithstanding there being no similar provision, but the concept of a post decisional hearing may be made applicable with the modification that no hearing would be required inasmuch as there is no decision, but DPCC should be empowered to inspect the shopping malls and the shopping commercial complexes and pertaining to air pollution, if any deficiencies are found, to notify the same to the owner requiring corrective action to be taken. Needless to state, if the owners of the buildings do not take corrective action, DPCC would always have the power to file criminal complaints before the Courts of Competent Jurisdiction, which Courts would alone have the power to impose fine and additionally impose sentence of imprisonment upon the offending persons.
Decision of the Hon’ble Court:
The Hon’ble Court Setting aside the Judgment of the Single bench declared the action initiated by DPCC pertaining to residential complex as void.
For the nearly 2000 people who have viewed last week's Green Electronics webcast. First - thanks so much for your interest!, and second - here is a link to an in depth slide presentation in case you want more information: http://j.mp/1j9cEWf
Please visit the EPEAT website at www.epeat.net for much more information - and feel free to contact me here or directly to request assistance or enter into discussion of any aspect of green electronics purchasing and management.
Dear all
Could you share guidelines for used/damaged tube light disposal . share your experience on the same
thank you
Hi Team
Could you share with me the poison act & Tamil Nadu poison rule.
What are the list of acids covered under the act ? what are the applicability for an industry?
Any expert in these, pleaes share your contact details.
I need to explore the applicability for my industries
Thank you
By rajesh (nature_rajesh@yahoo.com
9445114468
Centre for Science and Environment brings you a hands on two-week training programme aimed at giving practical exposure to participants on all aspects related to assessment, interpretation and management of a mining project, political economy of natural resources, applicable Central/State laws, resettlement and rehabilitation, benefit sharing with communities, governance and emerging land conflicts.
The programme will also cover:
Environmental clearance process and mining legislations
Mining technologies, mine exploration and best practices
Data interpretation (for analyzing the impacts of mining projects)
Understanding the ToR (Terms of Reference)
Tools and thumb-rules to evaluate environmental and social impacts
Effectiveness of assessment methods
Mine closure plans and best practices in reclamation
Addressing civil society concerns in the public consultation process
Emerging sustainable tools and best practices
Developing the ability to review and assess EIA/SIA reports and mine closure plans
Developing the ability for post-EIA monitoring
All this brought to the participants through lectures, class exercises and site visits
DURATION
March 24-April 4, 2014
VENUE
CSE, 41, Tughlakabad Institutional Area,
New Delhi – 62
Time: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily
Course fee: With residential facility (shared): Rs 40,000 Without Residential facility: Rs 20,000
Last Date for Applying: February 28, 2014
For Registration kindly contact: swati@cseindia.org
OPEN FOR:
Mining regulators, environmental consultants, industries, academia, students and NGOs
COURSE CONTACT
Swati Singh Sambyal, Industry & Environment Unit
Industry & Environment Unit, Centre for Science and Environment
Tel: + 91-11-29955124/ 6110, Extension: 281, |
Fax: + 91-11-29955879 Mob. No.: +91 9910496283
E-mail: swati@cseindia.org
Dear Sir/Ma'm
Greetings from IDSAsr and a very good morning
Guru Arjan Dev(GAD) Institute of Development Studies is a centre for advanced research and training in multi disciplinary areas as diverse as Agriculture and rural development; social change and social structure; environment and resource economics; globalization and trade, industry, labour and welfare; macro economics issues and models; population and development and health policy research. We deem it a great privilege to bring to you kind notice that institute has planned to organize 7th IDSAsr National seminars on the theme: Reconfiguration of Indian Higher Education with effect from March 7-8, 2014.
The contribution of all the players in the field is very necessary for the success of the seminar. Keeping in view your outstanding expertise in the field, we will be highly obliged if you may very kindly favour us with your thought provoking research paper for the seminar. Am sure, this will set the deliberation on the right track. All the papers accepted and presented at the seminar will be published with ISBN of the institute. E- Brochure is available at www.idsasr.org
You are also requested to bring this CFP to notice of all interested in your network. One can also attend and participate in the seminar without paper.
Looking forward for an early date favourable response and see you in the holy city of Golden Temple.
With warm personal regards
Dear friends,
Let me know that how can I get the recent list of MoEF Certified laboratory for water quality parameters testing??? Please specify that in which section of website I have to go...If anybody is having then please share.
Gazette notification on environmental clearance
Notification_the_gazzete_of_India_SO-2555%28E%29_21082013.pdf
I am looking for Air Pollution Expert preferably accredited as FAE with NABET urgently for immediate appointment at our company. Please send me mail at arun@rset.co.in and contact at 9810136853 (Ravinder Bhatia)
Can any one suggest me How to calculate Emission rate in case of River Sand mining for PM10. & Which Model Suitable for River Sand Mining Projects.
The importance of an Environment Officer in the industry is now well understood. Many students who complete their MSc in Environmental Sciences look for a career in the industry/ environmental consultancy however they are often lacking in certain aspects. To address this problem and to help the freshly graduated MSc students in this aspect, Vasantdada Sugar Institute is organizing a 5 day training program on "Industrial Pollution Control and Environmental Management". A similar program had been organized in July 2013 and had received good response. The course will cover the following broad areas
- Important criteria for selection and designing of ETP
- Importance of environmental monitoring and environmental laboratory
- Methods of treatment including aerobic, anaerobic and residuals handling
- Civil, electrical and mechanical components of ETP
- ETP Operation and maintenance
- Air pollution control devices, air monitoring equipment and their operation
- Solid and hazardous waste management
- Industrial safety
- Procedures of CPCB/SPCB's- consent, ESR, HWR, cess returns
- Environmental clearance- procedures and documentation
- Green belt development
The training is ideal for students in their final semester and those who have completed MSc however application from industry and consultancy are also welcome. The training will be conducted during January 6-10, 2014 at the Manjari campus of VSI and will be limited to 25 participants only. The trainees will be given a certificate of participation at the end of the course.
The fees for the training will be Rs. 5000/- per participant which will include course material, accommodation at VSI hostel and meals for the duration of the course. Registration will be on first come first served basis.
More details and registration form can be downloaded at http://www.vsisugar.com/india/seminar_conference_workshop/index.htm...
In case of any query related to training, please contact
Dr. Deepali Nimbalkar
Scientist and Head
Department of Environmental Sciences
Vasantdada Sugar Institute
Manjari Bk. Tal. Haveli
Pune 412307 INDIA
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/372353/at-our-mercy.html
In the back drop of persistent lobbying by estate owners, quarry mafia and a section of a religious community in Kerala the Gadgil report and Kasturirangan Report on preservation of Western ghats is gradually going to be annulled. It is high time that the environmentalists have to come together for this cause.
Please see the office memorandum from MOEF, regarding categorization of Category 'B' projects/activities into Category 'B1' & 'B2'.
Coal will continue to be an expanding, cheap foundation for economic and social development. Backed by its vast and well-distributed resource base, coal has the potential to make a significant contribution to eradicating energy poverty. Coal can be increasingly clean - at a bearable cost in terms of technological sophistication and at little cost in terms of international technology transfer and R&D in CO2 sequestration. For this to happen, a more pro-active involvement of the coal and power industries is needed in “globalising” best technical and managerial practices and advocating coal’s credentials.
CSE's short term training programme on Social Impact Assessment to be held in New Delhi from 20-24 January, 2013.
Objective:The objective of this programme is to build capacity and create awareness among regulators, developers, NGOs and academicians to understand SIA process by sensitising the stakeholders on the
ecological perception of human habitat in India, the political economy of natural resources, governance and emerging land conflicts and the local and environmental impacts of development projects. The course would also cover in detail the applicable Central/State laws and policies related to land acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation,
Key provisions of the LAR&R Bill, Benefit Sharing with communities, Reconnaissance and Baseline Survey, Land Acquisition Survey and Plan (LAP) and Preparation of the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP). The programme also aims at evaluating the SIA report along with the applicable legislations in India.
Last date for applying: January 15, 2014
Venue: Centre for Science and Environment 41, Tughlakabad Institutional Area, New Delhi-110062
For details contact: Swati Singh Sambyal, Senior Research Associate, Industry & Environment Unit, Mobile: 9910496283 , swati@cseindia.org
Website: www.cseindia.org
