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Can somebody provide me the following document -

MINAS - Thermal Power Plant.

Thanks

Sudipto

I have often wondered whether I am doing the right thing by using anything that looks like plastic or buying anything remotely associated with it. Let's think about it... the packaged lentils we buy, the nylon and polyester we wear, the Amul milk the kids have each morning, the rain coats they use in the rains, the books I order off flipkart.com (they come shrink-wrapped in clingfilm), the computer you are using to read this blogpost, bullet-proof vests (nope, I don't need those but I thought it would be fun adding it in here), toys, PVC piping, and an endless list of consumer paraphernalia that comes wrapped in plastic (such as the underside of the wrapper of your bathing soap)... I must confess that while the answer is still not clear in my mind, I am swaying towards the "plastic ain't that bad" argument (I guess some people might say I am not environmentally friendly—not true!). But before I get mobbed, let me explain.

About.com's page on Inventors reports that "The first man-made plastic was created by Alexander Parkes who publicly demonstrated it at the 1862 Great International Exhibition in London. The material called Parkesine was an organic material derived from cellulose that once heated could be molded, and retained its shape when cooled." Like many inventions that changed the way we live, this one too was an accident. Apparently, his interest in plastic stemmed from wanting to make billiard balls out of it (I guess it must have been a popular game back then). R&D related to the creation of white chalkboards gave rise to yet another kind of plastic (this one used milk protein mixed with formaldehyde), and I guess it just went on and on after that.

The reason plastic really took off the way it did, and continues to do so well today can be summed up in one word—convenience. Plastics last an age (literally; plastics take between 500 to 1,000 years to degrade once you shuck them into a landfill), so one would ostensibly not need to replace plastic items for a long time. Plastic storage containers are stronger and more durable compared to waxed paper containers. Plastic is also cheaper than most metals. It can be molded into nifty shapes and can take on pretty colors. It is cheap to produce and easy to clean. Without the use of plastics, the product life of some major appliances would reportedly reduce by nearly 50 percent. According to the same source, today's major appliances would cost at least 25 percent more and use 30 percent more energy than similar products produced without plastics. In short, it is EVERYWHERE.

Then, why is plastic so reviled? For one thing, it is not biodegradable (like I said, plastic lasts an age). Trashed plastic bags are useless and ugly. Carelessly discarded plastic bags were blamed for the 2005 deluge in Mumbai (there are other reasons too, but I won't go into that here.) In the US, plastic is said to account for 16 percent of all municipal solid waste, with 50 to 80 percent littering beaches, oceans, and seabeds. It appears then that we are predominantly looking at the disposal end of plastic when we think about all the problems it causes. Numerous studies in life cycle assessment have in fact showed that all things considered, plastic beats paper in environmental terms.

The latest monster to rear its ugly head and urge naysayers against plastic is BPA or Bisphenol A. With the exception of USA and Europe, BPA is used in the synthesis of a number of plastic items such as baby bottles, sports equipment and certain medical devices. It is a known endocrine disruptor, and understandably, has people worried. However, a blanket ban on BPA in plastics is helping to solve the problem.

Having said that, there is no denying that plastic is here to stay. So, how do we deal with the problem? Demonizing plastic is easy, but where do we go from there? I feel the answer lies in better recycling rates, and of course, creating awareness about the issue. The  local kabadiwallah (junk or scrap dealer) serves as the unofficial recycler of plastics in India, but much more needs to be done. There is no other (formal, government-sponsored) recycling infrastructure to speak of. Demand for post-consumer plastics needs to be stepped up. This can be done with careful realigning of policies to the effect. Local governments in particular need to enact and implement laws with teeth. In my view, clever (eco-friendly) product design can help win half the battle (but that's the subject of another post).

Unfortunately, we often fail miserably on most counts. The truth is that every article we use, every action we take, every discovery we make, has the potential to distort our environment. Nothing is environmentally benign. It is how we deal with the issue that matters.

This post originally appeared at http://mahazareendastur.blogspot.in/.

is there a set methodology for hazardous waste?

• Develop plan for low-carbon and climate resilient infrastructure for health, nutrition and WATSAN
• Innovate and pilot technologies for safe and sustainable water and sanitation approaches and link it with the departmental plan for scale up
• Carry on strategic environment assessment with the engagement of government
• Design capacity building work on strengthening environmental management amongst government partners

Please contact jose@ipeglobal.com for more details

JOB PROFILE

GREENBANDHU

and

EARTHIMA TECHNOLOGIES

M:-9818167932

Email:-info@greenbandhu.org.in

Two (2) positions for Project Manager and Two (2) positions for Project Engineer. We are looking for canditates for placement in our Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore offices.

• IF YOU ARE INTERESTED WORKING IN AN EMERGING AND SOCIALLY RELEVANT BUSINESS ACTIVITY

• IF YOU HAVE AN APTITUDE FOR INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY

• IF YOU ARE MOTIVATED TO PROMOTE PRESERVATION OF ENVIRONMENT

• IF YOU ARE COMFORTABLE WORKING WITH PEOPLE

YOU ARE THE PERSON WE ARE LOOKING FOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES.IN OUR ORGANISATION

Specifically, you will be responsible for managing individual projects at different sites:

The Enterprise will provide ample opportunities for initiatives and innovations. Preference will be given to individuals who have the ability to work independently and with commitment.

This conference’ aim is to bring together researchers and professionals to discuss developments and exchange experiences in the field of wetland systems and to highlight the present status and future strategies for the conservation of wetlands for people and wildlife. This will be achieved through reviewing case studies, sharing personal experiences, brain storming sessions, deliberations and interactions. In the process, lacunae in terms of policy decisions, research and stakeholder contributions will be identified. It is also intended to bring out a set of recommendations to further fine tune the present conservation and management efforts by various government agencies and resource managers. Role of stakeholders and their contribution towards conservation and management will also be a focal point of discussion.
In tune with these aims and objectives the conference will cover the following three main topics. 
Wetland Ecosystems and Biodiversity 
• Wetland biodiversity 
• Threats to wetland ecosystems and wetland extinction
• Climate change and the wetlands 
• Ecological modelling & hydrology 
Wetland Ecosystem Services and Livelihoods 
• Wetland ecosystem services and economic valuation 
• Wetland ecotourism development
• Wetlands and rural livelihoods 
• Traditional wetland management 
Emerging Issues and Sustainable Development 
• Role of wetlands in drylands
• Wetland resource management and conservation 
• Community-based wetland resource management 
• Sustainable use, practice, policy, planning and development
Outcome
The conference will provide a forum to discuss threats, challenges and integrated solutions for sustainable restoration and management of wetlands in an ever changing India. It will deliberate on the influence of climate change on wetland biota, biogeochemical cycling, hydrology, carbon sequestration, salinity, water quality, and long-term storage of nutrients and contaminants. It will provide an interactive forum for scientists, representatives of NGOs, engineers, resource managers, planners, policy makers, students and other representatives from society to share their experiences and research results concerning wetland ecosystems and services. These deliberations will identify lacunae in various facets of wetland study and its causative factors in terms of scientific manpower and institutional support. Prevailing management shortcoming due to policy gaps will also be examined. Increased role of scientific communities, stakeholders and decision makers for better wetland management would be brought out.

Social Impact Assessment (SIA) is an important tool to inform decision makers, regulators and stakeholders, about the possible social and economic impact of a proposed project. To be effective, it requires the active involvement of all concerned stakeholders. Centre for Science and Environment recognises this need and has developed hands-on three-day training programme aimed at giving practical exposure to participants on SIA with specific reference to deve lopment projects, such as infrastructure, mining and other industrial projects.

The objective of this programme is to build capacity and create awareness among regulators, developers, NGOs and academicians to understand SIA process—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.

On completion of the programme the participants will be equipped with:

1. Exposure to aspects of SIA, from theory to applications regarding:

• Understanding the Terms of Reference

• Data need, data collection, collation and interpretation

• Development of tools and instruments for conducting SIA survey

• Effective assessment methodologies

• Reporting methodologies

2. Integrated approach for addressing SIA and EIA process - from scoping, data collection to impact assessment as well as the role of public consultations

3. Knowledge on review of SIA reports and identification of strengths and weaknesses

4. Post SIA monitoring

5. Procedure for institutional strengthening and capacity building

6. Experience sharing on national and international best practices in SIA

COURSE FEES: Rs 8,000 (For developers, environment consultants and regulators) 50% discounts for NGOs, academicians and students

Date: March 26-28, 2012

Venue: CSE, 41, Tughlakabad Institutional Area, New Delhi – 62

Last Date for Applying: March 13, 2012,

Timing:10.00 am to 5.30 pm

Open for all: Government officials of Project Executing Departments, Developers, NGOs, CBOs, and Academicians, Students and Industries 

For registration: Kindly email at: sujit@cseindia.org,swati@cseindia.org, arpit@cseindia.org

For details contact:

Sujit Kumar Singh, Industry & Environment Unit, 
Industry & Environment Unit
Centre for Science and Environment
41, Tughlakabad Institutional Area, New Delhi-110062
Ph: 91-11-2995 5124 / 6110 (Ext. 281); Fax: 91-11-2995 5879
Mobile: 9899676027, 9910496283, 9810564236

Today there is a news in some news blogpost that Coal Ministry saying because of environment anf forest clerance delays, MoC could not able to deliver the desired production. On the other hand MoEF has stated that the the clearance accorded for the approved capacity to MoC is utilised at the best to 56%.

Is it making fool of the people of the country or actually MoEF is the basic hinderance on the growth of the country?

What is your stake?

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), a global not-for-profit research organization has been working towards sustainable development since 1974. As a part of its commitment towards environment, TERI has been working hand-in-hand with various stakeholders – from school students to government officials, in creating awareness about the environment and creating innovative solutions for a better tomorrow.

On 2^nd February 2012, TERI is organizing the 5^th season of Jaltarang to commemorate the World Wetlands Day. The event is being organized with valuable support from D. L. Shah Trust for Applied Science, Technology, Arts and Philosophy and NAB (National Association for the Blind). The highlight of the event is to release a book titled “Experience the World of Wetlands” prepared in braille script. This is the first book in India on wetlands in braille script, along with a unique resource kit containing touch-and-feel materials explaining the basic functions of wetlands in an interactive manner.

This event is organized for visually challenged students. More than 70 schools from across India will be participating in the event. It shall be graced by Shri. Pravin Pardeshi, Principal Secretary (Forest), Government. of Maharashtra, as  Chief Guest, and Dr. Rita Mukhopadhyay, Senior Scientist, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and Dr. Robin Mukhopadhyay, ex-Head of Department, Virology, BARC; in presence of  Mr. Raman Shankar, Director, NAB, and Mr. Khushroo Khambata, CEO, D. L. Shah Trust. The objective behind organizing Jaltarang is to sensitize and educate individuals from across diverse sectors and communities about the plight of wetlands and the urgency of its preservation. 

WWD%202012_Agenda_TERI.pdf

Dear all,

 good evening,

 we want to procure Air modeling software. Can anybody suggest for the best in quality n less in price and advanced.

thanks

Dear Friends, 

Last few days left to register for the hands-on five-day training programme aimed at giving practical exposure to participants on all aspects related to assessment, interpretation and management of a mining project.

The objective of this programme is to build capacity and create awareness among regulators, developers, NGOs, forest officers, academicians, student and industry to understand the EIA process for mining projects.

The programme will cover:

•        Environmental clearance process and mining legislations
•        Review of effectiveness of an EIA report
•        Mining technologies and best practices
•        Data interpretation (for analysing 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
•        Resettlement and Rehabilitation plans
•        Addressing civil society concerns in the public consultation process
•        Emerging sustainable tools and best practices
•        Developing the ability to review and assess EIA reports and mine closure plans
•        Developing the ability for post-EIA monitoring

The training programme will be organized from 13 to 17 February, 2012, at CSE’s office, 41 Tughlakabad Institutional Area, New Delhi - 62.

The course fee for the programme is Rs 9900/- per participant. However, 50 % discount is available for NGOs and students.

For more information visit our website: http://www.cseindia.org/content/cse%E2%80%99s-short-term-training-programme-eia-mining-projects

Date: February 13 – 17, 2012

Venue: CSE, 41, Tughlakabad Institutional Area, New Delhi – 62

Last Date for Applying: February 6, 2012,

Timing:10.00 am to 5.30 pm

Open for all: Regulatory Institutions (such as SPCB, EAC/SEAC), EIA/SIA consultants, industry, academicians, forest officers, NGOs and students  

For registration: Kindly email at: swati@cseindia.org

For details contact:

SWATI SINGH SAMBYAL, Research Associate, 
Industry & Environment Unit
Centre for Science and Environment
41, Tughlakabad Institutional Area, New Delhi-110062
Ph: 91-11-2995 5124 / 6110 (Ext. 281); Fax: 91-11-2995 5879
Mobile: 9910496283

I need to know about the availbility here in India and the price of

portable (hand held) meter to detect emission of CO2, Methane,

Hydrogen Sulphide gases.  V.K. Raman, vkr7755@gmail.com

plz give  some information on portable conductivity meter ,which can store the fluctuation reading with time or only reading,  or if we can connect  with some database system.   Price should be economical.

Dear All,

      I have completed my P.hD., Marine Biology on 2009. I have 3.7 years experience in EIMP (GoI) & 1.2 years as in Conservation of Lakes in Bangalore Urban (GoK) through EIA & Stakeholder management. My contract period is in end. So I wish to join any other job. if any vacancy available please mail me. Thank you all....

Dear all

Please share any information of Online or Printable magazines related to biodiversity, Environment or sustainable development for one can do freelance writing job.  

Could any one suggest me any institution, which provide hands on training on basics of SPSS software used for statistical analysis or any website, where online tutorials are available

PREAMBLE

Nagpur city is the 13th largest urban conglomeration in India, with a population of 25 lakhs. Along with being the Winter Capital of the state of Maharashtra it is also well known for its significant place in the political and as a geographical center of the entire country of India. With the city being the next most favored IT destination and the proposals for an upcoming International Cargo Hub, the city of Nagpur is slated for large scale developments.

The city of Nagpur sits at the centre of some very rich bio diverse regions, being surrounded by national parks and ecologically rich regions. Thus it forms an important Biodiversity link between these regions, with the green zones within the city and especially along the river banks, serving as Biodiversity Corridors for the fauna and avifauna of the region.

The city boasts of many prestigious educational institutions and has nurtured academic talent of very high caliber. As a matter of fact even the development plans, past and present indicate the importance of such Institutions through large land uses allotted for the purpose of Academic and Research Institutions.

Though the old city core has high density development there is a lot of potential to conserve and enhance the natural environment of the city. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation has taken the initiative to map, and document all the natural resources including the lakes and rivers of the city. Immense efforts are being put towards the institutionalization for   the conservation of environment of the region. It is with this objective that the Nagpur Municipal Corporation has put forth this proposal for the rejuvenation of one of its most important and prominent river which flows through the main city.

During earlier times of the establishment and development of the city of Nagpur, water bodies were designed as significant elements of the city; serving as water storage tanks as well as for recreation. Some of these also had religious significance and are even today associated with temples alongside their banks.

Nagpur being a city with extreme climate, it experiences extremely hot summers and a moderate rainfall. Hence water bodies played a major role, not only as water collectors but also in equating the temperatures. They hence enjoyed significant positions within the city fabric and had a close relationship to the people and their settlements.

However, today the attitude towards these water bodies is changing. Water supply has been augmented from other sources outside the city limits and the lakes have remained as mere storage tanks. Also the lakes within the cities which served as centers of religious and recreational importance today remain as mere elements in the city. With the changing lifestyles and technological advances, people are today looking towards other sources of recreation and entertainment. In this scenario with increasing population and ever increasing demand for recreation; the water bodies like Phutala, Ambazari Lake could serve the purpose. Citizen would get better amenities if such waterbodies are maintained and enhance. This in turn would also help the waterbody to be socially accepted and taken care by the people.

Water is the lifeline of any city or a region on which its economy and life depends. In the past the success of a city was measured by the amount of water it would supply for the various uses. Successful cities have been those, which have been able to, ensure continuous water supply to its citizens. Cities are a mosaic of different land uses both agrarian and non-agrarian and biotic and abiotic components all of which are dependent on one basic resource called water for their survival.

Water bodies are of especial importance in the urban context. Not only do they add to the aesthetics of the landscape, they also support a rich and varied type of ecosystem, providing huge scope for nature awareness and education and adding significant premium to the land. Besides the water bodies themselves, their Wetlands (that is the marshes, swamps and other areas between dry land and lake edges or river banks) are vital for survival of biodiversity. The wetlands also function as natural tubs or sponges, storing floodwater and slowly releasing it. This combined action, storage and slow release can lower flood heights and reduce the erosive potential of water and thereby helping to control increases in the rate and volume of runoff from urban areas. Wetlands also improve water quality, including that of drinking water, by intercepting surface runoff and removing or retaining its nutrients, processing organic wastes, and trapping loads of sediments before they reaches open water.

The financial impacts of water management can be related to information on shore property and businesses, the estimated size of the user population and regional economic impacts. Assembling information on the economic significance of lakes will help local officials make appropriate decisions regarding lakes and their watersheds.

Education is another important lake management tool. Data collection, analysis and presentation should be done so that it is understandable to all who may participate in lake management activities.

Conservation and restoration of all our water resources requires an integrated development approach. The management of sewerage, storm water and solid waste management becomes primarily important for any integrated management planning undertaken for cities.

Rejuvenation of Lakes and River in Nagpur City

Introduction- Nagpur is a city in the central part of India. In Maharashtra State. Nagpur district is located between 21*45 N to 20*30 N and 78*15 E to 79*45 E. The adjoining districts are Bhandara on the east, Chandrapur on the south, Amravati and Wardha on the west and in the north shares the boundary with Madhya Pradesh. The Nagpur district is located in the Deccan Plateau region of Maharashtra.

Nagpur city is the 13th largest urban conglomeration in India, with a population of 3.5 million (2005 EST.).The city of Nagpur sits at the centre of some very rich biodiverse regions, being surrounded by national parks and ecologically rich regions. Thus it forms an important Biodiversity link between these regions, with the green zones within the city serving as Biodiversity Corridors for the flora, fauna and also avifauna of the region.           

With the intense and rapid urban development in Nagpur, the city is showing signs of environmental depletion and degradation. Not only the rich water resources but the entire natural landscape with the precious ecosystems is facing the brunt of the rapid urbanization. The environmental balance of the systems has been disturbed and the environmental corridors are disjointed. The temperatures within the city are rising day by day. In the wake of this future growth of the city and the rise in developments and populations it is imperative to understand the ecology of the region particularly the water bodies and their natural systems. The current status of the city, in terms of its environment and the needs of the expanding developments needs to be addressed. It requires an integrated approach towards planning, wherein the development and ecology go hand in hand; through an optimal utilization of resources.

Aims and Objective- The main objective of this proposal is to restore and revive the water resources within the city. This would be done with a two fold agenda. The first one is to revive and restore the ecological balance of the water bodies to ensure their health and sustenance. The second is to reconnect the city and its people to these water resources through appropriate water front development and introduction of activities; in order to give increased opportunities to the people to interact with the water resources and restore their faith in them.

The study proposal looks at an integrated development plan for the rejuvenation of the water bodies in the city of Nagpur. Though the study deals with essentially the water bodies in the city, namely the lakes and the rivers; it addresses the overall ecological concerns of the city through a holistic approach to planning based upon a detailed study of the water bodies and their interrelationships to the environmental systems.

The city of Nagpur is blessed with a number of lakes, namely;

• Gorewada
• Futala,
• Ambazari
• Sonegaon ,
• Sakkardara ,
• Gandhisagar ,
• Lendi Talao,
• Naik Talao ,
• Dobe talao,
• Pandrabodi ,
• Sanjay Nagar Khadan
• Pardi Lake.

All the lakes are manmade either by damming the water streams and rivers or by constructing tanks. Throughout history they served as important water resources for the city, not only as water storage tanks for the extreme dry summers, but also as recreational areas, religious centers and for regulating temperatures. They hence enjoyed significant positions within the city fabric and had a close relationship to the people and their settlements.

However today, all the lakes in the city have been influenced by the developments in the city and have been observed to be in various stages of deterioration. Though developments have affected the lakes and their catchments throughout the city, the nature of their impacts are greatly influenced by the natural and unique characteristics of the lakes and their catchment areas. This has also been taken into consideration.

During their revival and development of these lakes. The methodology for the study includes a detailed study of the intrinsic and existing environmental conditions of the region in order to establish the current ecological status of the city and its water bodies. This is done through study and mapping of various components of ecology like physiography, landform, this is done through study and mapping of various components of ecology like physiography, landform, slope, vegetation, hydrology, watershed, etc. In addition to this macro level as well as micro level studies were carried out in order to understand the developmental condition and their impacts on the water bodies.

The city of Nagpur has three major rivers passing through it, determined by the physiographic character into three major watersheds-The Northern watershed comprising of the PILI River, the central watershed Namely; Comprising of the historical NAG River and the southern watershed draining into the PORA River. Rivers being not static bodies of water, but dynamic systems are constantly being influenced and altered by the surrounding area with which they interact. The rivers of Nagpur city are showing considerable signs of disturbance in their natural ecological balance and a degradation of the river basins and Catchment areas. Any measures along the river will need to address developmental issues as well as issues Regarding the environmental condition and long term sustainability of the rivers.

This has also been taken into consideration during their rejuvenation and development of these rivers. The methodology for the study includes a detailed study of the intrinsic and existing environmental conditions of the region in order to establish the current ecological status of the city and its water bodies.

This is done through study and mapping of various components of ecology like physiography, landform, slope, vegetation, hydrology, watershed, etc. In addition to this macro level as well as micro level studies were carried out in order to understand the developmental condition and their impacts on the water bodies. The study is based upon primary as well as secondary data, acquired from respective agencies and Extensive surveys on site.

Conservation and restoration of the water resources requires an integrated development approach. The management of sewerage, storm water and solid waste management becomes primarily important for any integrated management planning undertaken for cities. Management becomes primarily important for any integrated management planning undertaken for cities. The proposals take into consideration the entire ecosystem, which forms the watershed for the catchments it contains and the rivers and streams that flow through them. When the conservation of water is integrated with recreational, amenity and environmental awareness, it creates expanded opportunities for the social uses of open space, providing greater diversity for learning and awareness of the continuum of natural events.

The main objective of the proposals is towards ‘Building a positive attitude to the water fronts’, through Reviving the faith and value for all water resources that we have had since generations

Conservation and Enhancement of all the water courses and water bodies Restoration and Enhancement of all the eco-sensitive zones that have had good biodiversity

Maximizing on conservation, percolation and retention of rain water Design concepts and strategies have been evolved after research and documentation of the various aspects

Design concepts and strategies have been evolved after research and documentation of the various aspects of the natural resources versus the existing and future trends of growth of the city. These address issues of ecological restoration, sustainability and water conservation as well as creating interactive public spaces for the city.

The Environmental Management Plan for the rivers includes general guidelines and recommendations along the entire stretch of the river, in order to protect and conserve it in a natural state and to maintain its ecological balance. The project also identifies the river as an important biodiversity corridor and restoration of the river will help in establishing this vital link in the regional context of the city. In addition to this, nodes have been identified along the river stretches for Pili River, Phutala nala and Nag River for development. These have been identified based on factors such as ecological status, ownership pattern, heritage value, religious values, land use and activity pattern, aesthetic quality and scope for development as public activity nodes.

Presently 2 lakes have been shortlisted and amount sanctioned by Ministry of Environment Govt of Maharashtra to Nagpur Municipal Corporation for Sonegaon Lake is 3.24 cr and Ist installment released is 63 lac. for Phase 1 out of which grant received is 13 lakhs

 and 1.78 cr for Gandhi Sagar Lake and 75 lac. released for Phase 1.

For Sonegaon Lake and Gandhi Sagar Lake, Project Management Consultant M/s Monarch Surveyors Limited, Pune has been appointed followed by M/s R.M. Goplani has been appointed as a Contractor for Commissioning of Rejuvenation of Lakes and River Project for Gandhi Sagar and Sonegaon lake.

And recently the meeting held at Ministry of Environment on 16^th of July 2011 at MANTRALAYA GOM, Pandrabodi Lake has been cleared and proposal for Nag River has already being submitted to National River Conservation Prorgamme,(NRCP),MOEF for further approval.    

2. PROJECT PROPOSAL:

The river Nag and its tributaries originate within the city limits of Nagpur city and flow through the main city for a major part of their course. It is within this section itself that the river is majorly polluted essentially due to the influence of developments along its course. This further affects the downstream areas due to contaminated water flowing through the rivers.

Considering the current status of the Nag River and its tributaries, the restoration of the river would require the following components to be designed and implemented:

1)    Storm Water Drainage system

2)    Sewerage system

3)    Abatement of point sources of pollution

4)    River Front Development

Out of the above mentioned components, studies have been carried out and detailed project reports and proposals have been drafted for the components of Storm Water Drainage system and Sewerage system. Grants and funding for the same would be acquired from schemes like the JnNURM, etc.  

I know... the title sounds a tad(!) odd. After all, what does chocolate have to do with Corporate Social Responsibility and/or eco-cities? The answer might surprise you.

The original chocolate giant had humble beginnings. Established by a draper in Birmingham in the early nineteenth century, the small business saw many downs before it rose to become the chocolate empire to contend with in the late 1800s. Being staunch Quakers, the Cadbury brothers, George and Richard, were determined to do more than just build a business. They were determined "to make a better world" (ideals some companies aspire to adopt and practice, and what we term as "CSR" today; whether they actually succeed is a topic for another post!) With alcoholism, child slavery and poverty rife at the time, the Cadbury brothers were driven to do something concrete.

The brothers moved their chocolate-making factory outside of Birmingham, to create a "factory in a garden", and comfortable working spaces for all their employees. They called it Bournville. Rubbished by nay-sayers as an act of fanatics (Quakers were not looked upon with reverence), Bournville was gradually developed into more than just an employee-friendly factory. As Deborah Cadbury, the author of Chocolate Wars relates, the aim of the Cadbury brothers was "the 'amelioration of the conditions of the working class and labouring population', with a special emphasis on improving the quality of their life, with 'improved dwellings with gardens and open spaces to be enjoyed therewith'". Bournville graduated into a garden city with green belts, arranged in circular design with boulevards and avenues surrounding a central park. Most essentials were put within walking distance, thus making Bournville a precursor of what we refer to as "eco-cities" today. In fact, George Cadbury foresaw the Bournville as an important experiment in decongesting cities to marry (his emphasis) town and country.

Houses were sold or let to tenants (depending on what they could afford) on 999-year leases, some for as little as GBP150. Every house had a garden to keep the tenants self-sustainable when it came to food, by allowing them to produce about two shillings worth of vegetables and fruits per week, worth about GBP400 in today's prices. This gave the tenants a worthwhile incentive to adopt and cherish Bournville as their new home.

Some would have been content to rest on their laurels, but George Cadbury and his wife Elsie did not (Richard passed away in 1899). They went on to donate even larger sums of their personal wealth towards the development of schools, libraries, a scientific laboratory, indoor and outdoor pools (for the ladies and the gents, respectively), playgrounds, and a medical department (available free of charge). At the turn of the twentieth century, they even pioneered the pension scheme!

No one can contest how novel and far-sighted these concepts were at the time. In 2003, the BBC reported Bournville as "one of the nicest places to live in the country", so the magic lives on. Many modern-day companies indulge in greenwashing, and most governments pay mere lip-service to sustainable living and eco-cities. But all it needs is one visionary (a couple in this case) and an ideal.

Bombay Natural History Society, India’s  premier  environmental research organization engaged in  conservation of nature, research in natural history/wildlife requires Research  Fellow for its Collections Department..

Educational Qualifications: M.Sc. in Zoology Forestry / Wildlife / Ecology / Life / Environmental Science.

Desirable Qualification: Field research experience in Mammal survey, distance sampling and basic knowledge of GIS / data analysis /digitization software.

Job requirement: Collecting ecological data on mammals, preparation, curation and  identification of mammal specimens. The job involves extensive traveling to different parts of India.Candidates with strong physical and mental  abilities and keen interest for field research work preferred.

Age Limit: 30 years.

Salary: Negotiable.

Apply within 10 days with detailed bio-data  giving two references to: Director, Bombay Natural History Society, Hornbill House, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road, Opp. Lion Gate, Mumbai-400001. Email: bnhs@bom4.vsnl.net.in. Tele. No. (022) 22821811.

Mumbai 400001, 5th January, 2011

http://www.bnhs.org/about-bnhs/vacancy/604-research-fellow.html

Dear All,

Greeting to you....wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous new year......