Centre for Science and Environment masthead Twitter LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Donate

Cse In News

Cse In News

MESHA hosts the African Science Journalists Conference, launches the inaugural State of Environment Report in Africa

The sixth African Conference of Science Journalists, which was held in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital ended with a resounding success. The 3-day conference closed its doors on Friday October 13th, 2023 with a call from scientists for the media to keep aflame reporting on climate change, environmental degradation and pandemic preparedness. This year’s edition was supported by funding from the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), India and the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) based in Nairobi. Hosted by Media for Environment, Science, Health and Agriculture (MESHA), the event provided a platform to discuss current status and future of science and environmental journalism in Africa including the preparedness of the continent to deal with future pandemics. Lack of biodiversity data was also noted as a challenge in the fight towards keeping our wetlands safe. Senior editors attending the conference spoke on the emerging trends in environment and science reporting in Africa and India. Editors Hellen Miseda formerly of Standard Group; Richard Mahapatra, Managing Editor, Down To Earth, India; Godfrey Ombogo, Editor, Sayansi Magazine, Kenya; and Francis Kagolo, Senior Producer-News, New Vision, Uganda were part of this panel that concurred that media houses need to introduce climate desk for effective and regular reportage of climate change issues. “Unless there’s a global event like COP or Africa Climate Summit, it is rare to find climate stories in the media. After that, it is just politics after politics,” said Ms Miseda. Two health related science cafes were also held within the conference. The first one was about the triple threat. The major highlight of the conference was the launch of the CSE’s State of Africa’s Environment (S0E) 2023 report by Kenya’s National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), Mamo Boru Mamo. The report reveals how the continent’s progress is being held back by a confluence of factors that include poor leadership, bad governance and unethical practices by big business interests. It details the environmental situation in the context of climate change, energy access, air pollution, biodiversity, land and agriculture, mobility, water and waste management, among other development issues on the continent. A media science café dedicated to “Triple Threat” and its implications looked into the insights into the challenges, opportunities and innovative approaches for addressing the issues. Ms Caro Kinoti, Head of County Support Division, National Syndemic Diseases Control Council, Nairobi said that the gender based violence continues to contribute immensely to the spread of HIV. On their part, Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) warned of an imminent failure of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The union claims that despite the government doing a lot ahead of the launch of the program, the government seems not to have learnt a lesson from its failures in the past two attempts to roll out the program. “In Kenya today, we have one doctor to 16,000 Kenyans. This is against World Health Organisation’s (WHO) requirement of one doctor to 1,000 people,” said Dr Dennis Miskellah, KMPDU Deputy Secretary General during his presentation. Dr Miskellah challenged journalists to continue shining light on health issues in the country, so as to help stakeholders understand the situation. He noted that poor management of the health sector could hamper the implementation of critical programs such as the Universal Health Coverage. Francis Angirah from the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu urged journalists to interrogate lessons learnt during the COVID-19 pandemic and report on them so as to ensure that the masses are prepared for the next pandemic. With the partnership with MESHA, CSE and Down To Earth (DTE) have committed to release the State of Environment (SOE) in Africa annually. Journalists who attended the conference observed that it was a dynamic networking and training event, leaving them reinvigorated and motivated to continue doing science stories. In the words of Teresia Gitau, who covers climate change issues from a religion perspective, the conference was amazing because of the information shared, opportunity to network with people from other mainstream media houses and the challenges ‘new opportunities’ the journalists faced while working and partnering with other organizations. “It was a pleasant surprise to meet another journalist of faith and could relate to some of the issues journalist of faith experience,” she added. While giving the closing remarks, Aghan Daniel, Secretary MESHA urged the journalists to be always ready to learn and tell African science stories that impact lives of the people. “One untold story is a life lost,” he said. According to the report, Africa continues to bear the brunt of the repercussions of climate change even though African countries contribute less to the triggers of the phenomenon. The report also examines Africa’s potential to feed itself and the role poor governance policies play in frustrating efforts towards food security. Despite having 65 percent of arable land, for instance, Africa still imports foods, the authors of the report note. Mamo further said that the contents of the report will be domesticated to help the continent with strategies to deal with climate change. He noted that despite Kenya having a pro-conservation constitution supported by eight other regulations, the biggest challenge to dealing with conservation issues has been enforcement. “This report is very timely and will build into NEMA report and policies,” said Mamo. He announced that from January 2024 all vehicles in Kenya will undergo emission testing. Jabes Okumu, Programs and Advocacy Manager, East African Wild Life Society while speaking on Central Kenya’s lakes and wetlands and how to protect them and their biodiversity said that there is need for a single authority to govern the wetlands in Kenya. “We need to equip our communities with skills to prevent human-wildlife conflicts and discourage wetland encroachment,” he said.

Delhi to launch campaign to curb industrial pollution

The Delhi government will run a month-long campaign to curb industrial pollution starting October 20, Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Wednesday. He told reporters here that 66 teams have been set up to keep an eye on the fuels being used in over 1,700 industrial units in the capital. "Though these units have shifted to natural gas, we will ensure that there's no laxity on their part," Rai said. The minister had on Tuesday demanded that the Centre impose a complete ban on firecrackers and allow the movement of only CNG and electric vehicles in the entire National Capital Region in a bid to curb air pollution. Rai, in a letter to Bhupender Yadav, his counterpart at the Centre, said the Delhi government has taken numerous steps to curb air pollution during the winter season. "But these steps will not be effective until Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh deal with the sources of pollution in the NCR region," he said. A report by independent environment think tank Centre for Science and Environment shows that 31 per cent of Delhi's pollution comes from sources within the national capital while 69 per cent is from sources in NCR states, he said. Rai demanded that the Centre convene an emergency meeting to discuss solutions to the factors contributing to air pollution in the national capital. The states in the National Capital Region (NCR) should impose a complete ban on firecrackers and stubble burning in the entire region and allow only CNG and electric vehicles, the Delhi minister said. Published On Oct 18, 2023 at 01:48 PM IST

Ban stubble burning, firecrackers: Delhi environment minister’s recommendations for NCR to tackle pollution

Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday wrote a letter to Union Minister Bhupender Yadav requesting a meeting with all environment ministers in the National Capital Region (NCR), which comprises the states of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, to prepare an action plan to tackle the issue of pollution during winters. He outlined seven key recommendations aimed at mitigating environmental challenges in NCR. “In the winter, pollution levels turn severe. The Delhi government is taking various measures under the winter action plan, such as an anti-dust campaign and efforts to control pollution levels at hotspots. However, until the sources of pollution in the NCR states are not controlled, these steps being taken will not be effective,” read Rai’s letter. A report from the Centre for Science and Environment stated that “31% of the pollution in Delhi originates within the city itself, while 69% stems from sources of pollution in NCR states,” as mentioned by Rai. He requested Yadav, who is the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, to convene a meeting of the environment ministers of the NCR to prepare an action plan on these points so that the level of pollution can be reduced. The environment minister mentioned that pollution levels have been reduced by 30% due to certain measures, and also stated the need for coordinated efforts with neighbouring states to control pollutants, as 69% of Delhi’s pollution originates from them. As Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) entered the “poor” category, certain restrictions on vehicular traffic entering Delhi are enforced to mitigate pollution during peak periods under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Here is the list of recommendations : Mandate CNG or Electric Vehicles for public transport: Public transportation from NCR to Delhi should exclusively use Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or electric power to reduce the carbon footprint. Ban stubble burning in NCR: Strict regulations are needed to prevent stubble burning in the NCR region, addressing this harmful agricultural practice. Convert Industrial Units to Natural Gas: Industrial units in NCR states still using polluting fuels should be converted to piped natural gas. Upgrade brick kilns: Heavily polluting brick kilns in NCR states should adopt zig-zag technology to reduce pollution. Ensure reliable electricity supply for housing societies: Housing societies in NCR states should have a stable electricity supply to reduce reliance on diesel generators and promote cleaner energy sources. Complete firecracker ban similar to Delhi: NCR states should enforce a comprehensive ban on firecrackers, similar to Delhi, to mitigate air quality deterioration, especially during festivals. Regulate Non-Destined Vehicles on Peripheral Expressways: State governments should direct non-destined vehicles to use Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways from their initial entry points to reduce traffic congestion and pollution in residential areas. Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) Delhi’s AQI was recorded in the ‘moderate’ category at 9 AM on Wednesday and the minimum temperature settled at 17.3 degrees Celsius, a notch below normal. The city witnessed poor air quality on Sunday and Monday. It improved slightly afterwards as gusty winds accompanied by rains lashed parts of the national capital on Monday night. According to the AQI scale, air quality ranging from 0 to 50 is categorized as “good,” 51 to 100 as “satisfactory,” 101 to 200 as “moderate,” 201 to 300 as “poor,” 301 to 400 as “very poor,” and 401 to 450 as “severe.” When the AQI surpasses 450, it is deemed to be at the “severe+” level.

Why organic is not in your shopping cart

Taste this one. I bet you would have never eaten anything like this before," Dilip Patidar, a farmer from Mandsaur district in Madhya Pradesh, told this reporter during a recent visit. Then he plucked an okra, bhindi in vernacular, and offered it for tasting. It was tender and crunchy, with a hint of sweetness. “This entire plot is for vegetables grown for our own kitchen. We do not use fertilizers or medicines while growing them," the farmer said. By medicines, he meant pesticides. This is a common practice among farmers. They often grow their own food, be it grains or vegetables, in a separate plot and apply little or no chemical fertilizers and zero pesticides. The reason? Most consider what they sell in the markets as harmful for health, laced with chemical residues. But most consumers, except a minority, seem blissfully unaware of what goes into their food. Cauliflowers dunked in chemicals to make them sparkling white; bottle gourds pumped with growth hormones to make them grow bigger; heavy sprays of pesticides on okra and brinjal, which are cooked unpeeled. Off-season vegetables often have a higher chemical load, farmers say. They use more pesticide to protect off-season vegetables: because those sell at a premium and growing costs are higher. Consumer preference for cheaper food is one reason why the market for organic, that is food grown without chemical fertilizers and pesticides, is miniscule in India, food companies complain. How small is it? Less than ₹4,000 crore in a year, including non-certified produce. As per data from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), till March this year, 5.4 million hectares—or just about 3.5% of total cultivated land of 154 million hectares—is registered under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), a body that provides certification standards for organic production. Interestingly, India had the highest number of farmers practising organic farming (1.4 million) in the world, while Australia had the largest area under organic agriculture (36 million hectares), according to the World of Organic Agriculture report 2021. In 2022-23, Indian farmers produced 2.9 million tonnes of certified organic produce which includes foodgrains, oilseeds, perishables, cotton and tea. India exported ₹5,525 crore worth of organic produce in 2022-23, significantly higher than the estimated domestic sales. Organic produce, unlike in India, is a huge trend in developed markets—according to the Organic Agriculture report cited earlier, global organic food and beverages sales was estimated at €106 billion in 2019, with the US, Germany and France accounting for over 60% of the market. 24 Mantra Organic, the largest organic food brand in India, clocked a turnover of ₹330 crore in 2022-23. Exports accounted for 45% of its revenue. In comparison, the annual turnover of Nalli Sarees, a premium garment retailer, was over ₹500 crores in the year ending March 2022. Even a boutique ice cream brand like Naturals sells more (over ₹200 crore in a year) than what the largest organic food brand could sell within India. Mint spoke to several companies to understand what is holding back the market for organic food. When consumers can afford to spend on premium cars, shoes or garments, why not spend on food grown without chemical fertilizers? Here’s why in a nutshell: due to steeper prices, the market is limited to an elite set of consumers. Higher prices are driven by retail outlets demanding ‘crazy’ margins, and costs incurred towards certification. Repeated price fluctuations push farmers to drop out frequently: when vegetable prices fall sharply, there is little incentive for them to continue with organic methods. Which means erratic supply for sellers and frequent stock-outs, especially for fruits and vegetables. Limited scale of production leads to higher certification, processing and marketing costs, leading to higher retail prices. This, in turn, discourages consumers. When consumers turn their back, the farmer loses interest. The cycle plays in a loop. In addition, the lip service accorded to natural farming by governments, both at the state and central levels, is not matched by financial support. In 2022-23, subsidies on chemical fertilizers were at a staggering ₹2.25 trillion. The federal budget for the National Mission on Natural Farming? Less than ₹500 crore. Consumer awareness continues to be poor. There is a sense of mistrust if organic food is really what it is sold as. So, consumers often pick up the cheapest staple on offer because there is hardly any data on the quality and safety aspects of conventional (non-organic) food. The last large-scale survey by the agriculture ministry, on pesticide residues in food, was conducted more than five years back. The results were kosher. Just 2.2% of the samples were found to exceed prescribed pesticide residue limits. But farmers seem to know better. Which is why some of them separately grow the food they eat and the food they sell. “When India embarked on the green revolution in the mid-1960s, it created a support system to help farmers transition into a new technology. That support is missing for farmers who want to shift to organic. We need to provide farmers marketing support and a robust government extension system—agronomists and field staff—who can teach farmers how to prepare various organic and bio inputs and how to control pests and weeds," said Vineet Kumar, programme manager, sustainable food systems at the Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi, a research and advocacy organization. Price buildup On a bright September morning, Pappu Patidar, a 32-year-old farmer from Mandsaur district of Madhya Pradesh, was busy tending to his field. Hired workers harvested ripe soybeans while Patidar plucked out weeds by hand from a small plot of groundnut. It took Patidar nine years to move all his 15 acres into certified organic farming. “In the first few years, the yields dropped but then recovered gradually," he said. Earlier this year, Patidar sold organic wheat to 24 Mantra for ₹2,800 per quintal, at a 20% premium compared to market price of conventionally grown wheat. His costs of certification were borne by 24 Mantra. Agronomists and field staff from the company taught Patidar how to prepare bio-pesticides and organic manure from cow dung. “My biggest savings are on chemical pesticides—about ₹40,000 every year. The crops are healthy because they are grown on healthy soils," Patidar said. The field staff from the company claimed that the package of practices adopted by the farmer has boosted soil organic carbon content, a critical indicator of soil health. 24 Mantra, which now works with 35,000 farmers in 16 states, began its journey in 2005. Its revenue nearly doubled, from ₹169 crore in 2017-18 to ₹330 crore in 2022-23. According to Rajasekhar Reddy Seelam, founder and managing director of 24 Mantra, consumers are taking to organic food, but at a slow pace. “Awareness and trust are important factors. Yet, over the last five years, we estimate that the number of families who have experimented or are regularly purchasing organic items have increased from 1 million to over 4 million," Seelam said. “For us, high retail margins are a big hurdle. That money could be better spent on consumer awareness," Seelam added. For instance, most retail stores ask for a 25-30% margin for stocking organic brands. They consider organic staples to be a premium product which will sit on the shelves for longer. Smaller brands that have less bargaining power compete among each other and end up offering a high margin to retailers. This drives up consumer prices. For instance, the retail margin on a packet of conventional rice is usually less than 10% but exceeds 30% for organic variants. We had started our journey with the premise that everything we sell on our platform should be organic one day," said Seshu Kumar Tirumala, national head of buying and merchandise at BigBasket, a popular online grocery store. Over the past five years, the share of organic staples, which include non-perishables like grains, pulses and oils, has increased from 5% to 14% of overall sales, he added. But of the 18,000 tonnes of fresh fruits and vegetables sold monthly on the platform, less than 8% are from a category the company describes as ‘organically grown’. Products sold here are grown organically but are not certified. BigBasket has created this unique category to deal with erratic supplies. Vegetables have a short crop cycle and are grown on smaller plots of land. Planting decisions often change in response to market demand. Incurring certification costs is an impediment. So, BigBasket instead ensures that the produce is grown without chemical inputs in the season it is procured. To be ‘certified organic’, no chemical inputs can be used in a plot of land for at least three years. “We are being transparent with the consumer here. Our agronomists work closely with farmers to monitor their practices. But at a policy level, we need to figure out how certification can be simplified for this category," Tirumala said. For staples, this isn’t a challenge. On its platform, 85% of the organic staples are sold under a private label, BB Organic. On consumer demand, Tirumala said that customers are not willing to pay beyond a certain point for organic food. A price premium of over 20-25% is the maximum consumers are comfortable paying to switch to organic. “We are mindful of this premium while putting a price tag. Right now, we are not chasing profits but genuinely want to promote this category," Tirumala added. Pesticide-free While BigBasket created the ‘organically grown’ category to deal with erratic supplies of fresh produce, some are experimenting with other methods. In Andhra Pradesh, a large community managed natural farming project has created a safe food movement with participation of six million farmers. Safe Harvest, which sold ‘pesticide-free’ produce worth ₹50 crore in 2022-23, now works with 18,000 farmers spread across 11 states. Small farmers who cultivate low fertility soils find it very difficult to switch to organic, said Rangu Rao, CEO of Safe Harvest. “So, instead of organic, we are helping farmers move towards rational use of fertilizers and teaching them how to stay off chemical pesticides which are more harmful," Rao said. Rao added that organic certification is both expensive and complex for farmers to adopt. Currently, India follows two distinct systems: NPOP certification for exports and domestic sales where the produce is certified by third-parties, and participatory guarantee system (PGS) where farmer groups certify each other. PGS certification, which is less stringent and cheaper, is only meant for the domestic market. “For the domestic market, PGS certification is a better option. The certification costs are low (between ₹400 and ₹700 per hectare compared to ₹2,000 under NPOP for a group of farmers) but the standards are similar compared to NPOP," said G.V. Ramanjaneyulu, executive director at the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture (CSA), Hyderabad. CSA, a research organization, works with farmer groups in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and has so far certified about 100,000 hectares under the PGS system. It has created a state-level federation of farmer groups which sells its produce under the Sahaja Aharam brand. “Our key objective is to increase the farmer’s share in what the consumer pays for organic food. While conventional farmers receive about ₹25,000 per hectare in fertilizer and other subsidies, there is no such support for organic growers," Ramanjaneyulu added.

Fire Cracker Ban: गोपाल राय ने केंद्र से की पटाखों पर बैन लगाने की मांग, बोले- NCR से आता है 69% प्रदूषण

Fire Cracker Ban: दिल्ली-एनसीआर में ठंड के साथ-साथ प्रदूषण भी बढ़ने लगता है. ऐसे में दिवाली पर आतिशबाजी के बाद प्रदूषण का लेवल और बढ़ जाता है. इसको लेकर दिल्ली सरकार के पर्यावरण मंत्री गोपाल राय ने वायु प्रदूषण पर लगाम लगाने के लिए मंगलवार को केंद्र सरकार से पटाखों पर पूरी तरह प्रतिबंध लगाने की मांग की. इसको लेकर उन्होंने केंद्रीय पर्यावरण मंत्री भूपेंद्र यादव को पत्र लिखा कि दिल्ली सरकार ने सर्दी के मौसम में वायु प्रदूषण पर अंकुश लगाने के लिए कई कदम उठाए हैं. लेकिन, ये तब तक प्रभावी साबित नहीं होंगे जब तक हरियाणा, राजस्थान और उत्तर प्रदेश एनसीआर में प्रदूषण के स्रोतों से खत्म नहीं होंगे. गोपाल राय ने कहा कि पर्यावरण के लिए काम करने वाली संस्था ‘सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरमेंट’ की रिपोर्ट में कहा गया है कि दिल्ली में केवल 31% प्रदूषण राष्ट्रीय राजधानी के स्रोतों से होता है. वहीं 69 प्रतिशत प्रदूषण एनसीआर से आता है. इसको लेकर गोपाल राय ने केंद्र सरकार से मांग की है कि राष्ट्रीय राजधानी दिल्ली में वायु प्रदूषण के लिए जिम्मेदार कारकों से निपटने पर चर्चा के लिए आपात बैठक बुलाई जाए.

दिल्ली सरकार औद्योगिक प्रदूषण से निपटने के लिए अभियान शुरू करेगी

पर्यावरण मंत्री गोपाल राय ने बुधवार को कहा कि दिल्ली सरकार औद्योगिक प्रदूषण से निपटने के लिए 20 अक्टूबर से एक महीने तक अभियान चलाएगी। उन्होंने संवाददाताओं से कहा कि राजधानी में 1,700 से अधिक औद्योगिक इकाइयों में इस्तेमाल होने वाले ईंधन पर नजर रखने के लिए 66 टीम गठित की गई हैं। राय ने कहा, ‘‘हालांकि ये इकाइयां प्राकृतिक गैस पर स्थानांतरित हो गई हैं, हम यह सुनिश्चित करेंगे कि उनकी ओर से कोई ढिलाई न बरती जाए।’’ मंत्री ने मंगलवार को केंद्र से मांग की थी कि वायु प्रदूषण से निपटने के लिए पटाखों पर पूर्ण प्रतिबंध लगाया जाए और पूरे राष्ट्रीय राजधानी क्षेत्र (एनसीआर) में केवल सीएनजी और इलेक्ट्रिक वाहनों की आवाजाही की अनुमति दी जाए। राय ने केंद्र में अपने समकक्ष भूपेन्द्र यादव को लिखे पत्र में कहा था कि दिल्ली सरकार ने सर्दियों के मौसम के दौरान वायु प्रदूषण से निपटने के लिए कई महत्वपूर्ण कदम उठाए हैं। उन्होंने कहा, ‘‘लेकिन ये कदम तब तक प्रभावी नहीं होंगे जब तक हरियाणा, राजस्थान और उत्तर प्रदेश की ओर से एनसीआर क्षेत्र में प्रदूषण के स्रोतों से निटपने के लिए प्रभावी कदम नहीं उठाये जाते।’’ उन्होंने कहा कि स्वतंत्र पर्यावरण थिंक टैंक ‘सेंटर फॉर साइंस एंड एनवायरमेंट’ की एक रिपोर्ट से पता चलता है कि दिल्ली में 31 प्रतिशत प्रदूषण राष्ट्रीय राजधानी के स्रोतों से होता है, जबकि 69 प्रतिशत एनसीआर राज्यों के स्रोतों से होता है। राय ने मांग रखी कि केंद्र राष्ट्रीय राजधानी में वायु प्रदूषण से निपटने के लिए समाधान पर चर्चा के वास्ते एक आपातकालीन बैठक बुलाए। दिल्ली के मंत्री ने कहा कि एनसीआर के राज्यों को पूरे क्षेत्र में पटाखों और पराली जलाने पर पूर्ण प्रतिबंध लगाना चाहिए और केवल सीएनजी और इलेक्ट्रिक वाहनों को अनुमति देनी चाहिए।

Delhi government to launch campaign to curb industrial pollution

The Delhi government will run a month-long campaign to curb industrial pollution starting from October 20, Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on October 18. He told reporters, in New Delhi, that 66 teams have been set up to keep an eye on the fuels being used in more than 1,700 industrial units in the capital. "Though these units have shifted to natural gas, we will ensure that there's no laxity on their part," Mr. Rai said. The Minister had on Tuesday demanded that the Centre impose a complete ban on firecrackers and allow the movement of only CNG and electric vehicles in the entire National Capital Region in a bid to curb air pollution. Mr. Rai, in a letter to Bhupender Yadav, his counterpart at the Centre, said the Delhi government has taken numerous steps to curb air pollution during the winter season. "But these steps will not be effective until Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh deal with the sources of pollution in the NCR region," he said. “A report by independent environment think tank Centre for Science and Environment shows that 31% of Delhi’s pollution comes from sources within the national capital while 69% is from sources in NCR States,” he said. Mr. Rai demanded that the Centre convene an emergency meeting to discuss solutions to the factors contributing to air pollution in the national capital. “The States in the National Capital Region (NCR) should impose a complete ban on firecrackers and stubble burning in the entire region and allow only CNG and electric vehicles,” the Delhi Minister said.

Govt to launch campaign to curb industrial pollution in Delhi

The Delhi government, under the leadership of Environment Minister Gopal Rai, has announced a month-long initiative commencing on October 20 to combat industrial pollution. Rai revealed that 66 teams have been deployed to monitor the fuels used in more than 1,700 industrial units in the capital, even though these units have transitioned to natural gas. Additionally, Rai urged the central government to enforce a total ban on firecrackers and restrict the movement to CNG and electric vehicles within the National Capital Region (NCR) to mitigate air pollution. He emphasised that Delhi’s efforts alone won’t suffice unless neighboring states like Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh address pollution sources in the NCR. Rai cited a report from the Centre for Science and Environment, indicating that 31% of Delhi’s pollution stems from within the city, while 69% originates from NCR states. He called for an emergency meeting at the national level to discuss effective solutions to the factors contributing to air pollution in the capital region. Furthermore, Rai advocated for a comprehensive ban on firecrackers and stubble burning throughout the NCR states, advocating for the exclusive use of CNG and electric vehicles. (With inputs from PTI)

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai Asks Centre To Impose Complete Ban Of Firecrackers, Stubble Burning In NCR

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai called for a comprehensive prohibition on firecrackers and the exclusive use of CNG and electric vehicles throughout the entire National Capital Region as a measure to combat air pollution. Gopal Rai, in a letter to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, said the Delhi government has taken numerous steps to curb air pollution during the winter season. "But these steps will not be effective until Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh deal with the sources of pollution in the NCR region." A report by independent environment think tank Centre for Science and Environment shows that 31 per cent of Delhi's pollution comes from sources within the national capital while 69 per cent is from sources in NCR states, he said. Rai on Tuesday demanded that the Centre convene an emergency meeting to discuss solutions to factors contributing to air pollution in the national capital. The states in the National Capital Region (NCR) should impose a complete ban on firecrackers and stubble burning in the entire region and allow only CNG and electric vehicles, the Delhi minister said. "Many industrial units in NCR states are still running on polluting fuels. They should be immediately converted to piped natural gas. The heavily polluting brick kilns running in NCR states should be asked to adopt zig-zag technology to check pollution," he said. "Electricity should be ensured for all housing societies in NCR states to reduce dependence on diesel generators. The state governments concerned should be asked to divert non-destined vehicles from their origin point on the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways," Rai wrote in the letter.

Renewable Energy Credits In Demand In US As Utility Seeks RFP For 570,000 Read more at: https://www.saurenergy.com/solar-energy-news/renewable-energy-credits-rfps-in-demand-in-the-us-as-utility-seeks-570000

Renewable Energy Credits (RECs), also termed Renewable Energy Certificates, in India are gaining wider currency in the US as utilities use them to fulfill green energy requirements for themselves and even customers in many cases. The latest is US utility FirstEnergy Ohio that has launched a request for proposal (RFP) to purchase 570,000 renewable energy credits (RECs), including solar renewable energy credits, for its Ohio subsidiary Ohio Edison The RECs sought in the RFP by FirstEnergy Ohio have to be in compliance with its 2023 renewable energy obligations and sourced from generating facilities certified in accordance with rules and procedures put forward by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO).They will also need to have been generated between 1 January, 2021 and 31 December, 2023 The RFP is a competitive process managed by CRA International, Inc., a worldwide leader in providing services. Based on the RFP results, the Ohio utilities will enter into agreement(s) with winning suppliers to purchase the necessary quantities of RECs. In another REC purchase RFP last year, FirstEnergy had 470,000 RECs in total. The push for purchases in the US market has helped to build a market that is in its early phases, but expected to grow fast as more and more firms seek them to meet their green energy targets. In India of course, the market has remained a little stop start, as certification, validity and pricing are all issues, even as multiple steps have been taken to resolve these. But the basic issue of RECs supporting faster renewable growth has not really been achieved yet, as prices remain far too low to make a significant impact on developer plans. A broader carbon credit market is expected to change that, although many issues remain there to be resolved too, as highlighted in a report by the Centre for Science and Environment, and covered by our sister site IamRenew here (https://www.iamrenew.com/environment/saviours-orsham-voluntary-carbon-markets-in-spotlight-in-cse-report/).

Delhi urges Centre to convene NCR environment ministers’ meet

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday urged the Centre to convene a meeting of the environment ministers of all the NCR states to discuss the growing pollution level in the national capital. In a letter to Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, Rai contended that unless sources of the pollution that lie in neighbouring states are not plugged, all the efforts to contain pollution in Delhi would go in vain. Quoting a report of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), he said 69 per cent of total pollution of the national capital originates from adjoining states, hence the need for coordination with them to control the same. According to the environment minister, pollutants generated from inside Delhi account for only 31 per cent of the city’s total pollution. He also gave some suggestions to be taken up for discussion at the meeting. They include: Only CNG- or electricity-based public transport vehicles should be allowed to enter Delhi from the NCR; A total ban on burning crop residue; NCR industries should be encouraged to use piped natural gas instead of conventional fuel; A complete ban on firecrackers in the entire NCR, Diversion of vehicles, not bound for Delhi, to eastern or western peripheral expressways. Rai apprised the Union minister about the steps taken by the Delhi government to combat air pollution which, he claimed, resulted in a 30 per cent reduction in air pollution. Meanwhile, Delhiites had a sigh of relief on Tuesday as the overnight rain accompanied by chilly winds gave them the much-wanted respite from the polluted environment with the Air Quality Index (AQI) improving significantly. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the average AQI in the city was recorded at 89, falling under the “Satisfactory” category, after long last. The data is based on readings from 27 out of the 40 monitoring stations, as per the CPCB.

Delhi minister urges Centre to impose complete ban on firecrackers in NCR states to curb air pollution

In an effort to reduce air pollution, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday urged the Center to impose a blanket ban on firecrackers and only permit the movement of CNG and electric vehicles within the National Capital Region (NCR). In a letter to the Union Environment Ministry, Rai claimed that the Delhi government has taken several steps to curb air pollution during the winter season. "But these steps will not be effective until Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh deal with the sources of pollution in the NCR region," Rai added. A report by the independent environment think tank 'Centre for Science and Environment' revealed that 31 per cent of Delhi's pollution comes from sources within the national capital, while 69 per cent is from sources in NCR states, Rai stated. In addition, he urged the Centre to convene an urgent meeting to address issues causing air pollution in the national capital. What Delhi minister said on firecrackers and stubble burning The states in the National Capital Region should impose a complete ban on firecrackers and stubble burning in the entire region and allow only CNG and electric vehicles, the Delhi minister said. "Many industrial units in NCR states are still running on polluting fuels. They should be immediately converted to piped natural gas. The heavily polluting brick kilns running in NCR states should be asked to adopt zig-zag technology to check pollution," he wrote in the letter. The Delhi minister also stated that electricity should be ensured for all housing societies in NCR states to reduce dependence on diesel generators. The state governments concerned should be asked to divert non-destined vehicles from their origin point on the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways," Rai wrote in the letter. Govt reviews measures undertaken to mitigate air pollution in Delhi-NCR Earlier on October 13, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister PK Mishra chaired the high-level Task Force meeting on air pollution in Delhi-NCR at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). The meeting was held to review the preparedness of various stakeholders to deal with the issue of adverse air quality in Delhi-NCR as the winter season approaches. In an effort to ensure the reduction of the paddy stubble burning across Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, Mishra instructed close monitoring of the issue by the Chief Secretaries of the three states. He advised the in-situ management of paddy stubble through Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines and the use of bio-decomposers. He also advised the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) to improve the technology.

Convene joint meeting of NCR states, Gopal Rai writes to Yadav

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai wrote to Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav on Tuesday, regarding problem of pollution during winter season in Delhi. Gopal Rai in a letter to his counterpart at the Centre urged him to hold a joint meeting with the environment ministers of NCR states. In the letter Rai said, “The report released by the CSE (Centre for Science and Environment) shows that 31% of pollution in Delhi is due to internal sources, while 69% is from external sources.” “The Delhi Government is taking various steps under the Winter Action Plan (WAP) to reduce pollution. But unless the factors responsible for pollution are stopped in the NCR states, all these steps taken will not be effective. Therefore, there is a need to convene a joint meeting with environment ministers of NCR states at the earliest.” the letter read. Rai added, “As a result of all the measures, the level of pollution inside Delhi has declined by 30% in the last 8 years.”

WAZIRI JAFO AZINDUA MWONGOZO WA UKAGUZI WA MAZINGIRA MIRADI YA UJENZI

Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Makamu wa Rais (Muungano na Mazingira) Mhe. Dkt. Selemani Jafo akimkabidhi nakala ya mwongozo wa Ukaguzi wa Mazingira kwa Miradi ya Ujenzi wa Majengo Mkurugenzi na Mmiliki wa Mtandao wa Mzalendo.co.tz Bw.Alex Sonna mara baada ya uzinduzi wa mwongozo huo wakati wa hafla iliyofanyika leo Oktoba 18, 2023 katika Mji wa Serikali, Mtumba Jijini Dodoma. Na.Alex Sonna-DODOMA Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Makamu wa Rais (Muungano na Mazingira) Mhe. Dkt. Selemani Jafo amelitaka Baraza la Taifa la Hifadhi na Usimamizi wa Mazingira (NEMC) kuongeza wigo wa kuandaa miongozo ya tathimini ya athari za mazingira (TAM) kupitia sekta za viwanda, nishati, kilimo na maji ili kuharakisha zoezi la mapitio ya miradi ya tathimini za athari kwa mazingira. Waziri Jafo ametoa maagizo hayo leo Oktoba 18, 2023 Jijini Dodoma wakati akizindua mwongozo wa ukaguzi wa mazingira kwa miradi ya ujenzi wa majengo ulioandaliwa na NEMC kwa kushirikiana na Kituo cha Sayansi na Mazingira cha Nchini India (CSE), Dkt. Jafo amesema uhifadhi na usimamizi wa mazingira ni mojawapo ya maeneo ya vipaumbele vilivyopo katika malengo makuu ya Serikali. Dkt. Jafo amesema mwongozo ambao umezingatia mahitaji halisi ya nchi ikiwemo ukuaji wa miji na majiji, limeipa NEMC mamlaka ya kuhakikisha hali ya mazingira inaboreshwa nchini kwa kusaidia uboreshaji wa afya ya jamii ikiwa ni pamoja na mazingira vinalindwa na kuweka mazingira bora ya uwekezaji nchini. ‘’Kipengele Na. 17 cha Makubaliano ya Mkutano wa Umoja wa Mataifa kuhusu Maendeleo Endelevu unazitaka nchi wanachama kuhusisha tathmini za athari za mazingira katika miradi ambayo inasababisha madhara kimazingira…. katika kutekeleza kipengele hicho zilianzisha taasisi, na kutengeneza Sera na Sheria ikiwa ni pamoja na Kanuni kama ilivyo kwenye Kanuni ya Athari ya Mazingira za Mwaka 2005 na zile za Mwaka 2018’’ amesema Dkt. Jafo. Aidha Waziri Jafo amesema Tathmini za Athari kwa Mazingira (TAM) hufanyika ili kuweka mifumo bora ya kulinda mazingira ikiwa ni pamoja na kupunguza kiwango cha taka zinazozalishwa, kutoa kipaumbele katika masuala ya jamii, kuainisha athari zilizopo na madhara yanayoweza jitokeza kutokana na miradi inayoanzishwa. Waziri Jafo amesema NEMC inapokea zaidi ya miradi 2000 kwa mwaka kwa ajili ya mapitio na kuongeza kuwa idadi hiyo ya miradi ni kubwa na itaweza kupitiwa kwa ufanisi iwapo kutakuwa na miongozo ya kila sekta kama inavyoelekezwa katika Sheria ya Mazingira ya Mwaka 2004. ”Naishukuru Serikali ya India kupitia kituo hicho kwa kushirikiana na NEMC katika kuandaa mwongozo huo kwani ushirikiano huo ni ishara ya ya matokeo ya ushIrikiano wa taasisi hizo katika kupatia ufumbuzi wa changamoto za kimazingira.”amesema Dkt. Jafo Awali Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Baraza la Taifa la Hifadhi na Usimamizi wa Mazingira (NEMC) Dkt. Samwel Gwamaka amesema kwa muda mrefu kumekuwepo na changamoto ya usimamizi wa tathmini ya athari kwa mazingira kupitia maandiko ya miradi mbalimbali yanayowasilishwa kwa ajili ya utoaji wa vibali vya mazingira. “Awali wataalamu wetu hawakuwa na mwongozo wa maandiko ya tathmini ya miradi ya athari za mazingira ambayo inakidhi matakwa ya Sheria ya Usimamizi wa Mazingira na kanuni zake hivyo baada ya uzinduzi huu sasa wataalamu elekezi wa mazingira na wadau watakuwa na mwongozo wa uaandaji wa maandiko kwa kuzingatia viwango na ubora unaohitajika” amesema Dkt. Gwamaka. Naye Mkurugenzi wa Kituo cha Sayansi na Mazingira cha Nchini India (CSE), Bw.Nivit Yadav amesema Tanzania ni nchi ya tatu Bara la Afrika yenye kasi kubwa ya idadi ya watu na nchi ya pili kwa Mataifa ya Afrika Mashariki kuwa na kasi ya ukuaji wa sekta ya ujenzi, hivyo suala la tathmini ya miradi ya ujenzi ni jambo muhimu linalopaswa kupewa kipaumbele katika uhifadhi na usimamizi wa mazingira. Amesema Sheria ya Uhifadhi na Usimamizi wa Mazingira ya mwaka 2004 imeanisha vipaumbele mbalimbali vya utekelezaji wa Sheria hiyo ikiwemo kanuni na miongozo ya utekelezaji ikiwemo ushirikiano baina ya Serikali w ikiwemo NEMC na CSE.

MWONGOZO WA UKAGUZI WA MAZINGIRA MIRADI YA UJENZI WAZINDULIWA JIJINI DODOMA

Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Makamu wa Rais (Muungano na Mazingira) Dkt. Selemani Jafo (wa tatu kutoka kulia) pamoja na Watendaji na Viongozi wa Baraza la Taifa la Hifadhi na Usimamizi wa Mazingira (NEMC) na Kituo cha Kituo cha Sayansi na Mazingira cha Nchini India (CSE) wakionesha nakala ya mwongozo wa ukaguzi wa Mazingira kwa Miradi ya Ujenzi wa Majengo muda mfupi baada ya uzinduzi wa mwongozo huo. Hafla ilifanyika leo Oktoba 18, 2023 katika Mji wa Serikali, Mtumba Jijini Dodoma. Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Makamu wa Rais (Muungano na Mazingira) Mhe. Dkt. Selemani Jafo akizungumza wakati wa hafla ya uzinduzi wa Mwongozo wa Ukaguzi wa Mazingira kwa Miradi ya Ujenzi wa Majengo baina ya Baraza la Uhifadhi na Usimamizi wa Mazingira (NEMC) na Taasisi ya Kituo cha Sayansi na Mazingira kutoka nchini India (CSE) hafla iliyofanyika leo Oktoba 18,2023 katika Mji wa Serikali, Mtumba Jijini Dodoma. Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Makamu wa Rais, Mhe. Dkt. Selemani Jafo akimsikiliza Mkurugenzi wa Mradi wa Kituo Kituo cha Sayansi na Mazingira kutoka Nchini India (CSE) Bw. Nivit Yadav wakati wa hafla ya uzinduzi wa Mwongozo wa Ukaguzi wa Mazingira kwa Miradi ya Ujenzi wa Majengo baina ya Baraza la Uhifadhi na Usimamizi wa Mazingira (NEMC) na Taasisi ya Kituo cha Sayansi na Mazingira kutoka nchini India (CSE) hafla iliyofanyika leo Oktoba 18,2023 katika Mji wa Serikali, Mtumba Jijini Dodoma. Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Baraza la Taifa la Uhifadhi na Usimamizi wa Mazingira (NEMC) Dkt. Samuel Gwamaka,akizungumza wakati wa hafla ya uzinduzi wa Mwongozo wa Ukaguzi wa Mazingira kwa Miradi ya Ujenzi wa Majengo baina ya NEMC na CSE hafla iliyofanyika leo Oktoba 18,2023 katika Mji wa Serikali, Mtumba Jijini Dodoma. Mkurugenzi wa Tafiti za Mazingira wa Baraza la Baraza la Hifadhi na Usimamizi wa Mazingira (NEMC), Dkt. Menan Jangu akizungumza wakati wa hafla ya uzinduzi wa Mwongozo wa Ukaguzi wa Mazingira kwa Miradi ya Ujenzi wa Majengo baina ya NEMC na CSE hafla iliyofanyika leo Oktoba 18,2023 katika Mji wa Serikali, Mtumba Jijini Dodoma. Kulia ni Mkurugenzi wa Mradi wa Kituo Kituo cha Sayansi na Mazingira, Nchini India (CSE) Bw. Nivit Yadav. Mkurugenzi wa Tafiti za Mazingira wa Baraza la Hifadhi na Usimamizi wa Mazingira (NEMC), Dkt. Menan Jangu akiteta jambo na Mkurugenzi wa Mradi wa wa Kituo Kituo cha Sayansi na Mazingira, Nchini India (CSE) Bw. Nivit Yadav wakati wa hafla ya uzinduzi wa Mwongozo wa Ukaguzi wa Mazingira kwa Miradi ya Ujenzi wa Majengo baina ya NEMC na CSE hafla iliyofanyika leo Oktoba 18,2023 katika Mji wa Serikali, Mtumba Jijini Dodoma. Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Makamu wa Rais (Muungano na Mazingira) Dkt. Selemani Jafo (wa tatu kutoka kulia) pamoja na Watendaji na Viongozi wa Baraza la Taifa la Hifadhi na Usimamizi wa Mazingira (NEMC) na Kituo cha Kituo cha Sayansi na Mazingira cha Nchini India (CSE) wakionesha nakala ya mwongozo wa ukaguzi wa Mazingira kwa Miradi ya Ujenzi wa Majengo muda mfupi baada ya uzinduzi wa mwongozo huo. Hafla ilifanyika leo Oktoba 18, 2023 katika Mji wa Serikali, Mtumba Jijini Dodoma. Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Makamu wa Rais (Muungano na Mazingira) Mhe. Dkt. Selemani Jafo akimkabidhi nakala ya mwongozo wa Ukaguzi wa Mazingira kwa Miradi ya Ujenzi wa Majengo Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Baraza la Taifa la Hifadhi na Usimamizi wa Mazingira (NEMC), Dkt. Samuel Gwamaka muda mfupi mara baada ya uzinduzi wa mwongozo huo wakati wa hafla iliyofanyika leo Oktoba 18, 2023 katika Mji wa Serikali, Mtumba Jijini Dodoma. Katikati ni Mwenyekiti wa Bodi ya Wakurugenzi ya NEMC, Prof. Eng. Esnati O. Chaggu Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Makamu wa Rais (Muungano na Mazingira) Mhe. Dkt. Selemani Jafo akimkabidhi nakala ya mwongozo wa Ukaguzi wa Mazingira kwa Miradi ya Ujenzi wa Majengo ,Mwandishi wa Fullshangwe blog Bw.Alex Sonna mara baada ya uzinduzi wa mwongozo huo wakati wa hafla iliyofanyika leo Oktoba 18, 2023 katika Mji wa Serikali, Mtumba Jijini Dodoma. Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Makamu wa Rais (Muungano na Mazingira) Dkt. Selemani Jafo akiwa katika picha ya pamoja na na Watendaji na Viongozi wa Baraza la Taifa la Hifadhi na Usimamizi wa Mazingira (NEMC) na Kituo cha Kituo cha Sayansi na Mazingira cha Nchini India (CSE) mara baada ya kuzinduzi wa mwongozo wa Ukaguzi wa Mazingira kwa Miradi ya Ujenzi wa Majengo baina ya Baraza la Uhifadhi na Usimamizi wa Mazingira (NEMC) na Taasisi ya Kituo cha Sayansi na Mazingira kutoka nchini India (CSE) hafla iliyofanyika leo Oktoba 18,2023 katika Mji wa Serikali, Mtumba Jijini Dodoma. Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Makamu wa Rais (Muungano na Mazingira) Mhe. Dkt. Selemani Jafo (kushoto) akibadilishana mawazo na Watendaji Waandamizi wa Kituo cha Kituo cha Sayansi na Mazingira cha Nchini India (CSE) kutoka kulia Shobhit Srivastava, Naibu Meneja Mkurugenzi na Bw. Nivit Yadav, Mkurugenzi wa Mradi mara baada ya uzinduzi wa mwongozo wa wa ukaguzi wa Mazingira kwa Miradi ya Ujenzi wa Majengo. Hafla ilifanyika leo Oktoba 18, 2023 katika Mji wa Serikali, Mtumba Jijini Dodoma Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Makamu wa Rais (Muungano na Mazingira) Dkt. Selemani Jafo akibadilishana mawazo na Mwenyekiti wa Bodi ya Wakurugenzi wa Baraza la Taifa la Hifadhi na Usimamizi wa Mazingira (NEMC) Prof. Eng. Esnati O. Chaggu pamoja na Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa NEMC, Dkt. Samuel Gwamaka muda mfupi baada ya baada ya uzinduzi wa mwongozo wa wa ukaguzi wa Mazingira kwa Miradi ya Ujenzi wa Majengo. Hafla ilifanyika leo Oktoba 18,2023 katika Mji wa Serikali, Mtumba Jijini Dodoma . Na.Alex Sonna-DODOMA Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Makamu wa Rais (Muungano na Mazingira) Mhe. Dkt. Selemani Jafo amelitaka Baraza la Taifa la Hifadhi na Usimamizi wa Mazingira (NEMC) kuongeza wigo wa kuandaa miongozo ya tathimini ya athari za mazingira (TAM) kupitia sekta za viwanda, nishati, kilimo na maji ili kuharakisha zoezi la mapitio ya miradi ya tathimini za athari kwa mazingira. Waziri Jafo ametoa maagizo hayo leo Oktoba 18, 2023 Jijini Dodoma wakati akizindua mwongozo wa ukaguzi wa mazingira kwa miradi ya ujenzi wa majengo ulioandaliwa na NEMC kwa kushirikiana na Kituo cha Sayansi na Mazingira cha Nchini India (CSE), Dkt. Jafo amesema uhifadhi na usimamizi wa mazingira ni mojawapo ya maeneo ya vipaumbele vilivyopo katika malengo makuu ya Serikali. Dkt. Jafo amesema mwongozo ambao umezingatia mahitaji halisi ya nchi ikiwemo ukuaji wa miji na majiji, limeipa NEMC mamlaka ya kuhakikisha hali ya mazingira inaboreshwa nchini kwa kusaidia uboreshaji wa afya ya jamii ikiwa ni pamoja na mazingira vinalindwa na kuweka mazingira bora ya uwekezaji nchini. ‘’Kipengele Na. 17 cha Makubaliano ya Mkutano wa Umoja wa Mataifa kuhusu Maendeleo Endelevu unazitaka nchi wanachama kuhusisha tathmini za athari za mazingira katika miradi ambayo inasababisha madhara kimazingira…. katika kutekeleza kipengele hicho zilianzisha taasisi, na kutengeneza Sera na Sheria ikiwa ni pamoja na Kanuni kama ilivyo kwenye Kanuni ya Athari ya Mazingira za Mwaka 2005 na zile za Mwaka 2018’’ amesema Dkt. Jafo. Aidha Waziri Jafo amesema Tathmini za Athari kwa Mazingira (TAM) hufanyika ili kuweka mifumo bora ya kulinda mazingira ikiwa ni pamoja na kupunguza kiwango cha taka zinazozalishwa, kutoa kipaumbele katika masuala ya jamii, kuainisha athari zilizopo na madhara yanayoweza jitokeza kutokana na miradi inayoanzishwa. Waziri Jafo amesema NEMC inapokea zaidi ya miradi 2000 kwa mwaka kwa ajili ya mapitio na kuongeza kuwa idadi hiyo ya miradi ni kubwa na itaweza kupitiwa kwa ufanisi iwapo kutakuwa na miongozo ya kila sekta kama inavyoelekezwa katika Sheria ya Mazingira ya Mwaka 2004. ”Naishukuru Serikali ya India kupitia kituo hicho kwa kushirikiana na NEMC katika kuandaa mwongozo huo kwani ushirikiano huo ni ishara ya ya matokeo ya ushIrikiano wa taasisi hizo katika kupatia ufumbuzi wa changamoto za kimazingira.”amesema Dkt. Jafo Awali Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Baraza la Taifa la Hifadhi na Usimamizi wa Mazingira (NEMC) Dkt. Samwel Gwamaka amesema kwa muda mrefu kumekuwepo na changamoto ya usimamizi wa tathmini ya athari kwa mazingira kupitia maandiko ya miradi mbalimbali yanayowasilishwa kwa ajili ya utoaji wa vibali vya mazingira. “Awali wataalamu wetu hawakuwa na mwongozo wa maandiko ya tathmini ya miradi ya athari za mazingira ambayo inakidhi matakwa ya Sheria ya Usimamizi wa Mazingira na kanuni zake hivyo baada ya uzinduzi huu sasa wataalamu elekezi wa mazingira na wadau watakuwa na mwongozo wa uaandaji wa maandiko kwa kuzingatia viwango na ubora unaohitajika” amesema Dkt. Gwamaka. Naye Mkurugenzi wa Kituo cha Sayansi na Mazingira cha Nchini India (CSE), Bw.Nivit Yadav amesema Tanzania ni nchi ya tatu Bara la Afrika yenye kasi kubwa ya idadi ya watu na nchi ya pili kwa Mataifa ya Afrika Mashariki kuwa na kasi ya ukuaji wa sekta ya ujenzi, hivyo suala la tathmini ya miradi ya ujenzi ni jambo muhimu linalopaswa kupewa kipaumbele katika uhifadhi na usimamizi wa mazingira. Amesema Sheria ya Uhifadhi na Usimamizi wa Mazingira ya mwaka 2004 imeanisha vipaumbele mbalimbali vya utekelezaji wa Sheria hiyo ikiwemo kanuni na miongozo ya utekelezaji ikiwemo ushirikiano baina ya Serikali w ikiwemo NEMC na CSE. Share this Article Facebook Twitter PREVIOUS ARTICLE MAKAMU WA RAIS AFANYA MAZUNGUMZO NA BALOZI WA JAPAN TANZANIA NEXT ARTICLE CNG IPEWE KIPAUMBELE KUENDESHA MITAMBO NA MAGARI NCHINI- KAMATI YA BUNGE

Plan for solar panels along Najafgarh drain in Delhi

Authorities plan to install more than 10,000 solar panels along a 6-km stretch of the Najafgarh drain as a pilot project, people aware of the proposal said on Monday, adding that the project, which will be executed jointly by the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) and BSES, will generate around 5MW of power. The people said that the plan was first floated by lieutenant governor VK Saxena in April, when he chaired a high-level committee (HLC) on the Yamuna, in order to utilise the space along the drain. Saxena had directed the irrigation and flood control (I&FC) department to explore the possibility of installing solar panels along the drain, which is undergoing both beautification and de-silting. Delhi chief secretary Naresh Kumar had also suggested to the power department that SECI could be involved in identifying suitable solutions. An environment department official said after multiple feasibility checks — the latest of which was carried out October 5 — an initial proposal for generating 5MW has been approved in the latest HLC meeting, held on October 10. “The first survey was carried out along the drain by both SECI and I&FC on August 1. A 6-km stretch was identified from Dhansa to Ghummanhera. Subsequently, a meeting of BSES, the power department and I&FC officials was held on August 18 to identify the nearest grid to which these solar panels could be connected,” the official, who was part of the HLC meeting, said. The official added that six pockets have been identified along this stretch where mini-solar plants will be created to pool power from the solar panels. Another official aware of the matter said BSES will support SECI by taking this pooled power and integrating it in its grid network, adding that not only will the project utilise spare space along the drain, but also help Delhi achieve its solar targets. “BRPL (BSES Rajdhani Power Limited) shall help SECI in evacuating the power at two locations near Rawta and Ghummanhera, once SECI brings the pooled power till the identified points. It is anticipated that 10,000 – 12,000 solar panels will be installed by SECI under this project, but the final number may vary based on the panel ratings used in the project,” the second official said, adding that a final report on the project will also be submitted to the power department before work begins on the ground. The power generated is likely to be used in parts of southwest Delhi, officials said. In 2022, Delhi unveiled its new draft solar policy, setting an ambitious target of generating 6,000MW of power through solar energy by 2025. This goal included the installation of rooftop solar systems generating 750MW, and generating 5,250 MW through utility-scale projects situated outside Delhi. Binit Das, deputy programme manager, renewable energy, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), said the project is likely to be part of a broader initiative for utility-scale projects across the city. “Due to Delhi’s high population density, implementing solar projects within the city poses challenges. Projects like the one along the Najafgarh drain provide a solution, generating renewable electricity without occupying valuable arable or habitable land. However, it is crucial to ensure proper structural design to avoid issues related to cleaning and maintenance in the future,” Das said, adding that Chandigarh too was exploring 8.5 MW in solar generation on similar lines, which included four canal-top solar PV projects.