Environment And Forest

Floriculture – a Gainful Livelihood Option

2012-01-09T04:13:00.001-08:00

A progressive farmer from Radang in East Sikkim, Bishnu Kumar Rai has embraced floriculture as a livelihood option since 2008. He cultivates roses in a 650 sq feet land and a green house provided by the State horticulture department.

Rai was first introduced to floriculture by his wife who attended a week long training programme supported by the State horticulture department on General Green House Management at the Horticulture training centre, Talegaon Dabhade in Pune. Later, he acquired further knowledge on floriculture by attending a training programme organized by the department and started reaping the dividends. He has constructed a 80 X 18 feet green house with his own contribution and help from State horticulture department.

So far, this year, Rai has sold roses worth Rs. 1 lakh 60 thousands and is hoping to cross Rs. 1 lakh 70 thousand in sales by the end of this year from the 5000 planted saplings. The selling price of rose per stick is Rs. 3 during off-season and Rs. 5 in peak season. Having taken up floriculture three years ago, this horticulturist has made Rs. 96,000 in the first year and Rs. 1.45 lakhs in the second year through sales. He follows the drip irrigation technology which saves water and fertilizer by allowing water to drip slowly to the roots of the plants, either on the soil surface or directly into the root zone through a network of valves, pipes, tubes and emitters.

After gaining experience in rose cultivation, Rai has branched off to cultivate Jarvera from April 2011 and has already earned more than Rs. 30,000 by selling cut flowers. He is selling 100 sticks every day at the rate of Rs 4 per piece. It is easy to cultivate Jarvera as compared to rose as risk of disease is very less in it and Jarvera blossoms 12 months a year, he said. He is expecting to earn Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 60,000 from 800 plants this year and receives whole hearted support from his wife in this profession.

This energetic farmer has a future plan to develop his area as a floriculture belt and remains committed to cultivate flowers suitable in his 1 acre land. He has not limited himself to flowers but has been cultivating vegetables for almost two decades. He grows cabbages, cauliflower, broccoli, carrot, tomato and other green vegetables.

Rai had won the 2nd prize of Rs. 15,000 along with a certificate during the Horticulture Show 2011 held at Saramsa. He had also bagged a cash 3rd prize of Rs. 5,000 in vegetable (tomato) category during the Kharif Kisan Mela 2008 held at Saramsa.

Central PSEs to Set up Renewable Energy Projects

2011-12-30T00:05:00.001-08:00

The Government has recently decided to ask all Central PSEs to set up renewable energy projects or voluntarily procure Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) as a part of their Energy Management Programme for sustainable development. The scope of the Energy Management Programme has been expanded by including Renewable Energy as a specific activity to be pursued by the Central PSEs. The Department of Public Enterprises under the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises has issued Office Memorandum on 19th December, 2011 which, inter alia, calls for use of renewable energy. The central PSEs can implement carbon management plan by participating in any of the Missions under the National Action Plan under Climate Change. They may purchase Renewable Energy Certificates to offset their carbon footprints. This decision, which will become a part of the MoUs signed by the CPSEs and the administrative Ministries/ Departments is expected to accelerate the growth of the emerging market for RECs in the country and make it a valuable business model.

Migratory birds coming to India in winter season

2011-12-27T00:17:00.001-08:00

As Winter sets in, migratory birds from Magnolia, Siberia, and Europe can be seen in the Indores water bodies . As exotic variety of winged visitors are enthralling bird lovers near Sirpur, Yashwant Sagar, Bilawali pond, Machal and Manpur regions.

Indian subcontinent plays host to a number of migratory birds in summers as well as winters over a hundred species of migratory birds fly to India, either in search of feeding grounds of to escape the severe winter of their native habitat.

The beauty of the birds, combined with the splendor of the natural environment provides perfect setting for a nature lover.

Usually, Kingfisher, Rosy, Pelican, Wood Sandpiper, Starling Bluethroat, Long billed Pipit birds start migrating towards other areas when they perceive the tailwind to be favorable. However, once they start their migration, nothing can stop them except extremely bad weather.

Many birds like Siberian Cranes, Greater Flamingo, Ruff and Black winged Stilt prefer to fly at a higher altitude while migrating. They start journey when they feel they have put on enough fat to provide them energy throughout the journey.

Tendency to aggregate into flocks is another determinant of the time of migration. Even after the flock, which has to fly together, has gathered, the birds keep on feeding till the weather condition becomes favorable. Availability of food plays role in determination of time of migration.

Funds Released for Forest Cover in the Country and Area Approved Under the National Afforestation Scheme During 2000-01 to 2011-12

2011-12-22T23:16:00.000-08:00

S. No.	State	Total Release (in crore)	Total area (in ha.)
1.	Andhra Pradesh	102.75	80617
2.	Bihar	42.24	34128
3.	Chhattisgarh	200.84	112297
4.	Goa	0.64	1250
5.	Gujarat	165.23	91715
6.	Haryana	132.54	48434
7.	Himachal Pradesh	65.68	49095
8.	Jammu and Kashmir	59.27	65494
9.	Jharkhand	126.82	96500
10.	Karnataka	169.36	101920
11.	Kerala	55.07	35614
12.	Madhya Pradesh	175.55	142347
13.	Maharashtra	158.64	123126
14.	Orissa	120.34	130717
15.	Punjab	21.91	18109
16.	Rajasthan	58.79	49190
17.	Tamil Nadu	112.03	71176
18.	Uttar Pradesh	222.67	139674
19.	Uttrakhand	76.81	70743
20.	West Bengal	52.86	43423
21.	Arunachal Pradesh	31.21	33446
22.	Assam	71.58	52605
23.	Manipur	70.09	40655
24.	Meghalaya	34.70	23045
25.	Mizoram	125.48	55090
26.	Nagaland	77.05	50218
27.	Sikkim	70.84	29782
28.	Tripura	46.90	41961
	Grant Total	2647.89	18.2404

Decline in Minor Forest Produce

2011-12-20T21:30:00.000-08:00

Intensive development schemes do nor result in the availability of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) which constitutes a major part of livelihood of tribal population. It does not have effects on food security and the environment.

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj constituted a Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. T. Haque to look into various aspects of management of Minor Forest Produce (MFP). Based on this report, the Planning Commission is monitoring to carry forward its recommendations with specific regard to assessing present condition of important MFPs, availability of planting materials, training on sustainable productivity and preparation of management/working plans of MFPs.

Construction of New Highways through Tiger and Elephant Habitats

2011-12-20T21:28:00.001-08:00

whether the proposed expansions of certain National Highways and construction of proposed new highways will pass through vital tiger and elephant habitats especially Jaipur-Alwar Highway in Sariska, NH-7 in Kanha-Pench corridor, NH-6 in Nagzira-Navegaon-Melghat landscape, NH-69 through Ratapani Tiger Reserve, proposed Vijayawada-Ranchi Highway through tiger and elephant habitats in Odisha; and

(b) if so, whether Government has taken any steps to provide crucial wildlife corridors for the affected animals at convenient locations in order to save them from road accidents?

Proposals relating to expansion / upgradation of some National / State Highways involve corridors of wild animals, as identified at a macro level.

Appropriate safeguards for wild animals are made conditional, while dealing with such proposals on a case-to-case basis, keeping in mind the functional value of wildlife corridors.

Eco-System in NE States

2011-12-20T21:26:00.001-08:00

Fragmentation of habitats is known to have adverse impact on biodiversity. Taking note of this in the North Eastern States, the Government has taken up a number of measures. These inter alia include the following:

(i) Documentation of plant and animal diversity of the north eastern States by the regional centres of the Botanical Survey in India and the Zoological Survey of India, respectively.

(ii) Biodiversity characterisation at the landscape level using satellite remote sensing in parts of North-eastern India jointly by the Department of Biotechnology and Department of Space in order to comprehensively map the bioresources, including providing population status of more than 1000 species.

(iii) Establishment of the Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development in Imphal, Manipur in 2001 by Department of Biotechnology for development and sustainable utilization of bioresources through biotechnological interventions for socio-economic growth of the North-Eastern region.

(iv) Setting up of the North-Eastern Region-Biotechnology Programme Management Cell by Department of Biotechnology to effectively coordinate various programmes implemented in the region.

(v) Supporting of a number of research and development projects by the Government towards restoration of degraded habitats in the North Eastern region.

Promotion of Fruit Bearing Plantation in Forests

2011-12-20T21:25:00.001-08:00

The Ministry of Environment and Forests is implementing National Afforestation Programme (NAP) Scheme for regeneration of degraded forests and adjoining areas in the country. The scheme is implemented through a decentralized mechanism of State Forest Development Agency (SFDA) at State level, Forest Development Agency (FDA) at Forest Division level and Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) at village level.

The plantation species is selected by the members of JFM Committees on the basis of their needs, ecological conditions and other local factors in consultation with the Forest Department. The native forest species are encouraged for plantation in the forest areas giving importance to trees with multiple uses including fruit bearing trees. Ministry of Environment and Forests does not have any specific direction for percentage of fruit bearing trees to be planted as it is decided by the JFM Committees considering local conditions and the micro plan of the area.

Generation Based Incentive (GBI) schemes separately for wind and solar energy.

2011-12-17T02:47:00.000-08:00

The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy has already introduced Generation Based Incentive (GBI) schemes separately for wind and solar energy.

Under the scheme for wind power, a GBI @ Rs. 0.50 per unit of electricity fed into the grid is provided for a period not less than 4 years and a maximum period of 10 years with a cap of Rs. 62 lakhs per MW. The scheme is in parallel with accelerated depreciation but on a mutually exclusive manner. The total disbursement in a year should not exceed one fourth of the maximum limit of the incentive i.e. Rs. 15.50 lakhs per MW during the first four years. The Scheme includes captive wind power projects, but excludes third party sale, (viz. merchant power plants).

Under the Scheme for Solar Energy, GBI is provided to support small grid solar power projects connected to the distribution grid (below 33 KV) to the state utilities. Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) has selected 78 projects with a total capacity of about 98 MW for which the Ministry will provide GBI of Rs. 12.41 per kWh to the State utilities when they directly purchase solar power from the project developers. The quantum of GBI to the utilities is kept fixed, as a difference of the CERC tariff for 2010-11 (Rs. 17.91 per kWh) and a reference tariff of Rs. 5.5 per kWh. These projects are expected to be commissioned during 2011-12. Currently, the scheme is not open to accept new project proposals.

The eligibility criteria for both the schemes are given below:

GBI for Wind Power

There is no minimum capacity fixed under the scheme. The scheme is applicable for the projects commissioned on/after 17.12.2009. Eligibility criteria is that projects should not avail accelerated depreciation and should sell the electricity to grid at a tariff fixed by SERC and/or/State Govt. The projects have to register on-line with Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA).

GBI for Solar Power Projects

Grid solar power projects in the capacity range of 100 kW to 2 MW each, connected to HT grid below 33 KV are eligible under the scheme. A project developer is required to be initially pre-registered with the state designated agency and thereafter register online with IREDA. The first 100 MW capacity projects registered with IREDA are eligible for GBI. The project developer is also required to meet the technical requirements on performance and grid connectivity of the solar power plant.

Suo Moto Statement in Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Environment and Forests (I/C) on Durban Agreements

2011-12-17T02:44:00.000-08:00

Following is the uncorrected text of a Suo Moto Statement made by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan, Minister of State for Environment and Forests (Independent Charge) in Lok Sabha today: -

“Hon’ble Speaker,

I rise to make a statement on the deliberations held in the United Nations climate change conference in Durban last week. The decisions taken in the Durban Conference have implications not only for the protection of global environment but also for sustainable growth in our country.

The climate change conference is held every year under the auspices of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Kyoto Protocol. The key aim of the Durban Conference, this year was to complete the ongoing work as per the Bali Road Map. At Bali in 2007, it had been decided that the implementation of the Convention will be enhanced by a series of steps on finance, technology, adaptation and mitigation. At the same time, it had been decided that the Parties to Kyoto Protocol will finalize their targets for second commitment period commencing from 2013.

The negotiations in the two tracks have been going on for the last four years. The Copenhagen Conference held in 2009 which had to finalize the targets for developed countries during the second commitment period failed to take the necessary decisions. The situation was partially retrieved at Cancun last year when some of the decisions relating to Bali Action Plan could be finalized and some Parties agreed to indicate their voluntary pledges for emission reduction. However, the decisions regarding the Kyoto Protocol could not be taken and all aspects of the Bali Action Plan were not fully implemented.

Durban Conference was held against this background. Operationalizing the Cancun agreements was one of its important tasks. This included work on the transparency arrangements for mitigation pledges and actions, setting up the Green Climate Fund, the Adaptation Committee, and the Climate Technology Centre and Networks. At the same time, it had to complete the unfinished work in respect of the Bali Action Plan and the Kyoto Protocol. It had also been agreed in Cancun that legal options will be explored in Durban to implement the relevant decisions in a legally appropriate form.

India has followed a clear, consistent and compassionate strategy to the climate change negotiations. Our stand in these matters has always been based on equity and the principle of common but differentiated responsibility. At Durban, we were also conscious of the fact that the term of the Ad-hoc Working Groups on Kyoto Protocol and Long Term Cooperative Action was coming to an end. We, therefore, considered it important that the decisions relating to the Kyoto Protocol and the Bali issues were concluded in Durban.

Against this background, I am happy to inform the House that the Durban conference has taken some important decisions in relation to these issues.

The Durban Conference has established the second commitment period for the developed countries that are Party to Kyoto Protocol. The targets have been decided through a decision in Durban. These targets will now be converted into actual emission limits in 2012 at the next session of the parties in Qatar. A time frame of 5 years till 2017 has been given to the Kyoto Protocol Parties for ratification of the targets and the emission limits.

This is a major achievement, considering the fact that this decision had been delayed by almost two years because of the insistence of main Kyoto Protocol Parties on a single and comprehensive legally binding treaty, to be negotiated first and made applicable to all parties of the Convention. Durban decisions have ensured that the only legally binding protocol under the Convention i.e., Kyoto Protocol will continue for another 5 years into its second commitment period till 2017.

Another major decision taken in Durban was to begin a process to negotiate on the future arrangements for enhanced actions under the Convention. This is intended to raise the ambition of all Parties towards the global goal of climate stabilization. The Durban Conference has decided to launch Durban Platform for conducting negotiations on the arrangements for a future protocol or a legal instrument or an agreed outcome with legal force, to be finalized no sooner than 2015 and to be implemented not later than 2020. The new arrangements will be designed under the existing Convention and will hence, be subject to the relevant principles and provisions of the Convention including the principles of equity and the Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR).

A new ad-hoc working group has been set up to finalise the details. The arrangements will be negotiated in the light of assessment of progress made by parties in implementing their commitments and actions as per the Bali Action Plan and the Cancun agreements. 5th assessment report of the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the outcomes of 2013-2015 review and the work of the subsidiary bodies will be the basis of making assessment of the nature of arrangements needed.

The issue of an appropriate legal form for the future arrangements by 2020 was a matter of intense debate at Durban. As per the decision on Durban Platform, three options for the legal form of final arrangements were envisaged, namely: a protocol, a legal instrument or legal outcome. Some parties led, in particular, by the EU pressed for a form of agreement that should be legally binding on all Parties.

India has always believed that legal form should follow the substance. A legally binding agreement, by itself, is no guarantee for increased ambition or its implementation. Some Kyoto Protocol Parties have recently made unilateral announcements to renounce their legal obligations under the Kyoto Protocol. This is a clear pointer to the fact that a legal form is useful only as long as the party is willing to abide by it. Moreover, India has always taken a stand that India cannot agree to a legally binding agreement for emissions reduction at this stage of our development. Our emissions are bound to grow as we have to ensure our social and economic development and fulfill the imperative of poverty eradication.

Some Parties led by the European Union wanted to delete the option relating to ‘legal outcome’ which was originally mooted by India., We successfully resisted this pressures and in turn suggested a similar expression ‘agreed outcome with legal force’ which found acceptance with all the Parties. The post 2020 arrangements, when finalized, may include some aspirational CoP decisions, binding CoP decisions, setting up of new institutions and bodies, and new protocols or other legal instruments as necessary to implement the decisions covering various issues with various degrees of binding-ness as per domestic or international provisions of law under the Convention.

I must clarify that this decision does not imply that India has to take binding commitments to reduce its emissions in absolute terms in 2020. India has already announced a domestic mitigation goal of reducing the emissions intensity of its output by 20-25% by 2020 in comparison with 2005 level. This goal is relative in nature and allows India’s emissions to grow as the economy grows. Our National Action Plan on Climate Change is designed to meet this objective. Further steps to implement a strategy that will meet this domestic goal are being taken as part of implementation of the 12th Five Year Plan.

India ensured that the new arrangements in 2020 are established under the Convention. This will ensure that the principles and provisions of the Convention will continue to apply to the arrangements to be developed. India will negotiate the nature of agreed outcome strictly in accordance with the principle of equity and common but differentiated responsibility as provided under the Convention.

Further, the Durban decision mandates that the ‘outcome’ has to be agreed by all parties before it is implemented through legal arrangements having force. The decision allows India the necessary flexibility over the choice of appropriate legal form to be decided in future. This choice will be guided by our national development imperatives and the principles of the Convention.

Hon’ble speaker

We are fully conscious of the immense responsibility that the Durban decisions have now placed on us. It is of paramount importance that the issue of equity is brought to the centre-stage of negotiations in future. With this objective in mind, India had proposed at Durban that the issues of equity, unilateral trade measures and technology related intellectual property rights should be included in the agenda of the conference of parties.

I am happy to inform that the importance of the issue of equity has been recognized and the Ad Hoc working Group on Long term Cooperative Action (AWG-LCA) has decided to organize a workshop on the matter next year. The deliberations of the workshop will inform the outcomes on relevant issues under the working group whose term has been extended till December 2012. The importance of the other two issues has also been noted by the CoP and the issues are now part of the discussion text that is under consideration of the AWG-LCA for decisions in Qatar next year.

CoP-17 also took an important decision of establishing the Green Climate Fund, which will commence its operations immediately with an interim Secretariat and a Board. The Fund will help a large number of vulnerable countries in taking effective mitigation and adaptation actions. India played a facilitating role in ensuring that the Fund is established in Durban. Substantial progress was also made in relation to operationalizing the Adaptation Committee and the Climate Technology Centre and Networks.

Hon’ble Speaker

India participated in the conference with an open mind and constructive spirit. Our primary objective was to protect India’s long term interest in the climate change negotiations. In this matter, we have been guided by the political consensus that has been the hallmark of our national position on the issue of climate change ever since this matter became a global concern decades ago.

Next few years will be a period of intensive negotiations on the future arrangements. We will continue to pursue a vision of the future that is rooted in the Convention and its principles. I am confident that the house will continue to share this vision of the Government and support the future steps that will have to be taken. I remain willing to be guided and advised.

State-Wise Forest Cover in the Country

2011-12-11T22:14:00.001-08:00

(Area in ha.)

Category	2009 (Area diverted)	2010 (Area diverted)	2011 (Area diverted)
Defence	2004.04	3109.66	826.45
Dispensary / Hospital	8.31	1.6	0.14
Disputed Settlement claims	0	0	0
Drinking water	52.45	47.48	540.02
Encroachments	504.56	0	0
Forest village conversion	0	0	0
Hydel	317.39	3843.89	927.28
Irrigation	6152.18	7652.40	4144.22
Mining	7126.65	14184.24	10987.69
Others	61281.59	955.62	1918.51
Railway	378.84	615.92	728.49
Rehabilitation	114.43	1290.00	1
Road	5155.89	6414.56	3854.43
School	19.73	6.16	15.82
Thermal	663.86	790.86	98.39
Transmission Line	1969.80	3094.57	1520.41
Village electricity	7.68	0.16	4.96
Wind Power	1005.17	577.57	157.86
Total	86782.57	42584.68	25725.66

Assistance for Development of Forests in States Under Intensification of Forest Management Scheme

2011-12-11T22:12:00.000-08:00

(Rs.in crore)

S. No.	States	Amount released 2011-12(November,2011)
Other States
1	Andhra Pradesh
2	Bihar
3	Chhattisgarh	4.30
4	Goa	0.00
5	Gujarat	1.84
6	Haryana	0.56
7	Himachal Pradesh	2.47
8	Jammu & Kashmir	0.00
9	Jharkhand	2.70
10	Karnataka	2.72
11	Kerala	1.36
12	Madhya Pradesh	5.22
13	Maharashtra	3.73
14	Orissa	1.33
15	Punjab	0.00
16	Rajasthan	1.61
17	Tamil Nadu	2.46
18	Uttar Pradesh	1.40
19	Uttarakhand	1.50
20	West Bengal	0.51
	Total	33.71
NE & Sikkim
1	Assam	0.89
2	Arunachal Pradesh	0.00
3	Manipur	1.59
4	Meghalaya	0.95
5	Mizoram	1.01
6	Nagaland	0.00
7	Sikkim	1.07
8	Tripura	0.35
	Total	5.86
Union Territories
1	A & N Islands	0.31
2	Chandigarh	0.34
3	D&N Haveli	0.00
4	Daman & Diu	0.00
5	Lakshadweep	0.00
6	New Delhi	0.00
7	Pondicherry	0.00
	Total	0.65
	Grand Total	40.22

The Four Day Conference-Cum-Exhibition to also Support the Sixth Regional Environmentally Sustainable Transport (EST) Forum in Asia

2011-12-03T23:21:00.001-08:00

India with 1.2 billion; over 31 per cent in cities; three mega cities with 10 million plus population,53 million pus cities and rapid pace of urbanization is poised at a critical threshold. Urban renewal and development has become a policy priority of the Government of India, which is an appropriate response to the challenge and a great potential opportunity. Cities that are livable, clean, green, energy efficient and sustainable need to be built. The most challenging impact of this urban growth and the rising income levels is the mobility crisis. This makes urban transport as the most important urban infrastructure for urbanisation and to ensure that lack of mobility does not become a bottleneck for economic growth, major investments shall have to be done in the field of urban transport in next 20years. The investment needed for urban transport in the 12th five year plan is of the order of Rs. 3,88,000Cr as per the report of the working group on urban transport submitted to planning commission recently.

In a continuing effort to get a better understanding of this critical issue, the Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India, has been organizing Urban Mobility India – a conference-cum-exhibition from 3-5th December of every year, for the last 4 years.

This year, Urban Mobility India (UMI) 2011 is being organized at The Manekshaw Centre (Dhaula Kuan) in Delhi from Dec 3rd to 6th, 2011. This year event is co-hosting 6th Regional Environmentally Sustainable Transport Forum(EST) having representation from about 40 countries with participation from 23 Asian countries. United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD), World Health Organization (WHO) and Ministry of the Environment Government of Japan are partner organizers.

Chaired by Prof. Saugata Roy, Minister of State (Urban Development) the conference-cum-exhibition will bring together under one roof the technology and service providers in urban transport from India and abroad in various modes such as pedestrians, non-motorized transport, bus operations, BRT, LRT, metro rail, environment and traffic management, congestion management, ropeways, parking and ITS etc., as well as, the policy makers, practitioners and officials.

Key note addresses would be delivered by Dr. E Sreedharan, MD, Delhi Metro and Mr. Robert O’Keefe, Vice President of the Heath Effect Institute (HEI) and Chairman of CAI-Asia. Shri Kamal Nath, Minister for Urban Development, will present Urban Mobility Awards to selected and best urban transport initiatives/projects.

The Conference and expo shall be formally inaugurated on 4th December 2011 by Saugata Roy, Minister of State for Urban Development. The awards would be presented by Minister for Urban Development during valedictory session on 6th December. The technical sessions as well as round tables cover almost entire gamut of issues relating to urban transport from pedestrianisation to metro including PPP, accessibility, intelligent transport System, land use and transport planning, public health and safety, last mile connectivity, mode choices for public transport, people and environment friendly urban transport planning, sustainable mobility and large housing projects, nationally appropriate mitigation actions (NAMA), financing options, fare integration for seamless travel, bike sharing, green freight etc.

About 1000 delegates are expected to participate in this four day event from all over India representing almost all the agencies including traffic police, planners, engineers, policy makers, consultants, industry etc. Post graduate Students and research scholars from various institutions are also participating.

Education of Tribals

2011-12-03T04:42:00.001-08:00

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs supplements the efforts of Ministry of Human Resource Development through the implementation of the following schemes for promotion of education among the tribals in the county:

(i) Post-Matric Scholarship for ST students
(ii) Scheme of Construction of Hostels for ST Girls and Boys
(iii) Scheme of Establishment of Ashram School in Tribal Sub-Plan Areas
(iv) Upgradation of Merit of ST students
(v) Scheme of strengthening education among Scheduled Tribes (ST) Girls in Low Literacy Districts
(vi) Grants-in-aid to voluntary organization (under which residential, non-residential schools hostels run by NGOs for ST students are supported)
(vii) Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for STs
(viii) Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship for STs
(ix) Top Class Education for ST students.

Apart from above schemes, Ministry administers the programme of Grant under Article 275(1) of the Constitution of India under which grant is also used for setting up “Eklavaya Model Residential Schools” (EMRS) for providing quality education to ST students (both girls and boys) from class VI to XII. The guidelines of EMRS provide that the sanctioned strength of the school will be 480 students.

The Government has launched a new variant of National Literacy Mission, as ‘Saakshar Bharat’ on 8th September 2009, with specific objective of improving adult literacy, especially among women, SCs and STs and other disadvantaged section in the country. The programme encompasses functional literacy, skill development, equivalency programme and life long learning opportunities through continuing education. The programme is presently sanctioned in 372 districts of the country including State/UTs with large tribal population like Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Manipur, Chhattisgarh, Tripura, Jharkhand and Odisha.

Forest Cover in the Country

2011-11-29T21:35:00.001-08:00

Increased urbanisation, industrialisation and rehabilitation does not shrink forestsday-by-day. According to the India State of Forest Report 2009, based upon the biennial assessment by Forest Survey of India, there is an increase in the forest cover of the country from 690171 square km in 2005 to 690899 square km in 2007. The Ministry diverts the forest land mainly for the purpose of defence, health, drinking water, irrigation, railway, roads etc. The Ministry of Environment & Forests is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Afforestation Programme (NAP) Scheme for regeneration of degraded forests and adjoining areas in the country. The scheme is being implemented through a decentralized mechanism of State Forest Development Agency (SFDA) at State level, Forest Development Agency (FDA) at Forest Division level and Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) at village level. As on 31.10.2011, 800 FDA projects have been approved in 28 States in the country to treat an area of 18.32 lakh ha. since inception of the scheme in 2002.

Beside NAP, following steps have been taken are being taken to increase the forest cover in the country:

· 13th Finance Commission has recommended Rs. 5000 crore for five years starting from 2010-11 for conservation and development of forests.

· Additional Central assistance of Rs. 81.66 Crore has been released to the States during 2009-10 for Restoration and Regeneration of Forest Cover.

· Tree planting is also an approved activity under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), and other schemes of Central and State Governments.

· The national mission for a Green India has been launched, as on of the eight Mission under the National Action Plan on Climate Change. The Mission focuses on enhancing ecosystem services and carbon sink through afforestation and ecorestoration of 10 million ha. of forest and non forest lands over 12th and 13th Plan period.

Tilting of Hills near Tehri Dam

2011-11-29T21:31:00.001-08:00

The chances of occurrence of reservoir induced seismicity at Tehri dam are minimal. Ministry of Environment & Forests had entrusted a study on Assessment of Cumulative Impact of Hydropower Projects in Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Basins up to Devprayag to the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee. The seismological network around Tehri region has been reviewed since 1994, which has provided information on the pattern of local seismicity in the vicinity of proposed hydropower projects. The findings in the preliminary report indicate that there is no change in the pattern of local seismicity within 40 km of Tehri dam.

The objectives of the study inter alia include accessing the cumulative impact of commissioned, under construction and proposed hydro power projects in Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Basins on the flow of river Ganga. The Hydro Power Projects are considered as per the provisions of Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2006

Delay in Forest Clearances

2011-11-29T21:25:00.001-08:00

In most of the cases time taken by the State/ UT Governments to process the proposals seeking prior approval of the Central Government under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 for diversion of forest land for non-forest purpose is more than the time line stipulated in the Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2003. Many a time, due to non-submission of essential information/ documents by the State/UT Governments, the Central Government needs to request the State/ UT Government concerned to submit such information/ documents as may be required, resulting in delay in the decision by the Central Government on such proposals. State/ UT-wise number of proposals on which decision of the Central Government under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 is pending due to non-receipt of essential information/document from the concerned State/ UT Governments.

The State/UT Governments have been requested from time to time to submit the proposals as per the time line prescribed in the Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2003

State/ UT-wise number of proposals on which decision of the Central Government under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 is pending due to non-receipt of essential information/ document from the concerned State/ UT Governments

(As on 24.11.2011)

Sl. No.	Name of State	No. of Proposals
1	Andaman & Nicobar Island	6
2	Andhra Pradesh	31
3	Arunachal Pradesh	10
4	Assam	6
5	Bihar	10
6	Chandigarh	5
7	Chhattishgarh	28
8	Dadar & Nagar Haveli	3
9	Daman & Diu	2
10	Delhi	2
11	Goa	3
12	Gujarat	78
13	Haryana	453
14	Himachal Pradesh	274
15	Jammu & Kashmir	0
16	Jharkhand	36
17	Karnataka	24
18	Lakshadweep	0
19	Kerala	5
20	Madhya Pradesh	78
21	Maharashtra	42
22	Manipur	6
23	Meghalaya	5
24	Mizoram	3
25	Nagaland	0
26	Orissa	16
27	Puducherry	0
28	Punjab	516
29	Rajasthan	38
30	Sikkim	2
31	Tamil Nadu	12
32	Tripura	18
33	Uttar Pradesh	53
34	Uttarakhand	111
35	West Bengal	1
Total		1,877

Two more Biomass Cookstove Projects under Implementation

2011-11-25T05:08:00.000-08:00

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy launched the National Biomass Cookstove Initiative(NBCI) on 2nd December 2009 with the primary aim to enhance the availability of clean and efficient energy for the energy deficient and poorer sections of the country. During the year 2010-11, the Ministry took up a pilot scale project for demonstration of 400 nos. of community cookstoves in Anganwadis, Mid-Day Meal schemes in schools in a few states, namely, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh and Orissa. Two more such projects are under way for implementation.

48 Cities to be Developed as Solar Cities

2011-11-25T05:06:00.000-08:00

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy proposes to develop 60 cities as solar cities. So far, based on proposals received by the Government from various Sates, ‘in-principle’ approval has been given to 48 cities to be developed as solar cities in the country. Out of these, sanctions have been given to 37 cities which have engaged consultants for preparation of Master Plans.

State-wise list of 48 Cities for which In-Principle approval has been given and 37 Cities (with * mark) for which sanctions have been issued is given below:-

Sl.No.	State	Cities for which in-principle approval given
1	Andhra Pradesh	1. Vijayawada*
2	Assam	2. Guwahati, 3. Jorhat
3	Arunachal Pradesh	4. Itanagar*
4	Chandigarh	5. Chandigarh *
5	Chhattisgarh	6. Bilaspur* 7. Raipur*
6	Gujarat	8. Rajkot* 9. Gandhinagar* 10.Surat*
7	Goa	11. Panji City*
8	Haryana	12. Gurgaon* 13. Faridabad*
9	Himachal Pradesh	14. Shimla * 15. Hamirpur*
10	Karnataka	16. Mysore* 17. Hubli-Dharwad*
11	Kerala	18. Thiruvananthapuram 19. Kochi
12	Maharashtra	20. Nagpur * 21. Thane* 22.Kalyan-Dombiwali* 23. Aurangabad 24. Nanded 25. Shirdi*
13	Madhya Pradesh	26. Indore 27.Gwalior* 28. Bhopal 29. Rewa
14	Manipur	30. Imphal*
15	Mizoram	31. Aizawl*
16	Nagaland	32. Kohima* 33.Dimapur*
17	Orissa	34. Bhubaneswar*
18	Punjab	35. Amritsar* 36. Ludhiana* 37. SAS Nagar (Mohali)
19	Rajasthan	38. Ajmer 39. Jaipur 40. Jodhpur*
20	Tamil Nadu	41. Coimbatore *
21	Tripura	42. Agartala*
22	Uttrakhand	43. Dehradun* 44. Haridwar&Rishikesh* 45. Chamoli-Gopeshwar*
23	Uttar Pradesh	46. Agra* 47. Moradabad*
24	West Bengal	48. Howrah

The criteria set by the Ministry for the identification of cities include a city population between 50,000 to 50 lakh (with relaxation given to special category States including North-East States), initiatives and regulatory measures already taken alongwith a high level of commitment in promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy.

So far, an amount of Rs.17.23 crore has been sanctioned for 37 cities, of which Rs. 2.75 crore has been released for utilization by the concerned State Nodal Agencies/ Municipal Corporations.

So far, the Master plans for 7 cities namely Agra, Moradabad from Uttar Pradesh, Thane & Kalyan-Dombivli from Maharashtra, Indore from Madhya Pradesh, Kohima from Nagaland and Aizawl from Mizoram have been finalized and the development of projects is in progress.

Renewable Energy Efficiency Proposal

2011-11-25T05:03:00.000-08:00

The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy is implementing a programme on Energy Efficient Solar/Green buildings which aims to promote the construction of energy efficient solar/green buildings including a green building rating system-Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA). Further, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has also developed Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) for ensuring energy efficiency in buildings. These are voluntary and are not proposed to be mandatory. However, the Committee of Secretaries has recommended for adoption of GRIHA ratings by Government/PSUs buildings.

The GRIHA Rating System and ECBC are applicable for the construction of new buildings. Under various programmes of the Ministry, installation of renewable energy systems and devices is being promoted in the country in the existing buildings also including buildings in the Government sector. The Ministry is also providing incentives under the Energy Efficient Solar/Green Building Programme towards capacity buildings, awareness etc. for the green buildings.

So far, 91 projects from various Government Departments, Public Sector Undertakings (PSU), and Educational Institutions including All India Institutes of Medical Sciences, with a total 3.4 million square meter built up area have been registered for the construction based on green rating norms for acquiring GRIHA Ratings. In addition, 16 Evaluators & Trainers Workshops for providing training to the Architects, Engineers and Officials from Central & State Governments and PSUs including Central Public Works Department, National Buildings Construction Corporation, National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd. etc. have been organized in the country. About 158 Trainers and 158 Evaluators have been trained through these training workshops who are further promoting green buildings in the country.

Solar Projects for Historical Monuments

2011-11-25T05:01:00.000-08:00

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is implementing a Scheme on demonstration of renewable energy systems including solar energy systems at places of national and international importance including historical monuments. Central financial assistance is provided for meeting cost of procurement and installation of systems and five years Annual Maintenance contract. The Ministry has so far supported eight projects at historical locations in various States under the Scheme. A list of these projects is given below:-

Sl.NO	Name of the project
1	Humayun`s Tomb, Delhi
2	Qutub Complex, Delhi
3	Group of monuments at Hampi, Karnataka
4	Saifee Villa, Dandi, Gujarat
5	Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan
6	Jantar Mantar, New Delhi
7	Safdarjung Tomb, New Delhi
8	Anandpur Sahib Fort

Golconda fort and Charminar being important historical monuments in Hyderabad have also been identified for support under the scheme.

The projects at historical locations are developed mainly through the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Regular interactions with the senior officers of ASI are held.

Detection of Cyclone in Coastal Areas

2011-11-24T04:41:00.000-08:00

Under the ‘Integrated Agro-meteorological Advisory Services(AAS) in the country’, India Meteorological Department(IMD) is already providing advisories to the farmers through SMSs and IVRS in collaboration with State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), institutions of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) etc.

Realized weather of the previous week and quantitative district level weather forecast for next 5 days in respect of rainfall, maximum temperature, minimum temperature, wind speed, wind direction, relative humidity and clouds as well as weekly cumulative rainfall forecast are provided. Further, crop specific advisories to help the farmers in taking farm level decisions are issued and widely disseminated through visual and print media. Free AAS services are rendered through the involvement of SAUs, state agricultural departments and ICAR institutions etc.

Nuclear Power is Our Gateway to a Prosperous Future :---By Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam & Mr. Srijan Pal Singh

2011-11-23T04:01:00.000-08:00

Every single atom in the universe carries an unimaginably powerful battery within its heart, called the nucleus. This form of energy, often called Type-1 fuel, is hundreds of thousands of times more powerful than the conventional Type-0 fuels, which are basically dead plants and animals existing in the form of coal, petroleum, natural gas and other forms of fossil fuel. Imagine a kilometre-long train, with about 50 freight bogies, fully laden with about 10,000 tonnes of coal. The same amount of energy can be generated by 500 kg of Type-1 fuel, naturally occurring Uranium, enough to barely fill the boot of a small car. When the technology is fully realised, one can do even better with naturally occurring Thorium, in which case the material required would be much less, about 62.5 kg, or even less according to some estimates.

Energy and economy

Today, India finds itself going through a phase of rapid ascent in economic empowerment. Our focus for this decade will be on the development of key infrastructure and the uplifting of the 600,000 villages where 750 million people live. All this will need massive energy. It is predicted that the total electricity demand will grow from the current 150,000 MW to at least over 950,000 MW by the year 2030.

International scenario on nuclear energy

So, will we allow an accident in Japan, in a 40-year-old reactor at Fukushima, arising out of extreme natural stresses, to derail our dreams to be an economically developed nation? When a few European countries, particularly Germany, decide to phase out nuclear power that should not become a blanket argument to take a view against our nuclear programme.

The decision of Germany suits its current scenario. It is a relatively power-sufficed nation— so it can afford to lose a few plants. More important, Germany has completely exhausted its nuclear resources.

The Indian population is misled when it is said that some Western nations have ended their nuclear programme, or that Japan is reconsidering nuclear power plant expansion. The study indicates that most of the prosperous nations are extracting about 30-40 per cent of power from nuclear power. In India, we are not generating even 5000 MW of nuclear power from the total of about 150 GW of electricity generation, most of it coming from coal. What is needed for our India, we Indians have to decide. Moreover, India is blessed with the rare, and very important, nuclear fuel of the future – Thorium. We cannot afford to lose the opportunity to emerge as the energy capital of the world. India has the potential to be the first nation to realise the dream of a fossil fuel-free nation, which will also relieve the nation of about $100 billion annually which we spend in importing petroleum and coal.

The greenest sources of power - solar and wind power are not stable and are dependent excessively on weather and sunshine. Nuclear power, on the other hand, provides a relatively clean, high-density source of reliable energy. Today, there are 29 countries operating 441 nuclear power plants, with a total capacity of about 375 GW(e). The industry now has more than 14,000 reactor-years of experience. Sixty more units, with a total target capacity of 58.6 GW, were under construction.

Much of the destructive power of nuclear accidents is compared against the benchmarks of the atomic bombing of Japan by the U.S. forces during the Second World War. You cannot compare a nuclear bomb with a nuclear power plant. Civilian nuclear applications in the form of a power plant are designed to deliver small amounts of energy in a sustainable manner over a far larger time frame.

Humankind’s ability to combat nuclear challenges

We need to put the Fukushima-Daiichi events in the historic frame of nuclear accidents and analyse them. While there was huge loss to property and disruption of normal life, there was no direct loss of life due to the accident. As a silver lining, the way the accident was handled — compared to the Chernobyl disaster of 1986 — showed how much progress we have achieved in nuclear emergency management. The Fukushima-Daiichi plant was almost five times as big in terms of power generation and contained about nine times the nuclear fuel. Yet, with better emergency management, the maximum radiation was less than 0.4 per cent of that released during the Chernobyl disaster.

On 6^th November 2011, both of us visited the much talked about 2000 MW Kudankulum nuclear plant to understand the plant’s safety features and how it is addressing the concerns of the people which have inflated as an aftermath of the Fukushima Nuclear Event. We spent the whole day there meeting scientists and experts, meeting the local people and also studying the various facilities of the plant first hand. At the end we were absolutely satisfied to understand that this plant is equipped with the latest technologies when it comes to safety.

There are four important aspects of safety in a nuclear power plant which have been addressed in the plant.

1) Structural Integrity Safety: The structure of the plant has been made with the highest safety standards which doubled containment and hermetically sealed to be safe against earthquakes. To counter any risk from Tsunami and cyclones, the plant is elevated, to a minimum height of 6 meter (pump house) and the auxiliary diesel sets are at a height of 9.3 meter with a redundancy of four times in the diesel generators. In the case of Fukushima, one of the primary reasons for structural collapse was the explosion in the hydrogen which got out of control. To counter this, Kudankulum plant has installed 154 Hydrogen recombiners across the plant which can absorb any leaked hydrogen and prevent any structural damage.

2) Thermal Hydraulic Safety: The most advanced safety feature in the Kudankulum plant is the installation of the Passive Heat Removal System (PHRS) which is latest in technology to ensure rapid cooling of the reactor in the event of a reactor problem. The PHRS is a unique steam recirculating system which can continue to cool the plant in the event of the failure of AC power and even when the worst possible scenario of coolant malfunction has occurred, without leaking any radiation in the atmosphere. There is also mechanism to rapidly cool the reactor in emergency situation using an elaborate system of showers which are installed in redundancy across the plant.

3) Neutronic Safety: In any nuclear plant the most important cause of failure can be the loss of ability to control the neutrons being generated which is done by a system called control rods. Besides the control rods, the Kundankulum Plant has uniquely implemented the latest technology in this domain – The Core Catcher. This is basically an underlying structure with Gadolium oxide which would “catch the neutrons” in the event of a highly unlikely meltdown. The core catcher is the ultimate defense which would, without any human intervention, or need of external power supply, cool down the fuel and reactor.

4) Waste Management: A popular myth is that nuclear waste is dumped into the oceans which kills marine life and contaminates water. This is completely false. Yes, many decades ago, some of the nations used to dump nuclear waste in deep oceans away from habitat but that practice is over now. With the closed loop cycle the waste generated per year from 1000 MW plant is less than 3% and that, after vitrification would not occupy a space of about 6 cubic meters.

Another argument is that the nuclear accidents and the radiation fallout would not only harm the exposed generation but also continue to impact generations to come. Post the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombing in 1945, the U.S. government established the Atomic Bombing Casualty Commission (ABCC) in 1946 which in 1974 was reconstituted as a joint venture between the U.S. and Japan as the Radiation Effects Research Foundation (RERF). The ABCC and the RERF have extensively studied the long-term impact of radiation and nuclear disaster across generations for over six decades. Contrary to popular belief, the findings clearly state that the effect of such exposure is limited only to the exposed generation.

In the wake of the recent natural disaster impacting the Daiichi plant in Fukushima, two concerns are prominent. The first is that of safety against the plant's disaster, and the second relates to the environmental impact and the nuclear waste which the plant generates.

Let us consider the second issue first.

Opportunity cost of nuclear energy

a) Abstinence from nuclear power is an incomplete response without the logical alternative. Some part of the future need, although only a small fraction, would come from solar and wind sources, with great unpredictability. A part would be offset by hydro-power too. But in all probability we will continue to increase our reliance on fossil-based fuel power generation methods.

Every year, human activities are adding about 30 billion tonnes of CO₂ into the atmosphere. The IPCC estimates that 26 per cent of this emission (about 7.6 billion tonnes) is a direct consequence of electricity generation requirements. The WHO estimates that about 1.3 million people lose their lives as a result of urban outdoor air pollution alone, and about 140,000 are causalities to adaptation challenges of climate change. Thus, the pollution caused by power generation activities, and the associated climate change are directly or indirectly responsible for about 481,000 deaths every year. Comparatively, in the case of the worst civilian nuclear disaster ever at Chernobyl, the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic radiation (UNSCEAR) predicted up to 4,000 cancer cases (often curable) due to the accident, besides 57 direct causalities.

Safety issues of nuclear power

b) Throughout the history of nuclear power generation there have been four major incidents of plant failure — the Kyshtym accident in fuel reprocessing in 1957, the relatively smaller Three Mile Island meltdown (United States), the much bigger Chernobyl accident (USSR, 1986) and the recent Japanese incident at Fukushima. The first accident was purely due to underdeveloped technology, and much of the blame for the next two disasters is attributed to human error. Even in the case of the Fukushima disaster of 2011, there were extraordinary natural forces in action — the rare occurrence of the tremendous stress load of an earthquake coupled with the unprecedented shear load of a tsunami. The occurrence of four failures in six decades cannot be made out as a case for completely disbanding the technology.

Let us take a few examples. In 1903, the Wright brothers translated into reality the remarkable dream of controlled human flight. In 1908, the first flight disaster occurred, which severely injured Orville Wright and killed his co-passenger. Today air accidents kill more than 1,500 people every year. Imagine whether we would be flying between distant cities, across oceans and continents, if the incident of 1908, or the ones later, were used as a reason to disband human flight?

The Indian space programme, which is now ranked among the best in the world, started with a failure in 1979 when our first rocket, instead of putting the satellite into a near-earth orbit, went into the Bay of Bengal. I was the Mission Director of the launch, and we were accused of putting a few crores of rupees into the sea. We did not wind up our dreams. The mission continued and the next year we were successful. The argument is that all failures and accidents propel us to think and develop better and safer technologies. Improvement, and not escapism, should be our step forward.

Nuclear fuel of the future: Thorium

Let us introduce a lesser-known member among radioactive materials — Thorium. Thorium is far more abundant, by about four times, than the traditional nuclear fuel, Uranium, and occurs in a far purer form, too. It is believed that the amount of energy contained in the Thorium reserves on earth is more than the combined total energy that is left in petroleum, coal, other fossil fuels and Uranium, all put together. And information revealed in an IAEA, International Atomic Energy Agency Report (2005) on Thorium fuels indicates that India might have the largest reserves of Thorium in the world, with over 650,000 tonnes. This is more than one-fourth of the total deposits of Thorium; in comparison, we have barely 1 per cent of the world's Uranium deposits. Thorium has many other advantages. It is estimated that Thorium may be able to generate (through Uranium-233 that could be produced from it) eight times the amount of energy per unit mass compared to (natural) Uranium. In the much debated issue of waste generation also, Thorium has a relative advantage. It produces waste that is relatively less toxic.

Being the largest owner of Thorium the opportunity is for India to vigorously pursue its existing nuclear programs with a special focus on research and development on the Thorium, which we are already undertaking. The power of the nucleus is mighty and the future of humanity lies in harnessing it in a safe and efficient manner. Affordable, clean and abundant energy provided by nuclear sources is our gateway to a future that is healthy, learned and connected — a future that will span deep into space and crosses the boundaries of current human imagination.

Conclusion: History is written by those who stood for their ideas

I was asking myself “What did I learn from great thinkers who have brought transformation?” From them I learnt no crowd mongers and no easy routes have ever brought progress and change to the nation. It is only the individual, the mighty mind and soul, which have transformed the world, brought the innovative transformation and he and she had the courage to stand alone for their idea and contribute which in course of time has been respected by the masses. I always cherish how Prof. Satish Dhawan can build a high performance space organization which has today sent so many satellites in the orbit or how minds like Dr. C. Subramaniam and Dr. M.S. Swaminathan brought the green revolution which today has enabled us to produce 235 million tonnes of food from 50 million tonnes in 1960s. They stood against the fear of failure, didn’t they? Our nuclear program is one of the indispensible keys to our future and our technological leadership, political leadership and every citizen of the nation must realize this.

First National Forestry Congress

2011-11-22T04:49:00.001-08:00

Jayanthi Natarajan appealed for more scientific analysis of the issues relating to forest management in the country in the midst of ever increasing pressure on the forests and climate change threat. Inaugurating the first Indian Forest Congress here today, Smt. Natarajan, Minister of State for Environment & Forests (Independent charge) said that in India agro and farm forestry has been promoted in recent years through various schemes and Externally Aided Projects to bridge the gap between demand and supply for timber and fuel wood and also as an alternative livelihood option to enhance the income farmers. This has potential to divert pressure on natural forests and it is one of the important activities under Green India Mission, one of the eight missions under India’s National Action Plan for Climate Change. This programme focuses on increasing quality of our forests, and proposes to a take a holistic view of greening through a landscape approach.

Referring to Man-animal conflict and bio-piracy, the Minister asked to address appropriately. Regarding Forest certification mechanism she said it is yet to take firm roots in our country but ways and means should be designed to build up a system for its effective implementation for overall betterment of our forest development. Stating importance of ecotourism she informed that its development has shown great potential for employment generation for local youth. This opportunity must be factored into sustainable management of our forests. She asked the experts to evolve innovative solutions for human-wildlife conflict, development of forest certification in the country and to assess the tangible and non-tangible benefits from the forests. She stressed the need for second generation reforms in the Joint Forest Management Programme (JFM) and recognition of the rights of the local people and their capacity building. She praised the community of foresters for doing commendable work in protecting the forests in the midst of increasing population pressure and stressed that current investment in forest management be increased for ensuring food and water security. She urged the need for strengthening the forest bureaucracy in order to meet the increasing pressure on the forests.

Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, Member of Rajya Sabha in his Presidential Address welcomed the initiatives of the Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education (ICFRE) to organize the First Forest Congress. Prof. Swaminathan lamented the fact that political commitment for forest conservation as shown by late Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi is lacking today. He stressed the need for the ICFRE to conduct focused research on Coastal, Mangroves, Hills and Dry Zones of the country. Many Van Vigyan Kendra need to be established in the country to promote Agro forestry, he added. He asked the DG, ICFRE to start projects on developing technologies for the mining rehabilitation as these areas need immediate interventions. Local heritage sites need to be given special attention in protecting the sacred groves, he further added.

Ms. Caitilin Wiesen, Country Director of UNDP–India stated that UNDP is supporting the efforts of mainstreaming the biodiversity conservation and forest based livelihoods. She welcomed the theme areas selected for the congress and pledged the support of UNDP to ICFRE. Mr. Maharaj Muthoo, President of Roman Forum, FAO in his introductory remarks informed the delegates about the international trends in forest management. Mr. A.K. Mukherjee, Former Director General of Forests, Government of India in his key note address proposed policy changes in the forestry programmes of the country. He stressed the need to bring more and more science in JFM and on tribal land issues.

The Minister released books entitled “Voices from the Field”, “Forestry in the Service of Nation - ICFRE Technologies” and “Status of JFM in India” all published by ICFRE. Addressing the gathering , Director General of Forests & Special Secretary to Government of India, Dr. P.J. Dilip Kumar stressed the need for capacity building of the JFM Committee members. Earlier, Dr. V.K. Bahuguna, Director General of the ICFRE & Chancellor of FRI University in his welcome address outlined the issues of the themes of the Seminar and said that for food and water security investment in forests need to be stepped up. Vote of Thanks was given by the Director of FRI and Vice Chancellor of the FRI University, Dr. S.S. Negi who is also Chairman of the Organizing Committee.

The 4-Day congress is being attended by the invited National & International Experts, Officers from the Government of India, Forest Department Officers, Scientists, Farmers, NGOs and others. There are 28 sub themes running parallel at NASC Complex. Special JFM conclave is also stated for 24th November 2011. The United Nations has declared the year 2011 as International Year of Forests and organization of First Indian Congress is most appropriate in showcasing the year long efforts of the country in celebrating various events during the International Year of Forests. Thirty six events have been organized during the year.

India Is Committed to Low Carbon Growth Strategy in Power Sector

2011-10-19T05:50:00.000-07:00

India is actively pursuing a low carbon growth strategy in the Power Sector to address climate related issues. This was stated by the Minister of Power Shri Sushilkumar Shinde at the International Energy Agency (IEA) Ministerial Meeting in Paris today. Shri Shinde was making an intervention during the session on “Accelerating the Transition to a Secure, Low Carbon Energy Future’ organised as part of the meeting. IEA meeting was attended by energy ministers of IEA member countries including USA, UK, France, Australia, Germany, Spain, Norway, Turkey, and EU and 8 partner countries including India, Russia, China, South Africa, Chille, Indonesia, Brazil, and Mexico. Pointing out that India’s future energy mix is likely to be coal dominated due to endowment of domestic coal reserves, Shri Shinde said that India is moving towards Super Critical Technology in coal based thermal plants along with rapid induction of other Clean Coal Technologies. He said that during the 13th Five Year Plan (2017-2022), super critical technology would dominate the power scenario in India.

The Minister highlighted that India has taken policy initiatives for the development of renewable energy and the implementation of energy efficient improvement programmes. He said the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM), which is under implementation aims at adding 20,000 MW solar capacity by 2022. He added that the State Electricity Regulatory Commissions in India are mandating a minimum Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) to the power distribution utilities of their respective states. Shri Shinde informed that in order to facilitate capacity addition based on renewable energy, a mechanism of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) or “Green Certificates” has recently been introduced in India.

Stating that the Indian Government has given due emphasis to energy efficiency, Shri Shinde said that 37 ESCOs have been accredited by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). He said a National Mission on Enhanced Energy Efficiency is under implementation while a “Perform-Achieve-Trade” (PAT) Scheme for energy intensive sectors has been launched recently. Reaffirming that it is common responsibility to work for the poorest of the poor, Shri Shinde said that the policy initiatives taken by the Government of India and the Prime Minister’s National Action Plan on Climate Change would guide low carbon growth in India during the next decade.