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Test of River Water

May 2, 2013, 11:39 pm
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Test of River Water

                Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) under Ministry of Environment and Forests tests the water samples of the rivers from 1275 monitoring stations located on 445 rivers. Central Water Commission (CWC) under Ministry of Water Resources also tests the river water samples collected from 396 monitoring stations located in all the major river basins of India.

                CPCB has identified 121 polluted rivers based on the water quality data analysis over the years, list of which is at Annexure. CWC made a study with water quality data of 10 years (2000-09) and published the report ‘Water Quality Hot Spots in Rivers of India’ in 2011. The study reveals that water of some stretches of major rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Chambal, Sone and Wainganga are not fit for drinking purposes. 

                Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Boards have taken following steps to prevent and control pollution:

(i)         The provisions of Water Act 1974 are implemented by consent management to regulate discharge of effluents and enforcement of standards in respect of polluting sources.
(ii)         Control of industrial pollution under the provision of Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
(iii)        A mutually agreed time targetted programme is implemented under Corporate Responsibility on Environment Protection (CREP) with a bank guarantee on various commitments
(iv)     Special Drives are taken against the major 17 categories of polluting industries
(v)      Directions are issued to industries discharging their waste water into rivers and lakes
(vi)        41 problem areas are identified as per Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index (CEPI)
(vii)    Environmental auditing is takenup
(viii)     Common Effluent Treatment Plants for cluster of small scale industrial units are promoted   
(ix)     Promotion of low-waste and no-waste technology
(x)       Diversion and development of treatment facilities
                This information was given by Union Water Resources Minister Shri Harish Rawat  in the Lok Sabha today in reply to a written question.
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ST/-

(Release ID :95420)
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Increased Level of SPM in Delhi and Other Metropolitan Cities

May 2, 2013, 11:40 pm
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Increased Level of SPM in Delhi and Other Metropolitan Cities The National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) were revisited and notified in November, 2009. In line with international scenario, the earlier listed pollutant ‘Suspended Particulate Matter’ (SPM), has been withdrawn from the list of notified pollutants. Instead PM10 (particles having aerodynamic diameter less than or, equal to 10 mircon) has been included in NAAQS-2009 apart from PM2.5. The monitoring of pollutant ‘SPM’ has been discontinued across the national including Delhi and other metro cities. This was stated by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests, in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.

As far as, earlier data on SPM is concerned, a mixed trend was observed and it has exceeded the notified standards in a number of cities including Delhi. Accordingly to some epidemiological studies, health effects such as manifestation of respiratory and cardiovascular aliments etc. could be associated with air pollution. However, there is no conclusive data available to substantiate these findings.

The Minister further stated that Emissions from vehicles, suspended roadside dust, industries, thermal power plants, construction activities etc. are the main source of air pollution. Steps taken by the Central Government for control air pollution include formulation of a Comprehensive Policy for Abatement of Pollution, supply of improved auto-fuel, tightening of vehicular and industrial emission norms, mandatory environmental clearance for specified industries, management of municipal, hazardous and bio-medical wastes, promotion of cleaner technologies, strengthening the network of air quality monitoring stations, source apportionment studies, preparation and implementation of action plans for major cities & critically polluted areas, public awareness, etc.

RM/RS- USQ3736 - RS
(Release ID :95323)
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Pollution by Diesel Vehicles

May 2, 2013, 11:42 pm
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Pollution by Diesel Vehicles
As reported by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the rise in air pollution in the country cannot be attributed by diesel vehicles only. The level of pollution in a given place is a concoction of emissions from various sources like industries, vehicles, domestic sources, Gen-sets, open burning of plastic, tyres. Further, meteorological conditions also play vital role in stagnation and dispersion of air pollutants. The major emissions from diesel vehicles are Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) and Particulate Matter (PM10). The rapidly increasing vehicular population across the country is a matter of concern and it is likely to negate the positive impacts of the pollution control measures taken by the Central Government for controlling vehicular pollution. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is monitoring ambient air quality at various locations in the country under National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP). This was stated by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests, in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.

The Minister further stated that no specific expert committee has been constituted by the CPCB for reduction of air pollution from the vehicles. However, recently in December, 2012, Government of India has constituted an Expert Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. Saumitra Chaudhuri, member, Planning Commission to draw the Auto Fuel Vision Policy road map up to the year 2025.

Steps taken to reduce air pollution in cities, include;

• Bharat stage-IV emission norms have been implemented in 13 mega cities including National Capital Region (NCR) for new 4-wheelers in 2010.

• Mass emission standards (Bharat stage III) have been notified for two, three wheelers and diesel driven agricultural tractors from April 1, 2010 throughout country.

• Operating Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) mode as fuel in all public transport vehicles in Delhi.

• Introduction of metro in Delhi to promote use of mass public transport system.

• Central and State Pollution Control Boards are implementing the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981, to restore Air quality.

• A mutually time targeted programme is implemented under Corporate Responsibility on Environment Protection (CREP).

• Source-apportionment studies for fine particulate matter in ambient air in six cities namely; Delhi, Kanpur, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and Pune;

• Implementation of action plan in 16 highly polluted cities as well as action plan oriented approach for 43 Critically Polluted Areas under a Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index prepared by CPCB.

RM/RS- USQ3725 - RS
(Release ID :95321)
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Mapping of Hazard Line in Coastal Area

May 2, 2013, 11:45 pm
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Mapping of Hazard Line in Coastal Area Under the World Bank assisted Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project, the Government has initiated the process of hazard line mapping along the coast of India in collaboration with Survey of India at an estimated cost of Rs. 125 crore. So far, the aerial photography of the coastline has been completed and work of photogrammetry of the aerial photographs is in progress. The project is scheduled for completion by December, 2015. This was stated by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

She further stated that the methodology of hazard line mapping was finalised after detailed consultation with various Central Ministries/Departments such as Department of Science & Technology, Department of Defence Research and Development, Department of Space, Department of Ocean Development and Ministry of Tourism as well as the Departments of Environment and Forests of the coastal States, State Coastal Zone Management Authorities, experts from various research and educational institutions and representatives of civil society.

RM/RS- USQ5367 - LS
(Release ID :95234)
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Safe Disposal of CFL

May 2, 2013, 11:46 pm
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Safe Disposal of CFL
As per a study of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) titled ‘Master plan study for collection, recycling and safe disposal of end-of-life mercury bearing lamps and associated electronics’ supported by Electric Lamp and Component Manufacturers’ Association of India (ELCOMA), the mercury released into the environment, from fluorescent lamp sector has been estimated at around 8.8 tonnes considering entire lot of Fluorescent Lamps (FLs); Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) and Fluorescent Tube lights (FTLs) and Metal Halides etc. in the year 2009.. This was stated by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

She further stated that the Ministry of Environment and Forests had constituted a Task Force to evolve a policy on “Environmentally Sound Management of mercury in Fluorescent Lamps”. A Technical Committee, constituted by this Task Force, had prepared “Guidelines for Environmentally Sound Mercury Management in Fluorescent Lamps Sector”. These guidelines prescribe the best practices at various levels, such as at manufacturer’s level and include aspects relating to mercury consumption, process technology, raw mercury distillation, on-site storage, treatment, recycling, disposal of mercury bearing wastes and mercury spill management. The best practices at consumer’s level include handling of used/broken lamps, consumer awareness pertaining to collection, transport, treatment and disposal of used fluorescent lamps.

The Minister further stated that Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) have written to all the State Governments and Union Territories to encourage establishment of recycling units so that the fused CFLs and FTLs are properly collected and the mercury is recovered and recycled scientifically and safely.

RM/RS- USQ5341 - LS
(Release ID :95233)
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Disposal of E-waste

May 2, 2013, 11:46 pm
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Disposal of E-waste The Ministry of Environment and Forests has notified the E-waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011 for proper management and handling of e-waste. The concept of Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR) has been enshrined in these rules. As per these Rules the producers are required to collect e-waste generated from the end of life of their products by setting up collections centers or take back systems either individually or collectively. E-waste recycling can be undertaken only in facilities authorized and registered with State Pollution Control Boards/Pollution Control Committee (PCCs). Wastes generated are required to be sold to a registered or authorized recycler or re-processor having environmentally sound facilities. The rule has provision for setting up of Collection Centre individually or jointly; or by a registered society or a designated agency; or by an association to collect e-waste. This was stated by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

She further stated that the SPCBs/PCCs can take action as per the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 in case of any violation. Under the e-waste rules, 2011, in case of non compliance with any of the conditions of the authorization or with any provision of the Act or the rules, the SPCB/PCC may cancel or suspend the authorization issued under these rules for such period as it considers necessary in the public interest. The SPCB or PCC may also give directions to the persons whose authorization has been suspended or cancelled for the safe storage of the e-waste and such persons shall comply with such directions.

RM/RS- USQ5298 - LS
(Release ID :95232)
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Impact of Mobile Towers on Birds

May 2, 2013, 11:47 pm
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Impact of Mobile Towers on Birds

The Ministry of Environment and Forests had constituted an ‘Expert Committee to study the possible impacts of communication towers on wildlife including Birds and Bees’ on 30th August 2010 under the chairmanship of Dr. Asad Rahmani, Director, Bombay Natural History Society. The report of the expert committee submitted to the Ministry in September 2011 confirms the adverse effects of electromagnetic radiations (EMR) from mobile phones and communication towers on the health of human beings. However, it also points out that exact co-relation between radiation of communication towers and health of wildlife is so far not established. The report also states that although existing literature depicts adverse effects of electromagnetic radiations (EMR) on the biological systems of living beings, more research is required to assess the true impact of EMR on free-living floral and faunal species, including birds and bees in the country. This was stated by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests, in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.
(23-April 2013)


RM/RS- USQ3103 - RS
(Release ID :94963)
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Environmental Taxes

May 2, 2013, 11:49 pm
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 There is no proposal to levy environmental taxes to discourage pollution and boost green technology. However the Government levy cess under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977 on the consumption of water by persons carrying on certain industries and by local authorities, with a view to augment the resources of the Central Pollution Control Board and the State Pollution Control Boards for prevention and control of water pollution. The Government allow 25% rebate to the industries on the amount of cess payable by them provided the industries consume water within the prescribed limits and comply with the provisions of section 25 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and also the environmental norms notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 by installing appropriate pollution treatment technologies. The countries such as USA, UK, Germany and Japan have adopted the system of taxation to control emission of hazardous gasses and also introduced upper limits for disposal of such gaseous emissions. This was stated by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.
(22-April 2013)
RM/RS- USQ4466 - LS
(Release ID :94847)
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Impact of CNG and LPG on Air Pollution

May 2, 2013, 11:53 pm
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 The ambient air quality is monitored in Delhi since 1984-1985 by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Of late, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) is also monitoring ambient air in Delhi. The data on ambient air so collected, is collated, complied, processed and published by CPCB to know the trend. Apart from other sources, the main reasons of air pollution in Delhi are vehicular exhaust emission and re-suspension of roadside dust. Different fuels, i.e., diesel, petrol, CNG, LPG, etc., are used in vehicles in Delhi. There in an decreasing trend in the levels of Sulphur Dioxide in ambient air during 1995-2010 in Delhi due to reduction in sulphur content in diesel, apart from other reasons. This was stated by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

She further stated that the introduction of CNG vehicles in Delhi began gradually from the year 1999. By 2003, plying of diesel buses, petrol/diesel three –wheelers and petrol/diesel taxis for public transport have stopped completely. The trend or change in ambient air quality is Delhi pre and post CNG implementation may not be solely attributed to implementation of CNG.

The Minister further stated that the other steps taken by the Government for improvement in quality of air in metro cities includes, tightening of industrial emission norms, management of municipal, hazardous and bio-medical wastes, strengthening air monitoring network, source apportionment studies for particulate matter in ambient air in six cities, strengthening public transport including metro rails in select cities, preparation and implementation of action plans for select cities & critically polluted areas, public awareness, etc, the Minister added.
(22-April 2013)
RM/RS- USQ4410 - LS
(Release ID :94845)
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Protection of Ecology

May 2, 2013, 11:55 pm
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Protection of Ecology
            Buffer zones/eco-sensitive zones around National Parks and Sanctuaries are considered desirable to ensure the integrity of the National Parks and Sanctuaries so that the same can act as a ‘transition zone’ from areas of higher protection to areas of lower protection. The decision for declaration of site specific eco-sensitive zones around National Parks and Sanctuaries under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, was taken by the National Board for Wildlife. This was stated by ShrimatiJayanthiNatarajan Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests, in a written reply to a question in the LokSabhatoday. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has requested the State/Union Territory Governments to forward site specific proposals for declaration of eco-sensitive zones. The state-wise details of proposals received for declaration eco-sensitive zones are given below:-
Status of Eco-Sensitive Zones the Ministry of Environment and Forests as in April, 2013

Sl. No.
Name of State
National Parks
Wildlife Sanctuaries
Proposal received
Eco-sensitive zones finally Notified


1
Andhra Pradesh
6
21
27
-

2
Andaman & Nicobar Island
9
96
Nil
-

3
Arunachal Pradesh
2
11
10
-

4
Assam
5
18
17
-

5
Bihar
1
12
12
-

6
Chhattisgarh
3
11
Nil
-

7
Chandigarh
0
2
Nil
-

8
Dadra  Nagar Haveli
0
1
1
-

9
Daman & Diu
0
1
1
-

10
Delhi
0
1
Nil
-

11
Goa
1
6
Nil
-

12
Gujarat
4
23
4
4

13
Haryana
2
8
8
1

14
Himachal Pradesh
5
32
31
-

15
Jammu &Kashmir
4
15
12
-

16
Jharkhand
1
11
1
1

17
Karnataka
5
22
2
1

18
Kerala
6
16
22
-

19
Lakshadeep
0
1
Nil
-

20
Madhya Pradesh
9
25
Nil
-

21
Maharashtra
6
35
17
-

22
Manipur
1
1
Nil
-

23
Meghalaya
2
3
Nil
-

24
Mizoram
2
8
Nil
-

25
Nagaland
1
3
1
-

26
Orissa
2
18
Nil
-

27
Punjab
0
13
13
-

28
Pondicherry
0
1
Nil
-

29
Rajasthan
5
25
Nil
-

30
Sikkim
1
7
8
-

31
Tamil Nadu
5
21
26
-

32
Tripura
2
4
1
-

33
Uttar Pradesh
1
23
Nil
-

34
Uttaranchal
6
6
Nil
-

35
West Bengal
5
15
Nil
-

Total
102
516
214
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Ban on Use of Plastic

May 2, 2013, 11:57 pm
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 As per the information provided by the Central Pollution Control Board, some States/ Union Territories have imposed ban on the use of plastic carry bags in their coastal districts/beaches such as Junagarh and Kutch (Guajarat), sea beaches of Goa, Puri and Konark Municipalities (Odisha), Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZ) of Digha, Sankanpur, Frazerganj, Sagar, Bakkali and the entire Sunderban area in West Bengal. The State Government of Kerala has issued a Government order dated 27th December, 2011 for enforcing the restriction on plastic manufacture, use and disposal. The order provides for declaration of places of tourism/environmental importance in Kerala as plastic-free zone with a total ban on plastic in such localities. This was stated by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

She further stated that the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has notified the Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011. These Rules have, inter-alia, specified that plastic carry bags should have a minimum thickness of 40 microns, food stuffs cannot be packed in recycled plastics or compostable plastics and no carry bags shall be made available free of cost to consumers. Under these Rules, municipal authorities are responsible for setting up, operationalisation and coordination of the waste management system including collection, storage, segregation, transportation, processing and disposal of plastic waste. State Pollution Control Boards/Pollution Control Committees are responsible for enforcement of provisions relating to registration, manufacture and recycling, the Minister added.

RM/RS- USQ4385 - LS
(Release ID :94839)
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Steps to Reduce Air Pollution in the Country

May 3, 2013, 12:01 am
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Steps to Reduce Air Pollution in the Country
The Government has taken steps to reduce air pollution in the country particularly in NCR and other metro-politan cities. These include :-

• Bharat stage-IV emission norms have been implemented in 13 mega cities including NCR for new 4-wheelers from 2010.
• Mass emission standards (Bharat Stage III) have been notified for two, three wheelers and diesel driven agricultural tractors from April 1, 2010 throughout the country.
• Stringent Emission Standards have been implemented to regulate emissions from in-use vehicles from October 2004.
• Supply of improved diesel and gasoline.
• Operating Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) mode public transport in Delhi.
• Introduction of metro in Delhi to promote use of mass public transport system.
• Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Boards are implementing the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981 to restore air quality.
• A mutually time targeted programme is implemented under Corporate Responsibility for Environment Protection (CREP).
• Special drives for prevention and control of pollution in 17 categories of highly polluted industries.

The Government has also issued new emission norms for industries, power stations and diesel operated commercial vehicles. These include:-

• Revision of emission norms for petrol and kerosene driven gensets and emission norms for Genset Diesel Engine.
• Issued Directions under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to 338 defaulting 17 category of highly polluting industries since last 3 years.
• Standards are developed for Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) and load based standards for particulate matter (PM) including revision of PM emission standard for cement industry.
• BS-IV emission standards have been notified for all the diesel commercial vehicles in 20 cities of the country including NCR and other metro cities.
• The quality of diesel has also been improved to make it commensurate with BS-IV emission norms.
• Most of non-destined buses/trucks are not allowed to enter city premises and are by-passed. • Heavy duty trucks in cities are allowed to ply only during specific timings.
• In Delhi & some other cities most of the public transport is running on CNG instead of diesel.
15 years old commercial vehicles are not allowed to ply in Delhi since December 1998.• All the commercial vehicles are required to undertake annual fitness checks & certification.

RM/RS
(Release ID :94533)
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Steps Taken to Protect Ecology of Indian Himalayan Region

May 3, 2013, 12:03 am
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Steps Taken to Protect Ecology of Indian Himalayan Region
Considering the ecological sensitivity of the region, several initiatives are taken to protect the ecology of Indian Himalayan Region by the Govt. of India and Himalayan states through the Mission on Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem under National Action Plan on Climate Change and Himalayan Sustainable Development Forum (HSDF) under the Shimla Declaration adopted during the Himalayan Chief Ministers’ Conclave held at Shimla on Oct 29-30, 2009. Uttarakhand Forest Department undertakes Plantation activities in forest areas around the around Gangotri, Yamunotri and Badrinath dhams.

Discussion paper prepared by Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF), Government of India, on Himalayan Glaciers provides the review of information regarding the glacier retreat in the region, including Gangotri Glacier. Further, G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development (GBPIHED) has undertaken studies on Gangotri glacier retreat, silt load in the glacial melt and water quality of river Bhagirathi originating from Gangotri glacier. A pilot study conducted by GBPIHED for MoEF entitled “Environmental and social impacts of hydropower projects in river Ganga basis (between Dharasu and Gangotri) in Uttarakhand” has indicated that the water quality parameters are within the permissible limit of the Bureau of Indian Standards.

RM/RS
(Release ID :94456)
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Setting up of Chemical Fertilizer Units

May 3, 2013, 12:07 am
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Setting up of Chemical Fertilizer Units

          In view of the increasing gap in demand and supply of urea in the country, M/s Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers Limited (RCF), a urea producing company in the public sector has submitted a proposal of Thal-III (Maharashtra) brown field ammonia-urea expansion project. Likewise, Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited (BVFCL), a urea manufacturing company has submitted a Techno-Economic Feasibility Report for installation of a new Brownfield Ammonia Urea plant (4th unit) at Namrup. Government is also considering the proposal for revival of closed units in the country including Barauni in Bihar. In order to facilitate fresh investments in urea sector, Government has notified a ‘New Investment Policy – 2012’ on 2nd January 2013. In response to the Policy, Department of Fertilizers has received the following proposals from companies. The list of companies who have shown their willingness is as below:

S.No.
Company
Projects
Ownership
State/Country
1
IFFCO-KALOL
Brownfield Ammonia-Urea Expansion Plant at Kalol
Cooperative
Gujarat
2
IGFL-Jagdishpur
Brownfield Expansion urea project at Jagdishpur.
Private
Uttar Pradesh
3
CFCL-Gadepan
Expansion of Ammonia-Urea units at Gadepan-Kota.
Private
Rajasthan
4
KRIBHCO-Hazira
Brownfield Hazira fertilizer unit – Phase-II.
Coopertive
Gujarat
5
TCL-Babrala
Expansion of Urea project at Babrala.
Private
Uttar Pradesh


6
GNVFC-Bharuch
Brownfield Ammonia-Urea project at Dahej.
State JV
Gujarat
7
GSFC-Vadodara
Greenfield Ammonia-Urea project at Dahej.
State PSU
Gujarat
8
NFCL -Kakinada
Expansion of Ammonia-Urea project at Kakinada.
Private
Andhra Pradesh
9
SHRIRAM Shriram Group Companies.
Greenfield Coal Gasification Ammoinia-Urea project at Paradip, Odissa.
Private
Odissa
10
RCF-Thal
Brownfield Ammonia-Urea Expansion project at Thal-III of RCF
CPSU
Maharashtra
11
KF&CL- Kanpur
Brownfield Ammonia-Urea Project at Panki-Kanpur.
Private
Uttar Pradesh
12
KSFL-Shahjahanpur
Brownfield Urea Ammonia project at Shahjahanpur-II.
Private
Uttar Pradesh
13
MATIX Fertilizers & Chemicals ltd.
Greenfield Ammonia-Urea Fertilizers Complex at Panagarh, West Bengal.
Private
West Bengal







In addition to above, FACT Cochin and the Government of Tripura has approached Department of Fertilizers for setting up of a 1.3 MMTPA capacity gas based urea fertilizer project each at Cochin and Tripura respectively. The Chief Secretary, Government of Tripura has indicated that gas requirement would be met from ONGC source. The above proposals are under consideration of Department of Fertilizers. It is expected that country would become self sufficient in urea by the end of 12th Plan period.

The possibility of additional capacity of P and K sector may not be encouraging due to limitation of availability of indigenous raw material required for production of P & K fertilizers. The Coromondal International Limited in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh will add capacity of 7.5 LMT of DAP and NPK fertilizers during 2013-14.

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Chemicals and Fertilisers, Shri Srikant Kumar Jena in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today. (02-May 2013)
***
NSK/DB
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IFFCO’s gift to farmers on May day; Fertilizer prices slashed

May 3, 2013, 12:20 am
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IFFCO’s gift to farmers on May day; Fertilizer prices slashed

Posted on 01 May 2013 by Ajay Jha
IFFCO’s gift to farmers on May day; Fertilizer prices slashed World’s largest producer and marketer of processed fertiliser, Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), have reduced the rates of its complex fertilisers with immediate effect to provide relief to farmers of the country after the approval of fixation of new NBS rates for Phosphatic & Potassic (P&K) fertilizers for the year 2013-14 by Union Cabinet on Wednesday.
IFFCO will also provide the price protection to farmers for the old material which is already in the stocks as the new rates are applicable from 1st of April, 2013.
IFFCO will be reducing Rs. 1500 per ton in DAP which will make a reduction of price to farmer by Rs. 75 per bag of 50Kg, Rs 1300 per tonn reduction in NPK which means Rs 65 per bag of NPK–I & NPK-II will be reduced and Rs 1000 per tonn in NP which means Rs. 50 per bag of NP.
On this very important announcement Iffco Managing Director Dr. U S Awasthi told Indian Cooperative that “We at IFFCO care for the our farmers & take every step for their benefit, I am very happy to announce the new reduced rates by IFFCO”.
He further added that this announcement is very encouraging and would help bring much needed succor to farmers of the country. He also said that this move will certainly help in rejuvenating the soils of the country thereby increasing farm productivity on sustainable basis so as to ensure food security for the Nation.
IFFCO being the farmers’ own cooperative Society, has been trying to draw attention of all concerned to the rising subsidy amount, depleting soil health and need to restore the soil fertility through balance application of nutrients.
Talking on the issue Dr. Awasthi said that through our Save our Soil campaign we have been trying to conserve our soil. Iffco is of the firm opinion that to maintain soil health for sustainable agriculture where fertiliser manufacturers should come forward and shoulder responsibility to educate farmers as well as sales point personnel on efficient & judicious use of nutrients, he added.


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Fixation of Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers for the year 2013-14

May 3, 2013, 10:31 pm
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The Cabinet today accorded approval to the proposals of the Department of Fertilizers for fixation of NBS rates for the year 2013-14. These rates will be applicable from 1st April 2013.

The Department of Fertilizers is implementing Nutrient Based Subsidy Policy for the P&K fertilizers w.e.f. 1.4.2010. As per this Policy, the Government of India announce NBS rates for various nutrients namely Nitrogen (N), Phosphate (P), Potash (K) and Sulphur (S) for P&K fertilizers covered under the policy every year.

Accordingly, the Cabinet has approved per Kg NBS rates of fertilizer nutrients ‘N’, ‘P’, ‘K’ & ‘S` for the financial year 2013-14 at Rs.20.875, Rs.18.679, Rs. 18.333 and Rs.1.677, respectively. Based on these rates, the subsidy on Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) and Muriate of Potash (MOP) would be Rs. 12350 PMT and Rs. 11300 PMT, respectively. The per Metric Tonne subsidy on other P&K fertilizers covered under the Nutrient Based Subsidy Policy shall also be as per the nutrient content in that grade.

Under the NBS policy applicable to fertilizers other than Urea, while the government decides a fixed subsidy on each grade of fertilizers covered by the policy, the importers and manufacturers decide the domestic prices of these fertilizers. They are allowed to fix the MRP at reasonable level. As the domestic demand for P&K fertilizers is largely met through import of finished fertilizers and the raw materials, the domestic price should normally move in tandem with movement of prices in the international market. However, in view of the recent trend of falling international prices having no corresponding decrease in domestic prices, the Cabinet has decided that it shall henceforth be mandatory for all fertilizer companies to submit certified cost data while claiming subsidy. In case MRP is not found to be reasonable, subsidy may be restricted or denied. In proven case of abuse of subsidy mechanism, the Government may exclude any grade/grades for fertilizers of a particular company or the fertilizer company itself from the NBS Scheme.

The Cabinet has also decided that the reasonability of MRP of P&K fertilizers fixed by the companies in the year 2012-13 shall also be looked into by the Government for making recovery of subsidy, wherever necessary.

The implementation of new rates will result in reduction of subsidy by about 15%. The price of DAP and MOP is expected to be reduced by a minimum of Rs.1500 and Rs.1000 per MT, respectively from the current level which will provide relief to the farmers.


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SC/LM
(Release ID :95384)
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Use of Non-Urea Fertilizers

May 3, 2013, 10:35 pm
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Use of Non-Urea Fertilizers
Government policy is to support balanced use of fertilizers to sustain soil health in the country.

The following steps are taken for the balanced use of fertilizers:

i. Nutrient Based Subsidy Policy, which has been implemented w.e.f. 1.4.2010, promotes competition amongst the fertilizer companies. The fertilizer companies tend to focus on farmers through farm extension services and educate farmers about the modern fertilizer application techniques, soil health and promote soil test based application of soil and crop specific fertilizers, which is necessary for balanced application of fertilizers.

ii. Use of customized fertilizers is encouraged with the objective to promote site specific nutrient management so as to achieve maximum fertilizer use efficiency of applied nutrient in a cost effective manner. These fertilizers are multi-nutrient carrier designed to contain macro and micro nutrients and are soil specific and crops specific formulated on the basis of soil testing results. The Government has also allowed the use of subsidized fertilizers for manufacturing mixture and customised fertilizers to promote use of customized fertilizers.

iii. Subsidy on sulphur content in the fertilizers is provided.

iv. To meet the requirement of micro nutrients, a fixed subsidy is also provided on fortification of fertilizers by Boron and Zinc. Use of Neem Coated Urea is also encouraged.

v. Soil test based balanced and integrated nutrient management through conjunctive use of both inorganic and organic sources (compost, manures, bio-fertilizers etc.) of plant nutrients is recommended to sustain sound soil health.

vi. Soil testing facility is provided to the farmers free of cost or with some nominal fee by State Governments. In this regard soil health cards are issued by the State Governments to farmers.

vii. A National Project for Management of Soil Health & Fertility has been launched during 2008-09. Under the project financial assistance is provided to set up new static Soil Testing Laboratories (STLs) and new Mobile Soil Testing Laboratories besides strengthening of existing laboratories.

viii. Indian Institute of Soil Science (IISS), Bhopal under ICAR has been sanctioned a project for preparation of Geo-Referenced Soil Fertility Maps including interlinking of soil fertility status with Soil Test Crop Response (STCR) data to generate site specific recommendations in 19 major States (171 districts).

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Chemicals and Fertilisers, Shri Srikant Kumar Jena in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.


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NSK/DB
(Release ID :94146)
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Rains and Floods Due to Global Warming

May 3, 2013, 10:43 pm
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Rains and Floods Due to Global Warming There is no clear cause and effect established between global warming and excessive rains and floods.

Monsoon rainfall varies on different spatial and temporal scales. Extreme rainfall events that occur at some isolated places (viz. heavy rainfall over Mumbai or in Rajasthan) are highly localized and are part of the natural variability of the Indian monsoon system itself. Although, some recent studies hint at an increasing frequency and intensity of extremes in rainfall during the past 40-50 years, their attribution to global warming is yet to be established. Moreover, the report of the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC-AR4, 2007) and our country`s own assessment using regional climate models indicate that the extremes rainfall events are likely to be more frequent in the later part of the 21st century in the world including India. As regards other extreme weather phenomena, there are many other reasons for their occurrence, which cannot always be related to climate change.

Although, the monsoon rainfall at all India level does not show any trend but on regional scale, areas of increasing trend is discerned. It is not clear if this increasing trend in the heavy rainfall events is attributable to global warming. Summary of the observed long term changes so far include:

(i) Mean annual surface air temperatures show a significant warming of about 0.5 degree C/100 years during the last century.

(ii) No significant long-term trends are reported in the frequencies of large-scale droughts or floods in the summer monsoon season.

(iii) The total frequency of cyclonic storms that form over the Bay of Bengal has remained almost constant.

(iv) Analysis of past tide gauge records for the Indian coastline regions gives an estimate of sea level rise of 1.30 mm/year.

(v) There is evidence that glaciers in Himalayas are receding, however it is unclear as to how much of this recession is attributable to climate change, as glacial retreat is also due to natural long-term inter-glacial cycles. (vi) Studies were undertaken in four climate sensitive regions of the country, viz. Himalayan Region, Western Ghats, North Eastern Region, Coastal Areas to assess the possible impacts on the four sectors viz. agriculture, water, forests and health. A Report entitled, Climate Change & India: A 4X4 Assessment – A Sectoral and Regional Assessment of Impact of Climate Change in 2030s, has been released by the Government during November, 2010 under the aegis of the Indian Network of Climate Change Assessment (INCCA).

Further, the Government has undertaken the following steps in the area of climate Change:

(i) Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change has been constituted to coordinate national action for assessment, adaptation and mitigation of climate change.

(ii) Under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), it is proposed to establish a permanent institutional mechanism that will play a development and coordination role. The NAPCC was released by the Prime Minister on 30th June 2008.

(iii) Under the NAPCC, eight missions in specific areas of Solar Energy, Enhanced Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Habitat, Water, Sustaining the Himalayan Eco-system, Green India, Sustainable Agriculture and Strategic knowledge for Climate Change have been identified as a part of multipronged, long term and integrated strategies for achieving key developmental goals in the context of climate change by appropriately dealing with possible adverse impacts.

(iv) Constituted an Expert Committee on Climate Change impacts, which is headed by the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India.

(v) Launched a high-priority Programme to address the Science issues of Global and Regional Climate Change (GRCC) with a well-equipped state-of-the-art Center for Climate Change Research (CCCR) at Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, a unit under Earth System Science Organization (ESSO) for inter-disciplinary research and training in the area of science of climate change.

Union Minister of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Shri S.Jaipal Reddy gave this information in reply to a written question in the Rajya Sabha

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ST/-
(Release ID :95215)
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Quality of Ganga Water

May 3, 2013, 10:59 pm
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Quality of Ganga Water
Ganga Action Plan (GAP) is being implemented since 1985 for undertaking pollution abatement activities in the identified polluted stretches of the river Ganga through implementation of works like interception and diversion of sewage, setting up of sewage treatment plants, low cost sanitation works, crematoria works etc. This was stated by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests, in the Rajya Sabha today, in a written reply to a question by Shri. Ambeth Rajan.

She further stated that Under GAP, a total of 83 sewage treatment plants have been sanctioned for pollution abatement activities out of which 69 sewage treatment plants have been created. As per present estimates, nearly 2723 million litres of sewage is generated everyday in Class I cities and class II towns along Ganga River and so far, a capacity to treat 1091 million litres per day (mld) has been created.

The Central Government has set up the National Ganga River Basin Management Authority (NGRBA) as an empowered planning, financial, monitoring and coordinating authority to ensure effective abatement of pollution and conservation of the river Ganga. Since inception of the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) programme, 53 schemes in 43 towns in Ganga States have been sanctioned at a total cost of Rs. 2600 crore. Against this, Rs. 805 crore have been released by the Centre including the matching share of the States, the Minister added.

RM/RS- USQ1564 - RS
(Release ID :93493)
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ELECTRIC SHOCK SAFETY ARTICLE

May 4, 2013, 10:36 am
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