Tag: Features

Kalpana Palkhiwala
(PIB Feature.)
Nano Technology is acknowledge-intensive and ‘enabling technology’ which will influence a wide range of products and processes. It will have far-reaching implications for national economy and development.
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) launched many initiatives over the period of time and Nano was one of them. DST launched a modest programme called Nano Science and Technology Initiative (NIST) in 2001 in Nano Sciences. The Nano Mission is successor of this programme. The Government approved this as Nano Mission in 2007 with an allocation of Rs 1000/- crore for 5 years.
The Nano Mission has been structured in a manner to achieve synergy between the national research efforts of various agencies in this field and launch new programmes in a concerted fashion. Today India has emerged 6th worldwide in terms of scientific publications. An active research community of about 1000 researchers has emerged. Besides, some interesting applications have already come out of the country.
Capacity building of the research is of utmost importance for Nano Mission so that India can emerge as a
global knowledge hub. Large number of man power is getting prime attention in research and fundamental aspects of Nano science and training. Nano Mission is also striving for developments of products and processes for national development, especially in the area of national relevance like safe drinking water, materials development, sensors development, drug delivery etc. The objectives of Nano Mission include basic research promotion, infrastructure development, Nano applications and technology development, human resources development and international collaboration.
Basic Research Promotion
Basic research being carried out by individual scientist and /or groups of scientists will be funded. The Centers of excellence pursuing studies leading to fundamental understanding of matter that enables control and manipulation at the Nano scale will be created.
Infrastructure For Research
A chain of shared facility of expensive and sophisticated equipments required for various activities will
be established across the country. Investigation on Nano scale require optical tweezer, Nano Indentor, Transmission Electron Microscope, Atomic Force Microscope, Scanning Tunneling Microscope, Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Time of Flight Mass Spectrometer, Microarray Spotter and Scanner etc.
Nano Applications and Technology Development Programme
To catalyze Nano Application and Technology Development programme leading to products and devices, the Mission proposes to promote application-oriented R&D projects, establish Nano Applications and Technology Development Centers, Nano-Technology Business Incubators etc. The industrial sector is
being involved directly or through Public Private Partnership ventures into this Mission.
Human Resources Development
The Mission will focus on providing effective education and training to researchers and professionals in diversified fields so that a genuine interdisciplinary culture for nanoscale science, engineering and technology can emerge. M. A. and M. Sc. programmes will be benefited. National and Overseas post-doctoral fellowships, chairs in universities are other aspects.
International Collaboration
Academia-industry partnership at the international level is one of the aspect under international collaboration. Besides, exploratory visits of scientists, organization of joint workshop, conferences and research projects, access to sophisticated research facilities abroad etc., are being achieved.
Structure and Activities
Nano Mission is steered by Nano Mission Council. The technical programmes are being guided by two advisory groups namely Nano Science Advisory Group (NSAG) and the Nano Applications and Technology Advisory Group (NATAG). Department of Science & Technology has supported a number of activities in Nano Science and Technology.
Individual scientists have been supported for R & D projects. Detailed technologies have been developed for the medical purposes. Membrane scaffolds for wound healing using chitin/chitosan gels containing nanoparticles and nanoparticles for ophthalmic drug delivery have been developed by Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi and Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad and USV, Mumbai respectively. Around 130 projects have been supported for individual scientists mainly working on fundamental scientific aspects of nanoscale system. Extensive studies on semiconductor nanocrystals have been undertaken in several projects. As semiconductor particles exhibit size-dependent properties like scaling of the energy gap and corresponding change in the optical properties, they are considered as technologically important materials. Several projects have looked into synthesis of important nano materials like CdSe, ZnO etc. Size tunable, organic soluble industrially important CdS, AIN, GaN and InN nanocrystals have been prepared by employing novel solvo thermal techniques and some soft chemical routes.
The other discovery of flow of various liquids and gases over a mat of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) bundles generate electrical signals. This has several important technological implications.
Development of micro fluidic devices will have several applications in the fields of biotechnology, pharmaceutical industry, drug delivery, intelligent pneumatic systems, information technology etc.
DST has established an array of sophisticated equipments to enable researchers to work with nanoscale system. Eleven Units/Core Groups on Nano Science have been sanctioned across the country. They house some of the more sophisticated facility for sharing with other scientists in the region and would help in promoting scientific research on nanoscale system in a decentralized manner. Seven centres for Nano Technology focusing on development of specific applications and a centre for excellence on Computational Materials has also been established. Joint R & D activities are taking place with several countries. DST has also promoted Joint Institution-Industry Linked Projects and some other Public Private Partnership activities for human resource development.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nano-mission-towards-global-knowledge-hub/

Coordination of Democratic Rights Organisation, comprising of 20 civil and democratic rights organisations from across India decided to undertake a fact finding into the impact of big/mega dam projects coming up in the North Eastern states on the life and livelihood of the people. Reportedly more than 168 MoUs/MoAs have been signed by the Arunachal Pradesh government alone. CDRO believes that such projects, be they so called Run of the River or Storage dams, affect not only people whose land will get submerged upstream but also people living in the downstream area. We also believe that affected people comprise those whose life and livelihood is intricately linked with the river beyond, since water flow will impact agriculture, fisheries, river transportation. Construction of concrete dams in a high seismic zone with sedimentary rock is in itself a mark of utter irresponsibility. Besides, natural floods carry sediments while man-made flood through construction of dam brings sand which destroys cultivable land. Also worth noting is that the seven North Eastern states are plagued by multiple problems born of neglect, discrimination and exploitation of resources accompanied by fear of the people about demographic transformation with the influx from outside threatening their way of life and further militarisation of the region.
The team split into two groups; one headed towards upper Assam and another towards Tipaimukh dam site. The first team visited North Lakhimpur, Dhimaji in Assam and Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh covering Lower Subansiri, Lower Siang and also downstream area of Lohit and Dibang river projects in Tinsukhia district. The second team visited Tipaimukh project which would affect people living in Manipur, Mizoram and Assam.
Given below are highlights of what people felt would be the consequence of the projects on their life and livelihood:
I. FIRST TEAM REPORT:
1. Lower Subansiri is allegedly a Run of the River project with storage capacity which would submerge 70 sq kms upstream.
The 2000 MW project is being constructed for NHPC by Larsen and Toubro and Soma when fully constructed will have a height of 115 metres. While officially only 31 families would be displaced according to Walter Fernandes, no less than 700 families would be affected. About 3436 ha of forest land would also get submerged and wildlife habitat. Lower stream the impact would be even worse since fear of river drying, fluctuation in water flow, likely increase in deposit of sand over presently cultivable land, destruction of aquatic life which destroy livelihood of 39 lakh fisherfolk, not to forget river transportation. The man-made flood created by 405 MW Ranganadi dam on 14th June 2008 was repeatedly referred to by people to remind us of the possible damage that can be caused to life and livelihood by natural or man-made flood. The difference between peak and lean flow, according to people, is such that likelihood of flash flood increases manifold.
The nature of protest currently in form of four month long blockade of vehicular traffic carrying construction or other equipment meant for the dam, is a clear sign of collective resistance.
2. Lower Siang is again allegedly a Run of the River project with storage capacity which would submerge and restrict habitation in upto 106 kms. Apart from this at height upto one km has been declared as no-man’s land and reserved for compensatory forestation for the company. The 2700 MW project was awarded to Jaiprakash Industries. Siang’s Adi community considers the river as sacred and fears that 35 villages would be affected. Thus their community land which is cultivable and rich in flora and fauna would be wiped out. . IN 34 villages ninety percent of people have affirmed through signature their opposition to the dam. They fear that their culture and people face annihilation. It is this that drove them to protest the construction of dam recently. And fear mixed with anger remains strong among people here.
Lower stream people, especially Mishing community, reside along the river bank. They along with others who live in the plains downstream apprehend that their livelihood would be wiped out since river flow would both impact cultivation as well as fishery on which most of the people depend.
3. Lower Dibang is a 3000 MW storage dam of NHPC with a height of 288 metres which submerge 45 kms upstream wiping out 30 villages. This will affect nearly 50% of Idu-Mishmi community and their community land. If the argument of development and employment opportunities do get created by this project then considering the skilled and qualified people among the Idu-Mishmi they stand to lose. We are told that this generates the fear that people from other parts of India would garner the maximum benefit.
This will also nullify whatever protection is offered by the Constitution. The agitation since 2006 has ensured that 11 times public hearing has had to be postponed.
The fear in the downstream area is once again that their life and livelihood would be adversely affected. We do wish to point out that the anti-dam movement is still in its infancy in these parts. But the fear is palpable.
4. Demwe Lower Hydro-electric Project has been given to Athena Demwe Power Ltd. and is said to be Run of the River project to generate 1750 MW and will submerge 26 square kms of land to make way for a reservoir. 1416 (One thousand four hundred sixteen) ha of forest would also be lost in the process. Its height is 163.12 metres. Public hearing was confined to an area of 5 kms below the dam site. One of the fallout of this project would be the damage caused to Dibru Saikhowa bio-diversity area as well as other bio-sphere reserve in Assam.
While people speak in downstream area about the consequence of the Lohit project on their land and livelihood it is yet to take an organised expression.
II. SECOND TEAM REPORT
1. The proposed Tipaimukh project conceived in 1970s and is being currently implemented by NHPC, Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) and Govt. of Manipur, despite serious opinions of the people to the contrary. It will submerge around 25,822.22 hectares of land ONLY in Manipur apart from Mizoram. The project is going to destroy at least 7.8 mn full grown trees and bamboo bushes. It will be 162 mtrs in height and is supposed to produce 1500 MW of electricity. 12 villages with a population of 557 families /2027 ST people (of the Hmar and Zeliangrong tribes) will be displaced. Most of these figures were disputed by people and activists of organizations working in the area because effects of the dam on the people, land and environment of the down-stream areas have not been evaluated by the government agencies.
There has been a simmering of resistance to the proposed project. Some people perceive it as not only a dam but also a threat to their material existence and life, culture and history. There has been recently some rallies, as the cycle rally by the Village Women Coordination Committee on the 19 Feb Sangaithal area, (Imphal), Jointly organized demonstrations(as the 14th mar 2012 event at Nungba Bazar, Tamenglong )) etc. And the resentment is gathering momentum.
The statutory Public Hearings, for the project, has been fraught with problems and there has been a great deal of dissatisfaction over the way these have been manipulated. The public hearings started in the year 2004 (Darlawn, Mizoram) and continued sporadically till the last one at Tipaimukh on the 31st march 2008. People at Tipaimiukh, have told us categorically they were not heard and what was the decision of the Public Hearing, they said, had already been taken by the officials who had come. There has been a protest against Public Hearing also (Kaimai, Tamenglong district March 2008).
What we have listed above is only a small sample of the impact of the dam on life and livelihood of the people both upstream and downstream. The fact of the matter is that nearly every river will have several dams each; Lohit basin will have 10 dams, Subansiri basin 12, Dibang basin 12, Siang basin 39, Kaming basin 43….These figures can go up were all data made public by the Arunachal government. To build so many dams in an area which is earthquake prone carries incalculable risk for all living beings.
Each MoA is accompanied by monetary advance by project developer to the Arunachal Pradesh government at the time of signing the deal. This implies that the project gets sanctioned even before any of the mandatory reports and clearances is given.
This makes the entire scheme of building projects which will destroy the Brahmaputra and Barak basin and also Surma and Kushiara valley in Bangladesh a colonial project meant to benefit rest of India at the expense of North East. It is also of interest to note that maximum numbers of the projects have been awarded to private companies. Most of the projects lack Impact Assessment Studies. Indeed some which claim to have got this study done are confined to between 5 to 10 kms. Siang river project indeed claims that no agricultural land would be submerged whereas nearly every household in 35 villages would lose their cultivable land! The misinformation by the authorities is accompanied by deliberate attempt to hide the truth from the people by manipulating studies.
We demand:
Suspend construction activities until the cumulative impact study of the entire north east, which involves engagement with the people who will get affected by construction of these dams.
The fact finding was conducted by following organisations:
1. Asansol Civil Rights Association (ACRA), West Bengal
2. Coordination for Human Rights (COHR), Manipur
3. Manab Adhikar Sangram Samiti (MASS)
4. Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR)
5. Organisation for Protection of Democratic Rights (OPDR), Andhra Pradesh
6. Peoples Union For Democratic Rights (PUDR), Delhi

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mega-dams-in-north-east/

Ravinder Singh
Director (M&C), PIB, New Delhi.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), in the year 2006, approved ‘in principle’ the setting up of Integrated Check Posts at 13 locations and Land Ports Authority of India as a statutory body. Integrated Check Posts are being constructed as a Plan scheme with an initial outlay of Rs. 635 crore during the 11th Five Year Plan. In the initial phase, 13 Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) were envisaged at major designated entry/exit points along India’s international land border. Of these, 7 ICPs are to be constructed in Phase I and 6 ICPs in Phase II. ICP Attari is the first to be completed. The other six ICPs planned in the first phase are, Raxaul and Jogbani in Bihar, Agartala (Tripura), Petrapole (West Bengal), Dawki (Meghalya) and Moreh (Manipur).
Need for ICPs
Existing designated entry and exit points on the international borders are characterized by unplanned growth leading to delays and traffic jams. The need to develop infrastructure was recognized by the Government and after due consultations and deliberations, the concept of Integrated Check Post was devised.
ICP is conceived as a sanitized zone having adequate passenger and freight processing facilities. The term integration refers to integration of sovereign functions and not of inter-modal integration of several transport modes such as; rail, road waterways etc.
The ICP concept being new in the country, the planning was carried out through regular consultations with sovereign authorities and stake holders. The plans thus prepared were deliberated at length by Empowered Steering Committee before approving them.
Facilitating Movement of Vehicles Across Border
The Western and Eastern border of India has the peculiarity of restriction on vehicles of originating country to be allowed beyond a designated point in the destination country. The planning of ICP at these locations provides solution to this limitation. In these situations, while most of our neighboring countries are relying on solution linked to time separation, we have adopted the space separation approach. The solution involves provision of separate delivery and collection zone within ICP. This is achieved by treating passenger terminal and warehouse as interface where, unloading is done along one face and loading on the other face.
Efficiency Inducing
The ICPs along Nepal Border are planned along the concept of primary and secondary checks to induce efficiency in regulatory process. This concept is similar to RED channel and GREEN channel witnessed at the airports. Government has initially identified 13 locations along the land borders of India seven out of the thirteen are placed under priority.
First at Attari
ICP Attari is the first one to be completed and was inaugurated by Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on April 13, 2012 in the presence of Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, Union Commerce Minister Anand Sharma, Commerce Minister of Pakistan Makdoom Amin Fahim and Chief Minister of Pakistan’s Punjab Province Md. Shahbaz Sharif. It has been constructed at a cost of about Rs.150 crores and is spread over 118 acres with dedicated passenger terminal building. Like other border crossing points, the existing facilities at Attari were also constrained. The Integrated Check Post not only provides planned and integrated facilities but also offer a new international gate removing restriction of timing.
The earlier arrangement did pose lot of strain on passengers crossing on foot, as they had to walk substantial distance to come to the existing custom building. The ICP Attari offers dedicated vehicles between Gate and passenger terminal. This would not only offer comfort to the passengers but also ensure orderly movement within ICP, removing avoidable burden on the security. The issue of movement of these vehicles from Wagah terminal to Attari terminal is already taken up with Pakistan and a favorable resolution is anticipated.
Passenger Terminal Building
The passenger terminal building is the focal point of passenger processing zone. It is a two storied building with total 9600 sq. m. area. The passenger terminal is planned on the lines of airport terminals. The Building has two wings, one for departing passenger and other for arriving passengers. Each wing has eight Immigration counters, two Baggage scanners and six customs counters. Numbers of these processing units are derived methodically by considering the average process time. The health facilities for detection isolation and reporting are provided in conformity to International obligations, besides providing basic medical assistance to passengers. The terminal offers linear flow with strategically placed signage for passenger guidance. Passenger facilities such as Baggage trolleys, Duty free shops, dispensers for foods & beverages, toilets, etc. are integral part of terminal facilities. Paraplegic facilities such as ramps, wheelchairs, handicapped toilets are included in the passenger terminal. It also has Tourist Information Centre, Vending Machines, Prayer Room and Child Care Room.
Jattha sheds have been provided along each face of the building to provide shelter and regulated flow of passengers into the terminal, to deal with sudden influx of passenger flow due to movement of pilgrimage groups.
Cargo Terminal
Cargo terminal building is a one and half storied structure, having total area of 4800 sqm. Unlike Passenger Terminal, Cargo terminal is an office complex having dedicated spaces for Sovereign agencies, Bank, Cargo handling agents etc. The cargo zone has total 55,000 sqm of parking area and warehouses having total area of 10,800 sqm. Majority of these warehouses are meant for receipt, inspection, trans-shipment and delivery of imported goods. Cold storage of 1500 MT capacity spread over 5 chambers, for perishable imported goods is part of cargo processing facility.
The flexible planning of ICP afforded development of segregated area to handle cargo in loose form. An area of 12000 sqm is developed with separate access system for Indian and Pakistani trucks, without disturbing the original traffic flow. An area of 99000 sqm is available for future augmentation of capacities.
Quarantine Facilities
The quarantine facilities including fumigation shed are part of ICP. Basic amenities for the truckers are available on arrival and departure side both.
Proper Surveillance
For the surveillance of the area, CCTV cameras and PA system are provided at strategic locations. 230 CCTV cameras have been placed at different locations for security. Control points on the road network are regulated through automatic boom barriers. Fire fighting and fire alarm system is in place. The complex is supported by 1800 KVA Electric sub-station with 100% power backup. A helipad is developed within the complex for quick and direct access to the complex.
Large green areas are being developed along both the faces of terminal building to offer a visual treat to the passengers. The building bears resemblance to the structures in Lutyen’s Delhi. The concept of providing such facade was selected to represent strength and receptiveness of the country. The road network in front of building is meticulously planned for each type of movement with no conflicts.
The construction of ICPs began in Feb’ 2010 and the period of construction envisaged was 14 months. However, as ICP Attari was the first project on a newly devised concept. The project started evolving with construction, additional works were identified, as necessary and were and ordered. Besides this, the ICP had bilateral issues such as, the joint agreement on location of new international gate and construction close to zero line. These bilateral issues took longer than anticipated. However, the construction was done expeditiously, accommodating the extra work and other impediments.
Frequent reviews, inspections were conducted by Senior Administrators and Engineers during the construction to ensure that the construction is progressing on agreed lines. Bilateral platform was formulated and frequent meetings were held to resolve the issues, acquire understanding, and update construction plans.
ICP Attari is a modern facility and is being appreciated by all concerned. With the completion of ICP, the larger picture that shall emerge now would depend on efficiency of operations and the capacity constraint on other side of the border, if any.
The Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) is to provide better administration and cohesive management of entry points/land ports and entrusted with the task of development and management of Integrated Check Posts on the land borders and would be vested with the powers on the lines of similar bodies like Airports Authority of India. The Land Ports Authority of India has been established from 1st March, 2012 as a statutory body which will function as a body corporate under the administrative control of the Department of Border Management, Ministry of Home Affairs.
As regards running the ICP efficiently sovereign authorities are already moving in, Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) is given the responsibility to function as custodian in accordance with customs regulations. Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has been given the responsibility of catering and passenger facilitation. The capacity harmonization issues are already flagged in recent meetings with Pakistani delegation. The valuable experience gained during the planning and construction of ICP Attari is being used in other ICP projects. (PIB Feature.)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/integrated-check-posts-at-moreh/

(PIB Features.)
Inputs from the Ministry of Micro Small & Medium Enterprises.
The Small and Medium Industries form the backbone of manufacturing sector not only in this country but even in the developed countries. In India, the small scale sector contributes to 40% of manufacturing.
The small industries sector also contributes substantially to the exports. In the past, the Small Scale Sector existed in a relatively sheltered environment. The levels of protection were high, several goods were reserved for production in the Small Scale Sector, special fiscal incentives were extended to the units in the sector and a number of support programmes were also drawn up to ensure the Small
Industries survived.
In the post-reform era, starting from 1991, the situation for the Manufacturing Sector as a whole as well as for the Small Industries has undergone a dramatic change.
The tariffs on imports have been reduced very substantially. India is gradually integrating with the world economy; new trade blocs are forming and many countries, including India, are entering into Preferential Trade Agreements, Free Trade Agreements or Comprehensive Economic Agreements to improve trade in areas of their comparative advantage. In this process the Indian economy is becoming more open and there is an urgent need for the Industry to adjust to the new situation.
The Indian Industry will have to become competitive by cutting down overall costs to that extent to survive and grow. The situation confronting the Small Industries in particular provides both opportunities as well as challenges. An opportunity to grow in a global market place is available to access entry into the global value chain by virtue of their being internationally competitive.
The others would need to reposition themselves and become competitive to meet the challenges if they have to survive.
The Government announced formulation of National Competitiveness Programme in 2005 with an objective to support the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in their endeavor to become competitive and adjust the competitive pressure caused by liberalization and moderation of tariff rates.
The National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council (NMCC) has finalized a five-year National Manufacturing Programme. Ten schemes have been drawn up including schemes for promotion of ICT, mini tool room, design clinics and marketing support for SMEs.
Lean Manufacturing Competitiveness Scheme
Under the Scheme, MSMEs will be assisted in reducing their manufacturing costs, through proper personnel management, better space utilization, scientific inventory management, improved processed flows, reduced engineering time, etc. Lean Manufacturing Competitiveness Scheme brings improvement in the quality of products and lowers costs, which are essential for competing in national and international markets.
Approach
Lean Manufacturing involves applying Lean Techniques to identify and eliminate waste and streamline a system:
To identify potential clusters;
Conduct awareness programme and encourage them to participate in the scheme;
MSMEs interested will form a group of 10 units (mini cluster) and apply for registration to form SPV (Trust or society);
SPV will select a LMC from the empanelled list and negotiate for the fee;
Tripartite agreement will be signed between SPV, LMC & NMIU and work commences for lean implementation in the SPV members;
Lean Manufacturing Consultants (LMCs) to assess the existing manufacturing system of member units of the Mini Cluster(s) and stipulate detailed step by step procedures and schedules for implementing and achieving of lean techniques;
1st milestone will be in the form of DSR and Action Plan, subsequent milestones will be as per the approved DSR;
Milestone progress to be monitored by the NPC field offices;
Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) of experts to oversee the monitoring process;
1st milestone to be paid by SPV to LMC, Subsequent milestones to be paid by GoI to LMC through SPV;
Screening and Steering Committee (SSC) under DC (MSME) will review the progress and give approvals as per the scheme requirement, after one year implementation, evaluation to be done by DC (MSME) office for the impact and recommend up scaling or otherwise.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/supporting-smes/

Sreejith Sreedharan
Vellayani Lake, also called Vellayani Kayal is one of the three rain-fed freshwater lakes in Kerala. This very vast picturesque lake surrounded by lush greenery is located about 9 kms away from the Thiruvananthapuram city. Vellayani lake is a rich repository of flora and fauna, and the biodiversity supports the livelihood of people around the lake. About hundred species of wetland birds frequent the lake, including migratory ones.
The local legend regarding the origin of the lake is that a saint used to meditate under a banyan tree at this place. One day, a beggar came up to him and asked for some water to drink. When saint found that his pot was nearly empty, he poured the last few drops in the pot into his palm and with a prayer, threw the drops as far as he could. And the land till the point where the drops touched the earth turned into a big lake. Two temples dedicated to Vishunu and Devi are situated on the banks of this lake. It is believed that till 1953, the lake was solely used for the cultivation of lotus flowers for the famous Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple. But later the water from the lake was extensively used for drinking and irrigational purposes.
The Vellayani fresh water lake is the major source of drinking water for the people of Kalliyoor, Venganoor, and Vizhinjam grama panchayats. However interventions in the form of paddy cultivation has deteriorated the quality of water and drastically reduced the water spread area. The area of the lake which was 750 ha in 1926, was reduced to 397.5 ha by 2005. As a result the villages bordering the lake have been experiencing acute water shortage. During 1950s a rice cultivation project after dewatering the lake was taken up which resulted in intensive agriculture operations around lake area and reduction in the lake area.
Studies and Recommendations
The environment committee of the Kerala Legislative Assembly which studied the environmental issues associated with the fresh water lakes submitted a report in 1993. The committee recommended that the State Government should identify and demarcate the encroached portion of the lake and steps should be taken to evacuate illegal encroachers, prevent pollution of lake water, increase the depth of the lake by dredging and prevent further siltation of the lake.
A study made by the College of Agriculture, Vellayani warned that dewatering the Vellayani lake for cultivation would endanger the reservoir and threaten several drinking water projects servicing the neighboring panchayats. In 2005 Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) study report recommended a revenue survey to demarcate the reservoir area and identify the encroachments. In 2006, the SHRC directed the state government to withdraw the order relating to paddy cultivation in the land around the Vellayani Lake. The Commission has also directed the state government to work with the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests to take steps to protect the lake as a source of drinking water.
Conservation Initiatives
Public demand for the conservation of Vellayani lake began when water shortage intensified in villages around Vellayani during 1990s. There are now participatory movements taking place to conserve Vellayani fresh water lake and its ecosystem by several NGOs with the help of local public. Understanding the importance of this unique ecosystem the State government has taken steps for the ecological preservation and beautification of Vellayani Lake, by setting up the Vellayani Lake Conservation Society.
The Trivandrum district Pachayat has taken the initiative to include Vellayani Lake in the MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) scheme for the ecological preservation of the lake and its vicinity. As part of the project the panchayat is taking steps for strengthening bunds, cleaning up of wetlands etc. The Panchayat has decided to use Coir Corporation’s Geo textile technology for strengthening bunds instead of cement and rock. Kalliyoor and Venganoor Gramapanchayats are responsible for implementing the project. The conservation project will be undertaken in phases for the only rain-fed freshwater lake in the Thiruvananthapuram district.
Vellayani lake presents a unique ecosystem and a multipronged strategy is required to preserve this lake’s unique ecology while at the same time ensuring adequate drinking water for the villages dependent on lake water. (PIB Feature.)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/vellayani-lake-conservation-efforts/

Sreejith Sreedharan
Vellayani Lake, also called Vellayani Kayal is one of the three rain-fed freshwater lakes in Kerala. This very vast picturesque lake surrounded by lush greenery is located about 9 kms away from the Thiruvananthapuram city. Vellayani lake is a rich repository of flora and fauna, and the biodiversity supports the livelihood of people around the lake. About hundred species of wetland birds frequent the lake, including migratory ones.
The local legend regarding the origin of the lake is that a saint used to meditate under a banyan tree at this place. One day, a beggar came up to him and asked for some water to drink. When saint found that his pot was nearly empty, he poured the last few drops in the pot into his palm and with a prayer, threw the drops as far as he could. And the land till the point where the drops touched the earth turned into a big lake. Two temples dedicated to Vishunu and Devi are situated on the banks of this lake. It is believed that till 1953, the lake was solely used for the cultivation of lotus flowers for the famous Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple. But later the water from the lake was extensively used for drinking and irrigational purposes.
The Vellayani fresh water lake is the major source of drinking water for the people of Kalliyoor, Venganoor, and Vizhinjam grama panchayats. However interventions in the form of paddy cultivation has deteriorated the quality of water and drastically reduced the water spread area. The area of the lake which was 750 ha in 1926, was reduced to 397.5 ha by 2005. As a result the villages bordering the lake have been experiencing acute water shortage. During 1950s a rice cultivation project after dewatering the lake was taken up which resulted in intensive agriculture operations around lake area and reduction in the lake area.
Studies and Recommendations
The environment committee of the Kerala Legislative Assembly which studied the environmental issues associated with the fresh water lakes submitted a report in 1993. The committee recommended that the State Government should identify and demarcate the encroached portion of the lake and steps should be taken to evacuate illegal encroachers, prevent pollution of lake water, increase the depth of the lake by dredging and prevent further siltation of the lake.
A study made by the College of Agriculture, Vellayani warned that dewatering the Vellayani lake for cultivation would endanger the reservoir and threaten several drinking water projects servicing the neighboring panchayats. In 2005 Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) study report recommended a revenue survey to demarcate the reservoir area and identify the encroachments. In 2006, the SHRC directed the state government to withdraw the order relating to paddy cultivation in the land around the Vellayani Lake. The Commission has also directed the state government to work with the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests to take steps to protect the lake as a source of drinking water.
Conservation Initiatives
Public demand for the conservation of Vellayani lake began when water shortage intensified in villages around Vellayani during 1990s. There are now participatory movements taking place to conserve Vellayani fresh water lake and its ecosystem by several NGOs with the help of local public. Understanding the importance of this unique ecosystem the State government has taken steps for the ecological preservation and beautification of Vellayani Lake, by setting up the Vellayani Lake Conservation Society.
The Trivandrum district Pachayat has taken the initiative to include Vellayani Lake in the MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) scheme for the ecological preservation of the lake and its vicinity. As part of the project the panchayat is taking steps for strengthening bunds, cleaning up of wetlands etc. The Panchayat has decided to use Coir Corporation’s Geo textile technology for strengthening bunds instead of cement and rock. Kalliyoor and Venganoor Gramapanchayats are responsible for implementing the project. The conservation project will be undertaken in phases for the only rain-fed freshwater lake in the Thiruvananthapuram district.
Vellayani lake presents a unique ecosystem and a multipronged strategy is required to preserve this lake’s unique ecology while at the same time ensuring adequate drinking water for the villages dependent on lake water. (PIB Feature.)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/vellayani-lake-conservation-efforts/

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh chaired the meeting of National Ganga River Basin Authority in New Delhi today. Following is the text of Prime Minister’s opening remarks:
The National Ganga River Basin Authority was set up as a high level body that would give focussed attention to fulfilling our sacred and solemn duty to restore the pristine glory of the Ganga and preserve its riches for future generations. The Centre, the Ganga basin States, civil society and industry should work together to make a success of this important national endeavour.
We should remember that our efforts in the past have not been very successful. Therefore, we must together show a renewed and sincere commitment in both thought and action to make a definite change in the situation.
We must find the right balance between the need for environmental and ecological conservation of the Ganga and its basin on the one hand and the imperatives of growth and development on the other.
I commit the Government of India to work purposefully in this direction as a top priority.
Increasing urbanisation, industrialisation and population are not only polluting the Ganga waters, but also threatening its ecological and hydrological viability. Added to this are the spectre of climate change and melting of glaciers that are also likely to affect the flows of the river adversely.
The task before us is therefore a highly complex one. We will have to pool our intellectual and physical resources in a coordinated and coherent manner if we are to rise to this challenge.
Time is not on our side and we have to act quickly. At the same time, whatever we do should not be piecemeal, should meet the test of scientific reasoning and be a rational and practical approach that addresses the views and concerns of all stakeholders.
In order to formulate long term policies and actions, the Ministry of Environment and Forests commissioned a consortium of seven IITs to prepare a comprehensive River Basin Management Plan for the Ganga. This Plan would recommend comprehensive measures to restore and maintain the ecological health of the river giving due regard to the competing water uses and the necessity of a paradigm shift in the manner in which we exploit land, water and other natural resources in the Ganga basin.
This Plan will be the basis for the NGRBAs long term Action Plan to deal with the multiple challenges we face in the task of cleaning the Ganga and maintaining its flows. The consortium has already submitted five initial reports.
First is on the issue of untreated sewage. Every day about 2,900 million litres of sewage is discharged into the main stream of the river Ganga from municipal towns located along its banks. The existing infrastructure has a capacity to treat only 1,100 million litres per day, leaving a huge deficit.
There is adequate funding available to create additional treatment facilities under the National Mission Clean Ganga. I would urge the States to send appropriate proposals for new projects.
The performance of the States with regard to the operation and maintenance of the existing sewage treatment plants has been tardy. There is under-utilisation of this infrastructure, particularly in the absence of connecting sewerage networks such as branch sewers and house sewer connections.
The second issue is with regard to industrial pollution. Though they are only 20% of the total volume of effluents, industrial effluents are a cause for major concern because they are toxic and non-biodegradable.
Most of the waste water comes from tanneries, distilleries, paper mills and sugar mills along the banks of the Ganga. Action must be taken against the defaulting industries by the State Boards under the powers delegated to them by the Central Government. I would request the State Governments to strengthen the relevant enforcement mechanisms.
I would request the Chief Ministers to make an assessment of the situation with regard to both untreated sewage and industrial pollution and present a report to the NRGBA on the situation in their respective States. We can then decide what concrete steps are necessary to attend to some of the institutional, administrative and financial problems that may be coming in the way of more effective implementation of pollution control and abatement measures. Many of the things that we could do are self evident and do not require detailed scientific studies. States should earmark adequate resources and give priority to capacity building of urban local bodies.
I urge all the concerned State Governments to make full use of the resources that are available with the NRGBA. Projects with an outlay of more than Rs. 2600 crore have been sanctioned so far under the NGRBA in the States of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar and West Bengal for creating sewer networks, sewage treatment plants, sewage pumping stations, electric crematoria, community toilets and development of river fronts.
A third area that warrants immediate action and attention is the need to maintain the ecological flow of the Ganga, starting with the upper reaches of the river. This must necessarily involve a number of steps. State Governments and urban local bodies should promote water conservation and recycling of treated waste water. There is a need to promote efficient irrigation practices as a large amount of water from the Ganga is drawn through the canal systems in the upper reaches for agricultural use. There is also the complex problem of tackling water use by hydel projects in the upper reaches.
The Government of India had commissioned a study conducted by IIT Roorkee on the assessment of cumulative impact of hydropower projects in Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Basins up to Devprayag. Separately, the Wildlife Institute of India had also made an assessment of cumulative impact of hydroelectric projects on aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity in the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi basins in Uttarakhand. These studies had worked out certain desirable ecological flows. The IIT Roorkee report stated that the environmental flow requirement or EFR depends on the stage of development of the area and the societal requirement. The same report recommended that exact values of EFR for every single project for implementation should be established after carrying out detailed measurements of discharge, river cross sections and assessment of impact on biotic life as a result of reduced discharge on commissioned hydropower projects and consultation with the local community.
The issue of environmental flow requirement as studied and recommended by the IIT Roorkee Committee as well as the minimum flow required to sustain riverine ecology recommended by the Wildlife Institute of India, should be examined by a multi-disciplinary group, including the concerned State Governments. The group should look holistically at the various options available and recommend principles.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ganga-river-basin-authority/

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh chaired the meeting of National Ganga River Basin Authority in New Delhi today. Following is the text of Prime Minister’s opening remarks:
The National Ganga River Basin Authority was set up as a high level body that would give focussed attention to fulfilling our sacred and solemn duty to restore the pristine glory of the Ganga and preserve its riches for future generations. The Centre, the Ganga basin States, civil society and industry should work together to make a success of this important national endeavour.
We should remember that our efforts in the past have not been very successful. Therefore, we must together show a renewed and sincere commitment in both thought and action to make a definite change in the situation.
We must find the right balance between the need for environmental and ecological conservation of the Ganga and its basin on the one hand and the imperatives of growth and development on the other.
I commit the Government of India to work purposefully in this direction as a top priority.
Increasing urbanisation, industrialisation and population are not only polluting the Ganga waters, but also threatening its ecological and hydrological viability. Added to this are the spectre of climate change and melting of glaciers that are also likely to affect the flows of the river adversely.
The task before us is therefore a highly complex one. We will have to pool our intellectual and physical resources in a coordinated and coherent manner if we are to rise to this challenge.
Time is not on our side and we have to act quickly. At the same time, whatever we do should not be piecemeal, should meet the test of scientific reasoning and be a rational and practical approach that addresses the views and concerns of all stakeholders.
In order to formulate long term policies and actions, the Ministry of Environment and Forests commissioned a consortium of seven IITs to prepare a comprehensive River Basin Management Plan for the Ganga. This Plan would recommend comprehensive measures to restore and maintain the ecological health of the river giving due regard to the competing water uses and the necessity of a paradigm shift in the manner in which we exploit land, water and other natural resources in the Ganga basin.
This Plan will be the basis for the NGRBAs long term Action Plan to deal with the multiple challenges we face in the task of cleaning the Ganga and maintaining its flows. The consortium has already submitted five initial reports.
First is on the issue of untreated sewage. Every day about 2,900 million litres of sewage is discharged into the main stream of the river Ganga from municipal towns located along its banks. The existing infrastructure has a capacity to treat only 1,100 million litres per day, leaving a huge deficit.
There is adequate funding available to create additional treatment facilities under the National Mission Clean Ganga. I would urge the States to send appropriate proposals for new projects.
The performance of the States with regard to the operation and maintenance of the existing sewage treatment plants has been tardy. There is under-utilisation of this infrastructure, particularly in the absence of connecting sewerage networks such as branch sewers and house sewer connections.
The second issue is with regard to industrial pollution. Though they are only 20% of the total volume of effluents, industrial effluents are a cause for major concern because they are toxic and non-biodegradable.
Most of the waste water comes from tanneries, distilleries, paper mills and sugar mills along the banks of the Ganga. Action must be taken against the defaulting industries by the State Boards under the powers delegated to them by the Central Government. I would request the State Governments to strengthen the relevant enforcement mechanisms.
I would request the Chief Ministers to make an assessment of the situation with regard to both untreated sewage and industrial pollution and present a report to the NRGBA on the situation in their respective States. We can then decide what concrete steps are necessary to attend to some of the institutional, administrative and financial problems that may be coming in the way of more effective implementation of pollution control and abatement measures. Many of the things that we could do are self evident and do not require detailed scientific studies. States should earmark adequate resources and give priority to capacity building of urban local bodies.
I urge all the concerned State Governments to make full use of the resources that are available with the NRGBA. Projects with an outlay of more than Rs. 2600 crore have been sanctioned so far under the NGRBA in the States of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar and West Bengal for creating sewer networks, sewage treatment plants, sewage pumping stations, electric crematoria, community toilets and development of river fronts.
A third area that warrants immediate action and attention is the need to maintain the ecological flow of the Ganga, starting with the upper reaches of the river. This must necessarily involve a number of steps. State Governments and urban local bodies should promote water conservation and recycling of treated waste water. There is a need to promote efficient irrigation practices as a large amount of water from the Ganga is drawn through the canal systems in the upper reaches for agricultural use. There is also the complex problem of tackling water use by hydel projects in the upper reaches.
The Government of India had commissioned a study conducted by IIT Roorkee on the assessment of cumulative impact of hydropower projects in Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Basins up to Devprayag. Separately, the Wildlife Institute of India had also made an assessment of cumulative impact of hydroelectric projects on aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity in the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi basins in Uttarakhand. These studies had worked out certain desirable ecological flows. The IIT Roorkee report stated that the environmental flow requirement or EFR depends on the stage of development of the area and the societal requirement. The same report recommended that exact values of EFR for every single project for implementation should be established after carrying out detailed measurements of discharge, river cross sections and assessment of impact on biotic life as a result of reduced discharge on commissioned hydropower projects and consultation with the local community.
The issue of environmental flow requirement as studied and recommended by the IIT Roorkee Committee as well as the minimum flow required to sustain riverine ecology recommended by the Wildlife Institute of India, should be examined by a multi-disciplinary group, including the concerned State Governments. The group should look holistically at the various options available and recommend principles.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ganga-river-basin-authority/

Following is the text of the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s speech at the Conference of CMs on Internal Security:
“I welcome you to this very important conference on Internal Security. This forum has proved its utility over several years as a platform to exchange ideas and to build consensus on the possible ways and means to strengthen our internal security apparatus.
Since we last met in February 2011, the internal security situation has by and large been satisfactory. I commend the efforts of the States and the Centre for their joint efforts to maintain peace, amity and harmony throughout this diverse land of ours.
But I am sure all of us would agree that much more is required of us. Serious internal security challenges remain. Threats from terrorism, left wing extremism, religious fundamentalism, and ethnic violence persist in our country. These challenges demand constant vigilance on our part. They need to be tackled firmly but with sensitivity. The forces behind them must not only be contained but should also be effectively rolled back.
This is undoubtedly a complex and onerous task. It is an endeavour that requires the united effort of us all both or two centres and in the states. Internal security is a matter in which the States and the Centre must work together, hand in hand, and in harmony.
Take for instance Left Wing Extremism. The year 2011 was a better year than 2010 in terms of the number of deaths caused by Left Wing Extremist groups. But we still have a long way to go, both in terms of including people in the affected areas in our growing economy and society, and in terms of providing them with adequate account of security. The so called “protracted people’s war” waged by Left Wing Extremists against the state and society continues to target civilians and security forces, and economic infrastructure such as railways, mobile communications and power networks. In the recent past, naxalites have also resorted to abducting foreign nationals.
I am glad that you are devoting a separate session this evening to Left Wing Extremism. Our holistic approach to the problem remains valid and necessary, paying simultaneous attention to security, development, good governance and perception management. In the last two years, the Integrated Action Plan has brought development to villages in the most backward and violence affected districts in our country. We have also extended the Plan from the original 60 districts to 78 districts. Given the inter-state ramifications of Left Wing Extremism, the Action Plan has been deliberated in detail with the seven affected states.
At the same time, we should work together to find better and more effective ways and means of implementing our holistic approach.
Like other internal security matters, we need joint and coordinated efforts to deal with the challenge of terrorism, whatever be its origin, whether internal or external, and whatever its motivation.
This is a struggle in which we cannot relax. When we see turbulence in the region and growing factors of instability around us, we must strengthen our defences against terrorism. Today, terrorist groups are nimble, more lethal than ever before and increasingly networked across frontiers.
Accurate and timely intelligence is a prime necessity if we are to defeat terrorism, preventing it and countering it effectively. We have made some progress in this regard, strengthening our intelligence gathering apparatus and establishing NATGRID. The operationalising of four NSG hubs and NIA branch offices and MAC-SMAC connectivity are other instances. We will discuss the National Counter Terrorism Centre on May 5 in a separate meeting, as some chief Ministers suggested.
There is no question that the burden of the fight against terrorism falls largely on the States’ machinery.
The Centre is ready to work with the states to put in place strong and effective institutional mechanisms to tackle this problem.
In Jammu and Kashmir there has been a perceptible improvement in the security and law and order situation. As a result, the state witnessed the highest inflow of tourists and pilgrims during 2011. The Panchayat elections were successful and were more proof of the people’s desire to be able to lead normal lives free from the shadow of violence and terrorism.
The situation in some of our North-Eastern states has, however, remained complex. There was some improvement in terms of incidents of violence, but there is no question that much remains to be done to restore calm and eliminate extortion, kidnapping and other crimes by militant or extremist groups on the pretext of ethnic identity. The pilferage of development funds by militant groups is hurting our efforts to improve the lives of the people of the region. Inter-factional clashes, such as those in Tirap and Changlang, are another source of insecurity.
The answers to these problems lie in strengthening the law and order capabilities of the states concerned and in reasserting and rebuilding normal democratic political and developmental processes. More proactive state police forces reducing reliance on central armed police forces would be a useful step forward. The Centre will continue to work with the states of the region to make this possible. I would hope that the implementation of infrastructure projects in the North-East will create conditions for the return of normalcy.
I am very happy that political processes of negotiation and dialogue are underway with several insurgent and ethnic separatist groups in the North-East that are committed to finding amicable solutions to their problems. These ialogues, which are being undertaken by the Ministry of Home Affairs in close consultation with the states concerned, are making steady headway.
The Centre will continue its support to capacity building and police modernisation efforts by the States. State governments are the primary responders in most internal security situations. We have extended the police modernisation scheme and we are continuing the Coastal Security Scheme and the Border Area Development Programme. I would urge the States and Ministry of Home Affairs to carry forward police reform and modernisation to their logical conclusion.
Before I close there is one other issue that I would like to put forward for consideration. No system or structure can be better than the people who man it. The internal security structures of India are no exception. It is therefore important that we find ways and means of improving not just the number but also the quality of our police personnel. I hope that your meeting will suggest new and innovative ways to address this issue and to make rapid progress in improving the conditions under which our personnel work. If we are able to do so, we would be repaying in some measure the dedicated and loyal service of our police and defence personnel which has helped us to make our country safer. With these words I wish you well in your deliberations. I hope that this conference will make constructive and practical suggestions that will enable us to further improve internal security in India, strengthening the rule of law, and enabling every Indian citizen to realise his or her full potential in an environment of peace and security.
That must be our common goal, and I look forward to working with you towards that end”

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/pms-speech-at-conference-of-cms-on-internal-security/

With Inputs from M/o Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises.
Central Sector Projects- In the central sector there were altogether 607 projects under implementation as on 31 March, 2011 of which 157 projects were Mega projects (each costing Rs. 1,000 crore and above), 450 Major projects (each costing between Rs. 100 crore and Rs. 1000 crore).
The total estimated cost of these 607 projects works out to be Rs. 7,76,715.89 crore. The total expenditure incurred on 607 Mega and Major projects stands at Rs. 3,55,698.64 crore as on 31 March, 2011.
CPSEs Projects – Out of these 607 projects in the central sector, 170 projects (costing Rs. 500 crores and above) belonged to Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs). Of these 170 projects, 113 were Mega projects and 57 were Major projects. The total estimated cost in respect of these 210 projects of CPSEs stood at Rs. 4,59,799 crore, while the revised/anticipated cost is equal to Rs. 5,07,459 crore. Atomic Energy – There were 4 projects in atomic Energy sector under implementation as on 31 March, 2011. These projects belonged to the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited, Uranium Corporation of India Ltd. and Bhavini Limited and cost above Rs. 500 crore. Civil Aviation – There were 9 projects in the civil aviation sector under implementation, as on 31 March, 2011. Of these, 2 were in Mega category, 7 in Major category. All these projects belonged to Airport Authority of India Limited.
Coal – There were 45 projects in the coal sector under implementation, as on 31 March, 2011. Of these, 7 were in Mega category, 38 in Major category. These projects belonged to Central Coal Fields Limited, South-Eastern Coal Fields Limited, Northern Coal Fields Limited, Singareni Colliers Company Limited and Neyveli Lignite Corporation Ltd.
Fertilizers – There were 6 projects in the fertilisers sector under implementation as on 31 March, 2011. Of these, 3 were in Mega category, 3 in Major category. All these projects belonged to National
Fertilisers Limited.
Mines – There was only one Mega project in the mining sector as on 31 March, 2011. This belonged to National Aluminium Company Limited.
Petroleum – There were 82 projects in the petroleum sector under implementation, as on 31 March, 2011. Of these, 40 were in Mega category and 42 in Major category. These projects belonged to Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Bongaigaon Refinery & Petrochemicals Ltd., Gas Authority of India Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, Indian Oil Corporation Limited and Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Limited.
Power – There were 87 projects in the power sector under implementation, as on 31 March, 2011. Of these, 44 were in Mega category and 43 in Major category. All these projects belonged to National Hydro-Electric Power Corporation, National Thermal Power Corporation, North East Electric Power Corporation, Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited, and Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited.
Shipping & Ports – There were 26 projects in the Shipping & Ports sector under implementation, as on 31 March, 2011. Of these, 7 were in Mega category and 19 in Major category. These belonged to Mumbai Port Trust and Shipping Corporation of India.
Steel – There were 19 projects under implementation in the steel sector, as on 31 March, 2011. Of these, 6 were in Mega category and 13 in Major category. These projects belonged to National Mineral Development Corporation, Rastriya Ispat Nigam Limited and Steel Authority of India.
Telecommunication – There were 41 projects under implementation in the telecommunication sector as on 31 March, 2011. Of these, 3 were in Mega category and 38 in Major category. These projects belonged to Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited.
CPSEs Under Construction – There are some CPSEs which yet to go on regular production on a commercial scale as they are at construction stage.
Many of these CPSEs are subsidiary companies set up by (Holding) CPSEs. Some of these subsidiary companies are ‘shell companies’ which have been set up tentatively to facilitate the establishment of Ultra Mega Power Projects (UMPP) or similar other Projects. The objective of ‘shell companies’ for UPMM is to develop large capacities of power generation in the different parts of the country. It brings in the potential investors in UMPP after obtaining the necessary clearances.
The Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFCL) was selected as the Nodal Agency for the development of such power projects by the Central Electricity Authority. Many of the ‘shell companies’ are subsidiary companies of PFCL. As on 31 March, 2011, there were altogether 28 CPSEs ‘under construction’, as against 32 as on 31 March, 2010.
While seven CPSEs ‘under construction’ existing in 2009-10 have been left out, three CPSEs have been added to this list during the financial year 2010-11.
(PIB Feature.)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mega-and-major-projects-under-implementation-by-cpses/

H. C. Kunwar
Deputy Director (Media & Communication), Ministry of Railways.
Security has been identified as one of the priority areas for upgradation and strengthening over Indian Railways. Railway Protection Force (RPF), which functions under the Ministry of Railways, has been entrusted with the responsibility of protection and security of passengers, passenger area and matters connected therewith.
After studying the problems of railway security, Integrated Security System was proposed for 202 important railway stations in the entire railway network. As a mass transport system Indian Railways have some unique features. Around 8,000 million passengers travel annually on Indian Railways and at important stations like Delhi and Mumbai lakhs of footfalls are received on a daily basis. The situation becomes unique and unmanageable during peak hours. Keeping these aspects in view, it was proposed to have a security system, comprising of various features, which helps in multi screening of passengers and their baggage as well as ensures surveillance over passengers. The philosophy was to have different layers of checking/surveillance so that any nefarious activity is immediately noticed and the required action is taken within the ‘golden hour’.
Ministry of Railways has accordingly approved the installation of the ‘Integrated Security System’ at important stations after detailed deliberations. The system will comprise of the following components:
Internet Protocol Based CCTV System
The Close Circuit TV System will be installed in the stations area in such a manner that it covers the entire station premises including concourse, waiting halls, platforms, over-bridges etc. The CCTV system will be internet protocol based and will have important video analytics which will give automatic signals in case of suspected baggage, excessive crowd, intrusion by unauthorized persons etc.
Access Control
Boundary wall alongwith barbed wall fencing will be provided in such a manner that unauthorized entry/exit is not possible through-out the station area. Automatic vehicle scanner will be provided at entry gates from where vehicles enter into the station premises. A scanner will be integrated into the Control Room meant for surveillance.
Personal & Baggage Screening System
For personal screening, reliance shall be on hand held metal detectors, door frame metal detectors and frisking in suspected cases. Baggage screening will be done through large size X-Ray machines.
Bomb Detection & Disposal System (BDDS)
BDDS will be available with latest equipment at important stations. This System is being implemented at 202 important and sensitive stations of the country in first phase. There will be dedicated control rooms
at strategic locations for round the clock monitoring through the CCTV based surveillance system.
Trained RPF personnel will be utilized to ensure proper functioning of the ‘Integrated Security System.
To ensure smooth functioning of the machines and software, annual maintenance will be an integral part of the contract.
The 202 stations mentioned above, are scheduled to become functional during the current financial year.
Thus the system provides for multiple screening/checking of passengers right from the point of entry.
The ‘Integrated Security System’, comprising of latest machines and software, will supplement conventional methods of security which are also being strengthened. The combined effort of traditional methods and latest technologies will lead to a tremendous improvement in the security scenario of Indian
Railways.
Besides, presently RPF is engaged in escorting of 1275 important mail and express trains, access control at important railway stations, prosecution of offenders (under 29 sections of the Railways Act ) involved in unauthorized activities in trains/station premises viz. alarm chain pulling, unauthorized vending/hawking, unauthorized entry into ladies and reserved compartments etc, and prosecution of offenders apprehended with stolen railway property under the Railway Property (Unlawful Possession) Act 1966.
For strengthening of passenger security, 22 commando companies of RPF are being raised over all the zonal railways. This will be in addition to 12 RPSF Commando copanies to be raised one company
from each Battalion. Twelve battalions Railway Protection Special Force, (RSPF) under RPF, are located in the different parts of the country and three more RPSF Battalions, including one Mahila Battalion, have been approved to strengthen Special Force of the RPF. Modern weapons like AK 47 rifles, INSAS, Pistol 9mm have been inducted in RPF for strengthening of passenger security. For filling up existing vacancies and newly created posts in RPF, a massive recruitment drive has been launched by notifying 11952 posts of Constables and 511 posts of Sub-Inspectors out of which 10 per cent vacancies have been reserved for eligible female candidates.
Besides RPF, District Police is responsible for security of tracks and bridges and Government Railway
Police, a wing of state police, is responsible for prevention and detection of crime and maintenance of law and order in the station premises and in trains. 50% of the cost of Government Railway Police is borne by the Railways and the balance is paid by the State Government concerned. (PIB Feature.)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/implementation-of-integrated-security-system-on-railways/

Udaygiri and Khandagiri two hills near Bhubaneshwar contain unique monuments of ancient India, the Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves. These sites are mentioned as the ‘Kumari Parvat’ in the Hathigumpha inscription. The two cave sites are located about 200 meters apart, facing each other.
Not as famous as Ajanta and Ellora, but these caves are finely and ornately carved, and were built from huge residential blocks during the reign of King Kharavela, wherein they served as resting places for Jain ascetics on their journey to Nirvana. They command unique position in the field of history, architecture, art and religion. Udayagiri has 18 caves and Khandagiri has 15 caves. Some of the caves are natural but it is believed that most were carved out by Jain monks and they belong to the earliest Jain rock cut temples.
Caves called ‘lena’ in the inscriptions found in the caves have been scooped out, perhaps over endless full moons. The openings are like doorways and light can enter throughout the day and keep the stone floors warm, and moonlight can enter at night and light up the caves. The caves were home to ascetics who renounced the world to experiment with Nirvana, using the flow of energy of bodies and minds.
Here they were in unison with nature, in the midst of fragrant flowers, chirping birds, the rustle of leaves, the warm sun and the cool moon. The caves were also places for monks to meditate in peace and quiet and to do austere penance; and for scholars who came here in their quest of truth, peace, eternal salvation and beauty.
The Udayagiri caves are approximately 135 feet high and the Khandagiri caves are 118 feet high, and date back to 2nd century B.C. The caves are reminiscent of Buddhist and Jain influences in Odisha. The hills which are honey-combed with caves, reveal sculptural art centered on the life and times of Jain ascetics. The caves were built by King Kharavela, the King of Kalinga- ancient Odisha (circa 209- after 170 BC) in the first century. Kharavela was subdued by the great Mauryan King Ashoka. Although inclined towards Jainism, Kharavela was liberal regarding religious questions.
Mostly excavated near the top of a ledge or boulder, the cells simply provided dry shelter for meditation and prayer. They have an opening directly into the verandah or courtyard. There are minimal amenities even for small comforts: the height is too low for a person to stand erect, and essentially they were dwelling retreats or just sleeping compartments. Several monks used to stay in one cell. One striking feature of the cell is a raised floor on the opposite side of the opening which might have served the purpose of a pillow to sleep.
While the cells are cramped, low scuffed and austerely plain, their facades are encrusted with inscriptions and sculptures depicting various objects. The Archaeological Survey of India numbered the caves and all have individual names based on these objects. Objects include court scenes, birds, animals, royal processions, hunting expeditions and scenes of daily life.
The inscriptions which are in Brahmi start with the fundamental mantra of Jainism- the Namokar Mantra. They then depict the life and deeds of King Kharavela, “the worshipper of all religious orders and the repairer of all shrines of Gods”.
They also describe the patrons of separate caves. Many people of royal descent were patrons. As Ashoka took over the possessions of Kharavela, the previously favored Jain religion gradually gave way to Buddhism.
Udayagiri
The floor in Udaygiri is laid with leveled blocks of stone. Eighteen caves can be accessed by a flight of steps. Cave 1 is Ranigumpha cave or Queen’s cave, a double storey structure. It is famous for its exceptional acoustic characteristic and is believed to be used for chants and theatre performances. It also has an image of Surya riding a chariot. The right wing of the lower storey has a single cell with three entrances and a pillared verandah. It has been excavated on three sides of a quadrangle with fine wall friezes. It has some beautiful sculptures, including two sentries at the entrance. The pilasters to the entrance have fine wall friezes, animals, toranas (arches) with religious and royal scenes.
There is also a couple standing with folded hands, a female dancer with accompanying musicians.
The central wing has four cells. Victory march of a king and his journey are depicted here.
There are guard rooms decorated with a spring cascading down a hill, fruit laden trees, wild animals, monkeys, and sporting elephants in a lotus pool. The upper storey has six cells, one each in right and left wing and four in the rear.
All four cells have two doorways each with two pilasters. The toranas here have auspicious Jain symbols like snakes and lotuses, King Dushyant’s first meeting with Shakuntala, and dance performances.
Cave 2 is Bajaghar Gumpha with two massive built columns in front and additional inner columns. Cave 3 is known as Chota Hathi Gumpha. There are masterfully carved six vigorous elephants flanking the entrance. Cave 4 is Alakapuri Gumpha- double storeyed, with a sculpture of a lion holding a prey in its mouth, and pairs of winged creatures, people, animals atop the pillars. A bodhi tree has been carved in the central apartment.
Caves 5, 6, 7 and 8 are known as Jaya-Vijaya Gumpha, Panasa Gumpha, Thakurani Gumpha and Patalpuri Gumpha respectively; wherein the 5th and 7th caves are double storey. These are adorned with paintings, carvings of winged animals, etc. Manchapuri and Swargapuri caves are cave 9, a double storeyed cave with several sculptures and inscriptions. There are four votaries with folded hands, dressed in long dhotis, scarves and heavy kundalas (earings). This cave has a crowned figure believed to be that of Chedi King, Vakradeva.
Cave 10, Ganesha Gumpha, has a Chaitya hall, the place of worship for monks, two dwelling cells with low ceilings and a verandah in a famous relief of Ganesha. It also contains a carving with Jain Tirthankara. Jambesvara Gumpha- cave 11 is a small one with two plain door-openings and Vyaghra Gumpha –cave 12 is a low cell with two door opening. Its front is carved in the shape of a tiger’s mouth with a distended upper jaw full of teeth. It forms the roof of the verandah and the gullet forming the entrance.
Sarpa Gumpha- cave 13 is an unusually small cave with adornment
above the entrance. Here the famous inscription regarding life history of Kharavel is written in the Magadhi language. Other caves include Hathi Gumpha, cave 14, Dhanaghara Gumpha-cave 15, Haridasa Gumpha-cave 16, Jagammath Gumpha- cave 17 and Rosai Gumpha-cave 18.
Khandagiri Caves
The first and second caves are Tatowa Gumpha 1 and 2, richly decorated caves with two guards at the entrance and also two bulls and two lions. Parrots are carved above the entrance arch. Cave 3, Ananta Gumpha contains exquisite sculptures of women, elephants, athletes, and geese carrying flowers. Cave 4 is Tentuli Gumpha.
Cave 5, i. e. Khandagiri Gumpha is a double storey, roughly cut cave. Caves 12,13 and 14 have no names. Caves 6 to 11 have been named as Dhyan Gumpha, Nayamuni Gumpha, Barabhuja Gumpha, Trusula Gumpha, Ambika Gumpha and Lalatendukesri Gumpha. There are reliefs of Jain tirthankars, Mahavira and Parsvanatha on the rear wall of cave 11. Cave 14 is a simple cell and is known as Ekadasi Gumpha. (PIB Feature.)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/udayagiri-khandagiri-monuments-of-ancient-india/

A. N. Khan
Scientist & Former Asst. Director, NEERI, Nagpur.
The word ‘age’ has been used by physiologists to express certain natural divisions in human development and decay. These are known as infancy, lasting to the 7th year; childhood to the 14th; youth to the 21st;
and adult till 50th; and then old age. The two great factors influencing the length of life are heredity and environment. One way in which environmental conditions affect longevity is through diseases contracted in the course of life.
The topic of this year’s World Health Day, marked on 7th April 2012, was devoted to “Ageing and Health” with the theme “Good health adds life to years”. Life expectancy is going up in most countries, meaning more and more people live longer and enter an age when they may need health care.
Healthcare is the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease, illness, injury and other physical and mental impairments in humans. Healthcare is delivered by practitioners in medicine, chiropractic, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, allied health, and other care providers. Access to health care varies across countries, groups and individuals, largely influenced by social and economic conditions as well as the health policies in place. According to WHO, a well functioning healthcare system requires a robust financing mechanism, reliable information on which to base decisions and policies; and well maintained facilities and logistics to deliver quality medicines and technologies.
Healthcare can form a significant part of a country’s economy. In 2008, the healthcare industry consumed an average of 9.0% of the GDP across the most developed OECD countries. The United States 16.0%, France 11.2% and Switzerland 10.7% of GDP, were the three top spenders.
Healthy or normal old age is attended by diminution in functional activity which corresponds with the characteristic changes of atrophy and involution in the structure of organs and tissues and of a diminished area of the capillary blood vessels. Fatigue is more readily produced; memory, especially for names, becomes less agile; and willpower, like the gait, becomes less certain. The mental outlook is largely determined by that of the individual in the past, happy and kindly, or pessimistic and uncharitable.
It is hard to draw a sharp line of demarcation between normal old age, with its limitations due to atrophic changes in the body, on the one hand and on the other hand the manifestations in the elderly resulting from past infections and diseases. Physiological old age, that is freedom from any pathological change, is agreed to be rare and it has been said that often the ‘old age itself a disease’.
Some diseases especially prone to attack the aged are diabetes, cancer, and the cardiovascular – renal group. The last is closely related to arteriosclerosis, which may affect various parts of the body, such as the kidneys, the brain and the heart.
The number of elderly in the developing countries has been growing at a phenomenal rate; in 1990 the population of 60 years and above in the developing countries exceeded that of the developed countries.
According to present indications, most of this growth will take place in developing countries and over half of it will be in Asia, namely India and China contributing a significant proportion of this growing elderly.
The 2001 census has shown that the elderly population of India accounted for 77 million, while the elderly constituted only 24 million in 1961, it increased to 43 million in 1981 and to 57 million in 1991. The proportion of elderly persons in the population of India rose from 5.63% in 1961 to 7.5% in 2001 and expected to increase by 12% in 2025. The elderly population aged 70 and above which was only 8 million in 1961 rose to 29 million in 2001. The Indian population census reported 99,000 centenarians in 1961 which rose to 1,38,000 in 1991.
To assess the emerging ageing scenario of India in the first half of the 21st century, the elderly population of India has been projected for the next 50 years. The size of India’s elderly population aged 60 and above is expected to increase from 77 million in 2001 to 179 million in 2031 and further to 301 million in 2051. The number of elderly persons above 70 years are projected to increase five-fold between 2001 – 2051.
Health problems are supposed to be the major concern of a society as older people are more prone to suffer from ill health than younger age groups. Besides physical illness the aged are more likely to be victims of poor mental health, which arise from senility, neurosis and extent of life satisfaction. The study found a majority of the elderly suffering from diseases like cough (cough includes tuberculosis of lungs, bronchitis, asthama, and whooping cough as per the International Classification of Diseases), poor eyesight, anaemia and dental problems. The proportion of the sick and the bedridden among the elderly is found to be increasing with advancing age; the major physical disabilities being blindness and deafness.
The First National Sample Survey (NSS) indicated that 45% of the elderly suffered from some chronic illness like pain in the joints and cough. Other diseases noted in NSS included blood pressure, heart disease, urinary problems and diabetes. The major killers among the elderly consisted of respiratory disorders in rural areas and circulatory disorders in urban areas. Rural survey reported that around 5% of the elderly were bedridden and another 18.5% had only limited mobility. Given the prevalence of ill health and disability, it was found that dissatisfaction existed among the elderly with regard to the provision of medical aid. The sick elderly lacked proper familiar care while public health services were insufficient to meet their needs.Among the eight chronic diseases canvassed in the NSS, close to 1/3rd of elderly reported suffering from pain in joints, followed by cough 20%, and blood pressure 10%. Less than 5% reported as suffering from piles, diabetics and cancer.
One out of two elderly in India suffers from at least one chronic disease which requires long-term medication. (PIB Feature.)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ageing-and-health/

PIB Feature
Urbanization and industrialization- the two facets of development are becoming the cornerstone of all developing countries and much the same is true for India. Though the two sound encouraging, but bring in the problem of enormous generation of wastes. In fact, the problem is gaining greater currency as these wastes are becoming sources of pollution. Most wastes that are generated find their way into landfills and water bodies. Significantly, these are disposed off without proper treatment and hence emerge as sources of green house gases like methane and carbon dioxide. The solution to it lies in the practice of treating the wastes before disposal and using it in the production of energy. It would be a two-pronged approach wherein not only the waste would be rendered environment friendly thereby mitigating pollution but at the same time generate a substantial quantity of energy so essential for meeting developmental needs.
There are various procedures through which energy from waste can be generated.
Biomethanation
First and foremost is Anaerobic Bigestion or Biomethanation. In this process, the organic waste is segregated and fed into a biogas digester. The waste undergoes biodegradation under anaerobic conditions to produce methane rich biogas. The so produced biogas can be used for cooking, heating, generating electricity etc. The sludge can be used as a manure depending on the composition of the input waste.
Combustion/Incineration
The next procedure is Combustion/Incineration which is direct burning of wastes in the presence of
excess air (oxygen) at high temperatures (about 800C). It results in conversion of 65%-80% of heat content of organic matter into hot air, steam and hot water. The steam generated can be used in steam turbines to generate power.
Pyrolysis/Gasification
Pyrolysis/Gasification is another process of chemical decomposition of organic matter through heat.
The organic matter is heated in the absence or restricted supply of air till it breaks down into smaller molecules of gas (known collectively as syngas). The gas so produced is known as producer gas which constitutes carbon monoxide (25%), hydrogen and hydrocarbons(15%), carbon dioxide and nitrogen(60%). The producer gas is burnt in internal combustion (IC) generator sets or turbines to produce electricity.
Landfill Gas Recovery
Landfill Gas Recovery is another measure of recovering gas from waste dumps wherein the waste slowly decomposes to produce ‘Landfill gas’. This gas consists of high percentage of methane (approx.50%) and has a high calorific value of about 4500kcal/cubic metre and hence can be used for heating cooking and generating power.
Plasma Arc
Plasma Arc is a relatively new technology for disposal of wastes, particularly, hazardous and radioactive wastes. Since it involves nearly complete destruction of waste while producing energy, it is less polluting. It does not produce oxides of nitrogen and sulphur and makes toxic ash left in the process easier to handle. However, the technology is costly and has not been tried in India.
Advantage of Using Waste for Energy
Another significant advantage of using waste for energy is reduction in the demand for landfills in land scarce cities. The cost of transportation of wastes is also reduced. In some cases, it can produce fertilizer as a by- product. But, on the flip side, the technologies are at present often expensive and even imported in India. The approximate cost per MW for waste to energy projects based on different technologies is high. While for Biomethanation, it ranges between 6-9 crores, for Gasification and Combustion, it is in the order of 9-10 crores. However, there is a financial support provided in the scheme ranging from 20 lakhs to 3 crores.
It is estimated that there is a potential of generating 3600MW of power from urban, municipal and industrial wastes in the country and it is likely to be increased to 5200MW by 2017. It can be set up by the urban local bodies, government as well as participation by the private developers.
At the end of February, 2012 the cumulative achievement of grid interactive power from waste was 36.20 MW in urban sector and 53.46 MW in industrial sector. In off-grid/ captive power cases the cumulative achievement of waste to energy capacities was 3.50 MWeq for urban sector and 90.15 MWeq for industrial sector. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is encouraging such feats to bring in an era of sustainable development by deriving energy through wastes.
Inputs from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/deriving-energy-from-waste/

PIB Feature
Hydrogen – a colourless, odourless gas is increasingly gaining attention as a future source of energy free from environmental pollution. Its new use has been found in the automobile and power generation sector. The biggest advantage with hydrogen is that it has the highest energy content per unit mass among known fuels and it burns to produce water as a by-product. It is, therefore, not only an efficient energy carrier but also an environmentally benign fuel as well. In fact, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy have been supporting a broad based research, development and demonstration (RD&D) programme on different aspects of hydrogen energy for over two decades. Consequently, a National Hydrogen Energy Road Map was prepared in 2005 which provides for various pathways for development of hydrogen energy i.e. production, storage, transport, safety, delivery and applications. However, the current technologies for use of hydrogen are yet to be optimized and commercialized but efforts for the same have already started.
Hydrogen Production
Hydrogen is found only in combined state on earth and therefore its production involves the process of its isolation from its compounds, a process which itself requires energy. Globally, about 96% of hydrogen is produced presently using hydrocarbons. About 4% hydrogen is produced through electrolysis of water. Refineries and fertilizer plants are major in-situ producers and consumers of hydrogen in India. It is also produced as a by-product in chloro-alkali industry.
Hydrogen production falls into three categories: thermal process, electrolytic processes and photolytic processes. Some thermal processes use energy resources while in others heat is used in combination with closed chemical cycles to produce hydrogen from feed-stocks such as water. These are known as “thermo-chemical” processes. But this technology is in early stages of development. Steam Methane Reformation, gasification of coal and gasification of biomass are other processes of production of hydrogen. The advantage with coal and biomass is that both are locally available resources and biomass is a renewable resource too. Electrolytic processes use electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen and can even reduce the emission of green house gases emission if the source of electricity is ‘clean’.
Hydrogen Storage
Hydrogen storage for transportation is one of the most technically challenging barriers to widespread commercialization of this technology. The most common method of storage is in gaseous state in pressurized cylinders, however, it being the lightest element requires high pressures. It can be stored in liquid form in cryogenic systems but would require high amounts of energy. It is also possible to store it in solid state in the form of metal hydrides, liquid organic hydrides, carbon nanostructures and in chemicals. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is presently supporting R&D projects in this field.
Applications
Apart from using it as a chemical feedstock in industry, it can also be used as a clean fuel in automobile and also for power generation through internal combustion engines and fuel cells.
In the field of hydrogen in internal combustion engines, R&D projects for using hydrogen blended compressed natural gas and diesel and development of hydrogen fuelled vehicles are being implemented in India. Hydrogen fuelled motorcycles and three wheelers have been developed and demonstrated in the country. Catalytic combustion cookers using hydrogen as fuel have also been developed.
The Banaras Hindu University, BHU has modified commercially available motorcycles and three wheelers to operate on hydrogen as fuel. With a view to provide hydrogen blended compressed natural gas as an automotive fuel, a dispensing station for the same has been set up at Dwarka in New Delhi with partial financial support from the Ministry. This facility provides CNG fuel blended with hydrogen up to 20% in volume in demonstration and test vehicles. A development cum demonstration project for use of H-CNG as fuel in select vehicles (buses, cars and 3-wheelers) is also under implementation. Besides, hydrogen fuelled generator set is being developed by BHU and IIT, Delhi.
Another application of hydrogen energy is the fuel cell, an electrochemical device converting chemical energy of hydrogen directly into electricity without combustion. It is a clean and efficient process of electricity generation. It can be used in UPS systems, replacing batteries and diesel generators. In view of the relevance of fuel cells in automobiles and power generation, several organizations globally are pursuing RD&D activities in this field. Portable applications are also being developed. The present efforts in these fuel cells are focused on reducing its cost and improving its durability. The focus of the Fuel Cell programme of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has been on supporting RD&D activities on different types of fuel cells.
Inputs from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/hydrogen-energy-of-the-future/

Inputs from the Ministry of Power & MNRE.
Our country is passing through a phase of immense and rapid development and hence consequentially the rising demand for energy. Urbanization and industrial growth are only adding to the growing demand.
But at the same time, there is also a thrust for using “clean and green” energy so as to reduce the green house gas emissions. Keeping in mind the need of the hour, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has initiated the programme of ‘Development of Solar Cities’.
The programme has been designed to support/encourage Urban Local Bodies to prepare a Road Map to guide their cities in becoming ‘renewable energy cities’ or ‘Solar Cities’.
The Solar City programme aims to consolidate all the efforts of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and address the energy problem of the urban areas in a holistic manner. The various initiatives of the Ministry which include promoting solar water heating systems in homes, hotels, hostels, hospitals and industry; deploying Solar Photo Voltaic(SPV) systems/devices in urban areas for demonstration and awareness creation; establishing ‘Akshya Urja Shops’; designing Solar Buildings and promoting urban and industrial waste/ biomass to energy projects would be streamlined under the programme. In a Solar City all types of renewable energy based projects like solar, wind, biomass, small hydro, waste to energy etc. will be installed in an energy efficient manner as well as commensurate with the requirements of the city.
The Solar City aims at minimum 10% reduction in projected demand of conventional energy and increasing energy production through renewable energy. The basic aim is to motivate the local Governments for encouraging and adopting renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency measures.
The Solar City would be identified on the premise of population; potential of renewable energy resources and energy conservation; initiatives taken by local governments as well as the general public and industry in the same arena. The cities may have population between 0.50 lakh to 50 lakh, however, relaxation is considered for special category States including North-Eastern States and hilly States, Islands and Union Territories. A total of 60 cities/towns were identified to be supported for development as Solar Cities during the 11th Plan period. At least one city in each State to a maximum of five cities in a State may be supported by the Ministry as Solar City.
Aims of Solar City Programme
• To enable and empower Urban Local Governments to address energy challenges at City – level.
• To provide a framework and support to prepare a Master Plan including assessment of current energy situation, future demand and action plans.
• To build capacity in the Urban Local Bodies and create awareness among all sections of civil society.
• To involve various stakeholders in the planning process.
• To oversee the implementation of sustainable energy options through public – private partnerships.
The programme seeks to assist the Urban Local Governments financially as well as technically. The local governments would be encouraged to make Master Plan and provide institutional arrangements for it. The master plan of the city will include the base-line for energy consumption during the year 2008, demand forecasting for the years 2013 and 2018, sector-wise strategies and action plan for implementation of renewable energy projects so as to mitigate the fossil fuel consumption in the city. Proper awareness generation activities would be included in the scheme.
Financial Assistance
Under the programme, financial assistance up to Rs. 50.00 Lakhs per city/town is provided depending upon population and initiatives decided to be taken by the City Council/Administration as per the following details:
• Up to Rs 10.00 lakhs for preparation of a Master Plan within a year along with few implementable Detailed Project Reports .
• Up to Rs. 10.00 lakhs for setting up of Solar City Cell and it’s functioning for a period of three years.
• Up to Rs. 10.00 lakhs for oversight of implementation during three years.
• Up to Rs. 20 lakhs for capacity building and other promotional activities to be utilized in three years.
In addition, the financial and fiscal incentives available under various programmes of the Ministry are also applicable on the Solar Cities for installation of renewable energy projects, systems and devices.
Solar Cities
An in-principle approval has been given to 48 Cities for Solar Cities which include Agra, Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh, Rajkot, Gandhinagar, Surat in Gujarat, Nagpur, Kalyan-Dombiwali, Thane, Nanded, Aurangabad and Shirdi in Maharashtra, Indore, Gwalior, Bhopal and Rewa in Madhya Pradesh, Imphal in Manipur, Kohima and Dimapur in Nagaland, Dehradun, Haridwar-Rishikesh, Chamoli-Gopeshwar in Uttarakhand, , Gurgaon and Faridabad in Haryana, Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, Vijaywada in Andhra Pradesh, Bilaspur and Raipur in Chhattisgarh, Agartala in Tripura, Guwahati and Jorhat in Assam, Hubli-Dharwad and Mysore in Karnataka, Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi in Kerala, Amritsar, Ludhiana and SAS Nagar Mohali in Punjab, Ajmer, Jaipur and Jodhpur in Rajasthan, Bhubaneswar in Orissa, Aizawl in Mizoram, Panji City in Goa, Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh, Hamirpur and Shimla in Himachal Pradesh and Howrah in West Bengal and Chandigarh. Out of them sanctions have been issued for 38 cities namely Agra, Moradabad, Rajkot, Gandhinagar, Surat, Nagpur, Kalyan-Dombiwali, Thane, Aurangabad, Gwalior, Imphal, Kohima, Dimapur, Dehradun, Haridwar-Rishikesh, Chamoli-Gopeshwar, Chandigarh, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Coimbatore, Vijayawada, Bilaspur, Raipur, Agartala, Guwahati, Jorhat, Hubli-Dharwad, Mysore, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jodhpur, Bhubaneswar, Aizawl, Panaji City, Itanagar, Hamirpur, Shimla and Shirdi. The Master Plans for 20 cities have already been prepared. Three cities namely Nagpur, Chandigarh and Gandhinagar are being developed as Model Solar Cities. (PIB Feature.)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/solar-cities-on-the-anvil/

M. L. Dhar
The picturesque and immaculately snow covered Gulmarg has been witnessing tremendous enthusiasm of lovers of snow, adventure and music. The internationally acclaimed ski resort was quite busy during the first fortnight of March as participants and tourists arrived in hordes for the just concluded Gondola Ski cup, Gulmarg Global Derby and the Gulmarg Winter Festival 2012.
There was overwhelming response by local male and female participants in the much awaited three-day Gondola Ski cup with events for under-14, 18 and senior categories. Similar was the response by the national and international skiers and snow boarders in the Gulmarg Global Derby. “It was a surprise to see such a huge influx of participants in each category. In senior men’s category there were 111 skiers and out of them only 15 qualified. Most of the high profile skiers got disqualified because of the tough and tricky course during trials,” said co-organiser and founder of Gulmarg Global Derby.
130 skiers (boys and girls) including 50 foreigners and 13 best skiers chosen out of 110 skiers participated in the competitions that were for the first time held at the newly built chairlifts at Merry Shoulder slope of Kongdoori, the mid station of the Gondola cable car. The J&K Cable Car Corporation organized the event in collaboration with Winter Games Association of Jammu and Kashmir and Ski Association of Delhi. The main attraction of the Gulmarg Global Derby 2012 was snowboarding event having both local and International participants. “It was great to see 50 snowboarders coming forward to participate and I think it was first time so many players participated”, said an official. Interestingly the snowboarding championship was organized for the first time in the valley. ”Apart from locals, the skiers from ten foreign countries including the USA, the UK, Canada, Newzealand and Norway participated and enjoyed the games,” said Director, Tourism, Jammu & Kashmir.The notable thing about these games was that local boys and girls turned up in significant numbers to participate for whom the entry was made free. The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir expressed hope that Gulmarg winter sports events would be instrumental in tapping local talents for national and international events. The children of Jammu and Kashmir have tremendous potential in the field of sports and by organizing such events we can provide a good platform to tap and promote their talent.Nature has bestowed Gulmarg with some of the best slopes in the country with a few of them serviced by ski lifts and the Gondola Cable Car at Kongdori offering a ski run of nearly 3 kms. Gulmarg is favourite with advanced skiers too who prefer to trek in the snow for hours at a stretch to reach the Apharwat peak for a memorable descent lasting about half-an-hour over the challenging slopes. There is also a lot of fun over gentle slopes for the novice who need not have any skills in skiing. For them there is Tobogganing in which a snow enthusiast goes downhill simply on a flat wooden board. It is the most common sport among tourists visiting Gulmarg.
Both Central and State governments have worked to build adequate sports infrastructure and other facilities related to accommodation, tourism and holidaying at Gulmarg and this is testified by the fact that it is being consciously marketed as a winter sports capital of the country.
Along with adventure sports, Gulmarg had an added attraction this year with the Gulmarg Winter Festival 2012, a music festival that displayed thrilling performances of some renowned Indian folk singers and bands. The three-day festival was staged in the backdrop of awe-inspiring Himalayan beauty of Gulmarg. “For the first time, people will witness performances by leading artistes in the beautiful locales of Gulmarg. The aim is to promote concert tours in India and encourage adventure sports and responsible tourism amongst the increasing domestic travellers,” said a representative of the organisers on the eve of the festival. Supported by the Jammu & Kashmir Tourism the organisers expect the festival to be an annual feature now onwards. “It’s is an attempt to encourage growing peace and progress among all by providing one common platform to local artists, craftsmen and folklore artists,” said a spokesman of the other organising group of the first ever fusion winter festival. The musical potpourri brought together local artists and renowned singers together while showcasing classical, folk, sufi, jazz, DJ and the best Hindi and Kashmiri songs that hit the chord with the audiences. The bad weather, extreme chill in the air and some initial hiccups could not dampen the high spirits at the festival. ”Kashmir saw its first music festival ever, and after having spoken with the locals who hadn’t heard a band play in all their life, us playing there, was a mammoth event in their lives,” said one of the performers at the festival. ”It is good to see a festival of this kind has been organised here. This kind of music is rarely being played here and I have enjoyed, as it was something different. I could not stop from dancing on the music played here. It is fantastic,” said one of the locals at the festival. ”It is all about the right kind of music. We just want to entertain people” said a vocalist of a renowned Indian band, who hails from Kashmir.Gulmarg’s legendary beauty in combination with mountains, cold, snow, and winter sports offers a lot to both the visitors and the locals. Its proximity to the state’s summer capital Srinagar makes it easily accessible, unlike most of the other hill stations in the country. Besides being the country’s premier ski resort in the winter, Gulmarg has also the proud distinction of having the highest green golf course in the world at an altitude of 2,650 meters. It also offers a sight of Mount K2 from the high slopes in Apharwat on a cloudless day.
Gulmarg attracts hordes of tourists every year at the annual snow festival during which ice hockey, snow rugby and snow cycling are staged making people, who come here just for fun, winter sports addicts. (PIB Feature.)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/gulmarg-celebrates-winter-with-music-and-adventure/

Pallavi Chinya
Joint Director (Media & Communication), PIB, Thiruvananthapuram
Silence is what envelopes you as you enter Mannar, a small town in Kerala. But as you take a stroll in the comforting natural surroundings of this town, breaking through the many layers of silence, the sound of clinking of metals, welding and grinding machines reaches your ears probably piquing your interest. And as you move towards the source of the sound you will be stupefied by the gleam and sheen of bell metal products in the many alas or forges that have existed here for centuries.
Mannar, a gram panchayat in Alappuzha district has the unique distinction of harbouring and nurturing a tradition and a craft which dates back to several centuries. Nearly 300 families in this town have carried on the tradition of bell metal products making in their alas. Bell metal is a harmonious blend of tin and copper. Typified by its sonorous quality when struck, bell metal provides a fine medium for the craftsmen to cast both religious artifacts especially magnificent lamps in various shapes and sizes as well as domestic utensils. Mannar has an assortment of traditional alas or forges as well as semi-modern factories which have come up in recent years engaged in the craft of bell metal products. The artisans of these alas produce an array of glistening bell metal products. These elegant artifices over the years have crossed the Arabian Sea to spread the fame of this small town and to capture a range of markets in different parts of the world.
One of the main tourist attractions in Kochi is the World’s biggest Varpu (traditional vessel usually used for preparing payasam or kheer), placed in an antique shop in Jew Town. But few people know that it was manufactured in Mannar over a period of one year during which 100 labourers toiled to bring it to perfection.
The 3250 kg Varpu with a diameter of 12 ft and a capacity of 10000 liters was created by the house of Rajan Alackal. Shri Rajan’s family has been in the business of bell metal products for five generations. Working with a team of 17 employees now his forge has supplied traditional bell metal products that include household utensils like Uruli (a wide mouthed vessel), Nilavilakku (a wick lamp), Kindi (a spouted pitcher) and idols of Hindu Gods, idols of Pope, Narayana Guru to temples, churches, museums across the country. Indira Gandhi Museum in New Delhi has showcased Al Vilakku (1001 lamps) created in his workshop.
Over the years the artisans in this small town have not only embraced the new technology in the making of these traditional products but have also forayed in to newer territories like Shri Ananth Krishna Achary who in his ala has specialized in the making of iron boxes. With Government’s support the family tradition of making bell metal products has acquired the status of a cottage industry. The inimitable stature that Mannar has acquired over the years has been etched for permanence in some extraordinary artifices. They include the world’s biggest temple lamp at Chettikulangara Devi temple; the world’s biggest temple bell at Mohan Nagar temple in Shimla; the world’s biggest church bell at the Cathedral Church in New Delhi, and the replica of the famous Tree of Life and Knowledge, now kept in a museum in Chennai. (PIB Feature.)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/gleam-of-bell-metal-from-mannar/

K. A. Beena
“Silent Valley is the best assurance that a forest can speak through human beings.” said the environmentalist Shri. M. K. Prasad. The tourists and visitors to Silent Valley cannot disagree with him because Silent Valley gives an unusual experience of silence while in the midst of nature. It gives one the rarest of the rare experience of being with nature, becoming one with it.
Silent Valley National Park is located in the Nilgiri Hills, Palakkad District in Kerala. The park is one of the last undisturbed tracts of South Western Ghats rain forests and tropical moist evergreen forest in India. It is the core of the Nilgiri International Biosphere Reserve and is part of The Western Ghats World Heritage Site.
The area is locally known as “Sairandhrivanam” literally, in Malayalam: Sairandhri’s Forest. In local Hindu legend, Sairandhri is Draupadi. The Pandavas during their exile wandered into Kerala and came upon a magical valley where rolling grasslands met wooded ravines, a deep green river bubbled its course through impenetrable forest, where at dawn and twilight the tiger and elephant would drink together at the water’s edge, where all was harmonious and man unknown.
Botanist Robert Wight in 1847 made the first English investigation of the watersheds of the Silent Valley area.
The British named the area Silent Valley because of the perceived absence of noisy cicadas. Another story attributes the name to the anglicisation of Sairandhri. A third story, refers to the untouched nature of the valley, i.e., without human noises.
Silent Valley is home to the largest population of Lion-tailed Macaque, an endangered species of Primate.
The Silent Valley National Park is a unique preserve of natural rainforests. It houses a rich mosaic of varied habitats. Out of these springs the amazing variety of life forms some of them endemic to the Western Ghats.
The Kuntipuzha River drains the entire 15 km length of the park from north to south into the Bharathapuzha River. The river is characterized by its crystal clear and perennial nature. The number of tree species computed for the Silent Valley (118 vascular plants of 84 species in 0.4 ha) is very high compared to a range of 60 to 140 species that characterise the other known tropical forests.The Mudugar and Irula tribal people are indigenous to the area and they live in the adjacent valley of Attappady Reserved Forest. Also, the Kurumbar people occupy the highest range outside the park bordering on the Nilgiris.
The limited studies of the fauna of Silent Valley reveals that its rich resources as rare and unique – rare because many species which originally inhabited the entire belt of the Western Ghats have been lost due to destruction of their habitat by human beings or for other reasons. These faunal resources however are still available in Silent Valley, because of the relatively little human intrusion. It is unique because what little has been collected and studied has already proved to be of immense scientific interest from the taxonomic, zoogeographic and ecological points of view.
A number of species, which were available in the Western Ghats 50 to 100 years ago still exist in Silent Valley. They include insects, fishes, amphibians, reptiles and mammals.
Upto 1970 it was an unknown forest area, unexplored and untouched.Announcement against a hydroelectric project proposed in the area resulted in the creation of the park in 1984.
Since then, a long-term conservation effort has been undertaken to preserve the Silent Valley ecosystem. In order to ensure better protection of the area the buffer zone of the Park was created and made an integral part of Silent Valley National Park.
Now there are two zones for silent valley. The core zone (89.52 sq.km) and buffer zone(148 sq km). The core zone is protected and wild life is undisturbed. Only forest department staff, scientists, and wildlife photographers are allowed.
The story of Silent Valley National park is the struggle and thought for environmental protection in the country. The struggle for protecting the valley proved that human beings still care for nature. (PIB Feature.)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/silent-valley/

By Wahengbam Ibotombi Singh
Imphal, Mar 22 : While discussing a motion moved by Dr L Ibohalbi, the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh worked out a brief roadmap for reducing the congestion in the Imphal City. Though what he suggested is a huge task and a lot of difficulty will arise in making Imphal City a planned city. Nevertheless, one feels it is the right time to address the issue of this growing city.
The consequence of this massive growth over the last few years has led to not just traffic congestion but has also affected other aspects of our day to day lives like sanitation, security etc. Task as the CM pointed out, solving this problem is not a matter of joke but for an able leader like him who can stir the boat through difficult times and issues, he should be able to work out a solution. It is also a good sign on the part of the CM to invite suggestions from the general public in solving the problem of congestion of Imphal City. The government should incorporate the ideas and and suggestions from the public in formulating and implementing a policy to decongest the city.
It is generally noticed that whatever ideas, policies or programmes, howsoever fantastic it may be, when it comes to actually implementing, there is lack of commitment. Take for instance, the idea of developing nearby townships to reduce congestion in the main city area. How can it be achieved? Have we addressed the connectivity and accessibility issues of the townships with the adjoining areas? Have we prioritized or developed area specific licensing of shops and marketing channels? Have we ever pondered on the distribution of facilities like banks, healthcare and education in that area? Until and unless one finds a pharmacy from where one can buy ones medicines, until and unless one finds a bank from where he can encash his salary, one has to come to Imphal City, there is no way out.
If one engages in a little brainstorming, it becomes clear that it not only widening of roads, building huge infrastructure but a proper thought out utilization and judicious management of available resources. One cannot ignore the fact that every day women vendors have to be chased away from the roadsides even after the construction of three huge markets for them. A large number of traffic and other police personnel are used daily to maintain order and ease congestion in the main Imphal market which would translate into huge amount being spent by the state exchequer, all because of lack of a long term policy and plan.
Another very unfortunate aspect which contributes greatly to congestion is the undue concern and concessions shown to the VVIPs, which puts the general public to a lot of inconveniences. There are always special considerations or rules and norms for VIPs, be it traffic rules or VIP electricity lines. It not surprising that a totally VIP centric plan, that of constructing super flyover from Keisampat to Tulihal Ariport, is doing the rounds. It stands to reason that as far as the traffic jam around the Keisampat Junction is concerned, only a small passage which does not intersect the junction will serve the purpose. Over and above that the huge expenditure such an exercise would entail could well be used for more urgent and pressing requirements.
All said and done, the Chief Minister’s initiative of inviting suggestions to solve the congestion problem of Imphal City is a good step.

The writer is a World Bank awardee for grass root initiative 2007.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/traffic-congestion-in-imphal-city/