Sunday 31 August 2014

Prime Minister presents a map of Varanasi to Kyoto


History of Varanasi

Ghats of Ganges, VaranasiThe land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for Hindus for ages. Often referred to as Benares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. These few lines by Mark Twain say it all: "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together". Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals.

Ganges is said to have its origins in the tresses of Lord Shiva and in Varanasi, it expands to the mighty river that we know of. The city is a center of learning and civilization for over 3000 years. With Sarnath, the place where Buddha preached his first sermon after enlightenment, just 10 km away, Varanasi has been a symbol of Hindu renaissance. Knowledge, philosophy, culture, devotion to Gods, Indian arts and crafts have all flourished here for centuries. Also a pilgrimage place for Jains, Varanasi is believed to be the birthplace of Parsvanath, the twenty-third Tirthankar.

Vaishnavism and Shaivism have co-existed in Varanasi harmoniously. With a number of temples, Mrs. Annie Besant chose Varanasi as the home for her 'Theosophical Society' and Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, to institute 'Benares Hindu University, the biggest University in Asia. Ayurveda is said to be originated at Varanasi and is believed to be the basis of modern medical sciences such as Plastic surgery, Cataract and Calculus operations. Maharshi Patanjali, the preceptor of Ayurveda and Yoga, was also affiliated with Varanasi, the holy city. Varanasi is also famous for its trade and commerce, especially for the finest silks and gold and silver brocades, since the early days.

Varanasi has also been a great center of learning for ages. Varanasi is associated with promotion of spiritualism, mysticism, Sanskrit, yoga and Hindi language and honored authors such as the ever-famous novelist Prem Chand and Tulsi Das, the famous saint-poet who wrote Ram Charit Manas. Aptly called as the cultural capital of India, Varanasi has provided the right platform for all cultural activities to flourish. Many exponents of dance and music have come from Varanasi. Ravi Shankar, the internationally renowned Sitar maestro and Ustad Bismillah Khan, (the famous Shehnai player) are all sons of the blessed city or have lived here for major part of their lives


Saturday 30 August 2014

Beautiful collection of green nature



beautiful collection of green nature
With best regards,
(2014)
Dr. AMAR NATH GIRI
EHSQ , NFCL
amarnathgiri@nagarjunagroup.com
M.Sc.,Ph.D & DIPLOMA AS - P.G.D.E.P.L,CES, DCA,
EX IIM LUCKNOW FELLOW, EX RESEARCH SCIENTIST
IGIDR-MUMBAI 
EHSQ BLOG : http://dramarnathgiri.blogspot.in/?view=magazine

Friday 29 August 2014

2011 EPA Toxicological review of urea

2011 EPA Toxicological review of urea

6.1. HUMAN HAZARD POTENTIAL
Urea (CASRN 57-13-6), also known as carbamide, is an endogenous product of protein and amino acid catabolism. It can also be produced synthetically by combining ammonia, carbon monoxide, and sulfur in methanol. It is used in a variety of applications including fertilizers, animal feed, plastics, flame-proofing agents, diesel-SCR, flavoring agent in foods, and in the manufacture of consumer goods such as liquid soaps, detergents, and household cleaning products.
In the occupational setting, the most notable routes of exposure are inhalation and dermal, while the general population might be exposed to urea through consumption of food and drinking water and through dermal contact with urea-containing products.
There is limited ADME information on exogenous urea. There are limited studies that evaluate the possible association between oral exposure to urea and noncancer effects in humans. There is limited information to suggest that the liver, kidney, and pituitary could be targets of urea toxicity. Results from reproductive and developmental studies have been inconclusive. There have been few studies that have evaluated the effects of urea via inhalation. The available studies suggest that the impact of urea exposure on lung function is minimal. With regard to dermal effects, the available studies showed that there is a dependence on the vehicle used and effects are typically manifested in the form of skin irritations.
The human carcinogenic potential of urea and urea-containing mixtures has been evaluated in a limited number of studies. Some studies that evaluated urea-containing mixtures indicate that urea exposure may have contributed to the occurrence of tumor development, or increased sister chromatid exchange and chromosome aberration frequency, but its role in producing the observed effects was not clearly established. One occupational study showed that exposure to urea increased levels of potential carcinogenic biomarkers but these increases were within the normal physiologic range Chronic studies in rats and mice have shown no treatment-related increase in tumors following either oral or s.c. administration.
Under the Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment (U.S. EPA, 2005a), there is "inadequate information to assess the carcinogenic potential" of urea. Epidemiologic studies of humans chronically exposed to urea alone or urea-containing mixtures are limited. Urea has been tested for genotoxic potential and has shown no mutagenic effects in bacterial systems; however, chromosome aberrations have been noted in certain mammalian test systems, and hence, the role of genotoxicity in the process of urea-induced carcinogenicity cannot be eliminated.

6.2. DOSE RESPONSE
6.2.1. Noncancer-Oral and Inhalation
Oral exposure studies of urea were not adequate for the determination of an RfD. The available animal studies identify the liver and kidney as potential target organs for the toxicity of urea; however, the available information is insufficient to fully characterize toxicity outcomes or dose-response relationships. Inhalation data were inadequate for the determination of an RfC. The occupational data lacked quantitative exposure measurements. The cited therapeutic study on lung function was based on acute exposure and had limited information on which to derive an RfC. No studies of inhaled urea in experimental animals were identified.
6.2.2. Cancer-Oral and Inhalation
One oral cancer bioassay is available for consideration for the derivation of an oral slope factor for urea. However, the limitations of the study data preclude the derivation of an oral cancer slope factor. Inhalation studies for urea were not adequate for the determination of an inhalation unit risk value. Route extrapolation from oral bioassay data was not performed due to the lack of oral data and suitable kinetic data.

PM hopes to write 'new chapter' during Japan visit


PM hopes to write 'new chapter' during Japan visit

PTI | Aug 29, 2014, 08.10 PM IST

PM hopes to write 'new chapter' during Japan visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hopes to write a new chapter during his visit to Japan.
R
NEW DELHI: On the eve of his visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said Japan has "paramount importance" in his vision for India's progress and his trip will "write a new chapter" in bilateral ties while taking the Strategic and Global Partnership to the higher level.

Cooperation in the fields of defence, civil nuclear, infrastructure development and rare earth materials will top the agenda of Modi's five-day visit beginning on Sturday, his first bilateral trip outside the subcontinent.

"I am keenly looking forward to my visit to Japan at the invitation of my good friend, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, for the annual summit between India and Japan," Modi said in his pre-departure statement.

Noting that this will be his first bilateral visit outside the immediate neighbourhood as Prime Minister, he said it underlines "the high priority" that Japan receives in India's foreign and economic policies.

"It is also a reflection of Japan's paramount importance in my vision for development and prosperity in India and in peace, stability and prosperity in Asia at large," he said.

"I am confident that my visit will write a new chapter in the annals of the relations between Asia's two oldest democracies and take our strategic and global partnership to the next higher level," Modi said.

He noted that Japan is one of India's closest partners in political, economic, security and cultural realms besides being a key regional and global partner for India.

A highlight of the visit will be Modi's tour of Japan's 'smart city' Kyoto, which is an example of cultural tradition and modernity, dovetailing the Prime Minister's own vision of building 100 smart cities in the country.

"We will explore how Japan can associate itself productively with my vision of inclusive development in India, including the transformation of India's manufacturing, infrastructure sectors, energy and social sectors.

Modi said he would dicusss with Abe the roadmap for global and strategic partnership in the years ahead.

"We will discuss how to boost our defence and security cooperation, including in defence technology, equipment and industry, in line with the evolving domestic policies of the two countries," the Prime Minister said.

"I will try to accelerate progress on the unfinished agenda of projects and initiatives that our two countries have embarked upon," he added.

In a special gesture, Abe will fly to Kyoto to meet Modi when he lands there on Saturday.

The formal talks between Modi and Abe will take place in Tokyo on September 1 when the two leaders discuss how to take forward the strategic and global partnership.

Some agreements, including in defence and civil nuclear sectors, are expected to be signed. Among the agreements to be signed is one on joint production of rare earth materials.

"I am meeting Prime Minister Abe at a time of enormous global challenges, from persisting economic weaknesses to turmoil and transitions in different parts of the world. I hope to exchange views with Prime Minister Abe on important regional and global developments of shared interest," Modi said.

The Prime Minister said there is there is only goodwill and mutual admiration between the two countries.

Buddhism from India has inspired Japan for over a millennium and people in India similarly draw inspiration from Japan's vanguard role as the fountainhead of Asia's modernization, resurgence and rejuvenation, he said.

"The people in India are grateful for the seminal contribution made by Japan's generous ODA over the years to India's economic, social and infrastructure development," he said.

Expressing deep gratitude to Abe for joining him in Kyoto, Modi said it demonstrates a special commitment and support for the relationship.

"My visit to Kyoto reflects the ancient foundations of our contemporary relations and will also focus on some of our nation's priorities, including urban renewal and smart heritage cities as well as advanced scientific research," he said.

"During this visit, I propose to celebrate these links of history and the experiences of our peoples and impart new meaning to them," the Prime Minister added.

He said he also looks forward to an audience with Japan's Emperor who had paid "a most memorable visit to our country last year".

Modi will have an opportunity to interact with leaders across the entire political spectrum in Japan, regional leaders, captains of business and industry, friends of India in Japan "as well as Indian brothers and sisters living and working in Japan".

The focus of the visit would be on broadening the ties, seeking Japan's support in infrastructure development in India and looking for new vistas for cooperation in goods and services.

Japan figures prominently among the countries from where help could be taken to build next generation infrastructure in India.

In the field of defence, talks are underway for joint production of US-2 amphibious assault aircraft with the possibility of an agreement being signed during the visit.

The issue of Japan helping India in its endeavor to have bullet trains will also be discussed.

The two countries will also set new trade targets, considering that the current level does not match their close relationship. The two-way trade is around 19 billion dollars.

Kyoto, which is a heritage city with Buddhist culture, provides special symbolism to the visit as the Prime Minister has the vision of "rejuvenating" Indian cities.

Talks are already underway to see how the example of Kyoto can be replicated in Varanasi from where Modi was elected to the Lok Sabha.

Thursday 28 August 2014

Sample Preservation

Sample Preservation
The aim of correct environmental sampling is to maintain the integrity of the sample preservation, from it being taken in the field to being analysed by the laboratory. In order to achieve this it is necessary to preserve in the field for some analytes as they can degrade and change during the transport period. If samples are not presented in the correct containers, with preservatives if applicable, the result may not be accredited.
Chemical preservation of soil is not usually advised. Sampling into the correct containers and cooling is the best approach. Plastic tubs are recommended for sampling soils for inorganic analysis, metals, pH, cyanide, sulphide, sulphate. Amber jars are recommended for organics. The amber glass protects from the UV light which can chemically degrade some species.

The chemical preservation of waters is recommended for some analytes together with the use of correct containers and cooling.

The sampling bottle for cyanide contains a sodium hydroxide pellet to keep the water alkaline and the cyanide in solution. If the water is not preserved and is slightly acidic, the cyanide may convert to hydrogen cyanide gas and be lost from the sample.

Sulphide oxidises to sulphate as soon as it meets the oxygen of the atmosphere. It is preserved with a SAOB (sulphide anti oxidant buffer) which fixes the sample for transportation.

Sample into nitric acid after filtration to prevent hydrolysis to insoluble oxides. Our methodology also allows accreditation for samples filtered and acidified in the laboratory.

Sample into a bottle containing hydrochloric acid to prevent the ferrous iron oxidising to ferric iron. Total iron can also be taken from this bottle.

This requires filtering to remove insoluble MnIV compounds before adding to a bottle containing hydrochloric acid. The acid prevents oxidation of MnII to insoluble MnIV. BOD/COD/Dissolved oxygen (dissolved oxygen should ideally be measured in the field) Our methodology includes filling one litre to the brim to exclude any oxygen, as well as keeping the sample cool to prevent uptake of oxygen and reduce bacterial activity. We then return the sample to the laboratory as soon as possible.

Generally no preservation is required but it is necessary to sample into amber glass bottles and keep cool. Sample volatiles (VOCs, BTEX, GRO, C5-C10 of CWG) are placed into a 40ml vial with no headspace.

Apart from the analytes detailed above, these can be sampled into plastic bottles with no preservation. Our results, no matter how accurate and precise the testing, depends entirely on correct field sampling, packaging and returning to the laboratory as quickly as possible after the sampling event, which why we place such high importance on sample preservation.

Wednesday 27 August 2014

MIS Based Tiger Tracking System to be launched soon: Shri Prakash Javadekar

MIS Based Tiger Tracking System to be launched soon: Shri Prakash Javadekar

10th meeting of the National Tiger Conservation Authority held in New Delhi

Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar has said that the National Tiger Conservation Authority in collaboration with Wildlife Crime Control Bureau would be soon launching a MIS based tiger tracking system. The Minister stated this while addressing the 10th meeting of the National Tiger Conservation Authority here today.

Elaborating further, Shri Javadekar said that MIS based tracking would strengthen the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau and help in controlling wildlife crimes in tiger reserves. Appreciating the need of technology in the field of tiger conservation, the Minister said that the use of NRSA “Alert System” would also be utilized in case of disasters pertaining to fire and floods.

The Minister further said that the Government believed in development in consonance with conservation. Emphasizing the need to conserve the tiger reserves in the country the Minister said that there is a need to make wildlife conservation the ‘People’s Movement’. It was critical for each stakeholder to participate in making tiger conservation a reality. He further stated that States also needed to be critical stakeholders in the effort to preserve the tiger population in the country.

National Tiger Conservation Authority has been the nodal agency in the field of tiger conservation for more than 40 years. Its projects spread over 47 reserves in 18 states. The Authority deliberated on varied agenda for promoting tiger conversation which also included requesting the State of Karnataka for initiating a proposal for the establishment of Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary as a tiger reserve. The Authority also proposed to carry out Management of Effectiveness Evaluation annually in tiger reserves by States. The NTCA also deliberated on instituting a new award, National Tiger Conservation Authority Award for successful conservation of endangered species other than tigers in tiger reserves.

The Authority took note of the recent initiatives taken to strengthen wild life conservation in the country. These, inter-alia, include tiger deaths and steps taken to address poaching, deployment of local workforce for protection, use of information technology (e-Eye) in surveillance, smart patrolling through M-STrIPES protocol, reserve level monitoring etc. The initiatives also included central assistance provided to States under Project Tiger as well as grants provided to States from NTCA, tiger translocation within landscapes, capacity building, progress relating to assessment of tiger population, independent evaluation of tiger reserves and statutory compliances.

Continuation of production of urea from MFL – Manali, MCFL – Mangalore and SPIC – Tuticorin after June 2014

Continuation of production of urea from MFL – Manali, MCFL – Mangalore and SPIC – Tuticorin after June 2014

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today approved the continuation of production of urea from Madras Fertilizers Limited (MFL) – Manali, Manglore Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd (MCFL) – Mangalore and Southern Petrochemical Industries Corporation (SPIC) – Tuticorin after June 2014 by using existing feedstock naphtha for three months beyond 30th June, 2014, that is from 1st July 2014 to 30th September, 2014.

This will enable these units to continue urea production for the next three months and help in meeting the requirement of urea for Indian farmers in the ongoing kharif season. This decision will ensure food security of the country. All stake holders namely farmers, urea manufacturers in the country and the Government will be benefitted by this.

Background:

Under the Modified New Pricing Scheme-Ill for existing urea units, the three naphtha based units that is MFL - Manali, MCFL - Mangalore and SPIC - Tuticorin were allowed to produce urea from naphtha as feedstock till 30th June, 2014.


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Tuesday 26 August 2014

Health Tips – Does coconut water help in diabetes?

Health Tips – Does coconut water help in diabetes?

coconut-water-help-in-diabetes-blood-circulation-kidney-metabolismDiabetes mellitus is a chronic disease caused by the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin or to use the insulin produced in the proper way. Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death among Americans; over 15 million Americans suffer from one form or another of this disease.
The coconut “water”, inside the nut, is sterile, and safer to drink than the often microbially-infested surface waters. The mineral profile of the coconut water (not coconut “milk”, which is made with pulp) is almost exactly the mineral electrolyte profile your cells need for health — potassium, calcium, sodium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, manganese, copper along with vital amino acids. Although “fatty”, coconuts contain no cholesterol.
Coconut water, that delightful clear liquid extracted from green coconuts extremely healthy. Fresh coconuts are an alkaline pH food, and so they can help combat the modern acid-producing life-style which eats away at your circulatory system and organs. Coconuts are also a high-fiber, low-glycemic food and they have a low carb profile along with their protein. Every ounce of shredded coconut contains about 5 grams of fiber. Your quota of fiber should aim to be around 30 – 35 grams, daily.
It has a lot of nutritional properties that can help in the treatment of various ailments. Among these nutritional benefits of coconut water, is the control of diabetes. Yes, coconut water is good for diabetics because it is rich in a lot of nutrients that are required by diabetics to keep their sugar levels in control. Let us discuss it here, how coconut water is good for diabetics.
Improves your blood circulation
Due to improper blood circulation in their body diabetic persons generally experience some discomforting symptoms like numbness in their feet, kidney failure and even loss of vision. Consumption of coconut water, has the ability to improve the blood circulation within the body. It helps to widen the blood vessels (which get constricted due to the formation of plaque within them), and thus helps the blood to flow smoothly through them. This, in turn, gives relief from some of the symptoms and helps to fight against atherosclerosis.
Helps Controlling your weight
Drinking coconut water has the ability to satiate your hunger, and prevent you from eating in excess. Not just that, it has tremendous nutritional values of minerals, salts, good fats and absolutely no cholesterol. One important thing that diabetics are always required to keep a watch on, apart from their sugar intake, is their weight. Plus, it’s extremely palatable. So you can relish the goodness of a glass of coconut water as a midday snack when your stomach grumbles in hunger.
Improves Metabolism
Coconut water can be included in diabetics diet plan as it has some properties that enable a faster metabolic rate in your body. When your metabolic rate increases, your body is digesting and burning the sugars fast. As a consequence, the insulin in the blood is also getting burned faster. This means you have more energy in your body. So, coconut water
is a favorable inclusion that diabetics can make in their diet, at least twice a week.
It is Low in Carbs and high in fibre
Coconut water is the perfect example of a food item that qualifies as a low carb and high fiber one, especially for diabetics. You can enjoy a glass full of coconut water and also indulge yourself in the super soft and delicious flesh of a young coconut.
Provides vital nutrients
Coconut water, in addition to the above-mentioned uses, also contains minerals, anti-oxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, etc. all of which are necessary for diabetics to control their sugar level and also their weight. When you drink coconut water, and your metabolism rate increases (as mentioned above), your blood also begins to carry oxygen more efficiently. When your blood has enough oxygen, you have more energy and you can carry out your daily activities with ease.
Naturally anti viral
Coconut is a potent anti-viral food and it is proving to be helpful in combating yeast-infections and the Epstein-Barr like virus which is associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, too. Lauric acid and caprylic acid are the most effective, active anti-virals.
Those were some of the major advantages that the consumption of coconut water by diabetics can lead to. It is a delicious cold beverage that you can enjoy at any time of the day. However, remember that anything taken in excess can cause problems later on. So, even if you know that coconut water is good for diabetics, drink it in moderation, and after the consultation of your doctor to reap its many benefits.

Monday 25 August 2014

New Holistic Fertiliser Policy to be Unveiled

New Holistic Fertiliser Policy to be Unveiled
The Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Ananth Kumar has said that the government proposes to come out with a new holistic fertilizer policy. The Minister speaking at the 4th National Conference on Agrochemicals 2014, in New Delhi today, said that such a decision was taken after directions from the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in this regard at a recent review meeting on the subject. Shri Anantha Kumar said that a Task Force of Experts in the field will be constituted to frame such a policy soon. This could provide for a national platform for farmers to use bio-fertilisers. Elaborating on the theme for the conference: “Agrochemicals for Ensuring Food and Nutritional Security of the Nation”, he said the Green Revolution of 60s and 70s was not a holistic, but a truncated revolution. Expressing serious concern at irrational usage of fertilizers he said, this could have an adverse affect for achieving a sustainable food and nutritional security for the nation.

Shri Anantha Kumar said that his Ministry proposes to recommend it to the Department of Agriculture for banning a pesticide which is being harmful to the bees and which was earlier banned in the USA and some other countries. He said we need to follow global best practices even in such areas to make a paradigm shift for sustainable food and nutrition security by removing disturbing anomalies.

The Minister said that the Government proposes to bring forward the pending Pesticides Management Bill, 2008 in the next Winter Session of the Parliament.

Even while calling for increased Research and Development in the field of bio-fertilisers, the Minister for Chemicals & Fertilisers said that his ministry is following it up with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas for allocating more gas to increase fertilizer production in the country. His Ministry is also trying to revive the sick and closed fertilizer units in the public sector, Shri Kumar added.

The Minister called for further development in the pesticides production, which is already the 4th largest in the world, to achieve unrealized potential of the country and to further boost exports in the sector.

In his key-note address the global president DuPont Crop Production Pvt. Ltd Mr. Rik L. Miller has said that innovations, investments and critical collaborations for R&D is very important in the sector. Several experts in the field are participating in the two-day National Conference .

/

******


KSP/SG
(Release ID :109038)

Prof. Vinod Kumar Sharma- An Environmentalist from ASIA



Profile

 http://www.profvksharma.in/index.html

 

 Dr. Vinod Kumar Sharma is a Professor at Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR), Mumbai, India. IGIDR is an Advanced Research Institute established and governed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Governor of the RBI chairs its Board of Management. The University Grants Commission of India recognizes the Institute as a Deemed University. Prof. Sharma has been a Member of Board of Management and the Dean of IGIDR.

Prof. Sharma is a Civil and Environmental Engineer with a Ph.D. degree from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, India. He started his professional career in 1982 and since then has worked on almost all positions of the academic ladder including Lecturer, Assistant Professor, Senior Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor, Head of Department and Dean. As the Dean of IGIDR he had an overall responsibility of Institute’s Academic (Master's and Ph.D.) programs and Student Affairs. He has contributed to policy making at the state, national and international levels.

Prof. Sharma has a wide range of experience in India and abroad. He has worked at the World Bank, Washington DC, USA and at the National Institute of the Environment Ministry of Japan, Tsukuba. He has completed several research projects and consultancy assignments for the UN and other international organizations including the UNEP, UNDP, UNCTAD, UN-ESCAP, CREED, IIED, the World Bank, ICEF, SICI, JBIC, APO, AIST, JETRO, ERIA, IDE, and Japan Environment Agency. His work for Indian organizations includes that for Indian Ministries, Government Departments, Planning Commission, Corporate Sector and NGOs. He has organized, presented papers and participated in several academic events in India and abroad.

Prof. Sharma’s has more than 125 publications to his credit, which include research articles in peer reviewed International and Indian journals, articles in newspapers and magazines, books and policy reports. He is on the editorial board and a peer reviewer of international journals published from Germany, The Netherlands, USA and Japan.

His major initiatives on sustainable development issues are: International Journal for Sustainable Innovations (IJSI) - A peer reviewed inter-disciplinary journal; Savitarka - A mass awareness magazine on development issues; and, International Symposium on a Sustainable Future (ISSF) - A regular event. Prof. Sharma is the Editor and Managing Editor of IJSI, Chief Editor of Savitarka and Chairman of the ISSF event series. He is also the founding President of the Indian Society for Life Cycle Assessment (ISLCA) and Member of UNEP’s International Life Cycle Board and an International Expert Work Group Member of the ERIA.

Prof. Sharma's work includes technological, socio-economic, and policy aspects of Environment and Sustainable Development; Energy Sustainability and various Energy Forms including
Renewable Energy
and Biomass Energy; Pollution of Air, Water, Solid Waste, Land and Noise; Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate Change; Natural and Environmental Resource Accounting; Trade and Environment Linkages; Life Cycle Assessment; Civil and Environmental Engineering Infrastructures; Issues in Rural Areas and Urbanization.
Click here for Detailed CV

Contact Information

 For any further inquiries, please send me an e-mail and I'll get back to you.
Mailing Address
Dr. Vinod Kumar Sharma,
Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR),
Gen. A.K.Vaidya Marg, Goregaon (E) Mumbai - 400 065 (INDIA)
E-mail
vks@igidr.ac.in

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With best regards,
 
 
 
 
(2014)
Dr. AMAR NATH GIRI
EHSQ , NFCL
amarnathgiri@nagarjunagroup.com
M.Sc.,Ph.D & DIPLOMA AS - P.G.D.E.P.L,CES, DCA,
EX IIM LUCKNOW FELLOW, EX RESEARCH SCIENTIST
IGIDR-MUMBAI 
EHSQ BLOG : http://dramarnathgiri.blogspot.in/?view=magazine

Sunday 24 August 2014

Late Shri KVKJ Raju SIR VISION INNOVATE THE THINGS TO EXCEL THE GROWTH OF COUNTRY BY GIVING FOOD SECURITY

Late Shri KVKJ Raju SIR VISION INNOVATE THE THINGS TO EXCEL THE GROWTH OF COUNTRY BY GIVING FOOD SECURITY -PROVIDING AND MANUFACTURING FERTILIZER -MACRO AND MICRO NUTRIENTS TO AGRICULTURAL CROPS 
Feeding the Future

Nagarjuna is an integrated Ag group with core competencies in the fields of plant nutrition, protection, irrigation, farm services and food processing. Our products and services are designed to provide consumers access to safe, nutritious and tasty food and growers with maximum economic returns. We are one of the most recognized agricultural brands in India.
http://www.nagarjunagroup.com/agriculture.htm

 

Friday 22 August 2014

Production Performance Oil & Natural Gas Sector for the month of July, 2014

Production Performance Oil & Natural Gas Sector for the month of July, 2014 
Production Performance Oil & Natural Gas Sector for the month of July, 2014

I.       
A. CRUDE OIL PRODUCTION  – PERFORMANCE

Month / Period
Planned Target (TMT)
Actual Production (TMT)
%age achievement
Surplus(+) Shortfall(-) Vis-à-vis target (%age)
Surplus(+) Shortfall(-) over last year   (%age)


July, 2014*
3288.903
3146.524
95.7
-4.3
-1.0

April,2014-July, 2014*
12874.503
12532.641
97.3
-2.7
-0.4

April,2013-July, 2013

12577.214




TMT: Thousand Metric Tonnes.                                                               *: Provisional.







B. COMPANY-WISE ACHIEVEMENT





Company / State
Planned Target (TMT)
Actual Production (TMT)
%age achievement
Surplus(+) Shortfall(-) (%age)

ONGC
1986.656
1889.198
95.1
-4.9

  Gujarat
407.793
385.483
94.5


  Andhra Pradesh
22.180
15.769
71.1


  Tamil Nadu
19.944
20.210
101.3


  Assam
105.697
95.197
90.1


Offshore
1431.042
1372.539
95.9


OIL
292.950
294.974
100.7
0.7

  Assam
292.111
294.272
100.7


  Arunachal Pradesh
0.839
0.702
83.7


PRIVATE/JVC
1009.297
962.352
95.3
-4.7

TOTAL
3288.903
3146.524
95.7
-4.3


C. REASONS FOR SHORTFALL

Company / State
Reasons for shortfall

ONGC (offshore)
Production affected due to rough weather, FPSO off-take operation at NBP Field and problem in the below of incinerator-sour gas/oil processing unit of B-193. Leakage of HQ-HA and HSA-HRG sub-sea well fluid line resulting in closure of wells at HQ and HAS platform affected production.

ONGC (Gujarat)
Frequent power failure & ageing of fields resulting in decline in reservoir pressure affected production. Increasing water cut, frequent power failure, bad weather conditions & ageing of fields resulting in decline in reservoir pressure affected production.

ONGC (Assam)
Poor Influx, frequent power failure affected production.

ONGC (Andhra Pradesh)
GAIL pipeline blast (Rajamundry) affected the production due to forced closure of wells.

Pvt/JVCs  (Arunachal Pradesh)
Only producing well Amguri # 14 ceased to flow since October, 2011 due to sand ingress.wellbore.

Pvt/JVCs  (Rajasthan)
Inconsistent Offtake by GAIL.  MPT turbines for power system under repair/overhauling.

Pvt/JVCs  (Gujarat)
Commercial production yet to commence from the block CB-ONN-2002/1. Field on test production; ML Awaited from Gujarat Govt. Wells are being optimized to increase production. Only one well is producing and other two wells are ceased due to water loading in Sanganpur field.

Pvt/JVCs  (Off-shore)
A total of 10 wells in D1, D3 and 3 wells in MA have ceased to flow due to water/sand ingression KG-DWN-98/3 Field. Actual Oil and Gas Production lower than planned due to unplanned shutdown for 3 days as a result of SPM Hose Integrity followed by restrictions imposed by ONGC, Hazira for 5 days in PANNA-MUKTA Field.

A statement showing Crude Oil Production during July, 2014 and cumulatively for the period April,2014- July, 2014 vis-à-vis 2013-14 is at Annexure-I.




II.        A.  NATURAL GAS PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE

Month / Period
Planned Target (MCM)
Actual Production (MCM)
%age achieve-ment
Surplus(+) Shortfall(-) Vis-à-vis target    (%age)
Surplus(+) Shortfall(-) over last year     (%age)

July, 2014*
3086.827
2739.101
88.7
-11.3
-9.0

April,2014-July, 2014*
11957.548
11345.389
94.9
-5.1
-5.2

April,2013-July, 2013

11965.444




MCM: Million Cubic Metres.        



*: Provisional.

B.     COMPANY-WISE ACHIEVEMENT


Company / State
Planned Target (MCM)
Actual Production (MCM)
%age achievement
Surplus(+) Shortfall(-) (%age)

ONGC
2029.747
1783.915
87.9
-12.1

  Gujarat
113.003
118.406
104.8


  Rajasthan
1.320
0.676
51.2


  Andhra Pradesh
89.797
17.414
19.4


  Tamil Nadu
113.750
110.051
96.7


  Assam
37.646
40.263
107.0


  Tripura
103.290
94.723
91.7


  Mumbai High Offshore
1570.941
1402.382
89.3


OIL
247.120
241.883
97.9
-2.1

  Assam
223.910
224.381
100.2


  Arunachal Pradesh
1.400
0.938
67.0


  Rajasthan
21.810
16.564
75.9


PRIVATE/JVC
809.959
713.303
88.1
-11.9

  Onshore $
127.976
106.872
83.5


  Offshore
681.983
606.431
88.9


TOTAL
3086.827
2739.101
88.7
-11.3

$: Including Coal Bed Methane production.

C.     REASONS FOR SHORTFALL

Company / State
Reasons for shortfall

ONGC (Rajasthan)
Less offtake by consumers.

ONGC (Andhra Pradesh)
GAIL pipeline blast (Rajamundry) affected the production due to forced closure of wells

ONGC (Tamilnadu)
Production affected due to less offtake by M/s. Gail.

ONGC (Offshore)
High tidal waves leading to exposure of pipeline at landfall point (Hazira), gas supply stopped from 11th July,2014 and restored on 18th July’14. Non availability of booster compressor affected production in Bassein region. G-1-11 well was shut down due to umbilical repair operations. Nil offtake by M/s. GAIL since 5th July’14 onwards due to pipeline health check-up jobs affected production in Eastern offshore.

Pvt/JVCs  (West Bengal)
Prolonged dewatering in new wells.

Pvt/JVCs  (M.P.)
CBM produced in small quantities are being internally used and flared as no market in near vicinity. Field under development.

Pvt/JVCs  (Rajasthan)
MPT turbines for power system under repair/overhauling.

Pvt/JVCs  (Jharkhand)
Incidentally produced CBM is being sold in small quantities.

Pvt/JVCs  (Off-shore)
Non-associated gas wells are closed from 3-7-2014 till date due to on-going safety audit after GAIL pipeline accident near Tatipaka. Due to SIMOPS (rig move) activity during the month, production interrupted in RAVVA Block. A total of 10 wells in D1, D3 and 3 wells in MA have ceased to flow due to water /sand ingress in KG-DWN-98/3 field. Tapti gas production is lower than planned due to STA 7 well integrity Issue.


A statement showing natural gas production during July, 2014  and cumulatively for the period April,2014- July, 2014 vis-à-vis 2013-14 is at Annexure-II.










.….

III.  A. REFINERY CRUDE THROUGHPUT

    (IN TERMS OF CRUDE OIL PROCESSED)









Month / Period
Planned Target (TMT)
Actual Production (TMT)
%age achievement
Surplus(+) Shortfall(-) Vis-à-vis target             (in %age)
Surplus(+) Shortfall(-) over last year          (in %age)

July, 2014*
19605.166
18093.776
92.3
-7.7
-5.5

April,2014-July, 2014*
74042.668
72217.795
97.5
-2.5
-2.2

April,2013-July, 2013

73839.069




*: Provisional.

Note:

 1. RIL (SEZ) production figures for  June, 2014-July, 2014 are on pro rata basis.



The crude throughput in IOC (Guwahati, Mathura & Barauni), BPCL (Kochi), HPCL(Mumbai & Visakh), NRL (Numaligarh) & ONGC (Tatipaka)  refineries have exceeded their planned target.

The crude throughput in  IOC (Gujarat, Haldia, Digboi, Panipat & Bongaigaon), BPCL (Mumbai), CPCL (Manali & Narimanam), MRPL ( Mangalore) BORL(Bina), HMEL (Bhatinda), EOL (Vadinar) & RIL (Jamnagar DTA & SEZ) refineries was less than their planned target.

Company / State
Reasons for shortfall

IOCL,Haldia
Throughput is lower due to low Bitumen demand during monsoon.

IOCL,Gujarat
Throughput is marginally lower in line with product demand.

IOCL, Panipat
Throughput is lower because of extended planned shutdown.

IOCL,Bongaigoan
Throughput is lower  as per the crude availability.

BPCL, Mumbai
Throughput is lower due to build up of ISD stocks and DHDS shutdown during first fortnight of the month.

CPCL , Manali
Throughput is lower than planned due to CDU III unplanned shutdown for carrying out Furnace refractory jobs

CPCL , Narimanam
Throughput is lower than planned due to reduced availability of crude.

BORL, Bina
Refinery Shutdown for 12 days during the month.

HMEL, Bhatinda
Throughput is lower than planned due to  incident at the refinery during the month of June’14

A statement showing refinery-wise production during the month of July, 2014 and cumulatively for the period April,2014-July, 2014 vis-à-vis 2013-14 is at Annexure-III.










IV.  REFINERY CAPACITY UTILISATION



Month
Utilisation (%)
Period
Utilisation (%)

July, 2014*
99.1
July, 2013- July, 2014
100.5

July, 2013
104.8
July, 2012- July, 2013
111.9

The refinery-wise details of the capacity utilisation during July, 2014 and cumulatively for the period April, 2014 - July, 2014 vis-a-vis 2013-14 are given in Annexure-IV.