Tuesday, 27 September 2022

Thread

 Thread

Background

Thread is a tightly twisted strand of two or more plys of yarn that are circular when cut in cross section. It is used for hand sewing and in home sewing machines. Ninety-five percent of all sewing thread that is manufactured is used in commercial and industrial sewing. Sewing thread is distinguished from yarn by the fact that thread is used to sew together garments or other products, but yarn is the collection of fibers used to weave or knit into a textile fabric. The terms are confusing and are often used interchangeably; thread can be made of yarn, but yarn is not made of threads.

Thread is wound on spools or large cones that are marked on their ends with the size or fineness of the thread. Thread for handwork and machines (both home and commercial machines) has to be smooth and friction-free. It should be easy to thread through needles, and it should move easily when tension is applied to it. Strength to hold stitches when garments are being worn and during laundering is a requirement, as is elasticity during stitching and wear.

The three basic types of thread are based on their origin and are animal, plant, or synthetic. Silk thread is best for wools and silks (fabrics of animal origin). It is strong, very elastic, and fine in diameter. Silk is also used for tailoring, to finish the edges of buttonholes, to sew on buttons, and for decoration. Buttonhole twist is about three times the diameter of sewing silk and shiny or lustrous. It is strong and can be permanently stretched.

Cotton threads are made of the cellulose from plants and are used to stitch fabrics like linen, rayon, and cotton that also have plant origins. Plant-based fabrics may shrink, and cotton thread has the same shrinkage characteristics. Also, cotton thread does not stretch, so it is useful for woven fabrics but not stretchy knits. Cotton is also used to make basting thread that is used to hold pieces of a garment together temporarily until the garment is sewn. Cotton basting thread is inexpensive and is loosely twisted so it can be broken easily and pulled out when permanent stitching is in place.

Nylon and polyester threads are preferred for synthetics and stretch knits. Both types of synthetic threads have the same characteristics including no shrinkage, high strength, and excellent abilities to stretch and recover that make them suitable for knits, preshrunk fabrics, and sheers. Nylon and polyester are the only threads that can be made from a single yarn or single ply. Nylon thread was popular in the 1960s and 1970s because it is clear and so matches any fabric; however, nylon's stretching properties and relative brittleness also work as disadvantages, and this thread has become less popular. Synthetic threads are marketed under a variety of names including polypropylene, Kevlar, Teflon, and Nomex. Production of Kevlar and Nomex is reviewed and approved by Underwriters Laboratories because these threads are used to stitch fire-resistant and -retardant products such as suits for firefighters and motor racing drivers as well as sleepers and crib linens for infants.

Specialized thread is also treated after spinning and depending on use. Garments made of fabric treated with water repellant are also sewn with treated thread. Metallic thread is used for decoration, but it is sensitive to heat and steam and must be handled with care. Mending thread is made in the same types as those sold on spools, but it comes in short lengths so it is economical to buy a small amount. Upholstery thread is reinforced for strength so it can be used to upholster furniture. Its opposite is invisible thread that is very fine and made from nylon to be strong. Invisible thread is used to sew light- to medium-weight synthetic fabrics. Other specialized threads are made for decorative sewing like needlepoint. These include soft cotton embroidery thread, cotton perle that is twisted and has a lustrous or pearl-like finish, stranded cotton with six fine strands that can be used together or separated for finer stitching, tapestry wool for decorative work, and mending yarn for reinforcing and darning.

Thread can also be made of combinations of fiber. Thread with a core of polyester and an outer wrap of cotton, spun polyester, or rayon combines the characteristics of both fibers, with the outer fiber creating the appearance or finish of the thread.

History

Thread has been essential to humans since the first garments were made for warmth and protection. Early sewing thread consisted of thin strips of animal hide that were used to stitch together larger pieces of hide and fur. The advance of civilizations brought many refinements in clothing and adornments, including the spinning and dyeing of thread. The Egyptians were skilled at making thread from plant fibers and in using the wool and hair from domestic animals in spinning. They and the Phoenicians also pioneered the use of berries and plant matter in the manufacture of colorful and longlasting dyes. The Chinese and Japanese discovered the beauties of silk fibers spun as thread and made as cloth.

Sewing thread had at least two historical heydays. In the Middle Ages, improvements in shipping, wool production and processing, and the opening of the Silk Road to Asia provided fertile ground for the flowering of woven tapestries and needlework. Tapestries were an art form that allowed large spaces to be filled with colorful scenes that were also portable. Tapestries were woven of wool yarn primarily, but linen, cotton, silk, and gold and silver were also used in weaving these magnificent paintings in fiber. Seamstresses and needleworkers were inspired to use the same materials in smaller works stitched with sewing or embroidery thread.

During the Industrial Revolution in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, production of thread moved out of the cottages and into factories equipped with high-speed machines. Machine manufacture generated more uniform thread with fewer flaws, and producers could devote more time to maximizing the characteristics of the types of fibers being used. Stronger thread, truer dye colors, and production of a wider variety of thread for different applications were among the direct results.

Raw Materials

Silk thread

Silk worms produce cocoons from which silk is made. The female silk worms feed on mulberry leaves until the worms mature and begin to spin cocoons. The worm secretes the silk thread from specialized glands below its mouth. It completes the cocoon around itself; over a two- to three-week period, it becomes a pupa then a moth. The cocoons can be harvested when the pupas are still inside so that so-called nett silk can be produced; cocoons are also collected after the moths have hatched, and silk from these is termed Schappe silk.

Cotton thread

Cotton is picked from cotton plants in the field and compressed into large bales. The bales often contain dirt, broken pieces of cotton boll, seeds, and other impurities, so cleaning is a first step at the mill. The bale is broken, the fibers are opened by a comb-like device, mixed together, and cleaned. The cleaned cotton fibers are termed laps. The laps are fed into a carding machine that separates the fibers. Further cleaning, combing, and sorting readies the fibers for processing into thread.

Cotton thread is produced from large cotton bales that are cleaned, combed, carded, twisted, and spun. Polyester thread is derived from petroleum that has gone through a cracking process. During the cracking process, crude oil is broken down into a number of components that will be processed into a range of products from gasoline to plastics including polyester. Xylene, a hydrocarbon compound, is generated during cracking. Nitric acid and glycol are added to modify the xylene by a series of chemical reactions. The fluid is heated and condensed in an autoclave, and the molecules align to form long molecules called polyester. The resulting mass is extruded, cooled with water, and cut into chips. These chips are shipped from the refinery to the thread manufacturer for spinning.
Cotton thread is produced from large cotton bales that are cleaned, combed, carded, twisted, and spun. Polyester thread is derived from petroleum that has gone through a cracking process. During the cracking process, crude oil is broken down into a number of components that will be processed into a range of products from gasoline to plastics including polyester. Xylene, a hydrocarbon compound, is generated during cracking. Nitric acid and glycol are added to modify the xylene by a series of chemical reactions. The fluid is heated and condensed in an autoclave, and the molecules align to form long molecules called polyester. The resulting mass is extruded, cooled with water, and cut into chips. These chips are shipped from the refinery to the thread manufacturer for spinning.

Polyester thread

Polyester is a petroleum product. During the cracking process, crude oil is broken down into a number of components that will be processed into a range of products from gasoline to plastics including polyester. Xylene, a hydrocarbon compound, is generated during cracking. Nitric acid and glycol are added to modify the xylene by a series of chemical reactions. The fluid is heated and condensed in an autoclave, and the molecules align to form long molecules called polyester. The resulting mass is extruded, cooled with water, and cut into chips. These chips are shipped from the refinery to the thread manufacturer for spinning.

Design

Engineers who design sewing thread are called seam engineers. They are experienced in the practical aspects of sewing, sewing machine operation, and clothing manufacture. When a new sewing thread is designed, the needs of the specific market are analyzed carefully, and a prototype thread is produced and tested under actual use conditions. The best thread products are needed to meet the demands of new and everchanging markets.

The Manufacturing
Process

Nett silk

  • 1 Cocoons containing the pupas are heated with air to keep the pupas inside.
  • 2 The cocoons are immersed in water and a brushing motion unwraps the silk thread; a single thread can be up to 1,000 yd (3,000 m) long.

    There are two types of silk manufacture. Both use the cocoon of the silk worm to produce silk thread, however, one processes the cocoons that still contain the pupa, producing a soft silk called nett silk. The other utilizes cocoons that have already hatched to produce schappe silk. To make nett silk hot air is used to inhibit the growth of the pupa inside the cocoon, the cocoon is unraveled, and several yarns are wound together to produce a thread. Since it is derived from the older, hatched cocoon, schappe silk manufacture begins with the soaking, softening, washing, and drying of the cocoons. Next, the cocoons pass through steel rollers with combs to produce bundles of long, straight fibers of silk, which are combed, twisted, and spun into thread.
    There are two types of silk manufacture. Both use the cocoon of the silk worm to produce silk thread, however, one processes the cocoons that still contain the pupa, producing a soft silk called nett silk. The other utilizes cocoons that have already hatched to produce schappe silk. To make nett silk hot air is used to inhibit the growth of the pupa inside the cocoon, the cocoon is unraveled, and several yarns are wound together to produce a thread. Since it is derived from the older, hatched cocoon, schappe silk manufacture begins with the soaking, softening, washing, and drying of the cocoons. Next, the cocoons pass through steel rollers with combs to produce bundles of long, straight fibers of silk, which are combed, twisted, and spun into thread.

  • 3 Several threads from the same cocoon are wound together in long loops or hanks to produce a single yarn. Three of these single yarns are twisted to produce nett silk thread. More than three single yarns can be used depending on the planned use of the thread.

Schappe silk

  • 4 Schappe silk is made from cocoons from which the silk moths have hatched. This matured material is tougher than nett silk cocoons and must be softened, washed, and dried.
  • 5 The cocoons are passed through steel rollers with combs to produce bundles of long, straight fibers of silk called combed top or peigné.
  • 6 Several bundles are grouped together to form a band that is also combed into a narrower band and fed through rotating rollers. The emerging yarn is slightly twisted and is called the roving.
  • 7 The roving is spun to form a single thread, and several single threads are wound together, twisted, and fed onto a bobbin or cone.

Cotton thread

  • 8 Cleaned, combed, and sorted cotton is fed through a series of rollers in a process called drawing that generates a narrow band of cotton fiber.
  • 9 The fiber is slightly twisted to form roving, and the roving is drawn and twisted again.
  • 10 It is spun to form a single thread that is wound and twisted with others to form the thread.
  • 11 Cotton thread is singed over an open flame and mercerized by immersion in caustic soda. These processes strengthen the thread and give it a lustrous finish. The treated cotton thread is wound on bobbins or cones.

Spun polyester thread

  • 12 The chips of polyester received from the refinery are spun into long filaments that are banded together to form polyester tow. Tow contains more than 170,000 continuous, fine, parallel filaments in a long band.
  • 13 The tow is stretched to the breaking point so that weaknesses in the filaments are exposed. The weak points are cut out, and fibers that are 2.5-4.75 in (60-120 mm) are produced.
  • 14 These resulting strong fibers are banded together again in parallel, and several bands are combined until a narrow, even, high-quality band of parallel fibers results.
  • 15 These bands are further stretched and slightly twisted into roving, and the roving is spun and twisted into single thread. The drawing and twisting process stretches the fibers up to 10-20 times their length in the tow stage, and the spindles on the spinning machines that do this work turn at 12,000 revolutions per minute.

Dyeing and packaging finished
thread

All types of thread may be finished in similar ways.

  • 16 After manufacture, the thread is dyed. Dye is mixed in large vats; several hundred colors can be produced, and dye mixing is controlled by computer. Large cones or bobbins of manufactured thread are lowered into pressurized vessels, and the dye (and other additives) are released into the vessels by computer. After it is removed from the dyeing vessel, the thread is dried for 24 hours. About 6.6 tons (6 metric tons) of thread can be dyed in one day; this equals 66 million yd (200 million m) of sewing thread or enough to circle the equator five times.
  • 17 The dyed thread is wound on smaller spools for industrial or home use, and the spools are packed into boxes for shipment. Optical devices monitor the spool winding and packing processes.

Quality Control

Thread must emerge from the factory with a great combination of performance characteristics. During its lifetime, thread will be passed through a number of metal guides on a sewing machine, held in tension by the sewing machine needle and subjected to its action, bent into position from the bobbin to interlock with the thread from the needle, stretched and abraded when the garment is worn, and laundered or dry cleaned many times. Thread functions not only to clothe but to protect us. We count on the thread in products like shoes and automobile safety belts to protect us throughout the life of the product.

Product manufacturers place considerable demand on thread makers to improve the quality of thread and to adapt to demands of the workplace. For example, a lubricating finish is applied to thread that is used to stitch thermoplastic materials so the sewing machine needle is constantly lubricated to prevent its frictional heat from rising and fusing the material.

Production of almost all types of threads is fully automated. A device called an Autoconer monitors the thread quality, cuts out imperfections, and rejoins the ends to produce an even thread without knots, joins, or weak areas.

Byproducts/Waste

Cotton thread production results in more waste than the manufacture of other types of thread because of the parts of the cotton that cannot be used. The volume is still relatively minor but must be disposed. Imperfect fibers and fiber dust are generated in the early stages of production and, again, must be disposed.

The Future

In the future, the manufacture of thread must continue to adapt to new types of fabric and clothing design and production. Futurists may predict that clothing and its varieties will become obsolete; however, the reality is that the consumer wants to express personality through a closet filled with clothing for a variety of activities. And this clothing is sewn together with specialized threads.

Where to Learn More

Books

Cream, Penelope, ed. The Complete Book of Sewing. New York: DK Publishing, Inc., 1996.

Hollen, Norma and Jane Saddler. Textiles. New York: The Macmillan Company, 1968.

Tortora, Phyllis G. Understanding Textiles. New York: The Macmillan Company, 1992.

Other

Coats & Clarke, North America. http://www.coats.com .

Coats Viyella PLC, Thread Division. http://www.coats-viyella.co.uk .

Gütermann of America, Inc., and Gütermann AG, Germany. http://www.guetermann.com .

Saunders Thread Company. http://www.saunders-thread.com/sewing.html .

Synthetic Thread Company. http://www.syntheticthread.com .

— Gillian S. Holmes



Read more: http://www.madehow.com/Volume-5/Thread.html#ixzz7g6OTxm4R

Saturday, 24 September 2022

Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan- Ranking of Cities under National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)

 Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

azadi ka amrit mahotsav

Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan- Ranking of Cities under National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)

Posted On: 24 SEP 2022 4:18PM by PIB Delhi

A two day National Conference of Ministers of Environment, Forest and Climate Change was held in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat on 23-24th September, 2022. The conference was inaugurated by the Prime Minister virtually.

During  a  parallel session on Control and Prevention of Pollution, the States were informed regarding guidelines  on ‘Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan- Ranking of Cities’ released under National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).

Under the guidance of the Minister for Environment, Forest and climate Change, the Ministry is going to launch Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan  that promotes ranking of 131 cities in the country for implementing City Action Plans prepared as part of National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) for reducing air pollution upto 40% by 2025-26.

131 cities are categorized into three groups based on population. 47 cities are in the first group having population more than 10 lakh. 44 cities are in the second group having population between 3 to 10 lakh. Third group consists of 40 cities having population less than 3 lakh.

Cities are required to do the self-assessment as per the framework provided on PRANA online portal. This assessment is carried out annually. Cities have to report implementation of activities and measures taken in respect of solid waste management, road dust management, management of construction and demolition waste, control of vehicular emissions and industrial pollution.

It was informed that  based on the self-assessment and third party assessment, 3 best performing cities in each group will be given cash award in the spirit of competitive federalism. This promotes constructive competition  in the spirit of competitive federalism to take measures to improve air quality. This Survekshan provides a tool to cities to plan their actions in order to improve the air quality. It is not based on the measurement of the air quality parameters to rank the cities. It is based on the actions taken by the cities to improve the air quality in different domains. The actions taken by the cities would result in the improvement of air quality. It thus, provides a planning implementation tool to improve the air quality and the assessment of the cities regarding how better they have aligned their actions to improve the air quality.

The Ministers of Environment, Forest and Climate Change from across the country participated in the  National conference organised by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. State Forest and Environment Ministers, the concerned State Secretaries as well as Chairmen of State PCBs / PCCs along with PCCFs also participated in the two-day National Conference along with senior officials of the Ministry.

“The role of the Environment Ministry is more as a promoter of the environment rather than as a regulator”, says Shri Modi

 

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
azadi ka amrit mahotsav

National Conference of Environment Ministers in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat inaugurated by PM

“The role of the Environment Ministry is more as a promoter of the environment rather than as a regulator”, says Shri Modi

‘Prime Minister gave the vision of Mission Life to the whole world in Glasgow’: Shri Bhupender Yadav

“We can contribute to the vision of self-reliant India by working as a team”: Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Two-day conference to create further synergy amongst the Central and State Governments in formulating better policies

The conference covered six thematic sessions on environment

Posted On: 24 SEP 2022 6:24PM by PIB Delhi

National Conference of Ministers of Environment, Forest and Climate Change was held in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. The two-day conference was inaugurated yesterday by the Prime Minister virtually.

The Ministers of Environment, Forest and Climate Change from across the country participated in the conference. The conference began with welcome remarks by Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat and remarks by Shri Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change was also present among other dignitaries. State Forest and Environment Ministers, the concerned State Secretaries as well as Chairmen of State PCBs / PCCs along with PCCFs also participated in the two-day National Conference of Ministers’ of EF&CC.

 


 

The Prime Minister in his address remarked that India is not just taking huge strides in the field of renewable energy, but also guiding other nations of the world. The Prime Minister added that India is a rapidly developing economy, and it is continuously strengthening its ecology as well.

Drawing everyone’s attention to the net zero target for the year 2070, the Prime Minister said that the focus of the country is on green growth and green jobs. He also highlighted the role of the Environment Ministries of the States in achieving these goals. The Prime Minister said, “I urge all Environment Ministers to promote a circular economy as much as possible in the states.” Shri Modi supplemented his statement by mentioning that it will significantly strengthen the Solid Waste Management campaign and will  also free us from the menace of single use plastic.

Referring to the role of the environment ministries, the Prime Minister said that this role should not be seen in a regulatory role. He lamented the fact that for a long time the Environment Ministries took their role as more of a regulator. However, the Prime Minister said, “I think that the role of the Environment Ministry is more as a promoter of the environment rather than as a regulator.” He asked the states to own the initiatives like Vehicle Scrapping policy, and biofuel measures such as ethanol blending and help to strengthen them on the ground. He asked for healthy competition as well as collaboration among the states to promote these measures.

Pointing out the learning opportunities in Kevadiya, Ekta Nagar, the Prime Minister remarked on the solutions to issues like the simultaneous development of ecology and economy, strengthening of the environment and creation of new employment opportunities, bio-diversity being a medium to increase eco-tourism, and to address how the wealth of the forest grows with the wealth of our tribal brothers and sisters.

PM's address:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1861687

 

 

Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav also addressed the National Conference of Environment Ministers yesterday. He said that in front of the statue of Sardar Patel, seeing this philosophy of development along with a special craft and architecture of the country’s environmental development, all the ministers and officers are expressing the belief that it is definitely a Shreshtha Bharat”: Vision for the best India.

Shri Yadav had mentioned that Hon’ble Prime Minister gave the vision of Mission Life to the whole world in Glasgow.  A discussion on the session of Mission Life was planned with Executive Officers of NITI Aayog along with National Action Plan and State Action Plan.

Shri Yadav added that the topic of plastic ban was raised in the Environment SMP of the world and India has taken adequate steps in that regard.

Shri Yadav shared that under the leadership and vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister we have taken the country towards ecological harmony by restoring the cheetahs in the country. From that point of view, the topic of wildlife, about biodiversity, as well as the topic of preserving wetlands was also discussed in the conference.

Union Minister informed that India has got the status of Ramsar site for 75 wetlands. He said that along with concern for Air pollution the topic of Agro Forestry was included in the themes for discussion at the conference.

Shri Yadav stressed that the two-day conference has been organised with the hope that we can contribute to the vision of  a self-reliant India by working as a team.

The two-day Conference organised on the 23rd and 24th of September had six thematic sessions with topics focusing on LiFE, Combating Climate Change (Updating State Action Plans on Climate Change for Mitigation of Emissions and Adaptation to Climate Impacts); PARIVESH (Single Window System for Integrated Green Clearances); Forestry Management; Prevention and Control of Pollution; Wildlife Management; Plastics and Waste Management.

The first thematic session held yesterday was on PARIVESH (Pro-Active and Responsive facilitation by Interactive and Virtuous Environment Single-window Hub). PARIVESH was launched in August 2018 in order to achieve Hon’ble PM’s Vision of reducing time taken for granting clearances. Through a trend analysis since 2014, it was explained how the PARIVESH combined with several policy reforms has been able to help in reduction in time taken in grant of Environment Clearance (EC) and Forest Clearance (FC).

During the pandemic of COVID-19, the new normal prompted our society to seek more technology driven solutions to reduce physical touch points for obtaining services. A need was felt to enhance users’ experience on PARIVESH leveraging emerging technologies for faster Green Clearances and Compliances and accordingly Ministry has taken up the task of enhancing the scope of existing PARIVESH with total 16 modules and more than 140 key functionalities. Some of the key modules envisaged in PARIVESH are Configurable Admin Module, Decision Support System (DSS), Know Your Approvals (KYA), CAMPA Mgmt., Helpdesk Mgmt., Legal Repository, Auditor Mgmt., Entity Ledger, Payment Gateway. About 10000 plus regulatory stakeholders would be connected through Workflow automation of PARIVESH.

It was mentioned that envisaged PARIVESH would be a technology driven, professionally managed institutional mechanism, which will operate as a ‘’single window’’ platform for administration of all Green Clearances, and subsequent compliance management. The key drivers are process transformation, technological transformation and domain knowledge intervention.

The envisaged PARIVESH aims to have single source of truth, effectiveness through process & data synchronization, transparent & informed decision making and strengthen “Minimum Government Maximum Governance”. Currently the envisaged PARIVESH development work is in progress and is planned to be launched by the end of 2022.

 

 

Followed by PARIVESH, a motivational session on Lifestyles for Environment was held. The session was taken by Sri Sri Ravisankar. He spoke on the theme of LiFE set by PM Modi in Glasgow and mentioned that India is being recognized for these efforts. He gave example of tribal lifestyle of Chattisgargh where he witnessed no pollution both in air and water. He felt this should be adopted in the urban lifestyle as well. The panchtatva of the environment should be preserved. He also lauded the concept of Natural farming that uses natural microbes and other species for enhancing agricultural productivity.

He brought the attention to how environment and mindset are connected. When a person is tense, he/she does not react responsibly both in social or physical environment, said Shri  Sri Ravishankar  and while working for the environment through activities like planting and farming, it  releases mental stress. He advocated such activities both for environment and mental health. He urged all to help people in distress, a good way to do so is to reflect on achievements of past. Spread smiles and live a healthy life was what he focused on. He also steered a 20-minute meditation round to energize the gathering and for spiritual awakening. 

The second thematic session held yesterday was on Combating Climate Change and on Summary of LiFE session. Shri Parameswaran Iyer, CEO, NITI Aayog, gave a presentation on Lifestyles for Environment (LiFE) movement. The presentation explained about Mission LiFE, its goals, objectives and intended impacts and how to make Mission LiFE become a Jan Andolan. CEO NITI Aayog, highlighted the role of Central and State Ministries and Departments of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in facilitating implementation of Mission LiFE. Updating the NDCs on the UNFCCC registry was an important step in the light of upcoming COP 27 at Egypt, he said.

Shri Iyer further said that we must think about the actions can be taken at the individual level or at the level of the community to save and preserve our environment. He suggested that everyday simple activities can help preserve the environment. He further stated that sustainability is the core of our culture and tradition and India is leading the world towards sustainability. He said that under the Mission LiFE and that people need to be encouraged to become pro-planet, stop being mindless and destructive and instead move towards mindful and constructive utilization of resources. Mission Life is an India-led Global Jan Andolan under which simple relatable actions across the world can be taken to protect the environment. These actions should not generate negative impact on economy and in fact should stimulate jobs and growth.

 

Mission LiFE will leverage existing institutions, resources and programmes of State Government and Central Government, said Shri Iyer.  While making the presentation he also shared a list of Simple LiFE actions which include carrying cloth bags while shopping, keeping the water tap off while brushing, turning off electric appliances; double side printing, etc. The ambition of Mission LiFE from 2022 -28 is to mobilize 2/3rd of the India’s Population to become pro-planet and to partner with at least 80 countries to make it Global Jan-Andolan. He said that Mission LiFE will initially focus on 75 LiFE actions across 6 priority categories such as; e-waste, plastic waste, energy saving, water saving, recycling & reuse, and avoiding food wastage.

Suggesting some actions, he urged the participants at the Conference to use Stairs, when possible, print minimally and use air conditioners sparingly. He also requested the Ministers to promote LiFE in the constituency through events, campaigns and training through other forums, trigger citizens to become pro-planet through online and offline communications including social media.

While concluding, Shri Iyer CEO Niti Aayog, stated that Global Jan Andolan will be lead by people of India where individuals will upload videos of their daily life actions on MyGov portal. The vision of LiFE needs to become a replicable Global Model of sustainability for the World.

 “Updating State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCC) for Mitigation of Emissions and Adaptation to Climate Impacts” were also discussed during the Conference.

India’s National Action Plan for Climate Change (NAPCC) provides the overarching policy framework for climate change mitigation and adaptation through its National Missions and represent multipronged, long term and integrated strategies for achieving key goals in the context of climate change. State Governments were also encouraged to develop their Action Plans in line with the NAPCC. These action plans are known as State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC).

Following the announcement of Panchamrit at COP 26 and call for one word movement on LiFE, ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ given by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, India has updated its National Determined contributions for 2021-2030 in August 2022. In line with the Nationally Action Plan on Climate Change, (NAPCC), all the SAPCC are now being revised to align with the latest scientific insights, as well as with India’s NDCs under the Paris Agreement. Citing the GHG emission profile of India. It was further highlighted that major emission is through energy sector, others being industry, agriculture and waste sectors, which need focus while designing the SAPCC.

The revised SAPCC is a policy document of the State to reflect the strategies and policies with focus on climate change mitigation and adaptation in key sectors in the States and UTs. The SAPCC is expected to be based on scientific research and reports on the vulnerability of key ecosystems, and projected impacts of climate change.

States/UTs are incorporating several mitigation and adaptation measures, such as use of efficient and cleaner technologies, renewable energy, E-mobility, waste management, climate resilient infrastructure, afforestation, sustainable urbanization, and water conservation in their SAPCC documents. The SAPCC should be based on a sound scientific understanding of climate risks and vulnerabilities. Further, the SAPCC need to reflect the highest possible ambition of the State/UT to combat climate change through appropriate measures and policies. SAPCC’s will play an important role in mainstreaming climate concerns in the broader development process and help in achievement of India’s NDCs under the Paris Agreement. SAPCC should lay out sector-specific and cross-sectoral, time bound priority actions for the state, outlay budgetary requirements, and outline necessary institutional and policy infrastructure including planning processes.

The third thematic session held was on Plastics and Waste Management. The session commenced with a presentation on Plastics and Waste Management. The Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016, which provide the regulatory framework of management of plastic waste in the country was highlighted. Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision to make India Single-use Plastic free and moving towards mission circular economy was highlighted.

It was also highlighted that the regulatory framework for management of wastes in the country has been comprehensively revised in 2016 following the principles of circular economy. The capacity for processing of wastes viz. solid waste, hazardous waste, bio-medical waste, E-waste, plastic waste, construction and demolition waste has increased significantly in the last 8 years. The strategy adopted by the Government to tackle unmanaged and littered plastic waste has two pillars (i) ban on single use plastic items which have high littering potential and low utility, and (ii) Implementation extended producer responsibility on plastic packaging.

Implementation of EPR on plastic packaging will lead to (i) reduction littered and unmanaged plastic waste in the country, (ii) promote circular economy of plastic packaging waste, (iii) Promote development of new alternatives to plastics and development of new business models, and (iv) Move towards sustainable plastic packaging. The EPR framework is implemented through a centralized online portal ensuring ease of doing business.

The Rules mandating Extended Producer Responsibility in different waste streams viz. E-waste, waste tyres, waste batteries have been notified to operationalize circular economy principles. Circular Economy approaches not only have environmental benefits but also lead to resource conservation and reduced dependence on virgin materials.

The States and UTs informed about the implementation of SUP ban and enforcement activities being undertaken. The States and UTs shared their best practices for moving away from banned SUP items such as setting up of Bartan Bhandars with help of women self-help groups in villages. The importance of people participation in the success of the ban was highlighted. Some of the States also mentioned about the need for getting central assistance for setting up of recycling infrastructure. The issue of plastic waste management problem in villages was also discussed.

A thematic session on Wildlife Management including Bio-Diversity and Conservation of Wetlands Biodiversity was held today on the second day of the Conference.

 

India’s abundant biodiversity richness is evident in its biodiversity hotspots, biogeographic zones, 16 forest types, 54733 floral and 103258 faunal species was highlighted during the session. It was mentioned that necessary legislation and institutional framework viz., Biological Diversity Act, 2002, National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs), Union Territory Biodiversity Councils (UTBCs) and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) have been constituted in light of this rich biodiversity. At present, there are 28 SBBs, 8 UTBCs, 2,76,895 BMCs and 2,67,345 People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs).  It was emphasized that involvement of communities in biodiversity conservation will serve the twin purpose of generating livelihood and conservation of biodiversity in a holistic manner.

Given the biodiversity richness of India and the urgent need to address conservation measures, it was mentioned that the states may take a proactive approach by supporting measure to strengthen SBBs and UTBCs, complete PBRs and support the transition to e-PBRs.. Also, considering that only 14 States have declared Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS), the remaining 22 states may take necessary steps to declare more such sites. States were also urged to assist in identifying other conservation measures such as potential Other Effective- Area Based Conservation Measures (OECM) sites.

For the conservation and management of wetlands in the country, MoEF&CC undertook a four-point approach comprising of regulatory frame work, capacity building and outreach, implementation of National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic ecosystems (NPCA) and subsequent alignment with the Ramsar Convention. The number of wetlands designated as Ramsar sites in India increased from 26 in 2013 to 75 in the year 2022.

MoEF&CC notified the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, superseding the Rules of 2010. This included constitution of a National Wetlands Authority Wetland Authorities were constituted in all states/UTs.  To facilitate the State/UTs to implement the rules, Guidelines were also released.

The implementation of NPCA employs a four pronged approach that includes preparation of brief document of the wetland, having a dedicated stream of volunteers as Wetland Mitras, preparing the health cards of the wetland and developing an integrated management Plan. Guidelines were released in March 2020 which aims at holistic conservation and restoration of wetlands. This scheme is implemented on cost sharing basis between Central Government and respective State Governments. Under the NPCA, till 31st March 2022 financial assistance has been provided to 164 wetlands across the country.

To address the key issues and concerns pertaining to the wetlands, it is necessary to develop comprehensive and long term planning based on site specific needs. Comprehensive management plans need to be introduced through a management approach. The policy shifts in 2020 towards formulating Integrated Management Plans (IMPs) has resulted in IMPs for over 60 wetlands. Further, IMPs for all Ramsar sites and significant wetlands is envisioned.  The recent recommendations of SAHBHAGITA workshop for inclusive conservation management is also implemented.

Apart from this there were parallel sessions on Prevention and Control of Pollution (with a focus on National Clean Air Programme) and meeting with Heads of MoEFCC Institutions.

 

 

The second thematic session on second day was on Agro-forestry. Agro-forestry, farm forestry and trees outside forests in general contribute to the increase in tree cover and enhance landscapes and ecosystem services, while meeting a bulk of the country's wood demand and providing climate resilient incomes to farmers. Agroforestry and commercial tree plantations outside forest lands have tremendous opportunities to enhance incomes of farmers and generate employment. Promotion of wood use, obtained from sustainably managed woodlots, will play a significant role in conserving natural forests and tree cover and reduce the burden on timber imports. Agroforestry is beneficial for farmers in multiple ways as it not only enriches the soil but also it helps farmers for providing an alternative source of income.

The Ministry plans to undertake a paradigm shift in the approach to agroforestry, in order to bring about multiple environmental, economic, and social benefits and achieve the national goal of bringing one third of the area under forests and tree cover. MoEFCC has constituted a Task Force and Joint Working Groups for promotion and expansion of agroforestry. The reports of these committee have suggested  measures like the accreditation of nurseries for quality planting material, adoption of pan India transit permit system, to exempt more tree species, further relaxing guidelines for setting up of wood-based industries to enable small processing centres in taluka levels, development of indigenous system of certification of wood, quality control of timber and its products, through national certification agency like BIS for domestic market, provision for credit and finance to tree growers, setting up of a National Wood Council at the Centre, etc. MoEF&CC has also brought out the Accredited Compensatory Afforestation Mechanism under the provisions of Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2022 to encourage individuals to raise vegetation on their land and sell it to persons who need to meet compensatory afforestation targets. This is expected to act as an incentive to farmers and tree growers to develop plantations and undertake agro-forestry. MoEFCC has also requested to all states to adopt National Transit Pass System (NTPS) for inter-state and intra-state movement of timber and forest produce with an aim to one nation-one pass. It was emphasized to make necessary amendments in State Transit Rules/Acts to remove requirement of in-lieu TP and for adopting NTPS.

 

Ministers of Environment, Forest and Climate change as well as Secretaries and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests from various states and UTs shared their views and suggestions regarding the approaches that need to be adopted for the promotion of agroforestry on a mission mode. Detailed discussions were made on the relaxations that need to be brought out in the existing regulations on felling and transit of wood originating outside forests, availability of quality planting materials, develop traceability and certification of wood products, quality standardization and promotion of wood-based industries and value chains.

 

 

Speaking at the valedictory session, the Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav said that an individual is like a drop in the ocean and the team is like an ocean itself which has huge power and force. It is the spirit of Team India which will take us forward, he added. The Union Minister also said that Ministry of Environment is not only committed to protection of the environment but is also an equal partner in development of the country and needs to add to our GDP through Eco tourism and Agro Forestry. Three pledges were taken at the concluding session of the two days Conference at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat:

  1. In order to tackle the global challenge of the climate change, under the able leadership of the Prime Minister, we take a pledge to promote the environment friendly lifestyle LiFE.
  2. We take a pledge to enhance the Forest life, forest protection and green zones.
  3. To make our country self-reliant We take a pledge to preserve wood and related products, to identify the opportunities for agri-commerce, to enable the policy framework related to scientific infrastructure and to increase the employment and income opportunities of the farmers, tribal groups and local communities.

The valedictory session was also addressed by Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, MoS, MoEF&CC, Smt Leena Nandan, Secretary MoEF&CC and Shri C P Goyal, DG Forest. In the end, the Union Minister conveyed heartfelt thanks to the Ministers of Gujarat along with the Secretaries and other Officers who participated in the conference.

 

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