Mock drill conducted on Industrial safety at NFCL Kakinada,

Mock drill conducted on Industrial safety at NFCL Kakinada, Mar 29(UNI) A mock drill was conducted on industrial safety at the Nagarjuna fertilizers and chemicals limited (NFCL) plant premises here on Wednesday under the supervision of D Radhakrishna Deputy Chief Inspector of Factories. The mock drill was initiated activating one of the Chlorine sensors and executed successfully with the participation of the workers and supervisory staff. Addressing the workers on the occasion Deputy Chief Inspector of Factories Radhakrishna has said that the mock drills would help in emergency preparedness and in keeping the work force on full alert . He appreciated the NFCL management for conducting the mock drill with utmost precision and suggested some improvements in some of the areas while handling such emergency. GVS Anand NFCL Vice president claimed that they were attending to any emergency situation in and around Kakinada city, Senior General manager P Chandra Mohan explained in brief about the importance of mock drills in combating the emergencies . Muralikrishna Inspector of Factories, NFCL senior executives Varanasi Ravikumar, BHSN Raju, Mohanty, S. Srinivasarao were among those attended. 

PAPER CLIPS SHARED BY SHRI RAVI KUMAR JI -SENIOR EXECUTIVE -PRO

Second Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) meeting

 

Second Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) meeting concludes in Gandhinagar with G20 member countries reaffirming their commitment towards combatting environment and climate crisis with a renewed sense of urgency

Posted On: 29 MAR 2023 6:56PM by PIB Delhi

The Second G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) meeting concluded in Gandhinagar today with shared views and accordance on outcomes of the priority areas. Building on the discussions from the first ESCWG, constructive deliberations among the G20 countries took place on Arresting Land Degradation, Accelerating Ecosystem Restoration and Enriching Biodiversity; Promoting a Sustainable and Climate Resilient Blue Economy and Encouraging Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy.  The G20 member countries reaffirmed their commitment towards combatting the environment and climate crisis, but with a renewed sense of urgency. All the G20 countries agreed on the pressing need for concerted global efforts and the immediate action required, given the current scenario. After technical sessions delving deep on the outcomes of the three priority areas identified by ECSWG under the India Presidency, the countries highlighted several action points on how to bring about a meaningful change.

On Day 1, Ministry of Jal Shakti led the side event with thematic site visits to the Adalaj Vav, Sabarmati siphon, Sabarmati river front and Narmada main canal, showcasing India’s ancient water management practices and the nation’s long-standing tradition of conserving water resources. During other sessions of the day the G20 countries presented their best practices in Water Resource Management.

The second day included opening remarks by G20 Co-chair for India, Ms. Richa Sharma, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change,  who  highlighted the inclusive, action-oriented and consensus driven approach of the Indian Presidency  to facilitate tangible outcomes with a strong foundation.

The key inputs collated from deliberations over the 1st ECSWG, focused group discussions and the written inputs shared by the member countries was the highlight of the session on Biodiversity, Land degradation and ecosystem restoration during the pre-lunch session of the second day. The session witnessed engaging deliberations amongst the delegates on the two priority landscapes identified under India’s Presidency and presentations on the proposed Gandhinagar Implementation Roadmap (GIR) and draft publications on compendium of best practices by experts from United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE).

The deliberations of draft G20 documents on the four sub-themes – namely G20 Knowledge Exchanges in Circular Economy in Steel Sector, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Circular Economy and Circular Bioeconomy and the proposed G20 Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy Industry Coalition – identified under the Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy formed the key discussion points during the technical session on Circular Economy. India’s commitment to make the efficient and sustainable use of natural resources was an important aspect of the G20 talks, and the highlight of the Resource Efficiency Dialogue, which was further deliberated by the delegates.

The final day of the 2nd ECSWG meeting had a special address by Ms. Darshana Vikram Jardosh, Union Minister of State for Railways and Textiles, Government of India. She acknowledged efforts of the G20 countries, with a comprehensive approach to address climate change.

 

 

 

Following this was the technical session which witnessed engaging discussions to outline ways of effectively accelerating the transition to a sustainable and climate resilient Blue Economy. Experts from organisations like National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO), United Nations Development program (UNDP) and Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) made presentations emphasising the need for protecting and conserving coastal and marine ecosystems for a healthy ocean, ecosystem conservation from Blue Carbon initiative, mainstreaming Marine Spatial planning for a sustainable Blue Economy and MSP Global Initiative. The delegates deliberated on the G20 High Level Principles for a Sustainable and Climate Resilient Blue Economy that was presented during the technical session. The technical study on Accelerating the Transition to a Sustainable and Climate Resilient Blue Economy was also discussed among the participating delegates during the session.

The concluding technical session of the day was on alignment of Global Biodiversity Framework 2022 and its implementation modalities under the priority of biodiversity, land degradation and ecosystem restoration. The focus of the session on Biodiversity was to accelerate the action on implementing the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework across G20 countries and concluded by posing three key questions for deliberation on the topic.

Ms. Leena Nandan, the G20 Chair for India and Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change addressed the delegates before the start of the final session of the day which was on the Communique. She also urged the G20 members to continue with their approach that is collaborative in nature and in concurrence with each other,  under the India Presidency to ensure an inclusive, action-oriented, and decisive outcome. The session on the Communique had presentation and extensive open discussions on the zero draft.

The Secretary also briefed the media regarding the deliberations during  three days of Second G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG).

The day concluded with the delegates visiting the Dandi Kutir, which is the world’s largest and only Museum built on one man's story - Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation. The delegates were delighted with a tour of the experiential museum.

The conference ended on a note of collaboration with a goal to refine the proposed outcomes under the G20 India Presidency by incorporating the feedback of the delegates and best practices shared during the sessions and gather inputs on the outline of the Communique presented.

The discussions during this meeting will be taken forward at the 3rd ECSWG meeting, which is scheduled to take place in Mumbai from 21st – 23rd May, 2023.

MJPS

Automated Weather Stations

 

Automated Weather Stations

Posted On: 29 MAR 2023 4:53PM by PIB Delhi

The reception of Automated Weather Stations (AWS) data and its quality is being monitored round the clock at India Meteorological Department (IMD) Pune Central Receiving Servers and all IMD State Meteorological Centres. The network of Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) with Sensors for the meteorological parameters viz. Atmospheric pressure, Air temperature, Relative humidity, Rainfall, Wind speed and Wind direction undergo servicing/routine preventive maintenance at regular intervals by trained manpower available at IMD offices to ensure the quality of data from the system.

The preventive maintenance ensures necessary exposure conditions at AWS sites as per World Meteorological Organization (WMO) guidelines. The technical team during preventive maintenance/servicing, carry out grass cutting, cleaning of solar panels, equipments and general upkeep of the observatory site to ensure the quality of data from the system.

While doing the calibration of sensors, the atmospheric parameters are compared with the travelling standards of sensors during preventative maintenance/Servicing. If any sensor’s accuracy of AWS is not performing as per the WMO criteria, the sensor is replaced with new sensors.

This information was given by the Minister for State (Independent Charge) for Ministry of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

Study on Climate Vulnerability

 Ministry of Earth Science

Study on Climate Vulnerability

Posted On: 29 MAR 2023 4:54PM by PIB Delhi

The National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), an attached office of Ministry of Earth Sciences, has carried out a National shoreline change assessment mapping for Indian coast (including Odisha) using 28 years of satellite data from 1990 to 2018 to provide information for coastal management strategy. In addition, Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), MoES has prepared the Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) maps for the entire coastline of India by using 7 parameters such as shoreline change rate, sea-level change rate, coastal elevation, coastal slope, coastal geomorphology, significant wave height and tidal range. Further studies have been done on Multi-Hazard Vulnerability Mapping to identify potential areas of coastal inundation for the mainland of India using data on extreme water levels, coastal erosion, sea-level change and high-resolution topography.

The district-wise statistics of coastal erosion in Odisha is as follows:

 

Coastal District	Coastal length (km)	Erosion	Stable	Accretion	Erosion	Stable	Accretion
		(In km)			(In %)
Ganjam	62.9	15.48	18.32	29.1	24.6	29.1	46.3
Puri	140.04	15.78	14.12	110.14	11.3	10.1	78.6
Jagatsinghpur	58.72	32.58	6.32	19.82	55.5	10.8	33.8
Kendrapara	135.78	50	52.12	33.66	36.8	38.4	24.8
Bhadrak	59.88	11.1	10.4	38.38	18.5	17.4	64.1
Baleshwar	92.18	15.79	27.49	48.9	17.1	29.8	53.0
Total	549.5	140.73	128.77	280	25.6	23.4	51.0

 

A report on "National Assessment of Shoreline Changes along Indian Coast" was shared with various Central and State Government agencies and stakeholders for implementing shoreline protection measures.

The details of habitat loss, coastal degradation and coastal erosion in Odisha are:

1. Loss of habitat and shifting of sites of turtle nesting from Bhitarakanika to Gahirmatha in Kendrapara district.
2. Loss of vegetation and sand dunes in Pentha and Satabhaya coast.
3. Loss of Casuarina vegetation in Siali and adjoining areas of Jagatsinghpur district
4. Degradation of fishing hamlets in Ramachandi, and tourist beach in Puri town of Puri district.
5. Damage to fishing hamlets in Podampeta, Ramiyapatnam and Gopalpur of Ganjam district.

Ministry of Earth Sciences through National Centre for Coastal Research and National Institute of Ocean Technology provides technical solutions to Government of Odisha in mitigation of coastal erosion and they are being implemented by Government of Odisha with their own funds.

This information was given by the Minister for State (Independent Charge) for Ministry of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture

 

Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture

Posted On: 21 MAR 2023 6:10PM by PIB Delhi

Government of India is aware about the impact of climate change on agriculture and farmers’ lives. Extensive field and simulation studies were carried out in agriculture by the network centres located in different parts of the country. The climate change impact assessment was carried out using the crop simulation models by incorporating the projected climates of 2050 & 2080. In absence of adoption of adaptation measures, rainfed rice yields in India are projected to reduce by 20% in 2050 and 47% in 2080 scenarios while, irrigated rice yields are projected to reduce by 3.5% in 2050 and 5% in 2080 scenarios. Climate change is projected to reduce wheat yield by 19.3% in 2050 and 40% in 2080 scenarios towards the end of the century with significant spatial and temporal variations. Climate change is projected to reduce the kharif maize yields by 18 and 23% in 2050 and 2080 scenarios, respectively. Climate change reduces crop yields and lower nutrition quality of produce. Extreme events like droughts affect the food and nutrient consumption, and its impact on farmers.

Government of India has formulated schemes/plans to make agriculture more resilient to climate change.  The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) is one of the Missions within the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). The mission aims at evolving and implementing strategies to make Indian agriculture more resilient to the changing climate.

To meet the challenges of sustaining domestic food production in the face of changing climate, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India launched a flagship network research project ‘National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture’ (NICRA) in 2011. The project aims to develop and promote climate resilient technologies in agriculture, which addresses vulnerable areas of the country and the outputs of the project help the districts and regions prone to extreme weather conditions like droughts, floods, frost, heat waves, etc. to cope with such extreme events. Short term and long-term research programs with a national perspective have been taken up involving adaptation and mitigation covering crops, horticulture, livestock, fisheries and poultry. The main thrust areas covered are;

(i) identifying most vulnerable districts/regions,

(ii) evolving crop varieties and management practices for adaptation and mitigation,

(iii) assessing climate change impacts on livestock, fisheries and poultry and identifying adaptation strategies. Since 2014, 1888 climate resilient varieties have been developed besides 68 location specific climate resilient technologies have been developed and demonstrated for wider adoption among farming communities.

Shri Bhupender Yadav says Government accords huge importance to Blue Economy with focus on sustainable,climate resilient coastal infrastructure and livelihoods of coastal communities

 

Shri Bhupender Yadav says Government accords huge importance to Blue Economy with focus on sustainable,climate resilient coastal infrastructure and livelihoods of coastal communities

Government is steering ahead with marine spatial planning (MSP) to develop  blueprint for area-based management with multiple management objectives: Shri Yadav

Posted On: 22 MAR 2023 2:38PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav chaired today the 1st General Body Meeting of National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) an institute under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change(MoEF&CC). He emphasized that Prime Minister accords huge importance to Blue Economy with focus on sustainable and climate resilient coastal infrastructure and livelihoods of coastal communities.

Shri Yadav said Government is steering ahead with marine spatial planning (MSP) to develop a blueprint for area-based management with multiple management objectives. The Minister also directed NCSCM to contribute to Mission MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes) for mangrove conservation with focus on tangible income to coastal communities.

NCSCM was established in February 2011, as a research institution to support the protection, conservation, restoration, management, and policy advice on coasts. The vision of NCSCM is to promote sustainable coasts through increased partnerships, conservation practices, scientific research, and knowledge management for the benefit and wellbeing of current and future generations.

The National Centre has undertaken several landmark research studies such as mapping of over 34,000 sq. km. of the Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA), mapping of composite hazard line, preparation of the Coastal Zone Management Plans as per the Coastal Regulation Zone(CRZ) Notifications, 2011 and 2019, cumulative coastal environmental impact assessment, ecosystem goods and services, blue carbon sequestration, ecosystem health report cards among others.

Special pan India enforcement drives undertaken by Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Boards to implement ban on Single Use Plastic

 

Special pan India enforcement drives undertaken by Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Boards to implement ban on Single Use Plastic

Posted On: 13 FEB 2023 8:57PM by PIB Delhi

Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today informed that the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, as amended, provide the statutory framework and the prescribed authorities for enforcement of the rules, including ban on identified single use plastic items, which became effective from 1st July 2022. Further, States and Union territories have been asked to undertake regular enforcement drives to implement ban on identified single use plastic items and on plastic carry bags having thickness less than one hundred twenty microns, covering fruit and vegetable markets, wholesale markets, local markets, flower vendors, units manufacturing plastic carry bags etc. States and UTs have also been asked to undertake random checking at border checkpoints to stop inter-state movement of banned single use plastic items. A one-month long pan India enforcement campaign was undertaken for implementation of ban on identified single use plastic items from 1st to 31st July 2022. Special pan India enforcement drives has undertaken in months of October, November and December, 2022 by Central Pollution Control Board, State Pollution Control Boards and Pollution Control Committees.

In the written reply it was stated that for effective monitoring of ban on identified single use plastic items and plastic waste management in the country the following online platforms are in operation (a) National Dashboard for monitoring of comprehensive action plan implementation, (b) CPCB Monitoring Module for Compliance on Elimination of Single Use Plastic, and (c) CPCB Grievance Redressal App.

It was stated that the enforceable obligation of minimum level of recycling of plastic packaging waste collected under extended producer responsibility guidelines will further strengthen the circular economy of plastic packaging waste and allow for development of the waste management sector through involvement of the formal/informal sector.

The total number of registered plastic waste processors on the centralized EPR portal for plastic packaging is 1602.  As per information available on EPR portal there are 47 registered plastic waste processors in Andhra Pradesh, of which 35 are registered as plastic waste recyclers.  The total number of registered producers, importers and brand owners on the centralized EPR portal for plastic packaging is 5000 with an EPR target of 22.37 Lakh TPA.  Further, as per available information plastic waste management units are also created under Swachhh Bharat Mission (Grameen) as per scheme guidelines.

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