Category Archives: environment

Famous Primatologist Jane Goodall Dead at 91 — The ‘Voice for Animals’ Is Remembered for ‘Protecting the Natural World’

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**Jane Goodall, Renowned Primatologist and Conservationist, Dies at 91**

*Published October 1, 2025, 2:26 p.m. ET*

Jane Goodall, best known for her groundbreaking research and tireless efforts to protect chimpanzees, has passed away at the age of 91, RadarOnline.com can reveal. The esteemed animal welfare activist remained active into her 90s and was in California this week as part of her ongoing speaking tour.

**Institute Confirms Passing**

The Jane Goodall Institute announced this morning, Wednesday, October 1, 2025, that Dr. Jane Goodall DBE, UN Messenger of Peace and Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, has died of natural causes.

“She was in California as part of her speaking tour in the United States,” the Institute’s statement read.

The announcement continued: “Dr. Goodall’s discoveries as an ethologist revolutionized science, and she was a tireless advocate for the protection and restoration of our natural world.”

**Global Tributes Pour In**

Social media users quickly responded to the news of Goodall’s passing. One user wrote, “Rest in peace, Jane Goodall. You taught us that kindness is a form of strength and that respect for life in all its forms is the truest measure of humanity. You will be dearly missed.”

Another added, “It is impossible to sum up the impact she has had on our world and on science in a social media post. She lived a long and incredible life, but I am devastated.”

“A pioneer, a dreamer, a voice for animals and the planet,” praised another. “She taught us to see ourselves in chimpanzees and hope in nature, and the world feels less friendly without her.”

**A Lifetime of Groundbreaking Work**

Jane Goodall founded the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977 to support research on great apes. In addition to her scientific work, she established Roots & Shoots, a youth program dedicated to environmental and humanitarian issues, as well as TACARE, which focuses on sustainable development in African villages.

She began her landmark chimpanzee research in the wild in Tanzania at just 26 years old, making discoveries that forever changed the field of ethology.

Through her research, Goodall demonstrated that primates exhibit behaviors strikingly similar to humans, including complex communication and even the use of tools.

In a 2020 interview with ABC News, she described primates’ behavior:

*“Their behavior, with their gestures, kissing, embracing, holding hands, and patting on the back… The fact that they can actually be violent and brutal and have a kind of war, but also loving and altruistic.”*

**Inspiring Women in STEM**

Goodall’s dedication has also inspired generations of women to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). According to The Jane Goodall Institute — which cited census data from 1970 to 2011 — the number of women in STEM fields has risen from 7 percent to 26 percent in the last 60 years.

**A Call to Action on Climate Change**

Beyond her work with animals, Goodall was a passionate advocate for addressing the climate crisis. She often emphasized the urgent need for human action.

“We are definitely at a point where we need to make something happen. We are imperiled. We have a window of time. I’m fairly sure we do. But, we’ve got to take action,” she said.

**Cherished Support from Family**

Despite facing skepticism during her lifetime, Goodall always had unwavering support from her mother.

“She said, if you really want to do something like this, you’re going to have to work really hard,” Goodall recalled during an interview on the *Call Her Daddy* podcast with host Alex Cooper.

“Take advantage of every opportunity. And if you don’t give up, hopefully you find a way.”

Reflecting on her legacy, Goodall added, “I wish Mom was alive, and maybe she’s listening. The number of people who said, ‘Jane, I want to thank you. You’ve taught me because you did it. I can do it too.’”

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Jane Goodall’s extraordinary life and legacy continue to inspire millions worldwide to respect, protect, and cherish the natural world. She will be deeply missed.
https://radaronline.com/p/jane-goodall-dead-animal-welfare-activist-monkeys-chimps/

Government shutdown impacts on national parks and surrounding California communities

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Sequoia National Park Faces Uncertainty Ahead of Potential Government Shutdown

SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK (KFSN) – As the federal government prepares to potentially shut down on Wednesday, the Sequoia National Forest and neighboring non-profits like the Sequoia Parks Conservancy could feel significant impacts.

“I am worried about my employees, they love what they do, but also we are all just trying to make a livable wage,” says Savannah Boiano of the Sequoia Parks Conservancy. The last government shutdown lasted 35 days, highlighting the challenges such interruptions can bring.

Foothill communities such as Three Rivers heavily depend on tourism drawn by the parks. A government shutdown could mean less foot traffic, which would take a toll on local sales.

“If the government shut down for a long time, the businesses and services would get hurt big time,” says Tony Konnaris, owner of Tony’s Taverna in Three Rivers. The timing of the possible shutdown is especially critical, coming just before Maritza and Tony’s grand opening of their new Greek restaurant.

Tony’s Taverna is set to welcome its first customers this Saturday afternoon. “In terms of the effects that we would feel if the park closes, it will affect us deeply—the business, the economy,” expresses Maritza Konnaris.

The couple, along with other local businesses, have shown resilience through recent wildfires and flooding. Support from loved ones and the community keeps them motivated. Despite the possibility of closures, they invite people to visit their small town.

“It’s beautiful here in Three Rivers. You have the rivers, the creeks, hiking trails, and you can take a bike ride through the back. People need to understand this isn’t just about the park; there are other activities to enjoy in this beautiful environment,” Maritza and Tony express.

Tony’s Taverna grand opening will happen this Saturday, starting at 2 p.m., government shutdown or not. Everyone is invited to join the celebration.

The government is scheduled to run out of money at 9 p.m. Tuesday here on the West Coast if a spending plan deal isn’t reached.

https://abc30.com/post/government-shut-down-impacts-national-parks-surrounding-california-communities/17913104/

Tyla and Liza Koshy help remind the Global Citizen Festival audience of their collective power

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NEW YORK — Global Citizen surpassed its fundraising goals for Amazon rainforest protection, African energy access, and community education at the antipoverty nonprofit’s annual music festival in New York’s Central Park. The event was headlined by Shakira and late addition Cardi B.

Internationally recognized actors and foreign diplomats appealed to the crowd of more than 60,000 between high-energy sets by artists from around the globe. Scheduled at the end of the United Nations General Assembly’s high-level meetings, the festival hammered home the message that everyday attendees, too, could influence the world leaders convening this week.

“This may seem quite ambitious on the surface. But I know for a fact that when we unite, we make noise that leads to real change. When you take action, governments and corporations listen, policies change, financial investments are made and progress happens,” host Hugh Jackman said at the top of the show.

### Boost for African Renewable Energy

Efforts to tap into the African continent’s high potential for renewable power received a significant boost. Global Citizen announced they had secured enough commitments to provide clean energy for 4.6 million homes across Africa.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen revealed that the EU would provide more than $638 million to develop climate-friendly energy production. Additionally, Energea, a renewable energy investment platform, pledged $250 million toward projects over the next five years.

Nigerian singer Ayra Starr, who donned her reading glasses for a serious moment amid her otherwise lively performance, shared a personal story about growing up waiting until 6 p.m. for electricity. “But even I was lucky, OK? Some children in Africa have no access to light at all,” she said. “No child should be left in the dark. They need light to work, study, practice. They need light to reach their dreams and watch their favorite TV shows. That’s why energy matters.”

### Celebrity Advocacy and Funding Announcements

The program frequently paired celebrities and performers with causes close to them. American soccer star Carli Lloyd helped announce the MetLife Foundation’s $9 million contribution to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. Actresses Kristin Bell and Danai Gurira emphasized the urgent need to end sexual violence in war zones.

Global Citizen also revealed more than $280 million committed toward protecting the Amazon rainforest. This included a $100 million pledge from the Inter-American Development Bank for its Amazonia Forever sustainable development program.

To highlight the rainforest’s critical importance, actress Liza Koshy and celebrity scientist Bill Nye engaged the audience in a playful segment asking them to hold their breath, symbolizing the Amazon as the “lungs of the Earth.”

During Camilo’s set, the Colombian singer underscored that protecting the rainforest is everyone’s responsibility—not just his country’s concern.

### Solidarity Amid Global Crises

Infrequent references to the war in Gaza elicited some of the crowd’s loudest cheers. Palestinian singer Elyanna, who opened the show, expressed her desire “to pray for my homeland in Palestine.” She added, “So many countries, and so many people around the world are suffering. They don’t have their basic needs. And that’s what we’re all here for.”

United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed took the stage following performances by South African singer Tyla, who performed her Grammy-winning song “Water,” Nigerian star Rema, who surprised the crowd with his global hit “Calm Down,” and Rosé, whose acoustic set included the popular track “APT.”

Mohammed stressed that “what really matters is to give peace a chance” in Sudan, Gaza, Ukraine, and everywhere. She told festivalgoers, “The world needs people like you. It needs your energy to refuse to accept when people say that’s just how it is, your vision that sees solutions where others see dead ends and your voice that cuts through the noise demanding for everyone to do better and not accepting the globalization of indifference.”

### A Call for Unity and Service

Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans emphasized the importance of hope and collective action. “There’s been an erosion of the social contract that many people thought was a given—the basic principle that we help our neighbor, that we rebuild nations and that we lift up those who are less fortunate,” he told The Associated Press.

“We need to restore that idea of service above self, of caring for our neighbor—both our neighbor locally and our neighbor globally.”

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The Philadelphia Tribune hosted its 2025 Most Influential African Americans event on Thursday evening, September 18, 2025. The event celebrates and honors Black Philadelphians making significant impacts throughout the area.
https://www.phillytrib.com/entertainment/tyla-and-liza-koshy-help-remind-the-global-citizen-festival-audience-of-their-collective-power/article_91e7b5fb-7916-4552-9fd7-e84400d77191.html

Covering the basics

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Thousands of residents of Farash Town and James Town in the twin cities are pleased because they now have access to clean drinking water. Not just that, they have also learned useful skills like how to reuse water and recharge the water table by employing rain harvesting techniques. This positive change has come through a megaproject focused on water security.

The project was a collaborative programme started by the World Wildlife Fund-Pakistan (WWF-Pakistan) and the Australia-Pakistan Water Security Initiative, an Australian Aid-funded project aimed at strengthening cooperation between Australia and Pakistan on urban water resources management. The megaproject consisted of a series of smaller projects, all scheduled to be operational by the end of December. It is expected that these will be maintained and run with community help.

The primary goal was to tailor, adopt, and demonstrate the Water Sensitive Cities approach in Pakistan. Islamabad and Rawalpindi—two major cities in the country—are among those expected to face water scarcity over the coming years.

### Focus Areas: James Town and Farash Town

The pilot project focused on two neighbourhoods of the twin cities:

– **James Town, Rawalpindi:** Home to over 450 Christian households, James Town has faced acute water shortage problems.
– **Farash Town, Islamabad:** This neighbourhood, with a population of over 20,000, has also been struggling with water scarcity.

“Our area had a severe water shortage. The water table had also gone down. With the help of these projects, we were able to recharge the aquifer and get water from filtration plants installed at various places in the town,” says Yasmin Bibi, a resident of Farash Town.

### Clean Water Access and Community Involvement

WWF installed seven water filtration plants—five within the locality and two in larger schools. As many as 24,500 people now have access to clean drinking water. Impressively, the filtration plants are maintained by the community itself.

“This is a blessing for us,” says Imran Ali, another resident. “Earlier, many families had to go to the Chak Shahzad government filtration plant to get water. We even had to hire rickshaws to fetch water from there. Now, we have clean drinking water at our doorstep.”

Before these interventions, people were so distressed by the water scarcity that those who could afford to were selling their properties and moving to other parts of the city. “But now, with this project, our lives and priorities have changed. It is such a relief not to have to go out of our way to get something as basic as water,” Imran adds.

### Project Interventions

Started in April 2021, the project included several key interventions in both neighbourhoods:

– **James Town:**
– 275 rainwater harvesting systems (RWHS)
– Six water recharge interventions
– Two green spaces
– Two large and one small filtration plants
– 15 solid waste skips
– Two rain gardens
– A sewerage system for 450 houses

– **Farash Town:**
– 375 rainwater harvesting system interventions
– Four ablution water reuse systems
– 31 recharge interventions
– Three green spaces
– Three communal RWHS
– Five large and two small filtration plants
– Four solid waste skips
– Two rain gardens

### Promoting Water Security Awareness

“Such projects are very important. They provide a serious demonstration of models creating awareness about water security,” notes Farah Nadeem, the project lead.

“We have also included water security issues in the curriculum of local schools under this initiative,” she adds.

Through this project, WWF-Pakistan has helped improve access to safe water and sanitation services for two disadvantaged communities. The initiative has also ensured community resilience to climate change and other water-related shocks, while building the capacity of key stakeholders regarding water use and conservation.

### The Bigger Picture: Water Stress in Pakistan

Pakistan is one of the most water-stressed countries in the world, with an average per capita water availability of only 964 cubic meters per annum. Scientific studies suggest that Pakistan is undergoing significant depletion of groundwater resources. This problem adds to the climate change-induced vulnerabilities faced by millions of people already affected by the lack of water, food, health services, and energy security.

The success of the Farash Town and James Town water security megaproject offers a hopeful example of how community involvement, innovative techniques, and international cooperation can address critical water challenges in Pakistan.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1346830-covering-the-basics

In big push to fisheries sector, India eyes global certification for seafood

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**India Eyes Global Certification for Seafood to Counter US Tariffs**

**NEW DELHI:** In an effort to counter the impact of unilateral tariffs imposed by the United States, India is planning to seek global certification for its seafood products. The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, an internationally recognized sustainability standard, could help Indian seafood command premium prices—up to 30% higher than before.

The US, previously India’s largest seafood market valued at $7.38 billion (35% of exports), implemented a steep 59.73% tariff on Indian seafood. This move severely affected the seafood industry, leading to significant market challenges for exporters.

In response, the Union government intends to allocate special funds through the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) 2.0 scheme to support MSC certification for 10 key Indian fisheries. National institutes, such as the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), are providing technical assistance to drive this initiative.

The 10 priority fisheries include a variety of deep-sea and coastal species such as shrimps, squid, cuttlefish, Karikadi shrimp, threadfin breams, blue swimming crab, and octopus. These categories are currently in the final stages of addressing technical gaps before certification. India is expected to achieve full MSC certification for these fisheries by 2026.

“It has been a tedious five-year process, and now we are preparing to apply for MSC certification in 2026,” said Dr. Sunil Mohammad, a former principal scientist at CMFRI.

The certification process involves a cost of around Rs 20 lakh per category, with the government committing to bear half of the total expenses to support the seafood sector.

Currently, India has only one fishery—the Ashtamudi short-neck clam fishery from Kerala—certified under the MSC. With this new push for certification, India aims to regain its market share, particularly in Europe, and strengthen its position in the global seafood market.
https://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2025/Sep/28/in-big-push-to-fisheries-sector-india-eyes-global-certification-for-seafood

The plastic patriots want to bring Britain down – we won’t let them

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As members, activists, trade unionists, and politicians come together from across the country to fight for working people, we are laser-focused on whose side we’re on and who we’re delivering for. Because that is what phase two of this government is all about: delivery.

Our first year of government was about fixing the foundations and clearing up the mess the Tories left behind after 14 years of neglect and decline. In that time, we have made decisions that only a Labour government would make to change the lives of working people.

Free school meals for an extra half a million children, breakfast clubs, and 30 hours of free childcare will put cash in the pockets of parents, lift hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty, and make life easier for hard-working families.

Five million extra NHS appointments — more than double what we promised in our manifesto — will mean millions of patients will get the care they need, when they need it.

Boosting the minimum wage will ease the burden for the three million lowest-paid during a cost of living crisis.

These are vital changes. But it’s just the beginning, and there’s a lot more to do to get the country back on track for the long term.

That’s because our economy was left to stagnate for 14 years. Skills and training were neglected, and we didn’t build the infrastructure we needed for a modern era. Add that to regional inequality and the last government’s botched Brexit deal, and it’s no wonder many people still don’t feel this country works for them.

Living standards have stagnated, public services have been struggling for years, and small boats are still arriving on our shores.

That’s why we’ve moved into phase two of this government. Our focus remains the same, but we go further.

We are boosting living standards across the country, fixing our public services, getting the NHS fit for the future, and making sure people feel safe in their communities and know their borders are secure.

Our focus remains the same, but we go further.

So at conference, this autumn and beyond, The House readers can expect us to make the reforms we need to make Britain work for working people once more.

That is why we are putting our efforts into investment in training and opportunities, so young people can begin good, well-paid jobs and businesses have the skills they need.

We’re unveiling further plans to tackle regional inequality and ensure growth benefits every corner of the country.

We’ll be focused on building homes and infrastructure like transport and grids, so people have a good standard of living and opportunities across the nation.

And we’re investing in the technologies of the future, like AI, to make workforces more productive and improve people’s lives.

Because we must rewire the country to close the fairness gaps.

These are the gaps between hard work and reward, background, opportunity, and different parts of the country that hold people back.

There isn’t an overnight fix. These problems require solutions for the long term, not sticking plasters.

My government won’t pull that lever.

We have always rejected the politics of the easy answer that others bang the drum for.

On one side, we’ve got the plastic patriots who don’t just want to talk Britain down — they want to bring Britain down. They rely on anger and grievance, so they don’t want things to get better at all.

On the other, we have the plastic progressives who oppose green infrastructure, block housebuilding, and want to take us out of NATO in the most volatile global era in decades.

There is only one patriotic, progressive party: the Labour Party.

There is only one party on the side of working people: the Labour Party.

And there’s only one party that can put the country on the path to renewal and deliver the change people deserve: the Labour Party.

This party conference and beyond, the country will see us doing just that.

Keir Starmer is Prime Minister and Labour leader.
https://www.politicshome.com/opinion/article/plastic-patriots-want-bring-britain-wont-let

Mumbai News: BMC Launches Special Cleanliness Drive To Remove Floating Waste From Nullahs Across City

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**BMC Launches Special Cleanliness Drive to Tackle Waste Dumping in Mumbai’s Nullahs**

*Mumbai:* After multiple unsuccessful attempts to curb waste dumping in nullahs, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated a new citizen awareness and cleanliness drive. A special campaign will be conducted across the city and suburbs from September 29 to October 13, aiming to remove floating waste from nullahs with active community participation.

### Systematic Cleaning Operations

As part of this drive, the BMC will carry out systematic cleaning of major nullahs (excluding mangrove areas), surrounding localities, and open drains across all civic wards. The operation will run daily from 11 AM to 1 PM and will involve staff from the Solid Waste Management (SWM) and Storm Water Drain (SWD) departments, voluntary workers, and citizens.

Engineers will identify priority nullahs, with cleaning teams focusing on the removal and proper disposal of floating waste. To ensure efficient execution, mechanised equipment such as dumpers, JCBs, water tankers, and Firex tools will be deployed during the drive.

### Activities During the Drive

Key activities during the campaign include clearing vegetation, removing discarded items, collecting waste, and thoroughly washing the surrounding areas. Floating waste extracted by the SWD Department will be handed over to the SWM Department for proper disposal.

Additional Municipal Commissioner (City), Dr. Ashwini Joshi, stated, “Garbage dumped by citizens into various small and large nullahs across Mumbai is a key cause of waterlogging. Despite regular cleaning efforts, illegal dumping continues to choke the drains.”

She appealed to residents to refrain from throwing waste into nullahs and instead use designated bins. “Proper disposal of waste will prevent clogging, ensure smooth water flow, and reduce the risk of flooding,” she emphasised.

### Measures to Curb Nullah Dumping

Over the years, the BMC has introduced several measures to reduce dumping in nullahs, including:

– Placing dustbins along drains
– Covering drains with nets
– Conducting awareness campaigns
– Appointing clean-up marshals
– Imposing fines on violators

It is important to note that clogged drains—mainly due to plastic bags—were among the main contributors to the catastrophic 26/7 floods in 2005, which claimed over 1,000 lives.

Mumbai currently has 309 major nullahs and 1,508 minor nullahs across the city, highlighting the scale of the challenge and the importance of sustained community efforts.

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-news-bmc-launches-special-cleanliness-drive-to-remove-floating-waste-from-nullahs-across-city

Nashik: Fear-Stricken Villagers Give 5-Day Ultimatum To Forest Department To Catch Leopards

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**Fear Among Villagers Grows Due to Leopard Sightings in Vadner Dumala-Pimpalgaon Khamb Area**

An atmosphere of fear has taken hold among the villagers in the Vadner Dumala-Pimpalgaon Khamb area due to the free movement of leopards in the region. Frequent incidents of human attacks by these animals have left farmers and locals anxious about their safety.

In response to these concerns, a group of farmers and villagers, led by former corporator Keshav Porje, staged a dharna protest on Thursday, September 25, in front of the office of Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF) G. Mallikarjun. The protesters demanded that all leopards in the vicinity be captured within five days. They warned, “We will catch the leopards and release them to the forest department” if concrete action is not taken promptly.

The protest took place near the forest officer’s office and lasted for about an hour and a half. During this time, the protesters raised slogans demanding security measures. Out of concern for the increasing dangers, farmers have started avoiding their fields, further affecting their livelihood.

Areas affected by increased leopard movement include Vadner Dumala, Pimpalgaon Khamb, Dadgaon, Deolali Camp, Lamroad, and surrounding localities. Alongside Keshav Porje, participants in the protest included Sunita Kothule, Aslam Maniyar, Jayant Gadekar, Amit Jadhav, Bunty Korde, Sudhakar Jadhav, and other concerned citizens.

At the conclusion of their protest, the villagers presented forest officials with a replica of a leopard as a symbolic gesture to emphasize the issue.

### Forest Officials Provide Assurances

In response to the protest, the forest department offered a written assurance through forest circle officer G. Mallikarjun. The statement outlined the following measures:

– Deployment of three forest teams from Nashik
– A rescue team from the TTC Rescue Department
– A team from Sangamner
– Experts from Borivali National Park for research support
– Arrangement of 20 additional cages for capturing leopards

The letter also noted that the current number of cages in the Nashik forest circle is sufficient, and necessary permissions have been sought from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests in Nagpur. It was further mentioned that three leopards captured earlier have not yet been released back into their natural habitat.

Forest officer G. Mallikarjun addressed the protesters saying, “If my departure stops the leopard attacks, I am ready to leave Nashik.” Following these assurances, the protesters withdrew their demonstration.

### Ongoing Concerns and Demands

Despite these steps, fears persist among residents over the increasing number of leopards in the Nashik area. Villagers continue to demand that the Forest Department take concrete and timely actions to ensure the safety of people living in leopard-prone zones.

The situation remains tense as locals and authorities work together to find a solution that balances human safety with wildlife conservation.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/nashik-fear-stricken-villagers-give-5-day-ultimatum-to-forest-department-to-catch-leopards

Indore News: 60 MW Solar Power Plant At Jalud To Begin Operating By November

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**Indore’s 60-MW Solar Power Plant Nears Completion; Operations to Begin by November**

Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) is set to commission its 60-megawatt solar power plant located at Jalud in Khargone district by November. The Rs 308-crore project, spread over 220 acres, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2022 and is now in its final stages of completion.

This groundbreaking initiative is being financed through green bonds, with IMC successfully raising Rs 244 crore via a public issue. This makes it the country’s first renewable energy unit funded through such a mechanism, marking a significant milestone in sustainable project financing.

During a recent project review meeting, Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav highlighted the plant’s dual purpose: promoting renewable energy and reducing electricity costs for the Narmada water project. “The plant is almost ready. Final charging tests are about to begin, and transmission line issues will soon be resolved. From November, Indore will start receiving electricity from this facility,” she stated.

Currently, IMC incurs an expenditure of approximately Rs 25 crore every month to pump water from the Narmada river at Jalud, nearly 80 km away, to Indore for domestic use. With the solar power plant operational, the civic body expects to save nearly Rs 5 crore per month in energy costs.

Mayor Bhargav further emphasized IMC’s pioneering role as the first urban local body in India to establish a renewable energy project funded through green bonds. “This initiative sets a new benchmark for civic-driven sustainability efforts,” she said.

The project not only underscores Indore’s commitment to clean energy but also exemplifies innovative financing models that can be replicated by other municipalities aiming for a greener future.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/topnews/indore-news-60-mw-solar-power-plant-at-jalud-to-begin-operating-by-november

Mumbai: NGT-Ordered Committee Finds Ashapura Meinchem Limited Guilty Of Severe Environmental Violations In Ratnagiri, Recommends Crores In Fines

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**Mumbai: National Green Tribunal Committee Highlights Severe Environmental Violations by Ashapura Meinchem Ltd. in Ratnagiri**

A committee constituted under the orders of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has released a report exposing major environmental violations committed by Ashapura Meinchem Ltd., a mining company operating in Rowle village, Ratnagiri. The investigation was initiated following a complaint lodged by Bhavesh Karekar, an engineer-turned-agriculturalist, who accused the company of illegal bauxite mining and causing significant environmental degradation in the area.

### Complaint Details

Bhavesh Karekar raised serious concerns about the company’s unregulated excavation activities, including:

– Illegal mining operations without the required permissions or No Objection Certificates (NOCs)
– Haphazard mining and crushing activities leading to severe environmental damage
– Depletion and contamination of groundwater resources in surrounding areas
– Uncontrolled air pollution due to mining without proper air quality monitoring
– Failure to conduct mandated plantation drives in the affected zones
– Damage to public roads caused by overloading of transport vehicles
– Significant structural damage to a public bridge over the Barja River, a critical evacuation route for mined materials
– Night-time mining operations, violating existing regulations

### Committee Findings

The committee’s report corroborated many of Karekar’s allegations and found that Ashapura Meinchem Ltd. had obtained Environmental Clearance (EC) based solely on subsurface mining rights for 228 hectares. However, the company did not hold agreements for surface rights over all the land involved.

Additionally, the report noted the company’s failure to adhere to conditions related to:

– Tree plantation requirements
– Mineral transportation protocols
– Operation of stone crushers without acquiring necessary consents from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB)

### Concerns Regarding Infrastructure

The investigation also raised alarms about the Barja River bridge, which currently shows visible cracks and has limited load-bearing capacity. The committee recommended that the Public Works Department (PWD) and Regional Transport Office (RTO) conduct a thorough safety audit of the bridge. Until the audit is completed, the transportation of minerals via this bridge should be suspended to prevent further damage or potential accidents.

### Recommended Actions

The committee suggested strict punitive measures against Ashapura Meinchem Ltd. for non-compliance, including:

– Installation of CCTV cameras to closely monitor mining activities
– Maintenance and repair of public roads at the company’s expense, following the Polluter Pays Principle

### Environmental Compensation

Based on its findings, the committee recommended imposing substantial environmental compensation fees on the company, including:

– Rs. 1,74,60,000 for violations related to environmental regulations, such as insufficient tree plantation and illegal mining operations
– Rs. 26,73,600 for unauthorized groundwater extraction without obtaining the necessary NOC from the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA)

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This report underscores the urgent need for stricter regulatory oversight and stringent enforcement of environmental laws to curb illegal mining activities and protect the fragile ecosystem of Ratnagiri.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-ngt-ordered-committee-finds-ashapura-meinchem-limited-guilty-of-severe-environmental-violations-in-ratnagiri-recommends-crores-in-fines