Feature Article

The Union government does not want to change what is tried and tested, especially when it comes to populating the country with eco-friendly solar power producing stations. In 2010, the Union Ministry of New and Renewable energy (MNRE) selected 37 power producers to produce 620 MW (150 MW photo voltaic and 470 MW solar thermal) power. On August 24, it issued a fresh set of guidelines to select another batch of power producers to produce 350 MW power. The new guidelines mirror the core strategy of the first set, albeit with minor changes.

The popularity of tropical shrimp – often marketed as scampi, giant shrimp, gambas or tiger prawns - is having a devastating impact on local communities in Bangladesh, reveals a new investigation produced in conjunction with the Ecologist's film partner.

The Union cabinet approved the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Bill, 2011 on Friday. After 54 years, the country will have a new legislation for mines and minerals. The bill is unique in that for the first time it provides for sharing of profit with local communities affected by mining. The proposed bill mandates coal miners to share a maximum 26 per cent of their profits with local communities and for other miners an amount equivalent to royalties.

The Supreme Court has allowed the exports of nearly 1,100 tonnes of unused endosulfan for which export orders were received. But it has reiterated its earlier order, banning the use, sale and production of the pesticide. The decision on the remaining unused endosulfan will be taken on October 10.

Frenzied quarrying destroys livelihoods and environment in Karimnagar.

Biotech firms object to states getting a say in approving GM crop trials.

As I write this my city Delhi is drowning. It started raining early this morning and within a few hours the city has come to a standstill. The television is showing scenes of traffic snarled up for hours, roads waterlogged and people and vehicles sunk deep in water and muck.

Noise levels in most Indian cities have crossed safe limits. Lack of awareness has led to ailments ranging from hypertension to heart diseases. But the authorities dont's seem bothered. Read this special report in Down To Earth.