Union minister of state for coal Sriprakash Jaiswal is desperate that minister of state for environment and forests Jairam Ramesh relinquishes his obsession with ‘go’ and ‘no go’ areas as regards mining in forest areas. But as events in Delhi suggest, all this cajoling is least needed. Delhi witnessed its worst floods in 1978. Learning from the experience, the Yamuna Standing Comm-ittee, an apex technical body, in 1979 said that “the minimum spacing between future embankments on the banks of the river Yamuna should be five km”. In other words, the river deserved a minimum of 5 kilom-etre space as its own. It must be noted that even at that time at no place did the river’s width in Delhi exceed 3.5 kilometres. Clearly on technical grounds, the then available flood plains in Delhi could not be compromised any further.
But in 1998, the Delhi Metro got major part of the river bed at a place called Shastri Park in east Delhi for constructing a depot, station, residential flats and later even commercial properties.
In 2000, the private trust developing Akshardham temple used a favourable political climate to relinquish an already allotted piece of land in the Pandav Nagar area of east Delhi and occupy a large part of the riverbed. Later in 2002, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) constructed an embankment with no public utility, almost a kilometre inside the existing eastern marginal bund also known as the Yamuna Pushta, presumably to safeguard the temple from any future flood’s fury.
In 2003, all hell broke lose on the river. The nation had ‘won’ the right to hold the Commonwealth Games in Delhi and what could be a better site for the Games Village than the river bed in ‘waiting to be developed’ east Delhi? And why should the green ministry be bothered and insist on temporary structures when a permanent structure called the Akshardham already existed on the river bed?
Once the Village had agreed to ‘grace’ the river bed, then how could the Delhi Metro be left behind? It asked for, insisted and got more land in the river bed for another depot, station and residential flats at a site now called Yamuna Bank. The Yamuna Standing Committee’s feeble protestations were cast aside.
In late 2005, the Delhi High Court, expressing displeasure on the state’s inability to safeguard the river bed set up a committee under Justice (Rtd) Usha Mehra to rid the river bed of any structure, within 300 metres of the either side of the ‘river’. But since the court had not defined what it meant by the ‘river’ the first batch of 300 jhuggis to be removed from the river bed lay north of the Akshardham adjoining the Yamuna Pushta, beyond the 300-metre mark, and where now ironically 90 residential flats of the Metro are under construction. By 2006, when the DDA was pressing the MoEF to permit it build permanent high-rises structures on the river bed in the name of the Games Village, the said committee was reporting to the court the removal of some 11,280 structures largely jhuggis from the same.
By 2008, when the Village came to occupy the river bed, the nation had seen terror strikes and hence the security of athletes and officials were the highest priority for the hosts. The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) thus needed to park the Games buses near the Village. But there was a hitch. The Lt Governor had in 2007 imposed a moratorium on any new construction on the river bed. So, to save the day, the Lt Governor created an extraordinary exception to permit this with a caveat that no permanent construction should come up on the river bed and it should be vacated within 10 days of the closing of the Games. The DTC went ahead and occupied 61 acres, spent R60 crore and created an almost 100% bituminised bus depot.
But even after the Game, there was no movement on the part of the DTC to vacate the river bed. In a recent order, the Delhi Urban Arts Commission directed the DDA to demolish the structures and restore river bed. A month-and-a-half has passed but nothing has happened.
So why is Jaiswal so bothered about Ramesh’s ‘go’ and ‘no go’ classification? He should take a cue from the long-held practices in Delhi: when it comes to the State or it’s protectorate as the interested party, all rules can be changed.
(Manoj Misra is Convener, Yamuna Jiye Abhiyaan
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Groundwater levels improve in the Capital (Hindu 23 December 2010)
‘Recent rainfall has managed to bring the levels of groundwater higher in almost all regions'
Heavy, almost unprecedented, rain that the city received this year has recharged the groundwater level by almost 10 per cent.
The groundwater level in the city has been falling at an alarming rate, and seven of the nine districts have been declared “over exploited” by the Central Groundwater Board.
According to data collected by the groundwater authority, the recent rainfall in the city has managed to bring the levels of groundwater higher in almost all regions, including the worst-affected areas in South and South-West Delhi.
Vinod Jain of the non-government organisation Tapas that procured the data using the Right to Information Act said the rainfall has been a boon, since usually it is the groundwater that feeds the river, but this year the rain-fed river was in spate and allowed the recharge of water level.
“Since 2004 we have noticed that the groundwater level has been reducing after the monsoon. This is the first time that after monsoon the groundwater level has increased in most of the location. And because there was so much water in the Yamuna, it really helped in the recharge,” said Mr. Jain.
The data shows that even in areas where embankments have been raised on the floodplains, the water level has shown improvement.
“It is a huge validation to what we have been saying that the floodplains are an important recharge area and should not be concretised. We have seen that groundwater level near Akhshardham Temple, Mayur Vihar floodplain, Nizamuddin Bridge floodplain have shown improvement. For instance, near the temple the levels were at 6.26 metres below ground level (mbgl) in November 2009 and during the corresponding time in 2010 the levels were at 0.3 mbgl. Similarly, near one spot near Nizamuddin Bridge the level in November 2009 was 5.18 mbgl and in 2010 at 1.13 mbgl,” said Mr. Jain.
The rise in groundwater level has been most discernible in East Delhi where at some places there was a very high rise in level.
“We saw in some East Delhi areas the groundwater level rose abnormally affecting basements and structural safety of buildings. A battery of tube-well should have been installed to de-water the areas affected near the embankments of East Delhi for ensuring safety of the buildings,” pointed out Mr. Jain.
A building in East Delhi's Laxmi Nagar collapsed when its poor construction was made worse by accumulated water in the basement.
Mr. Jain said conservation steps like rainwater harvesting and revival of water bodies like the lake in Bhalswa have also contributed to this rise in groundwater level. “There are several areas where the levels have improved also because of water harvesting, for instance in the Shram Shakti Bhawan complex where a water harvesting system is in place.”
The areas that have shown marginal or no improvement are the ones where piped supply of water is not available and the consumers are largely dependent on tube-wells. “Areas, which are not connected with Delhi Jal Board's network, mostly the outer areas and urban villages in South have shown a rise, but the levels continue to remain critical,” he said.
Among the worst affected areas are Asola farms where the current levels are 42.67 mbgl, Lado Sarai at 60.41 mbgl, Saket D block at 61.78 mbgl Tehkhund at 42.06 mbgl.
Heavy, almost unprecedented, rain that the city received this year has recharged the groundwater level by almost 10 per cent.
The groundwater level in the city has been falling at an alarming rate, and seven of the nine districts have been declared “over exploited” by the Central Groundwater Board.
According to data collected by the groundwater authority, the recent rainfall in the city has managed to bring the levels of groundwater higher in almost all regions, including the worst-affected areas in South and South-West Delhi.
Vinod Jain of the non-government organisation Tapas that procured the data using the Right to Information Act said the rainfall has been a boon, since usually it is the groundwater that feeds the river, but this year the rain-fed river was in spate and allowed the recharge of water level.
“Since 2004 we have noticed that the groundwater level has been reducing after the monsoon. This is the first time that after monsoon the groundwater level has increased in most of the location. And because there was so much water in the Yamuna, it really helped in the recharge,” said Mr. Jain.
The data shows that even in areas where embankments have been raised on the floodplains, the water level has shown improvement.
“It is a huge validation to what we have been saying that the floodplains are an important recharge area and should not be concretised. We have seen that groundwater level near Akhshardham Temple, Mayur Vihar floodplain, Nizamuddin Bridge floodplain have shown improvement. For instance, near the temple the levels were at 6.26 metres below ground level (mbgl) in November 2009 and during the corresponding time in 2010 the levels were at 0.3 mbgl. Similarly, near one spot near Nizamuddin Bridge the level in November 2009 was 5.18 mbgl and in 2010 at 1.13 mbgl,” said Mr. Jain.
The rise in groundwater level has been most discernible in East Delhi where at some places there was a very high rise in level.
“We saw in some East Delhi areas the groundwater level rose abnormally affecting basements and structural safety of buildings. A battery of tube-well should have been installed to de-water the areas affected near the embankments of East Delhi for ensuring safety of the buildings,” pointed out Mr. Jain.
A building in East Delhi's Laxmi Nagar collapsed when its poor construction was made worse by accumulated water in the basement.
Mr. Jain said conservation steps like rainwater harvesting and revival of water bodies like the lake in Bhalswa have also contributed to this rise in groundwater level. “There are several areas where the levels have improved also because of water harvesting, for instance in the Shram Shakti Bhawan complex where a water harvesting system is in place.”
The areas that have shown marginal or no improvement are the ones where piped supply of water is not available and the consumers are largely dependent on tube-wells. “Areas, which are not connected with Delhi Jal Board's network, mostly the outer areas and urban villages in South have shown a rise, but the levels continue to remain critical,” he said.
Among the worst affected areas are Asola farms where the current levels are 42.67 mbgl, Lado Sarai at 60.41 mbgl, Saket D block at 61.78 mbgl Tehkhund at 42.06 mbgl.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Please honour your fundamental duties under Article 48 A of the Indian Constitution - Kindly direct the DTC to vacate the river bed
18 December 2010
YJA/CORRES/12/2010
To,
Sri Rakesh Mehta, IAS
Hon’ble Chief Secretary,
Govt. of NCT of Delhi,
Room No. 509, 5th Floor
Delhi Secretariat,
I.P. Estate, Delhi.
&
Hon'ble Vice Chairman
Delhi Development Authority
Vikas Sadan, B Block, 1st Floor
I.N.A., New Delhi
Sub: Please honour your fundamental duties under Article 48 A of the Indian Constitution - Kindly direct the DTC to vacate the river bed
Dear Sir/s,
Greetings from Yamuna Jiye Abhiyaan.
It has now been more than a fortnight since the DUAC directed on 30 November 2010, the Delhi administration and the DDA to remove the DTC depot raised in the river bed for meeting the temporary needs of bus parking for the CWG 2010, with immediate effect as the same was in violation of the zonal plan (which is a statutory document), the DUAC act and the terms and conditions as set by the Hon'ble LG of Delhi.
Since then we find that while there is no movement by the DTC to follow up on the directions of the DUAC, but further construction activity including pollution of the river through draining of the waste water from the said depot continues unabated. (Please see the enclosed pictorial report). May we remind your honour/s that:
a) the MPD 2021 and the Zonal Plan for Zone O do not permit you to continue with the depot in the river bed.
b) even the Hon'ble LG had exceeded his brief (as is clear from the file notings of the case) in allotting you 5-6 acres in the river bed just for the duration of the CWG 2010. And the illegality was further compounded by the state by encroaching onto 61 acres in place of 5-6 acres and then spending public money unnecessarily in the process. This illegal act requires to be enquired into and the offenders disciplined.
c) the DUAC is the most obvious statutory body whose prior approval was mandatory in the matter and which has now unequivocally asked you to vacate the river bed.
d) even the IPGCL which was in occupation of the said land had transferred the possession of the same to the DTC only for the duration of the CWG 2010.
e) a bus depot in the river bed is the most undesirable form of river front that one could visualize in the city.
We now learn from media reports that the DTC has requested the Hon'ble LG to allot it 61 acres elsewhere before it would move away from the river bed. Such an expectation to say the least is immoral, unethical and highly illegal, since the DTC was never allowed by the Hon'ble LG to occupy the 61 acres that it now sits pretty upon.
Sir, please note that by disrespecting the findings and directions of the DUAC you are disrespecting the nation's parliament that has created the DUAC and more so by implication disrespecting the nation's citizenry, in whose name and for whose benefit you hold your respective public offices.
May we now humbly request you once again to kindly direct the DTC to vacate the river bed in pursuance of the DUAC directions.
We are aware that a bus depot for new buses is a need, but the same cannot be fulfilled in a surreptitious and illegal manner and that too in the river bed !
Sir, we have faith in your sagacity to act in the right and hence would be glad to see the desired action in the matter, at the earliest.
Warm regards,
Manoj MisraConvener
YJA/CORRES/12/2010
To,
Sri Rakesh Mehta, IAS
Hon’ble Chief Secretary,
Govt. of NCT of Delhi,
Room No. 509, 5th Floor
Delhi Secretariat,
I.P. Estate, Delhi.
&
Hon'ble Vice Chairman
Delhi Development Authority
Vikas Sadan, B Block, 1st Floor
I.N.A., New Delhi
Sub: Please honour your fundamental duties under Article 48 A of the Indian Constitution - Kindly direct the DTC to vacate the river bed
Dear Sir/s,
Greetings from Yamuna Jiye Abhiyaan.
It has now been more than a fortnight since the DUAC directed on 30 November 2010, the Delhi administration and the DDA to remove the DTC depot raised in the river bed for meeting the temporary needs of bus parking for the CWG 2010, with immediate effect as the same was in violation of the zonal plan (which is a statutory document), the DUAC act and the terms and conditions as set by the Hon'ble LG of Delhi.
Since then we find that while there is no movement by the DTC to follow up on the directions of the DUAC, but further construction activity including pollution of the river through draining of the waste water from the said depot continues unabated. (Please see the enclosed pictorial report). May we remind your honour/s that:
a) the MPD 2021 and the Zonal Plan for Zone O do not permit you to continue with the depot in the river bed.
b) even the Hon'ble LG had exceeded his brief (as is clear from the file notings of the case) in allotting you 5-6 acres in the river bed just for the duration of the CWG 2010. And the illegality was further compounded by the state by encroaching onto 61 acres in place of 5-6 acres and then spending public money unnecessarily in the process. This illegal act requires to be enquired into and the offenders disciplined.
c) the DUAC is the most obvious statutory body whose prior approval was mandatory in the matter and which has now unequivocally asked you to vacate the river bed.
d) even the IPGCL which was in occupation of the said land had transferred the possession of the same to the DTC only for the duration of the CWG 2010.
e) a bus depot in the river bed is the most undesirable form of river front that one could visualize in the city.
We now learn from media reports that the DTC has requested the Hon'ble LG to allot it 61 acres elsewhere before it would move away from the river bed. Such an expectation to say the least is immoral, unethical and highly illegal, since the DTC was never allowed by the Hon'ble LG to occupy the 61 acres that it now sits pretty upon.
Sir, please note that by disrespecting the findings and directions of the DUAC you are disrespecting the nation's parliament that has created the DUAC and more so by implication disrespecting the nation's citizenry, in whose name and for whose benefit you hold your respective public offices.
May we now humbly request you once again to kindly direct the DTC to vacate the river bed in pursuance of the DUAC directions.
We are aware that a bus depot for new buses is a need, but the same cannot be fulfilled in a surreptitious and illegal manner and that too in the river bed !
Sir, we have faith in your sagacity to act in the right and hence would be glad to see the desired action in the matter, at the earliest.
Warm regards,
Manoj MisraConvener
Monday, December 13, 2010
दिल्ली वासी जानेंगे, शरीर में कितना पानी (Dainik Jagran 13 December 2010)
नई दिल्ली आपके शरीर में कितना पानी है और कितना पानी इस्तेमाल करते हैं, यह शायद आपको नहीं पता होगा, लेकिन अब आप आसानी से यह जानकारी हासिल कर सकते हैं। यही नहीं वर्षा जल संचयन, जल संरक्षण, बर्बाद पानी को दोबारा इस्तेमाल करने एवं नदी से नल तक पानी की कहानी भी आप जान सकेंगे। यह जानने के लिए राष्ट्रीय विज्ञान केंद्र जाना होगा, जहां देश की पहली अत्याधुनिक जल गैलरी (वाटर म्यूजियम) बनाई गई है। बहुत जल्द यह जनता को सुपुर्द हो जाएगी। अनुमान है कि वर्ष 2025 तक दिल्ली की दो तिहाई आबादी को पानी की किल्लत से जूझना पड़ेगा। पानी की एक-एक बूंद कैसे बचाई जाए, उसको लेकर लोगों को जागरूक करना होगा। गैलरी में मॉडल से चीजों को दर्शाया जाएगा। पानी में एवं पानी से फैलने वाली बीमारियां, उसकी जानकारी, उपाय एवं बचाव कैसे हो, इसकी भी पूरी जानकारी मिलेगी। दिल्लीवासी यमुना को कैसे गंदी कर रहे हैं एवं इसको कैसे रोका जा सकता है, इसकी भी मॉडल के जरिए जानकारी ले सकते हैं। दिल्ली और देश में कितना पानी है, इसकी तुलना दुनिया भर के देशों से कर सकते हैं। यह भी पता भी चलेगा कि किस देश में कितना पानी इस्तेमाल होता है और उसके मुकाबले दिल्लीवाले कितना पानी इस्तेमाल करते हैं। गैलरी में जल एवं अवजल संबंधी विशेष जानकारी लोगों के लिए रखी गई है। दिल्ली जल बोर्ड रॉ वाटर को कैसे शोधित कर घर-घर पहुंचाता है, उसमें इस्तेमाल जल संयंत्र एवं सीवरेज ट्रीटमेंट प्लांट की जानकारी भी मॉडल के जरिए ले सकते हैं। कुल 34 मॉडल स्थापित किए गए हैं, जो पानी से जुड़े हर पहलू पर जानकारी उपलब्ध कराएंगे। इसमें सबसे मजेदार यंत्र वह है, जो टच स्क्रीन के जरिए संचालित होगा। यह मशीन शरीर के अलग-अलग अंगों का पूरा ब्यौरा बताएगा कि किस अंग में कितना पानी हैं। शरीर में पैर से लेकर सिर तक धारण वस्त्रों, जूता-मोजा, बेल्ट आदि में कितना पानी इस्तेमाल हुआ होगा, उसकी भी जानकारी आप मात्र एक बटन दबाकर हासिल कर सकते हैं। दिल्ली जल बोर्ड के सीईओ रमेश नेगी के अनुसार यह देश की पहली वाटर एण्ड वेस्ट वाटर गैलरी होगी।
Delhi to get first water gallery (Hindu 10/12/2010)
Will give extensive and intensive details about water, its presence and conservation
NEW DELHI: There is water in everything, even in a pair of shoes. At the country's first ever gallery dedicated to water that is coming up in the city, such unusual details about water, its consumption, wastage and the need for conservation will be put together.
In a few days from now Delhi will get its first water museum, “Elixir of Life -- Water and Waste Water Gallery”, which has been designed and set up by the Delhi Jal Board in collaboration with the National Science Centre.
“The gallery will give extensive and intensive details about water and its presence in everyday life. Through interactive exhibits the gallery will talk about the importance of water and how it finds a place in every aspect of life. For instance how much water is needed to grow a single apple or how much water is there in a hamburger will all be made available at the gallery,” said DJB public relations officer Sanjam Chima.
More importantly the gallery will underscore the need for water conservation.
“Water is a commodity that is running out and in a city with a growing demand like Delhi, water conservation is important. Through the various exhibits we will focus on how much water gets wasted and why we need to conserve it, after all water sustains life and there is no alternative to it,” said Ms. Chima.
The gallery will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on December 14 at the National Science Centre. “The gallery has been set up on a turnkey basis and the DJB has spent Rs. 57 lakh on its creation. The funds for the gallery that took a year to shape up were received under the Yamuna Action Plan II. This gallery is part of the public awareness programme focussing on the conservation of water and the river Yamuna,” said Ms. Chima.
The entry to the exhibition will be through a virtual pond of water that creates ripples and sounds as one steps on it. “The Chief Minister's brief was to make the gallery state-of-the-art. It should be interesting and yet drive home the message of water conservation. The gallery has been equipped with simulated exhibits that uncover all aspects of water and its use. The exhibition ends with a quiz on water, and a pledge on water conservation, where the visitors can make a vow to conserve water and protect this unique life-supporting source for our future generations,” said Ms. Chima.
NEW DELHI: There is water in everything, even in a pair of shoes. At the country's first ever gallery dedicated to water that is coming up in the city, such unusual details about water, its consumption, wastage and the need for conservation will be put together.
In a few days from now Delhi will get its first water museum, “Elixir of Life -- Water and Waste Water Gallery”, which has been designed and set up by the Delhi Jal Board in collaboration with the National Science Centre.
“The gallery will give extensive and intensive details about water and its presence in everyday life. Through interactive exhibits the gallery will talk about the importance of water and how it finds a place in every aspect of life. For instance how much water is needed to grow a single apple or how much water is there in a hamburger will all be made available at the gallery,” said DJB public relations officer Sanjam Chima.
More importantly the gallery will underscore the need for water conservation.
“Water is a commodity that is running out and in a city with a growing demand like Delhi, water conservation is important. Through the various exhibits we will focus on how much water gets wasted and why we need to conserve it, after all water sustains life and there is no alternative to it,” said Ms. Chima.
The gallery will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on December 14 at the National Science Centre. “The gallery has been set up on a turnkey basis and the DJB has spent Rs. 57 lakh on its creation. The funds for the gallery that took a year to shape up were received under the Yamuna Action Plan II. This gallery is part of the public awareness programme focussing on the conservation of water and the river Yamuna,” said Ms. Chima.
The entry to the exhibition will be through a virtual pond of water that creates ripples and sounds as one steps on it. “The Chief Minister's brief was to make the gallery state-of-the-art. It should be interesting and yet drive home the message of water conservation. The gallery has been equipped with simulated exhibits that uncover all aspects of water and its use. The exhibition ends with a quiz on water, and a pledge on water conservation, where the visitors can make a vow to conserve water and protect this unique life-supporting source for our future generations,” said Ms. Chima.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Flats on Yamuna bank not illegal, says DMRC (Times of India 06 December 2010)
NEW DELHI: Delhi Urban Art Commission (DUAC) is in a tussle with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation over a staff quarters near the Yamuna Bank Metro station. Irked by DUAC's statement that its project was " illegal" and that DMRC had misled the commission to get conceptual approval in 2007, the Metro body has hit back saying that all the approvals were in place. The commission claims DMRC had misled them while seeking conceptual approval in 2007. " At that time, DMRC and the consulting architect indicated that the land in question was an operational area under the zonal plan of the Master Plan. That is completely false and they misled us. The land was a riverbed area where such constructions are not allowed . DMRC should have applied for change of land use to DDA then and sought approval from the local body. However, they only applied for change of land use three years later," said a DUAC official . " More importantly, conceptual approval was not given for a housing project, which is clearly what the 90 flats being built are. We were very clear on that." DMRC, meanwhile, has come out strongly to defend the project and denied any wrong-doing on its side. " The land was allotted to DMRC for an operational project and this was brought to DUAC while seeking approval which was granted to us in January 2007. We even obtained permission from Yamuna Standing Committee . As far as change in land use is concerned, it is clarified that as per the new zonal development plan of Zone O (approved by the ministry of urban development on March 8, 2010), the site in question has been shown for the transportation land use," said a DMRC official. DMRC also stuck to their earlier stand, denying that the buildings were part of residential complex. " The quarters being constructed would be used by train operators and the maintenance staff of DMRC who work round-the-clock to maintain the corridor and the Yamuna depot. Therefore, these quarters will be used for 'operational' purpose," claimed a DMRC official. DUAC officials don't buy this argument. " These 90 flats are clearly designed for family use with three bedrooms , drawing, dining and kitchen area. They are also located a stone's throw away from the Games Village where the flats are priced at Rs 5 crore each. You can't get away with calling it as a operational construction just because operational staff will be staying there, possibly with families. As per the definition of the operational construction, housing is excluded ," said a source. DUAC sources added the proposal for staff quarters by DMRC should have been submitted to DUAC for formal approval through the concerned local body before the construction. Hence, they say, the commencement of construction is a violation of the DUAC Act. The Commission has also told DMRC to stop further construction. DMRC officials, however, say that they are not supposed to go back to DUAC after getting conceptual approval. " In any case, DUAC did not keep us in the loop before coming out with the minutes . They have not even written to us and given us a chance to clarify our stand. As far as we are concerned, all the approvals are in place. We are not going back," said a senior DMRC official.
Yamuna Scores (Hindu 06 December 2010)
The river Yamuna is praised, for no river was as blessed as this river, said M.V. Anantapadmanabhachariar. The Godavari was tainted, because of its behaviour during the Rama avatara. When Ravana carries away Sita, She cries out for help. She calls out to the trees to tell Rama that She is being abducted by Ravana. She beseeches the river Godavari to bear witness to her abduction, and tell Rama to hasten to rescue Her. Rama, having killed the magic deer, Mareecha, skins it and returns, only to find Sita missing. He berates Lakshmana for being so careless, and then proceeds to look for Her. He calls out to the river Godavari and asks if she had any news of Sita. The river Godavari observes silence, fearing Ravana's wrath. Thus Godavari acquired a taint. This taint was removed, only when Andal appeared as the daughter of Periazhvar and was named Goda.
But the river Yamuna was blessed right from the beginning. The waters of the Yamuna are dark, and yet Andal described the Yamuna as a pure river. That is because the Yamuna was fortunate enough to have touched Krishna's feet. When Krishna is born, Vasudeva puts Him in a basket and decides to take Him away to safety. But it is raining, and the Yamuna is in spate. Adisesha, the serpent, is the umbrella that keeps baby Krishna from getting wet. Garuda is circling too, to protect the infant. But how is Vasudeva to cross the river? He steps into the water, which isn't deep near the bank of the river. But as he progresses, the water becomes deeper, and at one stage, only his nostrils are above the water. The infant Krishna then dangles His feet outside the basket into which His father has put Him. His feet touch the waters of the river Yamuna. This divine touch is what Yamuna has been waiting for. She makes way for Vasudeva to walk across to safety.
In Gokula, the Gopikas playfully rinse their mouths and spit the water on Krishna. The water bounces off Him into the river Yamuna. Thus the Yamuna receives water that had touched the Lord's body. When Krishna grazes the cows, He kneels and laps the water in the Yamuna, to show the calves how to drink water. Thus again the Yamuna is touched by the Lord.
But the river Yamuna was blessed right from the beginning. The waters of the Yamuna are dark, and yet Andal described the Yamuna as a pure river. That is because the Yamuna was fortunate enough to have touched Krishna's feet. When Krishna is born, Vasudeva puts Him in a basket and decides to take Him away to safety. But it is raining, and the Yamuna is in spate. Adisesha, the serpent, is the umbrella that keeps baby Krishna from getting wet. Garuda is circling too, to protect the infant. But how is Vasudeva to cross the river? He steps into the water, which isn't deep near the bank of the river. But as he progresses, the water becomes deeper, and at one stage, only his nostrils are above the water. The infant Krishna then dangles His feet outside the basket into which His father has put Him. His feet touch the waters of the river Yamuna. This divine touch is what Yamuna has been waiting for. She makes way for Vasudeva to walk across to safety.
In Gokula, the Gopikas playfully rinse their mouths and spit the water on Krishna. The water bounces off Him into the river Yamuna. Thus the Yamuna receives water that had touched the Lord's body. When Krishna grazes the cows, He kneels and laps the water in the Yamuna, to show the calves how to drink water. Thus again the Yamuna is touched by the Lord.
DMRC asked to stop housing project work on Yamuna bank (Hindu 04 December 2010)
NEW DELHI: The Delhi Urban Arts Commission has asked the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to stop all construction work at its staff housing project on the banks of the Yamuna. The DMRC is building a residential complex of 93 flats for its operations and maintenance staff on the riverbed. The DUAC which undertook an inspection of the site in November has said the construction is in “violation” of the DUAC Act.
Coming down heavily on the DMRC for constructing flats on the river bed, the DUAC has alleged that the DMRC “mislead” the Commission while seeking a conceptual approval for the project in 2007. “In any case, the proposal of the staff quarters by DMRC should have been submitted to the Commission for formal approval through the local body concerned before taking up the construction work,” the DUAC has noted.
While the DMRC claims it has all the requisite permissions to construct the flats, a non-government organisation, the Yamuna Jiye Abhiyan, on the basis of information secured through the Right to Information Act has alleged that the project does not have the clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests and the DUAC.
The Commission will now seek clarification about the proposal from the Delhi Development Authority as well as DMRC regarding the construction of housing blocks. “It is now the duty of the local authorities to ensure that the construction is not allowed to continue,” said DUAC member Ratish Nanda.
The DUAC has also noted in its minutes that while seeking conceptual approval for the project the DMRC had not mentioned the staff quarters. “Two multi-storey building structures are at an advance stage of construction. As per the records of the Commission, the proposal was given conceptual approval by the Commission at its meeting held on December 19, 2007. The proposal has never been received through the local body for formal consideration of the Commission.”
The DUAC has also noted that in accordance with the new zonal development plan of Zone-O, which has been approved by the Ministry of Urban Development in March this year, the site being used for the housing project has been shown for the transportation land use.
Describing the flats as “illegal” construction on the riverbed, a DUAC in its minutes of the meeting has pointed out that the DMRC tried to pass of the site as part of its operational area, whereas in 2007 it was part of the riverbed. “The information furnished to the Commission by the architect in the proforma of planning permission in respect of the land use of the site in 2007, had incorrect information. The representative of DDA present in the meeting stated that no such provision existed in Master Plan in the year 2007. No zonal plan was published for this area in November 2007. Clearly, the Commission was mislead in this matter,” the minutes of the meeting point out.
These flats are coming up on the riverbed, a stone's throw away from the Games Village, where flats are being sold at exorbitant rates. “Conceptual approval allows construction of other operational aspects like tracks and lines not housing projects,” said Mr. Nanda.
Coming down heavily on the DMRC for constructing flats on the river bed, the DUAC has alleged that the DMRC “mislead” the Commission while seeking a conceptual approval for the project in 2007. “In any case, the proposal of the staff quarters by DMRC should have been submitted to the Commission for formal approval through the local body concerned before taking up the construction work,” the DUAC has noted.
While the DMRC claims it has all the requisite permissions to construct the flats, a non-government organisation, the Yamuna Jiye Abhiyan, on the basis of information secured through the Right to Information Act has alleged that the project does not have the clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests and the DUAC.
The Commission will now seek clarification about the proposal from the Delhi Development Authority as well as DMRC regarding the construction of housing blocks. “It is now the duty of the local authorities to ensure that the construction is not allowed to continue,” said DUAC member Ratish Nanda.
The DUAC has also noted in its minutes that while seeking conceptual approval for the project the DMRC had not mentioned the staff quarters. “Two multi-storey building structures are at an advance stage of construction. As per the records of the Commission, the proposal was given conceptual approval by the Commission at its meeting held on December 19, 2007. The proposal has never been received through the local body for formal consideration of the Commission.”
The DUAC has also noted that in accordance with the new zonal development plan of Zone-O, which has been approved by the Ministry of Urban Development in March this year, the site being used for the housing project has been shown for the transportation land use.
Describing the flats as “illegal” construction on the riverbed, a DUAC in its minutes of the meeting has pointed out that the DMRC tried to pass of the site as part of its operational area, whereas in 2007 it was part of the riverbed. “The information furnished to the Commission by the architect in the proforma of planning permission in respect of the land use of the site in 2007, had incorrect information. The representative of DDA present in the meeting stated that no such provision existed in Master Plan in the year 2007. No zonal plan was published for this area in November 2007. Clearly, the Commission was mislead in this matter,” the minutes of the meeting point out.
These flats are coming up on the riverbed, a stone's throw away from the Games Village, where flats are being sold at exorbitant rates. “Conceptual approval allows construction of other operational aspects like tracks and lines not housing projects,” said Mr. Nanda.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Greens see red as SC okays Maya Memorial (TOI) 4 Dec 10
neha.lalchandani@timesgroup.com
The Supreme Court's judgment on Mayawati's park has not surprised environmentalists lobbying against it as nobody was expecting it to be demolished. However, they are dissapointed with the ''narrow'' analysis of the case by the apex court bench. Four years ago, the SC had directed the Uttar Pradesh government to notify a buffer zone around the Okhla Bird Park that is barely 10m away from the memorial park. Had the government followed that order, this project would never have come up. According to this order, all states and union territories had to submit proposals to the Centre for notifying buffer zones around eco-sensitive areas. Shortly after the ministry of environment and forests told the states in 2005 to use their discretion in identifying and notifying the buffer zones, the SC said if states did not act it would notify a 10-km area around eco-sensitive areas on their behalf. The SC was taking cognizance of several PILs that had been filed against states for not following its earlier order. The UP government was aware of this order when work on the memorial started. Vinod Jain of NGO Tapas said: ''Had the UP government notified a buffer zone around the bird sanctuary this project would never have come up. Instead of penalising the government for gross violation, the government is being indulged in its ineptitude, even if the concretisation is just 25% of the total area. Whatever the extent of construction, the project is just too close to the bird park.'' The Okhla Bird Park is home to several hundred migratory birds during the winter. Concerns were raised not only about bringing an urban landscape too close to nature, but also about the high tension wires that had been put up in the park as they would be dangerous for the birds. ''In true Mayawati style, the park will also be lit up all through the night and this will disorient the birds. The memorial has already resulted in a fall in population of some migratory birds. The nesting pattern of the Indian Golden Oriole has also been affected. The noise and light pollution caused by the construction would be a serious disturbance to birds in their natural habitat,'' said Anand Arya, a resident of sector-15A and one of the original petitioners. The memorial has come up on the remains of five parks that housed thousands of trees and were popular among residents who liked walking there. About 6,000 trees were chopped off to make way for the memorial. What made matters confusing for those involved was MoEF's ever-changing stand on the issue. One day it would say that an environment clearance was needed, the next day it would claim that no such impact assessment was required. The court also approved the project since it was not located on 'forest' area. ''When so many trees are being chopped down, is no permission required from the Centre. The UP government obviously studied the loopholes in the system quite well and will carry on with its blatant disregard for environmental norms,'' said another resident. The project was meant to be a beautification scheme. However, only when the MoEF and CEC stepped in, did it hurriedly bring in hundreds of saplings and plant them across the 33-hectare area of the memorial. The SC order has also mandated that 75% of the area has to be green but residents argue that there is nothing that can be done to compensate for the loss of so many fully-grown trees.
The Supreme Court's judgment on Mayawati's park has not surprised environmentalists lobbying against it as nobody was expecting it to be demolished. However, they are dissapointed with the ''narrow'' analysis of the case by the apex court bench. Four years ago, the SC had directed the Uttar Pradesh government to notify a buffer zone around the Okhla Bird Park that is barely 10m away from the memorial park. Had the government followed that order, this project would never have come up. According to this order, all states and union territories had to submit proposals to the Centre for notifying buffer zones around eco-sensitive areas. Shortly after the ministry of environment and forests told the states in 2005 to use their discretion in identifying and notifying the buffer zones, the SC said if states did not act it would notify a 10-km area around eco-sensitive areas on their behalf. The SC was taking cognizance of several PILs that had been filed against states for not following its earlier order. The UP government was aware of this order when work on the memorial started. Vinod Jain of NGO Tapas said: ''Had the UP government notified a buffer zone around the bird sanctuary this project would never have come up. Instead of penalising the government for gross violation, the government is being indulged in its ineptitude, even if the concretisation is just 25% of the total area. Whatever the extent of construction, the project is just too close to the bird park.'' The Okhla Bird Park is home to several hundred migratory birds during the winter. Concerns were raised not only about bringing an urban landscape too close to nature, but also about the high tension wires that had been put up in the park as they would be dangerous for the birds. ''In true Mayawati style, the park will also be lit up all through the night and this will disorient the birds. The memorial has already resulted in a fall in population of some migratory birds. The nesting pattern of the Indian Golden Oriole has also been affected. The noise and light pollution caused by the construction would be a serious disturbance to birds in their natural habitat,'' said Anand Arya, a resident of sector-15A and one of the original petitioners. The memorial has come up on the remains of five parks that housed thousands of trees and were popular among residents who liked walking there. About 6,000 trees were chopped off to make way for the memorial. What made matters confusing for those involved was MoEF's ever-changing stand on the issue. One day it would say that an environment clearance was needed, the next day it would claim that no such impact assessment was required. The court also approved the project since it was not located on 'forest' area. ''When so many trees are being chopped down, is no permission required from the Centre. The UP government obviously studied the loopholes in the system quite well and will carry on with its blatant disregard for environmental norms,'' said another resident. The project was meant to be a beautification scheme. However, only when the MoEF and CEC stepped in, did it hurriedly bring in hundreds of saplings and plant them across the 33-hectare area of the memorial. The SC order has also mandated that 75% of the area has to be green but residents argue that there is nothing that can be done to compensate for the loss of so many fully-grown trees.
Govt wants 60-acre plot in lieu of depot near Yamuna (TOI), 4 Dec 10
Abantika Ghosh
NEW DELHI: In what could be an admission that its case for Millennium Bus Depot was not quite as firm as claimed to be, the Delhi government has offered to consider shifting it if an alternate 60-acre plot of land could be provided for buses. After being drawn into a stalemate with the Lt Governor Tejinder Khanna's office over the proposed revision of circle rates criticized for being tweaked to suit political interests the Delhi government has been at loggerheads with Raj Bhawan over the bus depot on the Yamuna riverbed. Despite having made "encroachment on its rights'' the centrepoint of the recent Assembly session, the alleged violation of clearances in constructing a permanent bus depot on the riverbed instead of a temporary one might have put the city government in a spot. Red-faced over at least two letters from the LG office asserting that DTC's Millennium Depot was to be a temporary structure for the duration of the Commonwealth Games and under pressure from the green lobby as well as DUAC, Delhi government sought to lob the ball into Khanna's court. The city government has sent the relevant file to Raj Niwas with a note that the depot could shift only if DTC is allotted similar land elsewhere a statement that could be interpreted that all was indeed not in order with the Millennium Depot. LG is the chairman of DDA, the largest land-owning agency in the city. The depot stands on 60-acre land and is used to park 1,000 buses. It is the largest depot of its kind in the world. Chief secretary Rakesh Mehta told Times City: "So far, as we are concerned, we are very clear about the definition of temporary till such time that an alternate land is allotted. Which is exactly what we have written to the LG. Moreover, because it is the Yamuna bed, we have voluntarily foregone the right to use 25% of the land for commercial purposes which the Masterplan allows us to do in DTC depots.'' The interpretation of "temporary'' to mean a situation till alternate land is alloted might give the government an escape route. The government's hand might also have been forced by the L-G's control over DDA. The lack of commercial usage notwithstanding, this is the first time Delhi government has actually spoken of shifting the depot. The transport commissioner and the chief secretary have so far resolutely maintained that there is no question of the depot ceasing to function.
NEW DELHI: In what could be an admission that its case for Millennium Bus Depot was not quite as firm as claimed to be, the Delhi government has offered to consider shifting it if an alternate 60-acre plot of land could be provided for buses. After being drawn into a stalemate with the Lt Governor Tejinder Khanna's office over the proposed revision of circle rates criticized for being tweaked to suit political interests the Delhi government has been at loggerheads with Raj Bhawan over the bus depot on the Yamuna riverbed. Despite having made "encroachment on its rights'' the centrepoint of the recent Assembly session, the alleged violation of clearances in constructing a permanent bus depot on the riverbed instead of a temporary one might have put the city government in a spot. Red-faced over at least two letters from the LG office asserting that DTC's Millennium Depot was to be a temporary structure for the duration of the Commonwealth Games and under pressure from the green lobby as well as DUAC, Delhi government sought to lob the ball into Khanna's court. The city government has sent the relevant file to Raj Niwas with a note that the depot could shift only if DTC is allotted similar land elsewhere a statement that could be interpreted that all was indeed not in order with the Millennium Depot. LG is the chairman of DDA, the largest land-owning agency in the city. The depot stands on 60-acre land and is used to park 1,000 buses. It is the largest depot of its kind in the world. Chief secretary Rakesh Mehta told Times City: "So far, as we are concerned, we are very clear about the definition of temporary till such time that an alternate land is allotted. Which is exactly what we have written to the LG. Moreover, because it is the Yamuna bed, we have voluntarily foregone the right to use 25% of the land for commercial purposes which the Masterplan allows us to do in DTC depots.'' The interpretation of "temporary'' to mean a situation till alternate land is alloted might give the government an escape route. The government's hand might also have been forced by the L-G's control over DDA. The lack of commercial usage notwithstanding, this is the first time Delhi government has actually spoken of shifting the depot. The transport commissioner and the chief secretary have so far resolutely maintained that there is no question of the depot ceasing to function.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
RHI Agra Workshop Minutes (13-14 November 2010)
RHI Agra Workshop Minutes
Prepared by Sri Bhim S Rawat, PEACE Institute
13-14 Nov 2010
Introduction:
The adverse impacts of high inputs like fertilizers and pesticides on agro-ecology as well as on human health can not for long remain hidden. Traditional and natural farming methods are again being widely discussed and appreciated as an alternate to rid the environment of the chemical menace. Several countries have now been promoting natural farming in place of high chemical inputs farming practices. It is now slowly gaining ground that the next green revolution shall be predominantly organic in nature.
Dr. Parikh a prominent citizen and Ravi Singh a staunch believer of natural farming have been practicing traditional farming in Agra, the historic city of India.
Point sources of pollution, in Indian rivers are quite visible and broadly discussed, but non-point sources like contamination (of the persistent variety) of river water by chemicals used in farming taking place in the catchment area and on the river banks still largely remain unnoticed and unaddressed.
Report
A two day trip was organized to Agra of the members of the Nadi Mitra Mandalis (NMMs) to sensitize and educate the farmers living along River Yamuna from Katapathar (Dehradun) to Raghupur (Allahabad) on the adverse impacts of agricultural chemicals which contaminate ground water and adversely impact the health of river, human and cattle alike.
Participants from different grids
In the morning hours of 14 Nov under cloudy sky a team of 26 members entered beautifully developed and maintained Dr. Parikh’s farmhouse on the outskirts of Agra. The green diversity and birds chirping pleased and greeted everybody inside the farm house manifesting the uniqueness of the place. After crossing a lane of variety (Popular, Ashoka, Avanla etc.) of trees, team members halted by a cow shelter where Sri Ashok Yadav the manager of the farm house welcomed all. Farmers were surprised to see the native breed of cows, calves and bulls that had been discarded by the farmers in favour of exotic high yielding varieties long ago.
Addressing the gathering at this place Sri Manoj Misra introduced the members to each other and broadly explained the purpose of the visit. He defined organic farming as a complex coexistence of different kinds of lives that enrich agro biodiversity and helps farmers in many ways. Establishing link between growing incidences of life threatening diseases and increased use of chemicals in agriculture he emphasized the value of natural farming practices.
Sri Ravi Singh who has re-settled himself in India after working as an advisor to a vinery production firm in London informed that he has been growing farm produce organically without much difficulties. Sharing his experiences with participants he said that switching over to natural farming will be all gain for everyone.
Leading the gathering to a lawn in the back yard, Sri Ashok Yadav shared the experiments, learning, advantages, he has earned through organic farming which he has been practicing for the past decade. He also cited his story from being an ordinary farmer to be among few organic producers. He has been motivating others and now planning to create a network of organic farmers and to open a shop in Agra to market organically grown vegetables. He stressed that organic farming becomes easier when we have cattle on our farms. He believed and successfully experimented that cow urine can replace chemicals of all sorts for pest control and as a weedicide. Now his yield of vegetables, crops and fruits is not only higher in comparison to those who use chemicals but cost effective and hygienic too.
Sri Ashok Yadav sharing his experiences with the participants
Participants from different Grids also shared about the farming practices being carried out in their own areas. They discussed and shared their experiences with chemicals and organic farming. After the discussion it turned out that
In Pachnada, Raghupur, Hamirpur marginal farmers are still using green farm practices whereas large land holders use fertilizers indiscriminately.
Organic farming is catching farmers’ attention in Ovah and Gadhaya after the contract farmers left from there, once the productivity of the land had been compromised from use of high inputs.
In Amipur, 50% farming is done traditionally whereas in Panipat people find it tough to avoid urea and fertilizers.
Farmers of Kanalsi having borne the brunt of chemical farming, are now returning back to traditional farming, whereas in hilly areas (Katapthar) still 80% farming is chemicals free.
During discussion farmers also revealed some amazing things that
The spray of 1 liter cow urine mixed in 15 liter water will keep the crops free from all diseases.
Stray wild animals also will not invade such farms.
Cows’ milk and urine are far more beneficial than of buffalos’.
It was estimated that on an average chemical and organic manure for one Beegha land will cost farmers around Rs 1100 and Rs 1200 respectively. Interestingly the cost of chemical farming will go up whereas the cost of organic farming will come down by 25 percent in the following years once organic practices have begun.
Organic farming boosts soil health, provides hygienic crops, takes less water, is cost effective, and employment generating in form of labour for deweeding and cattle maintenance.
In the end all agreed that organic farming is a practice that deserves a serious consideration and promotion.
Prepared by Sri Bhim S Rawat, PEACE Institute
13-14 Nov 2010
Introduction:
The adverse impacts of high inputs like fertilizers and pesticides on agro-ecology as well as on human health can not for long remain hidden. Traditional and natural farming methods are again being widely discussed and appreciated as an alternate to rid the environment of the chemical menace. Several countries have now been promoting natural farming in place of high chemical inputs farming practices. It is now slowly gaining ground that the next green revolution shall be predominantly organic in nature.
Dr. Parikh a prominent citizen and Ravi Singh a staunch believer of natural farming have been practicing traditional farming in Agra, the historic city of India.
Point sources of pollution, in Indian rivers are quite visible and broadly discussed, but non-point sources like contamination (of the persistent variety) of river water by chemicals used in farming taking place in the catchment area and on the river banks still largely remain unnoticed and unaddressed.
Report
A two day trip was organized to Agra of the members of the Nadi Mitra Mandalis (NMMs) to sensitize and educate the farmers living along River Yamuna from Katapathar (Dehradun) to Raghupur (Allahabad) on the adverse impacts of agricultural chemicals which contaminate ground water and adversely impact the health of river, human and cattle alike.
Participants from different grids
In the morning hours of 14 Nov under cloudy sky a team of 26 members entered beautifully developed and maintained Dr. Parikh’s farmhouse on the outskirts of Agra. The green diversity and birds chirping pleased and greeted everybody inside the farm house manifesting the uniqueness of the place. After crossing a lane of variety (Popular, Ashoka, Avanla etc.) of trees, team members halted by a cow shelter where Sri Ashok Yadav the manager of the farm house welcomed all. Farmers were surprised to see the native breed of cows, calves and bulls that had been discarded by the farmers in favour of exotic high yielding varieties long ago.
Addressing the gathering at this place Sri Manoj Misra introduced the members to each other and broadly explained the purpose of the visit. He defined organic farming as a complex coexistence of different kinds of lives that enrich agro biodiversity and helps farmers in many ways. Establishing link between growing incidences of life threatening diseases and increased use of chemicals in agriculture he emphasized the value of natural farming practices.
Sri Ravi Singh who has re-settled himself in India after working as an advisor to a vinery production firm in London informed that he has been growing farm produce organically without much difficulties. Sharing his experiences with participants he said that switching over to natural farming will be all gain for everyone.
Leading the gathering to a lawn in the back yard, Sri Ashok Yadav shared the experiments, learning, advantages, he has earned through organic farming which he has been practicing for the past decade. He also cited his story from being an ordinary farmer to be among few organic producers. He has been motivating others and now planning to create a network of organic farmers and to open a shop in Agra to market organically grown vegetables. He stressed that organic farming becomes easier when we have cattle on our farms. He believed and successfully experimented that cow urine can replace chemicals of all sorts for pest control and as a weedicide. Now his yield of vegetables, crops and fruits is not only higher in comparison to those who use chemicals but cost effective and hygienic too.
Sri Ashok Yadav sharing his experiences with the participants
Participants from different Grids also shared about the farming practices being carried out in their own areas. They discussed and shared their experiences with chemicals and organic farming. After the discussion it turned out that
In Pachnada, Raghupur, Hamirpur marginal farmers are still using green farm practices whereas large land holders use fertilizers indiscriminately.
Organic farming is catching farmers’ attention in Ovah and Gadhaya after the contract farmers left from there, once the productivity of the land had been compromised from use of high inputs.
In Amipur, 50% farming is done traditionally whereas in Panipat people find it tough to avoid urea and fertilizers.
Farmers of Kanalsi having borne the brunt of chemical farming, are now returning back to traditional farming, whereas in hilly areas (Katapthar) still 80% farming is chemicals free.
During discussion farmers also revealed some amazing things that
The spray of 1 liter cow urine mixed in 15 liter water will keep the crops free from all diseases.
Stray wild animals also will not invade such farms.
Cows’ milk and urine are far more beneficial than of buffalos’.
It was estimated that on an average chemical and organic manure for one Beegha land will cost farmers around Rs 1100 and Rs 1200 respectively. Interestingly the cost of chemical farming will go up whereas the cost of organic farming will come down by 25 percent in the following years once organic practices have begun.
Organic farming boosts soil health, provides hygienic crops, takes less water, is cost effective, and employment generating in form of labour for deweeding and cattle maintenance.
In the end all agreed that organic farming is a practice that deserves a serious consideration and promotion.
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