Latest news with #UttarakhandPollutionControlBoard
Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
No clearance, ₹2.3cr waste plant in Gangotri ordered shut
Uttarkashi: Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board (UPCB) has shut the state-of-the-art waste disposal plant built at a cost of Rs 2.3 crore near Gangotri dham, as it did not have all the required clearances to operate in an eco-sensitive zone. Moreover, there was no record of how much garbage was brought in and how much was treated every day. People in the area also complained that the plant was polluting the area rather than treating waste. District tourism development officer KK Joshi on Friday confirmed that the plant's operation has been stopped until further orders. Ahead of the 2023 Char Dham yatra season, the garbage disposal plant was set up in Akhrot Khadar of Gangotri at a cost of about Rs 2.3 crore under the Central govt's Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Enhancement Campaign Scheme. Since it was located in Bhagirathi eco-sensitive zone, it could not be started for one-and-a-half years as UPCB did not issue a no objection certificate (NOC). Later in 2024, during a meeting of the Bhagirathi eco-sensitive zone monitoring committee, the plant was transferred to Gangotri nagar panchayat following which the plant started operation. However, in June this year, the issue that the plant was illegally operating in the eco-sensitive zone without necessary clearance from UPCB was again raised, and a complaint reached the Central govt as well as the state headquarters of state pollution board. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 60년 묵은 혈관 찌꺼기 ,,, '이것." 하나면 다른건 하지 않아도 됩니다! 면역력 Rg3의 비결 더 알아보기 Undo On June 24, a team of central and state pollution control boards inspected the plant and found that the tourism department did not obtain "integrated consent" and authorisation regarding water and air pollution control for operating the plant.
India Gazette
05-06-2025
- General
- India Gazette
Uttarakhand CM Dhami felicitates 'green heroes' on World Environment Day
Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], June 5 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday honoured the 'eco-warriors' for their significant contribution to the environment on the occasion of World Environment Day at Mukhya Sevak Sadan, located at the Chief Minister's residence. Students welcomed and congratulated Pushkar Singh Dhami by presenting flowers. CM Dhami said, 'On this day, all of us should pledge that we will make all possible efforts on our level to conserve the environment and overcome this challenge. If there is a calamity anywhere--be it in Chamoli, Dharchula, or Uttarkashi--it will impact all of us, be it people in Dehradun, Delhi, or anywhere in the country. We all get affected by it. We are fortunate that Uttarakhand is rich in natural beauty and biodiversity.' Municipal Corporation Rudrapur was honoured with the Sunder Lal Bahuguna Nature and Environment Conservation Award-2025 (Government Category). Deputy Municipal Commissioner Shipra Joshi from Municipal Corporation Rudrapur received this award. Vijay Jaddhari and Pratap Singh Pokhriyal were honoured with the Sunder Lal Bahuguna Nature and Environment Conservation Award-2025 (Non-Government Category). The Chief Minister also released the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board's awareness poster and inaugurated the portal prepared by the Eco-Tourism Corporation. On this occasion, the Chief Minister administered the oath of plastic-free Uttarakhand and provided cloth bags to schoolchildren. The Chief Minister directed the Forest Department to plant at least one thousand fruit trees in every forest division of the state this year. So that there is adequate food for wild animals. The Chief Minister urged the people of the state and travellers not to feed animals such things that are harmful to their health. He called upon people to plant trees on birthdays, wedding anniversaries and other important occasions. Only with the resolve of such efforts will we be able to promote environmental conservation. The Chief Minister, while wishing everyone a happy World Environment Day, said that Uttarakhand is a state full of natural beauty and biodiversity. Dense forests, holy rivers, and Himalayan glaciers are the state's geographical identity. The Chief Minister said that due to the efforts of the Prime Minister, India is moving ahead globally in the field of renewable energy production. Schemes like Solar Mission, Electric Mobility, Green Hydrogen Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission, Namami Gange Abhiyan and Plastic Free India Campaign are playing an important role in environmental conservation. He said that the state government celebrates the folk festival Harela on a large scale as a grand festival of nature conservation. 'Spring and River Rejuvenation Authority (SARA) has been formed to conserve traditional water sources like Naula, Dhara and rain-based rivers of the state. The Chief Minister informed that in the last year, more than 6,500 water sources have been successfully conserved and treated in the state. About 3.12 million cubic meters of rainwater have also been collected. It has been made mandatory to keep dustbins in vehicles coming to the state on various religious, tourism, and other occasions, including the Chardham Yatra. He said that recently, the National Games held in the state were organised on the theme of 'Green Games'. In this event, all the medals and awards were made from e-waste material and sports kits were prepared from recycled material. Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal said that Uttarakhand is sensitive to the environment. As a result, today, Uttarakhand is among the top five states in the country to absorb carbon. He said that we have given priority to public participation in environmental protection. He said that travellers coming to Uttarakhand are being made aware of the environment. Today, work is also being done on alternatives to plastic in the state. We have to take special care to ensure that plastic is used minimally. Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan said that, along with development, environmental protection is also important, for which the concept of Gross Environment Product has been introduced. On the instructions of the Chief Minister, environmental awards have been started at the state level. He said that the work of environmental and water conservation is everyone's collective responsibility. (ANI)
Time of India
31-05-2025
- Time of India
Probe ordered into Kedar ‘construction violations's
Dehradun: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has directed the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board to investigate complaints of environmental violations linked to ongoing construction near the Kedarnath temple. The directive follows a complaint filed by Noida-based Amit Gupta, who raised concerns about unchecked construction activities disrupting the area and endangering pilgrims. Gupta alleged that construction materials, including sand, have been dumped openly right opposite the main temple, while unattended iron bars at the newly constructed Sangam Ghat are obstructing river flow and contributing to pollution. "There are also protruding steel rods posing a serious safety hazard. Pilgrims are facing inconvenience due to these issues," he told TOI. Gupta added, "Small crushers and stone cutting units are working continuously on the river side and even on the 2013 flood route which is not only impacting the sensitive ecology of the area but also polluting the water flowing near it. Pilgrims have also pointed out open garbage dumping around the temple and helipad premises and filthy state of public washrooms." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like CFD: Invertir $100 con IA podría devolverte un segundo salario Digital Group Prueba ahora Undo He also pointed out poor drainage near the stairway connecting the helipad bridge to the temple, resulting in water accumulation along a key route. "This poses a significant challenge, especially for elderly visitors, and needs urgent attention," Gupta said, blaming the situation on the negligence brought about by hasty construction work. Acting on the complaint, the CPCB issued a letter on May 29, directing the state pollution control board to take necessary corrective measures and report back within 30 days. In response, Public Works Department (PWD) officials acknowledged the issues and attributed them to a "contractor's negligence" during ongoing development. "Instructions have been issued to remove the construction material. Although work at the Sangam Ghat was completed last year, leftover steel bars will be cut and cleared shortly to ensure pilgrim safety," said the executive engineer from PWD's Guptkashi office. Officials also said that work at the arrival plaza near the Om stairs is still pending. Installation of flooring stones, crucial to managing water flow, has been delayed due to the yatra. "For safety reasons, construction cannot proceed during the pilgrimage season. It will resume as soon as the yatra subsides," they added. Dehradun: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has directed the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board to investigate complaints of environmental violations linked to ongoing construction near the Kedarnath temple. The directive follows a complaint filed by Noida-based Amit Gupta, who raised concerns about unchecked construction activities disrupting the area and endangering pilgrims. Gupta alleged that construction materials, including sand, have been dumped openly right opposite the main temple, while unattended iron bars at the newly constructed Sangam Ghat are obstructing river flow and contributing to pollution. "There are also protruding steel rods posing a serious safety hazard. Pilgrims are facing inconvenience due to these issues," he told TOI. Gupta added, "Small crushers and stone cutting units are working continuously on the river side and even on the 2013 flood route which is not only impacting the sensitive ecology of the area but also polluting the water flowing near it. Pilgrims have also pointed out open garbage dumping around the temple and helipad premises and filthy state of public washrooms." He also pointed out poor drainage near the stairway connecting the helipad bridge to the temple, resulting in water accumulation along a key route. "This poses a significant challenge, especially for elderly visitors, and needs urgent attention," Gupta said, blaming the situation on the negligence brought about by hasty construction work. Acting on the complaint, the CPCB issued a letter on May 29, directing the state pollution control board to take necessary corrective measures and report back within 30 days. In response, Public Works Department (PWD) officials acknowledged the issues and attributed them to a "contractor's negligence" during ongoing development. "Instructions have been issued to remove the construction material. Although work at the Sangam Ghat was completed last year, leftover steel bars will be cut and cleared shortly to ensure pilgrim safety," said the executive engineer from PWD's Guptkashi office. Officials also said that work at the arrival plaza near the Om stairs is still pending. Installation of flooring stones, crucial to managing water flow, has been delayed due to the yatra. "For safety reasons, construction cannot proceed during the pilgrimage season. It will resume as soon as the yatra subsides," they added.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Concerns over STP capacity at Kedarnath shrine
Dehradun: Concerns have been raised by environmentalists and petitioners over the proposed capacity of the sewage treatment plant (STP) at the Kedarnath shrine. The current proposed capacity of the system stands at 600 a recently submitted affidavit to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the district administration stated that nearly 85% of the STP work had been completed, with the remaining expected to be finished later this month. Officials also claimed that the connectivity network would be completed by the end of the year."For the current 600 KLD capacity, the permanent population was considered as 5,000 and the floating population as 20,000. However, in the first few days of the yatra this season, this number was already breached several times," said petitioner Abhisht Gupta in the NGT case. Even in the affidavit submitted by the administration, officials admitted that the number of pilgrims crossed 25,000 on at least two occasions last year, and the 20,000 mark was surpassed even more the yatra began on May 2, over 2.26 lakh pilgrims have visited the shrine, as per state govt data suggesting an average of 22,600 pilgrims per day, which is a breach of the numbers taken into consideration for the project design. Environmentalists claim that a revision is required to ensure the system works properly."In the first two days, we had over 55,000 pilgrims at the shrine and more than a lakh within four days, according to reports. It is clear that the peak capacity will not hold if the current trends continue. To incorporate future planning, we need to enhance this capacity, or else the system will fail," said Amit Gupta, a Noida-based environmentalist, also addressing solid waste management issues at Kedarnath. Pilgrim numbers have only dropped in recent days, mainly due to the ongoing border conflict with officials claim that these considerations were taken into account before finalising the project. "Population trends and margins for increasing pilgrim numbers were incorporated before finalising the DPR. All departments concerned have taken these concerns into account. It is only after due consideration that the design was finalised," said Pradeep Kumar Joshi, scientist at the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board , Rudraprayag. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
29-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
Kedarnath's STP project delayed again before yatra opening
Dehradun: Construction of a sewage treatment plant (STP) in Kedarnath remained unfinished ahead of the 2025 yatra season, with officials blaming harsh weather conditions for the delay. The project, aimed at handling sewage from residents and pilgrims, will now be completed by May 30, almost a month after the yatra begins. The next NGT hearing on the matter is scheduled for May 2, the same day Kedarnath shrine is set to reopen. Earlier this year, the Rudraprayag district administration and Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board were pulled up by NGT for failing to act against environmental violations in Kedarnath. An affidavit recently submitted in the green court claimed that 85% of the STP work is complete. It added that the project, which faced delays due to heavy snowfall and subzero temperatures, now targets a revised completion date of May 30, 2025. After the devastating 2013 flash floods, a large-scale redevelopment project, the Shri Kedarnath Dham Master Plan , was launched to rebuild and modernise the town while aiming to protect the fragile Himalayan environment. As part of these efforts, the STP was planned to manage increasing sewage loads during the yatra season. In Jan, the tribunal directed the administration to file a response affidavit detailing household connectivity to the sewage system and assessing the adequacy of the 600 KLD STP, considering both the resident and floating populations. A timeline for these tasks was also requested. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo In Feb, officials from PWD were asked to provide project details. An amount exceeding Rs 8 crore was sanctioned. "Approximately 85% of the work is completed. The remaining construction and STP operation will be done by May 30, 2025," read the affidavit filed by district magistrate Saurabh Gaharwar. The affidavit stated that the household connectivity project is divided into three zones: Mandakini edge, Saraswati edge, and Central Street area. While most work on the Mandakini edge has been completed, geographical challenges have delayed work on the Saraswati edge. "The progress of the Central Street area work is dependent on the ongoing redevelopment activities in the region. Existing old structures are being demolished and replaced with newly constructed buildings. The laying of the sewage line here shall commence upon the completion of the aforesaid construction activities, ensuring proper integration," read the affidavit. Officials said the STP is being constructed keeping in mind the existing population of around 5,000 and a floating population of around 20,000 pilgrims. As per the Shri Kedarnath Dham Master Plan, 84 new buildings are being proposed to replace the old structures. "The original schedule for completion was Dec 2024. However, due to heavy snowfall and extremely low temperatures, the timeline had to be revised. The initial project plan accounted for seasonal snowfall and rainfall, but the unexpected early onset of heavy snowfall and severe subzero temperatures in 2024 resulted in unavoidable delays. Subject to favourable weather conditions, the STP construction activities have a revised completion target of May 30, 2025," Gaharwar said. Officials said that work on the project was scheduled to resume on March 20. However, the sewage line installation could only happen after the foundation work of the new buildings was completed. The completion of the entire sewage system, including full connectivity, is now proposed by Dec 14, 2025. Data shows that over 17 lakh pilgrims visited Kedarnath in 2024. As reported by TOI earlier, RTI information revealed that more than 26 tonnes of waste were generated during the yatra season, including 17.5 tonnes of organic waste that remained unprocessed and were dumped directly into two landfills nearby. The RTI findings also highlighted that no fines were imposed, and no complaints were filed regarding the improper disposal of waste into the Mandakini river.
