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Latest News |
| 14th
March 2010 / Times of India / Mumbai Edition |
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IIT-B to assess eco-impact of proposed
Navi Mum airport
Mumbai: Union environment and forests minister Jairam
Ramesh said the airport coming up in Navi Mumbai has raised
serious environmental concerns, such as destruction of
mangroves and diversion of rivers.
“Scientists from IIT-Bombay, who are studying the
issue, will submit the environmental-assessment report
in August. The environmental clearance for the project
will be looked into only after the report comes in,’’
Ramesh said.
Ramesh, who was speaking at a climate change meet at IITBombay,
urged Indian scientists to take the lead in environmental
research. “We can’t allow the West to dictate
the terms to us.” He urged the pollution control
boards to crack the whip on erring industrial units. “Units
that don’t comply with norms should be served showcause
notice. If necessary, closure notices can also be issued,”
said Ramesh. “During my visit to Chandrapur, the
fourth most polluted area in the country, I received many
complaints from residents about pollution from refineries,”
he said.
The ministry is setting up a pan-IIT initiative in which
researchers and PhD students from seven IITs will chart
out environmental research programmes. “Ten professors
below 35 years of age and seven students will be granted
fellowship,” said Ramesh. |
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