In a series of recent environmental and conservation events, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has levelled heavy fines on States and Union Territories (UTs), the Indian Navy in collaboration with the US Navy participated in an exercise named SALVEX, the Odisha government took measures to protect the Similipal Tiger Reserve, and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir launched India’s first Tele-MANAS chatbot.
NGT Imposes Hefty Fines on States and UTs
The NGT has slapped hefty fines, amounting to approximately Rs 80,000 crore, on States and UTs due to non-adherence to sewage treatment and garbage disposal rules, and for contravening orders. Tamil Nadu bore the brunt of the highest penalty, followed by Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
Set up under the NGT Act of 2010, the NGT is a specialised body that deals swiftly and effectively with cases pertaining to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources. After Australia and New Zealand, India became the third country globally to establish a specialised environmental tribunal. The NGT holds sittings in five locations, with New Delhi being the principal location. The decisions made by the NGT are binding and can be reviewed by the Tribunal itself. However, these decisions can be challenged in the Supreme Court within 90 days.
SALVEX: A Joint Initiative of Indian and US Navies
The seventh edition of the Salvage and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) exercise, dubbed as SALVEX, was recently held in Kochi. This exercise was a joint effort by the Indian Navy and the US Navy and has been conducted since 2005. These strategic collaborations aim to enhance the skills of the Diving teams in various areas, such as mine detection, neutralisation, wreck location and salvage. India and the US also jointly participate in other exercises including Yudhabhayas, Vajra Prahar, Malabar, Red Flag 16-1 and Exercise Cope India.
Stepping Up Protection for Similipal Tiger Reserve
The Odisha government has deployed armed police personnel at the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) to guard the reserve area spanning 2,700 km2, home to unique melanistic tigers. This term refers to animals having a higher-than-normal level of melanin which gives them very dark skin or hair.
Formally designated a tiger reserve in 1956 and included under Project Tiger in 1973, STR was declared a biosphere reserve by the Government of India in 1994. It became a part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserve in 2009. The reserve also comprises a segment of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve and is geographically situated at the eastern end of the Eastern Ghats.
India’s First Chatbot: An Initiative by Jammu and Kashmir
The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir recently launched India’s first Tele-MANAS chatbot to aid people in distress. Tele-MANAS is a two-tier system. The first tier encompasses State Tele MANAS cells comprising trained counsellors and mental health specialists. The second tier includes professionals from the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) and Medical College resources who are available for physical consultation or eSanjeevani for audio-visual consultation.
eSanjeevani, a national doctor-to-doctor telemedicine service, offers an online alternative to conventional physical consultations. It forms an integral part of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Mission (ABDHM).
