A rock found mostly in Oman can be harnessed to soak up the main greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, at a rate that could help slow global warming, scientists say.
Carbon dioxide comes in contact with the rock, peridotite. The gas is converted into solid minerals such as calcite. Geologist Peter Kelemen and geochemist Juerg Matter said the naturally occuring process can be supercharged one million times to grow underground minerals that can permanently store 2 billion or more of the 30 million tons of carbon dioxide emitted by human activity every year.
Peridotite is the most common rock found in the earth's mantle or the layer directly below the crust. It also appears on the surface particularly in Oman, which is conveniently close to a region that produces substantial amounts of carbon dioxide in the production of fossil fuels.
"To be near all that oil and gas infrastructure is not a bad thing," Matter said.
They also calculated the cost of mining the rock and bringing it directly to greenhouse gas emitting power plants, but determined it was too expensive.
The scientists who are both at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in New York, say they have kick-started peridotite's carbon storage process by boring down and injecting it with heated water containing pressurized carbon dioxide. They have prelimenary patent filing for the technique.
They say 4-5 billion tons of gas could be stored near Oman by using peridotite in parallel with another emerging technique developed by Columbia's Claus Lackner that used synthetic trees which suck CO2 out of the air.
Peridotite also occurs in the pacific island of Papua, New Guinea and Caledonia and along the coast of the Adriatic Sea and in small amounts in California.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Times Square to get its first 'green' billboard
New York: This winter, New Year's Eve revelers will have a close-up view of Times Square's first environmentally friendly billboard powered entirely by wind and sun.
But the billboard might not be quite as dazzling as some of its high-powered neighbors along the Great White Way.
Construction on the 35,000-pound sign advertising Ricoh Americas Corp is to begin this month across the avenue from the building where the ball drops on New Year's Eve.
Powered by 16 wind turbines and 64 solar panels, the sign is expected to save $12,000 to $15,000 per month in electricity costs. Ricoh, an office equipment and document storage supplier, estimates the sign will also keep 18 tons of carbon out of the environment.
The billboard will be lighted by floodlights rather than light emitting diodes. It wont have a back up generator, so it could go dark during long period with little wind or sun.
But Ricoh spokesman Ron Potesky said the signs turbines will probably be able to keep the billboard lit even after four days without breezes or bright sun.
"The point is that there are way of being environmentally friendly to the planet, even on a billboard," Potesky said.
A lighting ceremony for the 126 foot wide, 47 foot tall sign is scheduled for Decemeber 4.
(AP)
But the billboard might not be quite as dazzling as some of its high-powered neighbors along the Great White Way.
Construction on the 35,000-pound sign advertising Ricoh Americas Corp is to begin this month across the avenue from the building where the ball drops on New Year's Eve.
Powered by 16 wind turbines and 64 solar panels, the sign is expected to save $12,000 to $15,000 per month in electricity costs. Ricoh, an office equipment and document storage supplier, estimates the sign will also keep 18 tons of carbon out of the environment.
The billboard will be lighted by floodlights rather than light emitting diodes. It wont have a back up generator, so it could go dark during long period with little wind or sun.
But Ricoh spokesman Ron Potesky said the signs turbines will probably be able to keep the billboard lit even after four days without breezes or bright sun.
"The point is that there are way of being environmentally friendly to the planet, even on a billboard," Potesky said.
A lighting ceremony for the 126 foot wide, 47 foot tall sign is scheduled for Decemeber 4.
(AP)
Saturday, November 22, 2008
AIIMS to keep tabs on medical errors
Institute becomes first Govt Hospital in India to implement patient safety programme.
New Delhi: A small medical error can prove fatal. But, to ''err'' is human, and the medical fraternity says it is high time this is realised and appropriate steps are taken to reduce the scope of error in medical treatment and ensure patient safety.
At the ongoing South Asian conference and CME on synergy in Healthcare ( SASHCON -2008) at the All India Institute of Medial Sciences, the theme is: Planning and designing of speciality healthcare facilities, safe hospitals and patient safety. In fact, AIIMS in India's first govt hospital to have implemented a patient safety programme at its Cardio thoracic and vascular surgery (CTVS) centre.
Studies have shown medical negligence to be one of the leading causes of death in USA and UK. Approximately two billion dollars is spent annually on additional stay in hospitals due to medical errors. Similarly, a report by the Institute of Medicine ( IOM) of the National Academy of Sciences shows nearly 98,000 preventable deaths occur annually due to medical error and 7,000 preventable deaths related to medication errors alone.
In the 90s, the medical community realised the seriousness of the problem, following reports on medical errors from various countries. But the irony is that there is no such system in place in India.
"There is an urgent need to ensure patient safety. There is a need to keep record for all wrong surgeries, over-medication, timely checking of patient's medical parameters etc. Unlike US and UK, which have a rough estimate of deaths due to medical negligence, we don't know where we stand," said Dr Shakti Gupta, head of the dept. hospital administration, AIIMS and the organizing chairman of SASHCON-2008.
Earlier this year, St Stephen's Hospital participated in the pilot project in patient safety under WHO.
Dr Sudhir Jospeh, medical director, St Stephen's hospital said, " We had studied 1,000 patients before and after surgery. A checklist was prepared for all patients who underwent a surgery and we monitored all the parameters both before and after the surgery. We monitored the dose of medicine given to the patient, patient care post-surgery among other thigs. This helps in reducing the scope of error."
Inspired by the project, AIIMS implemented a similar programme at the CTVS unit. The findings of the project would be presented at SASHCON 2008. It is estimated that one in 10 people receiving healthcare in developing countries suffers preventable harm. "In developing countries, the incidence of medical negligence is much higher. There is a dire need to implement patient safety programmes," said Dr Gupta.
New Delhi: A small medical error can prove fatal. But, to ''err'' is human, and the medical fraternity says it is high time this is realised and appropriate steps are taken to reduce the scope of error in medical treatment and ensure patient safety.
At the ongoing South Asian conference and CME on synergy in Healthcare ( SASHCON -2008) at the All India Institute of Medial Sciences, the theme is: Planning and designing of speciality healthcare facilities, safe hospitals and patient safety. In fact, AIIMS in India's first govt hospital to have implemented a patient safety programme at its Cardio thoracic and vascular surgery (CTVS) centre.
Studies have shown medical negligence to be one of the leading causes of death in USA and UK. Approximately two billion dollars is spent annually on additional stay in hospitals due to medical errors. Similarly, a report by the Institute of Medicine ( IOM) of the National Academy of Sciences shows nearly 98,000 preventable deaths occur annually due to medical error and 7,000 preventable deaths related to medication errors alone.
In the 90s, the medical community realised the seriousness of the problem, following reports on medical errors from various countries. But the irony is that there is no such system in place in India.
"There is an urgent need to ensure patient safety. There is a need to keep record for all wrong surgeries, over-medication, timely checking of patient's medical parameters etc. Unlike US and UK, which have a rough estimate of deaths due to medical negligence, we don't know where we stand," said Dr Shakti Gupta, head of the dept. hospital administration, AIIMS and the organizing chairman of SASHCON-2008.
Earlier this year, St Stephen's Hospital participated in the pilot project in patient safety under WHO.
Dr Sudhir Jospeh, medical director, St Stephen's hospital said, " We had studied 1,000 patients before and after surgery. A checklist was prepared for all patients who underwent a surgery and we monitored all the parameters both before and after the surgery. We monitored the dose of medicine given to the patient, patient care post-surgery among other thigs. This helps in reducing the scope of error."
Inspired by the project, AIIMS implemented a similar programme at the CTVS unit. The findings of the project would be presented at SASHCON 2008. It is estimated that one in 10 people receiving healthcare in developing countries suffers preventable harm. "In developing countries, the incidence of medical negligence is much higher. There is a dire need to implement patient safety programmes," said Dr Gupta.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Child Labour - Gurgaon
MINOR GIRL WORKING AS HELP THRASHED BY EMPLOYERS, RESCUED IN GURGAON
Gurgaon: Thirteen-year-old Lakhi, who was being forced to work as a bonded labourer for the past seven months, was rescued in a joint operation by the National Commission for Women (NCW) and child line, Gurgaon, on Saturday from a house in Kendriya Vihar, Sector 56.
Reportedly, not only was the girl forced to work without being paid, she was being subjected to severe physical abuse and her body bore several signs of heatless beating.
The accused couple Debok Das and Poromita Sharma, in whose house Lakhi worked as a maid-servant, are well educated and financially well off. They have two children aged four and six. While Debok works as a manager in a BPO, his wife Poromita is a lab technician.
Manju Hembrum, member of NCW, had come down from Delhi after receiving information about the ill-treatment the minor was being subjected to. She said, "We were shocked to see her condition. It seems she was beaten up regularly."
Reportedly, one of Lakhi's eyes was swollen, three of her teeth were broken and there were burn marks on her arms and back. Lakhi complained it was because she was burnt with a hot pan on several occasions. She had head injuries as she was reportedly thrashed against the wall.
Meanwhile, the accused, who hail from Guwahati, Assam, were arrested and booked under various sections uncluding Section 23/26 under the Juvenile Justic Act (2000), Section 16 of Bonded Labour Act (1976), Sections 323,325,324,367,368 and 374.
Nishikant, director, child line, Gurgaon, said, "What is shocking is the fact that they are a well-educated, working couple who have two children." A mobile phone from the accused was recovered, on which footage of the victim doing situps, holding her ears, was recorded. "This suggests the couple are no less than psychopaths, " ruled Nishikant.
Gurgaon: Thirteen-year-old Lakhi, who was being forced to work as a bonded labourer for the past seven months, was rescued in a joint operation by the National Commission for Women (NCW) and child line, Gurgaon, on Saturday from a house in Kendriya Vihar, Sector 56.
Reportedly, not only was the girl forced to work without being paid, she was being subjected to severe physical abuse and her body bore several signs of heatless beating.
The accused couple Debok Das and Poromita Sharma, in whose house Lakhi worked as a maid-servant, are well educated and financially well off. They have two children aged four and six. While Debok works as a manager in a BPO, his wife Poromita is a lab technician.
Manju Hembrum, member of NCW, had come down from Delhi after receiving information about the ill-treatment the minor was being subjected to. She said, "We were shocked to see her condition. It seems she was beaten up regularly."
Reportedly, one of Lakhi's eyes was swollen, three of her teeth were broken and there were burn marks on her arms and back. Lakhi complained it was because she was burnt with a hot pan on several occasions. She had head injuries as she was reportedly thrashed against the wall.
Meanwhile, the accused, who hail from Guwahati, Assam, were arrested and booked under various sections uncluding Section 23/26 under the Juvenile Justic Act (2000), Section 16 of Bonded Labour Act (1976), Sections 323,325,324,367,368 and 374.
Nishikant, director, child line, Gurgaon, said, "What is shocking is the fact that they are a well-educated, working couple who have two children." A mobile phone from the accused was recovered, on which footage of the victim doing situps, holding her ears, was recorded. "This suggests the couple are no less than psychopaths, " ruled Nishikant.
Custodial Death - HC livid.
Police in dock for custodial death.
- Times of India, November 6, 2008
New Delhi: Stating that beating up an accused to the extent that he dies while in police custody does not fall under the "ambit of official duties", a sessions court has slapped stringent charges on Delhi police officials in an eight year old custodial death case.
Pulling up on Delhi police, having made the offence under Section 304 A (death caused by rash or negligent act) for custodial death. Additional Sessions Judge Brijesh Garg said, " By no stretch of imagination can it be said that the accused persons were authorized to give such beatings to the deceased.. while discharging their official duties of investigating some crime or offence. "
The court further ordered the framing of charges under a more stringent law. "There is enough material on record to make out a prima facie case for the offence under Section 304 ( culpable homocide not amounting to murder) against both the accused officials," ASJ Garg said.
The case dates back to 2000 when Lekh Raj died in police custody. The police had initially chargesheeted the accused officials under Section 304 A. As per the case, Lekh Raj was apprehended by the public when he was trying to flee from the spot where he had committed a robbery. He was severely beaten up by the people and later arrested by the police. An FIR was filed against him at the Connaught Place police station and his custody was handed over to the then SI Subhash Chand and constable Naresh Pal.
Since he sustained injuries, he was taken to the RML Hospital on March 31, 2000 from where he was discharged late in the night. In the report, it was stated that he sustained three injuries. He was then sent to the lock-up. On April 1, 2000, when Lekh did not wake up, the officials took him to the hospital where he was declared brought dead.
In the chargesheet, the police, however, chalked out a case of death caused by negligence. The case kept hanging lose and was then transferred tot he Fast Track Court of ASJ Garg. Dismissing the contention of the police, the court took into account the postmortem reports which stated the diseased sustained 10 injuries. The court said the medical reports of the diseased before police custody mentioned only 3 injuries whereas the postmortem suggested 10 injuries. These injuries could have been caused only during the police custody.
- Times of India, November 6, 2008
New Delhi: Stating that beating up an accused to the extent that he dies while in police custody does not fall under the "ambit of official duties", a sessions court has slapped stringent charges on Delhi police officials in an eight year old custodial death case.
Pulling up on Delhi police, having made the offence under Section 304 A (death caused by rash or negligent act) for custodial death. Additional Sessions Judge Brijesh Garg said, " By no stretch of imagination can it be said that the accused persons were authorized to give such beatings to the deceased.. while discharging their official duties of investigating some crime or offence. "
The court further ordered the framing of charges under a more stringent law. "There is enough material on record to make out a prima facie case for the offence under Section 304 ( culpable homocide not amounting to murder) against both the accused officials," ASJ Garg said.
The case dates back to 2000 when Lekh Raj died in police custody. The police had initially chargesheeted the accused officials under Section 304 A. As per the case, Lekh Raj was apprehended by the public when he was trying to flee from the spot where he had committed a robbery. He was severely beaten up by the people and later arrested by the police. An FIR was filed against him at the Connaught Place police station and his custody was handed over to the then SI Subhash Chand and constable Naresh Pal.
Since he sustained injuries, he was taken to the RML Hospital on March 31, 2000 from where he was discharged late in the night. In the report, it was stated that he sustained three injuries. He was then sent to the lock-up. On April 1, 2000, when Lekh did not wake up, the officials took him to the hospital where he was declared brought dead.
In the chargesheet, the police, however, chalked out a case of death caused by negligence. The case kept hanging lose and was then transferred tot he Fast Track Court of ASJ Garg. Dismissing the contention of the police, the court took into account the postmortem reports which stated the diseased sustained 10 injuries. The court said the medical reports of the diseased before police custody mentioned only 3 injuries whereas the postmortem suggested 10 injuries. These injuries could have been caused only during the police custody.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
5 most important issues in the forthcoming Delhi Assembly elections
1) Tightened security in the city in light of the recent attacks of terrorism.
Considering the huge shock and terror that rattled the city in the recent bomb blasts in the capital, the authorities will need to pull up their socks (and pants if things go on as they are) to ensure that the people of Delhi can feel safe enough to go out shopping or throw their waste in garbage cans.
2) Transport issues need to be dealt with more seriously
There isn't enough manpower (traffic police) to regulate areas of the city when the metro construction and commonwealth infrastructure is being developed. Traffic is blocked for long periods of time during rush hour and even at other times of day. Case in point - Akshardham intersection and following traffic lights. (which don't work)
3) Water wastage
The Delhi Jal Board needs to be caught hold of and held responsible for the malfunctioning transport vehicles it has on the roads of Delhi. Almost everyday one witnesses tankers that are over filled and not closer properly. They splash water on the roads leading to wastage of large amounts of water. Case in point - Licence plate no. - 1 G B 4120
Helpline no. - 011 29234746
When contacted no one picks up or if the call is answered they only take down the number and disconnect.
The drivers of the vehicles too are not interested if one points out the malfunction.
4) Polluting the Yamuna and other water bodies.
Religious practices account for a majority of the pollution in the Delhi water bodies. Rituals like flowering throwing and other puja materials have lead to the Yamuna in particular being turned into bin of sorts. All of this material is non biodegradable and stays in the water body. Now some people even dispose of their house hold garbage on the banks of the river.
5) Child labour - Underage domestic help
This is a practic occuring in a majority of homes in the NCR. Children from the age as young as 6 and 7 years are made to work as domestic help. They are often ill treated. Education is a far plight of these children. Even though these cases are brought up in the media from time to time, nothing is done. The govt. needs to take this problem seriously and take action immediately as this will soon turn into a crisis.
Considering the huge shock and terror that rattled the city in the recent bomb blasts in the capital, the authorities will need to pull up their socks (and pants if things go on as they are) to ensure that the people of Delhi can feel safe enough to go out shopping or throw their waste in garbage cans.
2) Transport issues need to be dealt with more seriously
There isn't enough manpower (traffic police) to regulate areas of the city when the metro construction and commonwealth infrastructure is being developed. Traffic is blocked for long periods of time during rush hour and even at other times of day. Case in point - Akshardham intersection and following traffic lights. (which don't work)
3) Water wastage
The Delhi Jal Board needs to be caught hold of and held responsible for the malfunctioning transport vehicles it has on the roads of Delhi. Almost everyday one witnesses tankers that are over filled and not closer properly. They splash water on the roads leading to wastage of large amounts of water. Case in point - Licence plate no. - 1 G B 4120
Helpline no. - 011 29234746
When contacted no one picks up or if the call is answered they only take down the number and disconnect.
The drivers of the vehicles too are not interested if one points out the malfunction.
4) Polluting the Yamuna and other water bodies.
Religious practices account for a majority of the pollution in the Delhi water bodies. Rituals like flowering throwing and other puja materials have lead to the Yamuna in particular being turned into bin of sorts. All of this material is non biodegradable and stays in the water body. Now some people even dispose of their house hold garbage on the banks of the river.
5) Child labour - Underage domestic help
This is a practic occuring in a majority of homes in the NCR. Children from the age as young as 6 and 7 years are made to work as domestic help. They are often ill treated. Education is a far plight of these children. Even though these cases are brought up in the media from time to time, nothing is done. The govt. needs to take this problem seriously and take action immediately as this will soon turn into a crisis.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Decision on borewells may be revised : CGWA
New Delhi : Central Ground Water Authority's (CGWA) recent notification to permit boring for tubewells in the south and south-west districts has raised quite a storm, prompting officials to take a second look at the notification. Apart from residents and environmentalists, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) too has strong reservations about the new rules and intend to lodge a protest.
"We have read the notification and intend taking up the matter with CGWA. The concerned areas are very important for us as DJB itself has a lot of borewells here. The new rule will have a direct implication for us as our borewells will dry up," said Ramesh Negi, CEO, DJB.
Officials alleged they were not informed of the decision when it was taken and only heard of it from newspaper reports. "The entire matter has been conducted in a strange way. Neither was it discussed with concerned agencies, nor was the matter of transferring of the power of authorization for constructing of tubewells to the deputy commissioners done legally," Jyoti Sharma, president of Forum for Organised Resource, Conservation and Enhancement.
However, CGWA officials turned the heat around on the water utility, saying had it provided sufficient water to residents in these zones , there would not have been any need for borewells at all. " Ground water in these zones got depleted as residents did not have access to any other water. Had DJB been doing its job, such a situation would not have arisen, " said a CGWA official. According to sources, CGWA has been mulling over amending thenew notification since the past few days. Due to several loophoples, the notification stood a great chance of being misinterpreted, a fact officials fist vehemently defended and then said would reconsider.
" Illegal boring was taking place rampantly in these zones after money exchanged hands between the boring parties and the concerned authorities. CGWA's aim was to ensure the least those who genuinely needed to have tubewells as they werent getting the DJB supply would not be harrassed by those asking for bribe. The process would have become transparent. The particular point in the notice that asks interested parties only to 'intimate' the concerned authorities about the borking will be looked into to ensure they require authorisation for the same, " said an official.
Meanwhile, NGOs and RWAs are planning to take a representation to the authorities to clear the issue. Residents of DLF in Gurgaon,another area affected by the new notification, intend asking HUDA to intervene in the matter. CGWA is expected to send a reply very soon
"We have read the notification and intend taking up the matter with CGWA. The concerned areas are very important for us as DJB itself has a lot of borewells here. The new rule will have a direct implication for us as our borewells will dry up," said Ramesh Negi, CEO, DJB.
Officials alleged they were not informed of the decision when it was taken and only heard of it from newspaper reports. "The entire matter has been conducted in a strange way. Neither was it discussed with concerned agencies, nor was the matter of transferring of the power of authorization for constructing of tubewells to the deputy commissioners done legally," Jyoti Sharma, president of Forum for Organised Resource, Conservation and Enhancement.
However, CGWA officials turned the heat around on the water utility, saying had it provided sufficient water to residents in these zones , there would not have been any need for borewells at all. " Ground water in these zones got depleted as residents did not have access to any other water. Had DJB been doing its job, such a situation would not have arisen, " said a CGWA official. According to sources, CGWA has been mulling over amending thenew notification since the past few days. Due to several loophoples, the notification stood a great chance of being misinterpreted, a fact officials fist vehemently defended and then said would reconsider.
" Illegal boring was taking place rampantly in these zones after money exchanged hands between the boring parties and the concerned authorities. CGWA's aim was to ensure the least those who genuinely needed to have tubewells as they werent getting the DJB supply would not be harrassed by those asking for bribe. The process would have become transparent. The particular point in the notice that asks interested parties only to 'intimate' the concerned authorities about the borking will be looked into to ensure they require authorisation for the same, " said an official.
Meanwhile, NGOs and RWAs are planning to take a representation to the authorities to clear the issue. Residents of DLF in Gurgaon,another area affected by the new notification, intend asking HUDA to intervene in the matter. CGWA is expected to send a reply very soon
Friday, November 7, 2008
New tubewells can plunder water
Times Of India, New Delhi, September 07, 2008.
In a move fraught with serious repercussions for the already critical round water levels in the south and southwest districts in Delhi, Faridabad and Gurgaon, the Central Ground Water Authority has decided to permit boring of new tubewells for domestic purposes in these regions on the condition that the area deputy commissioner be intimation 10 days before work is to start.
The notification that is being criticized for various loop holes, doesnt specify a cap on number of borings, opening up the areas to massive exploitation of groundwater. The CGWA, however, says its move will bring ''transparency''.
'' We were concerned over the rampant corruption in the notified zones and since boring was taking place in any case, we wanted to ensure that the area DC would at least have details on the extraction taking place. We only wanted to make the system transparent, " said an official.
Residents of the areas claim that about 200 borewells have already been dug since the notie was issued. The main point of the notice that those ''intending to construct new tubewell will intimate the authorised officer/advisory committee 10 days in advance''.
"Since the notice only talks of intimation, people did not permission was required and went ahead with work, " said Jyoti Sharma, president of Forum for Organised Resource, Conversation and Enchancement (FORCE).
On the new notification that permits boring of new tubewells for domestic purposes in south and southwest districts, she said "The soth DC's office made a proforma asking for details on water availability, presence of other borewells, number of residents etc and issued to those who had applied for digging. This has been interpreted by people as no permission is required.''
The DC's office confirmed that no official permissions had been issued and sources said that the DC had sent a letter to CGWA , asking for clarifications on the numerous ambiguities in the notice. In fact, a CGWA official also said that the notice had not been framed correctly and would lead to a lot of problems. "The guidelines have been framed in such a way that that they leave scope for a lot of misinterpretation. Secondly, CGWA passed on its responsibility of authorizing boring to the DC's without any formal change in rules," said an official on condition of anonymity.
Ironically,when the CGWA wanted to notify five more zones in the city last year where grounwater levels had fallen alarmingly , the DCs of those ones zones had objected , saying that notification only led to corruption and that CGWA had to come out with a concrete plan to preserve groundwater resources. " The situation in south and southwest districts has only deterioration since they were notified. What guarantee do we have that the situation wont repeat itself in these areas too," said a govt official. The notification of these zones is still pending.
Residents of Vasant Vihar approached the LG over the issue on Thursday. Ranjan Mukherjee, officer on special duty for the LG, told Times City that he would be writing to CGWA on Friday and ask for the reasoning behind such a move. "We know that the areas are critical in terms of groundwater and would like an explanation from CGWA on why such a notice was issued. Until we get a reply, we cannot take any teps," he said. While he CGWA officail who had signed the notification refused to comment, the member secretary could not be contacted.
In a move fraught with serious repercussions for the already critical round water levels in the south and southwest districts in Delhi, Faridabad and Gurgaon, the Central Ground Water Authority has decided to permit boring of new tubewells for domestic purposes in these regions on the condition that the area deputy commissioner be intimation 10 days before work is to start.
The notification that is being criticized for various loop holes, doesnt specify a cap on number of borings, opening up the areas to massive exploitation of groundwater. The CGWA, however, says its move will bring ''transparency''.
'' We were concerned over the rampant corruption in the notified zones and since boring was taking place in any case, we wanted to ensure that the area DC would at least have details on the extraction taking place. We only wanted to make the system transparent, " said an official.
Residents of the areas claim that about 200 borewells have already been dug since the notie was issued. The main point of the notice that those ''intending to construct new tubewell will intimate the authorised officer/advisory committee 10 days in advance''.
"Since the notice only talks of intimation, people did not permission was required and went ahead with work, " said Jyoti Sharma, president of Forum for Organised Resource, Conversation and Enchancement (FORCE).
On the new notification that permits boring of new tubewells for domestic purposes in south and southwest districts, she said "The soth DC's office made a proforma asking for details on water availability, presence of other borewells, number of residents etc and issued to those who had applied for digging. This has been interpreted by people as no permission is required.''
The DC's office confirmed that no official permissions had been issued and sources said that the DC had sent a letter to CGWA , asking for clarifications on the numerous ambiguities in the notice. In fact, a CGWA official also said that the notice had not been framed correctly and would lead to a lot of problems. "The guidelines have been framed in such a way that that they leave scope for a lot of misinterpretation. Secondly, CGWA passed on its responsibility of authorizing boring to the DC's without any formal change in rules," said an official on condition of anonymity.
Ironically,when the CGWA wanted to notify five more zones in the city last year where grounwater levels had fallen alarmingly , the DCs of those ones zones had objected , saying that notification only led to corruption and that CGWA had to come out with a concrete plan to preserve groundwater resources. " The situation in south and southwest districts has only deterioration since they were notified. What guarantee do we have that the situation wont repeat itself in these areas too," said a govt official. The notification of these zones is still pending.
Residents of Vasant Vihar approached the LG over the issue on Thursday. Ranjan Mukherjee, officer on special duty for the LG, told Times City that he would be writing to CGWA on Friday and ask for the reasoning behind such a move. "We know that the areas are critical in terms of groundwater and would like an explanation from CGWA on why such a notice was issued. Until we get a reply, we cannot take any teps," he said. While he CGWA officail who had signed the notification refused to comment, the member secretary could not be contacted.
Water supply may be hit
Times Of India, September 07, 2008.
New Delhi : Several parts of the city may face a problem with the daily water supply on Friday. Due to excessive floating material in the western Yamuna canal, the Haiderpur water plant is getting a reduced quantity of raw water. This is likely to affect water supply in the command of Deer Park reservoir.
The situation is expected to be normal by Friday evening. Water tankers will be available from the water emergencies of the respective areas. Due to repair of gravity duct carrying raw water at Chandrawal Water Works, water supply will be available at low pressure on Friday evening in Karol Bagh, NDMC areas, Paharganj, Azad Market, Civil Lines, Metcalfe House, Hindu Rao Hospital and the nearby areas.
New Delhi : Several parts of the city may face a problem with the daily water supply on Friday. Due to excessive floating material in the western Yamuna canal, the Haiderpur water plant is getting a reduced quantity of raw water. This is likely to affect water supply in the command of Deer Park reservoir.
The situation is expected to be normal by Friday evening. Water tankers will be available from the water emergencies of the respective areas. Due to repair of gravity duct carrying raw water at Chandrawal Water Works, water supply will be available at low pressure on Friday evening in Karol Bagh, NDMC areas, Paharganj, Azad Market, Civil Lines, Metcalfe House, Hindu Rao Hospital and the nearby areas.
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